Santa Claus is coming to Amaya Papaya

Be a friend

Have you ever heard someone say that they do more than the average person in a day? I used to say that all of the time and then I realized how selfish of a thought that was. How do I know what other people do? We are all working hard in our own personal lives doing whatever we do.  Every task completed is a great one. No task is bigger than the other.  We all do a lot. Not everyone you encounter is fighting a "battle" while doing those task, but some are. You never know who may be hiding unhappiness behind a smile or pain behind what appears as strength. Those people that you envy or look up to may be the very ones that need you to hold their hand so they can take another step. 

Have you ever had someone reach out to you only for you to turn your back or laugh because you didn't understand the explanation of their grasp? There are people that are hurting and you don't even know it. For some reason they choose you as a friend to lean on.  Do you care? Are the feelings of a stranger to much of a burden for you to bare? Are the feelings of a friend to "dramatic" or heavy for you to hold?  How are we to "be the change" when we don't even care to figure out what needs to be changed?  A simply gesture of love can mean so much. Take a moment to listen, to reach back or to understand. 

I'm often seen as a jovial free spirit. Happiness seems to Ooooz from my poors as some observers have put it. I refer to myself as an optimist always trying to see the best in everything. I'm a helper, a giver and a lover.   I'm often times a silent sufferer.  I don't often talk about or share my burdens with anyone in the human flesh.  Sometimes ️However, it's nice to have someone to lean on. I appreciate the true friends, to true soul holders. Those that listen and embrace even when they don't realize they are. Those that have my back how they say they will when I need them. Those receptive lovers, the prayer warriors, the girlfriends and the family (blood or not). I appreciate you. A Lot.  

Our past shapes our future. There are things worth holding onto and things that need to be let go of. Be sure when letting go that it's not something of value less you'll regret it years later and may never be able to get it back or at the least if you do it may not be in the same condition.

I loved this video when it would air in the middle of my morning programing as a kid. It is such a warm memory of the simplicity of the past. It reminds me that no matter how much things change that a memory can instantly transfer you back to that same warm place if just for a moment.

I cherish memories. Even the ones that hurt. I learn daily to let go, but to never forget. Each memory shapes who I am as a person. Yes, live for today but don't forget the past for it defines every moment of the present....even a minute ago.

I am ever grateful for the past. The Throw Back Thursday's of everyday.
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#‎thegratitudeproject‬
‪#‎beingamayapapayasmom‬

Be Inspired

You want to be inspired to be your greatest self?

This is one of greatest documentaries about some of the most influential black people in our community.  Take an hour out of your life to watch it whether you black, white, purple, red or blue.  I remember watching this a few years ago and feeling like I could do and be anything just like one of them.  A quote that I am reminded of and try to live by daily is one by Keenan Ivory Wayans. In a conversation with his father while discussing wether or not he'd complete his engineering degree instead of pursuing comedy.........
"If I have a cushion that I know I can fall on, I'll allow myself to fall, but if I know there's nothing but hard concrete, I'm gonna do my best to stay standing"

I am grateful for those great people that came before me and that influence me to be my best self.
‪#‎Thegratitudeproject‬
‪#‎beingamayapapayasmom‬

History on my mind

I woke up this morning with history on my mind. If you don't know your history it's hard to understand the present.  History has always been my favorite subject.  Learning about the past gives you knowledge of self and a greater understanding of the world.  Talk to your elders, figure out how you shape history yourself and tell those younger than you the stories of old.
In the song strange fruit by Billie Holiday she sings about the lynchings of our black men during her time.  Recently,  Jill Scott was given the task to do it again in relation to current happenings of our day.  Listen to both renditions for yourself and understand. Be awake and know history. If you pray, pray that the history we create today creates peace, if you hope, hope for a better day for our children and their children.  If you wish, wish for privilege for all and not just those that were born with it.

I am thankful for history.

#thegratitudeproject
#beingamayapapayasmom