Transparency…

I’m inspired to share my story because there is someone out there on the verge of giving up.  Sometimes we as a people get so consumed with our privacy, to the point we don’t realize our testimony can be a greater benefit to the next man.  I am ready to embrace my transparency head on.  About 15 years ago, I moved from the west coast to the east coast with $200 dollars to my name.  I married young and survived a long relationship/short toxic marriage, which ultimately resulted in a divorce.  I have faced shame from my family due to poor life choices.  When I decided to make my move, nothing could stop me.  I knew nothing, other than the fact that I was compelled and had this knowing that where I was going was meant to be. I’ve had to sleep on someone’s couch in order to save money and re-establish myself.  I have had to deliver a child that did not make it to this physical world.  I have settled for people and circumstances that were lower than my standards just for the sake of not being alone or taking the time I need to heal.  I endured criticism and negativity when I have simply just been a good-hearted person to the wrong people.  I have devalued my worth when I knew better.  I have even allowed people to manipulate me.  Still a work in progress, I am no longer the person I used to be.  I graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree.  As a proud mother to a 9-year-old son, this changed woman is resilient, strong, confident, self-sufficient and dope!  If I can impart any wisdom to you, it would be to keep going and stay the course.  Where you are right now is not your final destination.  Be faithful on your journey and let the optimism carry you.  Of course, you must work on yourself every day and I can’t stress enough...read, read, READ!  Be very careful of the company you keep.  That company can make or break you.  You gotta look beyond the superficial smile and check a person’s soul.  Actions speak louder than words.  Talk is cheap, but actions trump anything the mouth speaks.  If action can’t back up that talk, you know the rest…..As a lasting note, when you are challenged with tuning those negative voices out in your mind, repeat to yourself…I can, I will, I must!  These words have been imparted to me by the great, Eric Thomas.  Be blessed y’all!  
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By Brandee Nicole | Celebrity Blogger