Endings…

Historically, I have never been good at endings. While singer Sam Smith claims to be ā€œtoo good at good-byesā€, I for one am not. When it has come to breaking up with someone, instead of outright saying I wanted it to be over, I would just stay in the situation. Or maybe I would try to do something upsetting to cause them to end it instead (that never worked lol, and also just isnā€™t nice at all).

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I would be the same when it was time for me to leave my job; I would hesitate to say something until the last minute. Iā€™ve always never wanted to disappoint or hurt someone by leaving so I would always be anxious and avoid it as much as I could.
So I really have just had quite a bad history lol. Thatā€™s history though, I do things right now.

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When I joined the Buzz team a year ago, I figured I would just be writing things similar to what I enjoy in the blogs I read. I didn’t know the process behind it, but I was oh so ready to learn and conquer. I genuinely feel like that’s what I have done over this past year. The Buzz team is one of the most empowering teams I have ever been a part of. A diverse all-woman team of artists, intellectuals, nature lovers, care free spirits, and an overall sense of community and care. I say this to say that this will be my last blog post but I do not leave this job behind me. The lessons I have learned about myself, my writing, my voice, and my message will carry with me forever. I hope my posts have been able to uplift, motivate, empower, and comfort you, as that is what is has done for me writing them.

Interestingly enough, before I switched career goals I actually wanted to be an English teacher. I had a passion for writing, especially fictional stories, and I thought thatā€™s what I was going to be. I later found love for helping people and decided on Human services but being with the Buzz brought me back to that place where I loved writing and found it therapeutic. That is a feeling I will miss. The moments when an idea jumps in my head and I think ā€œThat’s definitely going in my next post!ā€

To my readers, whether you have been with me for a while or this is your first post, goodbyes are not as final as you may think. Yes you may be closing a chapter, or losing contact with someone or something that has been constant in your life, but experiences never die. In a goodbye think of the good times. Think of the bad times and what they taught you, and how they may have made you stronger.

As I say goodbye to The Buzz, I say Thank you to the team, to the administrators Jill, Jody, and Syelle for the opportunity, the memories, the experience, and the wisdom gained.

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When I came to City Tech as a transfer, making friends, any extracurriculars, nothing of the sort was on my mind. I wanted to come and finish my degree and go but The Buzz has made City Tech feel like a home for me and I thank you all for that. I wish you all the best!!

 

Love Love Love Love Neffi, Over and Outā€¦..

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Happy (early) Mother’s Day!!

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Iā€™ve dedicated a lot of my posts this semester to important and influential people in my life. I think I have been very reflective lately and I realize so much of my success, determination, and even character traits, have been influenced by those around me.
Iā€™m fortunate enough to have all my family and friends around, and accessible, and that really is a blessing. I have friends who have lost those close to them and it makes me even more appreciative and grateful for what, and who, I have today.

One person I am eternally grateful for is my mother. Not only is she the reason why I am literally alive, lol, but I am grateful for her love and guidance through all my journeys in life so far.

As we are approaching Motherā€™s Day, which is next sunday, I wanted to send a message to all the mothers out there: Expecting mothers, birth mothers, grandmothers, step mothers, adoptive mothers, aunts who play the role of second mothers, fathers who play the role of mothers as well, work moms lol, any and all the moms who hold that place in someoneā€™s heart.

A motherā€™s role is irreplaceable. Iā€™ve heard women say things like ā€œthereā€™s like no greater love than the love you feel for your childā€ and have seen women sacrifice time and time again for the sake of their child. It really is a phenomenal, demanding, and selfless job; and I applaud you all.

Think of how many jobs you have! Caretaker, comforter, advisor, role model, hero, teacher, doctor (lol), chef, therapist, supervisor, lawyer and advocate, security, financial advisor; a mother is basically every possible career in one.

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To my readers who arenā€™t mothers, find some time to show the women/ mothers in your lives that you appreciate all their efforts. Especially not being mothers, we have no idea whatā€™s like to be one. I can take a guess: itā€™s not easy.

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I was barely able to take care of my birds, all three of them got away accidentally.

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So to the mothers: Happy Motherā€™s Day to you all and know you are loved, appreciated, and your love and care will never go unnoticed. We love you!

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What’s your “friend language”?

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I am the friend that makes all these promises, and sets up dates, but doesnā€™t keep them.

I promise you itā€™s not on purpose though! In the moment I really do want to spend the time with my close friends, and I say yes with all intention of committing, but then things come up and I end up not holding my end of the deal. Iā€™m sure as students you guys can relate with having to cancel things because you have class, or you have to write a paper that’s due.

At the same time, my friends know that I am super considerate of things important to them. If itā€™s an important occasion to them such as a birthday, housewarming, etc, Iā€™ll do whatever I need to do to be there. Or say they have already invested money into something, like bought me a ticket ahead of time, they know I will be there. The thing is with a schedule like mine–juggling work, school, an internship, and my personal life, I heavily prioritize, and that affects my ā€œfriend languageā€.

So what is a friend language?

I donā€™t know if you have heard this before but they say we all have a love language which is basically how we show, receive, and understand love. This concept was introduced in a popular book, The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman, where he outlines that there are 5 universal ways in which people generally express and communicate love. You can read about them by clicking on this link. Also, if you click on the book title above, you can take a quiz to learn your love language!

The 5 love languages are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

Here is a 5 love language ā€œcheat sheetā€ that shows how people associated with the specific love languages typically define the expression of love.

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Now when it comes to your friend language, it is the same idea. Take a minute to think of your circle of friends. You may have that friend that who does not like to talk on the phone much, so if you want to talk to that friend you know you have to text them. Then you may have that friend who doesnā€™t like big crowds, so you have to consciously pick and choose things to invite that friend to so they arenā€™t uncomfortable. You may have that friend who offers great advice and can listen to you go for hours; and on the other hand, you have the friend who doesn’t talk much so you know not to go to them for those extensive conversations. Just think of the differences between your friends, and the things about their communication styles that make them unique.

Knowing your own friend language and the language of your friends can help in figuring out how to best be there for each other. Thereā€™s no set in stone definition for “friend languages” (I may actually be the first to coin the term, I should really look into that lol) but it is really about knowing how your friends communicate differently, what is important to them in friendship, and what is important to you.

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What is your friend language? What things do you use to measure friendship? Is it quality time? Do you value friends more when they talk to you every day? Are you transparent with your friends on how you communicate and show that you value their friendship? Do you understand them? I think there is a lot of miscommunication in friendship, and any relationship for that matter, because one does not understand the others language.

I ask myself all the time how can I be a better friend? I have friends that get offended when I do not show up to things they invite me to because part of their friend language is they value quality time and social interaction. Whether you show up for them or not is important to them. Knowing that, I try to honor their feelings and show up to events more often because I know it’s important to them. This example right here is exactly what a friend language is, and how you can seek to learn, interpret, and understand it.

Can you be a better friend to someone now that you have thought about the different ways they may communicate and perceive your actions in the friendship? Is there a friend in your life that you think may not quite understand how you operate as a friend and maybe you need to be more clear?

These are important questions to reflect on because friendship can be beautiful when done right. Just like the picture above says it revolves around the concept of understanding.

Evaluate your friendships today for the better, understanding others is also understanding yourself.

 

Love ya, Neffi

More Life

April is almost like an early holiday season for me and my family. It is a month of birthdays galore! I wanted to use this post as an opportunity to acknowledge a handful of my family members who have birthdays this month and wish them many many more blessed, happy and fulfilling years of life!
Like Drake says ā€œMORE LIFEā€!

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First on the list! I talk about my mom so much you all probably thought she made me on her own. Well plot twist, she did not make me on her own, lol, I have a father whom I love and adore very much and His name is George.

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Photos of my Dad

I always joke and say itā€™s the guy in those pictures up there that bamboozled my mom into having all these kids lol. My father has got to be THE FUNNIEST man I know. Heā€™s also super annoying. As soon as he walks in the house, the volume goes from 0 to 100 real quick.

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Sometimes I even run and hide in my room so I wouldnā€™t have to hear his rants lol; but I wouldnā€™t have it any other way. My father looks out for me like no one else. He may go on and on about how I ā€œneed to be more responsibleā€ or how Iā€™m ā€œnot a kid anymoreā€ and he shouldnā€™t ā€œhave to do all these thingsā€ but he does it because Iā€™m ALWAYS gonna be his ā€œkidā€. They say fathers always have a weak spot for their daughters but he shows the same love to my brothers as he does for me and my sister. He shows us love in his own ā€œtoughā€ way and is always giving us the best advice and using his own past experience and life lessons to help us avoid the same mistakes. Of course we donā€™t want to hear it at the time, but he is always on point. Heā€™s smelled some of the ā€œclownsā€ Iā€™ve called boyfriends from miles away lol. So Mr. Francis, happy birthday! I love you and I hope you see many more years. Enough to walk me down the aisle, enough to meet and be a part of my future childrenā€™s lives, and enough to get on my nerves for however long you feel. But just remember, if you get on my nerves too much, itā€™s straight to the nursing home for you,lol.

P.S Iā€™m not just saying all this to butter you up for a nicer car I swear.

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Next up, this one is a big one. The oh so Sweet 16. My second niece, Nia.

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Photos of my Niece

I look at the person in the picture on the right and canā€™t believe she was once the picture on the left. Now sheā€™s 16 and has her own independent personality, even rude of course. Her and my first niece, Anaya, are only a few months apart and I remember Nia being in the walker and my older niece would bite her fingers when no one was watching. Kids are so mean, lol! She would be crying randomly and we just couldn’t figure it out. We eventually realized what was going on but there was one day that Nia bit Anaya back. It was then that we knew that now the tables had turned and she was getting ready to be her own force. They still go head to head just the same and itā€™s a hot mess. She is one of the people that I want the best for and want to see succeed in this world full of a mixture of adversity and opportunity. Happy birthday to my niece Nia!

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Then thereā€™s my favorite little person, My 3rd niece, Sanaa.

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Photos of my niece

This little girl has been here before I swear. Sheā€™s so smart and sassy, and literally a ball of love.Ā We have new nicknames for each other every day and she can change your mood to a happy one in 2.5 seconds like itā€™s her superpower. She looks up to me and I take that to the highest degree. I want to show her that she can be whatever she wants, do whatever she wants, and that happiness should always be the motivation. Not only do I support her, but she supports me. Sheā€™s always offering to help, always asking how I am, what Iā€™m up to; grown people can take a page or two from her book. She also just might be the funniest person in this family lol, love her.

Happy Birthday ā€œBunnyā€! The most spectacular thing about me writing this to her is that she is turning 7 next week and she reads my blogs on her own. Yes, thatā€™s what I said. With the exception of a few harder big words, she reads these posts on her own!

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Lastly thereā€™s Akeem, my friend of over 12 years, Sanaaā€™s godfather (the ā€œfrickā€ to her ā€œfrackā€), and someone that I definitely love to hate lol.

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Photo of my niece and friend Akeem

I already told him that at my graduation he has to wear a t-shirt with my picture that says ā€œNefertiti is the smartest person I knowā€. Heā€™s one of those people who pushes my buttons on purpose, so you know what, I do the same back. I also think heā€™s at the top of the list of competition for my nieceā€™s love lol. Itā€™s always something with him lol. He says he doesn’t eat meat, but begged my mother for some of her Chic-Fil-A the other day. I told him I donā€™t do hair anymore, heā€™s always asking me to braid his. Do you see where Iā€™m going with this? Just ANNOYING lol. All jokes aside though, he is someone I can always count, and call on, and I will always appreciate that about him.
From being my friend, heā€™s become my family, and despite any ups and downs we will always be there for each other. Happy Birthday!

Some say life is short, I personally like to think life is long, and birthdays are anniversaries. Even if itā€™s not someoneā€™s birthday, to be able to have another day with them is a blessing. Be sure to tell those you love that you love and appreciate them all the time. As people get older, one day you may not have the luxury of to telling them these things face to face.

Give your loved ones their flowers while they can still smell them. šŸ™‚

P.S Happy Birthday also to my Aunt Michelle, my great niece Athena, my Aunt Jennifer, and my late Uncle Darrin. Love you all.

How Do You Treat Yourself?

I literally counted down until spring break arrived. I’ve actually had my Cancun getaway booked since February!!!

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Thatā€™s my thing: traveling.
I try to take a vacation and travel somewhere (not a ā€œstay-cationā€) at least three times a year. Sometimes my bank account is like ā€œGirl bye, you tried it!ā€, lol.

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So yea, lol, three doesnā€™t always make the cut, but at least two vacations keeps me satisfied. That is how I treat myself. I work hard, I study hard, so I make sure that I play TWICE as hard.

Traveling is more like a ā€œbigā€ treat for me. I do other small (and way less expensive) things for myself too. I LOVE Thai rolled ice cream and I reward myself with it any day that the temperature outside is above 55 degrees, like last friday for example.

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Photo taken by Yours Truly at ICE NY !

Also, I love getting facials! It just so happens that my health insurance covers facials at the same place where I get physical therapy, and I make sure to use my benefits!!
None shall go to waste, lol.

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But thatā€™s me. These are things that I personally like to do as part of my self care regimen. It’s not always easy to just pick up and make time for these things, so often we neglect self care. Iā€™m sure you can relate that it can be really easy to lose sight of yourself in the midst of all the things you are doing on a daily basis. Whether that includes work, school, taking care of someone else (child, family member, partner, etc), an internship, personal obligations, socializing, or whatever else. Too often what happens is that itā€™s not until you get to the ā€œbreaking pointā€ that you are then forced to stop and take some time to focus on you.

I just said to my mom the other day that sometimes I feel like Iā€™m just living the same day over and over and over. Do you ever feel like that? You wake up and you go from one place to the next; school then work-or vice versa. Then when you actually get home, neither of these things are actually in your rear view because youā€™re doing homework, or thinking about your next work shift. Then the next day comes and you repeat the same cycle.

Even if you arenā€™t working a job, Iā€™m sure you have things other than school that take up your time on a daily basis. So my question to you is how do you treat yourself? I mean that in literal terms like ā€œdo you treat yourself well?ā€, and also “treat yourself” as in reward yourself.

So the literal terms- thatā€™s things like do you get enough sleep? Do you eat properly and regularly? There was a point where I would be ā€œso busyā€ I would forget to eat the entire day and when I got home, I would have the absolute worst headache. I would moan and groan about how I think itā€™s because I didnā€™t eat. DUH it is! Thatā€™s like driving around all day ignoring the gas light in your car, and then complaining when you break down in the middle of nowhere.

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When was the last time you checked your ā€œtankā€ and made sure you were all filled up and good to go? The last person we should be ignoring is ourselves.
Do you put aside enough time for yourself with no outside distractions?

Ask yourself this one question: Am I treating myself the best I could?
If the answer is yes, congratulations!
It’s not the easiest thing to do so I commend you 100% for putting
you first. šŸ™‚
If the answer is ā€œnoā€, or youā€™re unsure, then today is the day to start to think about what you can do to treat yourself better. Ā 

As students, ā€œI donā€™t have timeā€ is a common excuse we have when it comes to self-care.

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I know I preach a lot about self care, but thatā€™s because every day on campus I see too many of my peers looking worn out–probably from hours of staring at textbooks, working on papers, and trying to meet rapidly approaching deadlines. As our responsibilities pile up, itā€™s easy to allow our own health and sanity to take a backseat to feelings of restlessness. Sooner or later, the effects of excessive stress remind us that our personal well-being should never be overlooked, whether we ask for the reminder or not.

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Suggestions of ways to treat yourself/ care for yourself is different for everyone. Your friendā€™s self-care routine might include a 7 a.m. run or gym visit every morning, but for you, just thinking about doing anything at 7 a.m. might make you even more stressed out than you already are, lol. I get stressed every night when I remember I have an 8:30 class and I swear the whole semester goes by and I never get used to it! In that situation, maybe a short walk on afternoons or evenings would work better for you. The thing is self-care isnā€™t about what anybody else is doing; Itā€™s about what your mind, body and spirit are telling you that they need.

I want you to take this Self Care Assessment that we in Human Services use with our clients. With it we are able to get a better idea of how well a client is treating themselves and the things that bring them pleasure or happiness. We also use it ourselves to assess our own state. The assessment states that it ā€œprovides an overview of effective strategies to maintain self-care.ā€ As the directions on the assessment says: ā€œafter completing the full assessment, choose one item from each area that you will actively work to improve. This will at least give you an idea on where to begin and you can brainstorm idea on how you plan to improve your self care in that area.ā€ Ā Taking this test is a big step to changing or improving how you treat yourself because awareness is always step one. Iā€™m excited for you!

We have to take care of ourselves along with taking care of our responsibilities. Self-care is not always the easiest thing to implement and be consistent with, especially while striving for success during your academic undergrad journey. Iā€™m definitely still learning to nurture, and take care of myself while gaining a satisfactory level of student-work-life balance. Itā€™s difficult at times, especially during midterms, and finals, and hectic times at work-but I know how important it is.

Like the well known quote says ā€œIf you donā€™t love yourself, who will?ā€; Itā€™s the little pleasures that get us through our everyday grind. Lunch from our favorite place, sweets and treats to seal a long day, getting your eyebrows done, or kicking back and watching the game. Donā€™t wait for your next day off, or your next planned vacation. Remind yourself that you deserve to live a satisfying life and enjoy yourself on a regular basis by doing little things that make you happy. What things from the assessment did you score lower on and would like to improve? What are you doing really well? Tell me about it below.

 

Love ya, Neffi

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Ā 

Help Me Howard…or Anybody Actually…

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Iā€™ve realized that itā€™s really hard for me to ask for help.

I sat back and I thought about why asking for help is this huge challenge for me.
I figured out the reasons why are:

-I fear being vulnerable to someone else or being rejected.
-I fear placing my responsibilities onto someone else and they drop the ball.
-I donā€™t want anyone to feel burdened by me.
-I fear appearing weak or needy.
-I fear not being in control of all aspects of my life.
-Iā€™m pretty prideful and I believe I have to be resilient, self-reliant, and independent, and I fear appearing any less than that.
-I Ā also fearā€¦..

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Fear, Fear, Fear, thatā€™s all it is!

All Iā€™m doing is letting my fear stifle me from looking outside myself and utilizing my support network! This is probably the most backwards logic because although I donā€™t like to ask for help, I love to help others when asked. In fact, it makes me extremely happy to be asked, and Iā€™m quick to go above and beyond. I will drop all of my own responsibilities, despite the consequences, to help someone else. Iā€™m literally getting a Human Services degree to professionally help people lol.
How is it that am I so quick to offer help, yet I still donā€™t appreciate the value in asking for support enough to ask for it when I need it myself?

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Makes no sense at all but itā€™s real.

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We all respond to times of trouble and struggle in different ways. Are you stubborn like me and donā€™t ask for help when you need it?? Do you too struggle in silence too? Why??

When did asking for help become a negative thing? When did asking for help take away your independance?

It could be because weā€™ve watched our parents, or other role models ā€œget it doneā€ on their own. Or maybe weā€™ve been conditioned to believe asking for help is a sign of weakness or incompetence. Or maybe we simply just donā€™t know how to ask for help. In a society that largely promotes self help, the idea that some of us need to learn ways to seek and ask for assistance from others isnā€™t really promoted. Maybe youā€™ve been vulnerable and asked for help before and the experience left you feeling humiliated, or some other response that caused you to feel like you would never put yourself in that position again. There are countless solid reasons why asking for help may be a challenge for you. If you sit and reflect on it Iā€™m sure you will come up with a list like mine that points to a common theme like fear, lack of confidence, lack of trust, or whatever your vice is thatā€™s getting in your way.

I believe that the hesitation to ask for help is because we have the wrong perspective about it. Me for example, I love to help because of how it makes me feel. It gives me positive feelings; I feel needed, satisfied, valued, significant, and appreciated. I feel like I am doing good and making a mark in someoneā€™s life. Do I see the person thatā€™s asking me for help as weak? No, of course not. I see them simply as a person asking for support in a situation. Yet I will think all the negatives of myself if I need to ask for help? Double standard much??

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If you are like me, then WE are looking at this all wrong. We get in our own way when we make asking for help mean something about us that isnā€™t true. We get caught up in thinking it means weā€™re weak, inadequate, helpless, inferior, or some other negative label. The reality is that asking for help does not indicate anything about you; it plain and simply means you need help in a specific situation, or at a specific time. That is all.

Asking for help is actually a sign of strength and courage because THAT is what you display when you seek out help when you need it, not weakness. Donā€™t ignore the fact that help is a two way street with benefits for you and the other person. Instead of incorrectly thinking that asking for help means youā€™re a burden, know that you are actually giving others an opportunity to feel good about themselves like you do when you help others. It’s a win-win baby!

The helper gains confidence knowing they are a good person and they enjoy the good feelings that come from that. Studies call it the ā€œhelperā€™s highā€– the portion of the brain responsible for feelings of reward, is triggered when someone helps someone else. The brain also releases ā€œfeel-goodā€ endorphins and chemicals and makes you want to do more. So look at you, asking for help, and making the world a happier place!

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Whoever helped you ends up feeling great, you get the help you need, and you get the affirming reassurance that there are people out there that you can call on when you need them, and they will be there for you and have your back.

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Itā€™s OK not to know everything. Itā€™s OK not to be able to do everything on your own. Itā€™s OK to need someone else. There is no shame in letting someone extend a helping hand to you. We all have something to share whether it be knowledge, time, talents, connections, insight, experience, skills, resources, or simple love and care; and the reality is most people love to share them. We can do so much more together, in partnership, than we can do alone. Think of the quote ā€œTwo hands are better than one.ā€ Itā€™s true. Too often we choose to ‘tough it out’ rather than reaching out to ask for help when we need it most.

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I donā€™t expect you to read this post and just jump and start asking for help every time you need it, but Iā€™m saying challenge yourself to do it more. I challenged myself recently, and Iā€™m so happy that I did. I had been feeling really emotionally drained and almost like a machine constantly running from my internship, to school, to work, meetings, and all the other things I have on my plate. Then after all that, I get to unwind with a nice plate of homework, how exciting, lol.

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So anyway, I was feeling drained and itā€™s not that I needed anyoneā€™s help to physically do something, but I did need help changing my mood and I needed to feel supported. I sent a text to a few of my friends that simply said ā€œ Hola! Just asking you to keep me in your prayers and send love and light my way. Iā€™ve been struggling a little lately and just want to ask you to make sure you keep me in your thoughts!ā€ I felt extremely vulnerable and it was uncomfortable. Not the strong, invincible Neffi! Yes, the strong, invincible Neffi, and you know what? The love I felt from them in their responses let me know why I should never feel fear of reaching out to people who love and are there for me when I need to. Why the heck am I letting this fear disable me? Not any more.

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I want to share these two articles with you, 5 Mistaken Beliefs About Asking for Help, and 2 Words That Make Asking for Help a Lot Easier and I encourage you to read them. See that you are not alone in this struggle and you can change your perspective for your own benefit. Asking for help can be scary and hard but by having the courage to ask for help, youā€™re not dragging yourself or anyone else down, youā€™re pulling you, and them up. No more struggling in silence, no more feeling you are not worthy of someone elseā€™s favor, because you are. Replace those negative thoughts with thoughts of empowerment. Everyone that you know needs help at some point so don’t criticize yourself. Ask for it once and youā€™ll be better at asking the second time, trust me. šŸ™‚

ā€œAsk for help not because you are weak, but because you want to remain strongā€
– Les Brown

Love you,

Neffi

 

Ain’t I A Woman?

Womenā€™s History Month may be coming to an end, but women will continue to leave their mark. Earlier this month I talked about women in my personal life that inspire me. Then the other day at a meeting at work, the icebreaker question asked was ā€œIf you could speak to one famous or well- known woman, past or present, who would it be?ā€

Immediately Iā€™m thinking Beyonce! Period.

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GIF Retrieved from Giphy

Then I said, Oh no, girl, think bigger: Michelle Obama!

woman dancing

GIF Retrieved from GIPHY

Oh I got it this time–Angela Davis!

woman walking into courtroom and putting fist up

GIF Retrieved from GIPHY

Noo, Neffi! Oooh Coretta Scott King!

woman sitting in front of mic at press conference

Photo Retrieved from GeorgiaEncyclopedia

It was so hard, because my God, there are so many fierce women I would love to converse with if I had the opportunity! Ugh!

Well, it was getting closer and closer to my turn so I had to get it together LOL.

man sweating heavily

GIF Retrieved from GIPHY

All eyes were on me now and I finally made the choice of who I wish I could have had the opportunity to meet. I chose Ms. Sojourner Truth: former slave, anti-slavery activist, and big, bad, and bold feminist!

When I was in middle school and Black History Month rolled around, we would learn about African-American men and women of the past who made a mark in history. One year we were assigned a specific person to do our report on, and I was given Sojourner Truth.

painting of woman sitting at table

Painting of Sojourner Truth Retrieved from History.com

I remember being upset because I wanted someone ā€œmore famousā€ like Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, or Harriet Tubman, LOL.

young boy upset in car rolling his eyes

GIF Retrieved from GIPHY

After actually doing my research and learning about this phenomenal woman, I learned that this woman who I dreaded doing a report on was a part of the reason I have the rights I have today, like the right to vote and to participate in politics, the right to own property, and more. Often taken for granted, women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries realized that they need political power, such as the right to vote, to bring about change. They saw that this was how to get their voices heard and included, and how to fight for the rights and equality women deserved. Sojourner was a big part of that, and if you donā€™t know about Sojourner Truth, well, let me tell you.

According to History.com,Ā Sojourner Truth wasnā€™t born with that name. Her real name was Isabella Baumfree and she was born right here in New York (one of ours, yes!). She was a slave who escaped and went on to become one of the most well-known abolitionist leaders and powerful human rights advocate in the 19th century, alongside other abolitionists including Frederick Douglass. She dedicated her life to speaking out passionately on the subjects of women’s rights, universal suffrage, and prison reform.

EducationUpdate.com explains that in 1827, the New York Anti-Slavery Law of 1827 law was passed. You would think this means Sojourner would be free and all would be well. Well that was not so. Biography.com tells us the story of how her master refused to free her, so she ended up running away. Later on, she became a preacher and thatā€™s when she changed her name to Sojourner Truth. Sojourner means ā€œtraveler,ā€ and she did just that–spent her time traveling and delivering lectures that support her position on social issues. She was involved in the anti-slavery movement, and by the 1850s she was involved in the womenā€™s rights movement as well.

As part of one of her lecture tours, at the 1851 Womenā€™s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio, Sojourner Truth delivered what is now recognized as one of THE most famous abolitionist and womenā€™s rights speeches in American history. Read the original transcript of her speech that was posted in the Anti-Slavery Bugle newspaper on June 21st, 1851.Ā  My favorite excerpts are:

ā€œI am a womanā€™s rights. I have as much muscle as any man, and can do as much work as any man. I have plowed and reaped and husked and chopped and mowed, and can any man do more than that? I have heard much about the sexes being equal; I can carry as much as any man, and eat as much too, if I can get it.ā€
and
ā€œIf woman has a pint and man has a quart- why canā€™t she have her little pint full?You need not be afraid to give us our rights for fear we will take too much- for we canā€™t take much more than our pint can hold.ā€

Such bold statements by Sojourner highlight her unapologetic plea for gender equality. She challenged racial and gender inferiority and inequality by reminding the audience of her combined strength and female status. Read the speech; itā€™ll give you chills. Just amazing.

She closes the speech with:

Ā ā€œBut man is in a tight place, the poor slave is on him, woman is coming on him, and he is surely between a hawk and a buzzard.ā€

I mean, can you imagine being in that room watching her speak to this crowd so strongly?? I want you to remember that this is the 1850ā€™s, with slavery only recently abolished, and women being seen as inferior beings and ā€œproperty,ā€ yet here she is, standing up to it all!

This speech, although itā€™s what sheā€™s most remembered for, wasnā€™t the only fierce thing Sojourner did. She was a BOSS in the courtroom, winning almost every case she took to court. I read about three iconic cases that she won on NotableBiographies.com and SojournerTruth.org. You can read about them by clicking on the site links. First, after she escaped and sought freedom, she sued for the return of her five-year-old-son who was illegally sold into slavery in Alabama and won that case. Then, in the mid 1860s, when a streetcar conductor tried to violently block her from riding, she took it up to the highest in the company and made sure he was arrested and ultimately fired. She won! Then even more wins: Sojourner was a part of a religious group and a couple from that group falsely accused her of trying to poison them. What did she do? Sue them for slander. What happened? She Won. BOSS.

woman looking into camera holding glasses

Photo Retrieved from BeSoBossy

Sojourner is an inspiration to me and I am thankful for her actions in the past because they have paved the way for my present, and the future of little girls all around the world. Imagine if we still couldnā€™t vote? If we think weā€™re going through difficulties now with this current administration, just imagine how worse things could have been in the past or could be now?? I mean recently we watched a disturbing meeting happen where a table full of male lawmakers sat and made decisions regarding funding for healthcare for women concerning abortion and womenā€™s reproductive rightsā€¦.without a woman around. What?? Make it make sense. Read it about it here.
ā€œHey guys, thanks for knowing what I need better than me.ā€

group of men sitting at conference table

Photo Retrieved from VP Mike Pence Twitter

So as we close Womenā€™s History Month, I just wanted to talk about this woman that I am grateful for who had the ā€œaudacityā€ to stand up and speak out for womenā€™s rights in a dangerous time. The advocacy continues on today. From Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to Author and Social activist Bell Hooks who speak out on women’s rights and what it means to be a feminist, to any woman who has realized that she wasnā€™t getting equal treatment or pay and spoke up, to every single woman who marched in the Womenā€™s March, our fight lives on and our victories continue to roll in. Happy Womenā€™s History Month, darlings, and just remember: The fire doesnā€™t die out on April 1st.
Make history everyday!

 

Love You, Neff!

 

 

Hello Spring!

quote pic

Photo Retrieved from PictureQuotes

No winter lasts forever and today is officially the first day of spring!
Today marks a new season and a new beginning. You can already begin to see signs of spring everywhere–daylight sticks around longer (yay!), it smells different, the whole atmosphere evolves. Change is definitely in the air. When I think of spring I think of flowers, rain, spring cleaning…and I also think about setting new intentions and change for myself.
While the flowers are growing, what do you want to “grow” in your life?.

That leads me to talk to you all today about vision boarding.

girl holding collage of pictures up

Photo Retrieved from NJMom

You may or may not be familiar with the concept of a Vision Board. I wasn’t actually introduced to making one until 2016. I made my first one then, and I realized how powerful it really is to create one. A vision board is a visualization tool that you can use as inspiration and motivation for your journey toward things you want to acquire or accomplish short-term, or long-term. Some people call it a ā€œdream boardā€ or an ā€œinspiration board.ā€ No matter what you call it, itā€™s basically a collage of pictures, words, and quotes that serve to remind you of your passion, purpose, and things youā€™re working towards. I think spring is the perfect time for creating a vision board because as the earth is starting a new chapter, so are you. People spring clean, and shop for new spring and summer wardrobes, now itā€™s time to add spring dream-chasing to the list!

Vision boards are made to depict goals and dreams in all areas of your life, or in any one specific area that you are focusing on. Maybe you want a promotion at work, or to vacation more, to be happier, to increase or improve your quality of health, to start-up a business, to finish school, or to have a better relationship; it can be any and all of the things you desire.

The first step to creating one is to think of goals you want to set within a certain period of time. I would say donā€™t think further than like a years time. You want to make the goals reachable and winnable sooner than later. You could even turn your vision board creation process into a fun night. You and some friends could meet up and create your boards together!

group of women holding up picture collage boards

Me and My Friends at a Vision Board Event

Secondly, after youā€™ve thought of your goals and desires, then you want to find pictures that represent or symbolize the experiences, feelings, and possessions you want to attract into your life, and place them on your board. You can use photographs, cut things from magazines, or find your pictures on the Internet–whatever inspires you.

Also, it doesnā€™t have to be only pictures, but it can be anything that speaks to you and your vision. For example, one of my friends was adding to her board the desire to get a new apartment. So what she did was, she taped an old key onto her board to symbolize the new apartment key she was hoping to have soon. Inspiring AF!

You can even include a picture of yourself or friends and family members on your board. You want to choose those that were taken in a happy moment, like you smiling, for example.

dog smiling showing teeth

Photo Retrieved from 2DamnFunny

They are part of your support network so having their image on your board serves as affirmation from them that you can do whatever youā€™re aspiring to. šŸ™‚

You can also add affirmations, inspirational words and quotations too. Those memes and quote pics you see on social media and the internet that you always end up screenshotting–add those! Whatever inspires you and makes you feel good. Vision boarding is all about you digging deep and really making and recognizing decisions and things you want for your life. As you can tell from my blogging style, Iā€™m ridiculously visually charged so this whole process of creating a board is like the most exciting thing ever to me! Lol

boy dancing excitedly in sports game stands

GIF Retrieved from GIPHY

For full instructions on how to create a vision board, you can always Google or Youtube search instructions, butĀ here is one I particularly like. Just click and scroll down to the directions. Some instructions tell you to purchase a lot of fancy or expensive items but this can simply be done with paper, scissors, and glue, to be honest. You also have the option to create a vision board digitally using websites like PicMonkeyĀ , DreamItAlive,Ā  or a Vision Board App, but I prefer the old school paper and I’ll tell you why next.

Lastly, make sure your vision board is somewhere you will see it daily. Whether itā€™s hung on your wall, or on your dresser or windowsill. The best way to achieve your goals is to keep them at the top of your mind, so youā€™re always looking for ways to move yourself closer to them. So by putting your board somewhere you can see it every day, you prompt automatic actions that support your goals. Itā€™s almost like you subconsciously play mind games with yourself, in a good way. šŸ™‚ (This is why I like creating the board on paper!)Ā 

Your ability to visualize your dreams serves as a driving force in them becoming your reality. My latest vision board had many things I was aspiring to do and I have done them all! (except one, I think…lol). I last made a vision board two years ago on March 23rd, 2016, so I am definitely going to try to make a new one this weekend. Also, to reiterate being cost effective, all Iā€™m going to do is turn the old board around and put my new pictures on the back side. Smart right? LOL.

Check out my old one.

photo collage board

My Old Vision Board

The biggest thing on my old board was that I wanted to enroll in school, I did. I wanted to vacation and take more breaks–two months after creating that board I was vacationing in the Dominican Republic. I also wanted to elevate my self confidence and not be so insecure about my body image and I put quotes on the board to affirm me. I wanted to find an outlet where I could inspire others, I didnā€™t know what I had in mind, and here I am on now the Buzz talking to you beautiful people! I’m not saying the vision board is this magic tool and things will just start happening, things start happening because the board keeps you focused on what you want.

I haven’t yet practiced what Iā€™m about to preach to you, but creating a vision board is something I recommend doing every year, or however periodically you feel depending on the goal term of your last board.

As you continue to grow, evolve and expand, your dreams do too! Acknowledge them!

I hope I’ve inspired you to create your own vision board and really start to move your dreams forward into reality.

Lovaā€™ Ya,

Neffi

What is your WHY?

What is your ā€œwhyā€? What motivates you to be who you want to be? To do the work that you do? To attend school week after week working towards your degree? To strive for the things you want in life? Why do you have the goals that you have?

I ask myself these questions all the time. The answers always motivate me and remind me why I go to school, why I have chosen to work in the field of Human Services, and why I want to create the best life that I can for myself and my future family. Asking these questions always triggers reflective moments for me.

The program that I work with, This Way Ahead, provides a first job opportunity to over 400 teens throughout NYC every year who are looking to start their careers. As I am interviewing these young people to get into the program–meeting all these diverse, smart, talented, teens with different personalities–itā€™s so humbling and inspiring. It makes me think back to when I was 16 and 17 years old and I had all the dreams and plans you could think of. I wanted to be a teacher, a forensic scientist, and own a daycare/after-school center, all at the same time lol.

Young girl looking up with dreamy eyes

Photo Retrieved from Daily Mail

Do you remember when you were 16? Life was so free and so stressful at the same time right?! We thought we had it hard then, but we didnā€™t nearly anticipate the obstacles and struggles that would introduce themselves in the years to come. One thing I definitely did not anticipate was the discipline that college required. I was so used to being naturally strong academically and not needing to study because (1) I had great memory, and (2) I was charming and my teachers would probably give me high grades anyway because they liked me (but you didnā€™t hear that from me because thatā€™s not okay lol). I got into Brooklyn College on a full scholarship so I had already told myself, ā€œgirl this is going to be a breeze.ā€ A breeze, it was not.

woman holding sides of head to show stressful expression

Photo Retrieved from V Files

I was overwhelmed by the amount of work assigned and the fast pace of the classes, and I felt totally unprepared by high school. I was also consumed by my new friends. We had so much fun together at the mall, at the local tattoo shop, and other hangout spotsā€¦all during the times we were supposed to be in class. Not to mention my boyfriend at the time lived a few blocks away from the campus. Just a mess, lol.

man holding his head in stressful expression

Photo Retrieved from XDA Forum

I didnā€™t do so well, obviously. I found myself ā€œrebellingā€ against the conditions of the scholarship because I felt they were controlling my every move. I even ended up having to transfer out of Brooklyn College because I ended up on academic probation and did not pick up my grades the following semester. I got my act together at Bronx Community College but still made the mistake of withdrawing from classes late and ultimately, I ended up taking a break because of the financial consequences. I re-entered school a year ago after 6 years. Now today when I look back on the time I let slip from me, if I could go back, yeah maybe I would do it differently, but I am happy for how it all played out. Iā€™m the high-achieving student I am now (*cough cough 4.0* lol) because I let the past motivate me to not waste any more of my own time and not to waste any more of my potential. I was able to learn from my mistakes, and use them to improve my work habits so that I could excel in school.

This experience taught me that thereā€™ll be moments and memories in our lives that really humble us, and remind us why we do what we do. These moments reveal why we work so hard, why we want to make sure that we donā€™t end up in certain situations, and why we have certain goals, dreams, and motivations. That period in my life was, and still is, an important reflective moment for me because of the lessons I learned after going through it, and how I ended up on the other side stronger than I was before.

Back to my job. Now, when I first started at my job and we would be putting together our workshop curriculum for programming, my coworker would always want to put in a ā€œWhat is your why?ā€ activity where he would show his students a video, and then had a discussion with them around the things, and people that motivate them. My supervisor would always joke and ask him, ā€œYouā€™re not tired of that video?ā€ lol and I thought it was hilarious because we could always look forward to him bringing up that video as a suggestion, without fail. As funny as I thought it was, when he actually showed me the video I understood why he used it for his students so much. It really got me to thinking, ā€œWhat is MY why?ā€

They say first they laugh then they follow. Now look at me: Every new group of students I get, Iā€™m the one getting joked on for playing this video for them. The video is of motivational speaker Eric Thomas, speaking to a group of college football players who are aspiring to succeed in the NFL. He uses sports references to relate to them and asks them questions like ā€œWhat is your ‘why’ that leads you to want to play well on the field?ā€ He asks them for who, what, or why they want to be successful, and why they even want to wake up in the morning. He talks about his own ā€œwhyā€ and how it motivates him in his life.

Click and watch the video below and take a few minutes to think about your why. I love this video because when I heard it for the first time a few years ago, that’s the first time I actually realized my own why, and was able to identify it as a ā€œwhyā€ and as a source of motivation.

So what is my “why”??
My “why I do what I do” is because I want to set an example: an example to the young people I mentor, and an example to my younger siblings and nieces. I want to make my parents proud, and myself proud. It means so much to me to (1) be my familyā€™s first college graduate, and (2) to be showing my younger siblings and nieces that itā€™s okay for you to create your own pace. I work this hard in school to show them that you can bounce back from anything if you want to, and if you put your mind and will to it. There is a lot of pressure once you start college and I think people do not normalize it enough, as though it doesn’t exist. It comes easy to some and hard to others, and I want them to know that they are in control of their journey, and that they donā€™t have to hold themselves to anyone elseā€™s standards or pace but their own.

My ā€œwhyā€ for returning to college to get my degree even though I felt comfortable just working is because Iā€™ve watched people close to me struggle financially, or be in a standstill position due to a lack of education, and I donā€™t want that for myself. I push through my tired days because I want to be better than statistics say people from my neighborhood, my culture, and my race can be. When my days get hard and Iā€™m on the verge of giving up, and I am questioning why I need to do all these things– remembering my “why”, keeps me pushing for my success. Instead of quitting, I remember why I started and why Iā€™m doing it.

After you watched the video, how did that conscious moment of reflection rejuvenate you in your purpose?

So I ask you nowā€¦.”What is Your Why”?? Tell me in the comments!

Love Ya, Neffi

Quote Picture

Photo Retrieved from Debra Trappen Blog

Who Run The World? Girls!!

Quote Picture

Retrieved from EllevateNetwork

Itā€™s Women’s History Month!!
I donā€™t know if youā€™ve noticed but I think itā€™s safe to say these past two years, 2016 and 2017, have been ā€œyears of the woman.ā€
I mean EVERY year is our year, and EVERY day is our day, but weā€™ve truly witnessed what we can consider a new revolution!

We came this close to a female president.

woman holding pointer and thumb close almost touching

Retrieved from imgflip

Women have stood up for themselves and supported each other unapologetically. Feminists have organized in phenomenal ways such as the Womenā€™s March, and the #MeToo movement, to get our voices heard and make sure we were not ignored. We broke records in film and media, politics, sports, and more.

woman posing and smiling

Photo of Shonda Rhimes Retrieved from IndieWire

girl in air mid somersault

Photo of Gymnast Simone Biles Retrieved from Jezebel

large group of women marching holding signs

Photo of The Women’s March Retrieved from The NYTimes

sign with fists saying me too

Photo of #MeToo Sign Retrieved from NBCNews

We represented.
Period.
As an unapologetic feminist myself, this all just makes my heart SCREAM with excitement!

For example, read aboutĀ theseĀ 50 times that women SLAYED the life out of 2017 !!!
Donā€™t pass this link by; you have to read it!
I am so impressed by us, we really just do not play.

woman smirking in front of microphone

Photo Retrieved from Women.com

A few weeks ago, one of my blog sisters Brianna gave me one of the best compliments ever.

ā€œI love your boldness of women power. You create such a world of female domination.ā€
Brianna my love, you made my day when I read that, I could just cry.

girl smiling and crying happy tears

Photo Retrieved from Buzzfeed

Every morning I wake up I am thankful I am a woman. We are the most powerful, divine, resilient, magical, beautiful, and strong beings to walk this earth and I am so proud, so honored, and so happy to be one.

woman flexing muscle

Photo Retrieved from InvestorPlace

Now, I love to hear about well-known-woman wins. At the end of the day, a win for one of us is a win for all of us, but in ode to Womenā€™s History Month, Iā€™d like to acknowledge some of the phenomenal women that I know personally who are not in the public spotlight. I want to let them know that I see them and Iā€™m proud of them. I want to tell them that they inspire women and young girls to work hard for what they want, to follow their dreams and desires, and most of all that if they fall, to get back up stronger. These women are examples of female divinity, empowerment, and strength and success in their own rights.

  1. Meet Rachel. Mother of 5, grandmother of 3. Second mom to everyone sheā€™s ever metā€”My mother. You all should feel like you know her at this point; Iā€™m always talking about her, lol.

    two women smiling

    Me and My Mom
    Photo Credit: Moi

    Iā€™ve watched her do these things called “mothering” and “life” without breaking a sweat. I know it wasn’t easy, but she sure made it look bearable, even during hard times. She has the purest heart and has forgiven people for things I don’t think I ever could. Through every obstacle, like a phoenix she rises from the flames stronger than ever. When people admire someone they usually say they wish to be ā€œhalf the personā€ they are, but nope, that’s not how she wants us to see things. She always says ā€œI don’t want you all to be like me, I want my kids to be better than me.ā€Ā If I could be as amazing of a woman as she is, I would be content and believe that I could do and conquer anything.

  2. Meet Afiya. As a teen mom, Iā€™ve seen my older sister, Afiya, work retail, work as a bank teller, and do whatever it was so that she could that provide for her family. Iā€™ve watched her struggle as a parent but keep working to come out on the other side triumphant, and provide the best life she can for my niece. My sister started as a school safety agent and didnā€™t stop there. She continued climbing her way up the ranks. Five years ago she became a Corrections Officer, and today, she is a Captain Officer. Working in a jail has to be one of the hardest places to be all day, even though youā€™re on the other side of the bars. I know it isnā€™t easy, but she does not falter on hard days, and keeps taking it one accomplishment at a time. I donā€™t think Iā€™ve ever even told her, so Afiya, Iā€™m proud of you sister. When the road gets rough, one thing about you is you go out and buy your own cement mix and repave it yourself.
    woman graduating in police force

    My Sister Afiya, Photo Credit: Moi

    P.S itā€™s her birthday in 3 daysā€¦..

    quote picture

    Photo Retrieved from Pinterest

     

  3. Meet Lauren and Stefanie. Three years ago I met a woman at work, Lauren, who challenged all my insecurities and then also challenged me to really access my full potential unapologetically, and without fear. Sheā€™s the type to stop you
    mid-sentence when you utter the words ā€œI canā€™t.ā€ Through that woman I met another, Stefanie, and they both exemplify the image of women standing in their power and influence to empower other females.
    Empowered women empower women.

    two women standing with another woman crouched between them

    From Left to Right: Stefanie, Me, Lauren

    two women smiling

    Lauren and Stefanie, Photo Credit: Unknown

    Lauren and Stefanie continue to inspire me through regular conversation, their podcast Not Your Mommaā€™s Podcast, and just knowing I have them in my corner. Watching them grow and flourish only pushes me to water my own seeds.

  4. Meet the Queens of The Buzz. Last but never least.

    We have like a ā€œSis-manceā€ with each other, weā€™re always talking about each other in our posts lol. These ladies inspire me to own my voice, personality, and my opinion. They affirm me all the time. They affirm that I donā€™t have to ā€œturn down the volumeā€ which I sometimes think about myself. They remind me to always keep an open heart to new people because these people can influence your life greatly in a short period of time. We share many of the same stresses, life experiences, and determination, and together we are truly a force to be reckoned with. The world deserves to hear all that you ladies have to say.
    Thank you for accepting me into your hearts. šŸ™‚

    To all my beautiful females out here working on your dreams and goals, taking care of your families, taking care of yourselves, hustling out here every day on campus for your degree: You are Woman. You will not be stepped on or stepped over. You donā€™t need permission. You are UNSTOPPABLE. You are a fierce queen! You are not inferior to anyone else, regardless of sex, status, or age. You are in your own lane and you deserve it all! I can go on and on!

    Sisterssss let’s celebrate each other.
    Brothers, celebrate the women in your life this month: your mothers, sisters, partners, friends, daughters, any woman that inspires and influences you!

    I celebrate all year, but Iā€™m REALLY celebrating all month, baby!

    Happy Happy Happy Womenā€™s History Month! Our time is now and forever.

    Love You All !

    female symbol with crown

    Logo Photo Retrieved from GooglePlay