Inspired!

This weekend, I had the opportunity to perform at the All Stars Project of NJ this weekend in honor of MLK day.

This is the song I performed: "See Your Dream Through" (This video is from another event)

The amount of feedback I received about following one's dream was truly inspiring.  It also got me thinking about my dreams and passions.  As a creative being, I think I've been cheating myself out of a truly fulfilling experience on the planet earth.

I truly want to express my creative abilities in a way that creates change and touches others.

What a gift, to rediscover and embrace a passion.  Happy Birthday MLK.  What an inspiring weekend.

#Blessed

Procrastination Station.... :-(

I am supposed to be studying for a final exam..... however, I obviously am not.  I feel tired, distracted and tired... (did I mention tired?)

Anyways, what's better than online window shopping to pass the time?!?

That's right... absolutely nothing. (slight exaggeration)

Now I wanna buy these shoes!

Absolutely Gorg!

Now excuse me while I go back to being unproductive....and in debt.  lol *cries a little*

What makes for a bad day?

Today started off quite normally.  Woke up at 6am, went to class, lab, home, homework....etc.  Nothing out of the ordinary.  Then out of nowhere things began to roll downhill.  I picked my daughter up late from cheerleading, picked my dinner up only to discover the order was wrong, my block was then occupied by fire trucks and ambulances so I couldn't get home....

WHAT THE HELL....  How did all of this happen so quickly?!?

I found myself getting extremely annoyed, really fast.... BUT I decided to pull my own coat tail.

"LaToya" (I said to myself)... It isn't THAT bad.  Get a grip.  ...and you know what, the more I focused on all the things that DID go well today, the LESS I thought about the stupid crap that went wrong.

Sometimes we can make mountains out of mole hills... and it's ok, as long as you have the ability to check yourself when it gets out of hand.

Today wasn't so bad afterall!

 This song makes me feel good!  :-)

Media Cleanse - Day 3

I guess I should have blogged when I contemplated going on a media cleanse, but that may have ruined the spontaneity of it all. :-)

In any case, I've decided to embark on a quest for a clutter-free life (in all of it's associated meanings).  The media cleanse arises out of the desperate need for mental clarity.  Each day I am an empty receptacle waiting to be impressed upon, converted, persuaded, influenced and programmed as I sit lifelessly, in front of a television or computer screen.  For this week I have decided to be influenced by my own thoughts and make choices as a result of those under used thought processes.  Also, the free time I gain by opting myself out of television programming, facebook, twitter, talk radio, gossip blogs, youtube, video games, news papers and/or any other news outlet, I will immerse myself in music with meaning, literature, poetry, cooking, exercising, spending time with loved ones and just thinking.

I am on day 3.  The load I bear is light.  Mentally I feel less obligated than usual.  No daily assignment of mindless, lifeless entertainment and I get to CHOOSE what I want to see and hear.  The freedom this fast provides is uncanny.

I am afraid for how good I may feel on day 7.  I may never return to that place..... I'll keep you posted.

My Mind This Week.... A Pictorial.

...and the meek shall inherit the earth.

People think that this word "meek" means many things.  Many people use it synonymously with the word poor.  However, the dictionary defines it as "Quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive"

Just something I thought was interesting and something I'll think of whenever someone uses this verse to claim inheritance to this earth.

Do you measure up? 

Claire....

I met a woman yesterday in the hospital (where I work), I'll call her Claire.

She radiated light.  91 years of age and never a complaint.  Only smiles and thanks to go around.  We chatted in passing several times throughout the day (and by "in passing" I mean me going in and out of her room to assist her since she couldn't walk).  During our final conversation (since she was being discharged), we talked a bit longer.  She spoke of being the last person alive in her family.  No siblings, cousins, in laws... no one left.  She told me she wasn't supposed to even be here (here as in on this earth) since she was born with a condition that caused her to lose mobility in her legs and need several surgeries throughout her life.  Not being able to walk she took to reading.  She loves to read.  Her face lit up as she talked about her library.  I agreed being a bit of a book worm myself.  She told me she read deeds for a living.  20 years of reading (her love) for a living.  She couldn't ask for more.  She lived a full life, even in the presence of her disability.   It was only until a few years back, when she had a fall that she was unable to care for herself.  Even in the midst of being alone, she found the strength to smile.

I told her before I left the room, how much she inspired me.  I touched her hand.  With my eyes locked to hers, I thanked her for sharing her story with me.  I saw true happiness within her.  So many people are blessed beyond measure and still find ways to be miserable.  I met someone who is alone, but not lonely.... disabled yet still able to do so much.  This blog is for her.  Thanks Claire for putting things into perspective for me.