tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37117522929060111712024-03-08T05:39:09.782-05:00The Present is a GiftSahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-79896533138694106202010-10-12T17:15:00.000-04:002010-10-12T17:16:42.430-04:00BLESS!BLESS!<br /><br />One of my blog readers told me “Being single isn’t a blessing and it’s certainly isn’t a curse. It’s a state of being.” I love when I allow people’s comments to stretch my mental bandwidth. That brain warm up made me realize that blessings, too are a state of being and a presence of mind. To be blessed, in theory, is to be anointed with gifts, protection and mercy from a higher source…a birthright if you will, whether you believe in a higher, inner source or not (just as the sky is blue, it is such, placed there by a creator whether you subscribe to spirituality or not).<br /><br />Subsequently, blessings could be viewed as a gift, or if your mind isn’t residing in a heavenly place, a curse. Forward thinking are those who over stand that even the things that we see as “bad” are a blessing. Death of a loved one, a loss of a job, a loss of a relationship, a fight and yes, even being single are all tools to take us higher, to make us better and wiser.<br /><br />The most high has blessed us all. Despite man made systems of separation (class, religion, capitalism, etc) being blessed cannot be earned and blessings DO NOT show favor... That would make God unjust. On the contrary, favor was and is always shown to all of us just as sure as we were called on and born into this realm and onto this planet. Since blessings are an integral part of our life and our life force is the Creator itself, it can never be curse or revoked, no matter what you were conditioned to believe...it’s all how you choose to view your life. <br /><br />The most high doesn’t bless you with material things. Things have no life and no heavenly power therefore it isn’t of the most high. However the talents you are gifted with or blessed with can afford you material things. You’re not blessed with a car, a house, a spouse or money: to say YOU are blessed with those things would imply that those who don’t have those things aren’t blessed, and that shows favoritism from our Creator. That doesn’t exist. We are all created on an equal playing field in the eyes of The Most High despite how different the blessings may appear. What we do with our blessings, well, that’s called free will and that too is something we were all given, and given the choice to use. Without favor or judgment.<br /><br />God Bless You<br />(oops, that’s already given)<br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-63522090872325680362010-07-30T10:05:00.000-04:002010-07-30T10:08:00.677-04:00Beautiful YouRaise your hands if you’ve ever wished you were someone else. Ok. Now raise your hands if you‘ve taken that wish a little higher by actually attempting to live out someone else looks, characteristics, and even habits? Say it isn’t so? Look around you…on the television screen, while driving to and fro, your neighbors…even yourself. Has your life’s mission taken on a face that isn’t even yours?<br /><br />You and I so uniquely created and crafted with love, yet our individualism is lost when we neglect ourselves in the pursuit of attempting to be like others. Look at the “octo mom”, for example. An unwed mother of six already living with her parents decides to have eight more children (in my opinion) to get a reality show like the couple with eight or the family with 19 kids. The money she got from her notoriety she decides to use it on plastic surgery to look like another famous person, Angelina Jolie, who ironically has six kids too. Some can see what she did as merely following a trend, and indeed, there isn’t a thing wrong with that, so long as following trends don’t take over your life.<br /> <br />Beyonce started wearing lace front wigs, now that “trend” has spread like the bubonic plague. Are people wearing hairy hats on their head for convenience or is it that they’d like to look and even for a second, feel like Mrs. Knowles-Carter? <br /><br />We all admire things about others. The way they wear their hair, they way their bodies look, the way they communicate, their athletic ability etc, but just keep in mind the things you admire in other people, they took the time to develop in themselves. In essence, they accepted their individuality and honed it. They illuminated the gifts that they were born with. So should you. It takes a lot less effort to love and cultivate self than to try to be like someone else. You are not them. You are uniquely, beautifully you!. Diversity makes the world go around. Diversity catches our attention. Diversity is the Most High God showing off! Why take away from that? You were created in perfection.<br /> <br />No one can be you and you certainly, no matter how hard you try, can’t be someone else. So love the skin you’re in and build on that beautiful canvas you were born with! In doing that you’ll realize that trends starts from the individual, not the followers. <br /><br />Peace, Love, and a whole lot of individuality,<br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-44685877406790802992010-07-21T20:15:00.002-04:002010-07-21T20:16:19.950-04:00I'm just keeping it real...Every dog has its’ day…so does ever man, woman, child, and cat for that matter. We all have those days where we succumb to whatever issues we choose to make larger than Life. I do too. In fact, I had that day (actually day and a half) recently. I, Sahsha Campbell, Ms. Motivational quote of the day, Ms. Fake it ‘til you make it, Ms when you’re cool the sun shines on you twenty-four hours a day, had a grey cloud over her head like Shleprock (big up all my old school heads who knows who Shleprock is). So grey was my day that it inspired me to write a poem about it. Wanna hear it? Hear it goes. Now, I’m sharing this with you all in total confidence…SSHHH, don’t tell anyone that I’m human too.<br /><br />Before I share it (anticipation’s a bitch isn’t it?) I must say that getting wet by a grey cloud without a raincoat didn’t feel good at all. I’m a sunshine-type of girl. After I whined and lamented, I grew so tired of hearing myself, I simply stopped. I pushed rewind to hear just how pathetic I sound and realized that the soundtrack to my day sounded like a scratched up 45” record…old and tired! The chatter in my mind soon fell victim to my heartbeat and I remembered that I was alive and what I do with this day is what I will. Things can always be worse, and indeed they just might appear to be worse one day, so why not celebrate right now? Indeed, things might not be the way you want them to be right now, but the last I checked today only lasts twenty- four hours. Let’s not bring today’s clouds into our tomorrow. The weatherman forecast clear skies.<br /> <br />Peace, Love and…oh yeah, the poem.<br /><br />Cleverly titled “Outta”<br /><br />Outta Advil, money, and maxi pads<br />Bread, water and other things I had<br />Outta time, my own space, and ways to style my hair<br />Patience, gas and clothes to wear<br />Outta mind, ideas and stamps to pay the bills<br />Broccoli, rice cheese, and I wore down my high heels<br />Outta advice, outta detergent, outta desktop PC<br />Outta thinking I know exactly how things ought to be<br />Outta SMH’s and LOL’s<br />Outta TTYL’s and WTH’s (what the hell’s)<br />Outta line, outta key and outta emotional blurbs<br />Outta steam, outta games, outta touch, outta words…<br /><br />But I still have a lot of life.<br /><br />Cheers to your tomorrows,<br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-56120549510855716292010-07-13T18:31:00.000-04:002010-07-13T18:33:12.400-04:00Soul RebelSome Articles say that Oscar Grant resisted arrest. I don’t believe he resisted arrest. He resisted what he felt was unjust and blatantly disrespectful. It’s in a human’s nature to be free and if we feel at any given time our freedom is being restricted by an outside force for unlawful means, we rebel. Oscar Grant wasn’t a criminal. He was criminalized. In life and in death, he stood for the inequities of law. He was a soul rebel. I suppose a person who is mentally enslaved wouldn’t over stand my view.<br /><br />Laws were created to be broken. Yes, I said it, and I’ll say it again. LAWS WERE CREATED TO BE BROKEN! If a man sets down a law that HE (or his cohorts) sees appropriate for whatever purpose he has, naturally, it’s only going to appease a certain amount of people. A law, in essence is one’s opinion of how they think things should be. For those who do not agree with his stance, a rebellion is sure to come, whether in a form of protest, riot, petition or flat out non- compliance. Why do you think there is a plethora of crime in the U.S? Statistically, the countries with more law have more crime and those with less law less crime. If laws were natural, they would change, just as nature does. Yet most laws that have been in use haven’t changed in hundreds of years. How can they still be effective? (Man made laws that is. Universal laws of love and truth remain although opinions on that do vary) If my parents still told me to be home by midnight, even at age 33, rest assured there would be a disagreement. Why? Because I’m not the same person as I was then and their roles as parents have changed to a certain degree from twenty years ago. Naturally.<br /><br />To take it a step deeper, the soul is like the wind. Guided by its inner voice, the only thing it likes to follow is its creator and its host. Our maker allows us free will. It’s certainly a challenge to live free while being governed by the opinions of others. A law has never prevented a crime, brought world peace or inner peace for that matter so to live under such constraints can be viewed as, well, sin. (“broken” laws sure have gotten some rich, but that’s another story)<br /><br />Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we all take our free will and run amuck! Nor am I implying that one should cease living the way they want to because of such laws. That wouldn’t be natural either. I don’t feel it’s the best thing to loot stores because of a wrongful verdict or murder (that’s taking from yourself and it doesn’t change what was done). What I am saying is it’s ok to set your own rules and execute them, not expecting anyone else to follow them or even like them. Set your standards of love, relationship, worship, and justice. Take control of yourself and let your spirit be your guide. That’s truly living free. Be prepared for any consequences that come from taking control or not taking control, as it’s all part of the cycle of life. One thing is for sure, you’ll never be at peace living someone else’s opinion and you’re not living if you haven’t discovered what you’re here for. To all the living soul rebels out there, I salute you. Keep discovering the meaning of your life. To all the rebels who are no longer physically with us (Jesus, Malcolm, Martin, Harriet, Marcus, Jimi, and yes, Oscar) thank you for living. Your lives’ have shown us, amongst other things that standing for yourself can simultaneously assist in liberating others.SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-91710544176252732822010-07-07T08:53:00.000-04:002010-07-07T08:54:01.772-04:00Chemistry: Sweet CandyAlthough people show themselves for who they are at a particular moment, our mind gets a kick out of painting a different Picasso of them. It’s that sugar rush I like to call chemistry. Life often imitates art, but the life we give to someone in our mind isn’t quite the same as the real life canvas.<br /><br />Maya Angelou said something (I know, many things) profound. I was a teenager when I first heard it and although I understood what she was saying, it didn’t really resonate in me until I matured a bit. “People show you who they are early on, we just CHOOSE not to see it” (and I’m paraphrasing here).<br /> <br />Attraction to an individual can be so strong that we make that apparent chemistry equal to “this person must be my soul mate”. We, in turn, allow ourselves to go through delusions. “Pain equals love” and “He/she will change once I prove myself…” I liken chemistry to pop rocks. Initially, we are turned on by this firecracker type magic going on in our mouths. That electric feeling makes you go for it again and again. It gets your attention! That doesn’t mean that it serves any other purpose than to get you excited, and that certainly doesn’t mean it’s good for you (pop tarts have zero nutritional value and the last I heard, someone died when they ate it then drank soda! Hey, that’s what I heard). Too much of anything, even when it feels good, isn’t healthy. Chemistry overload, anyone? <br /><br />Chemistry, just like pop rocks, wakes us up! Chemistry stirs up our soul for a far greater reason than a lingering high. Maybe what you’re feeling is a preview of something to come. Maybe that person came around to teach a valuable life lesson and that’s it. Sometimes, chemistry’s feeling is so great, so unusual, that our sole purpose, it seems, is to seek out that feeling again and again, ignoring the side affects that may come with it (sounds like any drug addiction, right?) When in search of our soul mate, we are blinded by the presentation and the feeling of the person, ignoring all the potentially harmful ingredients.<br /><br /> I once dated a man that I had tons in common with. He felt real good and our chemistry was even greater. He felt so good that I conveniently ignored the fact that he told me, in so many words, that he still wasn’t completely over his ex and because of that, he would have a hard time letting himself commit to another. Well certainly he feels what I’m feeling and this feeling will eventually get him over his ex. Besides, why else would he be hanging out with me? (duh).<br />Weeks to turn to months and I was continually referred to as his “friend” and nothing more. Sure we were cool but friends? We weren’t friends, we were lovers…right? This chemistry means more than a friendship…or so it seems. Then the high subsides for just enough time for me to realize this was the same guy who told me from date # 2 or 3 that he couldn’t commit. Damn, sweet candy sure can cloud your sight.<br /><br />Don’ t get me wrong, chemistry is a great thing; it’s an essential beginning to any healthy, long lasting relationship. However when chemistry keeps you so high that you can’t see the sky is falling from under you, it’s time to put down the pipe, go back into the lab (heart and mind) and reformulate the ingredients to good love.SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-70777189610473736282010-06-30T13:02:00.000-04:002010-06-30T13:03:57.925-04:00Living La Vida SolaWarning: This blog will most likely expose the reason you are single. It’s not the “fault” of the opposite sex; it’s because of you. Read with openness and a willingness to see the beauty in all situations. You may proceed.<br /><br />Living La Vida Sola<br /><br />Steve Harvey wrote a book about it. ABC did a televised town hall forum about it (featuring Steve Harvey of course). Thousands have sung about it and millions have cried about it. It has become a statistic and more thought about than the coming of 2012. Yet with all of this discussion on the subject there hasn’t seemed to be an antidote… maybe because the antidote requires real self-examination. If that’s the case no book, forum or song can prevent you from being single until you help yourself.<br /><br />Hey people, don’t get frustrated with me, I’m single too, however I enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong, the days…and especially the nights (just being real) get LLLonely sometimes (in my Lenny Williams begging voice) but this period too, will pass. As with everything in my life, I choose to utilize my down time with a little self-examination. I did it when I got laid off, I did it when I got slammed by a drunk driver, so why not check out myself when I’m single? I’ve long come to the conclusion that all the men I’ve dated didn’t get together for a clandestine meeting to figure out how to make my love life miserable. Somewhere in the midst of my break ups, Ms. Sahsha J. Campbell has a role to play in it. I look back at my past relationships as a review of sorts. Not just what Mr.______ did to upset me, but what I did to disturb him as well, not only what I did to make him happy, but I look at the things he did to make me smile and keep that in my memory bank. All this is in an effort to improve myself and my next encounter with Mr.Right-in-due-time… besides, everything we go through is to elevate us to the next level, right?<br /> <br />Maybe I’m comfortable in being single now because I don’t feel the pressures of society to be married with child and living in a white picket-fenced house by the age of 30 (or 35 or 40 for that matter). Who says that’s the standard I should live by? Define the terms of your relationship with your next partner. Are you uncomfortable being single because of your age? Maybe it’s because all your friends are getting hitched? Is your family applying pressure? Are you uncomfortable being single because having someone will negate you from facing those ways about yourself that you KNOW needs to be changed? OOOHHH WEEEE! That bites, huh? Well, the sooner you face you, the more equipped you’ll be to attract that person you dream of. You can only get a butterfly if you’re a butterfly.<br /><br />Until then, I’m sure you can find TONS to do to stay occupied. Rediscover a passion, do some charity work, hit the gym or the yoga mat, plant a tree, write a book, travel… just live damnit! Living will lead you to Love. Be confident in the fact that you weren’t born to be without companionship, so a love supreme is out there for you, guaranteed! Trust the process of singledom (yeah, that’s a new word courtesy of the ever curious mind of SahshaJay). Fill your space with love and love is sure to find you. In the meantime people, don’t force a one-night stand (I’m just saying) or someone you’ve been on two dates with to be “the one” simply because he or she is around (the dubious space filler). Don’t settle! If you do that, you’re just giving Steve Harvey, ABC and countless others more reason to do a part two of something that’s just a part of life. <br /><br />Amor,Vida, y Paz, (love, life, and peace)<br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-52127909278888619412010-06-23T03:51:00.000-04:002010-06-23T03:52:40.976-04:00This is a test!Remember growing up watching TV… you’re all comfy in your space on the couch, popcorn or Doritos in hand, head damn near buried in the tube because you were finally going to find out why ET wanted to phone home and you’re interrupted, rudely I might add, by a god awful buzzing noise and a voice that sounds like a man talking into a plastic cup saying, “ This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System…” WHAT??? “You really got to run a test now?” Say it isn’t so!<br /><br />We only get frustrated when the test comes right at the “good part”. If nothings’ going on, who would care if there’s a test? Who would pay attention? The more we grow as individuals, the more responsibility we are able and willing to handle, right? So we will be tested to make sure we are as ready as we think we are! <br /><br />Every time after I’ve read something profound, listened to a lecture that resonated my spirit, or went through some experience that has the potential to “upgrade” me, I feel on top of the world! Sahsha has automatically become the most intelligent, even-tempered cat you’ll ever come across! Throw anything at me and I’ll catch it blindfolded! Just in the midst of my celebration, my phone rings and the mechanic says, “ we found something else wrong with your car and it will cost an additional $300.00 to fix it…” What kind of #%!@ is that?? Why does that have to happen to me? What happened to my even temper? After a brief pause of thought, I realized the discomfort I’m putting myself through doesn’t feel as good as my celebration. The car isn’t causing me discomfort I am because…well…I shouldn’t have to deal with that news about my car! (Man, we are some funny people). I over-stand that I am being tested on the lesson I just learned about being calm. After a slight outburst, I think to myself that it would be much better to get “it” fixed now. I have the money, the car is already there and heaven forbid it break down on me while I’m out on a hot summer’s day…I’m liable to invent new curse words and get demoted to the first grade if that happens…so fix it I do. Wow, what a difference a calm minute, and a reflection of what I just learned has made in my day…and life. <br /><br />So there is one of the many tests this life will bring. No need to go through the lesson only to fail the test by choice. Something’s are unavoidable, but the way you handle it is clearly up to you. Brace yourself for the humility that comes with growing. It’s here to serve you. Until next time, be easy and stay alert!<br /><br />Con mucho, mucho amor,<br />SahshaJay.SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-39655708106457345992010-06-16T18:19:00.000-04:002010-06-16T18:20:24.768-04:00Don't Dis-apoint me!Although not outright, a dear friend of mine expressed disappointment in someone’s decision not to come out about something 100%. We get disappointed in people all the time, to the point of utter disgust. I asked my mother, “Why do you think people get disappointed in one another?” She said, “ because of YOUR expectations. We expect people to be or react a certain way and when they don’t, we become disappointed.” And that’s when it hit me; disappointments we have in other people have NOTHING to do with who they really are. It’s based on how we want them to be. The word itself is comprised of two words. “Dis” meaning “apart”, “asunder” or “away” and “appoint” meaning “to name or assign a position”. So in essence, when we become disappointed, we’re assigning a position away from the indented recipient: ourselves.<br /><br />It’s a lot easier to point the finger in the opposite direction when it comes to things someone should or shouldn’t do. But closely look at your disappointments in others. Does it have anything to do with what you’re not doing with yourself? <br />We all have a charge on our lives, a destiny agreed on before most of us can remember. We will come face to face with the realization of our destiny (whether we act on it or not). Despite the things we occupy ourselves with in our days’ existence, there are things we should allow ourselves to do that would serve us better than the mundane. Well…are you doing it? If you say you don’t know what you’re supposed to do, isn’t it your responsibility to seek out that which you were created to do? Are you taking daily steps in improving your existence? So, your living the love below…isn’t the SAME reason your dis-apointed in another?<br /><br />Looky here people, I’m just trying to save you all from the drama and…well, disappointment you might feel when someone does something you think they shouldn’t have. We all have a different path to walk on our individual journeys that will lead us to the same place (if you hop on the path, that is). There is no telling what another mans’ walk will look like…they’ve never walked it before. Their misstep or disappointment you take as personal might be just the step they need to make to meet you on the end of the yellow brick road. Most of the time, what you expect of another soul is exactly what you should be doing for self. So in the meantime, discover your path and take the first step. Spread love and over-standing along the way. Appoint yourself the freedom and courage to step out so you’re not dis-apointed when someone else doesn’t. See you in Oz.SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-25286072270651720382010-06-09T10:37:00.000-04:002010-06-09T10:40:53.540-04:00Caught up in The RaptureIs it just me, or does each and every one of us know a person who’s going through MAJOR life changes? Not necessarily tragic in nature, but folks are experiencing a shift in all things they thought were “normal”, all beliefs they perceived as true, and every “don’t’” they said they’d never “do”? Yeah, me too. Some call it growth. Others refer to it as a life crisis or a transition. I’ll call it the rapture.<br />Dictionary.com (you got to love the fact that we have the freedom to reference an online dictionary as a source) defines rapture in one way as “the carrying of a person to another place or sphere of existence”. Perhaps we are all being forced to move from the place of old, to a place of new? Time is going faster, but we are resistant to move with the times, choosing, however, to be stuck in a place of yesterday. We love to relive the past, as if holding on to it will make us more prepared for the future. But let nature be your biggest example. Nothing stays the same. Cycles are inevitable and resistance is unheard of. A storm might come and cause what appears to be severe damage, yet after the storm, is a calm, and things in time are rebuilt better than they were before. Change, most often is a good thing, but the process isn’t always pretty. <br /><br />Do not hold yourself hostage in your “old” ways that no longer serve its purpose in a “new” you. I, for example, used to be a strong supporter of the Death Penalty. But what I come to realize is that taking the life of another, despite his or her offense, is in no way justice. It’s not natural reciprocity and it certainly doesn’t bring back the life of the one taken. Divine justice handles us all. Even in death, there is a lesson for us to learn and that’s our purpose: To evolve and mentally mature through life experiences, even those that seem to be “bad”, to rise to a higher plateau. The renewed you might not sit well with others, and that’s certainly OK. It’s not a pop contest. It’s the Rapture. <br /> <br />So all those “rules” that you set for self are indeed being reexamined. Take a close look at everything you thought was “right” or “wrong” and see its root. Was it rooted in fear? Did it come from years of indoctrination? Is it causing an internal chaos? If the answer is “Yes”, it’s time to wipe the slate “clean” and start rewriting your life with divine guidance. Let your inner force be your guide. No more blaming others for your choices. No more worrying about tomorrow all the while forgetting to live today. Instances that we try to make eternal, most often were meant only to be a temporary role in our life’s journey, yet we hold on to it so tight… No more resistance! Pull up your britches and prepare to be renewed! The winds of the rapture are swift and strong so don’t get caught with your pants down! Choose to redefine yourself, besides there only one you.SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-61736413516235902572010-03-18T08:11:00.002-04:002010-03-18T08:15:52.162-04:00Shut Up, Sahsha!Twenty- four hours without a word. (I did utter the word “damn” while I was working on the computer and accidentally closed out of a window) I suppose that should have been good enough reason for a girl who likes talking to just continue, but I didn’t. I stuck with the plan, rather the unction of my spirit to just be quiet.<br />In 2008 I read a story about a free spirited, eco friendly man who decided to stop talking for a day. His one day turned into a seventeen year journey in which he gave up driving as well. In silence, he walked and sailed around the world earning a Ph.D in the process. We can’t always explain what moves us, but his story certainly moved me. “One day I’m going to do that”, I said to myself…”one day”.<br /><br />I woke up Monday morning after having a disagreement with a close friend. I was a bit frazzled by the words expressed the night before. As opposed to taking the route of reconciling our disagreement to the notion of “that cat is trippin’!” somewhere, something in me wanted to dig deeper, to get a more authentic reason for the “argument”. Often times when a disagreement occurs with another person (which is rare for me, I might add), I can justify the “why this person is wrong” all to myself; not this time. I felt I had to take an alternative route to finding the answer. So as I woke up, an even toned voice said to me “be quiet Sahsha”. I immediately knew what it meant. My day of silence had come. Since I had a few meetings already set up for Monday, I decided to postpone my silence until Tuesday. There wasn’t any real preparation involved, except sending a few people a text letting them know that I will be vocally out of commission for a day. I also prayed. This silence had to have some kind of purpose. I asked God not only give me a sign that this quiet time was necessary, but I also wanted it to show me something I didn’t know, but needed to know. For added resistance I decided not to have my phone on either.<br /><br />Thank goodness for mothers! When I woke up that morning, my mom had already explained my silence to my nephews, so upon seeing them, they said, “good morning, Tia!” I smiled and gave them a hug. They knew I wasn’t talking and they didn’t care (for the most part). They felt my love in the hug I gave them. As the morning progressed without a word, I realized I could hear my thoughts more clearly, as if they had a chance to breathe life into themselves. No other opinion counted, not even my spoken word. My thoughts received their answer from the same voice that told me to be quiet. The less talking I did, the more I was able to hear. Useless chatter can be a detrimental bitch.<br /> <br />Throughout the day, I used gestures and a pen and pad to communicate with my family. Oddly enough, everyone except my youngest nephew understood all my gestures. Having to write down everything you want to express can be troublesome, so I limited my “conversation” to only the things that needed to be expressed at that moment. That’s something I want to do even now that I’m talking. Only say what’s needed.<br /><br />I did a lot of reading too. I like to read, but I don’t make time to do it as much as I used to. I came across articles on the earthquakes going on around the world and how they are shifting the earth’s axis, which in turn, is shortening our days by milliseconds. I also read something on what men really mean when they say things like, “It’s ok” and “I’m going to call you later” and they don’t (lol), in addition to an article that was forwarded to me from a friend. The article spoke on spirituality. It stated, “You will begin to communicate more with the Heart and the Feelings, with intuition, than with words…Silence will become as important as words. The ability to be in silence and to feel the energy of Love in that silence will become more important…” <br />“Wow!” I thought. I can dig that! I immediately took that passage as confirmation of this day being right on track. Interestingly enough (but not coincidentally) I received an email from another friend on the west coast. She sends out motivational passages and scriptures daily but I don’t read them daily… if at all. The email was titled “Watch your language.” I laughed…in silence, of course. The reading referenced a scripture I had never heard of, but boy was it poignant. In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.<br />– Proverbs 10:19<br /><br />I was tickled by all the “revelations” I received in reading, while an indescribable peace lingered with me throughout the day. Maybe it’s because I didn’t feel I had to have an answer to everything. Maybe it was the fact that I wasn’t so mesmerized by the sound of my own, raspy, smart aleck mouth as I thought I was… maybe it was the “revelations”? Or maybe it was because I was just letting things be. Who knows? The one thing I know is that you don’t have to have an answer to everything, as long as it feels right. I discovered that words can be awfully deceiving. How many times have we let ourselves become upset at what someone says, thinking (or wishing) they meant something else? How many more times have we said, “well what I MEANT to say was…” My gestures and touches were clearly understood that day, more than words could translate. For a girl who thinks a lot, almost incessantly, the coolest thing about this adventure was the less I spoke, the less I thought. For whatever reason, I didn’t have the addictive desire to wonder about the next event, the next trip, 2012, the next writing assignment, next due date on a bill or next activity at the boys’ school. My mind was on a vacation. A well deserved vacation. And although I didn’t get an obvious answer as to why my friend and I had a “falling out”, if it had anything to do with my desire to be quiet for a day, the “fall out” just had to happen. It had an order, and in that order is an answer that I will most likely feel before he ever has the words to explain it, albeit it come later than sooner. We have the responsibility to choose our words wisely like we choose our fruits or our lovers, for their irreversible effects last with us a lifetime. The entire universe was created with a word, so speak only things you wish to create. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!” Or more simply put, just shut up every now and then!SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-80641179657153434322010-02-02T08:28:00.002-05:002010-02-02T08:37:30.241-05:0013 things I've learned in 33 yearsI celebrate my birthday’s every year, but what have I learned while on this planet? This is a cool way to track the progress of my journey. Maybe I’ll do this every year…but knowing me, who knows. I move like the wind, or as Smokey says, “…like a butterfly caught up in a hurricane.” Thank God for another year, another chance to grow, another opportunity to add to this list next year. Capre Diem!<br /><br />13 things I've learned in 33 years...<br /><br />1.) You’re what you know yourself to be. If you don’t know yourself in this exact moment, whether you are what you want to be or not, you not living…you’re simply existing.<br /><br />2.) Do not accept an invitation to go to breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a kat you’re not remotely interested in. Honor your time and his/hers. (I know, you also want to honor your belly too, right?)<br /><br />3.) Welcome the unexpected. More often than not, it’s an opportunity to grow.<br /><br />4.) Music Makes Me High.<br /><br />5.) Love makes things happen.<br /><br />6.) Do things for people on a regular basis that they can NEVER pay you back for. (Thanks, Derek!)<br /><br />7.) Some People live for the moment. I live for the feeling.<br /><br />8.) Action after your prayers is necessary for manifestation.<br /><br />9.) I really like and appreciate simplicity.<br /><br />10.) Read all the signs carefully. Ignore them now, cry later.<br /><br />11.) I love to travel. More than television, even more than shopping! Traveling is great soul food.<br /><br />12.) Just because their family doesn’t mean you have to like them, but you should keep on loving them!<br /><br />13.) And there’s still so many things for me to learn!<br /><br />Giving God thanks for another year,<br /><br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-34692444135153752702010-01-13T09:01:00.002-05:002010-01-13T11:46:18.144-05:00Beyond HaitiWhether its publicized or not, whether its personal or not, tragedy is something that we will all have to face. But there is a certain affect that wide spread tragedy and mass disaster has on us. There is a place it allows our minds and hearts to go, making us question who we really if we really believe that we are "our brother's keeper".<br /><br />Haiti, a country with a population of about 9 million is no stranger to hard times and challenging days. Political strife, poverty, and civil wars are what most people know about it, but to many, Haiti is simply home. Beautiful landscape and weather, great food and music, and family fills the land that is now, due to yesterday's massive earth quake, covered in rubble. All of a sudden, the trials of our life don't seem so bad. It would be nice if we can take that view on our lives daily..." Things aren't so bad". Change your perspective.<br /><br />So many of us are connected to despair;and certainly it shouldn't take a tragedy such as this to awaken us to needs of the less fortunate.No matter how much or how little you believe you have, there is always something we can do to assist in helping our brothers and sisters, whether they're next door or across the ocean. What are you going to do? <br /><br />My family comes from a nation where they're not as financially "blessed" as the United States. Shout out to all my people who are first, second, and third generation immigrants and came to The United States to make a better way for themselves. With your better way, lets show the nations who have been hit with recent natural disaster: Haiti, Samoa, The Phillipines, India, Africa, etc that there is a better way, a light at the end of the tunnel. <br /><br />For information on who you can help the earthquake victims of Haiti, Please contact the Red Cross.<br /><br />Spread Love,<br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-32569849772651583802009-10-16T17:41:00.000-04:002009-10-16T17:42:22.714-04:00HalloweenI wear big sunglasses to hide the glare of sadness that can blind the sun.<br /><br />I wear a big smile to hide the pains from wails that are sure to come.<br /><br />I wear a positive attitude because it goes so well with the smile.<br /><br />Beneath the mask of self assurance, negativity looms all the while.<br /><br />I wear the hope of tomorrow because today seems all wrong and is sure to pass.<br /><br />But underneath tomorrow’s hope, doubt sure does creep up fast. <br /><br />I wear great patience, some have even told me I have the patience of Job.<br /><br />I laugh at that because unlike Job, I question God, will you ever lighten this load?<br /><br />See, every day is Halloween for me, no need to wait until the end of October.<br /><br />It’s so much easier to make believe and act like my thoughts are sober.<br /><br />Come one, come all to my masquerade ball as I extend an open invitation.<br /><br />Just know that what you see in here is a damn good imitation of everything you thought you ever wanted in a woman.<br /><br />But if you come a little closer, under the façade is a whole other woman.<br /><br />But what you see on the outside can only be if the inner has life.<br /><br />Behind the doubt, guilt and pain are huge flickers of light. <br /><br />I truly pray that you are not confused with all the layers of me.<br /><br />Day by day through God’s good grace, I grow and realize I know longer desire Halloween.<br /><br />I will wear what I truly am: Love, peace and honesty and a smile that is as real as the morning sun permeates to the core of me.<br /><br />If you are willing to walk with me, with a raw, untapped potential.<br /><br />The mask you thought was your forever will not compare to love’s essentials.<br /><br />© 2008 Before I Wake PublishingSahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-58526020390647772832009-10-13T18:20:00.002-04:002009-10-13T19:21:28.078-04:00Fear...NOT!!My, My, My...it's been a while, hasn't it? Good and insightful things come to those who wait.<br /><br />How can you fear something you do not know? I mean, most people fear death, financial ruin, heights severe illness, or even the boogeyman, yet most people have NEVER experienced them. Follow me here: Experience is the only thing that makes such incidents appear real. I've never experienced physical death( I know, I know. No one likes when someone dies because we are left to felt alone, sad and the such, but we STILL don't know what death feels like...obviously) so how can I perceive its' woes? I've never been terminally ill, been on a sinking ship or had a serious encounter with serial killer, so to say I fear the unknown is a double negative: one cannot fear something unless the experience becomes tangible. And what if you have been on the sinking Titanic or have beaten cancer? Can you still say you fear it?<br /><br /> I can tell ya. I've been broke. It stinks. I have been without the love from a man...lame. But I do not fear it. I dislike it. I prefer not to have the previously listed instances occur because through my experiences i can testify that to me, it's most unfavorable. However I cannot tell you how the boogeyman creeps me out or how it feels to be shot because I simply do not know the feeling. What I do know of those things are the testimony of others through their experiences or even more bizarre, their perception of their experiences.<br /><br />Speaking of perception, how many things that you believe you fear come from constant years of people telling you how it felt to them? or perhaps your fear comes from what you read or what you see on television? Think about it....a little more...ok. Almost all our fears are solely based on our mental conditioning, yes, mine included. But it's alright. It's never too soon to change how we see things. When we change our vision, we change our perception. when we change our perception, we change our entire life!<br /><br />I was told that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real... the past is history(cannot be changed) the future is a mystery(unknown therefore unreal)and today is a gift. Why so? The only real thing in our possession is NOW. This moment is the only immutable truth. Tomorrow is an illusion because it hasn't happened yet. So to fear something that hasn't occurred means we aren't living at all. Crazy right? The only thing that separates us from those labeled 'crazy' or 'mentally unstable' is there thoughts and illusions are spoken aloud and ours lie dormant...that is, until our fears manifest themselves into all we imagined them to be...and more. So guard your thoughts and more so leave behind the concept of fear. There's simply no such thing. As I write to you, I write to myself.<br /><br />Peace, People.<br /><br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-70260906045250764492009-06-10T21:10:00.003-04:002009-06-10T21:24:17.335-04:00Promises you choose not to keepI've had this lingering thought for a couple of weeks now. Sometimes i'm not sure where in the hell the thought is gonna take me, but my sediments are real and my point is simple. <br />Folks always want something for nothing, ya know. This comes to mind when i think of the word commitment. Many people, especially those who tend to whine frequently as a means of releasing frustration, LOVE to complain about how someone didnt stick to there words or didnt follow through with something, subsequently painting a picture of their subject as BAD. Why didnt they stick to their word? Who knows. But the one thing I do know is we, as mere humans, cannot expect someone to follow through on their promise if we cannot keep a promise to ourselves. Huh you might say? NO. think about it. How many times have we started a project only not to finish it? How many times have we promised to do something, only to have an extraordinary reason to break the promise? Reasons aside, how many times have you not followed through with what you said you would? To yourself even? Broken a workout plan? Cheated on a mate for the umpteenth time? Promise to pray and meditate daily only to get distracted by "things"? Hell, does, " Imma call you back" sound familiar?? Yeah, I'm speaking to you. (heck and me too)<br /><br />All I do know is we can only expect from others what we expect and manifest of ourselves. How much easier is it for us to make a plan and execute it thoroughly than to break it? How many more days and years will we make excuses for not following through with something, but be upset when someone doesnt keep their word?? Our word is our only bond. Its been that way since the beginning of time. Lets not just talk about it, lets be about it...or don't say a damn thing at all!<br /><br />God Is Love.<br /><br />This is Sahsha with another thought.<br /><br />Pushing forward, <br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-82920870336867460032009-05-05T11:14:00.002-04:002009-05-05T11:34:45.769-04:00Random Hip Hop FolliesOk,Ok. For those that know me, they know i'm a bit old school. For those that do not know me, I'm a bit old school. I like old school music, old school discipline and most old school ways..(i.e., cooking a meal 5 to 6 days a week, only leaning towards fast food(and i use the word food lightly)one day a week, saying your prayers in the morning, before a meal, and before you lay your head down to sleep, a guy courting a woman, etc...)which leads me to the brief(after reading it, maybe not so brief), yet poignant blog.<br /><br />Recently I read in Vibe magazine(see what standing in long lines at the grocery store will do to ya?) that a young chap named Shad Gregory Moss, aka, Lil Bow Wow, aka, Bow Wow has a way with the women...or maybe no way at all. When the celebrity sees a woman he likes, he makes eye contact with the potential suitee then...GETS HIS ASSISTANT, ANTHONY TO APPRAOCH THE WOMAN FOR HIM! Correct me if i'm incorrect, but does that jive to you? Bow wow, of such status, clearly only lower than God almighty, cannot talk to a lady he likes...just because he's Bow Wow?? I do declare, that is something interesting, isnt it? But the crazy reality is, people, is that it works! Girls(not to get confused with ladies) will talk to him through a mediator!<br /><br />Have you all ever listented to a song over and over again, not really paying attention to all the lyrics until one random day? One random day, all the words stand out to you, and you actualy realize what your singing along to...That happened to me. Not too long ago, I was listening to Rick Ross'latest song(in which in do like...the music especially)" Magnificent" featuring John Legend. What a mellow smooth song...until you hear the bump in the lyrical road. He says(and i'm paraphrasing)that the majority of the cars that he owns hasn't any miles on them....so lemme get this straight. You own tons of cars that you, or no one else cleary drives, just because???? Please Ricky Ross, tell me why? The recession doesnt affect him, but lack of poor judgement in the name of depreciated pieces of metal stored in a garage does! <br /><br />Call this my lament, Call this my view, type in your opinion...but whatever you do LAUGH YOUR HIND END OFF... OR CRY AT THE MINDSET OF OUR YOUNG AND RICH.<br /><br />This is SahshaJay signing out!SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-1246071337344169022009-04-13T15:43:00.003-04:002009-04-13T16:41:35.460-04:00This is for the Bottle PoppersTime certainly flies, doesn't it? One minute i'm writing about the end of 2008 and the next minute, it's darn near the middle of 2009. My bad, people, my bad. But this I can tell you: This has been an interesting year thus far, filled with unexpected bumps, bruises, victories and most recently, violations!(hahaha, this is a funny one, y'all)<br /><br />Uptown Saturday Night(literally)<br />It was a mildly warm saturday evening and the vibe was right to step out on the town. My girl, Kiana, had a girl in town, so the setting was perfect for entertaining. We decided on hitting up a spot to mingle, grab a drink, and enjoy the music. When we got to this popular Atlanta spot, we get in, no hassle,thanks to one of the promoters. <br /><br />Libations, it is!<br /><br />We get a drink and toast to the bon vie(the good life for those who dont know french;i dont either, but it's a title to a popular 80's dance song.) The place wasnt' crowded yet, so we were able to have conversation without screaming over one another. After our second drink, we decided to walk to the VIP(very important person is what it typically stands for but this night it might stand for voluntary ignorant people)area to sit on the plush,black leather seats. Why not? the couch was unoccupied. Three minutes into resting our backsides on the couch, a young, young, lady approached us. Evidently she was one of the staff. " Excuse me, are you all buying a bottle?" "No", we quickly replied in unison. " Well," she interjected, " This area is reserved for the BOTTLE POPPERS!" The look on my face was a mixture of " you got to be kidding me" coupled with" Are bottle poppers a new psuedo breed of people?" Once she said that, merry ole Kiana said to her " Ok. When someone comes to sit here, we will happily get up." The young, young lady walked away. Onward with our nights, tushes resting on the couch. <br />Two minutes after her three minutes, a gentleman in a suit approached us. He, evidently, was a member of the security staff. " We are recieving a complaint that you all wont get up! THIS AREA IS RESERVED FOR THE BOTTLE POPPERS!" Oh boy, i thought. This new breed of people must be awfully important. Earth Angels? Members of Jesus's army? Shape Shifters? "Sir", I began. " There is no one here. Once these BOTTLE POPPERS emerge, we will kindly get up. But since your feathers are getting ruffled into one huge goose down for a king size bed, we'll get up now." (The last part i didnt say to him,but i wish i was that verbally savvy at the moment) " Ma'am, i just doing what i was told". <br />No worries, brotha. The three of us laughed, got up and stood next to the super human seating, nodding our heads to the music. Mind you, we were good and safe to be in the VIP area, but not good enough to be sitting there. <br />I thought I had left all this behind in Los Angeles. Hollywood has landed. Its now also known as Atlanta, Ga. <br />We are all light hearted ladies, so we laughed at the silliness of the situation. As we were standing, Mr. security came up to us and said," you ladies can sit down." A sudden change of heart? Behind him was a rather smooth looking brotha...he got that well seasoned look. He approached us and said, "Please sit down. The young lady who first approached you all is new and doesn't quite understand the rules..." Lawry's (well seasoned, get it? hahaha) was actually the owner of the venue. So polite and daper was he, that he made us forget that we were treated like sub humans with this BOTTLE POPPERS rule. He introduced himself, and we reciprocated. Not only was he apologetic, but he was courteous. He got us a bottle of white wine and our own table...until, of course, the actual BOTTLE POPPERS came in and bought us out. All was well, though. He invited us into the ULTRA VIP(back to very important persons) area where we had a BIGGER couch AND we got to invite all of our friends into our world on the big, comfy couch. Isnt that ironic? <br /><br />Moral of the story? Not sure. You guys come up with one. I just know that it pays to keep your cool and be who you are in this world of psuedo races and super humans. Big up to Mr. Lawry's and Mr. DJ, as the night sailed along.SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-50094365366221084792008-12-23T13:54:00.002-05:002008-12-23T14:13:14.332-05:00Ten Things I've realized in 2008Its the end of what we know as a year, and I figure i keep it simple, as thing #11 i've learned(learning) is how to keep things chill...<br /><br />Number One:<br />People are only to you what they show themselves to be;nothing more.<br /><br />Number Two:<br />Change is necessary for growth. If you're not changing, you're not growing. STEP YA GAME UP!!<br /><br />Number Three:<br />Believing in your prayer manifests what your praying for;doubt cancels your prayer.<br /><br />Number Four:<br />Physical death is mandatory;what you do with your life is optional. Choose wisely. Dream big.<br /><br />Number Five:<br />I'm pretty damn funny! (aha)<br /><br />Number Six:<br />I'm ready for love (for real, y'all!)<br /><br />Number Seven:<br />DO NOT SETTLE...IN ANYTHING!<br /><br />Number Eight:<br />Good R&B music is making a comeback! (thank God: if I bought one more CD from decades gone by, my christmas wishlist would have included a time machine! Beam me up,Scotty!!)<br /><br />Number Nine:<br />Men have a hard time understanding the fact that i'm 31 years old, in possession of inner and outer beauty, and single. The question ALWAYS arises, " WHY ARE YOU SINGLE?" When i get married, the question will then be, "DAMN, WHY ARE'NT YOU SINGLE?" Irony at its' finest...<br /><br />Number Ten:<br />Communication is the key ingredient to any sucessful relationship, whether it be personal or business. If you want something, say it! If you want OUT of something, SCREAM IT! If you need soemthing,demand it! If you need me, whisper in my ear...but only once, I cannot stand repetition!! (I am truly an organized mess!)<br /><br />Merry Christmas<br />Happy Kwanzaa<br />Happy Hanukkah<br />(If I missed any other celebratory ritual, please forgive me...but make it merry and happy and don't forget the real reason for the season!)<br /><br />Yours Truly...<br /><br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-91707541620962381182008-10-29T09:50:00.005-04:002008-10-29T16:35:34.852-04:00Harvest for the WorldI must admit, I'm "sappier" than most. I often shed a tear or two during an emotional climax of a movie, at weddings(especially when the groom cries....that's love) or even when I hear a song that touches my spirit. So it should come as no surprise that when I hear of death, especially of the young and gifted, my soul weeps, my mind questions, and my heart aches.<br /><br />In the past two weeks, I have been bothered by the news of the deaths of a Mr. Federico Borjas, a full time San Diego police officer, a single father and a reservist, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan, and by Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson, and Julian King, the mother, brother, and nephew of Oscar winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson. Lives taken away for what appears to be no justifiable reason at all. Lives that i'm sure, had a lot more living in them. My seemingly endless plea for all of you to "go hard" in this life, Meaning, do everything with a zest and vigor that is unmatched by yesterday...will that plea fall on deaf ears? I pray not. <br /><br /><br />A couple of months ago, I wrote a blog, encouraging us to live life to the fullest, to make each moment count and take steps to pave a better way for the next generation. Have any of you all taken heed? The fact that I have to write THIS blog, once life is lost, is a confirmation of sorts, that this moment right here, is the only one we have. What we choose to birth in the now, is solely up to you.<br /><br />We are in the midst of a huge paradigm shift for our nation and world. In less than one week, we will have a new "head" of state, who with time, will implement a series of laws and set a new foundation for us to grow as a collective union.(Yes, i'm saying that Barack Obama has won the election and will be sworn in January 9th, 2009)<br />Yet and still, no man is a nation unto himself. What will_________(fill in the blank with your name)do to institute change? What seeds will you plant that'll bring a harvest for the world?<br /><br />I dedicate this blog to the lives of Federico Borjas, Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson,and Julian King. I dedicate this to the friend of my boy Stevie, who died a couple days ago from a brain tumor at the age of thirty. Do you know anyone gone too soon? Add their name(s) to the list. As death in this lifetime becomes them, let life also be reborn in you. <br /><br />Live Full.<br />Love Fearlessly.<br />Laugh Hard.<br />Party Harder.<br />Pray Often.<br />Forgive Daily.<br />Reach Higher.<br /><br />To see or learn more about the fallen soldier, His family has set up a webpage. www.federicoborjas.comSahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-44583691359026685582008-09-30T23:20:00.002-04:002008-10-01T00:06:39.673-04:00I do my best to write a blog once a month, and boy, am I pushing it...This fact has always fascinated me, even as a "youth": God could have made the entire world in a day. Instead, time and patience was taken into consideration, interweaving each living organism to one another to create...life. I can imagine the mind of God, the thoughts of the Most High, as It contemplated the details of each person, plant, and animal. What a shame it would have been if God was in a rush making you and I, inadvertently leaving off a leg, or giving me three arms instead of two, simply because He was in a hurry to get to the next creation! <br /><br />(OK. that is a funny visual...stop imagining me with three arms!)<br /><br />So riddle me this: WHY DO PEOPLE RUSH TO GET INVOLVED WITH ONE ANOTHER??? Why don't we take the time to find out what purpose each person serves in our life before we make them a main dish? And why, oh why, do we blame ourselves, if we meet someone who's purpose is just temporary, if it doesnt work out longterm? Look, people(especially ladies)Patience,understanding, and purpose was taken in the very fabrication of you and I,not a detail overlooked, not a trait left unexamined. Shouldn't we take the same amount of care in choosing who we let into our lives and determining their relevence in our space? If you are in a relationship(friendship or otherwise)right now, ask yourself these, or similar questions:<br /><br />1)What have they deposited into my life?<br />2)What separates them from my previous relationship(s)?<br />3)Can their presence in my life elevate me and am I elevating them to levels neither of us have been to?<br />4)IS THERE MORE PAIN THAN PLEASURE? MORE DISCOMFORT THAN DELIGHT?<br /><br />Depending on how you answer these questions, do what you have to do to elevate or eliminate these people from you space, or at bear minimum, keep them at arms length!("I'll love you from afar" comes to mind with some people)<br /><br />Trust your spirit(most of the time, we know folks are just taking up space in our life, distracting us, "filling a void" so to speak)and know that there is NO NEED to make he/she "the one" only because you all have ten things in common and happen to have the same initials!(I swear, we make all sorts of justifications) Take the time to learn yourself to know where you're going and if he/she is fit enough for the journey! You will save much energy and emotional distress. The person you're attempting to make your soulmate could simply be a soul lesson and the one you disregarded as simply "the homie" can be your angel in disguise!<br /><br />Come along with me, on this adventure called LIFE and I promise, we will make it together. Just give it a little TIME!<br /><br />Lata Gatas!!<br /><br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-74075090974078994512008-08-19T11:56:00.001-04:002008-08-19T11:56:59.833-04:00Thank you for being a friend!A friend<br /><br /><br /><br />In the deep seas of my mind, I thought about, and reeled in the finest of treasures, ones, like most rare treasures, that lay there all along, waiting to be discovered; waiting for its worth to be weighed; waiting for me to bring them to the surface for all others to see their value...These rare, precious treasures are my true friends...<br /><br /><br />Dictonary.com defines friends as a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter. I define this people by name: When I call your name, please stand up and be recognized:<br /><br />(In alphabetical order, certainly not in order of preference, for they are all preferred :)<br /><br />Aisha Lastar Hollins<br /><br />Christopher Lavon Jones, Jr<br /><br />Frederick Ross, Jr<br /><br />Kiana Nyree Welsh<br /><br />Shelli Tinae Price<br /><br />What a disgrace it would be if these treasures stayed buried, for the world not to witness their glory! Oh, what a gift they have been to me over the thirteen to twenty-seven years they have been in my life! Each one of them, created equally, but serving a slightly different purpose than the next…I truly cannot imagine how I would maintain my sanity in this crazy world without them!<br /><br />God is constantly and faithfully great to me and I’m often reminded of His greatness and love for me when I look at my friends. Angels that have occupied earth to comfort and care for me, laugh with me and lend a shoulder to cry on. Friends who, when I’m my toughest critic, reflect the greatness in me. A mirror has never looked so clear…<br /><br />I pray that in everyone’s lifetime, they are as privileged as me to encounter such seraphim, pieces of heaven on earth, which, along with God, lead you to the light at the end of the sometimes unclear, unpaved tunnel. <br /><br />I can run on longer than Slauson Avenue in Los Angeles or El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego (two seemingly never ending streets in southern California, for those unfamiliar with the wonderful West Coast!) about the greatness of these people, and those attached to them: Parents, wives, fiancées, children, etc. I can talk until I’m blue in the face, purple in the lips and red in the cheeks about how much my life has benefited from their luminous presence…but I recede for now. <br /><br />In closing, thank you, Furious Five, for being constant. Thank you, California’s finest, for opening your hearts to me and my family. In the best of times and the times when you’ve all felt like dismissing me as a friend (yes, you’ve had the thought at least once, ha-ha), yet stuck by me like irresponsible people to their excuses, or, more positively, like Jesus sticks by the truth, I thank you with these words. A small measure, yes, but a true measure indeed. Now that you all are reaching for your Kleenex, here’s to you, my dear friends:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmgL9l6VSjo<br />(cut and paste link to view)<br /><br />Peace, love, and many thanks,<br /><br /><br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-63981929540953700462008-07-30T00:25:00.004-04:002008-07-30T01:09:51.386-04:00Insomnia's a girl's best friendThe 11th commandment: "thou shall not go eight weeks without posting a blog..."<br /><br />Thank God for pardon and grace:)<br /><br />...and like the most of us, I will stumble, possibly letting another eight weeks or so pass without another entry. I aplogize in advance.<br /><br />Pushing forward, as time does, I get the most powerful unction from the spirit to write at the most "inappropriate" times...I have to be up in a couple of hours...but when the feeling is this real, I got to go with the flow.<br /><br />FREEDOM'S FREESTYLE(I'm in the cipher)<br /><br /><br />Insomnia is a friend of mine. She approaches me with purpose and intent.<br /><br />Insomnia is when The Most High communicates with me, my attention is shared by no other.<br /><br />Insomnia and I take magical rides through the inner depths of me, bringing back tresures that would otherwise go undiscovered.<br /><br />Insomnia doesn't need a drug to tame it, on the contrary, Insomnia is the drug, we fly high...<br /><br />But as with anything, too much of it can leave you in a daze, walking through the day in a haze...Thank God for Insomnia's consciousness, only calling on me when necessary.<br /><br />Insomnia has made me a bigger, stronger, more beautiful lady: Its' adventures in paradise always leave me with one to grow on...a beautiful mix of destiny and pleasure.<br /><br /><br />Insomnia told me to tell you that it's alright to be who you are when you're with her: The things that keep you up at night are meant to keep you awake in this life...<br /><br />Insomnia will come visit you soon. Make sure to wake up.<br /><br /><br /><br />Until next time, don't sleep too tight.<br /><br />Paz y Amor,<br /><br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-3442017648639164862008-05-30T01:25:00.003-04:002008-05-30T02:20:29.571-04:00Live It Up!Hey guys(and gals...please don't get politically correct, I often don't:)<br /><br />As the lovely, lovely month of May is coming to an end, along with spring, I find it unexcusable not to write, in closing.<br /><br />A lingering thought has been on the brain like George Bush's trigger finger to the war in Iraq, the plummeting economy and the non existant health care system in the Un-united states...What if this was your last moment on this earth, in a physical body??<br /><br />I can hear you now..."Sahsha, what kind of mess of a thought is that??" I can't call it, but it isn't meant to stir up a sense of morbidity, or gloom. It's more so a mental stretch...an excercise if you will, that will prayerfully help us use the remainding 90 percent of the brain that lies dormant.<br /><br />"If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take..."<br /><br /><br />If that be the case, how would our loved ones reflect on the lives we have lived? More so, how would you describe the time you had on earth? Did you use your time wisely, effectively? Did our actions positively influence others? Did we accomplish what we were brought here to accomplish? Do we even know what that is??<br /><br />Have we treated ourselves like we have the life and light of God living within? Lets make sure at the end of the day, and each day, we live it like there is no tomorrow. In essence, there isn't. All that there is, is NOW! (Disclaimer: this commentary IS NOT an excuse to live like you have no good sense. Remember, your body is a vessel for God to manifest his presence on earth...Back to your regularly scheduled program)<br /><br />So as you rise with the morning sun, give thanks for another day granted to you. Why not use it for something new! Make a small step to change something that brings you closer to your destiny. In the meatime, your step will encourage others to take steps, too. As you continue along your daily walk, make sure your smiles outweigh your frowns, your laughs topple your tears, and your words comfort fears. Always listen to the quiet voice within...its God ordering steps:)and make every moment count!Don't exist counting the moments. Begin planning for that "thing" you ALWAYS wanted to do, do not allow anyone to hurt you in the name of love, and love so much that hurt is a memory.<br /><br />In closing, i saw this while driving today and it moved me:<br /><br />"Existing is mandatory. Living is optional"<br /><br />Peace, Love, and Happy Travels,<br /><br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-13077627397938910182008-04-26T23:56:00.002-04:002008-04-27T00:21:55.806-04:00ESCAPISMIts often a perfect saturday night when i'm just sitting at home. The little guys are sleep, and i am left awake, with a little bit of idle time. Typically, i'd fall asleep with intentions of reading the bible, writing a poem, or delving into the deeper realms of self, in search of self. But not this evening. I'm awake(praise God)and in the mood to escape.<br /><br />Not so long ago, my mode of escape would be to go out. it's an especially nice, warm, tropical evening in the city of new beginnings. What a perfect evening to be out...circumstances, both physically and spiritual have allowed me to seek refuge in a place of stillness. a place call home. destination me. Surprisingly, i like it. i really like it.<br /><br />As i write the memo of early sunday morning, i have Bill Withers playing in the background. I am a true music lover and he is one of my favorites. He asked me if "we can pretend" that there is no yesterday. "Sure!", i replied. God makes no memory of our past mishaps, so why should I? "Paint a picture of tomorrow with no colors of today." For me, that means no grey skies. Just bright horizons. So I choose yellows, reds, and oranges...lively colors, arent they? Yes, my today is as bright as a comet awakening the nights sky. My present is that pinkish tone that comes as the sun sets into the infinite ocean. What an escape! <br /><br />In such a bold color scheme, i have come to realize and accept that i am not so much the same girl i used to be. The art that is evolving on this canvas called life is a woman who is subtle and simple. Not so complex. Not needing much, but a slient night, fresh water to drink, and some good music.<br /><br />I live in an escape that does not require looking back. I have broken loose from the chains of yesterday...YIPPEE! A life of more introspection than retrospection. Jubilation instead of contemplation. Spiritual intoxication over physical indulgence and alcoholic consumption. What an escape! Who would have known, who really cares?? All i do know is that i like where I am and I anticipate where I'm going to escape to next.<br /><br />Thank you all for taking the time to listen to what some might call a rambling of thoughts. I pray at least one would see is as an open door to a personal escape.<br /><br />Good night and happy travels,<br /><br />SahshaJaySahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711752292906011171.post-63680758460899440622008-04-02T23:19:00.002-04:002008-04-02T23:20:01.467-04:00WHO ARE YOU? <br /><br />Blessings to you all this fine morning.<br /><br />I hope you all intend to let the rain that is falling wash away all thoughts of who you believe yourself to be!<br /><br />Who are you?<br /><br />This simple three word question was posed to the crowd of people at a Single's conference I attended last night. Nine profound letters that stuck in my mind throughout the evening...<br /><br />How many of us are living a life based in the "psuedo" you? Most of us unsuspecting souls have been walking around wearing who we think we are as a badge of honor. Would you say you are a sum total of your experiences, a product of your environment, a perfectly divided half of Mother and Father or something much more?<br /><br />The world is changing, and so should we. In order for the world to reach its full potential, the people in the world have to live their life with a clear understanding of themselves so our planet and future generations can assume THEIR proper position.<br /><br />In Jeremaiah 1:5 God states that "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb..." with that being said, there is a divine calling for you...right here, right now! The universe needs you to "do you" in order for us all to live in harmony....Yes, my friends, we need each other to "BE"who we are, which ( i can almost guarantee) is a far greater thing than what we are in our present state.<br /><br />Love will only be achieved in knowledge of self. Yes, true love stems from true authority. True authority comes from accepting self, not accepting your experiences as SELF. <br /><br />Take the time to peel off the layers of who you think you are.Stop doing jobs others think your great at, and enter into the journey of self discovery. No one can do it for you, and no one else can substitute for the longing you have for "you".<br /><br />The world at large needs each and every one of us! YOU are significant to the world. Realize self, realize your significance. All the money in the world cannot buy the peace and contentment that come with the overstanding and acceptance of You.<br /><br />Thirty minutes ago in prayer I asked God this question. Less than one minute later, the spirit replied" I am the one who intends on breaking the chains of normalcy." Wow, i said, "that was quick!" When you knock, the doors are waiting to be opened.<br /><br />I ask one favor of you all. Please take the time after you read this to ask with sincerity WHO YOU ARE. Once you get the answer, delve into taking of the layers of who you are NOT. It is then that we can all enjoy LIFE as it was intended to be.<br /><br />CHOOSE LIFE!<br /><br />Con Mucho Paz(with a lotta peace)<br /><br />SahshaJay <br />Labels: a thought..SahshaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839851959892262904noreply@blogger.com1