At her 5th grade graduation ceremony, one of Princess So Fabulous’ teachers read a portion of a poem written by Maria Shriver in her book “Just Who Will You Be?”. I can’t say I paid much attention to it. Not then.

Earlier this week, I received a newsletter that referenced Shriver’s book and this excerpt:

“I’ve learned that asking ourselves not just what we want to be, but who we want to be is important at every stage of our lives, not just when we’re starting out in the world. That’s because in a way, we’re starting out fresh in the world every single day.”

Shriver goes on to say “I will feel my way into who I am becoming.”

Shriver’s book is short - 112 pages to be exact. And I can’t say that it’s necessarily anything new, earth-shattering, or ground-breaking.

What I can say is this: I was fully open to hearing her words (’the same old same old’) in a new way.
I’m at a place in my life where I am willing and able to simply listen differently. That was the key for me.

What brought this to mind?

Tuesday, after speaking at the 37th Anniversary celebration for the Cavalier Chapter of ABWA, I was wired. W-I-R-E-D. Excited. Enthused and ready to talk some more. LOL

It wasn’t so much the feedback that I received from people — although I must admit, confirmation from them that my words resonated was good. It was the fact that I was in MY zone - operating fully from two of my core passions: WORDS (reading them, writing them, speaking them…I stopped short of “singing them”. LOL) and sharing/encouraging others.

Friday, while at work, I was so drained. Tired. At the point where I’ve had more than enough. In pain and ready to ‘get off my nail’. I was so done that every little thing — and I do mean EVERY.LITTLE.THING — pushed me closer and closer to the edge until I found myself clenching my jaw, felt the tightness in my shoulders. I wanted to scream. Literally.

As I was driving home, this loose thought came to sit on my shoulder…light as a butterfly but packing one heck of a punch to my spirit: “There are 1001 worlds of difference between the person you were on Tuesday after that speech and the person you are right now after a single day at this job.”

And there was. And it was very clear. One energized me to no end…the other drained me completely. One had me working from purpose, filled with passion. The other seemed to have no true purpose (outside of claiming a paycheck - and there’s nothing wrong with that…BUT…if there’s a way to merge the two…get paid for purpose/passion…that’s the job I want, the one for which my spirit wants to apply).

Shriver’s book ends with a list of “Ten Things I Pledge to Myself”. Things that she pledges to do/be in order to stay focused and centered on who she wants to be. It includes things like showing up as herself, using her voice to help others, finding quite time, creating a mission statement for her life. She then encourages readers to write their own pledge….but to do so in pencil because we’re all works in progress.

I don’t think there are really any accidents in life. I don’t. I think every single moment in our lives — good, bad, indifferent — serves a purpose. Hearing a portion of Shriver’s poem was no accident. Neither was receiving and/or reading the newsletter that included her excerpt. Neither was actually picking up her book.

It’s just another chapter in the evolution of me.

To your evolution…and to the person YOU will be,
*~* MsJayy *~*

Terry McMillian was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement award during Essence Magazine’s first annual ESSENCE Literary Awards. Fitting in that McMillian was the first winner of Essence’s college writing contest in 1974. Interesting in that McMillian has only written six novels.

While we all know about “Waiting to Exhale”, “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and for some of us, “Mama”, and “Disappearing Acts”, this next book is sure to garner MUCH interest.

Why? Because…it revisits the ladies of “Waiting to Exhale” 15 years later.

Yep, we get to catch up with Bernadine, Robin, Gloria, and Savannah.

So…tell me…what cha think? Excited? Can’t wait to crack the spine of this book? Gonna pass on it? Need to read an excerpt before you decide?

More importantly, what cha’ll think the ladies have been up to in the last 15 years?

I’m gonna keep my thoughts to myself.

I certainly hope they’ve stopped “Waiting to Exhale” - ya’ll know my mantra: “BREATHE”. LOL

Waiting to Read this Book,
*~* MsJayy *~*

If these pics don’t make me wanna press play on all my favorite love songs, nothing does. Mmph mmph mmph! Not one word about politics, campaigns, etc….nothing but love between a man & his wife. The realest. The most beautifulest thang in this world….

*Sigh*

THIS is my favorite picture of the Obamas….
The “Loving You is Easy Cause You’re Beautiful”

If this pic isn’t a “Shut-up and Kiss me!” moment….

Michelle: “Honey, are you listening to me? Did you hear what I said?”
Barack: “No. I’m waiting for you to finish talking so I can kiss you.”
Michelle: “I’m done.”

The “I-Gotcha-Back” Photo:

The “We’re Just Ordinary People” photo:

The “Kissing the First Lady” Photo