::Sweet Review - Sweetheart Conversation Live::

If you follow me on The Twitter, you may know that almost every Sunday & Thursday evening I host #SweetheartConversation. During this chat, we discuss varying topics; mostly life, love & society related. As I always say, I feel like these conversations are necessary for the growth & understanding of a people. We live in a digital society where micro-communication is overly prevalent and no one is spending quality time talking and more important, listening.

This Sunday was my first time hosting #SweetheartConversation live in a physical setting. We had a great turnout with people from different backgrounds & point of views that was essential to the discussion.

One topic that really stood out was if monogamy is a realistic ideal or if that's something that doesn't exist for the current generation. From Sunday's discussion, there were a few views that said monogamy definitely does exist. It just depends on the maturity level of the individual & what they're willing to adhere to & contribute.

On the opposing spectrum, there was the idea that you do or believe what you saw as you were raised. How you operate within a relationship correlates directly to your upbringing. One man said he's always had "something on the side" because monogamy isn't fathomable from his own understanding.

I totally understand both sides. But I do feel if you really care for someone & want to practice monogamy, you make the choice to do so. As long as you clearly understand the definition of something you can put it into action. Sometimes I feel that people use their upbringing as a a crutch so they can continue to do what they've been doing. To blame a single parent home environment on the inability to stay faithful to one person... I don't fully believe that as a solid reason.

But of course, we are all entitled to our own opinions & ideas. I can only say how I feel and agree to disagree.

Whenever I do #SweetheartConversation, it amazes me how many different views there can be on one topic. I learn so much each time. Those varying views help me to accept the differences that make us individuals.

Stay tuned on Twitter every Sunday & Thursday for #SweetheartConversation. I hope you'll join in on the discussion.

Much love,
#AmericasTweetheart
Charrise Renee

::Sweet Uncertainty - The Question of Greatness::

The worst thing about having a dream is knowing there are going to be obstacles & people trying their damnest to deter you from it.

I've had so much clarity & discernment lately that its almost scary... And I've had the distinct ability to know when something is it into my path as a test or a road block. Keen sense of foresight, right? But, the crazy part of it all is not having the strength or the courage or the freedom to face & defeat what's stacked against you.

I'm at a crossroads. Almost a year ago, I took a leap of faith and did the unthinkable. Now, here I am: handicapped by circumstance. I know exactly my purpose and what I intend to achieve. But being back on Chicago has proven to be a gift & curse. With my return came much growth; personal & professional. At the same token, I'm now at the mercy of those who love me most. They don't see me as a young girl who has grown into a woman while away. To them, I'm still Polly, Rannie Mae, Mook, Reese-Mo, Grandmama's Lil Sweetheart...

How do you make family realize and accept your personal growth & transition into adulthood? It's like I'm lost in the translation of adolescence and womanhood; infinitely forced into neutral. 

I've lost my voice. My much-ness has been traded for the safety of realest thought.

I used to be so bold; full of action and audacity. I guess you can't have everything, right?

To whom much is given, much is required. I've prayed and asked for wisdom, discernment, discipline, faith, knowledge, determination, strength, etc... I suppose I never took into consideration how much of a load I was asking for and what would be my prerequisite in order to obtain these virtuous qualities.

It takes a strong willed & firmly grounded individual to set out on a journey of personal growth. And even stronger one to do everything they've been purposed to fulfill. In all of my progress & learning, the biggest thing I've learned is that I definitely have a long way to go from here.

The journey continues and is never easy...