::Sweet Truth - Where Do Our Intentions Stand::

What are the root reasons why we deliberately do the things that we do? Sometimes truth is hard to find within the overall perspective... Or maybe it isn't.

Chrisette Michele does a great job of exemplifying her truth and making us see our own from time to time. Recently, she made a very poignant post on her blog regarding an incident at a recent award show where Rick Ross allegedly walked out of the show in response to losing an award.

"...I pray with every song I sing I'm singing from the bottom of my heart. If all we want is an award for telling our truths, then we really have no true reason. This isn’t a competition. This is a stage for self expression and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live on it. I’d sing even if nobody sang along...."

I question our generation's authenticity. Why do we portray ourselves in such ways that are inauthentic and un-genuine? Why do we thrive on ignorance and strive for recognition? Why is it that we cannot pursue our purpose; adding value to the world and lives of others? Is that not sufficient enough?

We have won before the race has even began. But I guess nowadays, the medal holds more importance than the actual race. The journey to get to the recognition. The lives that were touched along the way. Who we transitioned into because of that pursuit...

We lack values and morals... No code of ethics among ourselves. Our pursuits stem from selfish intentions. It ills me to say that I am a part of such a mass of people. I guess that's why I take it upon myself to be different. Not for the sake of the supposed "recognition" and "accolades".

There are too many instances where we as a generation judge others before judging ourselves.We take responsibility for nothing and take credit for everything. Glorifying THINGS and not being satisfied with self. We shine a light on the imperfections of others before turning the mirror on ourselves to view and correct our own faults. It seems as if we have some major generational insecurity issues, right? Another post, another day...

 WE ARE NOT PERFECT

We are uniquely made with divine purpose. These "celebrities" are just regular people who are given a broader platform to display their purpose... If they so choose. Then there are others who use said platform for selfish, self glorifying reasons. Big, fat SMH to those of them that live with those, ahem, intentions.

"I make music for the hood. To tell the story of where we come from. My music is the definition of the struggle and the hustle. I do this for those that are mute and have no voice.."


Which really means:

"I make music to tell my own story so that I'll sell records and get a grammy. Then from there I'll get even more recognition and forget about my hood."

Right? Right.

But this is more than music. This is more than the entertainment industry. This is PEOPLE and INTENTIONS in the broadest sense of the subject at hand. Where do your intentions lie and what value are you adding to this world of infinite possibility and influence?



To put it bluntly, Get Ya Sh*t Together.



And that's said with much love, as always....


C. Renee



Chrisette Michele
Photo Credit: Dion Jefferies for
Immaculate Perception Photography
Taken at The Kristol Blake Salon & Spa
Chrisette Michele Meet & Greet
11/12/10

 

::Sweet Check-In - Continuing The #BeautifulCrusade::

When you let go of FEAR and fly on FAITH, good things happen in abundance!

I alomost let them get me... I almost let them keep me away from my greatness. What THEY say and what THEY think almost had a death grip hold on me and my success. But I had to make the decision to take full control and responsibility for my own success!

I am so happy to have a strong confidence in myself and my purpose. My God-given abilities are more than enough! This past month has been OUTSTANDING and I'm making strides in the pursuit of my goals. I aspire to inspire others to move mountains and do the same.

When we live in a world of contentment and comfortability, our vision gets blurred and mediocrity becomes the norm. It took me getting out of my comfort zone COMPLETELY to see the changes that I initially envisioned for myself.

Don't get me wrong, I have had my trials and I will continue to face and overcome adverse circumstances. That's all an integral part of this #BeautifulCrusade. Going into this, I knew it'd be a challenge but there is always a great outcome in the midst of unfavorable situations. I promise ;-D

Writing this at this moment, I'm putting some things in perspective and I'm so grateful for the way things have turned out thus far....

You know what... I'm going to fast. (Random! lol)

From right now up until the day before Thanksgiving (11/24/10) I'm going to fast from meat. I'm going to do fruits, vegetables and water up until then... Yea... That's what I'll do.

Sometimes we have to step back and re-dedicate ourselves to His will for us and grow closer in spirit. I have learned so much about myself thus far. I'm so excited and eager to see what comes next.

Don't be afraid to pursue your heart's desire. What THEY say has no affect on what YOU do. You are more than capable of doing any and everything. It takes the faith of a mustard seed and confidence in what you've been divinely given.

Don't let them take that away from you...

Much Love,
C. Renee

::Sweet Friendships - Analyzing Relationships for the Sake of Sanity and Success::

What do our friendships say about who we are? Birds of a feather build nests of the same twigs, sticks and dirt together...

Looking on my current position, I'd say it's essential that I have a strong circle of friendship and support. And I will say that I have some great people backing me on my goals and dreams. They help me put things in perspective as well as keep me on my toes. These great people have gone above and beyond and I am very appreciative for their kindness in that aspect.

However, there are times when our ideals and personalities clash in ways that cannot be ignored. This is natural being that not everyone is the same. How do we preserve the core values of the friendship without letting opinions and personalties get in the way?

I've been tested a few times in the past couple weeks in situational friendships. Tested where I either don't have the same beliefs, values, or opinions as my counterparts. It gets frustrating when you're firmly committed to your goals and grounded in your ideals and, in turn, someone tries to force what they feel or believe on you. Friendships are supposed be built on a level of respect and cammraderie. What happens when those things fall apart or begin to shift?

In another aspect, I've been continually faced with the battle of being a friend to someone who isn't such a great friend to myself and others. Of course, in this light, the obvious answer would be to end the relationship correct? Or approach this situation in a non-confrontational manner. This tends to be hard when people have the tendency to be defensive or possess the inability to take constructive criticism well. It's like an inevitable tug-o-war of hearts, minds, and pride. No winner to be found amidst the three.

This all feels like I'm rambling and not making much sense... I may or may not be. Situations like these give me headaches. Mostly when I see things in mutliple friendships that I do not agree with. I do not like the person that I am becoming by choosing to continually associate with certain people and pursue friendships with empty meaning. I will say that in times like these, I tend to distance myself from everyone.

Especially now.

My goals take precedence and I'm committed to making things happen. A lot of people talk and plan about what they will do but never get around to action because the talking gets in the way.

Here is where I seperate the talkers from the doers.

::Sweet Relief - Why I Quit My Job::

What is life if you don't act on your freedom and right to make your own decisions and live life how you PURPOSELY intend to live it?

It's been so long since I've last posted but as you all know, I've been going through a transition and still transitioning. Per my previous tweets and blog posts, I was going through a trying time at my job where I was not satisfied. I felt like I was not valued as not just an employee with considerable talent but I was not valued as a person period. It's like I was easily replaceable. Who wants to feel like that?

I would go on my lunch breaks and cry in misery. My spirit felt disrupted and uneasy, deeply disliking my work environment and the owner whom I worked for. He has a lack of respect, value and consideration for people. When there's a disconnect with overall management, there's a trickle down effect in the office environment and staff. Low employee morale, lack of coworker cammraderie, ethics, etc...

For the past two months I have been contemplating my purpose. Like, really praying about what the plan for my life is and what it is that I SHOULD be doing with my time here on this Earth as opposed to just existing in this "career" where I was not happy. i also sought out counsel and advice from my closest friends as well as took it upon myself to ask questions of people in my position or working for themselves and successful. I learned from the awesome Rehema Stephens that change is hard but necessary. She also told me not to fear anything but be prepared for any and everything. Provision will be made for those who are deeply rooted in Him...

 I think what kept me from a decision for so long was fear. Fear of the unknown, instability, criticism, etc... But I had to learn that my FAITH had to be ten times bigger than my fear...

So, I quit... (Yeah, I said it.)

The day I put in my two week's notice, I had the best night's sleep EVER! I checked the mail and saw my inevitable bills and thought about the lack of funds to cover those bills, and I was ok with that. I know deep in my heart that I will be just fine. Of course, I have been and will continue to be tested on a daily basis, but that is to be expected when you take a giant leap of FAITH and fly on autopilot with no wings... It takes some audacity about yourself (Word up to Coach Jennie from the block ;-D)

Beginning on October 1st, I set out the pursuit of what I call the #BeautifulCrusade. I define that as my journey to pursue my purpose and passion. I am now a full time Social Media Marketing and Professional Services Consultant as well as motivational speaker. Best decision I could have ever made. I love what I do with all my heart and I couldn't be happier. For as long as I can remember, I have always aspired to inspire. With this #BeautifulCrusade I intend to do just that. Hmmph!

Quitting my job, I have chosen to pursue the talents which I have been so graciously given... I feel that I have been purposed to help others as well as inspire and share my story whenever I can. I know my blog is only a small look into my world and what my life is like but beyond these words on this minimalistic blog, I have plenty to tell of my 21 years here on Earth.

I call this the #BeautifulCrusade because I know it will be a journey full of new experiences, struggles, and a continuous test and growth of my Faith. The journey is always greater than the actual destination and I am so very excited.

Always choose the path for your life that you want. You don't have to just accept what you've been given. We get comfortable and accustomed to the way things are and never take the chance to change anything within our power. Make and be the change that you want to see and I PROMISE YOU, you will be better off than just settling.

I'm unsure about what's next but I am definitely ready and excited. I will continue to blog my #BeautifulCrusade along the way.