The Best Gifts in Life Are Free

When you reflect on life, what are the things that matter the most? Family, Friends, Love, & Memories are all free. Instances in life linger in your heart because of the way your mind remembers it made you feel. Cherish it, those things are priceless.

People often think that money makes you rich, but if you have people in your life that genuinely care about you, you're richer than you think. It's not about what someone can do for you, it's about someone enriching your spirit.

The best gift you could ever give to someone, even a complete stranger, is kindness. It could be a kind gesture, compliment, helping hand, simple hello, or words of encouragement; while it may not seem like much to you, it could make someones day.

I try to make it a point to do at least one good deed for the day. It's the little things that stand out amongst everything else. Show your loved ones you care by sending a text of appreciation, help an elder put groceries in the car, or volunteer to feed the less fortunate. We are all here to do God's work, let his light be the source of your motivation. Have a safe and productive day guys, love you all !

Shortcuts Short You

Life would be so much easier if there was a shortcut for everything, but it wouldnt be as fulfilling. What could you appreciate if you didn't travel the entire route? Where would your depth come from? Life is about overcoming obstacles and facing adversity, it builds character and makes you tough.

In school we were told: "cheaters never win", and although we couldn't see it then, it stands to be true. When you cheat, you cheat yourself. The thing about shortcuts is it's gratifying during but after the gilt sets in. You know that feeling when you haven't done your best or all you were supposed to. Overlooking details, and speeding through important information only hurts you, because it's there for a reason.

Lying resonates in the same form. To be a liar you have to be determined, alert and dedicated. Have you ever just sat and thought about a liars life? Lol it's a lot of work. The worst thing about lying is you have to keep it up; once you tell one lie you have to match that lie with another, not to mention remembering them all lol, ain't nobody got time for that !

Anything worth having won't come quick or easy; take the necessary steps to succeed and attain your dreams the right way. You will save yourself a lot of work by doing it right the first time. So remember shortcuts short you, and hard work pays off. Happy Wednesday Ryders !

A Selfish Mindset is Allowed... Every So Often

It's okay to be selfish, in fact I recommend it; And when I say selfish I mean being attentive to your needs for a change and loving yourself. Every so often you should take time for yourself and focus on your well being. It could be an hour out of everyday that you take time to do something for yourself; or it could be once a week, the beauty about it is that it's completely up to you.

With all of the stress and pressure that adulthood brings, something so simple as spending time alone... something that should be a no-brainer, is almost always put on the back burner. And for those that have kids, jobs, school, and the ever draining balancing act of juggling relationships with family, friends and significant others, there's hardly any time in the day to breathe. However, that time alone is just as essential as breathing.

Some of my favorite things to do alone is go to the nail salon for a relaxing pedicure, get a massage (there are great deals on Groupon, LivingSocial, and Halfoffdepot), go to the park, write, enjoy a glass of wine while read a good book, or just watch a movie. You don't have to do these things, but the point is to do something you enjoy to balance the chaos of life.Just as you work to maintain relationships with others, the most important one is the relationship you have with yourself. Treat yourself, you deserve it.

Another thing I recently discovered that I enjoyed was eating alone. I'd always thought people that ate alone in restaurants were so brave and liberated, and after partaking, I'm glad I did. There's something so empowering about being confident enough to sit alone and spend time with yourself. As I always like to say: Self love is the best love. Learn to enjoy your own company, you will never be disappointed.

Put 1 Foot in front of the other

And never look back ! As long as there is breath in your body, and life in your soul you are blessed. Walk into your future with tunnel vision. Change is apart of moving forward, if God wanted us to dwell in the past he would have changed the direction of our feet.

That saying: "put your best foot forward" means walking with destiny and living the life you deserve to. If you are in motion, and changing, it represents growth. And If you aren't growing you're dwindling.

At times it can be hard to get up and walk away, especially when the sense of familiarity is present; but it is essential to your well being. It's up to you to know when it's time to move on to bigger and better things. Carpe Diem ( Seize the day) by doing something out of the ordinary and see what you get in return. Have a good Monday, until next time.

It's okay to unplug

Let's face it, social media today is what crack was in the 80s. Yes, it's that toxic and addictive. There are a million ways to stay "connected" to family, friends and even strangers. It's weird when you actually think about it... 9/10 your Instagram is composed majorly of people you don't know. And to think you're exposing pictures, and locations to people you've never met, it's quite creepy.

When things get hectic and the sounds of the world are too loud, shut it off. It's okay to disconnect and regroup, in fact I recommend it for your own sanity. You spend the entire day scrolling, liking, commenting and taking screenshots...too much of anything is bad for you. Give your eyes and fingers a break and do something different like read a book, take a walk in the park or have a face-to-face conversation with a friend (crazy to think it's so rare these days that we utilize direct conversation). Social media separates and misinterprets conversations, take it old school and cut the middle man.

The world today is based around technology and the latest gadgets. People go to concerts and clubs jut to Instagram their location. Thereby bringing about the question: Are we living in the moment or just capturing it? I'll let you decide for yourself. As helpful and forward thinking modern technology as come, it hurts us because we become dependent on it and lazy. When was the last time you wrote a letter? Not a typed letter on the computer equipped with spellcheck, a handwritten letter with all it's flaws and glory? And dare I not ask about stamps and envelops lol, sad that future generations won't know the joy receiving a letter in the mail from a pen pal or loved one. If we don't use it, we lose it... simple. I challenge you to take a break, and appreciate life disconnected.

Don't worry it will all be there during and after your hiatus; Chances are you won't miss anything of importance anyway. Unplugging is about centering your energy so that you can have a more balanced life. And if you're wondering, yes I practice what I preach. Every so often I disconnect for a weeks time to gather my thoughts and focus on myself. It's therapeutic and similar to meditation in regards to thinking clearly. Give it a shot, don't think you can do a full week, try 1 or 2 days first. You're essentially weening yourself off of your addiction, it takes time.

*** #Iwannaknow

What is your favorite form of social media, and why?

Stop Self Sabotaging

How many times have you talked down to yourself this week alone? How often do you berate and belittle yourself? If the number is above 0, you've got major work to do. One thing every human being has in common with the next is the ability to be ones worst critic. It's second nature to look at yourself, see the things you don't like, and compare yourself to others; But in life you have to learn to love the things you cannot change, and work towards changing the things you can.

Self sabotaging comes in a plethora of forms:

 1. Relationships- things are going good and it feels weird so you just have to take it upon yourself to "shake things up"; It's not healthy or enriching to your life, if things are good embrace it, you deserve to experience real love.

2. Jobs- You're afraid to apply to certain jobs because you don't feel you are qualified or worthy. Apply ! You don't know what God has in store for you, your future could be right in front of you.

3. Attitude- You are constantly complaining and finding the negative in every situation and wonder why people don't want to be around you. Stop putting negative energy into the universe and see how fast your surroundings change for the better. Your attitude determines so much in your life, a negative attitude will block opportunities.

4. Opportunities- That beach trip you recently turned down could have been the best time of your life, but you're self conscience about your weight. Stop setting limitations, it will only stifle your growth and bind your happiness. And if God wanted the world to be without character he would have made us all a size 2.

5. Dreams- You don't think you're "good enough" to pursue your dreams. You think there is someone more talented, better looking, and well spoken that better fits the bill. You are more than good enough, and your talent speaks for itself. Stop letting fear hold you back and go after what you believe in; you've got a story to tell and no one can tell your success story but you.

 What is it that is holding you back? Channel that particular thing and make peace with it. The only way that you get over your fears is by addressing them directly. Not peaking in on them, asking others to check up on them, but actually looking each fear in the face. You have the talent, you just have to believe in it. Trust your instincts and they will return the favor.

Today is the day that you let go of all the things that have stopped you from being great. Don't waste another minute feeling sorry for yourself and your circumstances, do something about it ! Self conscience about your weight? eat healthier and exercise. Want a better job, go after what you know you deserve. Want a drama free relationship? Stop picking the wrong people, or in contrast, stop sabotaging good things. We are not able to change all flaws, but the ones we can should be altered in the most delicate of manners. Have a great day guys !

It's never a right time to say goodbye

This has been an amazing journey but I've decided to end it here. There are a lot of technical things that aren't working well, and in doing so, hindering my creativity. This blog has been a wonderful platform and starting point for me; Maybe I will start anew one day but as of now I'm throwing in the towel.

April Fools !

I know some of y'all are mad at me but I couldn't miss the opportunity to get you guys lol. The blog will be here as long as I have breath in my body. This is my baby but this is collectively our journey together. I can't wait to look back at this post 4 or 5 years from now and see the growth.

With every milestone this blog acquires I want to share it with you all because without you this blog would be nothing. Yes they are my words and ideas, but if no one received/read what I had to say it would be pointless.

I guess what I am trying to say is thank you. Thank you for inviting me into your homes, cars, work, and most importantly hearts. I will never take for granted the page views and comments you all contribute. I appreciate you taking time out of your day to read what I have to say. Thank you for being a watchful eye, listening ear and confidant. Until next time... I love you !