Happy Friday, Mi Gente!!
Let me say that again in case you aren’t paying attention … TGIF, Y’all! BOOM! Shaka-laka- BOOM! I know you heard that!! Thanks for hanging with me!
A few blog posts ago, I addressed not stuffing your feelings. While you may not be able to respond as you might like in a situation, there is/are feelings that may arise that should NOT be stuffed. In my opinion, this “stuffing” can not only lead to mental discomfort, but the mental discomfort may manifest itself in physical ways … like cancer. If someone treats me in a manner that causes me discomfort, I will express that. If it is inappropriate to defend myself at that moment, I must find a way to “release that imprint” perhaps that was made on my spirit, if you will. Sometimes, I must engage in what is spiritual warfare where I deny the “demons” occupation of my thoughts and consequently, my feelings. I replace those thoughts and feelings with more positive thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I do this by taking a trip, making a tasty meal, or working out! I love to travel and this provides me with opportunities to generate new, more positive feelings to replace the negative ones. It’s a lifestyle for me it seems. I romanticize MY life so that I can be the best that I can be. I live on a “positive vibration”. If I encounter a situation or a person, I look for the best first. If the situation or person “disappoints” me by not living up to the expectations or “props” I had given them, I may offer an opportunity or two more. As the title of my second book suggests, “Three Strikes, You’rrre OUT!”.
I remember when I had finished college and landed my first full-time teaching job at White Plains High School. I was proud and excited. After a year or so of teaching, I wanted to get married and start a family to share my improved life. I thought, “I should marry a sister (an African American woman) from some “projects” like mine and we can all seek “the American Dream” together !?” Hmmmm …. I didn’t think that one through too well! I met a few “positive” sisters at college and grad school, but nothing nor anyone stood out for me. So, I remained single until meeting this woman who was waiting at a bus stop and was on her way home from business school in White Plains to her home in New Rochelle where I lived. Yet, I had no “personal” knowledge of her or her family … which is critically important. I picked her up and dropped her off near her home. We began to date. The rest is a brief but long story … It’s a story that I can’t stuff. I must face the reality that my reasoning for choosing this woman to marry was indeed faulty … My path forward MUST eliminate the toxicity that I’ve encountered.
So, right about now, I should be on a flight to Medellin, Colombia with a short layover in Cartagena. This is a spontaneous trip that I felt I needed for a few days! Why not treat me?!? I love to travel, learn new things, have new experiences, and SMILE!!
Peace,
John I. Cook, Director
ps. Thanks for reading!!
Educational Excellence 