Lessons of Life's Recession....

Everybody knows that we are in one of the worst recessions since the 1980s, with 8% of Americans out of work, and 13% of African Americans without jobs. Not to mention those of us who are losing homes, businesses, having hours cut at work, or just having to stretch our funds even further than usual. It seems like every time you turn on the tv, it's more bad news. But through it all, even though times are very tough, I think some profound life lessons are being learned. Unfortunately, that aspect isn't being given as much attention in the media as statistics, finance-related suicides, etc.
Recently Iyanla Vanzant spoke at this year's annual State of the Black Union (I wish I could find a youtube clip of this, but there isn't one) and spoke some very powerful words about her own experience. In a talk about finance, she bravely told the audience that she herself had recently lost her home to foreclosure. She went on to say that although the experience was painful, it lead her to take a look at her life, and see areas "where I was wobbly and wishy-washy, and needed more strength". She also said that this experience made her much more appreciative of all that she did have. She focused on being thankful for her beautiful grandchildren, a healthy body and mind.
Her words really got me thinking about what lessons I've learned from these times. For me personally, I've always done everything fast. I was all for instant gratification, whether it was a job, a painting, or a move I was making. Everything was now. And if things didn't happen fast enough, I was on to the next thing. Abundance of resources and opportunities made this possible. It also meant I was able to take a lot of opportunities for granted and not see anything through to the end. So the lesson I was forced to learn was to SLOW DOWN. Everything that used to open up for me rapidly now moves at a snail's pace. I had to learn to let go and breathe, and be still and grounded within myself and wait for things to unfold. And within that time and space, I've begun to appreciate all I've overlooked. I've begun to put more time and effort into what I do. And when I'm frustrated and things just will not move, I've learned to appreciate all the little things that will: Brand new spring blossoms, baby calves learning to stand, turtles sunning themselves on a rock down in the creek. I'm beginning to connect more with what's real and true on this earth.

What I have learned is...
1. That my health is my wealth.
2. Living simple is not just about de-cluttering the home, but also the mind first.
3. It is time to be super resourceful and creative in how money is made.
4. It is testing my confidence as I have found out that I am attached to material concepts/ideas that have been driving me, but which are also harmful to who I am. I need to completely unattached to material in order to re-evaluate and move forward.
5. My family are a huge support, I appreciate that SO much now.
6. More than ever, I need to break out of any limitations that I have placed on my Self. Think BIGger!

So what I'd like to know from all of you is, have these tough economic times taught you any life lessons? Revealed a strength? Changed the way you look at things?

Self Stimulation...

FOR U... I WILL DO
WHAT IS NEEDED TO PROCEED WHT A LIFE OF
ETERNAL BLISS
IN LOVES FORTRESS
BECAUSE I DO.... REALLY MISS U AND
SOMEDAY WISH TO KISS U
I HAVE BEEN
REJUVENATED
ELATED
STIMULATED
BY HOW WE'VE RECREATED
THE TERM FORMULATED
TO VERBALIZE
THE LOOK IN MY EYES
IT EXPRESSES
MY THOUGHT PROCESSES
NOW HOW IS IT THAT?
WITH THIS STATE OF VULNERABILITY
I POSSESS NO HUMILITY
I DO NOT KNOW...
WHY IS IT SO?
LIKE MICHAEL SAID
I.NEVA.CANNNNNN.SAY.GOODBYE
EVEN WHEN THE CONVERSATION MUST DIE
IN ORDER TO BRING ORDER
TO THE REALISTIC MUNDANE
STRAIN
.....KNOWN AS LIFE
BUT

DESPITE ITS MANY COMPLEXITIES
WELP
WHTOUT IT,
WHERE WUD I BE?
POSSIBLY LEFT WHT THE INABILITY
TO FATHOM A YOU N ME
SO WHAT IS THIS??
WHAT WORD COULD EXPLAIN IT?
WHAT ARE WE???
HOW DO WE DEFINE OUR UNANIMITY??
.... I DO NOT KNOW YET...
I DONT NEED TO KNOW...
BECAUSE IT DOESNT NEED TO BE DEFINED
ONLY FELT AND EXPERIENCED

BUT.... SHIT...

I LIKE IT SO
I WONT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT IT CUZ

DAMN IT IM EXCITED!!!!!!

lol

Jump in and do it! | Mahogany Butterfly.com

Jump in and do it! | Mahogany Butterfly.com

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inspired.

He heals me...he knows the real me.

and he accepts me....he'll never hurt me.

He heals.

Thoughts...

Some daysI could become birdsong.
Like the thing that unwinds
The morning from the night
And sings the tilt
Toward evening back again.
I could be desire
That takes shape inside breast
Pitched out in voice
Harmonious and sweet
Like syrup…
Some days,
I know how planets feel
When they know they’re about to die
The way stars ache
Before falling into themselves…
Some days,
I feel like something beautiful
Dissident almost,
Like the arc of his stance
Like movement under sheets
Invigorating like a silhouette
Against the paned glass,
Stilled in both body and thought.
Some days,
I long for some
Poetic astonishment
Of human understanding
In the line of his back.
When eyes open…
Finally,
Feels like reading aged pages
Of a thousand books;
Fairy tales and politics alike
And I believed every word.
Some days,
My wild expressions
Express something other than
Love or hate;
A morbid sense of duty, maybe
Some days,
I have a look so real
You could build it.

(Self) Love in the Fast(ing) Lane

Considering a fast or cleanse to rev up your energy levels, release stored junk in your trunk, disarm your inner warrior of its angry liver complex? Consider this as well. The potency of a good cleanse is well-worth the investment, time and self love you put into it. That’s right, I said self love!

It’s the best of times and the worst of times, cleansing and fasting. It’s the best because you become extra discerning of what substances you take into your inner temple, your body, and it can be the worst of times, albeit momentarily, because the power of a true cleanse not only moves residue out of your intestines, it removes obstacles out of your life! And that means people, habits and thoughts that aren’t serving you. Fasting can be as simple as taking a day each week to enjoy only freshly prepared live juices. I recommend ones that are low in sugar and high on flavor, like spinach, green apple, celery, cucumber and lemon. Or give your body a rest from digesting by slurping up live young coconut water. Cleansing your insides is a process to systematically remove and release toxic build up out of your liver, gallbladder, intestines and other organs. Best to go well-prepared with excellent support and supplies that include fasting essentials to renew, rebuild and regenerate.

The energy, clarity, and vitality you’ll gain make this experiment a grand one. And be aware of your disposition before you start your routine.Take the time to prepare an environment for yourself that welcomes you to release, relax, and renew yourself. Talk about your desires with people who share your living space and with those in your intimate circles so that you are supported and then, prepare to flush the outdated blueprints of self and relationship down the composting toilet!

Your Health is Your Wealth!

"Butta-fly"