Celebrating OUR History

It’s Black History Month 2010 and it seems it’s like the same old thing. Special advertising, people posting random facts, but nothing that we haven’t head before. Yes, I am grateful to Harriet Tubman for running the underground railroad. Indeed, when I had surgery I was thankful that brother Charles Drew invented the technology for blood transfusions, or else I would have possibly died!

But can we get so caught up in the few names taught in our history that we forget to learn “new history“? Take the woman to my right, I just discovered this picture and while searching for historical Black images.  I was intrigued by her appearance and her regal posture. It made me wonder who she was, and what she did during the 1900’s.  I discovered that she was a nameless, but featured picture in a photo album compiled by W.E.B. Dubois. Ha! New Black History! Most of us only know W.E.B. Dubois for his book The Souls of Black Folk!

What about making some “new history” in your life? Are you stuck reviewing the same history of past mistakes, constantly blaming yourself for what you shoulda-coulda-woulda done? Or are you the SistaGirl replaying the dvd of when you were still single, partyin’ in Cancun thinking that the fun has ended because you’re a mom/wife/lost your job?

Girl, get a grip and get a life! The best is yet to come! Create new memories by taking a dance class, or traveling to a foreign country. Make it a goal to make some “new history” for yourself, and remember to take pictures! You never know who might be Googling you in the future wanting know YOUR story, YOUR contribution to Black History.

Let’s Get It in for 2010* Complete the Task!

Happy New Year, SistaGirlz

We are taking steps into a brand new year AND a brand new decade! If you know me, you know that I am  always inspired by the change in seasons, and even more by an unchartered year. Around the last week in the year I start planning and dreaming of things I want to accomplish for the next year. Some of those dreams are recycled, I’ll admit to it. But you can’t fault a SistaGirl for dreamin’ ! Or can you?

I’ve begun to notice how I have a habit of dreaming and getting amped up about X (fill in the blank for your own X), and by the time the chill has worn off  the New York air, I am on to the next thing. It’s no secret my life has been filled with many stops and starts, sputters and kicks, with hardly any completions.  When I told my mom I was getting that I was gonna really go for my Life Coach Certification, my words were met with a skeptical “Ooookayyy, Deja”. Isn’t it the worst when you own mom knows you are “The Girl Who Cried Goal”? LOL!

Despite the critics, I am STILL pressin’ on with my goals, resolutions and ambitions! Inspired by @skinnyjeans on Twitter, I have decided to have a THEME for the YEAR in addition to my normal resolutions. This year I am striving to not only START new things, but to Complete The Task! Yes, I will be reaching back to tie up those loose ends of yesteryear’s goals and working on new things for this  year. No matter what, I will Complete The Task! What will be your theme this year? SistaGirlz let’s strut into this decade with our heads held high, hand on our hip and with steps on the path to success!

Deja

p.s. Don’t forget to Join Me January 23rd for the

Be Inspired Empowerment Series with Divas in the City!

Take Care of YOU!!!

We are approaching summer time, where lots of folks slow down the pace of their hectic lives by spending  quality time with family and taking vacations.  However, given the reality that is our current economy, many people will continue to work those extra hours for that much need extra money to pay those bills.

It’s a fact that we need our jobs to sustain ourselves, but it’s also a fact that we need to be in top condition to perform better at work and in our general life. We must take time for renewal of our spirits and minds. Not, trying to get too deep on you, SistaGirlz, but you know what I mean. Right?

Hmmm. I have a SistaGirl friend that is so wrapped up in the success of her staff, that she will hold her full bladder for an hour, in an effort to be present during important times of the day! This same woman has postponed her fibroid removal, because some members of the staff are “too new” to be left without her guidance.

While hard work is to be commended, self-inflicted suffering is downright CRAZY in this age of mass firings.  People are getting fired and released from their jobs whether or not they are ideal employees.  Corporate America will always do what’s best for their business’ bottom line.

When will you do what’s best for YOU? Take time to pamper yourself with a mani/pedi or a facial. If you’re hard up for cash, get you a couple slices of cucumber and sit outside in the shade for a moment of peace.  Get up a few minutes early to have “quiet time the Lord” as my mother says.  Meditate and read inspirational quotes.

Do something for YOU! Fill up your tank and you’ll be ready to hit life full speed ahead.

What Have You Done for Me Lately??

 

  Quick question: What have you done for me lately? Maybe I should pose it this way, “What have you done for someone OTHER THAN YOURSELF, lately? This question came to mind when I was trying to get my youth group, The Flava Unit, involved in a major soup kitchen this past weekend.

  The kids were all excited to be volunteers when they heard the organization was affiliated with the radio station, but once they realized they actually had to do work, some of them stopped coming to meetings and events.  You see, they only wanted the perks of being in the group; concert tickets, movie passes and the like.  They thought that just because they signed up they would be privy to the prize closet!

  Is that how you view life? Do you think that just because you showed up life is supposed to give you “the hook-up”?  Many of us get caught up in the entitlement loop.  We think that we are entitled to a great and easy road without having to do something in return.  That’s a dangerous trap that  constantly keeps your hands out begging , rather than up, offering assistance.

  This world works on the sow and reap program.  In other words, you get what you put in.   When you plant the seed of service you reap the benefit of making a difference. The world, your circle of friends and community are asking “What have you done for me lately?”  When was the last time you sowed a seed of kindness through volunteering? There are so many organizations and people in need of YOU.  Whatever your skill, hobby or personal mission, there will be a volunteer opportunity that suits your needs.  Lend a helping hand (I know it sounds cliche), because you have been blessed. It’s time to start asking ” What have I done for Someone else latley?”  

Oh and you know what? You get a cool prize just for volunteering:  A feeling a accomplishment in knowing that you’ve given back to the world.  Congratulations, you just planted a seed.

 

Deja Vu and Carolyn Praylow at St. Francis Xavier Mission NYC.  Carolyn has been a member of my Flava Unit Teen Community Group since 2005.  She was just accepted into Brown College in Minnesota.

For volunteer opportunities check out www.volunteermatch.org 

How’s the Weather in Your Life?

 

We’re in the month of April, and holding true to the old adage “April Showers brings May Flowers”, it has been raining almost every other day in the Northeast.  Sometimes it’s just a little sprinkle, other times there is thunder and lightening. Either way, the rainy days seem to dampen my mood and make me feel lethargic. I yearn for the bright, sunny days, even if it’s still chilly out. I’ll take the clear blue sky over grey thunderclouds any day.

             In our life’s journey, sometimes it seems like our rainy season is lasting forever.  From job loss, to medical problems, issues in our lives can make us feel as though we have our own personal thundercloud overhead.  But even in the midst of the storm, it is important to remember that “this too shall pass“.  Everything in life happens for a season.  While you are in the rainy season you can still pull out that umbrella of Spiritual Balance, good friends and plain old perseverance to shield your from the droplets.

             The weather in our lives tends to be unpredictable, sunny one day, rainy the next, but we can learn to prepare for the various seasons.  Soon we’ll be coming upon Hurricane season. Will you be ready to nail down those dreams and ambitions of yours to make sure they don’t fly away? Now is preparation time.  Get to hammering out those resumes and that new venture you’ve been thinking about. Staying one step ahead can help you stay afloat in the rainy season.

 

 You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”
-Zig Ziglar

 

  Déjà Vu

Think Green!

Hello There  SistaGirlz!

This Week I am in the mood for Spring! All over the country things are blossoming and colors are brightening up yards and scenery. While we are in the Spring mode, I figured it would be good for us to start thinking about what “being green” actually means to us. In this week’s articles you’ll find a couple of ways to focus on our environment and even save money on your grocery bill by planting a garden! Plus we’ll be talking about the latest in colorful spring fashions and more!  

Remember! Spring represents New Beginnings. What’s new in your world?

p.s. I know the video is a little grainy, but I’m still learning how to do this thing! I’m workin’ out the kinks day by day! LOL!

Welcome to SistaGirlz.com!

 

Hey SistaGirlz!  

  Welcome to the 2009 re-launch of SistaGirlz.com!  Believe me, this project is a labor of love for you! Okay, so maybe I don’t know you personally…yet, but I know we go through some of the same things! We stress about paying the bills, we laugh at stupid youtube videos, and we are always looking for love. Am I right? LOL!   Well, all of that aside, SistaGirlz.com is place for me to use my gift of gab and my passion for empowering all in one setting.  I am so excited to be able to share with you!  

I hope you like the site!  Look out for our daily updates, and if you have a suggestion, email me!   Tell your friends about SistaGirlz.com  and we can even Tweet about it on TWITTER…as a matter of fact, follow me as I get this show on the road!

To all of my Black, White, Asian, Latino and Bi-racial Butterflies....I loves ya, but SistaGirlz has got to go!

 

Deja Vu