I am a teacher. Today one of my students was acting up in class and I had to discipline. Typically, I do not discipline harshly as I feel this is not conducive to the learning environment. However, today was all about respect for the class and the environment. After I disciplined the student, they said 

It made me realize. While I do want relationships with your students never get too comfortable. This is a lesson in life as well. Any relationship you may have know the boundaries, expectations, and outcomes you want. In that relationship build toward the outcomes. I guess today I realized while I want my students to like me or even think "im cool" it cant come from the sacrifice of their education. 

People tend to always come to me to vent. Be it in the work place, when I volunteer, complete strangers when I'm out and about, something draws them to me. They open up and spill their guts about various things ranging from health concerns and relationship issues to living certain lifestyles and things far more personal. Most of the time I do not respond in many words, because either I don't feel it necessary or the person venting did not ask my advice or opinion. Sometimes people just want to be heard. Sometimes they want a non-judgemental mouth to speak to. Sometimes they just want to release things they may have been holding in for far too long. This week the complaints, the rants and raves have been pouring in. I took a lesson from all of those who want me to listen and spoke to select individuals about things I am currently dealing with,and I must admit, it felt really good. An imaginary weight was lifted from my being.

Find time to close your mouth and open your eyes for someone, you could help lift their weights and spirits! 

Margaret Thatcher once said, " Plan your work for today and everyday, then work your plan." Often times people miss either one or both of these steps. You want to change or transition in life then plan what you are doing. It might not have to be microscopic planning but everyday you should be working toward a goal. After you know your goal, create a plan on how to can attain and maintain it. Having a plan is great but having the follow through is the necessary step most people miss. After planning, WORK IT! 

Advice is wonderful! From family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Advice can come in many forms. Even unsolicited advice can sometimes lead to wonderful new opportunities. There are issues when people give "advice" just to tear you down or purposefully make you believe wrong information. Sometimes you wont know it until you act on their advice. Sometimes, caution and asking for a second opinion is much needed. While there are a lot of people with good intentions, you must keep a close eye on those who want to constantly dole out bad advice. 

After about six months of bushy brows I finally went to the salon to get them done. I know, I know, six months is long over due, but I got them threaded and ugh I did not like them at all; too thin and not my shape. Aside from that mishap, I've been under a lot of stress and worry lately so I've noticed they were thinning. So sad. I like full brows. So I basically extended No-Shave November until April, and voíla, full luscious brows. My superior noticed I guess, except she went on to say "did you tan? With that hair style and your glow you lookin' a little Indian." LOL. Lady, I do not purposely tan, I'm bronze-chocolate enough and I've always worn protective styes since you've known me! It's definitely the power of a good brow, changed my whole look up! 

Sometimes we all have those moments, I wish I could have more in my life. More love, more money, more respect...whatever the case may be. Little do we often we realize we should stop and be thankful for all the things that we do have. So this weekend, even if you sit at home and do nothing or go work grueling hours, BE THANKFUL THAT YOU ARE LIVING. 

Today while volunteering I was talking to another volunteer as we worked together in the kitchen. It started with small talk, you know surface level basics what's your name, are you from here, what do you do. I told him I worked in a domestic violence transitional shelter, but my career goals consist of journalism eventually. He said he was in music and after traveling around awhile ended up here in LA. After more detail seeking questions we agreed that in both businesses it's who you know. After telling him I'm not giving up on networking and how, although I have a family member doing what I am interested in, I'm more comfortable talking to strangers who will either try to help or simply say no. It's easier for whatever reason and from my experience strangers are more willing to help than those close to me. Again, he agreed. He went on to tell me about a cousin of his who is in the journalism field and would it be okay to connect us. WOULD IT!? Of course!! See, here he just proved my point. A total stranger willing to help connect a stranger with someone in her goal career field. Such a blessing!

*I am not saying ALL strangers are dope. Remember kids don't talk to [all] strangers. Lighten up ;-)