Tranquil Trek

✌Victory Hand

Unplanned Activist

For Peace

Riding Away

Into Sunset

Broken Spirit

Worn Pieces

Life’s Lemons

Sour Expectations

Sunken Dreams

Humbly Quit

Radical Change

Necessary Means

Soul Searching

Seeking Hope

Cruising Effortlessly

For Peace

Rising Above

For Serenity

Headed West

For Relaxation

Moving Steadily

For Rest

Quiet Rehabilitation

Poverty Inspired

Challenges Aside

Women Empowered

Pride Conquered

People Died

For Peace

Chasing Sunlight

Silently Ascending

Slow Progress

Body Willing

Mind Struggling

For Peace

For Sanity

Fighting Demons

I’m Winning

The Battle

Self Motivated

Graceful Beginnings

Foot Soldier

Anti-war Agent

Mustering Strength

Maintaining Courage

For Peace

Reluctant Compromise

New Start

Fresh Outlook

Black Zealot

Much Stronger

Grateful Heart

No Longer

Looking Back

Driving Towards

Beautiful Sunrises

For Peace

*Video- Amtrak’s California Zephyr Line, from Chicago to Emeryville, California

Me Too Am Speaking

COCOA BUTTER MASK

I move with pride                    even though I hide                      the pain inside-                            I speak of shame                      not to defame                                or place blame-                        the embarrassment              was a detriment                          to my temperament-                    I didn’t choose to be a part of any movement or hash tag-      especially if the requirement meant that I’d be privy to sexual molestation-                It is with hesitation                that I proclaim            victimization-                    This is sad…                                  However, my aim                  is to lose the humiliation            that I hold inside-                        The resentment survivors carry, can vary                      from fear to anxiety-                  from depression to grief.            By standing up against abuse,  it’s a slight relief-                      Do I regret speaking up about the who touched me              that night? No-                              At the time (age 10),                    I lied and stated that                nothing was wrong                      but I cried-                            What made me think            that I could be strong enough    to say something,                      to tell my truth-                            When I did                                    I was not believed-                      It was not a reprieve                  It was a game-                              The only thing I achieved was  the name of  a liar.                      Him, he became the victim-      I tried to tell                                  that I was playing in Hell            with the devil                        with a grin-                                    He actually smiled at me            ever so gingerly                      like he was protected-                I felt neglected                          My family                                    did not help me                        My feelings were rejected-        I did not receive a hug,              a kiss or a pat                            on the forehead.                          I got yelled at instead-                Usually my mother                      coated our ills            with Cocoa Butter…                      it was better than pill-          This time, she seemed torn, confused, removed, worn.        I had nobody-                          My scars were infested              by sores                                      My skin bled with spores            of contempt.                                  I was used-                                    Even though                          years have gone by,                      therapy does not conceal            the harmful memories-                                                                        Prayer and meditation helps    to heal the clutter of emotions.  Forgiveness is key-                      I am writing my truth                to liberate me from hate.            Holding such rage in                  is not healthy-                              I pray that I can          shed some anger            towards this dead man.              I will forgive him one day-        My bruises are mine.                  Other people have died              trying to hide much pain.          I say ENOUGH!

My testament is to inspire,      to empower other people          to come forward.                        SPEAK UP!                          DON’T BE AFRAID!                      Seek assistance and put a stop  to this violent crime          before it repeats-                      It’s time to SUPPORT            each other-                                    LISTEN to one another              and mend scars                      that don’t fade-                          Let perpetrators know                their mistreatment won’t be tolerated and they will be punished!

#MeToo     #AmSpeaking            #Itriedtotell     #MyTruth

Reduce the fear                          of double victimization              by giving an objective ear        to someone in need.

Spiritual Wellness

Take a break from your hectic schedule and make time for YOU. Sit quietly in a comfortable setting and let go of outside noises. Don’t be tempted to look at or answer to any electronic devices.

We can all benefit from a mental timeout, every now and then. We need to sit still. Sleep is good, but we may only have a few minutes to meditate… to pray. Find reasons to laugh. Cry if you must release tension. Relax. Slow down. Detach from stress. Pause. Breathe deeply. Unwind. Alleviate anxiety and elevate your conciousness.

In order to thrive, we all must focus and devote attention to our own spiritual wellbeing. First, practice good habits and maintain healthy boundaries. Second, remove negative substances and toxic people from your life. Lastly, balance your thoughts, feed your body with nutrients, and do what makes your soul happy. These tools will increase your quality of life, your energy and overall physical health. Your mood will be calmer- allowing you to make rational choices. Your behavior will reflect your positive attitude and your radiant spirit will influence others. Your stamina will increase and help you to move more freely- to enjoy all the things you hope to create or conquer.

Challenge yourself to take care of YOU, first and foremost. YOU matter!