Make Time

I haven't posted in quite a while; I've been busy taking care of some important personal matters. I found, however, over the past two months, that I've missed blog writing. It has definitely become a treasured outlet for me. Another way to express myself in a constructively.

Art is my therapy. I use poetry to express my frustrations and joys and blog writing to remind myself to be the best person I can be. And through the process of my art, I hope that I invite others to do the same. But sometimes other things take precedence. Life doesn't always allow for us to take the time to be creative. But as we continue living our lives, I believe that it is imperative that we [make] time. Make time to identify and utilize constructive outlets in our lives. Make time for the things we love - especially if they will help us become the person we wish to be.

And while we're on the topic of making time, I also believe that it is imperative to [make] time for the people in your life that mean the most to you. Even if your schedules are full and chaotic, move things around where you can so that you can spend more time with the people that bring out the best in you. I guarantee, if you invest your time in people that want you to succeed in life, your return will be more than you could have ever imagined. So while we're making time for creativity and our loved ones, remember to be bold, beautiful, genuine, considerate, encouraging, mindful, kind, inspiring, creative and well!

Love & Peace

Niki B.

Words hurt.

There's an old adage that states:

Sticks and stones will break my bones

But words will never harm me.

And as a child, I learned the nursery rhyme called "Sticks and Stones" that reads:

Sticks and stones may break my bones

But names will never hurt me.

Well, I'm here to tell you that words can hurt. People have always used words maliciously. Some people use their words to be hurtful, destructive and oppressive to others, most commonly in an effort to uplift themselves. Like most, words have hurt me throughout my life, leaving invisible but very real scars. And admittedly,  even after knowing the pain that words can cause, I have used my own words maliciously, tactlessly and uncouthly.

But please understand, the more you use your words as a weapon, the easier it becomes to continue using your words negatively. Anything that you do repeatedly has the ability to become a habit and regardless to how you have used your words to tear people down in the past, you are capable of reversing this habit. This type of behavior is learned and cyclical but we are capable of breaking the cycle. Practice tact. Understandably, you cannot  always make everyone happy with what you say and you cannot change a person's interpretation of what you've said. However, you are capable of staying mindful of how what you are saying can be perceived and how it may affect others.

Words have to power to uplift, inspire and encourage. How will you use your words today? Will you use them positively or will you use them negatively? Be not deceived, we have made no progress if we uplift ourselves while oppressing others. So let's be bold, beautiful, courageous, uplifting, encouraging and kind!

Love & Peace

Niki B.

To new beginnings...

Dear reader:

I am hopeful that the journey in which we are about to embark upon will empower us to be better human beings. But before we begin, there are a few things that I need for you to understand:

1. You are beautiful. And not just some of you - all of you. Regardless to whether you are male, female or working openly/discreetly to sort it all out. Regardless to whether you are heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, asexual, transsexual, transgender, queer and any other label you have given yourself or any label that society has given you. Regardless to your faith, political opinions, race, ethnicity, nationality and upbringing.
2. You are capable. And not just some of you - all of you. You are capable of being a good person. You are capable of being successful. You are capable of righting your wrongs. You are a capable of being loved. You are capable of loving someone. You are capable of admitting when you've messed up. You are capable of accepting praise. You are capable of learning. You are capable of being right. You are capable of giving. You are capable of achieving. You are capable of changing. You are capable of forgiving. You are capable of accomplishing. You are capable of overcoming. You are capable of loving yourself. You are capable of helping. You are capable of receiving. And you are capable of defining what all of the above looks like. 
3. You are human. And not just some of you - all of you. You are flawed and imperfect…and you are beautiful and you are capable.

Now, please don't get the wrong impression. I'm no expert on life and I don't have all the answers. I'm just familiar with some of life's ups and downs. And not unlike you, I am beautiful, capable and human. And I've tried my best to be hateful and spiteful, however, I wasn't very good at it. And despite my efforts at being completely consumed with bitterness, I discovered that I'm much better at being uplifting and encouraging. So, let's be bold, beautiful, courageous and kind!

Love & Peace

Niki B.