Think About it Thursdays: "You Are Who You Choose to Be"

While perusing one of my favorite fashion-related blogs Bleed for Fashion, I came across this great quote.  “You are who you choose to be”.  So often we are defined by our peers, social/economic circumstances, gender, and societal ‘norms’.  Some of us become stagnant in these molds, hesitant to step out of the box and complacent achievers of someone else’s expectations.  What if today we not only believed in every dream but accept that our dreams are attainable.  What if I told you that as of today the person you always dreamed to be, you are now her!  If you want to be fit, get moving to get fit.  If you want to be a millionaire, find ways to make and invest money to make you rich.  If you want to be the best you, break every stereotype, definition, and expectation and live like you have never lived before.

I choose to be fearless and unstoppable in order to be the best me possible.  In order to do that, I signed up today to accomplish one of my biggest “fears”…Running!!!!  I headed over to a new favorite site of mine Black Girls Run, signed up for the 9 week “Couch to 5k” training plan, bought a pace monitor, and customized Black Girls Run hoodie.  My first day of training starts Monday.  This is just another step in this year of “Doing Me!!”    

I can’t stress it enough.  Take life by the horns and make it what you want.  Smile wider, laugh louder, and love harder.  Some people will like it, some won’t, regardless of their sentiment, remind yourself that it doesn’t matter, as you are focused on “Defining INNER Victory with Attitude”. 

Before I leave I have to share a conversation I had with one of my BFFs last night.  She hit my up on BBM (my favorite method of communication sad to say) to inquire whether or not I would ever date a guy who did not go to college.  I said more than likely yes, depending on how he spent his time and where he is now.  She ended the conversation by saying, “This world we live in-so many rules and standards”.  So in my “I am woman hear me roar” tone, I responded “F**k the rules”.  I leave you with that.  Don’t let anyone define you, define yourself!

<3 Jade

Wale "The Power"

True Expression Tuesdays~ Take Me for Who I am~ Proud Woman!

Welcome DIVA Rules Family to the beginning of another week and, hopefully you are counting your blessings (as I am mine)...

Expressing ourselves is always a wonderful way to let out emotions, and beneficial for one's soul to become more at peace with yourself. For ~True Expression~  and honoring (March-Women's History month) I wanted to post my girl, The Queen of Hip-Hop/R&B  Mary J. Blige's "Take Me as I am" off her Breakthrough Album. This song evokes so much expression as a Conqueror, a Lover of Self, and as divine Woman. Take in the lyrics to this one...

~Always Be Aware...
~Always Do More than the last...
~Always Be You! (the best that is)...

Enjoy this day Family*
Peace & Blessings**

What's In Your Purse??? ~*Highlighting Rev. Natalie Stephens*~

Hey DIVA Fam!
This is the last Sunday of Black History Month, in which DIVA Rules has been spreading much LOVE throughout this month to African American women...


For this Sunday Spark post for I wanted to share some Inspiration to each and every 1 of you with highlighting Rev. Natalie Stephens! Natalie Stephens is a minister and her work focus' around Women's Ministry. She is formerly of United Methodist Church in Southern New Jersey' and is a FAB speaker! 

I had the esteemed pleasure of listening to her ministry this weekend. She was the featured presenter at a  GREAT fellowship and FUN pink/green event I attended with my Pretty Ladies. 

Purses were the theme DIVAs' --- YES---Purses.  But not the  Purses we buy and try to pose with daily but our Spiritual purses.  She used the symbolism of a Purse to compare with how we view ourselves, how we want others to view us and what's in it that tells the TRUE story; and how "ALL that GLITTERS, ain't ALWAYS gold!" Her focus was on how our outside doesn't always reflect what's inside and that we should try to remain HONEST. 

Within our purses we looked at different items that we as women normally carry, which is Keys, Checkbook, Cosmetic bag, Credit Cards, Cell phone, Hair products, Medicine, Family photos, and a Calendar. We used each of these items and examined how they define who we are, the meaning behind each of these items to us, if they affirm who we are, and how they are (or cannot be) tranquil to us as women. 

Prior to looking at these items, collectively as a group; Rev. Stephens had us do a little personal self-reflection exercise in which we had to write down any "baggage" we hold onto in our Spiritual "Purses" that we have not expressed to anyone. I LOVED this exercises for many reasons, (1)-in that it brings me closer to my personal spiritual journey, (2)-allows me to stay grounded, and (3)-I was able to put my personal "Issues" to pen/paper (I'm a visual & hands-on learner).

I am sharing with you ALL what's in my purse, being that this will lead me closer to me making Sense, Meaning, Affirmation, Reliance, and Tranquility with myself. *(Hopefully this will for you as well)*

"In My Purse"I carry".....(a)-Pessimistic Thoughts-which leads me to not appreciate the many blessings the Lord has shined upon me (b)-Lack of Trust in Myself-which leads me to weaken my self-confidence in my endeavors....Now that I've shared my "baggage" - I know what I need (which I've already been starting) to work on." 

Your Turn: What's in Your Purse...learn to do this self-reflection often to conquer the clutter in Your "Purses" (LIVES)! Enjoy this Day!

EXTRAORDINARY D.I.V.As: Celebrating Mrs. Marian Wright Edelman

“We are willing to spend the least amount of money to keep a kid at home, more to put him in a foster home and the most to institutionalize him.”.

-Marian Wright Edelman

Today we honor Mrs. Marian Wright Edelman (Born June 6, 1939), the first African American woman to practice law in Mississippi and the President and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund.  Mrs. Edelman has lived her life committed to public service and child advocacy.  As a child, her parents, particularly her father, instilled in her the importance of attaining an education and giving back to the community.  Her love for civil rights led her to Yale Law School where she attained her law degree in 1963.

Upon receiving her degree she immediately began her work in public interest law for the NAACP Legal and Defense fund first in New York and then in Mississippi.  Her work in Mississippi earned her the distinct honor of being the first African American women to practice law in the state. 

She would later move to Washington, D.C where she continued to fight for the rights or minorities and serve the underserved.   This passion and value for serving the underserved led her to the arena of child advocacy. She believed children needed the voice of adults to ensure their better interests are abided and protected and she knew, unfortunately, this was too often not the case.  In 1973, she established the Children’s Defense Fund to advocate for and serve poor, minority, and handicapped children.  Through the Children’s Defense Fund she continues to be the voice for children, publicly speaking and legislating for various initiatives that would provide better opportunities to all children especially those who need it the most.

We salute Mrs. Edelman for her foresight and dedication to the children of today and tomorrow, our hope for the future.

For more information about Marian Wright Edelman click on the links below.

http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/leadership-staff/marian-wright-edelman/

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/marianwrightedelman/p/m_w_edelman.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian_Wright_Edelman

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/marian_edelman_2.htm

<3 Jade

EXTRAORDINARY D.I.V.A's: Celebrates Ms. Faye Wattleton



“I was raised by my parents to believe that it was my obligation to help those with less than I had. Although we were materially poor, the value of my family life was that there was a sense of achievement. We were taught to believe that it was possible to succeed, and that if you didn't, you didn't quit”.

-Faye Wattleton



Today we honor Alice Faye Wattleton (July 8, 1943).  In 1978, Faye Wattleton became the first African-American and youngest President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a title she held until 1992.  During her tenure at Planned Parenthood, she mobilized and publicized the fight for women’s rights to choice thus placing the organization at the forefront of the Pro-Choice movement and leader in sex/health education and accessible health services.

Wattleton received her education at Ohio State where, in 1964, she earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in nursing.  She then received her Master of Science Degree in maternal and infant care with certification as a nurse-midwife from the illustrious Columbia University.

During her nursing career, Wattleton was exposed to the good and bad in the health field.  Her viewing of several disastrous abortions, incited her to begin advocating for women’s rights. She began this advocacy work as a teacher of nursing in which she exposed many of her students to her experiences.  Her battle took precedence upon her appointment to Planned Parenthood

After her tenure at Planned Parenthood, Ms. Wattelton co-founded the Center for Advancement of Women, an advocacy organization for women. On July 2, 2010 and after over 15 years of service, Ms. Wattleton resigned from her seat as President of the Center for Advancement of Women. Ms. Wattelton can be seen gracing the pages of many magazines including ESQUIRE and Harper’s Bazzar as well as various “Who’s Who” lists.  She currently serves on numerous non-profit boards of directors including that of her alma mater, Columbia University.

We salute Ms Wattleton for her continued work within the non-profit sector and for the advancement of women’s rights.

For more information about Faye Wattleton go to the links below.

http://fayewattleton.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faye_Wattleton

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/birthcontrol/p/faye_wattleton.htm

<3 Jade

Jackson 5 "All I Do Is Think Of You"

Boyz II Men - On Bended Knee