family

NO PRESSURE…right?

~ Nikki's Cookies

“I can’t be nobody but me and that’s all I can be…I can’t be who you want me to be, cause homie that ain’t me.”  These are the words to an old rap song that I can’t recall the title to.  Sorry.  This tune came to me while in meditation today.  Everyday I wonder how close I am to my destiny.  And everyday I wonder if I am walking in my purpose.  I’m still figuring things out people.  But what I have learned, as I grow from day-to-day is that, I have to be me.  I may not fit in your box or circle, and it’s ok.  I’m not suppose to!  I didn’t always know this.  I’ve allotted a heap of time dedicated towards someone elses purpose.  It sounds silly, but I have cinched, squished, flipped and folded myself.  All in efforts of trying to fit the mold of others. *(family, friends, idols, etc.)  Only to realize it will NEVER work.

Here you are, the original blueprint, but would rather trade for a street-sketch artists copy.  It’s like going to the grocery store and passing up the Honey Nut Cheerios, and going for the Sweet Toasted O’s.  They may look and feel the same, but the taste is “O” so different.  Just as those cereal brands are different, so are you and I.  Everyone, the whole entire existence.  Now I have nothing against the toasted o’s, I know there’s a market for them.  I see them in every grocery store.

When I think of a grocery store, of any kind, I think of all the unique people around me.  There’s so much variety.  So much influence.  So much creativity.  WOW.  If the stores were filled with one product, or a couple of products, things wouldn’t be that amazing.  This is how I view myself.  I don’t want to be a cloned item on the shelf.  In fact, I KNOW that I’m not a clone off the shelf.  But at times I find myself looking up to highly respected individuals, in which I aspire after leading a life as theirs.  Conforming to what I see and hear them do.  Not realizing that I was in fact, still cloning myself as someone elses product and sitting on their shelf.  Who wants to be a “CHEAP COPY” of a great original?  While knowing that you are uniquely designed, your question should read:  Who wants to be a “GREAT ORIGINAL”.  It’s really all you CAN be.  Everything else is a knock-off.

REFRESHER COURSE

~ Nikki's Cookies

We all truly benefit from enrichment after (or during) an “off” season in our lives.  As adults, we tend to unawaringly (I think I just created that word) choose others over self.  Whether it be spouse, children, work or friends; they all overload “personal inventory”, YOU.  From the time I was a little girl, I had been taught by family influence that you show love, respect and sometimes honor, when you serve and give your time to others.  Now, don’t get it twisted, I know that helping one another is a part of Gods’ plan.  I believe that it’s the direct derivative of fellowship.

I understand the importance of this duty, and realize the importance of it being tied to our destiny.  I also, on the other hand believe and practice self-maintenance and upkeep.  This consists of whatever necessary things “you” do or need, in order to successfully function on a day-to-day basis.  This excludes everyone else, to be clear.  And also, note that this doesn’t include normal chores or tasks that are already a part of routine.  To give a few examples of what I mean, include:  mani/pedi appts., hair salon, even your home spa beauty regimens.  So exfoliating with your “special occasions” products doesn’t quite count.  So ensure that your scheduled indulgences don’t interfere with your desired self-maintenance reservation.  So, to continue explaining my meaning for self-maintenence; I personally suggest making a short list of Reflection.

While reflection often teaches us who and what we are, it is ultimately up to us to maintain the analytics.  We are responsible for our progress or non-progress.  Things we should consider looking at are, are we fulfilling our dreams…are we at peace in our spirits…are we getting proper rest in comparison to all that we do…are we confident…are we pushing our potential and accepting new challenges when presented with the opportunity?  Some people are so wrapped up in everyday hustle and bustle, or the monotony of home life that they never stop to consider their mental, physical, or spiritual well-being.

I applaud, adore, and respect the ambitions of the workaholic dad, or the multi-tasking mom.  There is nothing more aspiring than men and women being “about their business”, so to speak.  But not at the expense of my internal identity.  Don’t compromise your well-being by neglecting service maintenance on yourself.  Everyone is different, and services can range from a plethora of things.  Such as, meditation…finding a quiet spot to read.  You can pray or study, or even venture into a new hobby.  You may just need to reflect on areas in your life that needs change, and begin making steps towards them.  Whatever your fancy, DO IT.  And DO IT regularly.  Think of it as a refresher course for your self-enrichment!