Pop: 🎶Meeeerrry Chriiiistmaaas!🎶 (Singing it to me. By the way, Pop is an amazing singer just like my Aunt Vilma.).

Me: Merry Christmas Pop. (We talked about what was on deck for the day.)

Pop: Oh, nice card. What’s that a peacock? (Speaking of the Christmas card I sent.) 

Me: It’s a partridge. Like a partridge in a pear tree. (The card has a beautiful and colorful partridge on the front cover. When in the store I made the same mistake calling it a peacock.).

Pop: Oh, that’s what they look like. (we both laugh)

Pop: I went to church last night.

Me: Oh, yeah. Cool. (Thinking he went out to attend church.).

Pop: It was right here. I watched mass from Rome on television. (I think that’s where he said the service took place.)

Me: (Laughing because he got me.)

Pop: I also had a sip of whiskey. I hope that wasn’t blasphemous.

Me: I’m sure it wasn’t.

Pop: Yeah, I don’t think so.

Pop: Okay. Have a good day. BeDoLove! (Pop made me smile big with that one.)

Me: HA!!! BeDoLove! You too Pop. Merry Christmas.

Pop: Be safe.

Me: You too Pop. Love you.

Pop: Love!

Merry Christmas and Loving Holidays all. Wishing you and your family a beautiful, colorful, vibrant, wonderful YOU, day, and rest of the year. And, as Pop said #BeDoLove! Oh, 🎶And, a partridge in a pear treeeee…🎶 Peace! Love! Joy!

You can follow me at:

http://www.BeDoLove.com

BeDoLove – Facebook

@BeDoLoveGo – Instagram & Twitter

First, someone needs you today. And, that someone could be YOU! The reason for the season is thought of to be a time where love and fellowshipping is overflowing through households throughout the world. The scent of pine, cinnamon, Nat King Cole’s soothing voice swirling through each room 🎶Chestnuuuuts roasting on an open fire…🎶, family and friend’s gathering and sharing in their unique cultural traditions, drunk Aunt Bunny with the mustache falling down the stairs and “now that’s a fire” Uncle Gus (pure dopeness Eddie Murphy genius and hilarity https://youtu.be/8yOWjkAxrwE), or a wonderful vacation with your sweetheart all can create such a familiar, loving, affirming, and comforting feeling.

However, “The Holiday Blues” are real and are something fierce and can be quite debilitating. Unfortunately, for many the reason for the season is lost and can create much loneliness and emptiness. Disconnected families. Financial hardships. Childless households. Living in shame. Fearful. Health issues. Unfulfilled relationships. Broken Hearts. Grieving the Loss of Loved Ones. These situations and many others are magnified during this time of year. Which is crazy because this should be a time a year when we should be oozing good love feelings.

Trust and believe there is a loved one, coworker, the barista you see every day that needs you RIGHT NOW. People are very clever at masking (sending out their representative). But, if you tune in you can identify them. These are beautiful beings that if nothing else they need to hear your comforting voice. They need to hear I love you. They are craving to be touched and comforted with a loving hug. How a good laugh could fill their heart and spirit if only for a much needed moment motivating them to rise out of bed and get a nourishing bite to eat. A lost soul that needs to know that they are enough and that they are going to be all right. Someone that would appreciate a Christmas Eve or Day church service and/or breakfast/dinner invitation. Someone you can offer to bring a plate to and sit with them for a moment. Someone that just needs loving and not preaching. Someone that just needs to share their story with no judgement. I can go on, but I think you get my point.

And, if you are one that is going through it, just know you don’t have to be alone. You don’t have to feel shame. Trust someone. Let someone know what you are going through. Because, trust I know the feeling all too well. And, I am so grateful and I thank God and my angels for friends and family who know me well enough to know when I’m a bit off and therefore they proceed with love, care, compassion, and kindness towards me. Who then inspires and move me to shift out of my ish and then do the same for others. I am also grateful for those moments when I’m able to push through it and motivate myself to get off my ass and just BeDoLove. 

Well, hopefully this message will inspire you too to pause a moment from the hustle and bustle of shopping and whatever pre-Christmas ritual you do and think about what really matters. And, that’s the uplifting and loving of the human spirit. Someone out there needs you and deserves to be loved up on. And, someone is waiting for your call so they can be there for you. STOP what you’re doing. LISTEN for where you’re needed/who you can call. And, LOVE them/allow LOVE. Oh, the trajectory of change and a big exhale this can create in the Universe when we all BeDoLove. I love you. Be safe. And, Merry Christmas and here’s to a Happy & Fulfilling New Year! Now someone go check on Aunt Bunny with the mustache who fell down the stairs and Uncle Gus (Although they are probably the happiest people in the house right about now.). Peace, Joy, and Love!  #BeDoLove  #FindYourZen  #AllRoadsLeadToMentalHealth

PS: For how I’m affected during this time and helpful tips for you and on how to help others, click on this link of a previous blog post of mine. 

https://bedolove.com/2016/12/21/less-holiday-funk-and-more-holiday-joy/. Oh, and I did a radio show on it too. Had a therapist too to make it legit. 🎶I know you heard me on the radio. Truuuee!🎶 http://archive.wpfwfm.org/mp3/wpfw_161129_140001lmpab.mp3

You can also follow me at:

BeDoLove – Facebook

@BeDoLoveGo -Instagram & Twitter

I am not immune to the challenges faced as we walk this thing called life. A few weeks ago I experienced the wonderful blessing of turning 50. And, I produced and hosted my first solo radio show on WPFW-FM’s Inside Out Radio (Please listen to or share my coping with the holiday blues show by clicking on this link. http://archive.wpfwfm.org/mp3/wpfw_161129_140001lmpab.mp3). However, as much as this should be a celebratory time for me, there has also been much angst (I have hives to prove it.) for various reasons.  Of course my pondering 50 and what that means and where I am and not today. The many illnesses and deaths occurring within my friend circles and around this world have led to a heavy heart. Disconnect with some of my intimate relationships forms a void. The state of our world and the recent election process creates fear and uncertainty. Not only navigating my personal life, but also working through my professional duties. Ultimately, dealing with trials and tribulations during the holidays can take the funky funks to another level.

We often lose sight of the reason for the season. The holidays are supposed to be a time of good cheer, joy, sharing, and one we look forward to as a way of connecting with family and friends. However, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of adults say they are affected by the “holiday blues,” and nearly a quarter say they are affected “a lot” by feelings of sadness, loneliness, isolation, anxiety, frustration, or a sense of loss. For older adults, these feelings can contribute to ongoing depression, which affects up to 13.5% of seniors who require regular assistance or home health care, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  And, those in the LGBTQ community face undesirable experiences which include strained or none existent family relationships and judgments, or not being able to be one’s true self all in the name of being accepted and included. Combined with deaths, relationship breakups, work related end of year deadlines, holiday commercialization, how the media portrays the perfect family which really does not exist, seasonal affective disorder (SAD)/winter depression, and financial constraints, these can be additional burdens placed on each and every one of our already potential heavy hearts.

For my radio show, I invited Dr. Diane Kern (Local DC psychologist practicing for over 20 years.) to discuss the holiday funky funk with respect to the LGBTQ community and the community as a whole as this is a universal topic we all can learn, cope, and heal from. Her approach to therapy involves empowering persons to better understand themselves and acquire the tools to heal and make desired life changes, utilizing a combination of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapeutic orientations in her practice. Dr. Kern’s expressed knowledge and expertise during the show was extremely insightful and valuable as she fielded questions such as:

• What are the signs for one to pick up on if themselves or a loved one is going through the holiday blues? How can we help them or ourselves?
• How can one not included in family events (forced or choice), create their own meaningful and loving experiences during the holidays?
• If we must attend family functions where one knows they are going to encounter someone(s) who will trigger feelings such as anxiety, what coping mechanisms should be tapped in to?
• The holidays are so family focused. What are suggestions for relieving the LGBTQ community of the void and pain (i.e., no children, ostracized) the holidays present?
• If someone is out to their family and desires to engage, how can they navigate interactions if family members haven’t quite warmed up to the news or aren’t accepting at all?

Below are my biggest takeaways for navigating the holiday season. This includes tips to help keep life in perspective on what is most important today and beyond the holidays:

1. As my man, Ron “MF” Davis would often simply yet profoundly impart, “What you
   

   RIP Ron “MF” Davis, Master Coach, Master Friend, and Master Spirit!!!

   fear you create.” If you fear the holidays and think of them as the worst time of the year. Guess what?  They will be the worst time of the year. You have the power to create the holiday season that’s fun and uplifting for you and those you choose to share this time with.

2. Know the difference between being with self and isolating. Please don’t isolate yourself. Push through the funk and reach out to trusted loved ones, chosen those you can be most vulnerable and let your hair down with. Chosen those who may be going through a similar situation and you can support each other. Build your own communities, families, or tribes.  And, create new traditions with them.
3. You don’t have to accept every invitation. It’s okay to respectfully decline an invitation if the yes will expose you to pain, fatigue, break your pocket, tempts you to partake or overindulge in unhealthy acts (i.e., alcohol), or you just don’t feel like it.  Opt for creating experiences with yourself and with a healthy and like-minded tribe.
4. Not everyone has a loving and connected traditional family unit. Not everyone is emotionally sound during the holidays. Don’t assume everyone is in the feel-good spirit. Don’t assume everyone has something to do or somewhere to go for the holidays. Check on your people. Extend an invitation. The perception of a social butterfly might just be that. Folks are hurting and grieving out there for so many reasons. Be a gift to someone.
5. We can’t do it by ourselves. You don’t have to walk this road alone. You must look at asking for help as a positive and not as a stigma or burden, especially when you’ve moved from sadness to depression. Also, we must be the “no judgment zone” and stop judging or having people think they are crazy because they want to seek help.a.
   • We must understand mental health is real and treatable. This help can come from a trusted loved one, therapist (seek recommendations, search your health insurance list, visit your local mental health websites), support group, church or other spiritual outlets, or mental/suicide hotlines (800-273-8255).
   • Commit to forgiving your broken spirit and forgiving others.
   • Grieve and heal. It’s very healthy to take the time to grieve when dealing with loss.  Loss of a loved one.  Loss of the ending of a relationship.  Even the loss of a job.  Don’t try to sweep the emotions under the rug because they will continue to surface in triggering and unhealthy ways.  It can be as simple as acknowledging the pain and talking it through.
6. Incorporate a regularly scheduled spiritual practice to center yourself from the commercialization of the holidays.
   • Attend church. Pray. Meditate. Journal. Or even create an altar to honor loved ones who have passed.
   • Be creative. There is so much healing in exercising one’s creativity muscles. Do something you love.  Read, go dancing, tap into the kid in you with an adult coloring book, cook, bake holiday treats… Take time out of your daily rituals to do what you truly love.
   • Lighten up. Be kind to you by lightening up on yourself and others.  Stop being so serious.  Take time to laugh, sing, and dance.  Even if that laughing is at yourself.
   • Take care of your temple. Exercise, do yoga, balance out the big meals with lighter and healthier ones… Movement does a body and spirit wonders.
   • Remove yourself from your everyday environment. Travel. Take a day trip. Go to a museum or concert. Hike. Be sure to get some sun, especially because of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)/winter depression. Allow yourself time to breathe, exhale, and rejuvenate outside of your normal.
7. Share your gifts/talents, help someone or volunteer. By sharing your gifts/talents or helping others you provide meaning to this time of year and take the focus off of you.
8. Do not overextend yourself financially by purchasing gifts you cannot afford. You are not an awful person if you’re not out there purchasing the “it” items. Set a budget and stick to it. Sharing your gifts and talents is also appropriate here.
9. If you are in the LGBTQ community or have a loved one who is:
   • Coming out during the holidays is not a good idea.
   • Be an ally for them at family functions.
   • All the above and below tips.
10. Please be extra mindful of our elders. Because of changes in lifestyle, loss, and illness, the holidays can also be a difficult time for them.
11. I repeat, do not isolate yourself.
12. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Everyone, everything, and especially yourself! And, declaring love doesn’t mean you have to do something with or for someone. It’s just declaring a state of mind, heart, and being.

The bottom line is the holidays should be a time of peace, joy, and love. Whether you’re going through it or overjoyed, we must do our part to make sure our loved ones are included in the reason for the season.  Even, if it means saving yourself with an all-knowing that you are enough. It’s the BeDoLove way. Wishing you Peace, Joy, and Love! And, here’s to an amazing 2017. Namaste.  #BeDoLove  #FindYourZen  #AllRoadsLeadToMentalHealth

Catch my Inside Out Radio shows I have participated in at:

• November 29, 2016 – Less Holiday Funk and More Holiday Joy – Solo Show – http://archive.wpfwfm.org/mp3/wpfw_161129_140001lmpab.mp3
• November 8, 2016 – Election Day Coverage – Panel Show – http://archive.wpfwfm.org/mp3/wpfw_161108_140001lmpab.mp3
• August 30, 2016 – Various Topics – Panel Show – http://archive.wpfwfm.org/mp3/wpfw_160830_140000lmpab.mp3

To learn more about Dr. Kern’s holiday workshops and other mental health services:
Dr. Diane Kern, Ph.D.
Therapist, Life Coach, and Consultant
Creator of “Happy and Healthy U” Mental Wellness Workshops
“Loving Life and Living Well”
dr.dianekern@yahoo.com
Voice Mail: (202) 928-1522
http://www.HappyandHealthyU.com

The greatest lesson Craig Sager provided is care not what others may think of you. Do YOU in all of your outrageous, colorful, creative, lively, vibrant, and loving way. Many may not understand as they are color blind to the way your light shines. Still wrestling with the childhood woes of stolen or broken 64 count crayons of not being enough. They may ridicule and laugh at you. Even those who may matter most to you. So what?!?! Your essence is not for everyone. Your off the beaten path may not be another’s. You may like paisley and they prefer solids or vice versa. It’s only up to you and those who are inspired and blessed to get YOU, while also exploring and learning themselves. Not that we get to judge the naysayers. Not that others don’t matter. We all do. May be they have to be fed not by you, but another path or being.

So lovelies, today and ALWAYS, breathe life into your essence. Breathe life into YOUR SOULfull purpose. Be FUN! Be COURAGEOUS! Be PASSIONATE! Be YOU! BeDoLove! And, thank you Craig for teaching us this and many other lessons of triumph and grace. Thank you for being you. You definitely LIVED in a fun, graceful, and colorful style and fashion. May you Rest In Peace.

Lovelies what will your legacy be? It begins with LIVING OUT LOUD the #BeDoLove way! Namaste! Peace! Joy! Love! #FindYourZen #BeDoLoveYourSOULfullPurpose #WeNeedYouToSurvive #SweetSpot
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Sager

Craig Sager’s Inspiring Espys Speech: https://youtu.be/6PKY_fmmN9g

Two very nice tribute videos:

-https://youtu.be/hSiQQRhlKAc

-http://sports.yahoo.com/video/remembering-unmatchable-craig-sager-203123187.html

He helped save Dennis Rodman: https://www.google.com/amp/www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/ct-dennis-rodman-craig-sager-tribute-20161216-story,amp.html?client=safari

So you’re doing housework or looking for something and you’ve come across a brunch of unused gift cards and heavens gates proceeds to open up because you’ve hit the serendipitous jackpot. You’re all excited and you call the number on the back of the card to investigate the balance. Or worse, you make a field trip to the store to purchase something you’ve been salivating for. You’re ringed up at the register, swipe your gift card, and you get the shaming “I’m sorry mame/sir you’re an imbecile because you’ve just wasted free money someone spent their hard earned money on”. Then the same rush of emotions comes over you similar to when your credit or debit card has previously been denied. You in turn want to punch the cashier in the throat as a line of 20 other impatient late gift card shoppers are breathing down your neck and rolling their eyes. Or, you want to cuss out Bank of America when you call them to find out what’s going on because they got you looking like you’re a broke… (Kathryn has now been triggered by past events. Breathe, Kathryn.)

Did you know $1.0 Billion was wasted last year as a result of gift cards not being used based on their specified terms and conditions or used at all? You know companies are banking on this right? Yep, we buy gift cards as no stress presents and then they don’t get used. We forget we have them. We don’t read the fine print. Meaning, if gift cards are not used within a specified time (sometimes 30 or 90 days) the value decreases and continues to decrease.

Trust, I’ve been on both sides. I’m down to the wire to get gifts and I roll into the oh so convenient neighborhood supermarket or drug store. I am blessed by the endless carousels of colorful gift cards (Oooohhh! Ahhhhh! Humph… Bass Pro Shops… Cooooool!) to choose from. Or, I’ve been gifted with gift cards and during one of my big cleans or as I’m tearing up my place looking for the bonus check I forgot about, I come across a bunch of gift cards and I’m like YAAAAAAAYYYY!!! And, I literally do a happy gift cards dance. But, then I have a WTH moment when I realize the value has been cut in half or there is no money to use. Yeah, I’m that imbecile.

With this all in mind, I thought I’d share some helpful tips for the givers and receivers in da house.

For those too lazy to purchase an actual thoughtful gift:

• Understand this form of gift giving is a risk, because the card may never be used. It’s riskier than re-gifting that bag used to store cosmetics or the electric hand warmer. 
• Read the fine print on gift cards. Avoid buying cards with short lived terms.
• Avoid buying debit card type gift cards. They usually have the worst terms. 
• Buy directly from the retailer. They are more trusted. And, usually their cards maintain the full value with no deadlines to use by.
• Set reminders so you can remind the recipients to use the darn thing. Someone may think this tacky, but that’s hard earned money. And, plus we do forget and could appreciate the reminder. You don’t have to flat out ask. But, it could be a gentle (yet passively aggressive) reminder such as “Hey, what cool and funky item did you get with the Bass Pro Shop gift card.” And, they get flush red with shame and reply “Oh?!?! That?!?!…” And, you get all pissed off because it’s three months later and you’re still up to your eyeballs in debt from buying all those swinging carousel colorful gift cards. “You get a gift card. You get a gift card.” (In my Oprah voice.) Maybe, I should rethink this particular tip.
• Be creative and thoughtful by purchasing an actual gift for that someone special. That is, unless you’re a lousy gift giver. Or you’re absolutely sure they LOOOOVVVEEE Bass Pro Shops and would love to purchase one of those orange jumpsuits to hunt in and that will blend well with the fall foliage. My wish gift even though I don’t hunt. Ijs.

For the ungrateful, your money and unthoughtful lazy gesture means nothing to me receivers:

• USE THE GIFT CARD SOMEONE SPENT THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY TO GET YOU! It’s the least you can do as they are now up to their eyeballs in debt because of you. 
• Read (don’t ADHD skim) the fine print. Know the terms of the gift card to avoid not benefiting from the full value. Or lose out being able to use it at all.
• To avoid forgetting or if you’re saving up for a rainy day, set a calendar reminder. Make a note of the terms and deadline for the full value.
• AND, USE THE GIFT CARD SOMEONE SPENT THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY TO GET YOU!

Enjoy the holidays lovelies with peace, love, and joy. And, remember a thank you card (the one you actually mail) goes a long way to making someone’s day. Oh, and please shop responsibly. Peace! Love! Joy! #BeDoLove

I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING! I am LOVABLE! I am LOVE! I am LOVING!

BELIEVE it. FEEL it. Look at yourself adoringly in the mirror and repeat as often as required, because you most certainly are. I know it’s emotionally challenging for many at this time. I/we love YOU and need YOU to SURVIVE, THRIVE, and LIVE and BREATHE your SOULfull purpose! That goes for me too, as I am not exempt. Namaste. #BeDoLove #RebirthTo50 #FindYourZen #BeDoLoveYourSOULfullPurpose

You ever wear something that makes you feel wonderful, swaggalicious, and full of love?

Immediately when lovelies don their selection you’ll be instantly filled with the pure love and purpose of BeDoLove. You love more. No road rage. You walk lighter. You cuss, suck your teeth, and roll your eyes less. You forgive them and you. The world conspires in your favor with love and fun. You sleep soundly. I’m not playing. The many BeDoLovelies will tell you. Trust, they are like instant magic shifters when worn. 😉

Email me and provide me with type of apparel, color, and size desired (sizes may be limited). And, I’ll provide a link for payment. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you and your loved ones to have a swaggalicious BeDoLove Holiday Season. Love! #BeDoLove #FindYourZenPlace #HealingEqualsFreedom ItWillChangeYourLife Don’tBeTheOneLeftOut BirthingTheWhisper

For Thanksgiving, I got to work my magic in the kitchen. Being led by spirit to spend a nice and chill time in the comfort of my home. Which followed by me going all out. I prepared by Curried Butternut Squash Soup (among other things). I usually top it with prosciutto. This time I got real funky with it and topped it with sautéed crab and apples. Which was a hit. Oh yeah!

I also prepared a “Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole”, “Sausage, Apple, Cranberry Stuffing” (I made this for the first time.), “Cornish Hen w/Honey Chipotle Rub”, and “Spinach w/Golden Raisins & Pine Nuts”. And, a couple of friends were gracious enough to prepare the Macaroni and Cheese and the obligatory Sweet Potato Pie. I am about to get acquainted with the day after leftovers in 5.4…

Today I am grateful for breath and life. I’m grateful for the culinary magic I’ve been gifted with. This gift provides me with the magic of expression of love, uniqueness, creativity, and healing. I am grateful for the ability to share this gift with loved ones who get to delight in the love and YUMMYLICIOUSNESS. I love and am blessed to be able to share my culinary treats which are prepared and served as comforting and edible medicines enriched with the savory and sweet textures of love, fun, happiness, and joy. I am grateful for these skillful hands of mine and my five senses that work together to make the magic happen.

Remember to take time out of your normal daily rituals to partake in those things big or small that tap into your creativity. Those things that can bring much joy and pride to your spirit. And, can also inspire and bring joy to others. Peace! #BeDoLove #BeDoLoveCREATE FindYourZen #ICookToHealDelightAndWriteAboutIt

First, shout out to my beloved Howard University’s own Michelle Miller who conducted a wonderful interview this morning on “CBS Sunday Morning” with Trevor Noah of “The Daily Show.” Bison always show up and show out. Michelle we (especially the School of C.) love and appreciate you and your work. HUUUUUUU…!!!

Two of my favorite Sunday morning shows are “CBS Sunday Morning” and Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday” on OWN. To be honest, I discovered “CBS Sunday Morning” in the past year. Both programs provide very interesting, informative, in depth, entertaining, uplifting, thought provoking, and thoughtful stories about life and people. They are shows feeding me with the uplifting beauty of life through grace. I learn from each program about the ever evolving human experience that I’m either learning for the first time or from a different and more open lens. They both offer refreshing programming feeding me mentally, physically, and spiritually. This in the midst of the many distractions that do not.

The human experience is a mixed bag of beauty and trauma. Trevor Noah’s story of growing up biracial (black mother and white father) in South Africa during Apartheid and also at a time when it was illegal to engage in interracial relationships is an interesting one. And, a childhood that could have taken him (and his mother) out from an emotional perspective if not physically. Yet, he has risen and is seemingly grounded as a human being, son, comedian, and talented host of “The Daily Show” which he inherited from the big shoes to fill Jon Stewart (Who I just found out shares MY BIRTHDAY!).

This morning as I tuned in to the interview, was my first time getting a brief glimpse into Trevor’s “🎶Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright…🎶 life. (Heeeeyyy Kendrick!) And, the excerpt (see link below) from his book “Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood” provides a look into the beauty of a strong family unit even when it’s not in its perceived traditional form. It’s about how we can be each other’s loving ride or dies. And, even in the most frightful and damaging moments we can agree to disagree, forgive, persevere in to greatness, and find the humor in it all in order to get through the heaviness of the moment. Trevor’s and his mother’s relationship during his childhood was all about moving through each moment with love, pride, perseverance, and fun. And, the book is to honor his mother and their relationship. Thank you Trevor for being you and for sharing your beautiful gift with the world. And, thank you for being a reflection of the love, hope, and strength of your mother who did the best she could when raising you. And, reinforcing for me that although it wasn’t always pretty when I was growing up, my parents did the best they could with what they knew and had, because ultimately they loved me and wanted the best for me.

Through Trevor’s story, I am reminded that life will be filled with challenges that can render me with sadness and hopelessness at times. However, the beauty in that are the relationships divinely placed before me that feed and sustain me during those uncertain and painful times.

Whether, with God, my angels, my family or friends who are now family, a loving tribe of ride or dies are essential to elevate me through the human experience one moment after the next. All with the healing of finding humor in unsuspecting experiences, which create gut busting laughter. And, with the all knowing pride in myself that I am enough and matter. A pride which catapults me to embody and walk with the love, faith, grace, and joy of my SoulFULL purpose. I wish all of these life components for us all, now and forever. Amen! Namaste. #BeDoLove #BornACrime #FindYourZen #SuperSoulSunday #WomenWhoColorOutsideTheLines

Here is the link of Trevor’s interview on “CBS Sunday Morning.” Enjoy. http://www.cbsnews.com/live/video/host-trevor-noah-on-his-late-night-show/

This is an excerpt from Trevor’s book titled “Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood.” http://www.cbsnews.com/news/excerpt-trevor-noahs-born-a-crime/

And, here is a recent “Washington Post” article. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/how-trevor-noah-went-from-biracial-youth-in-s-africa-to-leading-light-on-us-tv/2016/11/10/6fdab1e6-a13e-11e6-8d63-3e0a660f1f04_story.html

About Michelle Miller: https://www.google.com/amp/www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/michelle-miller-10-09-2013/?client=safari, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Miller

https://youtu.be/Z-48u_uWMHY – Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Stewart

The hottest ticket in the country is to the new and awe inspiring Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Join Blue Zaria from March 23-25, 2017 as they travel to the hip happening Nation’s Capital to partner with their DC host BeDoLove for a weekend of cultural, and culinary mind blowing experiences.

You’ll join a fabulous and fierce group of women as we understand American history through the lens of the African American experience. Let’s wanderlust in Washington, DC and share this journey of a lifetime.

For details, itinerary, and package costs (weekend or museum/brunch only options) visit http://www.bluezaria.com. Also, like our pages on Facebook and Instagram. #BeDoLove #BlueZaria #FindYourZen #WomenWhoColorOutsideTheLines
Blue Zaria (created by my Brooklyn childhood friend Tracey Hogarth-Mosier), a travel curator company that designs extraordinary experiences to nurture the woman’s soul, inspire the spirit, and celebrate the essence of each woman. Zarianistas, who travel with us, experience unique luxurious accommodations in domestic and international cosmopolitan cities.

BeDoLove aspires and inspires lovelies to live our SOULfull purpose(s) with an abundance of living out loud love, grace, courage, and fun.