Say No to Yes People.....

You can totally tell when a celebrity has a team of "yes" people working for/with them.  I'm not calling anybody out, but you've seen these celebs go bat crazy in media interviews, right?  You've watched their performances at awards shows and thought..."What the !$@% was that?!"  And you've raised an eyebrow at some of their questionable career choices.  

It's natural to want people around you who are supportive and positive.  I get that.  Trust me, I get it!  However--and this is a big however, if your squad consists of a bunch of "yes" people, be careful.  "Yes" people will try to convince you that average is good enough. They'll have you believing that mediocrity is the norm.  They're uncomfortable with telling you the truth.  "Yes" people will have you out here looking...foolish. 

Having supportive and positive folks in your circle is a must!  Make sure you have genuine people who have your best interest at heart also.  People who will tell you the brutal, honest truth when everyone else is stroking your ego.  People who aren't afraid to tell you flat out, "Dude, you're f***king up."  People who will look you square in your eyes and say, "I disagree with you and here's why...."

I recently finished a major project and shared it with a close friend/mentor for feedback. This friend is wickedly talented and very successful.  I respect his opinion and I know he cares about me.  After reviewing my work, he gave it a 7.5 out of 10.  Ugh!  My heart sank.  It was tough to hear, but you know what?  He was right.  

I carefully reviewed his feedback, examined my work and made some adjustments.  And now?  My project is much better and scheduled to launch this summer (Yes!).   

Anywho...the moral of the story is this: Be cautious of folks who only tell you what you want to hear ("Yes" people).  Be open to constructive criticism.  Be 'OK' with being wrong sometimes and make changes if necessary.  And always surround yourself with people who will push you to be your best.  

Public Service Announcement: If You Think I'm Writing About You, I Am

I'm a writer (duh), so I get inspiration from everything - EVERYTHING.  I watch people.  I listen.  I pay attention to details (I'm a Virgo too), and I read anything I can get my hands on.  Those things fuel my imagination.  They ignite my energy to create.  Did I mention....I'm a writer. 

If you're my friend, an associate and or even a stranger I've passed on the street, please know that I'll write about you. I will and I do!  Now, I'll never abuse your personal trust.  No way would I ever do that. I won't share your name or any personal, irrelevant details.  But I'll write about something you said or how you made me feel.  I'll write about a situation or a conversation.  In fact, conversations with family and friends have inspired some of my favorite posts. 

So yeah.  If you think I'm writing about you...I totally am.  

Pic Of The Week: Maya Angelou #BlackHistoryMonth

I love seeing people in their natural element.  No partitions.  No airs.  No filters.  This is one of my favorite pictures of one of my favorite writers, Maya Angelou.  

Growing up, I read a lot.  My favorite books were written by great authors like Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and Astrid Lindgren.  It never even dawned on me as a kid that black people wrote books.  That's until I read "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings."  I remember reading the author's bio.  Her picture was included too.  Her name was Maya...she was pretty, smart and she wrote books.  

I thought that was THE coolest thing ever! 

"Orange Is The New Black" - Totally Unpredictable And Real...Just Like Life

Rarely do I fall in love with anyone or anything quickly.  It usually takes me some time.  I can't help it, I'm a Virgo. :)  But after watching just one episode of the new Netflix show 'Orange Is The New Black', I was hooked!  (Lord, I need the new season to start ASAP!)

The dramady (drama + comedy) is based on a true story.  It follows Piper Chapman, a woman in her 30's, who by all accounts was living a pretty normal life.  Right up until she's arrested & sentenced to 15 months in prison for a decade old drug crime.  It's not a pretty story.  Nope.  It's not warm and fuzzy.  It's totally unpredictable and real.  Just like life. And that's why I love it.   

The actors' connection to their characters and each other is rare.  You can tell they're smart actors.  The characters they bring to life are far from perfect.  They're flawed and complicated.  And even sweet sometimes.  I found myself empathizing with convicted murderers.  Crazy, right?

Blame that on amazing writing.  Or dope storytelling (whichever you prefer).  The last episode left me wanting more, more, more! (I was literally clutching my heart!)  Whew!  That takes skill.  Kudos to the incredibly talented Jenji Kohan, the creator of the show.  She takes girl power to a whole other level!  

If you haven't had a chance to watch the show, go and check it out.  You won't be disappointed!  And it's available on Netflix only, so you can view it any time, any place, anywhere you want.  Swag.

Here are a few of my favorite lines from the show:

• "I'm not going crazy. I'm surrounded by crazy, but I'm not going crazy."  -Chapman
  
  
• "Chocolate and vanillllllla swirrr-earl.  Swirrr-earl."  -Crazy Eyes
  
  
• "I'm gettin' out b*tches!"  -Taystee (no typo)
  
  
• "You need to man up."  -Sophia's wife
  
  
• "I do like I do."  -Crazy Eyes
  
  
• "Dear Mr. Christ..."  - Chapman
  
  
• "Dandelion...."  -Crazy Eyes

Awkward Conversation Of The Week....

Homeless Guy:  Hey!  Hey, girl. You got some extra change for me?  Fifty cent, a quarter...anything?

Me:  No, I'm so sorry, I don't.

Homeless Guy:  Come on, I know you got something!

Me:  I'm sorry, I really don't.

Homeless Guy:  Well, can I get your phone number then?

Me:  *blank stare*  No. No, you can't. 

My Oprah Aha Moments.....

I'll admit, working in PR has its advantages and perks. My friends like to say I attend dinners, events and golf tournaments all the time, and that's my job.  Not true.  But I do get to experience a lot of fun, memorable moments.

One of my best?  Getting to see Oprah live in Atlanta!  An hour-long session (felt like lunch with my fairy God-mother) where I listened, laughed and discovered my passion.  Well, re-discovered it.... (It's writing for me).

Soooo many Oprah Aha moments!  I wish everyone could have experienced what I did.  Here's some of what she said....

• Strength x strength x strength over time = Power!
• If you stop growing, you stop living.
• On being scared... Sit with yourself. Clarity comes from within, from God.  Not Facebook!
• On challenges/problems... Ask yourself, "What is this here to teach me?" instead of "Why is this happening to me?"
• The universe will meet you where you are. God will meet you where you are. (So deep...) 
• On making a difference... Start in your own house. The biggest difference you can make in the world is how you live your life.
• You are worthy because....you were born. (My favorite!)
• I don't care what the media says about OWN.  I KNOW who I am.
• While you're praying and asking and waiting on God....God is waitin' on you. 




Miss O, telling one of her funny stories...