It's Hard to Take Your Own Advice

Funny thing about writing these blogs, I write them so much that I plan them out on when they'll post. I try to aim for every Monday, but then life throws me a curveball and I have to write something else. I have to write in the present I have to share with you the thoughts that are on my mind at the time that they happen. Which brings me to this:

How come it's easy for us to give advice but

 so hard for us to take our own advice?

As of late, I feel like I'm Vivian Green. Some might know that name so let me explain a little more, I'm on an emotional roller-coaster. Get the reference yet? If yes, you know that song is simply amazing. If you don't know that song, Google it, you won't be disappointed. I had a friend tell me that when she gets down, she reads my blogs and she gets encouragement. I was instantly humbled because she is someone with great faith.

She's someone that I turn to for prayer. She's someone that's beside me on this journey and I love her dearly. She's more than a friend, she's family. To hear her say that she looks to my words, someone who has no idea what she's doing most of the time. Someone whose faith is up and down. Someone who at one point wants to play in traffic and in the same breath praise God. She finds a sense of peace in my honesty. Then she hit me with this: 

You should re-read your blogs and pray to renew your mind 

After she said that, I went into a deep prayer mode. Secluded in a room for an entire weekend. I didn't see anyone, I didn't answer anyone. I was alone in a room that was extremely hot, and I was determined to hear from God. Shortly after, someone I admire needed prayer, he didn't mention it, but I sent one to him. His response "wow what made you send me this timely prayer?" All I could say was ... basically... Jesus. Then another friend of mine the next day said she needed prayer, and I sent one ASAP. 

How could I send these amazing uplifting prayers to my fellow peers,

and not receive those same powerful words for myself? 

Why am I blocking my own blessings? Why am I making it harder for myself? I know the darkness. I'm no stranger to this place. I also know that there's a magnificent way out. But yet, I can't seem to get over this hump. I have yet to get over this hump. I refuse to say I can't. Because there is nothing that I can't do when it comes to bettering myself. There's nothing that I can't do when Jesus is right by my side. 

But I understand that it's hard to believe that when 

you're the one in the middle of the turmoil. 

The burden of guilt and shame is a beast. The devil in itself in full form stomping around in my mind. That's where he lives, in our minds because that's the only place he can get to us. He can't physically harm us, but he can make us think that he can. That's why it's important to take control of your mind and your tongue. It's important to watch how you think and what you speak. YOU have the power to speak things into existence. 

Control your mind. 

When you think bad thoughts, you speak bad thoughts. When you speak bad thoughts then your heart starts to feel those bad thoughts. Once it's in your heart, its hard to get it out. It's not impossible to get it out or change your heart, but there will be work ahead to heal your heart. If you want to go through more battles then let the ill wills fester in your mind. If you want to avoid that altogether, then my friend please work on your mind. 

It's not easy but listen to your own advice. 

We all have people that come to us for advice. We're that shoulder, that voice of reason. So next time you give advice, whether it be in a text message, social media post or phone call. Remember what you say. Then I want you to look in the mirror and repeat those same words and personalize it. Look at yourself and acknowledge that you're: 

here for a reason

worthy 

blessed

loved

highly favored

protected

wanted

loved

important

smart

driven

loved

cared for

douted on 

unique

loved

not forgotten 

not alone

but instead

you are loved 

<3 Ebony 

Why Jump?

I still get questions as to why I decided to make my exit in radio. Side note: broadcasting, whether it be television or radio is NOT off the market for me; it was for the interim for me to move, but there will not be a final goodbye; at least, not for a long time.  For those who don't know, I was a radio and television personality for 11 years, since I was 18 years-old. I loved the path that God took me on when it came to being an on-air talent and having my own shows that successfully grabbed high ratings in whatever market I was in. So why leave it? That cushion? The world of entertainment, which was my world for a majority of my life?

Broadcasting as a talent was literally ALL that I knew. 

It wasn't easy to take that leap of faith. I struggled with it many times when God revealed to me that it was my time to leave and move to Los Angeles. He wanted me to move to a city that I adored. He wanted me to move with no job, no place to live, no money, with no security EXCEPT that God's got me. Sounds nuts, but I did it, I was able to see what I was able to do WITHOUT a crutch.  When I finally moved, I realized that this move was no different from the ones prior. I've done this before so why was LA so scary?

So back on subject, why jump? 

Because now, I can look back at the past year and smile at this amazing beginning that God has granted me....again. What I thought was the end, aka leaving all that I knew in broadcasting, it was only the beginning. I've written two full movie scripts that are in circulation (working on a third),  I finished an original comedy series aimed for TV or a Netflix type broadcast, I landed one of many dream jobs as a full-time freelance writer for an amazing company and,I have a few more loose ends that are tightening up that I can't share just yet (but it's major news).

I make jumps because I refuse to say "what if?"

 I bitched, cried, doubted, got mad, screamed and lost my shit. I want to make sure that you understand, that I still go through those moments of emotions. It wasn't just a one-time thing then poof I'm healed. I wish it were the case. At the end of it all, this beginning is going to lead to so many things.

I know some of you are wanting me back in broadcasting and that is something I will never escape and don't plan on leaving for good. In God's perfect timing I will be back in it. Hmm...maybe THAT might be my major news that I can't share with you? Never know ;)

<3 Ebony 

Desired Decades

Who doesn't dream about what they want and where they want to be in life at certain ages? As I was in bed last night, my wheels were spinning on what I want to do and where I need to be. I took the time to appreciate all the trials I went through up until now at age 27, despite all the foolery I love and enjoy my life. So I thought I would share my goals in decade formation with you.

In my teens, I wanted to have fun, do sports, get into trouble, make friends and laugh.

In my early twenties, I started out in trouble, financially unstable, emotional and overworked because I was in my career as a weather forecaster for Fox News KTBY-TV at age 18. I had to be a certain way, couldn't do many things because of who I was and what I was representing.

At 25, I discovered that life is for living and for fun! At this time, I should be thankful that I have had those opportunities to start my career very early, especially without a degree. It was then when I decided to leave the past hurts, hang-ups and habits (stole that from Celebrate Recovery) in the past and enjoy my here and now.

Now at 27, I finally have my BA in Journalism and Mass Communications and I'm taking the bull by the horns when it comes to my finances; by making future goals and taking steps to achieve them. I've located local financial council, will start an IRA soon, buy a passport, close credit cards, and build a savings account.

At 30, I plan to take an international trip for my dirty thirty and if it's in Gods will be fully into my desired career path.

I also have a great plan for my 40s and up, but I will come back when I'm in my 30s and see how much of my list I have accomplished.

What are your goals? Let's make a plan to make things happen! Let's take control of our life and our finances and live the life that God wants for us! Have a great day!

<3 Ebony