10 Things For the 1st Day of Summer: Vol 3

1. First, because for many if you reading this, this weekend may lead you to forget: you are WAY more talented then they say you are. You are better, stronger, and brighter than what one audition says about you. I emplore you to remember, if you read nothing else, YOU ARE AMAZING, simply because YOU are YOU. There isn't anyone else who can bring what you bring to the table. And there is nothing, one interview or audition, or spot or one job, can take from you with a no. Love what you do MORE than you love what they say about you. *Read that again please* Bring yourself to the table every time, because your light is your power. Go into this weekend (and every day really) knowing you are talented, and deserving and worthy of being there and dance because you love it, show up because you want to and simply aim to do your best, in all things. Not because you want them to validate you, but because you deserve it And if you walk away with a no, be ok with that too. They dont decide your talent and they surely cannot dim your light.

2. LION KING. LION KING. LION KING. LION KING.

This is my favorite movie of all time. Remember this film is not for your children. Yes, they can and should come be immersed in the beautiful Pridelands, but on July 19, 2019, I want the space and quite honestly the comforts of knowing I can watch one of the best fathers in history die in crisp realistic CGI  without like Gerknee, Apple, or baby Clementine ruining that for me. Musfasa told me that everything the light touches is his Kingdom, and quite frankly Susan, he didnt mean your bad children.  Dont you have your kids ruin this for me. Ps. Yes, this is an event. Yes, I will be attending an early showing in full LK gear. Yes, I am serious.

3. If you want to be taken seriously, be consistent.

4. The best apology is always changed behavior. THE BEST APOLOGY IS ALWAYS CHANGED BEHAVIOR.

5. That saying "check in on your strong friends" is real.... very very real. 

6. As we step head first into the summer months, I implore my melanin deficient friends to refrain from claiming your slight summer tan matches my God given brown skin. No Becky Sue, we arent almost the same color. You aren’t almost black now Mary-Kate, and it isn’t funny. And it never has been. Love the skin you're in, even if it's clear.

7. Less hashtag relationship goals, and more equally yoked relationships. All relationships. Period.

8. Another note for the summer months, do us a favor, if your feet literally look like two barking dogs, leave them inside. LITERALLY, leave them in a sock, a croc, a muzzle, anything away from us. Everyone doesn’t deserve to wear sandals.

9. Let’s all work on being better friends in summer (2017)(2018) 2019. Less of the lets get together, but never making actual plans. Less of the don’t text back friends, lessof the sitting across from your friends but not listening to your friends, less of the I’m so busy friends, less of the full of excuses friends, less of we call each other friends but aren’t doing anything to actually be friends, friends. Less acting like your phones dont work unless someone reaches out to you first friends. Life is short and the sun soon will be hotter than hell. Use your phones to connect with actual humans. Spend time with the folks that make the summer heat a little more bearable… <3

10. Stay hydrated. Stay in your lane. Stay prayed up. Protect your eyebrows and your edges. Read a book or maybe write one. Use sunblock, yes, even if you’re black. Dance full out. More lunch dates, coffee dates..more boba. More honesty. More dancing. More concerts. More trips with friends. No, everyone still invited. More YOU time. Mind your business. Laugh more. Hit the WHOA, frequently. Tell more people you care about them. Hold their hands. Tell others you are proud of them. Offer support readily. Take care of the people around you. Don’t be annoying.

Live your life like the pink starburst every day… even when you feel like the yellow one...

Happy summer. ☀