Intimate Thoughts - L-O-V-E

At 33 I am really learning what it means to sacrifice. I thought when I made the decision to have children, I sacrificed my time. But now, engaged, for the second time, I am learning what it means to truly sacrifice. I am learning that sometimes I have to do what I don't want to do in order to please my partner. Sacrifice doesn't mean being unhappy, it doesn't mean neglecting your needs, but it does mean being in-tuned to the needs of your mate and immediate family. But at the same time, you should only do those things that feel right to you. I am learning to compromise, and I am learning how to truly place another person's wants and desires before my own, other than my children.

In the past, I have found this to be difficult. Letting go of my single minded thinking, accepting and knowing that I am no longer single, but I have a life partner. Some days are tougher than others, and other days, seems as if the tough never existed. I truly love who I am, where I am and loving what lies ahead. There is nothing better in this world than loving and being loved unconditionally.

So, today, I say to you, intimately, love God, yourself, your partner, your children, your family, your work. Love every single minute of every single day you are granted, and know that sacrifice is a part of it.

Peace and Blessing,
Shamina

Inner city

I recently visited my hometown, Chester, PA during the 4Th. I had a wonderful time catching up with family and friends who are like family. I learned that there was a curfew set in place for all residents because of the violence that was taking place, mainly shootings and killings. I traveled with my children, both female, 12 and 11 months old. I thought about my upbringing and the fact that I survived and graduated high school here, but I am wondering...what is it that our youth is missing, and why we can't connect or relate to them, reach them?

We ask is it the music, the parents, the community. It's probably a culmination of things. But how do we reach our youth, where does it start, and how?

These kids have no clue about the possibilities that are beyond the street corners and illegal hand guns, the narcotics. And what do we do about our young ladies that follow them, have babies with them?

Let's talk about it?