How many times have you said something like, “They make me happy,” “This is my happy space,” or “I am happiest when…”? I know throughout my lifetime I have said or thought it at least a million times. However, looking back, it wasn’t the people around me or the spaces I was in that made me happy, it was me choosing to be happy. I am not saying that my surroundings didn’t contribute to my happiness, but ultimately it was my decision to be happy that allowed me to experience it.
Y’all, I have been in some spaces where I should have felt my lowest, yet I was happy. I have also been in spaces where I should’ve been on cloud nine and was miserable. It took me years to realize I controlled my happiness. I am not saying that I am never sad or disappointed or heartbroken. What I am saying is, over time I decided happiness was a better choice, and I absolutely love being happy.
Facebook Memory: September 30, 2021.
Yes, I am creating my own happiness… but not today! Today, I’m going back to Starbucks to get my Caramel Apple Spice. I need the real thing. Lol. Starbucks, make me happy!
Praying you have an absolutely amazing day. Remember, you are in control of your happiness. Love you!♥️
Praying you had an amazing week. As you know, mine was pretty awesome! Anyhoo… it’s back to reality and the rest of these assignments that are due this weekend. Ugh!! Gotta love life.
Here’s a Facebook memory from last year, September 29, 2022:
God will make ALL things new.♥️
Loving and living in all things new. Loving this space I’m in. Smiling.
That’s it! Wishing you a fabulous weekend. Love you!♥️
Woke up singing “Grateful” by Hezekiah Walker. It’s one of the songs on my favorite playlist. The song says—
I am grateful for the things that you have done Yes, I'm grateful for the victories we've won I could go on and on and on about your works Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful just to praise you Lord Flowing from my heart are the issues of my heart, it's gratefulness
Unlike the first two months, this month has not been as revelatory as the first two. I am not going to lie, I felt like I was being ripped apart those first two months. God would reveal areas where I needed to make changes in order to grow and I actually made them. I did not make excuses like I had many times before. No, this time I followed through. And y’all, I am so glad I did. I had no idea how much anxiety and stress was associated with how I had been operating. Now I feel like I am in a better place; a healthier place.
I also started back going to school. It’s a whole other kind of stressor, but I will make it. I am still trying to find a balance between it and life. I do not want to get burned out, nor do I want to be so stressed that I risk my health for a degree. Unlike many of my family members and several of my friends, I have made it to my 50s without hypertension or diabetes and my goal is to keep it this way. So be it if it takes me longer to achieve my goals. Health is truly wealth. I refuse to allow stress to take it.
On a more positive note…
One of my babies is 20 today!!! He stopped by last night after work. Only got to see him for a few minutes before he headed to the dorms, but those few minutes were worth it. I love my baby. Can’t wait to spend the day with him. At least I hope we’re spending the day together. He might have other plans.
Okay… that was about the birthday boy. Now about my princess!
She’s getting married!!!!
Been wanting to write about her engagement since it happened two days ago but had to wait for them to announce it. I cried and screamed—screamed and cried—not screaming now, but I am crying. It was so beautiful. She was absolutely clueless. I had known for months. Keeping it a secret while trying to feel her out about how she truly felt about marriage was one of the hardest things to do. Making sure she didn’t see any of her fiancé’s texts coming through while we were together was also challenging. But now it’s over. She had talked him into going on an adult Disney trip for his birthday. (Before he had always gone with family and never got the full experience.) Little did she know his birthday trip was actually for her. Yes… I am still crying. She deserves the best and I absolutely believe he is it.
They officially met the first day they moved into the dorms in 2013. His cousin was my daughter’s roommate. Just like in the movie Brown Sugar, the bonded over music and have been together ever since. Now they’re literally making music together. He’s her producer. I’m so happy for them and excited to be by her side as she enters another phase of life. She’ll be his wife, but always and forever my baby.
Side note: When I tell you music is powerful! Y’all, it is definitely another love language. Listen, make me a good playlist and I am hooked for life. For real! Laughing. There is just something about music, good music, that takes me to another place. Hence the reason I always have some song playing in my head. It’s like my thoughts come with background music. Crazy, huh?
Anyhoo… cheers to three months on this side of 50. Looking forward to the years to come. I wonder what month #4 will look like. For starters, I am going to see Beyoncé Wednesday!!! If I have nothing else to report about month 4, I can say I attended the Renaissance World Tour! Smiling.
Wishing you an amazingly blessed week. Love you!♥️
Before I end, please join me in sending up prayers for First Lady Serita Jakes. I know God is a healer. Praying He completely restores her health. Amen
When I tell you I am smiling from ear to ear!!! Deion Sanders… Primetime… Coach Prime… whichever one you want to call him, got me believing! I BELIEVE!!!
Last year when he left Jackson State University, I was in my feelings and had a lot to say—not about him, but his haters—the ones who are still waiting for him to lose. I understood that they were upset about him leaving but his assignment was over. He kept telling them he had to do what God was telling him to do. As he said back then, they believed him when he told them God told him to come there; however, they didn’t believe him when he said it was time to leave.
I know so many see this as a win for him and his team, but I see this as a win for God. Coach Prime is doing the same thing for our country as he did for Mississippi. He brought people together who had never agreed on anything. He had Jackson State’s rivals rooting for them. The atmosphere in our state drastically changed. I just wish they would have kept up the momentum. Instead, so many chose to trash him because they were disappointed. I understand the disappointment, but never, ever trash someone who has done nothing but elevate you. Even after they talked trash about him, he still spoke highly of them. His sons always make sure people know they played for a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). So many people didn’t even know what a HBCU was before Coach Prime. Which is another thing he did. Here’s what I wrote last year:
According to Coach Prime, he took the job at Jackson State University (JSU) because he was following God’s lead– this was three years ago. Last night, he announced that he was taking the head coaching position at the University of Colorado, again following God’s lead. Although rumors were circulating about him leaving from the day he began coaching, he stayed. And during those three years he changed the entire atmosphere for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), nationally. It was so amazing to watch! Y’all know I love watching God work. Smile.
Not only did he change it for them but for Mississippians, as well. Listen, he made us proud to be Mississippians. He showed us that despite what outsiders believed, we are valued and invaluable. He did all of this while inspiring us to want more. He showed us that the top is obtainable. All we have to do is BELIEVE and put in the work! Honestly, I feel sorry for those who didn’t get it.
Last year, he had to have one or two toes amputated (something stemming from a prior surgery). While he was healing, he released a video thanking God for life. In the video he spoke about the enemy not wanting him to finish the job God had sent him to do, which was his primary focus– his purpose. Now, I don’t know what everyone else heard– loyalty, commitment and wins for JSU; but what I heard was loyalty, commitment and wins for God.
Now, for those who have seen Deion Sanders in action, we know he has a very big personality and a HUGE ego. Always has. Laughing. But from what I’ve seen, he’s used them to benefit others. Now it’s time for him to move on and help more people. All I have to say is this, when you encounter someone who has a vested interest in your growth and wellbeing, glean from them. Do not stand by and watch them work and marvel at their success. Join in! Listen, life happens and obligations change, as does assignments. When a person’s time is up, they have to move on. To guilt trip them into staying is not good for either party.
I believe Coach Prime left a playbook not only for JSU but for other HBCUs. I just hope that while they were criticizing his work they were also taking note so that the work continues. Okay.. I’ve said what I’ve said, now let me move on. Wishing Coach Prime and everyone who’s taken the time to glean from him, the best. Yes, it always hurts when someone good has to leave, but if you really believed in what they were doing, you honor them by continuing what they began.
Listen, I pray that they continue to win. This thing is so much bigger than Colorado football. It’s about watching God take something like college football and uniting people who would have never, ever come together otherwise. I absolutely love it!!!!
Smiling
Praying you have an amazingly blessed day!! Love you!♥️
Too many times I stepped out on my own and He still loved me enough to steer me back where I belonged. He didn’t shame me, belittle me, make me feel like trash, or cause some tragedy to happen to get my attention. No, He lovingly guided me back. That’s grace.
It’s Shaun’s World 
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