The easiest way to Learn..

Is by Listening.

We constantly want to talk or talk over people but rarely do many just sit back and listen.

When we listen, we learn and observe from the one speaking. Think about it.. in a class room you are able to receive the information if you are being quiet. In a relationship of any sort, you would only know a person’s view by listening to them. Even when we are doing some soul searching, we listen to that inner voice for peace.

Do you listen or only hear when someone talks? By listening, you can receive knowledge, opportunities for growth and much more.

I, too, am learning the importance of Learning through Listening and I hope you do the same.

Thanks for reading,

Nicole Cherise ♥️

Year 33 a trinity

7/23 I turned 33!

I’m thankful to see it, breathe it and walk it. God is good and I pray that this year brings more ups than downs.

Better health for my loved ones and myself.

I also pray that it brings PEACE.

Peace is the MIND, BODY and SOUL 💁🏾‍♀️

Nicole Cherise ♥️

Hurt

I’m hurting.

You are hurting.

We all experience hurt but often taught to be strong and not cry over spilled milk. Not every situation is “spilled milk” some situations are Rivers and Oceans of pain.

People keep so much bottled in their hearts because folks don’t want to hear it. Or is that what we tell ourselves?

The time is now to express it all. We express our goals, happiness and material things but we can’t cry, scream or share the fears that lie within.

You aren’t alone. Help is there. I’m here.

Nicole Cherise ♥️

My feelings on Colorism amongst Black people.

Happy Monday friends!

Over the weekend, I’ve read articles in regards to colorism amongst Black people. The Light skin vs. Dark skin issues, dating preferences and what is truly considered beauty. Many of us know that for many years there has been a “European” standard, therefore, anything close to resembling that was considered beautiful. Since then, people have become more open-minded about the beauty in darker shades and of those with kinkier hair. We see this in commercials, film and advertisements. However, this tends to still be an issues within our community especially when it comes to dating.

I have no problem with people having a preference of what their type is, just as long as they aren’t putting down people who don’t fit that description. Men and women are able to date whoever they please and I do feel it’s unfair for men to get criticized and women don’t. For example: if a black man prefers light-skinned women or dark-skinned women that shouldn’t be an issue. If he’s not bad mouthing the other group it should be no problem. It is a problem to some women. I wonder if it’s because she might be attracted to him and feels that she was disqualified based on a reason that she has No control over. That woman would go on and call him out and say he’s foul for not liking a group of women. However, women have standards too and some are ridiculous 🤷🏾‍♀️. I know some women who have preference of their men to be: over 6 feet tall, dark and muscular. So that cancels out a shorter, light skin men with a pudge belly, whom could be a really sweet person. But the sistas don’t get called out on that. When a man does let them know how it feels the conversation becomes “different” when it’s truly not.

We also have black people who create a status based on skin tone. Meaning they have associate with certain shades of people so that they can stand out or even feel included. Some people get excited to befriend the woman or man who seems to have it “made” for them. Mind you, that’s a theory that some just put in their own heads.

Hate to write this but this happens even in families. Some relatives are brainwashed and favor certain kids over the next because of their skin tones. I’ve heard stories where BOTH skin tones were ostracized and it’s so wrong. Ignore the family too, they do NOT know better because if they did, we wouldn’t have this discussion. Because let’s face it, some families encourage their children to produce with only certain type of people or skin tones.

Now this post isn’t to make anyone in the black community feel bad. I actually want you to you to take this and do the opposite. I want you to love the skin that you were blessed with! If You meet a woman/man who has a different preference than how you appear, that’s ok wish them well and on to the next one. Don’t get bitter, aim for Better. Love your skin, your features, your hair, God blessed you with it and KNOW that you are amazing! Ignore the insults because at the end of the day, it’s their lost.

Thoughts? Have you felt like this? Let me know below in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

Nicole Cherise♥️

Plans

I keep reminding myself that no matter how difficult a challenge may be or what I plan to do, it won’t happen if it’s not in God’s Will.

I become worrisome because things are not going my way. I get down and wonder how will this work out because my plans fell through. But then.. God steps in. Not in my timing but in HIS timing. The end result has been Greater than any of my blue prints.

Friends don’t give up. If your plans don’t work out, keep the faith and God will see you through. ☺️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Thanks for reading!

Nicole Cherise ♥️

Comparison, a possible tool

Good day friends!

I’m sure most of us has heard the quote by Theodore Roosevelt “Comparison is the Thief of Joy“. Which basically says that if we keep looking at other’s lives, we will ultimately become unhappy of our own. I have so many views on this and I’m sure this is often a topic of discussion amongst people. We can be hypocrites on a topic which imo is Normal.

Yes, if you try to keep up with the Jones’, you will get frustrated if your expectations aren’t met. However, using the Jones’ as a tool could benefit you. Seeing the surface, the glitter, the green grass can be flipped for us to figure out how we can achieve that status on our own.

Some of the ways that we compare ourselves are by our appearance, lifestyle, cars, career choices and more. When we see others living the “Life” that we want, many start to believe that they aren’t adequate. Our bodies aren’t good enough, the nice apartment we have is no longer cool, our car isn’t great anymore, all because we are comparing it to the “ideal”.

We should take the initiative to find ways to be the “challenge”. That “ideal” becomes our goal and we can put our own spin on it. Want a healthier and better body? Get to work. Want to go on extravagant vacations every season? Get more sources of income. Keep grinding to get your dream house and luxury car.

All these things are great and achievable. However, do not Lose yourself. You have to love YOU and be proud of the accomplishments that you have made. Keep your eye on the prize and watch the benefits come!

What are your thoughts? Do you compare yourself with others? Have you made the decision to use that as a tool? Let me know ☺️

Thanks for reading!

Nicole Cherise ♥️