The first two episodes in season 2 of Supergirl have been more in depth and coincidentally things I really needed to hear. Cat Grant is an amazing character and I love the pearls of wisdom she gives out to Kara and others around her. I think this was the first time where she took her own advice. We shall see what happens with that in the coming episodes.
Cat Grant tells Kara to keep on diving to find out what she wants in life. In the two months since moving to Denver, I've had highs and super lows. Obviously, there is no place on earth that is perfect and no stage of life where everything is rosy all the time. However, when numerous sad/bad things happen all in a row, it begs the question of what am I really doing here? Was it a mistake to move and strike out on my own? I've given both those questions and more a whole lot of thought.While it is tough being alone, trying to make new friends and juggling responsibilities, it's rewarding in some ways. I do like being on my own versus relying on others. I can buy the food I want, go to festivals, invite friends over or just chill all night watching NCIS. It's part of growing up and like it or not....that's what I'm doing.
Kara mentioned to Cat Grant that she finally knew what she wanted to be, a reporter because it challenges her and makes her a better version of herself. I think everyone should strive to get to that place in life. We should evaluate our lives from time to time and see where we are and ask where we want to go. I honestly have no idea how to answer that question. For so long, I've known what I wanted to do but since junior year of college I've wondered what else beyond just being a writer is out there for me. Now, I refuse to be a reporter. I know that's not the way to go, however what kind of writing besides novel makes me happy? Makes me a better version of myself? That I do not know, but I will find out!
Find what motivates you. Find what makes you happy to get out of that warm bed. Keep on diving!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Dare to Defy
I'm really sad that Supergirl moved to the CW instead of being on CBS again this coming season. Don't have cable in my apartment and the CW doesn't offer captions with their online streaming, as far as I know. This show has caused me to think about my life in different ways -- good ways. The lessons I've learned I've posted on this blog for the last year and I had hoped to do it again, but I may not be able to. Once these are on DVD though, I will be sure to get them. I love how clean this show is and I hope it will continue to be so, but I won't hold my breath.
Dare to Defy is her motto and I've been thinking about this a lot because I still struggle how to identify myself sometimes. There are days/weeks where I know who I am and refuse to let someone pull me or make me second-guess myself. Then there are other times where I feel like crying; like I'm starting all over again.
I don't feel African American nor Deaf. I know based on my skin color, I am. I know based on my degree of hearing loss, I am. However, very often I am not accepted in either of those groups. Mind you, there are those who do and I'm grateful for them. I didn't grow up in a predominantly black neighborhood. I didn't grow up with ASL. I'm not "down with it" nor am I fluent in ASL. I have quite a few white friends, Asian friends, friends of the African persuasion, hearing friends and Deaf friends. I like being around all of them. I especially enjoy being able to be myself around them. I don't have to talk like I'm from the Bronx or pretend I can fingerspell like lightening.
When people ask me if I've watched the Color Purple or The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and when I say, "No," I'm greeted with a look that says, "Exccuuuuuse me?!" People ask me whether I'm Deaf or not and when I say I am deaf, they're not sure if I'm telling the truth. "Are you really Deaf or are you really hard-of-hearing?" Today, that question threw me. For so long I struggled with how to identify myself in that manner. At first it was, no I'm not Deaf because in my mind I thought Deaf meant I was stupid. The way hearing people referred to me in high school was as if I was stupid. There are many things I can't hear without my hearing aids. With them, I can understand the world around me better so in a way with them I become hard-of-hearing. At the same time, I'm not sure I like that term. While I didn't grow up D/deaf at all, I refer to myself as deaf (not Deaf) because I didn't grow up with ASL or understanding Deaf Culture. I grew up in a hearing environment and was taught how to speak.
I don't like feeling on the fence and I wish I could just be one and be done with it. No questions asked. I don't like having to defend how I label myself. I don't even like labeling myself at all. Dare to defy has such a deeper meaning for me. Even if others try to put me in a box, I won't fit. I refuse to fit.
The Most Hated Religions of the 21st Century
I see these Coexist bumper stickers everywhere and people going on and on about acceptance instead of hate. Why is it ok to hate Muslims, but it's not ok to hate gay people? While I don't believe we should hate anyone for any reason, some people follow this absurd logic. While acceptance shouldn't be pushed so much, I believe respect should instead.
This topic has been on my mind for quite some time. Muslims and Christians, people hate beyond words and I wish people could show more respect...actually respect at all. I also wish that the media would stop blowing things out of proportion and/or giving us half if not only a quarter of the whole story. It's because of this fear/hatred of Muslim's in particular we get so antsy when we see someone wearing a hijab in an airport, on a bus or simply walking into a store. I don't like it. I wish I could stop thinking the worst when I see these people. There are many innocent Muslims who follow their religion as Allah actually instructed. They aren't radicals. They are simply individuals who want a better life for themselves and their children.
In the world of Christianity, many people hate not only the religion, but the philosophy, way of life and the person behind it all. Gods has rules for us and specific guidelines for His people. Real Christians are the ones who actually follow them. For instance, not swearing/taking God's name in vain. Someone who truly wants to be closer to God won't utter those kinds of words and if they do by accident, they will show regret. Like everyone else, Christians make mistakes and I think as individuals whether we follow Christianity or not should be aware of this and be mindful of this fact.
Muslims and Christians have quite a few things in common such as how much the religions governs our way of life. Both groups attend church/mosque on a regular basis, if they are true to their beliefs. They also desire to honor their God by living the right way based on what their Holy Book says. There are hundreds of people who call themselves Muslims or Christians, but until you look at their lives, you can't take that at face value. They may not be true to their religion. I don't understand how/why people call themselves Christians when all they really do that's even close to what Christ preaches is go to church every so often. As if that give them God points or something. NO! Being a Christian is about following Christ. If you don't obey His commands on a daily basis, what are you really? If you call yourself a Muslim, but kill innocent people left and right, what are you really? You're just a human being who isn't a true follower. Neither Allah nor Christ teaches that it's ok to be complacent or pick and choose whatever rules you want to follow and still call yourself a true follower.
So why do we hate Christians and Muslims? In my opinion, it's because the belies are so close to the heart and daily life. It effects how we talk, where we go and who we interact with. True believers want to do what's right and the rest of the world wants to do whatever feels good at the time. As our society goes farther away from treating everyone with respect regardless of whether or not you agree with them, both these religions will never seek peace. While neither are persecuted like they are in some other countries, they do live in fear. Fear of ridicule, fear of being ignored and fear of being losing friends/family.
Stop hating on others for what they believe. There are plenty of issues I don't see eye to eye with individuals, but I don't hate a person who is Pro-Abortion/Choice. I don't hate the person who thinks pushing uni-sex bathrooms for the 1% of the population that calls themselves transgender is a good thing. I really don't like it when people call themselves Christians or any other religion and don't even follow the basic teachings. Sure, we have set-backs and months/years where we've desensitized ourselves to the point where we don't even realize we aren't true. It happens and I hope someone in your life cares enough about you to point that out so that you can change for the better and become the person God wants you to be.
Don't hate. Appreciate our differences no matter who we choose to vote for, what god we follow or side of the issue we stand.
This topic has been on my mind for quite some time. Muslims and Christians, people hate beyond words and I wish people could show more respect...actually respect at all. I also wish that the media would stop blowing things out of proportion and/or giving us half if not only a quarter of the whole story. It's because of this fear/hatred of Muslim's in particular we get so antsy when we see someone wearing a hijab in an airport, on a bus or simply walking into a store. I don't like it. I wish I could stop thinking the worst when I see these people. There are many innocent Muslims who follow their religion as Allah actually instructed. They aren't radicals. They are simply individuals who want a better life for themselves and their children.
In the world of Christianity, many people hate not only the religion, but the philosophy, way of life and the person behind it all. Gods has rules for us and specific guidelines for His people. Real Christians are the ones who actually follow them. For instance, not swearing/taking God's name in vain. Someone who truly wants to be closer to God won't utter those kinds of words and if they do by accident, they will show regret. Like everyone else, Christians make mistakes and I think as individuals whether we follow Christianity or not should be aware of this and be mindful of this fact.
Muslims and Christians have quite a few things in common such as how much the religions governs our way of life. Both groups attend church/mosque on a regular basis, if they are true to their beliefs. They also desire to honor their God by living the right way based on what their Holy Book says. There are hundreds of people who call themselves Muslims or Christians, but until you look at their lives, you can't take that at face value. They may not be true to their religion. I don't understand how/why people call themselves Christians when all they really do that's even close to what Christ preaches is go to church every so often. As if that give them God points or something. NO! Being a Christian is about following Christ. If you don't obey His commands on a daily basis, what are you really? If you call yourself a Muslim, but kill innocent people left and right, what are you really? You're just a human being who isn't a true follower. Neither Allah nor Christ teaches that it's ok to be complacent or pick and choose whatever rules you want to follow and still call yourself a true follower.
So why do we hate Christians and Muslims? In my opinion, it's because the belies are so close to the heart and daily life. It effects how we talk, where we go and who we interact with. True believers want to do what's right and the rest of the world wants to do whatever feels good at the time. As our society goes farther away from treating everyone with respect regardless of whether or not you agree with them, both these religions will never seek peace. While neither are persecuted like they are in some other countries, they do live in fear. Fear of ridicule, fear of being ignored and fear of being losing friends/family.
Stop hating on others for what they believe. There are plenty of issues I don't see eye to eye with individuals, but I don't hate a person who is Pro-Abortion/Choice. I don't hate the person who thinks pushing uni-sex bathrooms for the 1% of the population that calls themselves transgender is a good thing. I really don't like it when people call themselves Christians or any other religion and don't even follow the basic teachings. Sure, we have set-backs and months/years where we've desensitized ourselves to the point where we don't even realize we aren't true. It happens and I hope someone in your life cares enough about you to point that out so that you can change for the better and become the person God wants you to be.
Don't hate. Appreciate our differences no matter who we choose to vote for, what god we follow or side of the issue we stand.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
The Past Will Rob You If You Let It
Lately, I have been having flash backs from my past. Certain words used to cut me up or hard looks meant to keep me from saying what I really want to say. Sometimes it's just the fact that my friends stood idly by while this all happened. I wonder what would have happened if I knew how to stand up for myself better back then. Though honestly, I think I would have been expelled if I had said or done the things I wanted to. Instead I kept my head down, but I can't help but wonder if I made the right decision.
I've noticed that my past has continued to haunt me in various ways both night and day. Whether or not they were mistakes that I personally made or things that people did to me that have caused me to be more cautious and sometimes down right scared. There are things that I don't want repeated.
I wish I weren't so scared of so many things in life. I wish I could feel more free. On the flip side, as a young woman I realize that it pays to be careful. I don't want to ever have to break a man's nose or use mace, but it's something that many of us have had to do. I don't like being on high alert every time someone walks too close behind me. However, being like that has probably helped me avoid serious problems.
Not letting the past rob me from living my life the way I want to is a struggle. While I don't want to be the cause for getting into trouble, I don't want to be nervous about everything either. It's a growing up process, I know.
God....we have some serious work to do here. Being an adult is hard, but I'm looking forward to becoming the best woman of God I can be.
I've noticed that my past has continued to haunt me in various ways both night and day. Whether or not they were mistakes that I personally made or things that people did to me that have caused me to be more cautious and sometimes down right scared. There are things that I don't want repeated.
I wish I weren't so scared of so many things in life. I wish I could feel more free. On the flip side, as a young woman I realize that it pays to be careful. I don't want to ever have to break a man's nose or use mace, but it's something that many of us have had to do. I don't like being on high alert every time someone walks too close behind me. However, being like that has probably helped me avoid serious problems.
Not letting the past rob me from living my life the way I want to is a struggle. While I don't want to be the cause for getting into trouble, I don't want to be nervous about everything either. It's a growing up process, I know.
God....we have some serious work to do here. Being an adult is hard, but I'm looking forward to becoming the best woman of God I can be.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
The Person With A Gun
As you are all well aware, there have been multiple shootings in various cities across the nation. In the past week or two, it's been cop shootings following the deaths of many black individuals.
Being an African American, I hope no one will accuse me of being racist or uneducated when I say that it pays to look at the whole picture. For instance, the videos of Alton Sterling that are circulating the internet don't really give a clear picture who was in the right or who was in the wrong. There are conflicting accounts as to if he was holding a gun or not. My point is that we shouldn't rush to conclusions and assume police brutality because the man shot was black and the man who shot him wore blue.
Now, should we be outraged when it is indeed police brutality and/or when unnecessary force is used, YES! This doesn't mean, however, we as Americans/African Americans/black people should start yelling at the cops, killing them and being disrespectful. Both sides need to be able to respect the other before assuming things based on skin color or uniform. Just like not every black person is the same, not every cop is the same.
No matter who dies via gun shot(s) makes me sad. However, not all shootings are unjust. If the perpetrator is holding a gun or something that looks like a gun, I'm not surprised when the cop or other person takes a shot. Running away or taking your sweet old time putting your hands above your head isn't exactly telling the police that you are innocent. The more idiots that do these things or try to get away with breaking the law, the more likely police are going to go into altercations with our race ready to use deadly force. The more idiots in blue that kick black Americans or shoot those who are on the ground, we will view cops as people to fight.
This video makes me so sad because it's people like this who try to taunt and make everything the policeman's fault. They think every policeman is like the idiots who have been proven to be corrupt and racist. Not every cop is like that!
Just remember 9 times our of 10, we don't know the whole story. Who's to blame for that? The media. Not African Americans. Not cops. Let's unite against the real enemy here in this instance.
Being an African American, I hope no one will accuse me of being racist or uneducated when I say that it pays to look at the whole picture. For instance, the videos of Alton Sterling that are circulating the internet don't really give a clear picture who was in the right or who was in the wrong. There are conflicting accounts as to if he was holding a gun or not. My point is that we shouldn't rush to conclusions and assume police brutality because the man shot was black and the man who shot him wore blue.
Now, should we be outraged when it is indeed police brutality and/or when unnecessary force is used, YES! This doesn't mean, however, we as Americans/African Americans/black people should start yelling at the cops, killing them and being disrespectful. Both sides need to be able to respect the other before assuming things based on skin color or uniform. Just like not every black person is the same, not every cop is the same.
No matter who dies via gun shot(s) makes me sad. However, not all shootings are unjust. If the perpetrator is holding a gun or something that looks like a gun, I'm not surprised when the cop or other person takes a shot. Running away or taking your sweet old time putting your hands above your head isn't exactly telling the police that you are innocent. The more idiots that do these things or try to get away with breaking the law, the more likely police are going to go into altercations with our race ready to use deadly force. The more idiots in blue that kick black Americans or shoot those who are on the ground, we will view cops as people to fight.
This video makes me so sad because it's people like this who try to taunt and make everything the policeman's fault. They think every policeman is like the idiots who have been proven to be corrupt and racist. Not every cop is like that!
Just remember 9 times our of 10, we don't know the whole story. Who's to blame for that? The media. Not African Americans. Not cops. Let's unite against the real enemy here in this instance.
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