Welcome to the Beautiful World of Au’Pearce

Today is September 11, 2021, twenty (20) years after terrorists flew Boeing planes into the Twin Towers of New York City. A plane that took the lives of 2,996 innocent people but has resulted in multi-million grievances. 

I must say that with the twin towers standing side-by-side, it adds significance to the strengths of individuals standing together, displaying togetherness and strength. 

The twin towers standing side-by-side add significance to what power means, mainly when individuals stand together, showing strength and character. 

The twin towers standing side-by-side add significance to the meaningfulness of “united we stand and divided we fall.”

Though I do not know of any persons who have been subjected to a terrorist attack, the impact of other’s experiences hits hard. These terrorist attacks could have impacted so many more persons, but with the bravery of those who decided to take a stand and deter terrorists from completing their heinous crimes, wickedness, and inhumane acts, so many lives were saved.

On behalf of those persons impacted, I will continue to pray that you develop the needed strengths and social support to get you through the hurt and pain. I pray that your good memories of the persons you lost overwrite any negative attitudes toward the situation and those persons involved. The persons that you lost knows your strength and abilities. God knows your strength and has already compensated you for any lack of strengths in dealing with such circumstances. You will never forget those persons you lost, and you will always remember how you lost these persons. I beg of you to get all the assistance you need, therapy, psychotherapy, counseling, support groups, family support, self-talk, self-care, and others.

From a psychological perspective, those persons who carried out such acts were conditioned to take on inhuman dispositions, developing a sociopathic, unempathetically, and to cognitively and intentionally devalue human life, even their own, as they would sincerely engage in suicidal-bombing acts, that takes the lives of many, even their own, without question or equivocation.

Even though I, myself, live in the United States of America, the “united” aspect is far from the truth, and the States of American has not been united for some time now. I am a black American in the States of America, who is subjected to racism, outcasted, told that I don’t belong here, and are continually given stares and glares as if I do not belong in certain areas. My knowledge, skills, and money are dismissed and devalued, particularly in predominantly white settings, where middle-class and high-class individuals reside. I categorize myself as a high-class black American. Yet, it is the low- and middle-class persons that make it difficult for those that are dissimilar or unfamiliar to live in an affluent, predominately white neighborhood. 

Even when attending certain clubs where I pay my monthly dues, it’s those outsiders who “yearn for a particular status” who look down on a black girl who has earned and pays her dues.

I say this to say that I love “my” country of residence. The country that I was born into, irrespective of where my ancestors or potential ancestors came from. What most persons fail to realize is that their ancestry and lineage are not directly associated with America, and they would instead engage in pretentious acts and behaviors, just to fit the realm of what “america” stands for (I failed to capitalize America purposely). America is not white. American is not based on white supremacy. These are attitudes that were manifested and adopted by lighter or pale shades or lack of melanin generations. If you look around, America is an assortment of colors those ranging from the palest skin tones to the darkest hues. 

I love my life, and I am sure there are billions of others who feel the same. I have realized that it is those – irrespective of ethnicity or race, who do not love their life and are miserable, and those who try to make it difficult for people like me who display content and happiness. If people were happy with their inner selves, the racial and prejudice tensions would be less profound. Until people come to realize that life is what you make it, they will never be happy.

So many people dwell on what other persons have and what they don’t. 

So many people dwell on the experiences and knowledge that others have accomplished and associate it with their downfalls.

So many people focus on what the have’s have, instead of putting in place realistic goals and plans that would contribute to their own prosperity, but readily dwell on what they do not have.

So many people blame others regarding what they don’t have, as opposed to what could be. 

So many people would instead focus on the negative rather than the positive. 

So many people never take the time to listen. Meaning they never give themselves the opportunity to process what they have heard or learned because they are too busy talking. Sometimes people need to shut the f up. 

Most rich people forget where they came from. Yet, they are so quick to frown on the less fortunate.

Most rich people are born with silver spoons in their mouths, so they lack humble-beginnings (or lack of) experiences.

Again, I say this to say that when you become fortunate to be a citizen in one of the States of America, united or un-united, you are privileged, which is NOT a “white thing” but an “American thing.”

I love where I live and cannot see myself living anyplace else. 

Yes, there are some rude and wicked people in the world, not only in America but worldwide.

Yes, there are some selfish people in the world. However, most selfish individuals, or those who fail to give an opportunity to those unfamiliar, are significant signs that the people who have been placed in positions of power lack the necessary confidence and competence or view others as a threat of taking over their position. 

In most cases, these are how terrorist attacks occur as well as why homicidal crimes rates continue to increase. People think they should have something that they themselves have not worked for or earned. 

People want to possess a certain level of power, a title they have not earned, and lack the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill such a position. 

But why is this? I do not have the answer. It’s interesting because even when an individual has been rightfully selected for a position of power, there will always be others who fill as though the person given that position is not suitable. We [America] continue to experience inner country terrorism. We [America] continue to have people in positions of power that make decisions based on their personal proclivities and not for the interest of the American people. We [America] will continue to be targeted by terrorists, those within the states and those from other countries. It is time for America to wake up and add significance to the meaning of “united.” There is no reason why America should have lost a war they have been fighting for two decades. American decision-makers and policymakers continue to focus on revoking certain rights and segregating people. They have allowed their personal emotions and biases to get in their way, that they have allowed others to pull the rug from up under their feet regarding certain critical and life-altering matters.

I am not saying that 9/11 could have been avoided, as America was unprepared for the inevitable. Today, America is not ready for the inevitable. They are too focused on stealing power and rights from their American residents while outsiders are stealing territory. America really needs to regain its focus on what matters, which means focusing on bringing people together instead of tearing people apart. Like the twin towers, they stood together, and they fell together. Just imagine the strengths of all Americans standing together united and the impact of power we would have. It’s a level of power that no single person or country could override. We displayed how impactful our control was during the election and supporting persons impacted by 9/11, as age, race, and culture were not a factor. Today, demographics and characteristics, and personal interests should not be a factor. The factors lie in doing what is suitable for all Americans.

America, we have work to do together. Stop trying to do it alone. It will only result in America failing, falling, and self-destructing.

When we become overwhelmed in our daily processes, our thinking capabilities shift dramatically. When we mentally reset due to overwhelmingness, this is not associated with being lazy, procrastinating, or lacking the necessary skills, knowledge, or discipline needed to get a job done. Being overwhelmed is defined as being mentally engulfed or swamped with things to do. For example, I am in the process of working on my doctoral dissertation proposal, and the first three chapters, chapters three out of five, have been reviewed by my dissertation committee. The needed modifications have really taken a mental toll. Outside of this, dealing with stressful life situations, the death of loved ones, and trying to avoid the risk of encountering covid, though fully vaccinated, is a compilation of being overwhelmed. The brain does not have the mental power to process such situations and circumstances simultaneously. The brain’s cognitive and neurological processes fall in the process of subsequent events. This means when something happens, process it and get over it and then move on. But when events compound, the brain becomes confused, and neurons and sensory motors start to misfire. Given this, other bodily organs try to compensate.

Interestingly, God, or whoever you serve, believer or nonbeliever, has chosen to live in heaven rather than on earth. Just think of all the suspenseful questions he would have flowing in his direction from the billions of persons here on earth. However, I must admit, s/he really thought it through as not to remain a physical being but a spiritual one that persons can ask questions, and he can answer them with rapid succession. 

When you stop and take time for yourself to recalibrate your brain, you are engaging in self-care. This is not a method of guilt, as self-care has become essential. This is a method of self-health care management.

I have found that when you become overwhelmed with certain life situations, particularly those you cannot control or handle, yet you still try, you have allowed these situations to consume you, it is a gateway to stress and depression, which results in health debilitations and psychological ill-being.  

I cannot tell you how many times I have sat at a computer screen trying to write a paper in a matter of a day or two only to feel the catastrophic disconnect between my mental mindset, my fingertips on the computer, and what was actually applied to the page. When I went back and read what I type a day or two later, I questioned my writing ability. 

I said to myself, there is no way in hell I wrote this. What was on the page reflects my desperation and not aspiration or intentionality. 

To become overwhelmed does not mean you are testing your strengths or trying to improve your weakness. Becoming overwhelmed with specific activities means that you have taken on so many activities to spread yourself thin that the actions you have dedicated your time to lack qualities you and others know you can meet and even exceed.

So, why spread yourself so thin?

Why do you take on unnecessary tasks and try to complete them immediately, but they do not require immediate attention and could be completed on a futuristic date? Yes, some situations mandate urgent attention, even those requiring an in-depth overview or evaluation. Say to yourself out loud all of the things you have on your plate. Categorize them in order of importance. 

In doing this, you are engaging in developing a structured life. 

You are developing an organized life. 

One that works for you and not one that you work for.

Being overwhelmed is a personal trait and not one that solidifies or defines who you are or who you yearn to be. Most people take on various tasks to feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement and eventually reach a certain level of success.

Some key elements that most persons encompass to combat overwhelmingness are:

O – Operationalize

V – Vigilance

E – Enthusiasm 

R – Resilience

W – Worth

H – Happiness

E – Emotionally Intelligent

L – Love of Self

M – Meaningfulness

E – Eagerness

D – Determination

Stop self-overwhelming. Take things as they come. Process them. Lay them out in the order of importance. Know that life inevitably occurs, and there are times when life will happen that may result in your working harder. 

This only means you must work smarter. 

This also means that some things you felt should have occurred already may take a bit longer, but when you have a high level of determination, even life hurdles cannot and will not stop you from achieving or accomplishing what you set out to do.

Trust yourself.

Trust the process.

Trust in the higher power, whichever one you serve.

Never take your eye off the prize.

Know that everything you have, earned, or accomplished, or will achieve is all because of the time and effort you invested into building you. 

When you put nothing in, you get nothing. 

When you put your all in, accomplishments and opportunities become endless.

Stay on a straight and narrow path. It is hard, and you may venture off at times but know that your successes are in your path and not others. 

Your success is already laid out and manifested for you. 

Your success is waiting for your arrival.  

Go Get What’s Yours.

Today, and from here on out, I take the time to appreciate life. I have come to a realization that life is only as long as GOD allows us to live here on earth. 

I realized it then but have recently developed substantial clarity that when GOD calls you to come home, there is nothing you or anyone can say or do about it. 

I have learned that we need to appreciate life and live life to the fullest. We all strive to live up to our full potential. But, what about persons who were not provided with the opportunity. Meaning their lives were taken by way of gun violence, suicide, or the means of someone else. We all deserve a chance to live; otherwise, GOD would not have made it possible for us to be born into this world. 

I suggest that when we are afforded the opportunity, we need to find our purpose and live and stop depending on others for handouts or affirmation. You are the only person that can validate and sustain your success. You are the only person who can be you, as no other person knows how to be a better or authentic you. Reveal your potential and show the world that you have more to offer. Let society know that you are a good person and that you don’t fit into the stereotypes and prejudices that have been placed upon you even before you came into this world.

Today and forever, I pray for benediction. I repent all my sins, negative thoughts, and actions. I promise to myself and society that I will also try to do the right thing even in the face of adversity. I understand that there are negative and cold-hearted individuals in this world. There are also individuals in this world that will inevitably go through things. For example, situations that may cloud their judgments momentarily, as that only means I need to remove myself from those situations and continue to press on and not feed into their negativity or opposition that has been instilled within them, temporarily or otherwise.  

Surrounding yourself with positivity, positive people, and engaging in positive and mentally stimulating activities can significantly enhance personal well-being and life satisfaction. Positive affectives remediate negative situations and negative thoughts, feelings, and ruminations.

At some point in y[our] life, you will reflect. In most instances, self-reflections are choices, whereas, in other situations, they inevitably occur without notice. In contrast, our unconscious and conscious states join forces taking precedence, forcing us to face the truths and realities that we have tried so hard and long to avoid. 

Listen to yourself. Follow your heart. Take chances. Do something that you have never done before but always wanted to. React to situations and circumstances intelligently, embrace your emotional and social intelligence. Live your life and let go of the things you have no control over. Make the most of being you and let no one deter you from being happy and prosperous. Love yourself first. Otherwise, you are no use to others. Afterall, tomorrow is not promised to anyone, and it will come and go with or without us.

For far too long, I have put everyone else before me. I made sure everyone else was taken care of that I forgot to take care of myself. I gave so much of me that I became a shell of myself. I felt empty. Even with lack of self-abundance, I was still picked and prodded. It wasn’t enough for them to take my tangible strength, but they became hungrier and reliant enough that they tapped into my intangible strengths, resulting in their depletion. I had become so empty, physically, psychologically, emotionally, financially, and the like, that I had become a walking shadow. Someone that may have been noticeable to others but not to me. 

Well. I am back in full flesh, and I dare a person try to pick and prod me. I am whole and will forever be holistic, mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. It’s time for me to embrace the most powerful word in the dictionary, NO. Better yet, HELL NO.  When I do things, I do them because I want to and because they are going to benefit me. When I say something, I say what I mean and mean what I say. Like it or not, I don’t care what others think or say about me. I am me and will forever be me. No on in this world could be a better me no matter what. No on in this world could tell me how to live my life, make decisions on my life, run my life, nor ruin my life. I am in control of my destiny. In the words of Mary J. Blige, “my life, my life, my life.” I will endlessly be in control of my life. I will continue to perpetuate self-control and who I associate myself with and when. I owe no one anything, and until others stop feeling as though others, or the world owes them something, and stop looking for handouts, then they will be able to live their lives holistically, whereby being their true and authentic self. They will be able to progress, become established and accomplished, and successfully maneuver through life.

I say this to say that it is time to make some drastic life changes and if you are not for me then you have no place in my life. If you wish to speak negatively about me, my achievements, and accomplishments then you are not supposed to be in my life. If you are not willing to protect and stand up for me, then its best we go our separate ways. My aim, and novice objective from here and from now on, is to only have positive individuals in my life, even if this results into my being alone and friendless. I am a true and authentic supporter and will support individuals that I am close with and who are continually and effortfully trying to get ahead in life, those who are not stagnant or always have their hands out. 

When you go through life trying to please others it really takes a toll over your cognitive and emotional health. You find yourself in a slump. In an undesired mental turmoil or funk. You have allowed others to transfer their negative onto you. You have others to use their negative attitude to overshadow your optimism, whereas not you find yourself feeling down. You become stressed. The acuteness of the stress resulting in depression. You find yourself being dissociative, mentally disengaged, and engaging in self-isolating behaviors. But why. Why have you allowed another person or a situation that you can control to bring you down. STOP. When others start talking that negative shit, stop them in their tracks. Tell them to turn that negative energy into positive energy and use their life happenings and circumstances to their advantage.  Ruminating on negativity is not healthy and can send you into dark places and result in dark thinking. Let all of the negativities go. It is not a crime to take back your life. It is not a sin. It is your distinctive right to live and lead a positive life whereas increasing your life longevity, life satisfaction, health, and wealth. You deserve to be happy. Even if you have to remind yourself every single day. Happiness should be at the top of your list of everyday achievements. Happiness is a method of being selfish. Be selfish. If you see others in a mental bind where they wallow in their own pity, get the hell out of dodge. Let them figure life out. You are not a professional. However, there are times when others need to be talked off the ledge. Throw in a few encouraging words. Let that person know that regardless of what their situation is, they better believe that someone is experiencing or have experienced the same or a similar situation. Better yet, a large portion of the population is worse off than they are. 

What people don’t realize is that when you reach a certain level of success, it is inevitable that at some point you will fall short. That means that you have become too relaxed in your position and wealth. That means that if you did it once then you can do it again. Life is all about lessons. It up to you to learn from those lessons. Life is also about you being selfish at times in your life even if it means being alone. Be selfish. Be alone. You deserve that much. You don’t always have to ensure that others are ok. Afterall, who’s making sure that you are OK, if you are not. 

Surround yourself with others that have something to offer. even if its simply encouraging words or good advice and vice versa. Just because words and advise is exchanged, that does not mean that you are speaking to persons that will stay or stick in your life. Speak up or shut up. In some cases, people will ignore you, but you have better to believe they heard you. We live in a world where our experiences are distinct. Daily we are challenged and may face complexities, some more frequent than others. Talk to individuals. Afterall, you do not know what they are going through. We never know what tomorrow will bring or who we may be speaking to. Tomorrow you may need advice or encouraging words. The person that you might be talking to, or comforting may be a disciple. The person that you are speaking to may be the Lord Jesus Christ himself, disguised but in the flesh. The person that you are encouraging or sharing your experiences with may be a person of wealth, those that can ignite your blessings, move mountains out of your path, and send you on a pleasurable and life fulfilling journey that you never thought was possible. 

Be selfish. Be alone. Being alone does not necessarily equate to being lonely. Know when to associate and disassociate yourself. Be mindful. Stop giving your all to others that are undeserving or who does not reciprocate. Take care of you first. Remove yourself from negative situations, ungratefulness, and leeches. Think positive and remain optimistic. When you take care of yourself and surround yourself with affluent, go-getters, authentic, and supportive friends and family members you increase your health, wealth, life longevity, as well as life satisfaction. For me personally. I chose me over all else. When I am happy then everyone else around me will be happy, as the negative energy and thinking will immediately dissipate. I chose to have increased health, wealth, life satisfaction and life longevity. You have a choice. What will it be?

To the DAD Dads

To the Dog Dads

To the Turtle Dads

To the Frog Dads

To the Cat Dads

To the Step-Dads

To the Foster Dads

To the Good Dads

To the Wannabe Dads

To the Proud Dads

To the Dad-Uncle Dads =Daduncle’s

To the Super Dads

To the Single Dads

To the Ready to Mingle Dads

To the Soccer Dads

To the Hardworking Dads

To the Traveling Dads

To the Service Dads

To the I GOT THIS Dads

To the Present Dad

To the Supportive Dad

TO ALL TYPES OF DADS

Know that YOU are appreciated