This weekend I have been blessed to hear from 2 dear friends who have taken the time to remind me of who I am and have always been. They have the special skill of seeing me, even when I can’t see myself. We need people like this around to keep us living in truth. People rely on me a lot to have answers about things and to offer words of advice and encouragement.  Rarely is that favor returned the way it has been this weekend.

This is why I started this blog.  It gives me a chance to share my life experiences in the hope that I will empower someone else to own their truth and walk in it with their head held high.  Everyone has a past.  Everyone has been through something. None of us are in a position to judge someone else or make them feel small because of their life experience.  I'm here to normalize transparency.  Some of my lessons were big and some were small, but they were all pivotal in getting me to my current place of freedom.   I thank God for them all, both the good and the bad. They have all shaped me and are all a part of my unique purpose. 

I've never publicly shared the details of all that I'm about to share because I used to be embarrassed.  I'm happy to say I no longer am.  So consider yourself in on some exclusive details into my life.  So here we go...

It's almost time for me to go home for my annual Essence Festival appearance.  It's one of the highlights of my year.  I just love being around so many black people who are moving in a positive direction.  I anticipate this year will bring many more folks since the release of "Girls Trip."   We've got a full weekend packed with sites and sounds and lots of people watching.  Inevitably I'll run into folks that I haven't seen in a while, whether they be family or old school mates.  While I enjoy these sightings and love catching up and celebrating success, I always have to go through my "fix your face" exercises.  I have what we call a "Leaky Face."  Leaky Face is a condition in which your inside thoughts show on your outside face.  I've gotten better at controlling it, but a few things always bring it out.  You see I am a 37 year old, plus sized, single woman with no kids. And that always leads to comments.