Jane Fonda: My new Shero :)

I am sitting here staring at my Finite Math homework, as I’ve done for 2-days now. This assignment, this class, has me feeling utterly defeated. And as I struggle through this horrible Math-Lab I can hear the laughter bubbling upstairs. So I know that my roomies are having a blast. Part of me wants to hop up there to be a part of the silliness. But the grown-up in me says “You haven’t earned the right to play yet, because you haven’t finished your assignment; due tonight.” *sighs* Of course I am also blogging and watching Oprahs’ Master Life Class and so much is populating in my brain. But I promise you, this will be a short blog. I will soon be back on question 7/10. And I will turn in my assignment on time. I promise!

Why do we forsake our priorities for a seemingly fun decision? I mean, the fun moment only lasts for A MOMENT. But the effects of our decision(s) ripple through the universe and always come full circle. I have never seen these decisions made based on temporary feelings work out for our good. Just because we can do something, doesn’t mean that we should. Do we ever ask for Gods’ guidance when we make such choices? Do we ever say: If it’s for me, it’ll be there for me when the time is right? Perhaps it isn’t our season. When I was a kid (referring to my 20’s), I used to make those kinda choices. I felt like “Oh screw it. Ya only live once.” Do you know that for the most part I am STILL paying for those choices, 10, 7, and 5 years later? It just isn’t worth it.

As I watch Jane Fonda a 74 year young woman speak about facing her fears, living her life the fullest and making responsible choices on Oprahs’ Master Life Class I am further reminded of my purpose in life. I am reminded that it is not all about me. I am reminded that the goal is to be in total peace with our decisions. I am reminded that a healthy mind, breeds a healthy body and healthy decisions.

“We are all apart of everything. We are energy. We are all connected.”-Jane Fonda

Ergo, our decisions are all connected. Why not make them count?

Peace & Blessings Kings and Queens

Sweet Surrender

"Liz, maybe that was the only way HE could get your attention. Maybe that was the only way to get you to be still."-M.Carr

Last week I was sitting with some friends, laughing and eating and talking. I began to discuss how incompetent I'd been feeling after my fracture. I also explained how hurt I was after receiving a series of  "strange" text messages from someone that I genuinely care for. We started discussing all of the factors happening in my world i.e. Online studies, New HR class at a major University here in Houston, Work (yawns), and all of my "therapies." Soon, I found myself sad again. It's not that any of the things I've been going through are SOOOOOO rough. It's by their powers combined (*whispering* i am captain planet). When my libra scales are tilted I become counterproductive and depressed. I felt tears emerging and thus turned my face. At that moment one of the girls said: "Liz, maybe that was the only way HE could get your attention. Maybe that was the only way to get you to be still."

(Has anyone ever said anything to you and then the light bulb just goes off in your brain?)

Then my other friend (former Personal Assistant/outside-free-of-charge counselor/"should I get this bag or not?" helper) reminded me of how fast I'd been living. She reminded me of how I lost my job on the Friday before my birthday and how I had two interviews lined up that next Monday(10/10). And how I had two offers for work as I boarded the plane to London. And how I'd been moving and shaking and forcing things to go my way practically all year. She explained that I needed to SLLLLOOOOOOOWWW DOOOOOWWWWNNN. blah, blah, blickety-blah-erton.

Now, I need ya'll to know that wasn't the FIRST time I'd heard this. My sisters have told me. My co-workers have told me. My Father has told me. My roomies have told me. But this time, for whatever reason. I just got it. And let me take that back, there was a reason I got it. I had just hung up with my very faithful and spiritual friend since childhood. And she laid some heavy things on me, ending the call by promising to lift me in prayer. That night, was the first in many nights where I simply drifted off to sleep without the help of any sleep aids. (I'd been taking them to make my mind turn off at night so I could rest for about 2 weeks.) I haven't taken them since!!!

So what have I learned? (I swear I feel that ya'll are asking me that. Even if you are not, humor me. Oh yeah and this won't mean anything to people who don't know me personally.)

*clears throat and unfolds wrinkle paper with list*
1. You were my One for the Liz that I was. Not for the Elizabeth I'm becoming. I still love you ,and know you'll always be in my life. We both got what we needed, and I thank you so much. *warm embraces*
2. You were not here for our holiday party, you flew in to take care of me because that very night I needed you more than anything. *big smile*
3. It's not you, it really was me. I moved so fast that I forgot to process everything happening. I am so sorry I dumped all of my emotion on you. *I'll be upstairs soon*
4. Who knew that the week I delivered my past, I'd meet my future? I just know. Stay tuned. *12*
5. It's all about what you put out in the universe. The moment I started to acknowledge my need for healing and become proactive about being a better Elizabeth, life became fun again. I so love this "me".
6. You're only as good as your word.
7. It's OK to need people. It's OK to rely on them. It was my time to be the recipient. *happy feet*
8. If something is broken, it will NOT fix itself. You will have to do something about it, or it will remain fractured. *every week until The Spirit tells me to stop*
9. I am truly loved.
10. I forgive them. I forgive me. I don't have a resentful thought in my soul. *surrender all*

In case you are wondering why there are 10 points.....well that's because "Shawty right here is a ten."-Literally ;)

Be well Kings & Queens!!

A song for February

I surrender my need to be right.
I am thankful for my life.
Positive thoughts are inside.
I embrace my need to be kind.


Be well Kings & Queens. Do your best to stay on the upside of karma. Treat your fellow man with kindness and respect. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Keep your promises. Build bridges, don't burn them.

Selah

Robin Thicke

Lost your job,


lost your mind


living on the street


for the second time


all you do is dream


another new tonight


I see blue skies in front of me






baby, never give up


don't stop now,


it's never too much


never give up


never give up



I had one of the best weekends. *healthy sigh* En-route home, one of my besties played the Robin Thicke CD for me. I instantly fell in mad love with the chaotic chorus of “Never Give Up.” The woodwind section seems to collide with the percussion; and the percussion seems to attack the vocals at all the most awkward times. It seemed to fit where I am right now. Right at this moment: I am at that fork in the road, and I know that it’s completely up to me to make good decisions so that I can behold the prosperity which this year promises. Sometimes the best decisions don’t feel good but they are necessary to your overall wellbeing and your path. After the internal and external interrogations, I surrendered my need to be in control (again).

Last time I was on “holiday” in that city I was promoting my book and preparing for a “mason-dixonish” adventure to be a part of something familiar. This time, in that same city everywhere I went people were quoting phrases from my book and I conversed with unfamiliar people. Unfamiliar people who may soon become familiar. And who knows when I return they may be in my second book, or on my TV show or on my talk radio show. Who knows? The sky and my imagination are limitless. Sunday morning I woke up refreshed and reflected on the previous week and my weekend and knew and realized that life is truly one big circle. It really is the circle of life. The earth is round, wedding bands are round and life is round. Which is why everything that we do, say or touch always, ALWAYS finds its way back to us. This weekend helped me to appreciate that and start the motion toward a better quality of life, and I am not giving up---even at the finish line I will keep pressing because my work won't be over yet.

In between my love affair with “Never Give Up.” I started reading a book called: Don’t sweat the small stuff; and here is what I learned/started practicing-

I surrender my need to be right- People with varied motives are going to think what they want about you anyway. Some people have nothing better to do than over-analyze the negative or try to find ways to make them look right and you look wrong. And if they need to be right that badly, why not give it to them. If you know who you are and where your integrity stands, what else truly matters?

Ask yourself “Will this matter in a year?”- You know it won’t, so why bother. Let it pass.

Become more patient- The Writer speaks about requiring quiet time to reflect and write. When you are a writer you need lots of quiet to sort your thoughts, hear your fingers tap on the keyboard, etc. If you do not get that time you WILL get “Writers Block” and completely shut down being less than productive. The Writer says that sometimes his small children come in and want to pester him. Instead of getting upset about the repercussions of their actions, he stops and recognizes the innocence of the situation. His children don’t mean any harm. Their intent isn’t to cause harm, so why treat it that way? Which brings me to my favorite and final point….

Be the first one to act loving or reach out- There are so many good spiritual folk, who pride themselves on being so loving and just, yet they will hold on to a grudge until it becomes resentment, leading unto hate. Sometimes, when you care for people it’s ok to reach out and be the mature and loving party first. Tomorrow isn’t promised. And, I tell you one thing that I know for sure, people who are unforgiving live the most unhealthy/unhappy lives. They have severe physical and mental ailments because they are determined to hold on to toxic behaviors and hard feelings. So what, someone hurt your feelings?! Life isn’t fair. Increase the days of your life by letting go.

lost your heart


lost your will


on your hands and knees


just for a dollar bill


lost your faith


and your confidence


it never seems fair


nothing make sense






baby, it ain't over


it's not over


it's never over


i said never give up


i said never give up


Keep shining Kings & Queens. Regardless of what your personal mission is, Never give up. Never!!!! Come on 2012, give us your best shot because we are ready and armed with consciousness, selflessness, determination and love. If you want something(s) bad enough you won’t give up.



e.g

Never Give Up - New Robin Thicke

I don't give a............

......BITCH-DAMN! (Hey Ya'll. Thanks for joining the Liz-Ranting hour. Please grab your notebooks and highlighters so that we may begin the session. Is everyone ok? Do you need some water? Perhaps some merLOT will help you.) *insert small church piano in the background* (And if you'd like to give an offering, simply visit http://www.elizabethgoree.com/ where you can order my book.)

Ushers. USHERS! Retch around and lead the flock to the "inna-net" so theys can purchase my book and/or give a love offering. *piano starts to fade out as we prepare for the word*

Perhaps, I'm a hopeless romantic. If not that, then I am certainly a raving lunatic. <-----I am open to either of those options. LOL I am too trusting at times; and I give way more of myself than necessary. I am always left feeling broken, confused and slightly betrayed. And then I allow people into talking me into being/holding the blame. When usually, it takes more than the mere efforts of one to create a challenging situation. This is all I want to say on that subject, for now. *subject matter in process*

Now, being that I may or may not be a hopeless romantic OR raving lunatic it's been a challenge to offer words of wisdom to one of my near and dear buddies. See, she's been chatting it up with a newbie. We'll call him Mr. Milkshake. LOL He's been sending her EROTIC poetry and short stories for about a week now. And her ass sends responses to him like "Oh, that's nice." <---------------WTH?! Now again, I am NOT an expert on this matter. But when you are putting yourself all the way out there and putting yourself in a vulnerable place; it is nice to get some reciprocity. We've (Buddy #2 and I) have tried to help this young lass find her sexy and build up the anticipation of the dynamics of their pending relationship. To. No. Avail. I pray that Mr.Milkshake brings her to the yard and out of the small proverbial day-care that she's been living in.

Soooooooooooo a few days ago, I was leaving work and climbing a short, and wide set of stairs to enter the parking garage. Currently, I have to watch every step that I take to ensure that I don't prolong my healing. That, plus, I am absolutely terrified to walk or do anything which could cause my ankle any further fracture or pain. Anyway, I was walking up the stairs. Step. Pause. Step. Pause. Step. Pause. I step with the right foot and pull my left side up by using the rail. Step. Pause. Step. Pause. Well undoubtly a co-worker passed me by and called my name. I may have heard the subtle "Liz" in the background. But I was focused. I could not lose my balance. "LIZ!!??" came a shout. This caused me to stop right in my tracks. I turned around. It was (we'll call her Tessie) our HR Manager. She had this surprised look on her face like "Didn't you hear me calling you?" I explained that I was going home, we shared some meaningless banter and kept it moving. Then at that moment, I had this HUGE revelation: *insert that angelic sound*When you are focused, really focused on you, your path and getting from A to B; you cannot possibly be concerned with the rights and wrongs of others. I mean seriously, you cannot have a fulfilling life if you are constantly over-analyzing EVERY single thing, or if you are always gossiping. Period. It is nearly impossible to be completely engaged in your personal life and still be overly concerned with the lives of others. I could not hear my co-worker because I was focused. Completely focused. Now look at your neighbor and say "Amen."

I've been chanting since the beginning of this beautiful year: Prosperity. I still believe in it. I believe it for every part of my being; my mind, my spirit, my heart, my physical health, my relationships and my finances. But not only do I chant that for me, but for everyone in my life, whether near or far. But to experience true prosperity, I believe that one must be completely focused.

What did these paragraphs have to do with one another? Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Noooooooooooooooooooooooothing. But I wanted to share, and my readers always love a good story. Unfortunately/fortunately everything I write is TRUE. Like I say, at times it feels like my life is one long, never ending day. But this day has to end, as I have a big ole weekend of fun planned ;)

This program was brought to you by the letter-R(eciprocity) and the letter F(ocused) and finally my favorite, the letter P(rosperity)<----This could also mean RFP, request for proposal. But we aint bidding up in here, sooooo....

Until we chat again, be easy Kings & Queens.

Smooches

Embracing the uncertainty

Writing freely. Like red, well-fermented wine the thoughts seem to simply pour out. I better grab a bigger glass, or a second glass before I make a complete mess of things. Me making a mess of things "aint-nothing" new. But this isn't about me. Oops, my bad; this is my blog so it may be about me after all.

Tonight someone asked me a question which has been tapping at my cranium for at least the past hour. She said "Is fear driving you? Or, is love?"

See there comes a time in your life where, you cannot lie to anyone anymore. Let alone, lie to yourself. I quickly answered, before a lie even had a chance to form and said "Fear is.............." Fear of losing the person that I love the most. Fear that I'll forever walk with a limp. Fear of the fact that 2nd chances are stupid. Fear of turning 33 this year and not knowing the direction my life will take. Fear that my investments will see no return. (and if you are thinking about money, you are so far off base. Because everything to me is an investment. I give 110% to everything/everyone that I do. You can replace currency. But you cannot replace time. You cannot repair the reprehensible damage done to the heart as long as your memory serves its purpose.)

God knows I've tried to rip off my cloak of control. Why me worry? I ask myself this in the quiet times of my mind. And for a few small moments the obsessions about things that I cannot control eases up. I begin to remember who I am, and what I want and what I love to do. And, as soon as I get to that place, that peace which transcends all understanding begins to wrap all around me, cocooning me in a blanket of joy.

I'm one of those all or nothing gals. I am a true Libra. While I am fair, and loyal and just and blah, blah, blah. I rarely find balance. If I am "on" then I am all the way on. But when I am "off"; I turn all the way off and it never really goes back to how it was. It's strange like that. Love it or Love it. LOL (No room for hate in my world. Life can be tough enough.)

Digression period starts now.

Tonight, I had part one of an interview for a Natural Hair Documentary. Do you know how refreshing it feels to just "let it all out?" It feels damn good. I realized that I carry a torch. I speak for those who lack the courage to speak. I represent the face of the African Queen. I represent what it means to be a real woman in a world so full of the surreal. My interviewer said "Liz how would you describe yourself?" I quickly answered, as though I'd known this answer all alone- A PASSIONATE BALL OF CHAOS.

I am chuckling now as I read what I am writing. But that is me. I mean well. God knows I do. And let it be known only HIS opinion of me matters. As only HE can judge and sentence me. You mortals and your ignorance may take a seat on the back of the bus for all I care. Anyway, I realize that sometimes my intentions go misunderstood. But at the end of the day, I march. I march for equal rights/civil rights. I march for going the distance for what you believe in. I march for saying: It's ok to just be you, the created you which came from your Moms vagina. It's really ok to have brown skin or kinky hair. It's ok if your hips are wide (as long as you are healthy). It's ok that your laugh is loud. It's ok that you don't have all of the right answers; as long as you reconcile you. The true you that you were created to be.

I realize that I've been a tad lost for a while. So many things have added to that. The main thing was the fracturing of my ankle. I became so sensitive (again). I started to feel so inadequate as I had to depend on people to help me get dressed and use the bathroom, etc... I learned so much about me and the people who truly love me. I really found myself lost. I wasn't doing the normal things that I was doing. I wasn't living the carefree life that I worked so hard to attain. And that's ok. Because I am re-finding me (again) and I am embracing me for who I am, where I come from and where I am going. I am embracing the uncertainty of it all. I refuse to let the hurt of others, or the misunderstanding of others or the lack of respect, or the unresolved challenges of others interfere with me and my path. I will still be Liz. A loving, courageous, passionate ball of chaos. Except, this fear thing?? That's gotta go. Thank you my friend for bringing it to my attention.

I am walking by faith, one foot, boldly in front of the other. (That's actually how I walk now...smh; but you get it.) And, guess what?? I get it to.

Peace & Blessings Kings and Queens.

I dig that thing....so I took that thing

I read a sexy compillation of words written by a tower of beauty and elegance. I loved what I read so much that I stole it. Yep, yanked it right off the page and inserted it; perhaps "incepted" it into my own mind. It sounds so much like me. It feels so much like me that I took it. But indicative of the fact that I took it, further expresses the fact that these words could not be mine-

If I waste my life fitting into the mold of approval I’ll spend the latter years of my life wondering who I was supposed to be.  My soul is genuinely composed of WHO I AM.

JAS, I dig this. You've got the "WRITE" attitude. Push on little sister, push on :)

Fasting

Because when I speak, I am not heard. At least my words aren't heard, just bits and pieces intwined with your personal challenges.

Because my freedom of speech is quite costly.

Because I know who I am, and I can best say it, by saying nothing at all.

Because this is the season for "doing".

Because I know who I am, what I want and where I am going.

Because I know how it feels to be kicked when I am down.

Because I know how it feels to be mislead.

Because I know that the only way I will know which move to make is by being still and quiet.

Because................I can.

Welcome 2012-Year of prosperity

I'm sipping red wine from a small glass, "Hidden City" a new Travel Channel show plays in the background as I complete classwork and write this blog. 2012, I am so glad to see you. I don't think that just because it's a new year that all of these new things will pop out of nowhere. But I have a great, fun, heart racing-excited feeling about this year. I just know that this is the year of prosperity-Physically, Mentally, Spiritually and Financially. And because we have what we say we have; and we are who say we are I've begun chanting this mantra of sorts since the last day of 2011.

On the last day of the year I was feeling super down. I mean my "One" and I had words, My Dad somewhat disowned me, and my broken ankle was causing me pain. Sidebar- We take so many things for granted. But when you no longer have certain abilities you start to pay a bit more attention to them, and start to show gratitude. Wait until you have to get help to do simple tasks like: Make it to the bathroom, bathe, get dressed etc...Imagine having to wait on someone to wake up or come by to get you a glass of water. It sucks. It sucks. But, now I appreciate the ability to take care of myself. I appreciate these two strong, brown legs that God gave me to walk, and skip and leap. I appreciate all of the people who make up my support system who've waited on me hand and foot for the past two weeks and three days.

Anyway, I was feeling crappy as hell. My pride was hurt, I felt thrown away. I felt kicked while I was down. Then I cried my eyes out. No, not my usual cry (because I am a ball of emotion). I purged. I drug up things that happened in my past. I mean, I really cried. Then the next day I woke up extremely excited and at least partially resolved. I also woke up feeling like the sand dunes of hell had given birth in my body from all of the painkillers, "green" and random Tequilla shots consumed. But I just knew that good shit was fina happen. ----LOL...(I'm sooooo hood) And as soon as the words (my mantra) departed from my lips things started coming together-

Here's my praise report:
1. I have new business plans in place, with serious potential earnings. Yuuuup, I'm claiming it now.
2. I went to my follow up visit at the Orthopedics and my ankle has healed so well you can barely see the fracture in the x-rays. I was advised to gradually start returning to my normal way of doing things. This made me so happy, I had to fight the tears of joy.
3. My Dad and I had dinner tonight and addressed some sensitive subjects. It felt good to be clear, and to be heard (to be continued).
4. My One and I made up. She reminded me of how much she loves me and we're making LONG-TERM plans.
5. Mostly everyone around me is prospering and doing well.

I refuse to allow old things to contaminate my new possibilities. I am feeling good about everything. I have a ways to go (LOTS to do to be a better Lizzie)....but I am making plans to put things in motion and happy about the progress. Baby-steps, literally.

So, remember when I started and mentioned the glass of wine, etc...I'll have you know that I walked to the bar and poured that wine myself, after I bathed and rolled my hair full of pink sponge rollers (my hair is straight this week, already curling at the roots). Yep, I did it mmmmmmyyyyyyyyyyy way!!

Peace & Blessings Kings and Queens.