Break the Cycle and ACHIEVE More!!!

We've all at one point in time or another had the feeling we weren't progressing or moving in the direction we thought we would. For me, it's traditionally around my birthday when I start thinking about what the next year will bring for me. Some of the things I've learned in life that served me well is to remain true to myself, always be respectful even when my head may tell you otherwise, and to be as strategic as possible. To get to the next plateau in life you must make a bold move. However to be successful you will need to be strategic and plan out the smaller executable action items to achieve the larger goal. This is the blueprint for achieving the next plateau when you may feel stuck!

Remain True To Yourself
Never compromise your core beliefs to fit in to what you may view as the norm. Whether it be your quirky personality, infectious smile or an against the grain way of thinking. Uniqueness is a great gift and if you have a different view point or a unique way of execution, then that is your slight advantage and should be used to get noticed. Not fitting in with the status quo is a strategic move all in itself as long as you know how to utilize that uniqueness to achieve your desired goal. It's all in the  rarity of the execution! As life has shown us, there is always a small percentage of folks that achieve more than the masses and the reason behind that is typically due to the oddity within them. That oddity or what some may see as an oddity gives them a different perspective and allows them to approach things in a unique manner. Everyone has a uniqueness within them but we're systematically programmed to follow the majority instead of being taught how to fine tune our individuality and unique qualities. We're trained for automation and to follow what has worked in the past. Very rarely given thought as to how we can add improvements and those who break from that mindset are the innovators and self achievers within the collective.


Always Be Respectful In Spite of...
This is one that may be the absolute hardest to achieve. It's easy to get sucked into the collective "shit show". Everyone is a master complainer in today's world. Sit at a light 2 seconds too long and someone is honking their horn. Look nice at work or actually know your job and someone is secretly talking behind your back and trying to discredit or belittle you for something. No need to get distracted over things that you can't change and you cannot change someones negative behavior towards you. However you are always in control of how you react! Kill them with kindness or ignore them because they aren't imperative to your goals. People hate when their efforts are ignored or better yet they hate when you win in spite of their negative attempts. I promise you that the best way to ensure that you win is to stay classy and keep doing what you're doing because it's not only being observed by your haters. Your respectfulness is also being quietly observed by others who aren't so vocal and malicious and those are the ones who matter. Not because they matter to you directly but because as you move upward you'll be surprised how many people transition to where you're going as well. You'll always run into someone you've known previously and it's best that they have a good impression on how you conduct yourself because that news travels too. It's HOW YOU REACT and HOW YOU CONDUCT YOURSELF that matter. Especially to you in the long run!

Be Strategic
The best thing you can do for yourself is to start a journal or invest in a planner to set goals! I believe this was the first post or close to it that I ever posted and it was certainly about setting goals for yourself. (found it: (your minority report) Large goals and small supporting goals are all to be written down! It sets you on a subconscious path to achievement without you even realizing it. You will achieve or get damn near close to achieving your goal in your set time frame. You just have to write it down and set micro milestone goals to support the major ones. This has worked for me 100% of the time! Even when I've doubted my abilities and the goals itself. 

Derma Rollers To Improve Skin

I am not a product junkie but I am on a crusade to ensure that my skin looks it's possible best as I age. That is what led me to Microneedling or in my case derma-rollering which both are similar procedures. If you're interested in minor cosmetic boosting then Microneedling / at home derma-rollers may be the cheapest answer to your quest. Before we begin to delve further I must admit that these are two distinct versions of Microneedling that are used. One is done professionally by  your Dermatologist with really deep needles and can often times show markings. This is what the professional Dermatologist label Microneedling.  The other Microneedling  is often called derma-rollering and is performed in the same manner but is more of a DIY method. Yes... the do-it-yourself method requires needles to the face too however it's not the painful injection type of needle most would think of.

The idea behind both methods are the same. It's a non-invasive alternative to plastic surgery that provokes the skin to produce more collagen which is induced with the small needles. Basically the process tricks the skin into believing it's been injured (minor injury) and encourages the body to mass produce more collagen to correct the injured tissue plumping the skin. However the pricks from the needles are so small that all I've noticed is minor tenderness which sort of feels like a light rug burn to the face. Let me clarify that the sensation isn't as intense as an actual rug burn however immediately after you do feel slight sensitivity which is what you're striving for. My sensitivity was a bit heightened too because it was my very first time using the derma-roller and I followed up with a vitamin c serum to wrinkle repair. Another important note is that I've started out using a small  derma-roller at .25mm because I need to build up my tolerance. I'm also not looking for major changes to my skin. I just want to prevent laugh lines, crows feet and premature forehead wrinkles. If I were to actually see breaking in my skin from the derma roller or experienced any pain I would not continue but so far so good.

A lot of online reviews that I've read suggested the method to combat under eye bags. I'm guess it's great for people who aren't willing to undergo eye fillers and are looking for a more cost effect, injury free alternative to surgery. I did use it under and around my eyes so hopefully I notice a difference but it's not my main objective. I want to lessen my fine lines and wrinkles. The at home procedure recommends a treatment schedule of once per week working your tolerance up to eventually performing the procedure 2-3 times per week. I plan on sticking to a regimen of 2 times per week to see if I notice any subtle changes for 5 weeks. Now this is where the professional and DIY treatments vary. The professional treatment noticeably punctures which allows for a max of 6 sessions whereas the at home DIY version is not so intense. Both boast similar results for the skin that include correcting acne scaring, age spots, wrinkles and improvement to elasticity and uneven skin tone. However the professional dermatologist say that the at home results aren't the same as the in-office treatments but I believe that subjective. Dermatologist want to get paid. However I'll take the diluted version with its results over the 4-6 weeks in office procedure at about $300 per session.
The do-it-yourself roller runs about $15 and even if my results are minimal I'm okay with spending $15 over $1800.

You will Marry the Wrong Person

Are you the type that says you're never settling in regards to love? I tend to see that all the time posted on social media and I immediately think the same thing when seeing those post. Instantly I believe that the person posting it will be single for a long time, constantly searching for bigger and better love or if they're in a relationship they're unhappy because they're looking for all the wrong things. To love someone truly means that you're settling for who they are because no one will ever meet our expectations in all capacities. However we accept settling all the time in other aspects of life. You're children will never make all the right choices or live the life you pictured when daydreaming about them. You're job or career will never be exactly how you envisioned it. To top it off, you're not seen by others the exact way you envision yourself because we all have a warped sense of self  both figuratively and literally. Meaning none of us are perfect but we're constantly searching for what we consider perfection in someone else. So when someone says they're not settling what they really mean is that they want the butterflies in their tummy type love. However are those who choose that route always making the best choice for a mate? Blinded by love is a saying for a reason. Do we tend to overlook long term incompatibilities for the immediate allure lust?  Take a listen to this video and decide what's best for yourself.

Do you have excema or acne? You may have demodex mites!!!

Could your hair loss and skin irritation be Demodex mites? If you haven’t heard of Demodex mites you're not alone. Most have not heard of them and there has been little progress in study evolving how they are contracted but the one thing that is certain is that you may not even know you have them.
So what exactly are Demodex mites? Well they're microscopic mites that live in your oil glands and hair follicles and feed on your skin cells and another variation of them feeds on the sebum secretions of your oil glands. They are also believed to be the culprit behind many skin issues ranging from acne, eczema, rosacea and hair loss. It's also believed to be the underlying cause of scaly skin that we call dandruff. Some other common issues that are actually symptoms of demodex mites are loss of eyelashes, itching, red skin, eye irritation and skin discoloration.

The thought of having microscopic bugs or organisms living on your skin too much for you? Well they seem relatively easy to treat as there are a few simple solutions that can reduce and correct a problematic infestation. There is also a link between an over abundance of Demodex that are linked to people with weak immune systems that are thought to be the precursor to skin ailments such as eczema and rosacea. Ridding oneself of any type of bug is a high priority for me. Especially since there has been recent studies that suggest there are more than 100 of these type of microscopic species that try and feed on your skin. The thought alone freaks me out. Therefore you'll be happy to know that these common over the counter remedies exist.
- Sulfur (sulfur shampoos such as Sulfur 8).
- Benzyl Benzoate
- Salicylic acid
- Selemium sulfide
- Sea Buckthorn Oil

The most natural solution from this list would be the Sea Buckthorn Oil which has had wonderful reviews online in healing skin conditions. Once I started digging into how effective Sea Buckthorn oil was for eczema and acne I came across the underlying issue which in many cases were due to Demodex mites. At the time I had never heard of Demodex mites but it makes sense especially when you're persistent in cleansing your skin but you're still prone to problems. In addition you can take small precautions by investing in a sulfur soap. I like this one with shea butter and argan oil by One With Nature.

Demodex is also very prevalent in animals too and shows as mange. Occasionally an infestation occurs primarily in your animals paws and can cause yeast infections in the paw area. A great natural remedy for dogs paws when they are experiencing an overgrowth is a hydrogen peroxide borax water soak. Add 2 cups of water to a half cup of hydrogen peroxide and a small teaspoon of Borax and let the dogs paws soaks for few minutes. DONT USE IF THE PAW AREA IS OVERLY AGITATED as this solution is drying to the pets skin due to the hydrogen peroxide and will irritate overly agitated skin area. To fight Demodex mites in pets I highly suggest using Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo for dogs & cats Antiseptic & antifungal which is available at Walmart.

Awkward or not???

If you're not familiar with the gossip mill that has followed Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz and his ex wife Moshanda then I'll do a quick recap. Swizz was married to Moshanda and she accused him of cheating on her with Alicia which ultimately led to their divorce. Now fast forward 8 years and they're one big happy "Blended" family. This includes taking family trips together and celebrating holidays together all in the sake of making a good situation and family trifecta for their children. This all sounds good but we all know real world scenarios and this all seems suspect with this new found compassionate understanding. Not saying that it's not possible but come on now. How many times do you see ex-wives vacationing with their ex-husbands new family???

However if you're familiar with the Muslim religion then all this sisterly love doesn't seem so far fetched if they're actually all down with the idea of having a blended family which consist of multiple wives. Hell... my oldest daughters father who is Muslim has practiced this idea for years living in Egypt with his 2 wives and their children. They're situation didn't work out as he had planned because there was always cat fighting involved but it's their religious beliefs and Swizz Beatz is a Muslim man. Also if you take a look at their pictures online from their last family vacation they went to Egypt but that wasn't their only family vacation together. It's been going on for years and I think they've all settled into their roles as sister wives which is why you always see in all the pictures Alicia in the middle. Alicia is the main wife and confirms her role within the trio as such. In all the damn pictures of the 3 she's in the middle. Now that could be a suggestion from their publicist but I highly doubt it. It's their hierarchy within their arrangements and I couldn't do it but to each their own. Your thoughts??? Think I'm wrong?  

  

Tina Knowles Lawson hit Richard with the reality check

I saw this circulating on the internet and had to post because it's just too comical! So Tina Knowles Lawson apparently appeared on Black Love with her husband Richard Lawson and his body language is all the way OFF. Not initially though because he was listening and then his demeanor switched. Listening to this short clip I do believe that Tina had to do go through a reflection phase and establish some self appreciation which is all good but she listed her "man" in the same sentence as purchased goods during that time in her life like a checklist.
Go to the grocery store pick up milk, eggs and a new man. Okay... maybe not so simply put but she damn sure did lay it out in this exact manner which is not how relationships work. I'm not saying you cannot will a deserving relationship into your existence but this just didn't come across lovingly. Richards entire body language was distant after she hit him with the "oh well eye roll" LOL. NOW... I know no one is perfect by any means but she just sat there in the same breath and said I took stock of myself, realized I was the shit and went out and did a complete overhaul. Bought me some new trinkets and got a new man.
Do you remember back in the day, when the men went out to work, were complete heads of the household and women started rebelling consequently sparking the women's liberation movement back in the 60's? That ideology fit perfectly with the scenario she described just with reversed roles. They're sort of late in the game to be experiencing gender role issues. However from this encounter I got the impression that Tina had bank and found Richard desirable and he fit the bill of who she envisioned for herself and toke ownership. Richard may have been cool with the idea initially too but all the novelty is wearing thin and it seemed like his perception of the situation hit him for all to see in this minute and 23 second clip. What do you think???