YOLO!

Drake came out with this song called The Motto and coined the phrase YOLO - You Only Live Once. Some people get it and some people don't. Those who don't use YOLO as an excuse to do stupid things, unsafe things, plain ol' dotish tings! I want to share my thoughts on YOLO and why and when you should be hollaring YOLO!

1. Exploring and experiencing - YOLO! You only live once so why not travel to that place you've wanted to travel to? Why not try that food you've wanted to, or try something you've always wanted to do? Something as simple as teaching yourself to bake red velvet cupcakes to more complex like doing a complete (or as complete as possible) Asia or Africa tour. You only live once so go for it.
2. Standing up for your rights and getting what you deserve - YOLO! You're in a bad relationship, you hate your job, you live in a bad neighbourhood, you have terrible friends...You only live once so why surround yourself with crap? Give yourself the things you deserve, the things you have the right to have - love, good health, security, comfort, joy, happiness, support. You only live once so take that step and get rid of those toxic friends that tie you down, get rid of that horrible partner that makes you feel like you're less than the roadkill, look for a job that is what you want to do. Don't be crazy and quit your job before you find something else you want to do...no no no. YOLO doesn't mean go about doing things blindly. Plan according and do what you dreamed of doing. The world is your oyster. Gather the pearls (does that even make sense? Anyway!!)

Don't use YOLO as an excuse to do dumb things. YOLO isn't an excuse to be promiscuous, nor is it an excuse to quit instead of fighting. It's not as simple as A B C. No. YOLO does not equal careless, but carefree. Live life to the fullest, enjoying the wonders of the world.

YOLO!

-The Empress

Who Inspires You? Part Two

I recently tweeted "I wish I could give awards to my friends because they are just so amazing."

I have been fortunate enough to surround myself with amazing people. Many of my friends are not just support through trying times, or shoulders for me to lean on. Many of my friends are motivators, inspiration, [good] competition, a source of great knowledge and even wisdom. My friends are people who uplift my spirit in one way or another.

Abdulai Mohamed inspires me. The truth is I have not had a significant number of deep conversations with him (although I am working on that), however, the few that I have had, have left me inspired and motivated to not only dream big and make those dreams a reality.

I love teaching and almost every conversation with Abdulai leaves me wishing I had stayed in the profession. I can't say that I will drop what I'm doing now and return to teaching, but I will say that I will make decisions that change lives for the better. Abdulai continues to remind me that there are good people in the world.

So I raise my glass to you Abdulai and say FIRE ONE! Thanks for being such an inspiration to me!

-The Empress

I've Got A Question!!

This may apply to other Caribbean Islands but I'm going to refer to my country of Saint Lucia for this.

I was having a discussion with a few ladies, one of Spanish heritage and the other from the Dominican Republic. The conversation started with me currently being single and having been single for some time. I said I don't know why no one at Trent, at least, has approached me, but then again I've been told I'm intimidating. Personally I find that hard to believe but hey, I know me. The two ladies then proceeded to say THEY AGREED! When they first met me they were intimidated by me. So of course I had to find out why. They both said I have such a strong and powerful personality and I carry myself well that it can be perceived as something to be intimidated by. We dropped off the first young lady and the conversation continued. Laura, who is in a relationship with a Saint Lucian man, said she had noticed that all the Saint Lucian women at Trent are that way. She also said that her boyfriend said that's how Saint Lucian women are. It had never crossed my mind until then that maybe that IS how Lucian Women are raised - to be strong willed, determined women. Of course there are all exceptions to every rule, but generally speaking, what is your view on the matter?

Do you think that Saint Lucian woman may come across as intimidating to some but are overall strong minded, have a powerful demeanor, and are a bit hardcore? Do share.

Thanks for reading
-The Empress