Dear Ellie:
There’s a saying that goes hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. I never really put much thought into it until earlier when I thought about the opposite hear good, see good, speak good. I realized then that it’s just another way of saying, something I’m sure you will have heard me say by now, the power of life and death is in the tongue. No matter how small or overwhelmed you may feel you have the power to change your situation by changing your outlook. Speak life into whatever it is that you feel is failing. But my baby before you do that be still and listen, make sure you are hearing what’s really intended for your life when you ask for guidance. There will be times that you will focus on something you think you want so badly that you will rush to speak life into something that was meant to be left in the dust. Which is why it’s so important not to skip the first step “hearing”. You also have to see good for yourself. When you feel far away from your goals you have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and see yourself already there. Don’t wait until you’ve “made it” to see yourself there. Your outlook of your journey to success will be much different (not easier but different) if you picture yourself as already successful. There’s power in viewing something as a lesson instead of a set back. So whether you write it down, talk to yourself in the mirror, or anything else you have to visualize the good. Then my baby you definitely have to SPEAK good into your life. You can speak the impossible into reality if you just have faith. More than that though be sure you surround yourself who speak good for you to hear, who you see as good in your life, and who speak life into you (when you’re around and when you’re not) and be sure you do the same for them. Your uncle or Khalu as you probably call him by now spoke such positive energy and life into my idea of starting this blog for you and it’s moments and people like that will help you to press forward when don’t think you have it in you. Faith, will, and determination are stronger than any obstacle that will be thrown your way because it helps you to keep your joy. Combine that with support and you are unstoppable my baby. So when those obstacles pop up, as they always will, take a pause and remember to hear, see, and speak the good you want in your life my baby.
Love You Always,
Mommy
P.S. To the little girl feeling lost, alone, set back, or like a failure….you’re not any of those things. I full heartedly believe that you are always exactly where you are supposed to be and if you’re not where you want to be then focusing on the problem will not move you forward. Speak life where you thought your goals, dignity, self respect, or dreams had died. You can do it just believe it!
My darling Mandilyn , as I read your letters to my sweet Ellie boo it gives me such joy. The joy of remembering when I was blessed with you and wanted nothing but the best of everything for you. Most of I wanted you to know you were a blessing and to learn how to be blessing thru all opportunities in life. You have not only mastered your foundation of being blessed you are passing them on . Your cup runneth over.
As for you my darling Ellie , by the time you are able to read and understand this, I so look forward to you taking full advantage of all the life lessons your mommie has written for you. You too are truly blessed to be gifted by God with an exceptionally gifted Woman for a mom.
P.S
Ellie remind me to explain my definition of beauty to you
Loving you always
Your YeYe😘
My darling Mandilyn, reading your open letters to Ellie gives me such joy. It reminds me when I was blessed with you as a daughter and I wanted nothing but the best of everything for you. Awesome is the key word lessons. Teaching Ellie to understand her blessings and how to pass them on is a sure way to a strong foundation for greatness . The even more special side of this , you share it with other girls. When you are blessed pass it on . So very proud of you as a daughter, women and a mom.
As for you Ellie boo, once you are old enough to read your mommies letters to you, the excitement of all the questions you will have. Watching you strengthen your foundation with the blessing of being a blessing . With all the great lessons your mommy has put together for you not only to thrive from life’s opportunities,but to exemplify greatness for other African American Women to mimic. I’m so overjoyed for you.
Loving you always
Your YeYe
P.S
Ellie remind me to tell you my definition of beauty.