Monthly Archives: January 2015

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A Series of Fortunate Events

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Dear Ellie:

For the last couple weeks Daddy and I have been following the story of a young boy from Brooklyn named Vidal. We were able to learn of Vidal’s story because we were also following a campaign started by a photographer called Humans of New York that post pictures of strangers along with whatever story they choose to tell. When Vidal had his chance encounter with Brandon of Humans of NY he chose to talk about his principal Ms. Lopez who was impacting his life just by believing in him no matter what he looked like or where he came from. After Vidal’s story was shared the Humans of NY campaign decided to feature Vidal’s school and help them raise money fast forward and over $800,000 has been raised for Vidal, his classmates, and future students of his school. To be honest I am in awe of it. One man left his job and took a chance on something unconventional, met a boy walking home, a boy told his story, and now countless young people will have a world of new opportunities awaiting them, and this is only the beginning. Its a reminder that you never know when God will give you a platform or how many people he intends for you to reach. There may be times when you feel like you need to do so much preparing, growing, learning, or whatever else before you take the leap that will move you forward. Well my baby while all those things are great I want you to remember that you were born good enough for whatever journey will be. Don’t doubt your self and don’t give up an opportunity because you are second guessing if you’re ready for it. There will always be plenty of excuses to be given as to why not right now or why it shouldn’t be you, but its up to you to decide which way the scale will tip. You can weigh it down with negativity and doubt or you can trust that you are exactly where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there, and that you have been given the tools you need to move forward. We may never know where the steps we take will truly lead us so don’t spend so much time trying to plan every one because for all you know your next step can start someone on a new journey. Vidal’s principal was just about to retire and then Vidal’s story came out and she realized how important the steps she had taken had been. We may never know how we can influence others or ourselves. We just have to do our best. And my baby I just want you to focus on the good and do your best to keep yourself in a space of positivity. We all have choices and I believe we make better ones when we do so with a clean heart. Can you imagine if Vidal chose to be angry or resentful how the story may have been different? You have to wake up every morning like its your day to change the world and take every step like its leading you to a beautiful destiny because if you decide it is, then it will.

Love You Always,

Mommy

P.S. To the little girl who is unsure of herself…pick today to believe. Believe that you’re amazing, believe that you make a difference, believe that you’re beautiful. We don’t always have to be 100 % sure of ourselves we just have move on opportunity. No one ever has all the answers but you won’t find the ones you need searching in the same place either.

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Reality Dreams

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Dear Ellie:

I promise not to be a weird therapist mom and try to interpret your dreams. But I also promise to push you toward whatever dreams you want to make reality. I firmly believe that dreams, however they may come to you, are a glimpse at your purpose; you just have to pay attention. While you’re young everything will seem possible but the older you get the reality of life may cause you to think that somethings can’t be done. When you think about it though the difference between your dreams and your reality is your sense of control. Even when you’re having a nightmare its your mind that’s controlling it. So imagine if you started controlling your reality instead of allowing it to be driven by barriers, naysayers, and fears. The mind is a powerful tool, and that’s not just a cliche saying, its a undeniable truth. The power of life and death is in the power of the tongue and the tongue is controlled by the mind. Imagine if you chose to believe that you could do anything and didn’t entertain anything that didn’t support that vision. The hardest part of having a dream is maintaining it with confidence and that is your job alone because it’s something you will have to do for yourself. And as you work toward your dreams remember that they belong to you and it will not be for everyone to understand. It’s not meant for everyone to be apart of your journey. I truly hope that the fad of reality TV ends before you’re old enough to notice if for no other reason than that it promotes the idea that any and everyone is entitled to your journey when in reality, pun intended, they’re not. Even Dr. King, whose holiday we celebrate today, I’m sure had personal dreams and goals that we will never be given insight to, and that’s perfectly fine. Just as dreams are revealed to us in a particular space and time we must be patient in deciding when to reveal those dreams to the world. Protect you dreams because when reality gets hard to bear the vision of where you’re going may be the only thing that continues to propel you forward.

Love you always,

Mommy

P.S.
To the little girl who just wants someone to make her dreams come true…you are that person. The vision is all you need to take the first step. Have faith that somewhere along the way room will be made for your dream with perfect timing. Just keep believing; if you can do that you can do anything.

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Fresh Start

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Dear Ellie:

We are 2 weeks into 2015 and I must say, even though it can be cliché, I have always been a fan of the idea of a new year. As I’m sure you will quickly find out I am a fan of most holidays, and celebrating in general, but celebrating a New Year may just be in my top 3 holidays. For many people the new year is synonymous with a fresh start and a new beginning. And even though you don’t have to wait until January 1st to act on the things you want to improve I applaud anyone who chooses to move in a positive direction, whichever day they choose. I think another reason I’ve always enjoyed the new year holiday, especially as an adult, is because its one holiday that we celebrate that isn’t dominated by the idea of gifts. So the combination of positive energy as people feel inspired about change and the lack of materialistic distractions makes it an awesome time of year in my opinion. But my baby you do not have to wait for January to start fresh and December will not always be the end of a journey. Everyone’s chapters in life are written at different lengths and most times it is left up to us to decide when to start a new one. There will also be times when God will move so definitively in an area of your life that there is no denying that it is the end of the era for something. During those times I truly hope you listen to whatever place inside you is telling what you know is right because there will be times you have to either listen to your head, heart, or gut. I think deep down though we always know which is best we just get better at choosing it as our story continues particularly when what you want is not what’s “best”. It is during those times that you just have to have faith that when you turn the page the story will only get better even if not right away. And if nothing else be glad that it continues. I can honestly say that of the chapters I’ve had so far in life none have been my favorite. I have appreciated and enjoyed them all for different reasons and I could never choose a favorite because they aren’t comparable with each being different, important, and connected in its own right. Imagine reading your favorite book; you may have a part you like but it would make no sense with out everything that came before it and that’s how I feel about life. Fresh starts can be both exciting and scary but in the end its all about faith and working toward the direction you’ve chosen to go in. In life we don’t always get a magical midnight kiss that sets up the new day as perfect for change. In reality sometimes you just have to start where you are, hope for the best, and appreciate your journey.

Love You Always,

Mommy

P.S. – To the girl waiting for the perfect moment to start fresh…its here. In fact its always here. You don’t have to wait to be better; the timing is always perfect to improve. Even if you only make baby steps in the direction you want to go its better than running in place. Take a chance on you and have faith in yourself. If you’ve been given the vision for something believe me that’s only the tip of the iceberg everything you need to achieve your goals is right below the surface.