HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

By Vernalee

“Happiness is a choice. If you have the courage to admit when you’re scared, the ability to laugh even as you cry, the nerve to speak up, even if your voice is shaking, the confidence to ask for help when you need it, and the wisdom to take it when it’s offered, then you have everything you need to get yourself to a happier state of mind. Take responsibility for your own happiness.

Here are ten ways to be happy. Here we go!

1. Choose to be the best YOU can be. ...

2. Choose to be around the right people. ...

3. Choose to focus on what you have, not on what you haven't. ...

4. Choose a good attitude. ...

5. Choose to smile more often. ...

6. Choose to take care of your body. ...

7. Choose honesty. ...

8. Choose to help others when you're able.

9. Choose to let go when you know you should…

10. Choose to embrace the next step in your life.”

I love the feeling that happiness resonates. It is so much better than its alternative. Who wants to be sad and feel heavy when you can feel light and be happy!

Don’t you agree?

The jingle of that familiar encouraging song, "Don't worry. Be happy” is playing in the background. Do you hear it?

Photo inspirationcabin.com; Credit:Source: marcandangel.com

BLACK WOMEN SUPERHEROES

By Vernalee

Interesting, we don’t frequently see their portrayals, but Marvel and D.C. Comics claim that they have featured 60 Black female superheroes. I‘m not a big comic book reader (surprise, surprise), but I know our amazing strength as women.

So in that vain, I say to Iron Man, Superman, Batman & Robin, Thor, Captain America, Wolverine, Spider Man, The Incredible Hulk, Night Crawler, Cosmic Boy, The Punisher, Aqua Man, Deadpool, Luke Cage, Blade, Black Panther … look out!

Women (of all colors) are the real cape crusaders!

We are not just limited to Wonder Woman and Supergirl ...anymore!

Though criminally underrepresented in the comic books and on the movie screens, Black Female Super Heroes - Vixen, Misty Knight, and Black Widow (who coincidentally is portrayed by White actresses; just saying) are now being seen.

It appears that the comic books and the movies treat us no differently than the folks in the flesh in real life scenarios. That’s ok. Look out!

Here we come ... and we’re a force to be reckoned with - on screen, in the comic books, and in real life!

For those who think that our strength as women is limited to our sheer existence, think again! We are and have always been a force of incredible mass proportion even if the media did not give us the deserved recognition.

If you are doubtful and don’t believe the sheer facts, grab my hand and take a stroll back in history with me!

From the days of slavery, Black women maintained their mental saneness though their precious children were taken and sold. Never a stranger to hard work, heartbreak, pain, and difficulties, Black women worked in the cotton fields from sunrise to sunset; forcibly became their Master’s mistresses; nursed their children; cooked their meals; and cleaned their houses. Need I say more!

History tells the story better than me. Yes, we Black women have endured a lot! And we have courageously survived though we were not given the credit or recognized!

Through it all, we have maintained our dignity and respect. We have inherited strength to stand up for ourselves and what we believe; strength that has been passed down through the generations.

No wonder we are super-heroes! Photo reprint: Black Wonder Woman – illustrated by Anthony Pugh.