So of course with the revealing of the new POTUS, many of us are wary, confused, afraid and straight up PISSED. I am struggling with my own feelings of 1) the selection we had to pick from and 2) the outcome of this election.

What I will say, and this thought has been resonated with a lot of social media statuses today, is that WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER. Now, as it has been before, we need healing. We need togetherness. We need advocacy. We need love. We need action. We need support. From each other and to each other. We need strategy and planning. I have been examining my own actions and what I feel I can improve on. It is not enough to just say things but to actually plan and execute.

1) Starting first with myself.

Continuing to examine my thoughts and challenge myself to be a better person everyday

If negative thoughts enter my mind and I feel it altering my mood, I immediately think of something else or rationalize. If I hear my self wishing harm on someone or notice my thoughts are filled with spite, I immediately recognize where the thought is coming from, the emotion that is connected with it and handle that emotion.

Continuing to surround myself with people who love me, check in on me, challenge me to be my highest self

I've been blessed with some pretty dope people in my lifetime. People who would randomly just check in to say I love you. People who pray for me. People who point out my positive traits as well as my negative ones to challenge me to be better.

Continue to eat healthy, exercise and care for my physical health as well as my mental health.

I've struggled with my weight since college. I've gained around 20 pounds or more since starting college. I've lost and gained and lost. There were so many times I prayed about it, spoke about it, stuck with it and then something would happen and I'd fall off track. I'd look at myself and be unhappy and feel helpless. Here I am starting a website about self love and people pursuing their passion yet I have an unhealthy outlook of myself. Here I am pushing myself academically and emotionally but not physically. I'm always the first to offer words of encouragement but is unable to motivate myself. NO MORE. This is my second week of eating more vegetables, less meat and taking in more water and I've lost weight. Doing research, challenging my thoughts and finally saying enough is enough has done wonders. I will be 25 when I graduate and I WILL look my best and be at my best when that accomplishment is finally earned. I am looking forward to what the next few months hold.

In order to care for those around me, I have to care for myself.

2) Caring for the neighborhoods I frequent and live in.

If there is garbage overflowing or a street light broken, the proper people need to be called to make sure the neighborhood is clean and to make sure people feel safe. Call 311 to get the proper information.

Be up to date with local elections and immerse myself in who the proper politicians are

https://www.usa.gov/election-office

Consider running for an office myself. WHY NOT? Jewell Jones, an African American Man is one, if not, the youngest law maker in America. Check him out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jonez95

3) Continue to share information that I know is beneficial to people around me.

Many Americans live in poverty and don't have healthy food on their tables, if any food at all. Sharing information to your local food bank and clothing drives or donating clothes to a clothing drive, ALL YEAR AROUND is helpful.

https://www.facebook.com/fnbalbany/

4) BUY BLACK!

There is not one collective place that ALL Americans shop at that is black owned. Not one. This includes clothing, food, necessities, etc.

Support these business's in NYC

http://www.idontdoclubs.com/2015/05/07/black-owned-restaurants-nyc/

Support these Black Owned businesses in Albany:

Supreme Juicer's located on central avenue
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Supreme-Juicers/509739095865017

Irie Vibes

https://www.facebook.com/Irie-Vybez-684294501631609/?fref=ts

and so many others. Shop online as well.

5) Support one another.

Understand that we are in trying times. Criticism, hate, resentment, jealousy, spitefulness are truly diseases to your spirit. Your thoughts manifest into feelings and manifest into actions. Forgive your brother, ignore your co worker that brings ugliness out of you, heal yourselves, families and neighborhoods. Lets. Go.

These are just some of the steps that I can think of that I'll continue to do. If you have any advice, suggestions, etc. feel free to comment below.

Until next time!

- Peace and love.