Different Kinds of Beauty

Photo Credit: Chris Molitor

     Today, I looked in the mirror and recognized my beauty. I find it necessary to do this intently at least once a month. Preferably everyday.

     But you know how life gets in the way of many things. Endurance is far more tricky than I ever thought it would be.

     And yet, in the many ways in which I find reason for comparison. God breathes and sings over me my true identity, my true uniqueness. Fingerprints, my dear child. Fingerprints. There is none like you.

     In the last few weeks, I've once again been more aware of my heart, my passions, and my beauty. Consequently, I am also more sensitive to and aware of the beauty and journey of others.

     Now let me get really transparent. Today, I just canceled my free subscription to eHarmony (for the second time). I lasted about a week. I got a ton of "matches". But I just couldn't follow through. I didn't cancel my subscription because I'm an eHarmony hater. Quite the contrary.

     I, who adores the notion of romance and courtship, loves how technology has been used to bring people from different parts of the world together. But alas, this is not how I desire my love story to be told.

     From a logical standpoint, online courtship would be one of the best ways for me to find my soul mate (Especially considering how busy I am, and my pseudo life as a hermit), but then again, so would my workplace, my place of worship, etc.

     Do you ever ask, "What have I been doing wrong?". If not, your lucky. I'm not one of those. I occasionally scrutinize my many shortcomings in hopes of finding the culprit holding me back from true love and marriage. Because why haven't I been chosen? Or why must I sacrifice the person I love? Or why does he prefer her?

     But if I truly believe that Love Never Fails, then there is purpose in this journey of waiting.

     Today a friend told me this: "Truly you are amazing. The reason that you haven't been married yet is solely God's timing. Your heart and soul is beautiful along with you as a person."

Wisdom's Knocking:

Sometimes love is just around the corner.

Scrabble--The Language of Love

Credit: Kia Photography

   
      In 2011, I think my first date will revolve around the game, "Scrabble." I know. When you think romance, you think, "Scrabble." I know I do--especially after seeing the last episode of "Parenthood" on NBC.

     Funny thing, though. I've never played a full game of Scrabble in my life. Therefore, I consider this some sort of New Year's Resolution. I'll keep you updated on my Scrabble accomplishments. I know you'll be waiting with great anticipation.

     With that said, I want to continue to share the beautiful oddities of my life with you, but I also wanted to leave you with insights and wisdom that I've learned from the many people who have influenced my life.
   
     From here on out, at the end of each of my blog posts, I'll feature, what I like to call, "Wisdom's Knocking" an on-going series of wise sayings and/or thoughts inspired by the artists, lovers, pastors, teachers, dance instructors, professors, financial aid advisors, filmmakers, freelance T.V. production folks, businessmen, businesswomen, friends, mamas, grandmas, fathers, grandpas, and the crazy folk you meet randomly on the street or at the DMV.

Wisdom's Knocking...

     Our love is not about the status you bring to me or the places we go. Our love is about the presence of each others' heart, body, mind, spirit, and soul.

E.I.

E.I. includes these types of abilities:

1. "Perceiving emotions – the ability to detect and decipher emotions in faces, pictures, voices, and cultural artifacts—including the ability to identify one's own emotions. Perceiving emotions represents a basic aspect of emotional intelligence, as it makes all other processing of emotional information possible.
2. Using emotions – the ability to harness emotions to facilitate various cognitive activities, such as thinking and problem solving. The emotionally intelligent person can capitalize fully upon his or her changing moods in order to best fit the task at hand.
3. Understanding emotions – the ability to comprehend emotion language and to appreciate complicated relationships among emotions. For example, understanding emotions encompasses the ability to be sensitive to slight variations between emotions, and the ability to recognize and describe how emotions evolve over time.
4. Managing emotions – the ability to regulate emotions in both ourselves and in others. Therefore, the emotionally intelligent person can harness emotions, even negative ones, and manage them to achieve intended goals."

                                                Credit: Wikipedia.org

      I'm not quite sure how one scientifically measures "Emotional Intelligence". But clearly some have higher scores than others, I'm just saying.

     My question, now remains: How can one improve their score? Is their a Cliff Notes version? Emotional Intelligence for Dummies? Too harsh? Or maybe just simple tender lovin' care and instruction?

     How can we help those that we love?---Or even those that we don't...

The Red

I've been dancing to La Roux in my room for the past week or so. There's something empowering about those filthy, British synthesized beats and sweet lyrics:

"It's all false love and affection
You don't want me
You just like the attention...
I'm not your toy..."

And of course, my anthem this year has been "Bulletproof". And no, I haven't been scorned by a recent lover, but I feel fiesty and encouraged. Perhaps it's recovering from those past days of heartache. My movement has become a dance that feels more like a victory stomp.

It feels good to have your passion restored.

Street Degree

     One valuable lesson my mama has taught me: "Never be afraid to ask questions--never be afraid to ask." Many times you won't get the answer you desire, but many times you will.