On My Blog …

“I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities.”

~ Whoopi Goldberg

I was recently asked, “What is a blog,” and you know what? Although I’m a blogger, I did not have a clue how to answer the question off the top of my head. By definition, a blog is “a regularly updated website or web page, typically run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.” Ok, that sounds about right, albeit very formal. Based on this question, I’ve decided to share with you the spirit behind my blog.

I get inspired by the quotes included in Rhythm on a daily basis. Duh, right? I wouldn’t have included them in the book if they didn’t resonate with me somehow! I refer to the book for a positive and inspirational boost that is frequently needed to help me get through the challenges I face in my everyday life; and there are many.

I utilize this blog as a tool to help me sort through the life circumstances that I contend with daily. I attempt to work through my issues to further understand myself on a deeper level. I do so with the hope of also broadening the minds of my readers, stretching your thought processes to a higher level, thus evolving into someone more open-minded and thoughtful.

I usually identify a quote that summarizes what I’m trying to work through at the moment and further expound on the emotion it makes me experience regarding my feelings and observations on any number of topics. I can be inspired by a simple conversation, a news story, friends, the staunch realities of life or my own personal hang-ups. No topic is off limits and I welcome ideas from all my readers. Reader interaction assists me greatly in gauging the pulse of my audience, so please leave a comment or a request. I welcome them!

My blog does not focus on any one topic, genre, or niche. I intend to be myself and just share my growth, my weaknesses, my goals, my truth, my complexity, and my evolution with you all as they pertain to the influence of these quotes. I’d like to add action to the quotes I’ve chosen and share with you what they conjure up within me and am very interested in what they evoke within you.

Rhythm… Uplifting Quotes from the African American Perspective was meant to meet everyone where they are in an inspirational and motivational way during a time of complete strife in the world. It was meant to highlight issues Black people contend with too, often using their own words. I’ve never come across a book of quotes that spans generations of Black folk and their take on life, living, loving, and surviving in a current and relevant manner that was uplifting and reaffirming. I am proud to have compiled over 300 thought-provoking quotes, many that have never been seen or heard by the masses. They highlight the wisdom, resilience, beauty, and sheer unyielding spirit of my people … Black people.

These quotes from James Baldwin to Whoopi Goldberg to Rick Ross to Tarana Burke to Sidney Poitier and the generations both before and after are powerful sources of influence for our children growing up in a racially charged world, as well as for adults who can’t do better until they know better and want better.

I want my blog to be a reflection of these powerful influences and show how they’ve helped me to become more self-aware, socially conscious, non-judgmental, grateful, goal oriented and positive in every way. This blog is about my life and my people, but meant for all people to unify, learn, and grow as the human race through my personal life experiences, and real-time events that are taking place in the world.

We all need a source of inspiration, motivation, and cultivation. We all need an uplifting source of stimuli to keep us moving in a forward and progressive motion. We all need a laugh and another perspective. We all need to know that we’re not going through it alone, whatever it is. I hope both Rhythm and my blog can be a source of all that and more for you. It’s a part of me that I’d like to share with you. I hope you enjoy the blog and gain what you need from it!