Vocab. Let's Build Together!

I am a HUGE word geek. I love learning a new words everyday. I look up words of the day on Dictionary.com and try to figure out how I can use that word in everyday life. Most of the time I can't because most fancy words just sound great on their own...like the word PROSSY. Anyway, I wanted to share some fun words with you all weekly. I think it's very important that we expand our intellect in the literal aspect in this text/social network savvy world we're living in. Like I said, I am a proud word geek, so maybe it's just me that finds joy in reading the dictionary still.

This week's word is: METTLE (pronounced MET-EL, sounds like METAL)

It's a Noun.

Definition: boldness, strength of character, courage

Words similar to METTLE: bravery, backbone, heroism

Words opposite to METTLE: timid, weakness

Example of use in "real" life:

"You can stand up to your boss with your mettle personality and creative ideas."

@therealgurl

*special thanks to Thesaurus.com for the word of the day today :)

Whoa...How Did I End Up Here?

Photo Source: http://lifeinspiringquotes.ce.ms

We've all had experiences in life when it's taken a turn for the worse. Say you had a great job, and lost it out of the blue. Or maybe you were attending college, but the funds to complete your degree went low and you couldn't finish. Maybe you were in a sweet loving relationship that went sour. Well gurls, I'm here to tell you that whatever your going through at this moment mentioned above or worse, ITS ALL FOR A REASON! Trust me. We tend to view "bad" events happening in our lives as a setback, or being punished. Every challenge that we face is always meant to happen for the better. For example...

This is a story all about how, my life got flipped turned upside down:

I wanted to attend a university that I've been trying my darnest to get into since I was in 12th grade. It seemed that every time I was close to getting my foot on that campus, I was blocked. On my first attempt, I didn't get accepted. I decided to enhance my GPA and try again. I attended a community college for 2 years, in which I received my A.A with an increased GPA. I knew for sure this time around, I was getting into that school. When I received that acceptance letter in the mail last April, I was elated. All I had to do in the summer was get my finances in order to pay tuition... **BIG SIGHS**. Long story short, I took a look at my bank account balance, then the invoice for the 2011/2012 year. I'm still living at home.

I went through every possible lane to get to that school. Loans, Grants, figuring out ways to commute, off campus living, etc. I still would have been in a rut. After the stress, the summer heat, back and forth, getting turned down by student loan companies, I cried. I cried hysterically because I felt as if God was punishing me. I ask Him, "What did I do to deserve this?"

Fast forward from Summer 2011 to now: I had to evaluate my situation. I had to figure out what my pursuits were. I thought about my dreams and visions and the things I wanted in my life at this point. Now, my life has been shifted into a completely different direction. So many incredible opportunities, ideas, heightened visions and dreams have came my way since that roadblock hit me last summer. I realized, maybe It was best that I'd never step foot on that campus. I cannot even picture being on that campus right now with the things I've been doing now. I am truly blessed and very happy that I decided to remind myself of my vision instead of dwelling on the shoulda, coulda, woulda's.

This story wasn't life threatening to say the least, but I'm sharing this personal event with you just to let you know that your setbacks don't mean "It's over!", it just means that "There's something better!"God never punishes, He only rewards. Although you may think you desire something, that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to come to fruition. Sometimes, your way isn't His way.

We should always look at the possible outcomes when we face mishaps. There is ALWAYS a valuable lesson in the end! Just Be Strong. Open your mind, and PAY ATTENTION.

3 POSITIVE thoughts to have when overcoming challenges:

• "What can I learned from this? "
• " This is only temporary. Something better is coming my way!"
• "I am STRONG. Nothing and No one can keep me down!"

I know it might sounds silly now, but when faced with a burden those thoughts are so powerful. Start rising above your challenges in life, instead of burying yourself in them.

**DISCLAIMER** These tips are just here to help you become a powerful thinker, not a Power Ranger. That is all.

@therealgurl

Quote Of The Week

" God allows things to LOOK like they're falling to pieces. It confuses the enemy so he won't know what God is building." -Marshawn Evans

M.Kay<3

Twitter: @mkay4love

What's With All the 'Tude?

Photo Source: Google Images

People never cease to stun me. In the midst of this beautiful summer, I would assume they would be chipper, merry, or at least smiling. I work in retail, so the primary mission (or at least corporate's) in my job description is to put the customer first. We employers in retail expect our consumers to leave with a highly satisfying experience shopping in our store. Some of them meet our expectations...I'll say about 10%. Now the other 90%, a whole other story.

When I see a customer walk into the store, I impulsively greet them with a "Hello, how are you doing today?" The 90% respond by irately saying "OK", or rudely walk past me without a response.

Now this leaves me puzzled because at all times, I'm smiling, and try to be as optimistic as ever despite the fact that I' m not to fond of my job. This is also how I am in general. It is in my nature to smile and greet people who walk past me. I've seen so many beautiful people walking around with stone cold faces, and a offer such an unwelcoming vibe that makes you wonder "Who/What the hell F'd your day up".

Going back to that 90% of unfriendly people I encounter with at work leaves me curious as to wonder if 90% of people in general walk around with such a negative spirit. Now there is such thing as " having a bad day", but do you think it is appropriate to display that to world? Believe it or not, A bad attitude says a lot about you as a person.

A Negative Attitude Shows:

--->that your on defense mode at all times. With that defense wall up, people would have a hard time getting to know you. It also shows that your not willing to to do likewise.

--->your ungrateful (yes, I said it). If your one of those people who love to complain and rant about the things that are not going right or what you do not have, it shows that you are unappreciative of the things relevant in your life.

--->your close minded. An open mind often leads to positive thoughts which then leads to a better view of your life. Words like "can't, don't ,tired, won't, or never" lives in a mind that does not seek for change.

There are so many other traits that negativity in a person could display. But instead of prolonging the problem, I decided to share 3 tips I use that can create a start to a better attitude.

*DISCLAIMER:* I'm not a psychologist, so don't fact check me (lol). This is what I live by.

TIP #1 ---> SMILE. Whether you feel like it or not. Smiling boosts your self-esteem, decreases stress, and makes your overall mood so much better. Now I'm not saying to smile 24/7 (would be kind of creepy). But when greeted or complimented, a smile can shows that your appreciative. Most importantly, SMILE=CONFIDENCE! To walk into room, store, wherever with a confident smile shows that your approachable and shows that your full of personality.

TIP#2-->Increase your OPTIMISM! Change negative events in your life into positive outcomes.

For example: "I didn't get the job at the bank. They choose someone better than me. I wasn't good enough." <---Instead of that try this --->" I didn't get the job at the bank. They choose someone with more experience. If I gain at least 6 months of customer service at the clothing store I work at right now, I'll re-apply again with a better chance of earning the position."

It is not easy to do this, but shifting your thoughts changes to way you see yourself which builds you up. You will always receive something better as an award ;)

TIP #3---> STOP COMPLAINING! So what your not making enough money, or hate your job, or the dinky car your driving? Complaining is not going to change it. When people do complain, it is mostly about things that can be altered. If your not willing to change, then be grateful for what you have and move on.

For example: " I hate my job, I only make enough to pay all my bills." <---STOP that! Try saying this ---> " Without this job, I wouldn't be able to pay my bills on time. However, I would love to make some extra money to spend on myself. I'll ask the boss if they're any promotional opportunities for me."

It sounds so much better if you have a formulated plan to change what you do not like.

So, there you have it. I would hope that the 90% of people I witness with terrible, negative attitudes are really working on themselves for the better. All I can do is SMILE and go along about my business because at the end of the day, I reflect on my day being wonderful , fulfilling, and blessed to live it.

-M.Kay

www.twitter.com/mkay4love FOLLOW ME:)

Quote Of The Week

"Once you allow pessimistic thoughts to bully a vulnerable open mind, You are no longer in control of optimistic capabilities."

-Me <--no, seriously (created May 15, 2011)

-M.Kay<3

**Drooling**

TOMS 'Cultural Anthropology' Recycled Twill Slip-On $53.95 (Nordstrom)

Sperry Topsider Boat Shoe $78.00 (Urban Outfitters)

Sperry Tritone Docksider Shoe $88.00 (Urban Outfitters)

I think I want to start saving my money for all three. I'm really feeling the TOMS because of the unique print. It has such a tribal feel. However, The Sperry's are more versatile and the neutral colors can go with almost any outfit. Hmmm, What do you think?

-M.Kay<3

I'M BACKKKK!

I know, I know....it's been a while and despite the fact that I promised myself that I was going to keep this going , I left everyone hanging. It would sound great if I can conjure up a good excuse as to why I've been slacking, but I cannot. I guess you can call it LAZINESS or just blame the Arian in me (we Aries tend to get sidetracked a lot).

Okay so whats been new with me:

1. I recieved my Associates degree in December

2. I've been working full time since I took this semester off

3. I got accepted to UMD College Park in which I will be attending in the fall

4. I turned 21 <--If anyone cared

5. I've been trying to get my mind and money together for the summer and all the other moves ahead.

Doesn't sound like much, but it is. Anyway keep checking in with me...I feel like I'm going be on here a lot.

-M.Kay <3

Quote Of The Week:

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not. ~Author Unknown