5 Life Lessons ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Has Taught Me

I’m not a professional movie critic, but ‘Straight Outta Compton” is an instant classic in my mind. Here’s what it taught me, or rather what it helped me to remember:

1. Speak up – for what you believe in, no matter how miniscule it may seem in comparison to the world. Open your mouth, and use it. What you feel your worth, express what you will not entertain, and how you are to be addressed. The power that you activate within yourself once you do this and own it, can never be purchased.
2. Check your paper work (especially when it comes to your money): From your bank statements and pay stubs, to your receipts from a drive thru window. Too often we toss it to the side because we catch the bottom line. Which is usually, “X” is the amount of the money I have readily available in my account, or yes I agree to pay “this” amount. Find a way to implement enjoying the paperwork process. It’s always worth it. #notetoself
3. Become adaptable: Change is inevitable, for this we know for sure. A great way to alleviate the stress of shifting seasons when they aren’t welcomed is to be fluid in your movement. Life is constantly revealing itself, and we have a horrible habit of ignoring the obvious. Making yourself adaptable decreases the blow that comes with change we weren’t expecting.
4. Forgive and let live: Seriously. Life is too short, and time is too precious. Exercising forgiveness doesn’t equate to you being a “sucka”. When you open your heart to forgive someone, it makes you lighter. You’re able to enjoy life fully because that need to hold on to something that happened last night or ten years ago, no longer takes residence internally. Whether you are aware of it or not, lack of forgiveness shows up in our lives one way or another.
5. Live  your truth (also one of my Rules of Engagement): Speaking up is one thing, but speaking your truth is something different. Without a doubt life I mean people provides scenarios that require the uncut and disgustingly raw version of you telling it exactly how it is from your perspective. It won’t always be pretty, but you know what, sometimes the only to say “f*ck the police” is to actually say it.

Apply the lessons, and the rule. Do yourself a favor and go see this historic, and iconic story told that not only shines the light on the beginning of gangsta rap. It also tells the story of some incredibly smart young black men who refused to be voiceless when they felt like it was illegal to just be present.

3 Reasons Why You MUST Travel Solo At Least Once

I’ve recently wrapped up my three part series on The Experience: Dominican Republic, be sure to check it out. My desire to explore another country solo has resurfaced. At least once in your life, I challenge you to my ‘Rule of Engagement’ #11: Pick a country, book a flight and GO! Keep reading to find out why it’s worth it.

1. Boost your confidence: Most people won’t even go to dinner by themselves. Kudos to you if you’re confident enough to book the flight and get on the plane! You’ll feel great about yourself, and it will show. Confidence is attractive, and not just to the opposite sex. You are now in a greater position to embrace new clients, new friends, and new experiences.
2. Heighten your awareness: I instinctively become more alert of my surroundings from the airplane to the resort/neighborhood that I’ll be residing in. I embrace this, and often realize how “comfortable” I am at home. You may not only avoid an unfortunate situation when you’re more present, but you may also invite unexpected opportunities your way that you never saw coming.  
3. Put your FAITH into action: In 2011 I learned a powerful way to activate my faith was when I traveled to another country where I didn’t know a soul, didn’t speak nor read the native language, and I didn’t have a plan. We blindly put our faith into action daily believing we’ll wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night. It takes a higher level of faith to have you pick a country, book a flight and GO! (by your damn self).

While everyone of these tips can manifest without traveling abroad. Nothing can mimick the experience.

The Experience: Dominican Republic (Part 3)

I told you about my love affair with the sky, and the awesomeness that is the beach in Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata DR. But let me be frank and share what I miss most. The ‘ Banana Mama’, my liquid love in a cup. Of course I’ve heard of, and enjoyed the ‘Bahama Mama’ on countless occasions. It’s tropical sister takes the cup in my book. Literally. The delicious frozen goodness put the cherry on my sundae.  1 fresh banana, 2 parts rum, 1 part grenadine, 1/2 cup of ice and all the love my handsome bartender can muster up equates to “mmm mmm good”. Like ‘OMG’ good! This cocktail was my breakfast, lunch, and dinner most days without a shot of guilt, or splash of shame. Yes. I occasionally opted for the mocktail version at 10am most mornings (okay only one morning). I kept bottled water to battle any chance of dehydration or hangover.

Moral of the story? Drink up! To whatever it is in life that provides the evidence of deliciousness on your tongue. You deserve for your appetite to be fed. Your “cocktail” may be a dessert or dance class. Figure it out, get into it, and enjoy it. Open yourself up to the fullness of pleasure that awaits you. It wasn’t about the rum (perhaps it was a tad bit about it). It felt ridiculously intoxicating in the most healthy way possible to enjoy my moment with no worries. Do not feel bad for enjoying your life how you choose to. Hunt for your goodness, and let it greet you with the sweetest kiss.

And you thought this was about alcohol. Ha!