This just might be where i'm stuck. Up to this point I didnt know what my "power" could actually be. I texted my best friend (since kindergarten) what would be my "power" ....or basically what am I really good at? She told me giving advice. Whether its strictly love, or a little pick me up... I guess I always know what to say.
For a month my cousin was going through what she thought she'd never ever have to go through: being jobless, broke, out of school, and pretty close to homeless. She came to me pretty much broken down and drained from stress. I could tell she felt as though this was her breaking point and she didnt want to deal with lifes hardships any longer. I sat there listening to her, trying to help her weigh her options out. She's older than me and has made some pretty horrible decisions, but I love the fact that she'll always be willing to listen. I told her to harnest as much positive energy as she could, know that regardless she has family that loves her, determine your wants and needs, and work on how you can grow from this. I sent "I love you. You inspire me. Grow from this Cee." to her text messages everyday, despite her phone being out of service... I knew she'd be on wifi at some point and she would get them. She's doing a lot better now. I love that she tells me she looks foward to whatever "good things" I have to tell her about herself. I love telling my cousin about the progress and growth I notice in her, most importantly the fact that she works on being a better person. I motivate her.
With the ups of my powers, there have been downs. Although I seem so good at giving advice, there have been times where people have asked for it and then decided to not take it. That low key hurt a little. Why even bother if you knew werent going to take it? Why ask me what you should do and never go through with it? Ultimately its okay for people to make their own decisions for themselves but its little different when you ask a friend for advice and you never planned on falling through with it. But... there have been times where I couldnt even follow my own advice in sticky situations dealing with relationships, family, money etc. It made me feel like I failed myself and those who I have given the same advice to. I guess thats something to work on right?
To harness this power, I simply learn from others and myself. Nothing can change if you arent trying to learn anything new about yourself. I watch others and determine what does and doesnt work. Learning from your mistakes and others around you is the best option. You can simply tell yourself or someone else what you've learned from one situation (good or bad) and how to deal with it in a positive way. I read a lot of books that enlighten me on how to simply be a better human. Dealing with stress. Staying positive. Yadda Yadda Yadda. Deepak Chopra and Thich Nhat Hanh that help me with this. I've read a few excerpts here and there and they help out a lot. I try to remain stress free and nonchalant about everything that goes on in my everyday life.
WHEN I WAS A LIMITLESS CHILD
When I was a limitless child...
my mind ran wild.
Curiosity came, our play dates were never the same.
Books for reading became castles to keep my barbies safe.
Being the youngest and only girl of two boys,
you had to keep your mind occupied.
Hot lava on the wooden floors, old family couches with toys stuck between.
"India get down!" my Mother would scream
She never let me outside and I hated it.
I had to create my own world. I had to see beyond this bed. That closet. That window.
The endless games and stories I'd make up.
Brothers sixteen, and thirteen never in their room.
I'm alone. Toys of all varieties some how inspired me.
Crayons somehow turned into a recipe for my cooking show.
No one would know that I dumped all this in my brothers hat to use as a pot.
Maybe, I dont know. I never get in trouble.
My mind ran so wild. There was nothing I wouldnt try with all the time I spent alone.
My room had endless possibilities of new adventures.
Way, back when I was a limitless child.
