The Life of a Magnolia Tree

As I celebrate my thirty-eighth birthday I reflect on what I think it means to be a woman. Now I am not an expert on the human condition but I am an expert at living; I do it 24/7 and what works for one may not necessarily work for the other. As woman I understand the it importance of sharing our triumphs, struggles, and any piece of wisdom we have gathered along the way.

For me the saying, "it is better to have loved than to never have loved at all," sums it up. You have to take a risk sometimes and if it involves another person outside of yourself than it is a risk. The greatest love I have known is the love I have for my daughter and the love she has for me. There are no pretenses, it is just what it is. My love for her shows up when I am tired, sick, happy, mad, sad, or full of joy. I think my experience with love can be described best in a quote.

"I Have known the joy and pain of deep friendship. I have served and been served. I have made some good enemies for which I am not a bit sorry. I have loved unselfishly, and I have fondled hatred with the red-hot tongs of Hell. That's living."
-Zora Neale Hurston

Attitude is one of those things people say Black women have to much of. As I have gotten older I have learned to be a little more graceful in my approach and believe me grace can travel a lot further. But I also believe we all were born with our own temperance as well, and it is apart of our personality. I was never a wall flower and I probably never will be. Attitude with moderation is a good thing. The words from the song, I Got Thunder by Abbey Lincoln describes my temperance.

I Got Thunder

Some folks talk about my power

Some folks say I'm wild and strong. 
Others say my style of living makes a man go wrong. 
I'm a woman hard to handle, if you need to handle things.
Better run when I start coming. I got thunder and it rings.

Health
I know this to be true, as women it has been our banner as the nurturer to give to everyone else and ourselves last. Well, that is not always the best practice. I am reminded of a friend who died in her early thirties, probably from bitterness, neglect, and a broken heart. Her death reminds me everyday to take care of myself because it is no one else's responsibility but mine.

The Giver Starts with Herself.
-Kigezi Proverb

Joy

Laugh Out Loud every chance you get and don't hang with people who take themselves to seriously.


Job 8:21 God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.



Life

On life I say, "throw it away". Life is to short to waste it on regrets or guilt. Give of yourself and you will never be left without. Listen to Throw It Away by Abbey Lincoln