Life Lessons

Don’t Rush To Get Older

“I can’t wait til I grow up!”

Have you ever uttered those words as a child? Do you ever wish you could take that back?

If only we knew how short the childhood window would be.

If only we knew the pains that would come with growing older – not just the physical ones.

We’d probably say something like, “Growing up can wait!” instead.

I wouldn’t say that I would want to be a child forever, but I could appreciate the fewer responsibilities that come with being one, like not having to pay bills or pay attention for that matter😄. In my household, I had heavy chores and babysitting as responsibilities and sometimes complained about that. All I wanted to do was play outside with my friends or just have fun. I never realized how good I had until becoming an adult🤔. However, I try to approach life with a childlike attitude to escape reality at times.

I still frolic and play often. There’s nothing more enjoyable than embarrassing my husband in a parking lot by bouncing around and grabbing his hand or ass😂.

I still joke often. Bills, bad news, backstabbers, and other burdens are real. Why not lighten the mood every once in a while, with something fake?

I still laugh a lot. I heard frowning causes wrinkles, and laughter is good for the soul. Tears add years, and pain stifles gain, if not channeled properly. So, get your laugh on!

I still smile a lot. It’s pretty hard to stay mad or angry if you’re smiling all the time. You never know who you can infect with your smile😊.

I only take things seriously that are meant to be taken seriously. Life itself is serious enough, especially when loss of any substance is involved.

I don’t cry over material things when the pain of losing loved ones is severe enough. Not to mention the pain of getting out of bed some mornings or going up and down stairs – ouch!

God forbid you face a terminal illness like cancer. The pain then becomes mental and physical.

These may not be any of your pains or mine, but just keep living. You’ll see.

“Growing up can be a pain when life throws you lemons. Life isn’t just for the young, it’s also for the living. Don’t try to understand everything. Just go with the flow. Getting old is a blessing, and that’s all you need to know.”

-Bianca A. McCormick-Johnson ✍🏽

Check out my books in the links below:

I’m G.O.O.D. – Volume One

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/im-good

https://a.wco/d/dDLzPDo

I’m Still G.O.O.D. – Volume Two

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/im-still-good1

https://a.sco/d/8t5nx9m

Stand On Business, Not Bitterness

People will walk all over you, if you let them. I know from experience. I was once a revolving door, but now I require an access card. I used to reward people without making them work for it. But that’s unfair. You don’t deserve a badge of honor for messing over good people. It’s not about reciprocity. It’s about respect.

If it’s easy for someone to exit a relationship, then they were only one foot in. An alliance with you shouldn’t be an escape room experience, but it should earn one some points. When you’re scoring high on many charts in life, including integrity, honesty, and loyalty, your character is worth a lot. Why wouldn’t you value a relationship that has free benefits and longevity? Jobs can’t even guarantee that anymore.

Don’t just play games, Win them

Relationships are important – even corporations understand that. People do business with people they trust. In this world, trust goes a long way. It can get you access to other important people, money, jobs, loans, and so much more. Only fools fumble good people, which causes them to lose points. And if you haven’t realized it by now, life is like a game of chess. One wrong move can set you back.

You don’t win a game by losing points. And of course, every loss isn’t a loss. However, you should be careful and avoid burning bridges with people who have never done you any wrong. They are a gift from God. Take a look around you and assess all the relationships that dissolved because of misunderstandings, gossip, jealousy, or envy.

Don’t let any of the aforementioned block your blessings. God blesses through people, not popular opinions or feelings. If a friend or family member of yours is doing better than you, then you need to take lessons and move in closer, not farther apart. Information is sometimes hidden or unavailable to common folk, but your friend or family member may have access.

Don’t go back and forth, Deny Access

If you can see the value in yourself, then so should they. People who don’t have the decency to apologize and take accountability for their actions should be taught a lesson. Stop letting people just resurface without an explanation or apology. Yes, they do owe you that if you’ve been nothing but loyal and kind. Forgiveness does not mean reconnect and forget. It erases resentment so you can have peace.

Protect your peace by denying them access to you. You can still be cordial, but you need to stand on business. Otherwise, they will treat you like a revolving door because you have no boundaries. Hold these people accountable by letting them know where they went wrong with you, if you decide to let them back in. But always remember, a zebra cannot change its stripes, and wolves can come in sheep’s clothing.

Always use discernment when dealing with people who have failed the morality test. Deduct history, length of time, and relationship because they will cloud your judgement.

Life is too short to be wasting your good energy and time with ungrateful people.

“To know me is a gift. To receive my love is a blessing. To cross me is a warning. To lose me is a lesson.”

-Bianca A. McCormick-Johnson ✍🏽

Check out my books in the links below:

I’m G.O.O.D. – Volume One

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/im-good

https://a.wco/d/dDLzPDo

I’m Still G.O.O.D. – Volume Two

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/im-still-good1

https://a.sco/d/8t5nx9m

The Time Is Now

Turn yesterday’s problems into today’s progress. There’s never been a better reason to stop putting off what you should be doing now.

Tragedy will always be in the news. Turn the tv off.

Celebrity gossip will always be juicy. Log off of social media.

The government will not solve your problems, neither will social media. Stop listening to them.

Podcasters do not have all the answers – no one does. The goal is to increase viewership, not solve your problems.

People will prioritize what’s important to them, and you should do the same. When you all do link up, just pick up where you left off.

People are going to die, but your dream doesn’t have to.

An excuse is a distraction.

A distraction is a deterrent.

Deterrents cause decline.

Decline weakens productivity.

And now you’re back to making excuses.

You control your own destiny with your tongue and your actions. But you must have self-control, discipline, and faith. Whatever you’re dealing with, so is someone else in the world, maybe 10 times worse. You’re not alone.

Your problem does deserve attention and care, but it’s still your problem, not the world’s. Even if it makes the news, eventually it becomes old news. I know it sounds cold, but it’s the truth. While problems in the world continue to grow, people are busy juggling their own.

Focus on a solution, not the problem. Then turn your pain into purpose.

“The time is now. Problems are forever. Some get worse, but most become better.

Problems will control you.

People will console you.

But God will deliver because that’s what he told you.”

-Bianca A. McCormick-Johnson ✍🏽

Check out my books in the links below:

I’m G.O.O.D. – Volume One

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/im-good

https://a.wco/d/dDLzPDo

I’m Still G.O.O.D. – Volume Two

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/im-still-good1

https://a.sco/d/8t5nx9m