Author: Bianca A. McCormick-Johnson

In short, I'm a work of ART (Aptitude, Responsibility, & Talent). My goal is to Attract, Retain, and Teach an audience between the ages of 14 to about 50 and beyond the disciplines of life. I've been blessed with the gift of giving knowledge and creating peace within the souls of many who are starving for spiritual satisfaction. I'm no prophet, but I do believe that I am one of God's chosen spiritual leaders and sources of information on how to walk a straight path down a crooked road.

My Vows to You

As I take this leap of faith,
I think of the time we spent,
From the moment you crossed my path,
I knew you were heaven sent.

You stole a piece of my heart,
But I’m not pressing charges,
Crime of passion gets a pass,
For the one who fought the hardest.

I’m bent when we are apart,
But I’m broken when you are near,
Your game is a work of art,
And your love brings me to tears.

As complicated as it seems,
I’m walking the aisle of my dreams,
Choosing you was an easy decision,
But finding you was the hardest thing.

If there’s a fire, our love will put it out,
A flood, our realness will cause a drought,
A tsunami, our faith will calm the tides,
A tornado, our commitment will face the eye.

If marriage is a disaster,
I’m glad that I’m insured,
You protect me with your love,
I couldn’t ask for much more.

At this very hour,
You become my flower,
Your last name becomes mine,
And your possessions become ours.

Your needs become my needs,
Your desires I aspire,
Your problems become my problems,
Given to one who sits higher.

I give my hand in this marriage,
My plan to surpass average,
My heart to keep us bonded,
My soul to keep us grounded,
My sight to see our future,
My word and no excuses,
My fruit and all its juices,
My body and all its uses.

We’re on our way to marital bliss,
Upon the altar awaits a kiss,
Sacred vows will be exchanged,
And I will own your last name.

Detoxify Your Circle

Just as your body needs cleansing, so does your circle. There may be some people in your circle of friendship poisoning your spirit without you even realizing it, especially if you talk to or hang around that person often. Like food, the harmful effects are usually not noticed right away. However, over time, you may find yourself quoting some of the same things that person says, displaying some of the same behaviors, and possibly making some of the same decisions or basing your decisions about certain things off of what he or she has said. As long as the effects are healthy, so is the friendship. But if you pick up on some bad habits from being around that person, then you should remove he or she from your circle. If your whole circle is toxic, then you should remove yourself.

How do I detoxify my circle?

There is no easy way of doing this without creating bitter feelings. That person may not even realize he or she has a negative effect on you. Most people only know how to be themselves. You can’t expect people to change when they are not even aware of their actions. Some people are aware and just don’t care. Regardless, toxins are not good for the body and life itself. Whether you just stop talking to them all together or verbally express your feelings, that person will probably never look at you the same. You will soon be known as fake, stuck up, conceited, or any other name that fits. Of course, the better outcome would be from telling that person, but how many of us can achieve that without some type of conflict? How can you tell someone you just don’t want to be friends anymore? An ignorant or nasty acting person would not take that well. A rebellious or confrontational person would not receive that very well either. If so, there probably wouldn’t be a need to fall back from that person. Nevertheless, you have to do what you have to do. They’ll eventually get it. The two of you can be cordial and respectful to each other without being friends. Try it!

If you really want your friendships to work, try communicating with each other and being more understanding. Realize that a person’s goals might create some distance between the two of you. Ask yourself if you would befriend a person like yourself. If you claim to be a Christian or spiritual person, ask yourself if you are a living example. If no one else wants to be friends with you, or if your friends or slowly but surely falling like leaves, ask yourself whether or not you’ve been a good friend to them. When they try to tell you about your behavior, do you even listen? While they are spending time trying to get ahead, how are you spending yours? Are you motivated by their actions, or are you secretly hating on them? Don’t get mad because they quit you without giving a two weeks notice. Stop making excuses and elevate yourself. You never know, you might become qualified to be called a friend again.

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topics suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

Photo. Your Tango

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Bad Bosses

Have you ever had a manager or supervisor you just did not like? That one who once had the same position as you? That one who takes too much pride in having a little power? That one who knit picks to try to make him or herself look busy? That one who likes to micromanage? Some people should never be promoted to higher positions because they just don’t know how to act when they get there. If this is you, get off of your high horse and bow down because you are not the CEO. One wrong move could place you right back in a subordinate position but not necessarily with that company. In other words, you are still employed at-will, and you are not irreplaceable. Therefore, the company has every right to move you around the checker board or just kick you off. Sometimes, it’s just easier to kick you off. You’re no more valuable to the company than anyone else, so don’t toot your horn too loud.

Listen up people. A promotion is a beautiful thing. Oftentimes, it means you have demonstrated exceptional performance that captured the eye of the big wigs. Other times, it means that either someone liked you a lot or you’re related to someone higher up. For those of you who’ve actually worked your way up to this position, you wear a badge of honor for maintaining your professionalism and good work ethic, while putting up with the knuckleheads at work. For those of you who had favor but didn’t necessarily qualify for the position, please gain some humility and take some classes on how to be an effective manager or supervisor. However you got there, you have to work even harder to stay there. There is always someone competing for your position. Hence, be careful of how you treat people because one day, you just might have to bow down to them.

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topics suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

Photo: Flickr. “I’ve never slammed a door.” by Ken Whytock CC

Something captured your interest? Don’t be selfish. Share with your friends!