1) Do put your health first: If you’ve read Perez Hilton’s website in the past few days, weeks, months or even in the last year, you are familiar with UK reality star Jade Goody’s plight with cervical cancer. She’s been fighting the good fight, but it’s looking like it just wasn’t her time to win. Jade is in her twenties, a mother and once had her whole life ahead of her. I almost succumbed to the illness myself had I not followed up with a doctor about an abnormal pap smear. Luckily I headed it off at the pass, and just came back from yearly exam. Ladies, this is 2009. Get your exams! If you cannot afford health insurance, check out the community health centers and clinics in your neighborhood. You might get it for free.
2) Do love yourself: It’s hard to be a woman out here these days. Either you’re too skinny or too “fat.” You’re too this or too that. The battle is fought in our hearts and minds. Make sure you are putting on your armor. Love yourself regardless of what others say. They’re wrong.
3) Don’t TAKE abuse of any kind: Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve heard about Rihanna and Chris Brown or Whitney and Bobby or even Ike and Tina Turner. If he puts his hands on you, run for the hills. Black women and girls are dying it alarming rates from domestic violence. Don’t let it be you or your children. Later in the week, I will include more information on how you can get help. If he loves you, he will walk away, run into the ocean and swim for hours, run around the neighborhood howling at the moon, or chanting Buddhist prayers. He will NEVER hit you and if he does, do NOT accept it.
4) Don’t put your hands on your man: Unless you are 2 years old and unwise, keep your hands to yourself.
5) Do see the world: I know in these harsh economic times, travel is put on hold, but don’t give up. The rain doesn’t last forever, and when the sun comes out again, plan on seeing that sun on the shores of Waikiki, St. Tropez or Myrtle Beach⦠Whatever floats your boat.
6) Don’t be afraid to ask questions or question anything: Whether it’s your health or work or your love life, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Minorities have experienced a lack of quality care in most cases, so do the research and speak up. Silence is not golden when it comes to your well-being.
7) Do fight for your rights: Whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, pro-gun ownership or anti-gun, stand up for your rights. Write letters, make phone calls and never give up.
8) Don’t be afraid to be a radical: Have you been wanting to cut your hair off, but have been afraid that you won’t be “feminine?” Stop! Don’t be afraid to be who you are, and if you are a radical/free thinker, so be it. Life is too short to ascribe to what others think “girls” should be like.
9) Do read a romance novel: You might think this is random, but I am telling you read at least one. Read a good one! I usually read classics (Shakespeare, Orwell, Bradbury, and Poe) and other history based books, but reading a romance novel was SO nice considering it’s hard to find any kind of chivalry these days.
10) Don’t just date any guy because you’re “tired of being single”: Not everyone is worth your time or your family/children’s time. You have to be discerning and picky. I don’t care how single you are. Take the time to enjoy your solo time and by all means, dump any guy that shows the first sign of “loser” tendencies.
—— By: Seattle Slim
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