What's Your Excuse?!

This past Sunday I tuned into the BET awards like many of you probably did also. There were some good (BBD's performance/Tyrese, Johnny Gill & Trey (Sexy) Songs O Jays' tribute) & bad (Drake & Lil Wayne with children dancing on stage, deep sigh) moments, but over all the Tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson was heart warming & beautiful.



The moment that has stuck with me all week was Wyclef Jean's speech after receiving the Humanitarian Award (along with the fab Alicia Keys). His words, "In my country I originated in a hut. I went from a hut, to the projects to a Mansion. There is no excuse!" This man really has worked his way up from the bottom with God's grace & mercy! A HUT, yall!!!



When in St. Lucia (I'll tell you about that on a later date. I had a ball!!!) last month for my girl, Courtney's wedding I was watching CNN when not lying on the beach . (I cut the cable off at my house last Summer, so I rarely watch TV. I've been more productive since doing so, but I digress.) I saw the story of a man that came to the US, to start a new life. He barely spoke any English, but got a job at a liquor store , which he later went on to own along with a couple others.( I looked at my girl, Tracie, and said we're not hustling hard enough!) So, many come to America to fulfill their dreams and accomplish that and more. However, some of us that live here already just sit around and complain about hard things are.

Please note I said some, not all. This morning I read the story of Khadijah Williams in the La Times online ( by way of In Her Shoes Blog). This young African American woman is the definition of BOOT STRAPPER! Ms. Williams grew homeless traveling from shelters, motels, etc with her mother & younger sister. She has been in 12 schools in the last 12 years, but never let that deter her from studying. Kadijah will be attending Harvard University in the fall, after being accepted to 20 different universities.

I love hearing and reading stories about underdog's coming out on top , and beating the odds against them! It inspires me and lets me know all things are possible with God! So, I pose to you same question that I posed to myself after hearing Wyclef's speech & then reading about Khadijah: What's your problem?! What the Hell are you waiting on for you to stop living below your potential & reach for your dreams?! So what if things are hard right now! So, what if you started out and things didn't take off immediately the way you expected! There are no such thing as an over night success! It may look that way from the outside when you see designers, singers, actors, models, lawyers, rappers, chefs, etc. But please believe these people have been on their grind sometimes for years before getting their BIG break!

Example Ludacris, was a DJ 1st, then he made & sold his records out of his TRUNK. THEN he got the contract. So what the hell is my & (yours for that matter) problem?! What's holding me back ?!! Whys aren't I moving further quicker? ( I can truly say I've come a long way in just 2yrs, but still not where I want to be.)

I recently received a email from a friend I haven't spoke to in almost 2years. Last time we spoke I deeply considering a move to Miami to study Fashion, at the Art Institute of Miami. He was very surprised that I am still in DE & not working in Fashion. ( I am at least studying Fashion in NYC, so it's not like I'm doing nothing. But his questions touched soemthing deep that I couldn't respond to his email for like 5 hrs. Why? Because I really couldn't answer it. Here's the answer:

Hi My name is Mortina, and I am a procrastinator & an excuse maker. (Hi, Mortina). Yep, that's been me most of my life. No, I am not proud of it, but I'm not going to lie about it either. I have been what has held me back. I have allow myself to be distracted & thrown off track, but no more. I've listened to a chorus my own fear & other's negativity, but today I choose to change the station to one of positive thoughts & actions. Because," I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4 :13. And if God be for me who can be against me? So, what's your excuse? Start whatever it is today!

I love these 2 Ghianian proverbs:

*You must act as if it is impossible to fail.

*Let not what you cannot do tear you from what you can do. (Do something)

(Post on your mirrors to remind yourself.)


xoxo
Mor