It’s Summer and hot as hell but that means we need treats, right?! Flowers, bags, diamonds, perfume, clothes? Endless possibilities but a theme that reoccurs constantly and seems prominent these days is a lot of pride in not needing or wanting things, for whatever reason. And not just physical things…friends, family, conversation, companionship, touch and kindness. Like, what is going on with that?!
I’ve never subscribed to the mantra that you don’t need anyone (except when Nobody Needs Nobody by Playa Fly pops on…that’s the exception) to live a fulfilled life. I don’t think man and woman were meant to walk alone. I meet people everyday for short periods of time that enrich my life by a nice conversation, through work, the grocery store, even the most random time at UPS. Therefore, my expectations for the people directly linked to me and that have access to me…..are HIGH.
That wasn’t always the case….I spent a lot of years feeling bad about what I wanted, needed and required. Those days are over and I got here by accepting that we are all different and apologizing for your feelings, what makes you whole or what casts a void is not necessary!
I like nice things, I like attention, I’m into luxury bags, I like to have cocktails, I want to advance my career….I!!! I! Me!!! ME! LOL! I’m prioritizing me above everything! How can I pour into others when I don’t embrace being a happy individual? I am TEAM JESSICA.
So when someone asks me how I feel or how they made me feel, I answer honestly…yes, I was hurt, yes you disappointed me…This has been a game changer! Clarity is key to how people treat you. When you remove the option of others being oblivious to how they made you feel, you eliminate it as an excuse! My granny always used to say, “You ain’t got but one time to show me you handling me wrong….I’ll know where I stand with you!” I’m a little more forgiving and have learned to communicate what I didn’t like and the reason why. I’m also brave enough to understand when the change doesn’t occur….I have my answer.
In this season of life, I want it all! There is nothing I won’t pursue if I really want it……and when it comes to how people handle me and give of themselves…..In the words of David Ruffin on the Temptations movie, “Gimme what ya got, and go get me some more.”
