imjustdrew

Just in case you can’t tell, I cannot stand to be ignored.

I hate it. Period. It’s foul, triggering and rude to me.

I’m also addressing it in therapy so I’ll overcome this hurdle.

And no I’m not talking about on social media. I’m talking real life, real time.

Why as adults can’t we be honest and straight up with each other? I’ve been asking this question for over 20 years.

It’s a frustration I have with people and not necessarily a certain person. You can bet if a person continues to do it we aren’t talking anymore.

Therefore just know if you ignore me and we’re supposed to be cool, I’m asking questions. You probably have a legitimate reason so I’m going to presume positive intent and show concern and grace.

However if it’s a pattern then we must address it.

That’s how I keep my circle solid, one of the ways. Get with it or get gone.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I think we’ve missed the mark as a whole.

We need to regular checkins on our people and not rely solely on social media or phone calls. If someone isn’t responding or doesn’t want to respond, you may need to determine which action is next for them/you. Either way, please check in.

You can make a habit of doing it weekly, monthly, etc. Those close to you deserve to know you’re ok and are living life well.

Let’s not let anyone suffer in silence and let’s allow them all to feel loved!

#ImJustDrew ##fromdarktosunshine

It’s been a while since I posted on here.

Oftentimes in life we miss out on what’s in front of us the entire time. We’re traveling, our exit is coming up but we’re not focused on where the nearest exit could take us or what surrounds us. We often end up blocking our own blessings.

I challenge you as we begin August to see what’s in front of you, don’t miss a thing, and have no regrets! You’re an awesome person with lots in front of you. Be kind and considerate to others and yourself.

You will definitely draw attention then. That exit may be your entrance to happiness!

#ImJustDrew ##fromdarktosunshine

I’ve discovered after attending my first round of summer functions that if I’m chilling and socializing with others and don’t think as much about food, especially the cake, then I’m having a great time and I’m comfortable around you and others.

Many of you know how much I love cake also!

When the vibe is right, I’m looking good, feeling good and even eating regular food good, then trust me it’s all good. It’s that nirvana that we all long for. It’s like being in the comfort of your home but in someone else’s space. You get bonus points if I take a nap. It doesn’t mean I’m bored, it only means I’m partied out.

We all seek that feeling, that vibe. Don’t give up seeking it and when you find it, don’t let it go.

Everything else, including the cake, is cherry on top of the sundae you may also be eating.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

It’s graduation and summer birthday season (mine is next month btw!). I give and buy gifts, big and small. I always ensure that if I’m invited to a function or cordially asked, I give something.

Now while I can’t buy extravagant gifts unless it’s someone immediate or closest to me, I give practical gifts from the heart. I love, love registries. Some may think they seem narcissist. However, if it’s a milestone or if someone is unsure what to get you besides cash or a card, it works. Who knows, you may receive that top dollar gift?

It’s definitely more blessed to give than receive. Lord willing, I’m getting ready to renew my Blacksburg Athletic Booster Club membership, definitely looking forward to giving back there. All I ask of anyone is to pay it forward to the next person.

Remember no gift is too small and it’s not always possible to outgive.

#imjustdrew

The goal we should seek is to have forever invites from a select few folks. This is similar to the ones you have from family on holidays.

I was doing my usual polling and chit chatting with people. The idea and implication is that if it’s just a holiday or say even Sunday dinner if you’re family or close friends you have a “forever invite”. No call required, just stop by if you can.

I’m blessed to have this with a few folks. I’ve watched my mom and grandma extend this courtesy to others and it’s refreshing and heartwarming.

In an era where families don’t get together as they should and people break off into groups/cliques, it’s a wonderful thing to have a place you can go outside of your home and feel welcomed!

Someone out there hears me!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I love when folks aren’t talking about negative things and how bad the world is. This was one of those weekends.

The topics of discussion were of course Mother’s Day and the great Northern aurora lights. The latter wasn’t as expected nor as visible but those pictures were lovely. 

Mother’s Day is definitely different when your mom is gone. However I made the best of it and honored living moms as well.

I’m unsure how long the positive vibes will last. I just enjoy them while I can!

#ImJustDrew

This past week I’ve watched us as a human race come together over the week long rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake and then over the murder (suicide?) of estranged pastor’s wife Mica Miller. Both of these instances have folks talking and debating, moreso than early May, the NBA playoffs or the cicada swarm.

The only controversies are did Kendrick really win and did Mica committ suicide or did her husband (the abusive crooked pastor) pull the trigger? There’s a lot to unpack with both but that’s a good thing.

I’ve relearned that you have to get folks to talking, have these conversations that usually only occur in the barbershops or the water cooler. That’s when many feel more casual, comfortable and not as forced to share thoughts. 

I feel that whatever you feel isn’t the big topic is. The fact that the topics have garnered so much attention is the big grab. What will be the next topic that has us talking? Bear in mind summer is near and we’re still in an election year.

#ImJustDrew ##fromdarktosunshine

You mean what we say before we eat

You’re trying to avoid being verbally beat

Grace? Grace!!! Grace

I’m not giving grace to slackers, liars or to a complete disgrace

No way, no how, hand to the face

Please don’t use that as an excuse when you don’t wanna do

Grace is for those that can’t, not the won’ts

They call me Boo Boo but I’m not the fool

You think I’m acting like a complete tool

Just apologize and do what you’re supposed to do

Playing victim isn’t cute nor cool

Aren’t you nearly 60 now

Too old for all the ooos and wow

Believe me, I won’t check on you again, trust

I’m not letting anything else bust

Getting upset at me for your fault is weird and rude

I’m backing away from this feud

I’m the one that needs the grace

You will know how to act the next time you see my face

I just had two great podcast recordings on yesterday. One was a best selling author that continuously praised her mentors. She kept plugging in to them every step of the process and still does.

It’s very important to give folks their flowers. Also continue asking for help. I believe in mentorship and seeking help. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you’re set up for failure.  You can have it all and still not know it all.

It’s all about ironing sharpening iron and simply continuing to grow. This author collaborated with several others and pinned a best seller in her first attempt. Just think what you can do and achieve with similar effort.

#ImJustDrew ##fromdarktosunshine