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Introduction

Welcome to the wonderful blog of “You and I,” a blog that will have many twists and turns if that’s your cup of tea. A warning: it may have some bumps and thrills, but that’s always the case in life. Take time to navigate my website and get comfortable, as this may not be your ordinary blog page. Yet, who wants to be ordinary anyway? You have just embarked on the page of an author who loves to keep things a little interesting, funny, serious, warm, and full of many other emotions. There may be times when you feel a little sad, but remember, I am here to inspire you to seek out your “you” in the “I.” Did you catch on? My poetry book is called “You and I Inspired Me” …lol. Well, never mind that, as the mind is what I like to talk about a lot.

Okay, let me get back to the welcoming as I got a little sidetracked. Let’s try this again…Welcome to my blog, where you will find interesting and not-so-interesting topics. Some will be related to my poetry book, and some blog posts will not. Explore my website and get comfortable because you are now part of the “You and I Inspired Me” family. Some things that I blog about will be long, and some will be short and to the point. Don’t we all love that… honesty. What was I supposed to say to you all? Oh! I remember now. Thank you for visiting my page, and I pray that it inspires you as it creates a transformation in your life. Again, welcome to “THE BLOG OF YOU AND I”—an experience like no other, at least that’s what I hope…lol. Please feel free to ask questions, but keep them PG, as we may have children reading these blogs as well.

Here is one of my quotes:

“In that day, you will see what the creator has given you—a masterpiece to create what only an artist can do. So, enjoy this day, for you, the artist, have just begun.”

Who AM I ?

I worked in the mental health field for years. I was amazed by the vast amount of people that need help each day. In working in the field, I have a chance to see all demographics. I observed all races and colors. It continues to leave me in “awe”. What is the difference between one person and another? Each individual in the world has their own personal problems they are going through each day. Many people need help. They are incapable of identifying “Who am I?”. No, it’s not just the darker tone people but also people of lighter color. Yet, categorized to fit in a box that we as people were never supposed to try and fit in. Now working on the behavior side I am capable of picking up more patterns in human existence. This is not something that I write about, but it is a great concern that fingers are being pointed. In all honesty, no one really knows who they truly are. They are just wandering this world, trying to see where they fit in this existence called LIFE. If you do know who you are, how are you given back to help others to learn?

This one question “Who am I?” stops lots of people. I have seen “smoke” coming from people’s heads as they went into deep thought. Conversations, laughter stop in the midst. Why is this, what is the reason behind it? We have been placing labels on everything and everyone that people have lost a sense of identity. Ponder that just for a few moments, allowing yourself to reflect on the question. What answer did you come up with? Is it an answer a parent, friend, loved one etc. has told you, you were. Or is it something you learned truly about yourself? Yes, Yes, it’s a lot to take in but, people actually don’t know how to answer the question. It is even funny that Moses asked a question in the scripture. In Exodus 3:11, “And Moses said unto GOD, Who Am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh”. I want to stop right there. If Moses had to ask GOD, who are we asking to reveal our identity to us? 

What Pharaoh do you serve in your life that blocks you from revealing “Who AM I?”. Take some time to sit, reflect and ask those uncomfortable questions that are sometimes difficult to answer. If you have to go back to the beginning to come to an understanding of who you are, do it. In the midst of you pondering the question you can reveal your purpose. Even more gain a better relationship with GOD himself. It’s not easy, but worth every bit of knowing “Who you are?”. 

My prayer for whoever is reading this and not understand who they are or want to know more. GOD will allow the Holy Spirit to fall fresh upon them. They will decrease and allow the Holy Spirit to increase. This way, their eyes can be open to their true identity. They can also hear what the Heavenly Father is saying to them. I pray Heaven Father that you continue to be with them during their journey. It is as you said, “I will never leave you nor forsake”. I personally thank you in advance for walking and being with them on this journey called LIFE.

What became of YOU?

Daily writing prompt
Write a letter to your 100-year-old self.
View all responses

3/10/25

Dear Me,

What can I say to my hundred year old self that she doesn’t know about herself already. Well, I am thirty-nine writing this letter to my future self who I know has a personality and is still beautiful inside just as well as out. In case you forget, I’ll give you a little reminder who you were to share the growth and progress you made to become who you are. You’ve been through a lot and shared your story on a podcast once before as you talked about the grief that you have been through. A person that went through many trials and obstacles in her younger years, yet still remained resilient despite all you have been through. It is funny even writing this letter to you because I have so many questions to ask but, when you read this letter you can reflect and answer many of them. You were always the type that helped those in need as you can tell by the career field you went into. You did a lot but it was the love you always tried to display to others. 

When you open this letter there will be some pain, tears, laughter, smiles, and joy spreading across your face. You weren’t just resilient, you always reminded yourself always to remain humble at all times. There were times that you were prideful but, I know our God broke you down and reminded you quickly. I mean that’s our Father, the one who we always love to serve. As I write this letter to myself, I am listening to a song called “Yet”. It’s a beautiful song that expresses the need for God to not give up on us. I am in a reflective state as I write this to you in all honesty. Now, with all the obstacles and trials that we faced in our younger years, I pray that you are living the life you always wanted. A life full of love to spread to those that come in contact with you. I hope you are surrounded by your grandchildren and great grands at this moment. Sitting observing them and proud of what they made for their life. Just for your info “Gki” is what you wanted them to call you. So, I pray that the name stuck.

A life that continues to thank God each day for the breath that he has given to us. A life filled with joy and most importantly peace. Even if you are unable to read this letter one of your grands or great will be able to read it to you. But you know what, I believe that you are blessed to read it for yourself. I told your son that I was blogging a letter to my hundred year old self. He thought it was a pretty cool idea. I pray that you have no more tears rolling down your eyes but to thank GOD for just blessing you to see a hundred. I mean that’s a big deal, hundred. You were always a person that prayed for longevity. I have so many questions but just wanted to remind you don’t stop being that person who loved, shared, a breaking of light, hope and authenticity to herself. An older lady that is fierce, wise and kind. I just want you to know when you open and read this letter, remember who you are. 

A representation of what you poured into others despite some past mistakes. You wouldn’t be the woman or elder in this case you have grown into. I ask you to continue to display gratitude just for the breath that is in your body. I ask that you continue to love yourself just as when you were younger and now even with family around. God has never left nor forgotten about you. I love you because what became of you?. 

Love Always,

My past self to future self

Kieona

Behavior

Daily writing prompt
What is the last thing you learned?
View all responses

There are times that I look at human behavior and try to figure out the “why?”. I began to sit back and observed the actions of others. The more I observed the more I laughed, shook my head and smiled at the beauty that is discovered in human behavior. The awareness that came with being still and allowing GOD to display how the behavior of others can affect another. I learned that behavior is not just a human emotion but a response. The response to a reaction. I learned that every action does not need a reaction. I just stood, listened and observed the behavior of another person. I learned to control my own personal behavior even more than before. I learned the peace that came with controlling my behavior to not react to the other person’s behavior. I learned to be silent and not allow the other person to control my emotions. I learned another part of myself.

This Mind

It’s been a while since I have posted, but I wanted to answer this perfect question. My mind is something I am always ready and willing to improve. My mind is the operating system between my failures and success. What I feed my mind can determine the paths that I take in life. The more I read the question, the deeper my thoughts go. On second thought, it was just a simple answer. A small improvement to the mind can determine my thoughts, emotions, and behavior. So, yeah, I would have to say my mind.

Daily writing prompt
What’s one small improvement you can make in your life?
View all responses

Triumph of Past to Future

  • The thought of 2023 now in the distant past
  • Despite the obstacles faced
  • Congratulations!!! You made it just by having faith
  • Yes, you may not accomplish everything at once
  • Just remember you accomplished the greatest of all
  • Self-discovery.
  • Triumph of cries came chasing
  • The thought of 2023 is the distant past
  • Now reflect on what took place
  • See how far you’ve come
  • Shout!!! You made it when you could have lost
  • Lost what? Only you know
  • Self-expression.
  • Triumph of cries came chasing
  • The thought of 2023 no longer exists
  • What you did, you can’t go back and change
  • But today, remember what needs to change
  • A new day, the present… now that’s a gift
  • Wow!!! Looking back, how did I make it?
  • Triumph of cries came chasing
  • The thought of 2023 was just a breeze
  • Lessons learned; relationships built
  • You may not have had it all,
  • Now tell what you’ve been through
  • More than enough to say to yourself.
  • Triumph of cries came chasing
  • The thought of 2023 is no more
  • Goodbye, so long as you open the door
  • Thinking of the lives you most likely touched
  • I guess this year was more than enough
  • Closing the door as you enter
  • Reflection? Yes, reflection!
  • Triumph of cries came chasing
  • Could have lost your mind or died
  • Now looking back, it wasn’t so bad
  • What you’ve been through
  • Is now time to step into
  • Test? Yes, test!
  • Triumph of cries came chasing
  • 2024 is ready for your making
  • Release that attachment
  • 2024 is at your front door
  • Waiting, knocking
  • Courage, strength
  • Look what it took to step into 2024
  • Self-perseverance
  • You made it, use the skills within
  • Focus, discipline, consistency
  • Now that’s the win
  • Relax, breathe
  • Look what it took to step into 2024
  • Courage to believe
  • Open your hands
  • Receive the new opportunities
  • For they are at hand
  • Hello 2024, how are you?
  • Last year was a year of
  • Sacrifice
  • Self-perseverance
  • Love
  • Building
  • Forgiving of self and others
  • Hope
  • Tears through the year
  • Introspection
  • Dedication
  • Accountability for the actions
  • Mistakes
  • Lessons
  • Praying
  • Fastening

All just to say, this is my year!!!

A Mother’s Journey Through 18 Years with Her Son


The laughter, cries because the tears were felt inside

Agony and pain, my heart grew insane

Questions and answers, no guide to a mother’s quest

Encouragement, accomplishments—the greatest was my son’s perseverance.

Sickness and health

Oh! What a mother does to nourish her child’s health

Cheering, supporting…

These years are steadily floating

Memories and mountains, it seems time never changed

Observing and smiling, I don’t remember disappointments

1, 8, 10, now eighteen—that’s a win

Guided and relied, when was a manual formed for a mother to see her son fly?

Embrace…eighteen years of sacrifice just to see my son win

Role model, excited, the laughter on your face was inviting

Heartbreaks were no mistake

The lessons learned were meant to take place

Sorrow didn’t last; tomorrow

Your light in eighteen years put a smile on this mother’s face

The ups and downs…I’m a proud mother who stood around

Compassion, warmth…

LOVE

18 years poured inside a son’s heart

Evolve…

Each step takes you to a place of no regrets.

An 18-year-old who loves cereal. I enjoyed eating cereal with my son at the “Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar”—there is always a kid in each of us.

1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Precious Time


How can we as people talk about time if we never took the time to stop and listen?
How can we talk about time if the time was unavailable for us to stop?
Oh, what precious time we have here on this earth not knowing that time is not everlasting
There is something about time people either waste or gain
How can you cherish the time that is spent with others if you never took the time to listen?
How can we complain about the time if all the time was available to us?
Precious time is more precious than what you think
Time is not the twenty-four-hour period most people think of each day
Time is the unknowing of the expiration of someone day
Oh, my where has time gone as this is being written?
Did the time choose right or wrong… that is not up to us to decide if time was used wise or not
Time is just what you make it, as it is consistent, but we are not
Who came up with the sane you have twenty-four hours in a day?
You have more than twenty-four hours of precious time stop and ask yourself 
What age are you now?
 If you say older than twenty-four hours, then twenty-four hours is more than enough
Time is vital to those who may be around you as time is what is always overlooked
The time you spend with someone, the time not helping, the time complaining, the time just being productive
Oh, precious time where you have gone because the world that we live in people always mention your name
Time loves you so because people forget the real meaning of what time has become
Time thank you for being on my side as I learn to use you wisely within my years
Time that is more precious than a diamond in the dirt
Time which people take advantage of not knowing its time that is on our side
Oh, precious time thank you for being enough

Perfect Birthday

In the last couple of weeks, I was thinking about what type of blog I wanted to write on this special day. A day that I was given breath to walk and make it until now. I thought and thought about what I can say and how can I make this the perfect day for me. Topics that will describe what and how I felt but speaking on something of meaning. In the short amount of time that I am writing this here, it dawned on me that, the perfect day and gift was standing next to me the entire time. Let me catch you up to speed a little. We as people can know what we want and how we want and described it down to the tee if someone was to ask. I personally would say, I am guilty of just that sometimes. Yet, really thinking about things that are tangible things that can be felt not realizing, it can never be touched, handle or looked upon.

Why, I am saying this because, I celebrated another birthday and in the end what I wanted was standing next to me the entire time. My son, yes…I can hug, and touch, and see him. This was deeper than that, it was the quality time that he spent with me that made it so impactful. Time which as people we can take for granted because of a life we think we are promised the next moment or even second. I didn’t just realize this; I recognized the gift of time. The perfect gift that we can never get back. Time that should be treasured each and every waking second with whomever is in your life. I say this because when you look back you will remember the “Time” someone did something special for you, or the time someone spent with you, or the “Time” you fill in the _______________.

What time have you given of yourself to another individual besides yourself. This may not make sense at this moment but, time is the real form of Love. I had an amazing birthday, with nothing to fancy but, just spending a moment looking on the side of me to realize my son gave me the perfect gift “TIME”. I know that too many people can’t say the same thing as me. I want you all to understand something, it just doesn’t have to be a family member to recognize how valuable “Time” really is. It takes gratitude to see how something that is overlooked is the most precious and perfect gift. Take a few moments to yourself and bask in the moment and slow down just a little. You will recognize the beauty which is given to you.

My challenge for you all is sit with self and think about all the interactions that are positive in your life. What comes to mind? Is it the small gesture of someone opening a door, saying “hi”, asking you how your day is? all of these are time because, it takes energy to say, or do. The next time you are looking for the perfect gift look beside yourself and look within maybe you’ll realize you were the perfect gift the entire “Time”. This birthday shouts out to my son who took the “Time” to show love… a gift that can never be given back.

Instincts








What thought came to mind?





 When allowed the feelings to flow 





The instincts to know if you jump 





which way will you go





Sitting waiting patiently to decide





Not realizing the floor has begun to collide





waiting, strategically planning 





You jumped…you begin to slide 





Down, down you go 





Giving up to the everlasting flow 





Down, down you go 





Now looking up from the floor 





Back to the drawing board 





Strategically calculating 





This angle and that 





Computing numbers just to get to that 





Abrupt emotions now calculating 





Finally, the number that you made it 





So, what was said as you read





Instincts within now forget it.



	


	





	

		
Unseen
	


	
	

		

In life sometimes we come across paths in life that we were not planning on. As we walked the path we embrace just to realize, what do I do next?  Has anyone had that thought in their mind, knowing everything was going well and it was all coming together. Yet, just like that…you had to figure out another strategy to get to the other side.  Can I be the first to admit that’s what happened on my walk in the park today. In the video I am communicating what I came up against as I walked. I enjoyed being in nature, just on a nice walk when behold in front of me an obstacle.  Watch the short video to see what I did. 








Unseen





Here is the thing it wasn’t the fact that it was hard, it was the fact that I was not prepared for what was to come. That’s how it can be sometimes, but ultimately in the end. Well, I decided to keep going despite how small or big or should I say “how deep the water was” lol. I made it to the other side. Mission accomplished. What would you have done differently if it was you? Let me know, as I would love to hear your thoughts.