“I’ve been gone for a minute, now I’m back with the jump-off!”  Yes, I know it’s very rare that I quote Lil’ Kim; actually, that might be the only time I quote her.  So relish in this moment…

Now, since that’s out of the way…I’m back!   I’ve been MIA for a minute.  Southern Mom was in town, so I was basking in her greatness-spending quality time together, riding around the DMV, and enjoying Georgetown Cupcakes! 🙂  As mothers have a tendency to do, they always impart some words of wisdom upon you.  My mother talked to me about everything, including men, money, safety, decorating-you name it, we probably discussed it.  One thing that she told me, which was sort of my mantra this past weekend, was to stand up for myself and not to let anyone take advantage of me.  Nothing occurred in particular to make her say that to me (that she knows of), she just happened to say it.  But like all mothers, maybe she had this sixth sense that some things just weren’t right.  Let’s start with this weekend.

While I had a GREAT time in Atlanta, there were some things that came to light and let me know where I stand with people.  Nothing good, nothing bad-I just opened my eyes a little wider to my surroundings and truly saw who cared about my well-being.  Upon returning to DC, some more things are in the works to make this writing and PR thing more real for me and not just as a hobby.  As my mother pointed out to me, I’m helpful to a lot of people, but who’s being helpful to Elle? 

The moral of today’s post?  Don’t let anyone take advantage of you.  Know your worth, and make sure others know your worth.  If they don’t realize it, cut them off.  If you think they are the only ones who are there for you or who can help you, you’re mistaken.  There’s someone out here who will always have your back and make sure that you get what you deserve.  But, it really doesn’t matter what other people think, say, or do when it concerns you.  As long as you know you’re worthy, that’s all that matters.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.