Yes, I realize it’s been almost a week since I’ve written anything.  Honestly, I was tired and really didn’t have too much to share with you guys.  This weekend I attended “Refresh 2011”, which is a conference geared towards the African woman (yes, I know I’m not African), but all women could gain something from attending this event.  I realized (not that I didn’t already know this) that you have to be able to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.  There were a lot of anecdotes I took from this event, and I want to share some of them with you.

• Be sure to take time for you.  If you don’t take care of yourself how can you take care of the important people in your life?
• From the organizer, Ekene Ajune, she reminded us that the Bible says “Love your neighbor as thyself”, but if you don’t love yourself, how are you going to love your neighbor?  And if you don’t love yourself, don’t love me.  I don’t need that negative energy.
• It’s ok to have the foods that you love but aren’t good for you, just have them in moderation.  Maybe once every week or every two weeks.
• You have to get some form of exercise at least 3-4 days a week.  It’ll make you feel better plus you’ll be healthier for it.
• No matter what it is, take some quiet time for yourself.  (I went grocery shopping yesterday, and while I normally LOATHE going to the store, I actually enjoyed shopping.  And as I put up my groceries when I got home, I did it in silence.  No television, no radio, no talking on the phone.  It was the best 5 minutes of my day.) 
• Don’t spread yourself too thin.  You don’t have to say “Yes” all of the time.  Sometimes you have to tell people “No”, and it’s ok if you do.  If they are your true friend, they’ll understand and won’t make you feel bad for doing so.  And if they’re not your real friend, it’s best you find out now rather than later.

I’m done with my little tidbits.  One last thing I will share with you was the quote I received on Saturday-“You can rewrite your story.”  I really needed that, and I’m sure some of you do as well.  No matter what has happened in your past you can change your future.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.