Faith and Fear, the catalysts in relationships (Guest Post)

31 01 2012

Hi Everyone…I’m so pleased to welcome CM Writer as my very first guest blogger.  She has a wealth of experience in this arena (and clearly I need it; after all I own a dating blog, but I don’t date, lol.  However, that’s another story for another day). I really enjoy CM Writer’s perspective, so I encourage you all to read and comment.  Let’s get the discussion popping.  And for those in Charlotte, she will also be the featured facilitator on Feb. 20th for our upcoming relationship chat and chew at Red @ 28th in NoDa.  Truly a do not miss event:-). 

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Faith is the antidote to fear.  It works to both protect and push you toward the brighter life you can have.  Fear is the poison that binds you to past pains. What do you do when you are afraid? Do you cower in a corner? Run toward safety? Look for an escape? Or do you freeze?

Fear is learned.  It comes from bad memories, a reminder of hurts experienced once before.  Fear is this uncanny thing that kicks in our most innate fight or flight senses.  Being able to react to fear is great for survival.  However, most of us want to go above and beyond merely surviving.  We want to thrive.

In the relationship realm, we rarely call the feelings that we have “fear”.  No.  It is “intuition”, “suspicions”, a “sixth sense” or “being perceptive”.   All of those things are wonderful, except when the situation does not warrant them.

If you are dealing with an upstanding person, the worst thing you can do is give into your “intuition”.  It will have you going through phones, checking Facebook pages, and questioning every move and motive of your mate. There is nothing appealing about being in a relationship with a private eye who only has one case to his or her name…and that case is turning the relationship upside down until everything falls apart.  Who wants to grow in love with a snoop?

Fear also has a paralyzing effect.  It continuously whispers in your ear all the bad things of your past.  People don’t change…he’s just like the last one…Remember you do not want to be hurt again.  So you carry the fear of past experiences into your present.  You cannot move forward because you have never dealt with the pains of your past. Fear can immobilize you. 

Fear blocks the bad AND the good.  Fear causes your defense mechanisms to kick in.  You have a wall of protection around you, so that no bad can come near you.  However, the same wall keeps all good out as well.

Faith operates in the opposite direction of fear with the same good results but none of the bad.  Faith comes through learning from the past that no matter what comes your way, you will be okay.  Faith is built through trials, and sustained by your endurance. 

Faith allows you to open up to be understood and to see others clearly without the muck of the past clouding your vision.  Faith allows you to trust earnestly without being blocked by insecurities. Faith is not in the other person, per se.  It is in the knowledge that God will see you through any circumstance.

Faith does not lead you to being foolish; it opens you to becoming more aware.  Faith gives the benefit of the doubt.  Faith protects your heart while easing your mind. Faith provides you stability and security.  There is nothing you can go through that will change that, once you have even the smallest amount of faith. 

With faith, you don’t have to worry about what a person will do to you.  You can actually enjoy the relationship and build a solid foundation.  Snooping will never cross your mind.  Fear of being hurt will vanish.  Intuition will pour out all the senses to finally realize and feel the love and security that is possible.

Faith gives you a hedge of protection, but opens a pathway to your heart. 

CM Writer is an attorney and blogger. CM created Your Boyfriend’s Best Girlfriend Blog to showcase her close friendships with men. CM sprinkles her blog with her spiritual upbringing, southern sass, and prissy-nerdy-tomboy charm.





I have a Confession

30 01 2012

Okay, so I don’t really have a confession, but I am excited about a new series of events that my company is producing.  We’ve decided to tackle the topic of relationships, which seems to be the ever present elephant in the room.  So,  if you are in the Charlotte area, please come out and support.  AND it’s a fundraiser for a great cause as well.  Read all about it below:

 

A bi-weekly Chat & Chew to discuss relationships in and open, honest, and uncensored environment. Come join us to talk about RELATIONSHIPS in a friendly and mature setting. Similar to a Barbershop or Hair Salon, nothing is off limits!

Tickets are $10 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit The Red Pump Project-Charlotte to provide HIV/AIDS awareness and education. 

Voice your opinion, enjoy light fare, drink specials, network with new people and support a good cause all at once. See you there! Please register and purchase your ticket here.

Feb. 20th Topic

Why Am I Going In Circles? Relationship tips on dating and friendships. How to recognize a great friend or a great lover? Discuss how men and women can identify the differences and build  healthy relationships.

 Our Special Guest Facilitator: CM Writer (Attorney, Author, Speaker, Columnist, and Relationship Blogger)

 





Awareness is Sexy!

8 11 2011

I certainly have my personal hit list–the qualities and characteristics that I find most alluring about the opposite sex–but as I head into the third year of planning for my World AIDS Day event, I must say, out of everything, I find  awareness mad sexy.  Awareness about education, awareness about social issues awareness about what is going on in the world…not just sports and music (although, per a recent twitter conversation, you need to be into music and sports for me to find you attractive, lol).  However, ultimately, I find a man who is well versed about how to keep himself safe as well as those around him absolutely beautiful.  Men who aren’t afraid of abstinence and are proud to wait for the right one.  Men who aren’t afraid to say, no, we can’t do this without a condom.  Men who will go with you to get that all important HIV test.  Men who understand that awareness, especially when it comes to reproductive and sexual health is always a top priority and not an afterthought.  Men who know how to lead in all aspects of their lives: spiritually, physically and mentally.

We need our men to support us. Join me on December 1st as we celebrate life and bring some awareness and education about HIV/AIDS in our community.  This fight is still on…pretending it doesn’t exist will not make it go away.  I hope to see every man in my life there, rocking a red tie in support:-)

Tickets: http://2011redpumpredtieaffair.eventbrite.com





No More Special Treatment

27 10 2011

Today’s post comes from a very real and personal place for me.  Ladies–and I’m including myself–we have got to stop bestowing special treatment on men who have either (a) have not put any effort into gaining that designation or (b) flat out don’t deserve it.

Example: I can be very accommodating to the people in my close circle.  I am a listening ear, shoulder when needed, idea generator, caregiver, whatever, I’m that person.  And yes, we should be that for our friends, regardless if it is reciprocated in the way that we would like (after all, you can only control your own actions, thoughts and perceptions).  However, we must be careful when we provide that type of comfort for our male friends.  I often get into the habit of treating my male friends like boyfriends (minus the intimacy)…and recently, I had a light bulb moment, this has to stop.  What has any of these men done to deserve that type of time and energy from me.  They get all the perks without any of the commitment or accountability, with the excuse “We’re just friends.”   With the “friends” designation, there are no guidelines or expectations.  And I’m not cool with that.  It’s definitely not the guys’ fault.  Who wouldn’t want all that great attention, thoughtfulness, and even “just wishing you a great day” phone calls and texts–especially when you don’t have to do anything for it?  It’s completely my fault.

So today moving forward, for the men in my life, I am going to treat you as what you are…a friend, without the special treatment that should reserved for those who are actually interested and WANT to shower me with the same care, attention and thoughtfulness that I’m willing, able and often available to give.

As with most things that are highly enjoyable in life, you will need to work hard to reap the benefits, nothing good comes easy…





The Intro MatchMakers: Something New For The QC

10 06 2011

New Matchmaking and Personal Concierge Service

Makes Life and Love Easier for Charlotte-Area Executives

The Intro MatchMakers Officially Opens for Business in the Queen City June 24

Charlotte, NC—June 10, 2011—The Intro Matchmakers was created with a simple goal in mind—to make the lives of busy professionals easier both personally and professionally.  The Intro provides personalized and private matchmaking and concierge services to the city’s most elite executives.  The Intro will celebrate its official launch in the Queen City with an intimate, private invite-only reception in Uptown Charlotte the evening of June 24. 

The Intro is a personal matchmaking and concierge firm bringing together love and elite lifestyle services to career-focused professionals, executives and professional athletes. The company offers exclusive memberships to only the most accomplished individuals seeking a happy and healthy relationship with someone special. The Intro’s confidential one-on-one approach allows for privacy and discretion in that search for companionship and love. Their clients have high standards, and with the help of The Intro MatchMakers, they are able to connect with high-caliber prospective partners.  It’s not about just meeting people; The Intro helps their clientele meet the right people.  

The Intro MatchMakers is about convenience, exclusivity and luxury.  Whether you are a busy executive looking for love or a reliable concierge service to help maintain your lifestyle, the dedicated and experienced staff of The Intro will be an invaluable resource. In addition to Charlotte, The Intro also services the greater metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Miami and Washington, DC. To learn more about what The Intro offers, please visit www.intromatchmakers.com or call 800-661-1514 to schedule a consultation.

 To celebrate the official launch, a handpicked and select group of Charlotte’s elite are invited to a private reception where they will learn about the company and be personally introduced to The Intro co-owners Yolanda Hayes and LaPhaedra Howard.  The guest list is invite-only for this event. There will be events open to the general public in the future. For media inquiries or interview requests, contact Jameka Whitten at 704.261.5290 or Jameka@jswmediagroup.com.





Rumors

20 05 2011

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about some of my recent blog posts, FB status updates and Twitter comments.  Apparently, I’ve been discussing relationships, good men and marriage WAY TOO MUCH…so much in fact that everyone wants to know who is the guy and am I getting serious.  So, to set the record straight…there is no boyfriend, no secret fiance or even a “buddy.”

I’m just in a very happy place…a place where I am secure, I know what I want, but I am also patient enough to let God send it in the right time, at the right moment.  AND I just happen to be an over the top romantic—and when you are a romantic at heart, guess what, you like to talk about romance, dating, relationships, and yes, even marriage (hence the whole point of my blog).

So, again, I’m not secretly planning a wedding of my own…I’m just enjoying being a well-adjusted single woman in my mid 30′s who is doing her absolute best to put God first…it seems to be working, so far…so good!





Memories

20 04 2011

It’s amazing how a good love song can instantly transport you to a different time in your life…this song always makes me think of someone in particular…ah, the memories:-)





Attention Deficit: Stop. Look. Listen!

25 03 2011

“If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn’t want you, nothing can make him stay…”
— Oprah Winfrey

Ladies, I know you all have heard the above quote over and over again…but it is so true and right on point.  Today’s lesson is “stop, look, listen and react accordingly.”

We are nurturers.  We want to encourage and nurture relationships with the men we like, find attractive (physically, mentally and spiritually) and who we *think* could be good for us…and truly there’s nothing wrong with that; however, we sometimes make the mistake of projecting our own personal expectations on that of men who (for whatever reason) are not in the same space or on the same page with us. 

Have you experienced that euphoria of just getting to know someone you really like…he seems to get you…you get him.  There’s chemistry, mutual respect, lots of flirting.  You want to dig deeper, spend more time together, see what happens…BANG…road block suddenly appears, and you are like…what the heck just happened.

In an effort to explore this phenomenon, I’ve done an informal poll (no it’s not scientific, but close enough for my purposes).  I’ve discovered that when “he” senses that you like him, the man doesn’t think he needs to step up his game anymore…that he doesn’t even need to try.  So, this is the point in the “getting to know you” period where the “I was just thinking about you” calls and texts stop…this is where the late night phone calls and flirting sessions end….and (drum roll please) where the push to spend quality time with you all but disappears.  Ladies, if you find yourself being the one who is continually suggesting that you all hang out, that you all should talk or that you all need some quality time together…just STOP!  Simply stop, look around and listen to the quote above in your mind “If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn’t want you, nothing can make him stay…”

It’s a truly simple concept.  If a man wants you (meaning wants to see you, talk to you, etc.) he will make it happen, regardless of how busy he is.  So ladies, let’s just stop…get out of the driver’s seat and let the men pursue us.  That way, we won’t need to second guess…AND most of all, we will get the attention we seek and crave. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this one. Fellas, you are welcome to reply.

*photo courtesy of http://www.jessewilliamsonline.com/photos.php




Good Clean Fun: Celebrating National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD)

10 03 2011

Join Red Pump Charlotte as we celebrate the day this evening at Vertical Tease Fitness:
In commemoration of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, join Red Pump Charlotte as we Paint the Night RED. This fundraiser event will take place at Vertical Tease (Tease Fitness Boutique). Come out and learn more about The Red Pump Project and how you can become a Red Pump Rocker.
BUT WAIT…this event isn’t your average informational meeting. The night will be filled with food, laughter, education, fun and a special tease pole party. Vertical Tease will teach basic pole techniques, a sexy chair routine and give you a great workout all at the same time.
Red Pump Project – Charlotte hopes to advance HIV awareness and obtain new Red Pump Rockers to help achieve our 2011 goals. We have the power to change our world; let’s join together and do it. Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to join Vertical Tease at a discounted rate of $45.00 for one month of unlimited classes. JSW Media Group is a media/promotional sponsor of this event.
Event Information
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Doors open 6:30 PM
7:00 – 9:00 PM

 

Vertical Fitness
2125 South End Drive, Suite 251
Charlotte, NC 28203
Enter the double doors and use the call box to dial Suite 251 to be buzzed in!
$20.00 (Proceeds benefit The Red Pump Project)
Rock your Red Pumps and Comfortable Attire

For more information, email Brittani Menina, Red Pump Charlotte Ambassador, The Red Pump Project at redpumpcharlotte@theredpumpproject.com.





V-Day Fast Approaching: Take Cover!

9 02 2011

I’ve been  happily/unhappily (depends on my mood at the time) single for a few years now.  I can’t count the last two major “relationships” as true dating experiences…let’s just say they were “complicated” to say the least.  Nevertheless, let’s get back to the issue at hand, for  the last three (more than that perhaps) I’ve been dateless on Valentine’s Day.  Most of my male friends don’t seem to understand the severity of this situation because, well, because they are guys.  Yeah, guys get lonely and everything…but I think for the most part the pure unadulterated sentimentality of the occasion completely escapes even the most savvy and sensitive  of my male friends.  In my experience, men think (erroneously) that just because V-Day is not a big deal to them, that it doesn’t matter.  Yes, people, I get it…it’s just a day.  But I am one of those types who is a genuine romantic…I like the big gestures (flowers, gifts, jewelry, sue me–my early loves spoiled me in that sense…high school boyfriend always brought roses when he came to take me out, college boyfriend loved buying cards, stuffed animals, going on trips together, and the steady “thought I was going to marry him” boyfriend that I had as an adult knew how to surprise a sister with jewelry, well written love notes and planning romantic nights out…so yeah, I admit it, my standards of what I call romantic gestures are kinda high.   But honestly, I repeat, honestly it is all about the sentiment all year long.  If you are kind and loving, then an extravagant V-Day isn’t necessary at all.  Ultimately, this day is simply about the outward, public display of how you should treat each other all the time.  Agree or disagree, I just think it’s cool to pick one day to go all out.  It’s V-day people…it’s supposed to be fun, carefree, romantic and loving.  And if you don’t have a V-Day partner, no worries, he or she is on the way.  In the interim, take yourself out on a date and have a ball.  You only live once–enjoy each moment to the fullest!

Fortunately, I am not one of those bitter types.  For the first time in a VERY long time, I am truly enjoying the dating game.  I like the current prospects at the moment (all super cute, driven, smart, confident, etc. etc.) so I am enjoying the pursuit.  So in observance of the day, I’m going to enjoy two of my guilty pleasures–reading trashy romance novels and watching cheesy romantic comedies from the 80′s and 90′s…I will be just fine:-).

If you do plan on making the day special for someone, check out T-Strong’s suggestions for a fun V-Day:

T. Strong Spices Up Valentine\’s Day on Fox Charlotte








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