Author: Jemmie Jems

I was told I was slow. I went to remedial classes, was separated from the core classroom, and placed in a “special” class every day.

I was bullied during school by my classmates and my teachers, but I never complained to my parents.

Always quiet but never smiling.

Then, I found a love for language and writing, and I excelled.

It was like my eyes were opened, and I could see. It was all wonderful.

I went to university, the place where I was told I would never be admitted. I earned a bachelor’s and went to college for my present profession.

I take continuing education courses to keep my license for work, but I also take courses regularly to keep my brain active.

I love to learn. I like education. This is not bad for a girl who was told she was slow.

I realise now I was bored, not slow.

Applying myself to writing consistently is a challenge. I am in a writer’s group that keeps me accountable.

However, life gets in the way, and I fall behind in my schedule.

I get frustrated with myself for a beat, then move on.

So, I am working on my attitude as well. Look at that, two for one.

It is all cool.

I know we all like to hear news about other people. Who is seeing  whom? What is happening around the hood?

The more juicy, the better, right?

Gossiping only  spreads rumors that can hurt. It is rare that gossip is helpful. It is about  telling tales that have no solid foundation.

My advice…

Mind your own business.

A good neighbor gives a helping hand, not a wagging tongue.

I could be a daredevil like the next guy.

Yes!

Then my other side says ” you crazy.”

Knowing my luck the chute would not open.

I will stay with both legs on the earth. Thank you very much.

Sure I have ambition and I strive to do the best but, I have to be doing something close to my goals or even working on a stepping stone that will advance my status.

So, my plan to further my career is to get a job so I can eat and live while chasing my dreams.

Redeeming the time is a great practice. Once time is up you can never get it back. I learned to allot my time which allows me to put everything in the right place.

I learned to do this but that does not mean I am good at it.

The best way to stay fit is by not exercising.

Let me explain. If you worry about going to the gym and doing cardio or weights but you don’t have time, depression or frustrstion will set in.

The best solution for living is to keep moving. Don’t label it as exercise because you may not do it. Do what you like with regards to movement.

Take a walk and enjoy the weather or explore your neighborhood. Take a friend with you and catch up on stuff. Walking is the cheapest way to stay fit. Wearing goos comfortable shoes makes the walk enjoyable.

Sign up for a new sport like Pickle ball just to see what all the talk is about.  Do some gardening.

Look, if you think of movement only as exercise and not fun you will not enjoy it. My fitness coach says movement is medicine. It works the heart, the brain, the entire body in different ways. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym, you can get what you need by simply being active.

The best fun exercise is to keep moving.

OK. Yes, with regards to my spiritual walk I selected a book from the Bible. The first book of the Bible is the beginning of humanity. I love the stories. I like to read about the actions and motivations of those historical figures. Most of all I like the life lessons found in those pages. Those lessons never grow old.

For more entertaining, I could read Pride and Prejudice by Jane  Austen over again. I love the development of each character, the family dynamics and the villian who does not win in the end. It is the story of life and love.

It is alright to show some manners. It does not cost anything to say thank you or please or even excuse me. I enjoy when someone opens  the door for me or allows me to go ahead of them. I do the same for others. It is a very easy task.

Manners and kindness go hand in hand. It is not weakness to show some care. The world would be a better place but unfortunately, there are loads of rude people out there.

I honestly think some people were brought up in the wilderness or some nondescript place out there in never never land.

You get the picture.

I don’t say no often. I have to learn that no is okay to say especially when you can’t do that something else and get to the goal. I find that something can be stressful to complete along side you goal.  Saying no is not stressful.

It is ok to do other things as you journey towards your goals, but when those things crowd your purpose then you need to say no.

It is all about focus. Running the race with your eyes fixed on the prize. Also, setting aside those weights that press you down. ( as per the Bible)