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Posted inPoetic Posts
March 29th – Always Walk With Confidence
Yes, I am who I am!…I am Awesome, Bright, Charming, Delightful, Encouraging, Friendly, Generous, Helpful, Humble, Intelligent, Very Independent, Kind, Loving, Magnificent, Nurturing, Outstanding, Passionate, Phenomenal, A Queen, Understanding, Virtuous, Wise, X-Chromosome, Dependable, Zealous, Trustworthy, Loyal, Open-Minded, Honorable, Courteous, Love-Unconditionally, A Jewel, Empathetic, Caregiver, Intuitive, Creative, A-Life-Long-Learner, An Excellent Listener, Judicious, A Leader Persuasive, Responsible, Honest, Courageous, Self-Aware, Wholehearted and much more! So there…I am Who I am, and the Amazing thing…Not a living soul can alter my Astounding Flair…They are a Heavenly Gift!
Garnette,
You are definitely who you are and more! Yes, you are a perfectly wrapped precious gift and should be always perceived as such!
* Fellow Sistahs’ Question– Who are you?
Thank you for sharing so inspirational and uplifting. Love this.
Hello Sandra,
You are so welcome!
Hi again. Just heard and read the “I Am…” again, stellar!
Very uplifting… I wanna print it out, laminate it, and post it on the wall somewhere in my home where I’d be incline to read it often as a great reminder. Thanks Dr. Nay. <3
Warmly,
G.
Hello Grear,
I truly appreciate your validating post! My goal is to share messages that my Sistahs can relate to in their everyday lives. I agree that we must use self-talk to remind ourselves of such positive ideas to keep us moving forward and tackling the struggles of life as women.
Hey Dr.Nay,
Being told by someone else how a successful life would all soon cease being within my grasp, happen to me about six years ago. So here is where the words of your titled poem truly resonated with me, Dr.Nay.
After experiencing a divorce, my own hired lawyer felt it necessary to share a bit of his advice with me. He told me it would be necessary for me to leave my home in New York because it would be too difficult for me to remain now that I was divorced.” I never asked this man for this advice so I replied with this,
“you really do not know whose daughter I am!” I continued on to say, “I was raised knowing I can take care of myself no matter what. I am educated. I am independent. I grew up observing an awesome mother, ( a woman who chose to adopt and raise me along with another child). She did this as a single parent. A self-employed women, my mother purchased a home in Queens back in the early 60’s. I watched this woman literally turn life’s sore lemons into sweet lemonade.” As I spoke out with confidence, I visualized myself standing on the shoulders of my decesed mother, Mary B. Thompson, my angel. If she achieved her dreams with far less than me, so could I!😉 So, I proceeded to tell this ignorant man , “I will not leave New York until I determine its the time to do so and since I did not ask for your advice, mind your own damn business!” Since the divorce I secured several salary increases and I also provided room rental to a woman in need of a place to live. The same roomer remained with me for six years. Recently, this woman moved into a rent stablized apartment.
Six years later, I am still here, living in my residence.
Thankfully, I fly solo with confidence!
Thank you once again Dr.Nay for your inspiring poem! It is filled with powerful affirmations women can speak out aloud with confidence! Postive affirmations lead to amazing opportunities.
Mikka24
Mikka, I appreciate how you shared your personal experience and journey with us. You have shown that you are a strong woman who stood up for herself, especially during a difficult time. I agree, that it was none of his business! (a topic of another poem:)) It is mind-boggling how people attempt to decide what is best for us!!:(
Mary B. Thompson was an amazing woman to have raised such a confident and independent daughter, who is now paying it forward!
Hi. The poem’s wording, so sage! And delivered so eloquently, thank you Dr. Nay.
Yes, walking with my Ancestors does gifts oodles of confidence! Comfort DNA, indeed! Duau to thee!
and might I add: you look lovely… the colors pop! I love the jewelry.
Warmly,
G.
Yes, I agree that DNA is a powerful thing!
Thanks for the acknowledging my fashion statements! I do love to accessorize! 🙂
I think we can all relate to I Am Who I Am. I was one of just a few who went to college. This was not an easy time for me. I have always marched to my own drum and followed my own path. Being true to yourself and your dreams is an important message for all women. Thanks Dr Nay for some more food for thought.
Hi Karen,
Yes, we must march to our own drum with our unique musical compositions…playing as loud as we want!
It is wonderful that you persevered and achieved your goal!
Dear Dr. Nay!
Excellent. You are an absolute inspiration. Thank you. Beautiful!
Thank you Odesa! I aspire to continually inspire my fellow Sistah Friends!
Wow! I love the poem. I knew that language art was one of your studies you were passionate about but I did not know of your talent for writing poetry. My mother, Louise instilled confidence in me. She always had little quotes she would say, but the one that stays with me is, “You can do ALL things through CHRIST!” so, I never doubted the way I look, talked, performed, or was inspired to be and become, so with that quote, my religious background, and now your poem, I will continue to walk with confidence.
Hi Teresa,
Thank you for the sincere compliment! Your mom’s quote resonates with me as well, because it also echoed in my ears while growing up. I truly believe that whatever the goal/vision you set for yourself and you’re willing to do what it takes to aim for the stars, your greatest imagination can manifest into reality.
PS. It’s interesting that we find ourselves saying the exact same quotes… sounding like our elders! 🙂
Thank you for sharing but I must say, I have seen every word in you. I am so so proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s to come!!
Thanks Dionne for your kind and supportive words! I did not realize that I had so many thoughts to convey until I started writing poetry. Now, that the gates have opened, all sorts of ideas gracefully flow onto the paper. Yes. many more topics, smiles, and laughs will soon follow.
If I only knew then what I know now…. I often recall a time.in my childhood. Mid 80’s.. hot summers.. Jerry curl dried out. Dark as all get out from swimming in the chlorine filled pool all day (hence the dry Jerry curl). A friend’s mom said to me.. ugh.. you look just like Grace Jones . Back then to be darker wasn’t exotic.sexy nor cute..it was meant to be an insult…and I was insulted, embarrassed and felt so ugly.. but as I got older,as I became comfortable with the skin I’m in and realized who Grace Jones actually was.. an Icon…an international super model…I gained confidence . It didn’t happen overnight but slowly I walked taller. My chin held high. I gained respect for my features and that I was uniquely designed and had purpose . I didn’t want make up no more. I didn’t want extensions and weaves. I wanted to be free of what America tried so hard to make me think beautiful looked like.most importantly..I wanted to be who God intended me to be, and I can’t be that ,if I’m trying so hard to fit into the status quo.
DRNAY..The poem touched me deeply. So … long story short … my encouragement all started with an insult.. and Grace Jones.
Funny huh!
Wow, Tanita! Thanks so much for sharing such a personal aspect of yourself with us! It is so unfortunate that people are still judged by their external features, instead of their inner self. Why must there be labels and categories? And status quo? Quantifiable norms of gender, skin, hair etc? We must learn to love ourselves and appreciate who we were born to be! Yes, we must build ourselves up and walk with confidence! And you are a clear example of that!!
Last note, it’s amazing how ignorant individuals can make such intentionally hateful and denigrating comments (at least she thought so) to others based upon hate.
Dr Nay, Very inspirational, and eloquently spoken! Thank you so much for creating this forum – looking forward to more!
Hi Sakeena,
I truly appreciate your genuine support and encouragement! Yes, I plan to bring it on for you ladies!!
Hey Dr. Nay!
Thank you for starting off my week with such an inspiring poem! It was the reassurance I’m sure plenty of us needed.
Hey Tori,
Thanks for your positive message! As women, we tend to outwardly project that we are always strong and capable, but deep inside, we also need that reassurance and validation. So thanks again!
Dear Dr. Nay,
Your poem is inspiring, especially now when we are finding our voices to speak up for equality in all phases of our lives. As women, we know we have the capability to do anything important to us. Your poem speaks to that necessary confidence so beautifully!
Dear Claire,
I appreciate your affirming comment! You raise a wonderful point about our continued struggle for equality, even though we have equal (and even greater :)) skills, talents and intelligence. As women, we must continue walking and climbing with confidence and grace.
Hey Dr. Nay!
My goodness, that was an amazing piece and it really touched me. I come from a family of strong women and even though I do embody many of those characteristics, we all have our moments when we feel beat up by life. This was a reminder to dust yourself off, know that you are not alone, and to fix your crown while walking with pride. I have to set that example for my daughter as she is watching my every move and I need to ensure that I pass on what I have learned from amazing women like yourself that have been so influential in my life. I shared this with Savannah and she was in awe!!!!!!!!! What an amazing way to kick off your blog and I am so excited for what is in store!
Hi Kimberly
What a wonderful response! Especially that you shared this blog experience with your daughter, Savannah!! Clearly, you are setting an excellent example for her, to lift her up even higher! And yes, she is watching and listening every second!!:)
I am so pleased that my poem resonated with your life. Yes, we must always walk with our heads high and proudly wear our jeweled tiaras… even if we have to occasionally pick it up and polish it again.
Thank you Dr. Nay for sharing your beautiful poetry and for this space where we can share our stories. Walk with Confidence will be my mantra today as I remember the strong women who paved the way for me. I am looking forward to more great poems and conversations. Congratulations you are off to a great start!
Thanks Karen for your thoughtful comment! I love the mantra idea!! Yes, this is our special space to tell OUR stories.
Who were some of the strong women that paved your way?
I think I looked up to my female teachers. In particular my 6th grade teacher. I wanted to be just like her and make a difference in children’s lives. My mom had many jobs in her life but she wanted me to go to college and become a teacher. She was my biggest cheerleader. Both of my grandmothers were business women who were owners in a bakery and candy store. I come from a family of strong women.
Karen,
Thanks for sharing! Yes, it’s amazing how after we mature that we realize who influenced us in many ways. I believe that role models are crucial in all children’s lives and they all need that love and support. You were very fortunate to have had several women in your life that made a true difference!
* Fellow Sistahs’ Question– Who are the women that have made a positive impact on your life?
Great job. You have always been an inspiration to me and now with your thoughts of wisdom in your poems you can be an inspiration to others. Can’t wait for more words of wisdom, encouragement and empowerment in your future blogs.
Ebony, it warms my heart that I had an influence on you becoming an educated professional and mother. I hope that through this blog, I can impact so many others in a positive way.
Thank you so much Dr. Nay for that beautiful reminder to find the strength and pride that is within. I will walk in pride and with a promise to pass this truth onto my daughter with visions of empowerment for generations to follow.
Thank you Katherine for initiating the conversation. Yes, as moms and mature women, we have a huge responsibility to guide and uplift the future female leaders such as our daughters, nieces and other young ladies. We must all strive to help crack that glass ceiling!!
Thank you Dr. Nay for launching your blog! Your poem captures a message that is motivating me right at the stage in life where I find myself. Today, I was particularly empowered by the idea of “claiming our emancipation.” Keep sharing your poems, your words are right on time.
Mikka24, thanks so much for your comment! I am thrilled that you were able to personally connect the poem to an aspect of your life. Because poetry is so unique, it can be interpreted in many ways based upon the reader. May I ask, how did you interpret “the emancipation” verse?
To me the verse, claiming
our emanicipation means to being free to be your authentic self with no apologies. In both my household and social environment where I was raised having a unique point of view was often frowned upon. The result left me second guessing myself. Thankfully, in time I overcame this.
Thanks Mikka24 for sharing your interpretation. I, too, was (and still at times) prone to second guess myself. So worry about what others will think, say or even approve or accept, at both the personal and professional levels. I agree that it takes time, as we live life and mature, for us to openly accept our own point of view. Like Tanita’s comment, we both have overcome this struggle and can now walk with confidence as mature women.
Congratulations Dr. NAY!…Yes our family heritage is the backbone to our existence…We must diligently work that much harder to achieve a common goal…and yes, hold our heads up high, and always walk with confidence while doing so!…Your sentiments depicted through your poetry is what I’ve strongly echoed to my daughter, and now grandchildren, in guiding them through life’s journey…I’m a strong believer in, “Never let them see you sweat!”…Looking forward to next week’s blog!
Hello Garnette,
I appreciate your heartfelt response to my poem! The strong women who’s shoulders we now stand, probably had to also develop into the confident women that we saw with our young eyes. I believe that it is a process of womanhood. Today, we are able to become the strong backbone and do the same for our daughters and grandchildren, as you and Kimberly alluded to in your comments.