"Do Your Work & Mind Your Business

I don’t know if I've grown up or people are just sick of my shit but either way I'm fine with it. My favorite quote to live by came from one of my high school principals, Dr. Simpson, “Do your work and mind your business.” A quote that has pretty much shaped the basis of my life and learned lessons. A quote that I feel everyone should live by in order to minimize stress, limit disappointments, and focus on their greatness. Though I've embodied this statement as of late it hasn't always been my reality. My concern for others was often greater than or equal to that of my own. F*CK THAT!! I'm humble enough to know that I'm replaceable but confident enough to know that they’d be a downgrade. So the audacity of others to believe that I'd be a choice amongst many options rather than the end all be all is absurd. However, as Simpson says, “It’s not my business.” I can no longer put the needs of others above my own! Well, for the last few years, I've been heavily focused on my needs so as not to forget others but understand that I have no control over their life's path. I cannot control the actions of others nor do I desire to do so.

Life’s circumstances have lead me to believe that in minding your business God will put you in a plethora of positions where you’ll have to prove it! Prove that you're actually doing the work and minding your business. He’ll send tests that correlate with what you're healing from in the midst of you healing from it. If it were one test we’d all pass with flying colors but in order to ensure that you've actually healed from it and aren't just avoiding it he’ll continue to test you to ensure you've grown. Unfortunately, these tests come with a letting go of sorts. Sometimes that means letting go of a relationship, habit, or mindset once it no longer serves you. If you aren't able to let go God will force them to let you go or literally break your heart if it’s what it takes to make you great. I’ve learned that we shouldn't take it personally but gracefully. What someone decides to do with their life should neither deter nor detract from where God wants you to be. A person with that much control over your end goal has already taken more from you than God intended.

Eventually, you come to a point in life where you don't necessarily understand your journey but you don't fight against it for fear of the unknown. So in doing your work and minding your business understand that there will be tests and discoveries alike but make sure your journey is your own. As cliche as it sounds, “You can't pour from an empty cup.” Self-love is the most selfless kind. Those who are destined to be apart will be and anything else is just extra.