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Join me tonight! June 11, 2018 – 9p EST Honored to be sharing. Call designed for women but all are welcome! CALL (302) 202-1106 Access Code 765011 & tell a friend!💫e

If you or a loved one are in crisis please use the following resources:

The National Suicide Hotline

800-273-TALK (Veterans Press 1)

TEEN SUICIDE CRISIS HOTLINE- 800-852-8336 (Trained Teen Counselors)

The Trevor Project (LGBT Community) 866-488-7386

Trans Lifeline (Transgendered Community) 877-565-8860

Crisis Text: Text HOTLINE to 741741 ***If outside the U.S visit http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for assistance

Thank you for being here!

Blessings!

e of @authenticiteespeaks

IG | FB @AuthenticiteeSpeaks

Twitter | @Authenticitee

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

#InspirationWithE #Podcast #SuicidePrevention #MotivationalSpeaker #LiveRecording #Survivor #YouAreNotAlone #family #positivity #selflove #singer #inspirationalquotes #prayer #indieartist #melanin #motivationalspeaker #writer #faith #wordstoliveby #motivation #quotestoliveby #positivity #recovery #inspiration #christian #musicians #ministry #entrepreneur

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ARE YOU HAPPY?

Someone I hadn’t seen in years. Maybe like 8 years. Asked me if I was happy this past weekend. My usual response is “Happiness is based on happenings.” See I’m all heart, a skeptic, very guarded, an introvert and very private in nature. I find that because I’m kind and give direct eye contact; it’s often interpreted as being “open”. I am not.

But I like this person. A lot actually. Though mere acquaintances; I wasn’t offended. Though many go by what they overhear or what they try to piece together from social media; I believe this question came from a genuine space.

There was a time I would really ponder that question, which is bizarre to ask when just “running” into someone. I’m deep. A thinker. So the question felt very intrusive to me. Though I genuinely do not feel it was meant to be. No love lost. No grudges held. No overthinking will overtake me. But I do know this. Every question asked does not have to be answered.

I chose however to respond honestly: “I’m in a good space” and the response was, “You look like it. You look good”. I know there are many who are not happy. They ask my secret. The joy of the Lord keeps me in moments where happiness has failed me. Praying your happenings evolve into happiness and your joy remains.

Thank you for being here! New here? Welcome!

Blessings!

e of @authenticiteespeaks

IG | FB @AuthenticiteeSpeaks

Twitter | @Authenticitee

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Photo credit Unknown: No copyright infringement intended.

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Welcome to Day 26 of #TheLoveLetterProject Writing Challenge created by Marie of The Notion Of Love! If you’re just joining me, you can catch up on the rules here!

Day 26

To The One Who Gives You Hope

You know what’s interesting is I felt compelled to look up the definition of hope for today’s writing prompt.

Sounds a lot like faith to me soooo what am I overthinking…now?

As volunteer suicide crisis counselor our training teaches us to assess a person’s feelings of hopelessness:

Anytime one loses hope they run the risk of becoming very withdrawn and depressed, if they stay in that space. Sure we all have our bad days but we must be honest about the cause and effect.

As a person who loves to give hope to others, I know what’s it like to be superwoman to several. I know what it’s like to run on fumes. I also know what it’s like to learn the hard way, that pouring from an empty cup is a lack of wisdom! Compassion Fatigue is nothing to play with. One of the most liberating moments of my journey is when God reminded me that everyone is not assigned to my caseload!

So if you’re a person that’s been struggling, feeling hopeless and helpless; I really encourage you to talk to your doctor or trained volunteer about your feelings. Your feelings are valid. Your grief is real. It’s ok to not be ok – but don’t stay there. Reach out because you are deserving of care.

To those like myself who give others hope, thank you for all that you do. Please take care of yourself!!! And finally remember the most important things to do in between breaths is to breathe💫e

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Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

LIKE ON FACEBOOK! @authenticiteespeaks AND @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @authenticitee & @EAInspiration

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credits Pixabay. No copyright infringement intended.

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Welcome to Day 24 of #TheLoveLetterProject Writing Challenge created by Marie of The Notion Of Love! If you’re just joining me, you can catch up on the rules here!

Day 24

To Someone Who Wants To Heal

How bad do you want it, right? I mean certainly that would be the only thing hindering healing, right?

It dawned on me that pages of old record Jesus asking the same question: “Jesus saw him lying there, and he knew that the man had been sick for such a long time; so he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:6 GNT

You see me sick, struggling and bound – why wouldn’t I want to be healed?

Comfort vs. Our Comfort Zones

But wait there’s nothing comfortable about discomfort, or is there? And I don’t deem the poser of the question insensitive or naïve but rather as one viewing the proximity of healing (emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, financially) a lot closer than the infirmed envisions.

Faith vs. Denial

Glass half empty, half full or broken. Only you can decide. No blame gaming here or blame shifting here. No matter the cause, precipitating event or trigger, life has a way of leveling the playing field. As a result; love, compassion and humility are the best way to approach those who may be so weary and in so much pain – they no longer want to be healed. They no longer want the marriage to be restored. They no longer want the house on the hill. They no longer want to be healed – because too much time has passed.

No matter the space you’re in…be encouraged. This a no judgment zone. And be prayerfully open. Don’t let bitterness, disdain and cynicism harden you. Remember healing…well it comes in many forms.

Let me hear your voice🙏🏽e

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Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

LIKE ON FACEBOOK! @authenticiteespeaks AND @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @authenticitee & @EAInspiration

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credits Pixabay, Google images. No copyright infringement intended.

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Welcome to Day 16 of #TheLoveLetterProject Writing Challenge created by Marie of The Notion Of Love! If you’re just joining me, you can catch up on the rules here!

Day 16

To Anyone Who Is Struggling

I really debated on how I was going to handle the letter writing challenge for today. I kinda felt like I’d been repeating myself lately. I’ve been on this mission of really saving lives and raising suicide awareness for the last few years now and sometimes wonder of it gets old.

But then God reminded me, everybody struggling is not suicidal. And everybody struggling is not struggling with the same thing. But we all struggle with something.

So what I chose for this and if necessary the next few prompts during this challenge is to share a vintage piece that prayerfully will speak to where you are on your journey at this time. If not…bookmark it for a friend won’t ‘cha?

The piece I’ve selected is: Guess I Needed That Cry.

Let me hear your voice…💫e

If you or a loved one are suicidal, is in crisis or having a hard time coping at this very moment; PLEASE know that you matter and are not alone! If you need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to reach out to the resources below!

The National Suicide Hotline

800-273-TALK (Veterans Press 1)

TEEN SUICIDE CRISIS HOTLINE- 800-852-8336 (Trained Teen Counselors)

The Trevor Project (LGBT Community) 866-488-7386

Trans Lifeline (Transgendered Community) 877-565-8860

Crisis Text: Text HOTLINE to 741741 ***If outside the U.S visit http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for assistance

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

LIKE ON FACEBOOK! @authenticiteespeaks AND @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @authenticitee & @EAInspiration

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credits: Pixabay. No copyright infringement intended.

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Hmmm. So I’m learning very quickly that writing everyday (which I absolutely do) and committing to posting what I write everyday are two different things lol! Pardon the jet lag on this journey! Stay with me though…I’m all in.

Welcome to Day 9 of #TheLoveLetterProject Writing Challenge created by Marie of The Notion Of Love! If you’re just joining me, you can catch up on the rules here!

Day 9

To The Dreamer In You

Didn’t mean to wake you but you’re sleep

Ignoring your God given gifts

As though it hurts to breathe

Removing your heart from rejection

Rediscovering your mind post dissection

I still believe in you Dreamer so dream.

What hurt you has to release its grip

Write what destroyed you out the script

Dream ’till you remember your assignment

And your why

Promise me you Dream on purpose

For those who dream in legacies

Never die…

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

LIKE ON FACEBOOK! @authenticiteespeaks AND @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @authenticitee & @EAInspiration

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credits: Pixabay. No copyright infringement intended.

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Valentine’s Day was a day I hated to see headed my way LOL! It was so bad Honey even the 😍😘❤️ emoticons were triggers ok?! Wait – for YEARS!

When I first started my IG page I had only been blogging for less than a year; so between poetry collaboration requests and dudes who didn’t know I was married tryin’ to holla – a popping DM was VERY overwhelming at times!! Instagram was definitely not the most comfortable place for an oft mistaken extrovert who was really an “all heart” guarded introvert with trust issues. Go figure right? But it wasn’t until I started receiving prayer requests from strangers – though I never made a declaration of faith in that space along with constant requests for advice on how to heal a broken heart – that I realized my tiny part in this huge algorithm machine of life was much bigger than me.

Though I wrote through it all, collaborating with some of the BEST poets in the IG Poetry Community; my healing didn’t begin until my best friend encouraged me in that no matter the DATE on the calendar, it was a BRAND NEW DAY to live, love, laugh and try it all again.

HEALING DIDN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT! It took some years but eventually that planted seed began to change my outlook towards a day I once hated to see headed my way.

Today I woke up with a grateful heart! Grateful for way too many nouns to list here but also remembering those who’ve yet to recover from the pain they’re in.

So no matter the condition of your heart today; know that you’re in my thoughts! If you’re happy, then I rejoice right along with you!! Don’t let anyone or anything steal your joy!!! But if today’s a toughie for whatever reason – know that you are loved and deserving of GREAT love!

To those that celebrate, Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day! Abundant blessings to all! New Here! | Welcome New Faces!💫e

Day 46 of 2018

Thank you for being here!

Blessings!

e of @authenticiteespeaks

Host of the Inspiration With E Radio Show

IG | FB @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @EAInspiration

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Background photo credit: Ericka Arthur

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HUMBLED to be featured!! Salute Lisa W Tetting!💫e

Article: https://t.co/lqdWdsWd5j

Humbled to be introduced to a different genre and still be permitted to be myself as a writer. I don’t take it lightly!

🔞Love Is Color Anthology🔞 is a collection of sensual poetry, short stories and visual art that will be released on Amazon – February 14, 2018!

Thank you for being here!

Blessings!

e of @authenticiteespeaks

Host of the Inspiration With E Radio Show

IG | FB @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @EAInspiration

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Background photo credit: Ericka Arthur and Lisa W Tetting. No copyright infringement intended.

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I really wanted a photo of someone wearing crime scene tape wrapped only around their eyes, heart, or head for this piece! Anything to signify where most often, severe damage has been done. But I didn’t like any of the photos I found, except the one I chose to be featured.

Apparently the scarf pictured is (or was) a hot ticket item that could be purchased everywhere from Etsy to Perpetual Kid. I just knew that the model’s eyes resonated with me. They were strong, cushioned by a bit of a smirk and a “are you sure you wanna do this?” look. It’s as though she wasn’t wearing damage as a crutch or badge of honor but more so as an “Under Construction” label warning.

Hmm…

Under Construction warning labels would actually come in handy…

Some of the most life altering wounds sustained are invisible. But before we can receive whatever greatness lies ahead we MUST take time to HONESTLY assess the damage that we survived during the last injury. The one we didn’t bounce back as fast from. Adrenaline, pride, determination, denial and smiles mask some of the most painful “I’m gonna feel that in the morning” situations.

I’m not telling you what I overheard.

I’m telling you what I know.

I recently began positioning myself in all encompassing quiet spaces for one reason; only to find self introspection, without fail, emerges as the end result. I then chose to stop bucking up against the obvious and instead relish in each new revelation and in some cases correction, God is so graciously giving.

I am learning a lot about myself. Such as what my boundaries are, what my dealbreakers are, what makes me uncomfortable and who makes me uncomfortable. What I will not no longer tolerate and what I need. I’m identifying root causes and dissecting a myriad of intricate heart and mind moments and I love how healing is unfolding. Inner clarity is paramount but somehow we’re conditioned to always look outward for the new thing. I genuinely believe lack of self clarity only impedes progress and prevents us from reaching goals that appear to be within reach.

So why a picture with crime scene tape over the eyes, heart and mind? Because there’s so much that we can’t unsee and dont know what to do with – so we just stop. Stop living, breathing, thriving – but I say it’s time for stopping…to STOP!

How, you ask?

First and foremost be honest with yourself. If it’s survivor’s remorse; own it. Unforgiveness? Own it. Grief? Fear? Own it. Lack of direction or support; own it. I didn’t say claim it – I said own it. Be honest and assess the damage before you inadvertently do more damage!! Excavate your land before you try to build again! As Pastor Valerie Chaney used to say, “Prepare Your Ground For Due Season”!

And as I have learned to say…be kind to yourself as you do so.

Thank you for being here!

Blessings!

e of @authenticiteespeaks

Host of the Inspiration With E Radio Show

IG | FB @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @EAInspiration

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Background photo credit: Perpetual Kid. No copyright infringement intended.

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“Dear Mom,

This is a meal ticket…”

That’s how letters from my little brother would begin when he wrote Mommy during that first and only summer we both went away to camp. Separated for the first time, we were at camps of our own choosing that year; as the Brooklyn Flatbush YMCA Day Camp was our permanent fixture. I loved the Flatbush Y whereas he could take it or leave it.

The staff at his camp “conveniently” scheduled time to write parents and loved ones back just before dinner. Oh not to worry it wasn’t mandatory every day or anything like that. Pretty genius if you ask me. I honestly don’t think we would’ve heard from him, had he not been made to write!

Hmmm…made to write. A scheduled time to write. Now that’s different…at least for me. Whatever have I started here in this space called Authenticitee Speaks? I’m like an incredibly odd blend of eclectic, raw, impulsive sincerity and “nothing a good management team can’t fix”. Writing (publicly) kinda goes from, “Hey look at me, I’m writing!” to “What ‘chu lookin’ at? Can’t you see I’m writing?!” in my best Brooklyn accent of course…Son.

Some call her February…

I chose that title for this piece because I was originally thinking of a unique way to say February 1st. I bore that easily. Yep, I even managed to complicate that right? But then it felt like the name of a novel I should write or the first line of yet another poem. However maybe I’m February or going through a February. See February is also a girl’s name that means “purification” (thank you Google – your work is done here); so perhaps that’s why it was so important to write something today. A day to chronicle just…that.

“Purify me oh mighty God above and let this time date stamp before midnight prove a Sista can be consistent!!”

No, (sigh) now that doesn’t sound right either. *clears throat* “We won’t be spiritualizing procrastination, uncertainty, being in the middle of major transition, overextending myself with an iota of a new sense of direction”…at least not this time.

This is Day 1. And yes I’ve been here many times before. I’ve had many Day 1s before. Every doggone journal I’ve started; from Noah’s flood to Kendrick Lamar’s kick a•• Grammy performance begins exactly the same. You know how we do. Hit that Dollar Tree Honty and grab another (rolls eyes) marble notebook with a chic cover and begin…again. Be it repentance or reflection we all have habits we want to develop or drop. I wanna get in the habit of writing in this space at least once a week; there, I’ve said it. And as far as I’m concerned, this is yet another brand new Day 1 for me all of us.

Hello. My name is Ericka. I prefer to be called ‘e‘ (lowercase intentional) but some? Some call her February…and that sounds beautiful to me.

Thank you for being here!

Blessings!

e of @authenticiteespeaks

Host of the Inspiration With E Radio Show

IG | FB @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @EAInspiration

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Background photo credit: Free Images