This blog is not about Bill Cosby's sentencing. It's more about personal accountability.

This blog is not about the President or Supreme Court appointments. It is a call to register to vote. (https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/)

This blog is not about the NFL. It's a declaration of peace and justice.

This blog is not about the CardiB or Nicki Minaj scuffle. It's more concerned with women supporting women.

This blog is not about Fashion Week. Though I hope one day it will be! (Ayyyeee)

This blog is not about MeToo or TimesUp or Believe Women. But, believe me, me too and time is up.

This blog is not about immigration and border control. It is a vow to respect the dignity of all human life.

Thing is, it's rare for me to post or debate publicly about the hot button topics, or latest tea, or recent tragedy. I am not oblivious nor am I without an opinion. I simply choose the perspective that builds, that elevates, that is proactive rather than reactive. It helps the pain and dissapointment. Mother Theresa was on to something:

"I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally. I'll be there."
~Mother Theresa

There's a small adjustment in the mind and behavior when you go from being "against" something to being "for" something. That's the place I want to operate from. That I NEED to operate from. There's SO much noise. Negativity is such a poison, a drug. It's a habit, an addiction. 

Being able to filter the noise is so important. Maybe peace and positivity are like an acquired taste. Does it seem bland? Need more salt? Not for me. It's not good for my pressure (lol). There's SO much of it, all around us. There's a constant barrage of inescapable bad news, it's overwhelming. It's deafening.

I have to protect my peace! Here's how I do it:

1. Stop watching the news. The news will find you.
2. Unfollow ratchet social accounts. I know where to find the tea when I need to clarify what my friends are posting about.
3. Translate negative input into an opportunity (see above).
4. Have a spiritual living philosophy that is based on creating value.
5. Don't get into social media debates.
6. Focus on your own goals.
7. Exercise to burn off steam.
8. Keep your circle tight.
9. Recognize triggers and avoid them.
10. Identify your boundaries and enforce them.
11. Activate when there is something to stand for.

The truth is there is SO much good out there. Find it, wrap yourself in it. Bathe in it. Eat it up. We all deserve our slice of joy served warm... daily! 

A few months ago I watched the new episode of an acquaintance's YouTube show. The whole premise of the show is super cute. They are a group of LA chic ladies making waves in their respective fields and using YouTube to discuss topics that their subscribers care about: mainly fashion and relationships. And about 2/3 through this particular episode one of the hosts was recounting her aggravation with a guy she'd been dating who expressed that he preferred girls who wore less make-up only to find out that he was courting other women who were always "beat" (that is to say, highly made up). Classic F-boy behavior! We’ll save commentary on that for another post... (See: Relationship Herstory)

So, she turns to one of her co-hosts and in a throw-away says,

"He got me out here looking like a 'Basic'".

Her co-host laughed with a shake of the head. Pfft. He got the wrong one! Do I look like a basic? Boy Bye.... (non-verbals)

And I've been mulling over this concept of what makes a Basic B!+&% ... "Basic", ever since. Is it not having your face beat to the gods every time you leave the house? Is it not getting your hair laidT into a brand new style every two weeks? Is it not snapping a photo for the gram wearing all Fendi cause all the celebrities did it plus or minus one day of Nicki Minaj's new single Chun-Li? Is it not knowing who CardiB was before Bodak Yellow cause you don't have time for reality tv?

If those are accurate assessments than I am GOOD with being a "Basic"! Don't get my wrong. I have a strong appreciation for fine living. Looking good, eating good, feeling good are qualities of life I enjoy now and look forward to enjoying into the future. But my career and life goal inspirations don't fit that picture above.

Social media has us idolizing "Bad B!+&%s" and selling wolf-tickets for followers. I don't stand in judgment, and I am not mad at anyone for figuring out how to make the money moves that work for them. But I don't think Kerry Washington, Evita Robinson, Ava Duvernay, Stephanie Allain, Mara Brock Akil, Yara Shahidi, or Lena Waithe worry about whether anyone thinks they are Basic or Bad. They are influencers without the gram. They always look good because they reflect beauty in their words and deeds. They have longevity because they have built a foundation based on sustainable qualities. And the designers come to them, hunTee!

No one would ever call these powerhouses basic. And I would wager they didn't concern themselves with trying to be anything other than authentic. That's my kind of a "Bad Bitch"

How do you define a Bad Bitch?