Posted in piece of advice

35

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

In 4 days, I’ll be celebrating my 35th birthday, and I can honestly say, I have never been more blessed! Aside from the obvious, I have a pretty good life and would have never imagined this for me. I’ve been through the trenches and have weathered a many of storms, and although I’ve made some strides, there’s still a slight overcast looming ahead.

I wish someone had told me years ago, that the place I’m in now, would be one of the most rewarding ones I’ve ever experienced. Had that been the case, I probably wouldn’t have worried, stressed and obsessed ridiculously over my life and whether or not it would turn out right. Although I can’t revisit the past (and I surely wouldn’t want to), there’s “35” things I would like to tell my younger self:

  1. You’re beautiful! #period
  2. Everything is going to be just fine
  3. Be patient
  4. Anxiety is hard to deal with, but you’re tougher
  5. Who cares?
  6. If people choose to talk about you, let them
  7. Don’t be afraid….of ANYTHING!
  8. You are loved
  9. Let them go
  10. Never change yourself to fit the description of what someone says you should be
  11. Live your life
  12. This too shall pass
  13. Wait! It gets better
  14. You’re not always going to be happy
  15. Don’t give up so easily
  16. Do what makes you happy
  17. Not everyone is going to like you…and you’ve gotta be okay with that
  18. Watch your mouth!
  19. You’re not for everybody
  20. Keep going…it’s only UP from here
  21. It’s okay to fall down sometimes, just don’t stay there
  22. Everybody can’t go on your journey with you; it’s yours for a reason
  23. Keep smiling
  24. There’s nothing wrong with your skin….it’s them
  25. You should wear red lipstick more often
  26. You’re not going to experience all W’s
  27. Get over it
  28. Don’t hold yourself hostage to past mistakes
  29. Move on
  30. It’s okay to cry
  31. Just do it
  32. Forgive
  33. You’re going to be a multi-millionaire
  34. Does it really matter?
  35. You are MORE than enough!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Keep Climbing

You can work your way to the top

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Do you remember my two friends Barbara and Jane from my previous post, “Broken ladders”? If not, go read it asap! I’d like to give you an update and stress the importance of working your way up, as opposed to expecting someone to put you there. For those of you who need a reminder, Barbara and Jane were good friends who started at the bottom of the totem pole together. They made a pact that whoever was the first to “make it”, would help the other, but sadly, Barbara didn’t hold up her end of the bargain.

Left with no other choice but to do it on her own, Jane found success, but it was only because she “worked her way to the top”! Sure, it would’ve been easier and quicker for Barbara to put her there, especially considering the fact that she has so much power. However, because Jane knows the importance of working to get what you want instead of someone giving it to you, she appreciates the success more, because it was all her own doing.

A lot of people need to come to the realization, that they don’t always need someone for everything, let alone to do anything for them. I guess one of the largest reasons why people have shied away from this way of thinking, is because they are so used to being leeches, coat-riders, and recipients of handouts. Besides, nobody wants to work for anything anymore, because society has somehow led us to believe, “It’s not what you know, but who you know”. You see, the “benefit of being” (friends, partners, etc.) gets us jobs, advances and careers, not our hard work.

Make no mistake about it, regardless of how you get to the position you’re at or desire to be, it’s always going to boil down to hard work and how bad do you want it. Barbara could’ve placed me in a position of “winning”, but once I got there, I still would’ve had to put in hard work to stay there!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Be grateful

You got it made

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

In 11 days I’ll be 35 and over the past 6 days

I experienced firsthand what it meant to “live”

I was scared, to say the least, because it was something

I hadn’t done in forever

Due to the life I “lead”, others may differ,

but it’s only because “they’re out” and “i’m in”

Spectators are funny, yet so fortunate, because they feel as though

they have the worst view, when indeed they have the best

My “glamourous” life has obstructed them from my truth, and honestly,

it’s the best protection they’ll ever receive (you’re welcome)

Admiration is one of the finest compliments you can pay me,

but there’s no amount of money you can “pay me” to be envious of me

Remember, I know what’s really going on

You only think you do

To be fair, there are some areas of my life that are doing well

and I’ve come a long way from where I started

but those few areas will never compensate for the s***load of things I lack

Thanks, but I’m not your #goals, especially when I’m still trying to conqueror mine

You’ve gotta be careful “clicking” and “liking” what you see

because the things that social media can’t display

are the very things you don’t want (and neither do I)

So, the next time you wish for my life, just STOP and thank God for your own!

Besides, compared to me, “you got it made”!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in believe

Traveling through impossible circumstances

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

“I’m tired, and I just can’t do this anymore”! Would you believe me if I told you, you can? Probably not, considering the fact that your circumstances has somehow convinced you that it’s the “end of the world”. However, I’m here to tell you that it’s not! I talk a lot about adversity, hardships and struggles, and it’s because I’ve been met with them more times than I’d care to acknowledge, and you’d like to read.

However, although my journey has been tough, one thing that I vowed never to do, was to stop traveling, regardless of how bad the circumstances are. Besides, if you give up, how will you ever know whether or not things will get better? Like me, you’ve been through plenty of hard situations, and are probably still entangled in some. Granted, they absorbed all of your energy and took a toll on you mentally, emotionally and physically, but you eventually got through them, right?

One of the things I appreciate most about “traveling through impossible circumstances”, is no matter how many obstacles I encounter, I know that if I see them as an opportunity for challenge and growth, instead of a roadblock, it increases my chances of actually overcoming them. Remember the age old expression, “Nothing is impossible, because the word alone say’s, “I’m possible”! So, stop throwing in the towel, because it’s the easiest thing you can do.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in believe

A little piece of heaven

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

So, I’m currently in the “Windy City”, sitting in the Corner Bakery Cafe, eating my “curds and whey”. No, seriously, I’m eating bananas foster pancakes, which are to die for! Chicago is my home for the next 5 days, and as I sit and reflect over my life and all that has happened to me in the past two years, one phrase comes to mind, “A little piece of heaven”.

I can honestly say, I would’ve never imagined this for my life, especially considering the trials and tribulations I was met with early on. I was born below the poverty line and brought up in some undesirable circumstances, so my mindset then was, “Things are never going to get better”. Now twenty (plus) years later, things have been beyond better.

I’m very blessed and fortunate to travel and visit places that have been on my “to do list” for years, and every time I scratch another location off, it feels like “heaven”. “Note takers”, don’t ever stop living, dreaming or stop in the pursuit of your happiness. Things may be rough for you now, but eventually, they’ll get better!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Ready, set, GO!

Running without hindrance

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

I’ve never been a fan of track and field, largely in part, because it required me to run. While I appreciate physical activity, walking is much more my “speed”. Besides, running requires a lot of stamina and endurance, and often times, I have very little of the two. However, what I do know I have, is the ability to run without hindrance.

A month ago, I logged online and came across the story of a track star, who was running in a competitive race. About mid-way through the race, he hurt his ankle, and it seemed as though he was headed for trouble, and not the finish line. Clearly, his faced showed he was in excruciating pain, but one thing he never did, was stop running.

Although the injury slowed him down, it didn’t hinder him from completing the race. Granted, he didn’t win the competition, but he won over the hearts of millions, because he kept going, despite his pain. Honestly, how many of us can say we’d have done the same? What’s even more admirable, is that he continued to push himself, because he wanted the victory, more than he did the defeat.

Admittedly, I have been in a many of races, and there were countless of things that tried to obstruct me from finishing. However, I thought with a winners mindset, and kept my eye on the prize, even though something(s) got in the way of my view. Nonetheless, I was persistent and continued to run! I’m pretty sure you’ve encountered a few impediments or two, but like me, I hope you continued to run, even with things got in the way.

We all will encounter roadblocks, and when you do, “go around them”. You’re going to find some closed doors, but there comes a point in your life where you have to “turn the knob and just walk through”. I’m sure you’ve been met with a brick wall a time or two, but hopefully, you did as me and “climbed over”. No one is exempt from obstacles, and when affronted by them, whatever you do, DON’T stop running!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in You're bigger than what you're up against!

Following David’s footsteps

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Fear and failure are two of the most debilitating feelings one can experience. They are very powerful and have the ability to change the course of one’s life, not to mention, damage it. Categorically, they’re tsunami’s, towers, and mountains that pose a threat to the quality of your life and predictive indicators of the outcome. They’re almost impossible to avoid, and once you encounter them, you only have two options: either give in or put a fight.

I’d like to talk to you about a young courageous boy named David, and his ability to defeat one of the biggest giants he’d ever faced. David was small and paled in comparison to Goliath, but he didn’t allow his size to intimidate him. Instead, he stood up to Goliath and challenged him to fight. Because of David’s faith in God and his willingness to not become a victim to fear, he was able to slay Goliath. He was a hero, to say the least, because he did what others were afraid to do, fight!

Like David, we’ve all encountered a giant or two in our lives. For some, it’s people, but for most, hardships, struggles, trials and tribulations, is their Goliath. Although all of these things can debilitate you, they don’t have to. You too can do as David did! All you’ve got to do is put on your armor and prepare to battle. God will win the war for you; all you have to do is show up!

When was the last time you “put up a fight”? Are you facing any “giants” and don’t know whether you’ll be able to slay them or them slay you? You may not have weapons of mass destruction, but all David had was a sling, rock and faith, and the greatest of these is faith. What do you have? Better yet, what do you have to lose, other than feelings of defeat? You’re a fighter and bigger than what you’re up against. Once you realize your strength, nothing will be impossible for you to handle.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in hungry for more

Greed

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Two weeks ago, I was blessed with an opportunity of a lifetime, well, at least in my lifetime! I spoke to close to 400 students, faculty and staff, at one of the high schools in North, AL. Upon my arrival, I didn’t really know how many students I was going to speak to, because the number fluctuated between 300-350. I was very nervous to say the least, but with God’s grace, I knew I would get through it. When I met the Principal, he informed me that I was originally to scheduled to speak in the auditorium, but due to me speaking to the ENTIRE high school, they could only accommodate me in the gymnasium.

Talk about insanity! I was thrilled, ecstatic and had feelings of apprehension, all at once. Doubt started to set in, but I knew this is what I was called to do, so I closed my ears to defeat and eyes to fear. I was in my element, and the words flowed like milk and honey. Granted after it was over, I felt as though I didn’t really give my best, because every time I surveyed the audience of 300 (plus), I couldn’t help but wonder if I touched them or bored them? However, based upon the praise, compliments and positive feedback, it’s safe to say they “felt” what I said.

At the end of the day, I was on an absolute high, and there was no way I was coming down anytime soon. I became greedy, and wanted more….so much more, and whatever I set my mind to do, I don’t stop until I conqueror it. Many of you know, that I am a Motivational Speaker, and I get paid great money to speak with high school students, but none of you know that I am in the early phases of working to become a Certified Life Coach. I told you I was greedy! I know without a doubt that God has blessed me with a wonderful gift! I love what I do, and how my story makes them feel is much more rewarding than the pay.

I’ve shared this before, and I’ll share this again, the stars are still there…..all you’ve got to do is reach for them! It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you’ve waited to achieve your goals. All that matters is that you put your best foot forward, apply lots of effort, quite a bit of sweat and plenty of tears, and you’ll be where you want to be. However, you’ve got to be okay with knowing that success rarely comes on the first attempt, so keep working until you reach it!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Don't worry, be happy

Happy Again: Adding the value back to your life

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

For a very long time, I felt lost (more like deserted), and I just didn’t know which way to go. If I went left, would things suddenly go “right” for me, or would I continue to wonder around endlessly, looking for my peace and joy…from someone/something else? Like you, I often found myself attaching my happiness to a person, place or thing, but the only thing that could make me happy, was me!

I remember when I was a teenager, I always dreamed of moving to New York, and eventually Atlanta, Georgia, because I thought that’s where my happiness, career, husband, and life was. If nothing or no one could fix what I was going through, then a move across the world would surely do it. I’ve been to Atlanta more times than I can count, and although I was happy when I got there, there was nothing that’d make me happier, than leaving.

The same can be said for New York. I visited NYC for almost a week, and although it was everything that I dreamed it would be and saw on t.v., within 3 days, I was ready to go. I was happy to have experienced the moment, but I was even more happier to get back home to Alabama. I didn’t understand fully that I was attaching my happiness to destinations, until I read an article by Psychologist Dr. Robert Holden, on “Destination Addiction”. He states that, “Destination Addiction is a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is found somewhere else”.

For years, I tied my happiness to different states and people. I foolishly thought a city could give me what I needed, and when I went, it was nothing but a temporarily delight. My happiness faded away, because I was not happy where I was. When I became an adult and entered into my 30’s, I found my happiness, and sad to say, it was in a place that I knew existed, but kept hidden for so long (me)! My happiness brought me joy, peace and more importantly, it added the value back to my life that I had taken away.

Everyone has a choice, so if you’re unhappy, that’s your choice! Quit tying your happiness to places, people or things, because they will disappoint you every time.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in You're already official

Verified (No “check” sign needed)

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

If you frequent social media, Instagram in particular, you’ll notice that only the “verified” have a blue check mark besides their handle (account name). Typically, this means that the person possesses some type of status or are extremely popular, to say the least. They’ve been validated by society, and unless you have the blue check sign, then you’re not a part of the esteemed. To some this may not matter, but for many, it’s everything. Their total existence is based upon the acceptance of others. They can’t live, unless they know people are “checking” for them.

I’d like to take a few minutes of your time, to briefly talk about a man who “verified” you over two-thousand years ago. This post is not intended to infringe upon anyone’s beliefs, but to let you know, you’ve been validated long before you were created. In fact, if someone was willing to take responsibility for your sins, and die as a result of it, that alone should be an indication of your worth. Too often, we give society credit for “building” people, when the only thing they’re responsible for is tearing them down. Depending upon what you do or the level of interest one has in you, you’re “in” and the next minute, you’re out.

However, regardless of what you do or the nature of what you did, Jesus will never count you out! Your validation comes from Him, so society’s approval is neither required nor needed. With Him, you can make one-thousand or more mistakes, and your approval rating still won’t go down. He forgives and forgets, but society remembers and condemns. Who’s validation do you want more? Do you need a blue check sign to be accepted, or can you accept His verification as being enough?

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue