You’re a liar, thief, cheat, and so much more, I honestly don’t know where to begin
Since I don’t have anything nice to say about you, I’m no longer going to play pretend
Sometimes, I wish you were more like her, because she’s so successful and incredibly smart
You’re a failure and have nothing going for yourself, because you always quit before you start
The picture above is so ugly, yet it’s hanging in your home. As each day passes, the painting becomes more and more real. After looking at it for so long, you notice it starts to resemble you. Rather than take it down, it continues to hang, because you’ve accepted the image to be true.
If people know they can get to you, they’ll destroy you everytime. But, tell yourself, “They can think what they want, because those are their feelings, not mine! Words have power, consequences, bring pain, but most importantly, they are weapons too! People are going to talk, and when they do, let them. Remember, everyone is going to have an opinion and have something to say about you, but who do you say you are?
A lot of times we keep quiet and reserve our opinions, because we don’t want to offend anyone, especially those we love. However, there comes a point in our lives where we have to have some “uncomfortable conversations” with people, although they aren’t easy to initiate. The things we say are purely for motivational purposes, and although it may sting, it’s what’s needed most. Don’t allow the preservation of one’s feelings to stop you from helping someone who can benefit from your life experiences, wisdom or knowledge, especially if they are struggling with issues you can identify with. Sure, no one wants to be the “bad guy”, but what “good” are you, if you don’t open up your mouth and TALK!
When I wrote this book, I was fearful of what others might say, think, or how they would perceive me even, but I knew I had a lot of things to get off my chest! To be honest, anytime I write, my mind starts to race and wonder if people would like what I say, or hate me for it. I’ve always been sort of a “people pleaser”, because I just didn’t want to endure the backlash from people, when I didn’t give them their way. However, as I’ve matured, I don’t focus a whole lot on the things people say about me or how they view me, because I know those are their feelings, and I don’t ever try to make them mine.
I know a lot of people may feel like they “don’t know me”, although they know me (if that makes sense), but this book will give them a more in-depth look at me, my life and how I’m able to go on as I do. Let’s TALK! is basically a collection of different conversations that I have with my readers, in regards to colorism, friendships, walking in God’s purpose, instead of your own, and so forth. I always tell people, if you are looking for the perfect book on how to be the best YOU possible, then this book is for you. If not for you, then maybe someone else who is experiencing some tough times, and need reassurance that everything is going to be okay.
Please support me and purchase a copy (or two) of my book, Let’s TALK! It’s only $16.95 and it’ll be one of the best investments you’ve ever made, and greatest gift you’ve ever given! You can purchase from my website today (see right hand side panel)!! As always, I hope this book does the same for you, as it did for me….give me the courage to do, feel and be anything I always wanted to be, regardless of what others think of me!
My name is Deetra La’Rue and I am a HUGE pie lover! Two of the best pies I love to eat, are sweet potato pie and key lime pie. Although they are both delicious, neither can compare to my absolute favorite, “humble pie”. I used to fight my past and tried every way possible to keep others from knowing what really happened to me. I was embarrassed about my upbringing and fearful of how others would perceive me, let alone act towards me. As I grew older, I no longer wrestled with the idea of what people thought of me, but more so what I thought of myself. I knew I wasn’t the first to encounter adversity and challenges, so suddenly, I didn’t feel the need to be ashamed.
I knew God was using my situation to benefit others, as opposed to bringing me out of mine. No matter how much I fantasized or dreamt of finally “making it”, one thing I’ve always remembered, is to remain humble. I’ve read many rags to riches stories and was disgusted at the fact that many people quickly forgot where they came from, no sooner than God blessed them with what they have. The rich persona they portray to others was an attempt to downplay the poor person they used to be, while leading people to believe they were always “about that life”. That ******* irritated me! I’ve never been too keen on the idea of people placing themselves above others or at the top of the hierarchy to increase their self-esteem and appear impressive,to say the least.
“***** BE HUMBLE”
No matter how successful I become, I’ll always remember where I come from and what I come from. Although my past is in my rear view mirror, it reminds me that “objects in mirror are closer than they appear”. Those objects alone humble me, and can resurface at any moment in time, if we’re not careful of how we treat others and good stewards over what God has given us. I used to have aspirations of being this rich, superstar, but I never subscribed to the idea of being too big that others couldn’t touch me.
Honestly, my true identity would battle the facade, and not allow me to become so full of myself. I’ve had many people try to place me atop a pedestal, but I quickly asked to be taken down. I had to let them know, I’m not above anyone, and besides, I am terrified of heights! I wish more people were cognizant of their past, so they can better handle their future. It’s not to say they should be held hostage to it, but it would at least give them a sensitive heart and feelings on how to deal with people, who share the same background as them. I understand that no one wants to be reminded of where they come from, but sometimes we need it to help remind us of who not to become.
I get it! Palatial pads are nice to come home to, luxurious cars are great to drive and designer handbags and accessories are cute to own, but none of it is more valuable than your ability to remain true to who you are, and not the person you want others to believe you to be. My integrity, values and staying real (regardless of how ugly my past situation was), makes me richer than 14kt gold!
Because of God, I consider myself to be pretty successful. However, if I ever had the gall to feel or act as if I’m more or better than others, I’ll take a quick look in my rear-view mirror, smile and remember, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear”!
