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7 Things I’d Tell My Introverted College Freshman Self
By: Tiffany Brunson
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
It was my first day on campus, I was overwhelmed by my naive, unbridled enthusiasm and the intense anxiety that always comes with meeting new people in a new environment. I remember my mom's face when she realized that she actually had to leave me on this wide open college campus all by my lonesome…a campus that was less than an hour away from our home.
As I think about college, I laugh, I smile, and I cringe a little. I had good times, I had good times that I thought were bad times, and I had bad times that are now laughable times. College was, more than anything, a culmination of exploratory experiences that all adults should have–if circumstances permit
Now that I work to survive, undergrad most definitely sounds like a vacation. I would do it all over again if the powers that be would let me… but I digress. Here are a list of the 7 things I would tell my extremely introverted undergrad self…
1. Be brave! Stop being afraid of making mistakes! This is the one time in your life where you can actually make a few mistakes. Make them in the name of self- progression and keep it moving!
2. Embrace the things that make YOU happy! There were so many things that I enjoyed doing and wanted to do back then. I enjoyed singing, writing poetry, and just about anything creative. But I was (and still am) shy. And you know what? I kept it to myself for fear that others might not find it cool, or they’d think that I was bad at it!
3. The feelings of awkwardness and diffidence will and shall pass!! If I could look my younger self in the eyes... I'd tell her to 'man up' and I would let her know that the feelings of awkwardness, diffidence, uncertainty will all pass in due time.
4. Minimize the amount of loans that you take out! This is a big one. Student loans can be a nuisance that just wont go away... interest will accrue. Don’t take out any more student loans than you actually need! A few years of powdered laundry detergent, Ramen noodles, a part-time job and riding back seat in your bff’s hooptie will not kill you.
5. Make wise and informed decisions about your college major! You won't be 18 forever! What you don’t want to do is continue that Ramen-noodle-powdered-laundry-detergent lifestyle when you enter into your career. If grad school isn’t in the crystal ball, make wise decisions about your major. Choose something that will keep you gainfully employed after 4 years of school. I am an avid believer in doing the things that make you happy... but sometimes what makes you happy may not pay the bills. Try a double major or minoring in those fun abstract classes.
6. This is your time to travel, see the world, learn languages, and observe other cultures! This is one time in your life where you wont have to submit paperwork to a supervisor requesting time off for vacation. For many, there are no children to worry about, no mortgages, no car payment, and no student loan payments. At this point in life, a summer vacation should be abroad with minimal amenity requirements.
7. Find a mentor! This may be the best piece of advice that I could share. I caught on to the concept of mentorship later than I probably should have. It’s important to find someone that has gone through the process and can help you build confidence as well as give you candid advice and direction, especially if you come from an environment where that leadership was not readily available.
This post is modified from afrogirltalks.com
- Website: www.mbmagroup.com
- Personal Twitter: @2TIF1
- Company Twitter: @mbmagroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbmbagroupllc
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I'm Baaack!
By: Jewelen
Friday, August 1, 2014
Hi everyone. Sorry it's been a while since I've written anything. I've been busy with band camp and little children. Needless to say, I am wiped out.
If you're following me on twitter, then you have seen the Sailor Moon madness that has been going on since they've started showing the remastered Japanese version of Sailor Moon and Sailor Moon Crystal. There's a musical now, there was an explosion of Moonies at AnimeExpo2014, and they are planning on releasing dubbed versions of the Japanese version.
Besides the world wind that is Sailor Moon, I've also been able to finish Kill la Kill, Hellsing Ultimate, and Okami-san and her Seven Companions. If you guys want, I can post some reviews. There is also some manga that I want to review as well. If there's anything that you guys want me to review let me know and I'll get it posted up here.
I hope the rest of your summer is awesome and filled with the gentle and soothing sounds of an air conditioner.
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Black Metal
By: Dante Johnson
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Music is far from something that should ever be categorized or separated due to race. Music is about emotion and about feeling what you're listening to. It’s more than just background noise and it’s far more powerful than we sometimes allow it to be. It’s an art form, it’s a connection and truth is, all races, all social classes, all people can relate to music, and not just one type of music I think we can all relate and enjoy something from every type of music.
It disappoints me when people categorize music by race or instantly shut down when a certain type of music comes on almost purely based on a cultural stereotype or by the teaching that it’s just “weird”. In the black community there seems to be “black music” and then everything else. I hate this. Being black doesn't limit an artist or a fan to rap, hip-hop and soul. It doesn’t limit an artist to anything and I love to see black people breaking that mold and jumping across lines. The black community seems to still continue to use Soul, Rap & Hip-hop and R&B to gauge people. Those who like and listen to music on a regular basis outside of that are somehow “less black”.
Metal and all of the enclosed genres with it, have been primarily known as a “white thing” in many black communities. Despite the fact that rock came from black people and some of the many legends in rock have been black. I have heard many stories of black people who love metal that hid their collections, hid their liking for the music because the black community would call them things like “wanna-be-white” or would simply ostracize them for liking something different. As a kid I was often called “Oreo” or “Coconut” for being half black. Black/brown on the outside and white on the inside. This had to do with my musical variety and my speech patterns mostly. It doesn't feel good and I spent a large portion of my younger life feeling like I wasn't “black enough”. So I’d like to send a nod to a few black people doing it up in metal with much respect. There are many more than I am listing but here’s a start to some of, what I feel are great black artists who have or are breaking the mold.
Alexis Brown - Straight Line Stitch - Metalcore Alexis Brown of Straight Line Stitch is one of the very few black females who are tearing it up in the metal world. Straight Line Stitch is Metalcore band out of Tennessee and while I’m typically not a big fan of Metalcore Alexis gets big ups from me. She’s doing a great job with her craft.
Howard Jones - Formerly of Killswitch Engage - Metalcore Unfortunately Howard is no longer with Killswitch Engage to help better manage his severe diabetes that reportedly put him in a coma for three days in 2013. He is also reportedly working with a new band called Devil You Know. Howard Jones has been lead singer of Killswitch since 2002. In the early 2000s Killswitch was one of the frontrunners for the “New Wave of American Metal” selling over 4 million records in the U.S and just continuing to grow.
Derrick Green - Sepultura - Groove Metal/Metal To metal fans Sepultura is sort of a legend, they have been called on of the most improtant metal bands from the 90’s and the most successful Brazillian metal band ever. Green is well known in the metal community and deserves that respect.
Carley Coma - Candiria - Mathcore/Rap Metal Candiria was one of the first bands that really got me thinking about race in metal. I saw a video for “blood” one late night and loved that Carley didn't look metal, he looked like where he is from. He’s from Brooklyn. As I got more into Candiria I learned about their unique almost, jazz metal sound on some tracks into their more death metal sounding older stuff and more melodic newer metal. I became a fan.
Crackdust - Death Metal Crackdust is the only all black metal band on my list. They hail from Africa and while they haven’t climbed the ranks of Metal stardom they have made a bit of a splash.
Lajon Witherspoon - Sevendust - Alternative Metal Sevendust is another very famous metal band from the 90’s categorized as one of the most influential bands in the 90’s. Interesting to me is Lajon was first the front man for a soul group called Body & Soul in 1994. Impressed with his vocal abilities Vinnie and Morgan of Sevendust asked him to join and the rest is history.
This is just a start. Most of these aren't even the bands I listen to on a regular basis but they are proof that metal isn't "white". There are more that are out there doing it and more that should be doing it. We can’t and shouldn’t be stifled by cultural pressure. If you like metal, listen to it. That goes for everything in your life. If you like it, then don't be ashamed of it and don't condone or encourage shaming of people who are outside of the cultural norms. As Blerds I think we all understand and can appreciate that more than most. Have a great day blerds and rock on.
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This Week's 2 Cents: Hollywood, Truly Embrace the Marvel Universe
By: Syeeda
Thursday, June 26, 2014
A few evenings ago I was sitting with a fellow nerd, in a restaurant patiently waiting for some delicious tacos and beer, when I overheard a comment about the possibility of Black Panther arriving in the future Marvel cinema universe. Naturally, my ears perked up as they do anytime I hear excited news about comics (I’m a Blerd!).
But seconds after mentioning Black Panther, a voice asked, “Who do you think will play him?” and a voice replied, “Michael B. Jordan, duh!” and an uproar of laughter soon followed. My friend replied to my expressed confusion by informing me that Michael B. Jordan is now a running joke within movie blogs. I thought to myself, “This is still a big deal?!” Basically, since he (a black man) can play the (white) Human Torch, the joke is that he must be able to play any character.
So, I decided to do some Internet snooping. There has been much continued debate and uproar due to Michael B. Jordan’s casting as the Human Torch. Since the initial announcement of Jordan’s involvement in the new Fantastic Four movie, many have stepped to Marvel’s defense, writing that his race does not matter. It is true that Jessica Alba’s background didn’t seem to matter in 2005.
Considering how diversely American culture interacts with one another, it would not be an egregious idea that The Invisible Woman could still be the sister of an adopted or inherited by a new marriage, Human Torch. Some bloggers claimed this would cause for an explanation, but honestly, I don’t think it does. Anyone who looks at a white mother with a brown baby, really should let go of the confusion, and remember that sometimes adoption, interracial dating, etc., DO occur. The more that racial progression is presented to us as the norm; the less explanations need to be made.
Therefore, I have absolutely no issue with Michael B. Jordan portraying Johnny Storm. What I DO question is something that Jonathan Rich brought up via Bleedingcool.com (full piece here: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/02/24/the-image-of-a-black-man-on-fire-casting-michael-b-jordan-as-the-human-torch/). As stated above, I do not believe an explanation is needed for Johnny Storm, but I also do not believe it is an accident that Sue Storm (you know, the brother of Johnny Storm) could not be portrayed by a black woman.
Perhaps Hollywood is afraid of the marketability of a black woman lead in a film. After all, the rare times it has happened, those black actresses have been met with overwhelming praise, as if it is such a leap to think they could headline a film (think back to Halle Berry’s career). Perhaps black women are simply not thought of as a woman of desire, much like Sue Storm is.
Black women in general are missing from Hollywood films, let alone the Marvel cinema universe. Even in the X-Men series, Storm (played by Halle Berry), a MAJOR X-Men character barely saw any screen time and was not portrayed as a complex character. Other than Storm, we have yet to see a major black woman superhero.
In fact it is about time that our own media outlets have caught up with the racial progression Marvel started in the 1960s and 1970s. For example, with the introduction of Ororo “Storm” Munroe. Ororo “Storm” Munroe has been just as successful. Hailing from Africa, Storm was worshipped as a Goddess before joining the accomplished X-Men. She proved to be such a successful character that Marvel has dedicated their writers and artist to her for over thirty years. They have turned Storm into a Co-Leader within the X-Men and eventually the headmistress of the esteemed Jean Grey School. She then married Black Panther and became the Queen of Wakanda, one of the most technologically advanced and wealthiest nations on the planet. When the Civil War began, Mr. Fantastic wanted to make sure the couple was not going to get involved—showing the magnitude of their power and influence in the Marvel universe. Finally, many men (of all DIFFERENT backgrounds--some not even human) have sought after Storm’s attention: Black Panther, Forge, Dracula, Dr. Doom, and one being the franchise heading Wolverine.
If there has been evidence of an awesome black presence in the Marvel universe, why haven’t we seen the same type of headlining in Marvel’s movies? If Johnny Storm could easily be conceived as black, why not Sue Storm? Isn’t it about time that our own digital media meet the standards of the progressiveness of Marvel’s printed media? Comic book fans are some of the most obsessively loyal, but given the many different characters in the Marvel universe, they are (or need to be) also open-minded. Besides, many superheroes are “super” because they are different. It is that difference that inspired many different superheroes.
Considering Hollywood in general barely keeps people of color in mind when writing roles, Marvel has been placing people of all backgrounds in their comics. It is about time that a Marvel film reflects that same diversity. While I’d personally love to see a Black Panther and Storm film (bring them back together!), it is clear we are a long way from that in Hollywood, but Michael B. Jordan may be a step in that direction. I do have to wonder, if such an uproar has been made about The Human Torch, what would have happened if Sue Storm had been cast as a black woman in addition to her brother? It is a question Hollywood is obviously too afraid to explore.
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The Science behind: ‘Black Don’t Crack’
By: Tiffany Brunson
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Preface
In the last Blog I discussed the impact that oiler skin has on slowing the ‘aging’ process. Generally speaking, darker skin is associated with oiler skin, but you don’t have to be dark to have oily skin.
I figured I would use this post to delve into the science of it . So... the next time you use the phrase you can justify it with more confidence !
Aging: 3 Word Description
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘Black Don’t Crack’ and if you haven’t- here is your introduction! According to the urban dictionary “Black Don’t Crack is a term used for the description of why African-Americans rarely look their age”. I didn’t need the urban dictionary to tell me that- I actually went there hoping the definition would at least set us up for some comedy -Needless to say, I’m a little disappointed.
Simply put-the entire reason as to why our mothers, fathers and even grandparents look so good for their age can be summed up in 3 words -Black Don’t Crack!
As satisfied as I am with the 3 word explanation, there is a little more to it than that.
Though the idea of a specialized aging process specific to African Americans has taken center stage in this colloquialism, the process is actually relevant to a large population of people. Studies have shown that over time, darker skin seems to show less signs of aging than lighter skin, and because people with darker skin constitute a wide range of racial and ethnic groups, this concept is broad sweeping.
Introduction to Melanin: The Darker Berry....
The skin and aging discussion must include the skin pigment called melanin. Melanin is mostly responsible for the determination of skin color and increased melanin is associated with darker skin. Studies confirm that increased melanin allows for better protection against the harmful effects of UV light.
Specifically, melanin has been found to play a role in preventing DNA damage from ultraviolet light and malignant transformation of skin cells. As such, it slows down the appearance of wrinkles and rough skin as well as liver spots that can result over time from the process of continued cellular repair.
Darker People Get Skin Cancer Too!
Please do not overdo it in the sun or tanning salon simply because you think you’ve got it like that. You don’t and cancer doesn’t discriminate.
Even with the protective effects inherent to darker skin, a study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has suggested that dark-skinned people are not completely protected from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Thus, excessive exposure to UV light will increase the likelihood of skin cancer, liver spots or wrinkling- regardless of the shade of skin.
The Wrap Up
The next time you hear the phrase ‘Black Don’t Crack’ know that there is certainly some truth to it- but not just because you are black. You actually don’t need to be black not to crack- though it certainly provides its benefits. What you do need is the combination of the protective effects of melanin and an increased production of skin oils that, together, protect against premature wrinkling and assist in delaying the processes associated with aging skin.
This post is modified from Blackgirlnerds.com
- Website: www.mbmagroup.com
- Personal Twitter: @2TIF1
- Company Twitter: @mbmagroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbmbagroupllc
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Love the (Brown) Skin you’re in.... However Oily it might be
By: Tiffany Brunson
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Your Skin Cells are in a fight to the death with the Environment
If you are lucky, you will get old, and when you get old you will look older, and if you don’t… well you’re a vampire. Presently speaking, there is no way to get over on the aging process… well not yet, not that I know of. Our skin is in a perpetual fist fight with environmental elements.
Damage is caused to the DNA in our skin cells and through numerous mechanisms, our skin cells respond by trying to reduce, repair and protect against such damage. For instance, exposure to ultraviolet light (i.e. sun light, tanning salons) contributes to a decrease in the elasticity of the skin, leading to the development of fine lines, wrinkles and rough skin. As time goes on the body’s biological changes combined with the onslaught of environmental attacks will cause the skin to undergo the physical changes associated with the aging process. For some people, the Gods of the Aging Process appear to be kind and just… But for others… well…not so much.
My Oily Skin Experience… Diary Entry 2001:
Can you identify with being in a public setting only to feel the oils accumulate on your face? You know that you’re glistening because the person sitting across from you can see their reflection on your cheek and you feel like you’ve rinsed your face in a little Crisco….
*Smile and say cheese for the Camera*
This moment is usually accompanied with some internal panic followed by either a mad dash to the restroom or, if circumstances don’t permit, a desperate search- in the black hole that is my purse -for anything that might qualify as being part of the Kleenex family.
I then proceed to go through the highly untechnical and rushed process of firmly but swiftly blotting away the oil from my nose and cheeks hoping that in all my haste I didn’t leave little specs of white tissue sprinkled across my face.
*Smile and say cheese for the Camera*
Can’t relate? I’m sure it’s only me…
Smile and Say Cheese for the Camera
In addition to rocking the glossy look at the most at inopportune of times, oily skin presents a number of skin challenges such as increased acne and increase infections of hair follicles and pores. Oils in the skin are produced by glands called sebaceous glands, which produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum’s job is to keep the skin and hair moisturized. Elevated sebum excretion is associated with the production of acne. According to a study published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, black women secreted larger amounts of sebum when compared to Caucasian women. They further demonstrated that both increased amounts of sebum oil and higher hydration may contribute to a better skin barrier. Generally speaking, darker skin is associated with oiler skin, but you don’t have to be dark to have oily skin.
Pro’s to Oily Skin
Playing up the downside of oily skin certainly came naturally to me- but there are definitely some worthwhile benefits. You just don’t realize it until you are about 50! As we grow older our skin becomes less elastic- think frozen rubber band. To combat this effect, the oils produced can help the skin remain supple for a longer period of time by increasing skin elasticity, slowing down the wrinkling process and slowing the formation of deep-set lines.
Certainly this didn’t seem so wonderful when I was 15 with Mount Rushmore ready to erupt on my cheek, but nowadays I’ve got my fingers crossed that this oily skin -won’t fail me now.
In my own family, my mom certainly appears to be defying the aging gods.I just hope I haven’t bad mouthed my sebaceous glands so much so that they decide to show me who’s boss years later down the line!
Stay tuned for a follow up on the science behind the idiom ‘Black Don’t crack’
*This post is modified from afrogirltalks.com
- Website: www.mbmagroup.com
- Personal Twitter: @2TIF1
- Company Twitter: @mbmagroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbmbagroupllc
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How Cancer helped me find my Inner Blerd
By: Keith Walker
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Greetings All! I'm Keith, The New blogger in town. I feel as if I'm walking into a new school, tip toeing slowly passed the long hallway, checking each corner, hoping I won't be stuffed into a locker. The editor in chief of Blerdnation assured me this doesn't happen here... often.
First of all I want to thank Seun for accepting me and giving me this opportunity to write for blerdnation!
Acceptance. Isn't that what we all want? Not just from our peers and family, but from ourselves. This is a humorous tale of how being a blerd helped me though my battle with cancer and vice versa. First off, I want to dispel some myths about cancer. First of all... Not all black men look good going bald. ::shakes head:: I thought I was going to look good going bald, like Nick fury or Kojack, not at all, the only thing I looked like was an Ashy Uncle fester and another thing, Not all nurses are hot! Greys Anatomy lied to me! I loved all my nurses to death, but they all looked like that women from that old pine sol commercial. You know which one I'm talking about "the power of pine sol, baby"
I was originally diagnosed in 2008 and usually when I tell people I have cancer their response, in most cases are “WOW you’re so young” Which it’s true, being diagnosed with an incurable disease, a month after your 24th birthday, kind of felt like a slap in the face by God. Especially since 4% of people under the age of 50 are diagnosed with my type of cancer. It's like being an X-men without any of the abilities. Although, I'm pretty sure I've taken more radiation to the face than Bruce Banner
While going through treatment I had an identity crises of sorts, I didn't receive the help or encouragement from my family I thought I deserved and I was living a double life, hiding my illness from my friends. Growing up in Oklahoma( Yes Oklahoma, one of the few places where you'll find a church, liquor store and gun pawn shop on the same street corner) I always felt out-of-place, people would often criticize me for using big words or for "talking white". Moving to New York opened my eyes to a world that was both progressive and encouraging, but cancer gave me the power to change how I allow other people to make me feel about myself.
Going through treatment gave me the opportunity to evolve in a way. I was never a timid person, but I would never really stand up for myself. I remember going out with a girl who would often question my "blackness" She would say " black people don't go to comic-con" Why I was going out with her in the first place the world may never know. Actually, Let's go ask Mr. Owl
Keith: Hey Mr. Owl.
Owl:: Yes Keith?
Keith: Why did I go out with ******
Owl: ....
Keith: anything?
Owl: I don't know, kid.
Keith: But you're the wise, old, all-knowing Owl
Owl: look Kid, I don't answer questions anymore.
Keith. But, but why?
Owl: Dammit it ::tosses out Tootsie pop:: It was the Summer of 1991, a hot day it was, a kid asked me how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Twinkie and I-
Keith: - Don't you just eat it?
Owl: Who's telling the story here! you or me?
Owl: Like I was saying, it was the winter of 1988
::Keith walks away::
In all honesty, I consider myself fortunate to have found myself through cancer. I remember this day like it happened yesterday, It was 2010 and I had to stay in the hospital after a bad spell. While getting up to use the restroom one night I started to cough, unable to catch my breath I fell to the ground. While coughing up blood, reaching for the bed to pull myself up, a comic I was reading fell to the Ground. Spider-Man the final chapter. The Story is about Peter (who has gone through hell from start to finish) trying to reach his Aunt May who is sick , through the comic he goes through obstacle after obstacle until he finally reaches her. It is an amazing story with breath-taking panels that are both empowering and haunting. I remember looking at Spider-Man trying to free himself from the debris, he kept saying how he felt like a "loser" How he let himself down, his friends down, Uncle Ben down and most importantly his Aunt down. As I try to lift myself up, ultimately falling back down, I began to think about my life; from my beloved Cindy, who died of cancer, to my parents lack of empathy and my responsibility to the other sick children, who depend on me to read to them. Somehow I felt as if I was letting all of these people down. As I finished the comic I remember the last things Cindy said to me before she passed "Life is just a state of mind" which in turn gave me the strength to get off the floor, wipe the blood from my mouth and limp to the bathroom. I remember looking at myself in the mirror; staring deep into my own eyes, as if I was Kaa from the Jungle book, trying to hypnotize myself. I remember asking myself " Am I happy with who I am", more importantly, "Do you even like yourself?" The silence was enough to answer that question. I looked down, disgusted at the unrecognizable figure I saw before me, as I looked up I smiled and thought for a moment "What are you going to do about?" From there, It started a change within me that gave me permission to be who I wanted to be and never apologize for it. I started collecting comics again, I lost 130 pounds and in 2012 I wrote and directed a short film called Chemo: A Love story a dark comedy about two cancer patients, who fell in love in the hospital and decide to make the relationship work. The film went on to Cannes short film corner as well as the Miami, Hoboken and San Francisco film festival.
Two of my favorite characters of all time would have to be Spider-Man and Pip from Great Expectations.
I have always been a Spider-Man fan, he has always reminded me that there are two paths we can take. Sure, I could have taken the path of the Angry black man who got cancer or I can choose to do something about it and hopefully help other people in the process. It's Peter's doubts and fear that makes him the lovable character that he is, plus, the brotha has women and rent problems, although, not anymore! Thanks to Dan Slott!! Also, Shout out to Dan Slott and Editor Steve Wacker who sent me Spider-Man comics while I was sick! How cool is that?
Pip is important to me because of what he aspires to be, a gentleman. The interesting thing is, it's Pips Great Expectations that lead him astray in life, the one person(Joe) who could have taught him how to be a Good person. Pip passed Joe over to be a " Gentleman", but the interesting thing is, it's the Kindness of Joe along with another link to the past (HA. ZELDA!) that ends up teaching him life's many lessons. Like many of us, sometimes we make observations and certain judgements of people, before we actually know the whole story. Sometimes we're too hard on ourselves and often we unconsciously put those expectations on others. which can, if we're not careful, break great relationships apart. It's good have ambition, it's good to dream, but don't allow those dreams to turn you into a person you're not.
Reading, Dreaming and Spider-Man saved my life. It gave me the courage to tell my friends, to confront my parents, lose 130 pounds and continues to this day, give me the power to change something If I don't like it.
Alright Blerdnation, Nuff said
-Keith
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Clap Along: Part II
By: Tiffany Brunson
Friday, May 23, 2014
‘Because I’m Happy! Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof!’
*Swings head and snaps fingers wildly, like Carlton Banks*
The Science of Happiness
Happiness simply comes down to how our bodies respond to certain activities. At the biological level it’s all about chemicals and hormonal response. Serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter, helps relay signals from one area of the brain to another. Along with many other effects of serotonin, research has suggested that serotonin contributes to feelings of happiness resulting in the nickname the ‘happy hormone’. Serotonin increases when we are creative and it decreases when we are stressed.
For example, when we do activities we enjoy, the brain sends signals which secrete ‘happy hormones’, that flow through the blood causing feelings of pleasure- which are similar to the feelings of being deeply in love. Unlike falling in love, however, creative expression one part of our life that we can actually control. More than that, individuals with increased levels of happy hormones, respond to stress and recover from it faster than those with lower levels. People are more hopeful, enthusiastic, focused and inspired which are beneficial for individual health.
It was Time to Take Action
I decided I would create an avenue for myself where I could write my heart out, publish it and no one could stop me. My work didn’t have to live up to the literary guidelines of a Harvard University scholar; it just had to live up to me. It didn’t matter if anyone ever saw it, or even liked it, what mattered was that I got the thoughts out of mind, out of my heart and I was able to express it via some medium.
That year, my partner and I released the first in a series of science based children’s book. While we still had work to do in terms of honing our craft as publishers, we did it! I speak for my partner because I know we both went through the same emotional restoration in that moment. I gave my creative self CPR and was rescued from the brink of a near creative death.
Since then, our publishing company has expanded its scope considerably and now we provide these services for other people. The underlying principle, however, remains the same- it’s an opportunity to create and share. Now, not only do I get share my own work, I have the opportunity to guide other aspiring authors in the process and it really is gratifying.
I am still performing a balancing act with publishing and my day job, but considering the alternative it’s a balancing act that I embrace.
The Moral of This Story
The moral of this story is that you really can create your own happiness. It’s really quite simple, just do something you enjoy and BE HAPPY! Find opportunities to be creative in ways that work for you. Since happiness is hormonal, we don’t need to wait on that dollar and a dream (though it would be nice) nor do we need to wait for skittles to drop out of the sky. There is truth to the statement that we control our own happiness. Even with crazy work schedules and the ups and downs of life, try to figure out a way to do what you love!
Whether it’s creative writing, art, dance, exercise, or song, your happy hormones will ‘feel like a room without a roof’ and your body will thank you in the long run.
This post is modified from Blackgirlnerds.com
Website: www.mbmagroup.com
Personal Twitter: @2TIF1
Company Twitter: @mbmagroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbmbagroupllc
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