As a woman, leader, and business owner, I was reminded yesterday not to hide my flaws. So here it goes...
For the past three months, I've been in a very dark depressive state. I was broken after losing my daughter's father and dealing with other life issues/traumas. I never thought I would feel this low again. I isolated myself, and that brought feelings of shame and loneliness. The guilt overtook me because I felt I should not be in this state as a leader. How could I help others when I couldn't even help me? Relentlessly, I gave myself no mercy; I began beating myself up for falling into such an inadequate space. My feelings brought me into an emotional pit that I didn't think I would be able to come out of. But God!
 
I decided to talk with the Creator and some very close friends, only to be reminded that I didn't have to stay in that pit. From those conversations, I realized I deserved what I had given everyone else... Love, Grace, and forgiveness. My healing journey started with loving and forgiving Sharon for all that I had done to myself. I began giving myself the grace I had given everyone else, and I got outside my head and sought outside counsel.
 
I was a part of a Zoom for mental health awareness, and it reinforced the journey of healing that I am on by reminding me to come back to myself!! Wheeeweee!! This message was a needed reminder. Being the best version of myself requires that I love and forgive myself. What does that look like? According to Dr. Thema Bryant, I needed to re-parent myself. So, I will continue to love myself from a parent's perspective giving me all that I would give my children! And that's a lot.
Thank you to all of you who answered my calls and listened and gave what you had to give me during that very difficult time of my life. I love each of you!
 
Remember, hearts are not perfect—Love is!
#heartsarenotperfectloveis
​#love
Blessings!!

#canvasrebel 

​I took this picture today because it caught my eye for many reasons. Some I’ll name and others I’ll keep to myself. The Creator granted me an opportunity to embrace this moment to remind me that I am strong, loved, and being led by the light of my purpose.
 
Sometimes we need to take a second to pause and ingest the messages that are being offered. (if we slow down, we won't miss them)
 
Reflection- to display, give consideration and or give insight. 
 
In this image there is a streetlight and a tree. Streetlights illuminate a thing. The tree is strong, tall, and healthy. Although there are signs of it being battered by the elements of the earth, the tree is still strong and healthy.  However, it is unaware of its state of being. But the reflection shows its TRUE condition. 
(don't allow our feelings to dictate the truth of who we are)
 
Mirror- A thing regarded as accurately representing something else. 
 
I needed to seize the moment that was being offered to me by stopping and taking this picture to capture the accurate reflection of myself. God wanted me to know that no matter how I feel this is my status! I am strong, healthy, and being led by the light of my purpose! 
My journey has required me to go through turbulent events and experiences, but I AM STILL HERE. 
 
The Creator sends us messages all the time but often we are to busy to pause. 
Take some time today and seize the moments and messages that The Creator has for you!
I’m so grateful I did!
 

Hi Sharon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Sharon Blake. I have been in recovery from crack cocaine for 11 years, am a domestic violence survivor, and have lived through homelessness. My story started when I was a little girl living with my stepdad and mom.
​

​WHERE IS THE VALUE IN HUMAN LIFE? IT'S NOT JUST A GUN PROBLEM!
 
We need a rapid form of gun control. Yes, I agree. However, we also need to provide vital social services that address human behavior and mental health care (which has always been challenging to obtain). Issues such as normalizing murder via media and video games are a huge problem (no one wants to discuss this), and racism isn't being addressed, acknowledged, or remedied as it should! We are running a turtle race to recognize and allow the truth to be told and shared so healing can begin!!! We allow our elected officials to MUTE THE TRUTH ABOUT RACISM BECAUSE IT MAKES THEM FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE! This issue is at the core of many of America's problems. It's pretty sickening. We can no longer be concerned with specific individuals' comfort! The truth must be told and acknowledged for change to occur.
 
How numb is AMERICA??
 
We need a change in Congress now! Until we deal with the truth and normalization of murder, we will continue down this horrible road!
 
By the way, white privilege still exists; it's not going to magically disappear if you pretend it doesn't!
 
Finally, I love my black grandchildren, and I don't want them in public schools!! HELL, I didn't even want to be there when I was a child, and that's my sad reality.
 
Sincerely,
Sharon Blake

​Broken and Flourishing
 
I stole these images from Abby Smith..🤦🏾‍♀️
I had to though… The messages I’ve received this morning have captured my attention and I’m grateful.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Thank you, Abby!
 
What does this tree speak to you?
 
My messages:
1. Even though life tangles you up, You are still protected. See how it gives shade?! Sometimes The Creator provides THE shade to protect us. (catch it in the spirit, if it’s for you😉)
 
2. You may feel old, tired, and been broken but you are still capable. Because, You are alive!!
 
3. You can be broken and flourish simultaneously. You can see the Brokenness and the Growth!! Sometimes, they go hand in hand!! This one right here got me in my feelings. Because you can feel like you are winning and failing at the same time. It’s ok,  keep going!
 
OMG, I needed all of these messages!
Oh, Good Morning!🌞
 

​What If?
What if I could care a little less about all the unknown predictions that the “What If” question brings to my mind.

What if I cared more about myself and less about others who don’t have the capacity to care for me.

What if I stopped listening to the anxious daily chimes that the “What if” question brings to my mind and lived my life exempt from what “What If” is trying to say.

And if I discard these nagging-meaningless thoughts then I will stay present more often
Care for me,  Begin to think less about those who are not going to my next destination, and Free my mind of worry and anxieties.

“What if,” I could “Just Be.”
What If?