Good Friday #591: Back to Basics (Friday, April 27)

It's easy to forget the simple things that used to make us happy. Sometimes we need to go back to basics to remember.

“We used one old oven door, old wheel, steel and wire to mek it; sometimes me friend push me around on it.’’ (laughs) #Thosecarefreedays #futureengineer #funtime #countrylife Sandy River, Clarendon

A post shared by Our Jamaica (@ourjamaica876) on Mar 5, 2017 at 5:27am PST

See the follow up post here; and other simple pleasures here and here.

Good Friday #590: The Most Important Thing (Friday, April 20)

We often take for granted the "simple" things. This is a reminder that the most important thing is your health. Don't take it for granted.

Jan 12 I started a journey to correct a mistake I did over 6 years ago. The first surgery went well so we thought until my body started to shut down while I was on tour. For 26 cities I was on steroids to walk and keep down infection causing me to get off stage and be rushed to ER over 4 times and then the next day back on stage. I later found out the silicone had spread and I would be rushed back into surgery. Last Wednesday I entered surgery barely functioning with my legs and an infection. The surgery to remove all of this from me lasted a long 6 hours. The following days were spent with paramedics until i they realized my blood count was severely low and I was rushed into ER where I was admitted. 2 blood transfusions later I’ve been released and started therapy today heal and walk. I have the most skilled and amazing reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills and I’m blessed to be here. It hurts my heart to know there are girls out here who can’t afford to have the best and are just sitting around in pain and infection. I thought I was strong but this changed my life. I saw my life flash right in front of me. So many so called friends and family where no where to be found in this dark hour....

I gotta be here for a reason now and fighting with you isn’t it. Slowing my life down now taking my time with my new music there are songs and truths 2 b told. I will sing them. But in my own time and way. My son needs me. Oh and those twins I want can FINALLY come This year because I’ll be able to actually pick them up. The small things matter most now🌻

A post shared by K. Michelle (@kmichellemusic) on Apr 12, 2018 at 11:07am PDT

Good Friday #589: A Late Bloom (Friday, April 13)

A late bloom does not affect the beauty of the flower.

What a difference a year makes, last Easter I was filled with hope, things were looking up and then all of a sudden *boom* opportunities disappeared and it knocked the wind out of me. I wouldn't have said it last year but I am so glad it happened because 2017 was an amazing year and I pushed myself to do things I always wanted to do! That's why we are here, and you are reading these words on @brunchnista . Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life! Happy Easter and continue to be hopeful despite the challenges. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. 😉 📷: @mama.photog mua : @inherbeautyny

A post shared by Brunch/Travel/Lifestyle🍴 (@brunchnista) on Apr 1, 2018 at 12:05pm PDT

Good Friday #588: Dig Deeper (Friday, April 6)

Have you ever been doing something and thought it too difficult, then you decide to try "one last thing" or give "one last, big push" and it ends up being just the thing you needed to be successful?

We have one idea of who (and how) we are. Often, that won't change unless we are challenged. Challenges are uncomfortable, it forces us to look at ourselves in a different way...but the results are magnificent.

When writing the story of your life, don't just accept the first draft. Dig deeper and write the masterpiece.

Good Friday #587: Don't Hide the Struggle (Friday, March 30)

From the outside, most of us have awesome lives...even more so now with the popularity of social media. Yet most would not be able to guess the struggle you went through to live this wonderful life. Maybe you're hiding it because you fear it will make you seem less strong; or because you don't want it to define you; or maybe it's not even intentional. But consider this: Your struggle/story may be exactly what someone needs to hear to get them going again.

this photo was taken 7 years ago while I was on set working ... before instagram. I had just purchased a ‘00 Toyota Corolla cash. the driver side door lock didn’t work so I had to climb across the passenger seat to get in (it drove though) 🤷🏽‍♀️. my hair was short because for the most part it saved me money on products I couldn’t afford. not long after this photo was taken I’d learn I was renting a house that was actually in foreclosure. I slept on the floor there for a bit with no AC. the note on the door said I had two weeks to get out. no old friends or family within 3,000 miles. none of those things prevented me from doing my work and giving my best. listen to me: there ARE NO HERO STORIES that don’t involve trials to triumph! so if you’re going through it, keep going. #mytaughtyou

A post shared by myleik (@myleik) on Mar 3, 2018 at 2:53am PST