Getting Personal and Exposing Parts of MiMi-

   I received my nickname "Mimi" from my supervisor, Vanessa Harris while working my first job in corporate america at the age of 19. She knew I was the youngest one in the office and that I still managed to make it in on a sick day. I worked at the same speed and got my work done all the time. I never thought that God would bless me with the gift to gab and the ability to connect people until I experienced it first-hand there. While growing up, I always stayed to myself and enjoyed doing a lot of activities on my own outside of spending time with my family. My cousins were older than me so I looked up to them as you do with a big brother or sister. I have always admired my oldest and only sister, Fallon for her free spirit and for the fact that she always had the most female friends which still applies to this day. I loved that about her because my trust level did not go further than my family. She had the most loyal friends which were girls and I always had the most male friends; probably because I was the tom-boy of the family. I enjoyed running, kick-boxing and playing video games with my older male cousins which I can remember countless times of beating them. I understand why it may sound odd but its my life and I've learned to accept it but most importantly I embrace it. The love I show to my significant other is displayed differently and I'm known for my moody behavior just like anyone else.

   I value my friendships with each male friend that I have because we don't have to talk every day or see each other all the time. We could go months without talking but they always check on me even if it’s just to say, "How is life treating you?" Priceless....The majority of them are married and/or with children, their wives or girlfriends know about me and we all can hang. I look at them like family so I would like to know that they are with someone that makes them happy. The most important thing is that there is respect within each relationship. I understand boundaries and know my place as a friend. You have to set boundaries with female friends and male friends. There is no difference. EX. Just like you don't let your male friend in you and your significant others bedroom, you don't allow your female friend in there either. I don't play that!  Now that I'm older I see the importance in having spiritually encouraging female friends. Remember you must pick and choose your circle of friends wisely, if they don't compliment you then they should not be around.

   My friends love me, they keep me informed on all the dirt that men do, they include me in their conversations even when I try to ignore them (male friends). *Laughs Out Loud*  The most important attribute that I love about male friends is the fact that they respect me and show me what love purely is. It is the unconditional love that should be shared between a man and woman which is funny because I've never dated any of them. Honestly, that's because I know them, they know me and I only desire a friendship with them. My best-friend will be my husband; he will know all, see all and I will reveal myself to him. He will accept me for who and what I am (vice-versa). We will grow together when he is ready to take his place. I will cherish our relationship and be accepting to the challenges that may arise. I will be submissive to him not because I have too but because I love intimacy. I keep it real. *eye-wink* I refused to feel obligated to do anything, it takes the desire away from things. We will be intimate with one another because we love it. We will both love God and will respect one another as we pursue our careers in life. I am a little selfish when it comes to that so I'm working on that. We will shine together. However, he will also know how to balance home and the workplace. He will also know my interest in him and receive the support that he needs. Sometimes its not about what you want to give, its about what they need. One mistake in life that we often make is giving what we want to give and not clearly paying attention to what our mate is asking for. Typically because we feel we're right and their wrong. Poor way of thinking. Must be willing to compromise. I need to understand that his responsibilities will be different than any other. I understand the importance of not giving it up to easy, not being easily manipulated, understanding that as A Woman I have complete control over me. I am changing my attitude because I know my value will be greater than what it is today.

   I share knowledge on different topics with my lady friends as well because we must stick together. Not be against one another, any jealously, envy, hurt or pain- only trust & love. I won't allow that in ever again. How Freaking Amazing is that? Huh! I love it! :) I was blessed to have a wonderful father that has groomed me for the harsh reality of this world, showed me how to survive on my own without little to any assistance from anyone. I believe that if you don't work, then you don't eat. I started my first job at 11 years old and I've been working ever since. If you didn't have a father or male figure in your life to teach you how to conduct yourself like I lady, then I am telling you- FIND ONE. I still sit and listen to older married men talk about their wives and what they have been through. I can tell you from what I've heard that their stories are exciting, inspiring, sad but gives you joy. Nothing will be perfect and love does not come in the form that you will always expect it. 

   I love you POPS! You CANNOT do everything on your own. I am a Stage 4- Papillary Cancer SURVIVOR, key message. I AM HEALED. *written as tears flow* I will never be ashamed to speak of him. A story that is often untold about my life. GOD he is the answer and cure. I am not religious but I am spiritual. I eat, breath and live because of him. My life has changed and I take nothing lightly. However, I do believe that everyone needs help from time to time. I respect myself and people will only show you what you allow them to.

The point of it all is that we are blessed with a certain life, certain people, certain struggles and certain gifts. 

  There is no one in this world that can tell you how your life should be lived. I know that God has blessed me with something amazing and that is being a Professional Connector. Each person in my life including, co-workers, old and new friends, past or present significant others and family members have contributed something positive. I have acknowledge that what has happen so far in my life was necessary for my success the experiences because that's what drives me. Smiling, laughing, music and showing love is apart of my life that I will always desire.

I encourage you to embrace who you are and be open to change. You don't need to know every single detail about my life or me to know that I desire Love, Friendship and Success. Love yourself first and then you will be able to recognize what God has for your life.

I sincerely hope this encourages you...Be motivated today.

Mimi D.