Tag Archives: Terry D.

Blogging, Breakups, Chicago Blogger, Covid-19, Dating, Dreams and Visions, healthy relationships, Journeys, Life, Love and Relationships, Mental Health, Restoration, Single Ladies, Single Men, Singles, The Unfiltered Truth, Unhealthy Relationships

Find Your Happy Place

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Find your Happy Place in YOU…

We are all a little (A lot) restless and stir crazy, because of the angst of COVID19, but it’s definitely not the time to allow boredom or loneliness to hijack your progress of healing!

  • No, the phone calls are NOT harmless
  • Yes, it’s only “CORONA” temporary, and I’m not talking about the beer
  • No, it didn’t make them realize what they didn’t have (It was a matter of a phone contact scroll, until someone took the bait)

Just like you’re bored, so are they. They will find someone that will give them attention, but it doesn’t have to be you. Dig deep, and remember WHY they’re an ex! Once this is over, they’ll start to show you exactly that. Right now it almost feels like you’re in the honeymoon stage, but when it’s all said and done, you’ll be in a post pandemic nightmare. There will be so much healing needed after this is all over, so why add the unnecessary?

Stay focused and use this time wisely. Whatever you were doing before, remember that it worked.

Remember your worth – Remember your PEACE – Use the block feature liberally!

Terry D. 💜xoxo💜

Anger Management, Blogging, Chicago Blogger, Conflict Resolution, Covid-19, Depression, Disputes, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, Hope, Journeys, Life, Love and Relationships, Mental Health, Pandemic, starting over, The Unfiltered Truth, Thriving

Covid-19 Be Informed, Be Safe, but Not Consumed

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In a world of Uncertainty, Mayhem, Fear and Utter Chaos, we should stay informed, but not become consumed and allow this pandemic to make us lose our hope and faith! I’m not making light of this, but half truths and information overload, can leave us depressed and anxious.

Who could have imagined this?

This is just the First Quarter of 2020, and life as we know it has completely been altered! Let’s not allow the opposing team (The Enemy) to get in our heads! Even if this takes us into overtime, we will WIN! While we feel inconvenienced by being ordered to quarantine, think about those who are fighting for their lives! Makes you put things in perspective, right?

  • We have family members that can only rely on third party information about their hospitalized loved ones
  • We have college students that have to postpone their graduations, or even be forced to participate virtually
  • We have weddings being postponed
  • We have High School graduates that may never get to experience the novelty of Prom, not to mention, the uncertainty of graduation dates

Remember when we complained about never having enough hours in the day to get anything done? Now we’re complaining about all of the time we have to do nothing! Don’t take this time for granted. UNPLUG from the news and social media for periods of time, and stay centered in your own peace, and know that this is only a temporary interruption of simple things we take for granted. It may not feel like it, but it could be a blessing in disguise for some.

Most times, our busy lives keep us from having to deal with our reality.

  • A mischievous child
  • A toxic relationship
  • Unfinished projects
  • Internal battles

Find the joy in the little things

It’s time to put things in perspective and prioritize. What lessons can we take away?

  • Have I saved enough money to not have to rely on a bandaid for a gunshot wound? ($1,200 Stimulus Check)
  • Am I using my time to increase my faith and relationship with God
  • Secure more than one stream of income
  • Stop putting off tomorrow, what you can do TODAY
  • Tell your loved ones you love them
  • Don’t take your health for granted
  • Use your time wisely
  • Thrive don’t just survive
  • Appreciate the gift of LIFE and LOVE, and don’t treat your relationships like a chore

It’s my sincere hope that we come out of this; appreciating every breath, not taking our liberties for granted, loving on our families, and LIVING – not just surviving and existing!

Terry D. 💜xoxo💜

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African American Dating, Blogging, Cheating, Dating, Dating Over 50, Dreams and Visions, healthy relationships, Insecurities, Journeys, Love and Relationships, Men & Love, Sex & Intimacy, Single Ladies, Single Men, Single Mothers, Singles, starting over, Unhealthy Relationships, Vlogging

eBook – It’s Not That Complicated

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*NEW EBOOK ALERT*

Everyone does not define dating the same! What’s on that dreaded ”List” that you cant seem to shake? Don’t make dating a chore. Read up on some tips that might help you to stop making the same mistakes…

CHECK OUT MY LATEST eBook, on the TOP 10 Dating Tips for Men & Women – It’s NOT that Complicated

Dating should never be a chore, and is NOT a cure for loneliness…

Subscribe below,👇🏾and receive your FREE Download

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Black Girl Magic, Blogging, Countdown, Dreams and Visions, Family, Love and Relationships, Marriage, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Royal Wedding, Vlogging

Countdown to Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Wedding Day

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I’m sure the anxiety builds around the world, as everyone counts down the days, IMG_4614hours, minutes and seconds to the Wedding Day of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple formally announced their engagement on, November 27, 2017, and wasted no time in announcing their wedding date soon after.

The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan is set to take place on, Saturday, May 19, 2018, which is unprecedented, because most Royal Weddings are held on a weekday.  st. georgeThe wedding will begin at  St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Windsor, United Kingdom,  at 12 Noon. After the ceremony, they will undertake a carriage procession from St George’s Chapel through Windsor town returning to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk. The couple really wants to make the wedding fun and ensure that the public will feel a sense of inclusion. The reception will be held at St. George’s Hall.

In lieu of wedding presents, the couple is asking for charity donations, but wants to focus on charities for HIV, Homelessness and the children of fallen soldiers, just to name a few. 

Prince Harry and Meghan will definitely bring a breath of fresh air to the traditional expectations.  The public speculates and tries to predict what, if anything will set this couple apart.  Will they follow the rules? Will they be Royal Trendsetters, and how will this change the trajectory of the expected Royal “Norm?” It is reported that the couple is breaking from the ceremonial traditions, and injecting a modern flavor of music. Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir — considered one of the top ensembles in the country — have been tapped to perform as has 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who was the first black musician to win the BBC Young Musician of the Year award in 2016. Prince Harry is definitely cut from the the cloth of his late mother, Princess Diana, which was known for, and often frowned upon for setting her own rules.

The initial focal point of everyone except the couple Meghan-Markle-27and their families, was the race of Meghan. Meghan is biracial, and was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA.  Her parents are; mother,  Doria Ragland, who is African American, and her father, Thomas Markle.,  who is Dutch and Irish. Meghan’s father was a longtime TV Lighting Director.

There have been sporadic leaks of information about details of the wedding, but what’s a Royal Wedding without a little suspense and speculation brewing in the rumor mill?

  • Who will design her dress?
  • Who will perform?
  • Who’s the Who of Who on the Guest List?
  • Who will be Meghan’s Bridesmaids?
  • Will Trump attend? Was he even invited?
  • Will the Obamas attend?

With great anticipation and excitement, we’ll all have to wait with the rest of the world, to have our burning questions answered…

Terry D.

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Black Girl Magic, Black Girls Rock, Blogging, Conflict Resolution, Dating, Dating Over 50, Disputes, Dreams and Visions, Forgiveness, healthy relationships, Insecurities, Journeys, Love and Relationships, Men & Love, Restoration, Sex & Intimacy, Single Ladies, Single Men, Single Mothers, Unhealthy Relationships

Over 50, Single & Never Married…

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I am 51 years old, single and I’ve never been married, and somehow that makes me an outcast, an enemy and a societal and cultural statistic and leper!

How many times must I hear?

  • Are you high maintenance?
  • Is something wrong with you?
  • Why are you single?
  • Why haven’t you ever been married?

Who set the standards and guidelines of when I’m supposed to be a wife? Am I somehow unhappy, and do I not measure up because of it? I didn’t know that my very existence was defined by my relationship status!

I can admit that it’s not always easy being single, and whether subconscious or not, I do sometimes envy couples! It can be embarrassing and exhausting having to answer questions about my dating life. I have settled before, I have had some amazing relationships and I’ve been the reason some of my relationships ended, because of my own internal demons.

Judge me if you will, but if not for these struggles that have kept me up many nights, and choices that I’m not always proud of, I wouldn’t be able to face or admit my shortcomings. It’s my sincere belief that I have been personally chosen for this journey – Good, bad or indifferent, because it fuels my purpose!

I no longer live in shame of me or my relationship status! I don’t have to be defined by what is expected of me by people who live in their own den of lies. It’s liberating to know that I’m being saved for someone that will love the “WHOLE” Terry! Not some superficial, insecure person trying to fit in!

I will not be responsible for a man not believing in love, because of my insecurities, and my own lack of trust. I will stand BOLD and accept my truth, and continue to defy the odds of any time constraints that have been placed on me. I’m a work in progress that accepts me at any juncture in my life, and while it doesn’t bother me, it’s not my problem if it bothers you!
Terry D
xoxo

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Anger Management, Blogging, Breakups, Cheating, Conflict Resolution, Disputes, Dreams and Visions, Forgiveness, Insecurities, Love and Relationships, Men & Love, Restoration, Sex & Intimacy, Single Ladies, Single Men, Singles, starting over, Unhealthy Relationships

Why Closure Can Help & Hurt

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There will be some that will argue the position that it’s almost impossible to transition into your next phase of life without closing the last chapter, and others who will say that closure is absolutely not necessary.

“Not receiving closure is toughest when the breakup is unexpected!”

img_2115If you’re in the majority who absolutely require closure, you should definitely allow some time before that conversation takes place, because if it’s too soon, the wounds are still fresh, and you want resolve, not more fighting and blame. When that conversation does take place, you have to earnestly be prepared for their, “Why!” Even if you don’t agree, it doesn’t make it any less valid.

When you’re the person looking for closure, but the other person has moved on, and you want answers, you may never get that expected apology.  If you were the one dumped, you are more apt to be the one blaming the other person for the failure of the relationship, but when that conversation takes place, you may find they hold you accountable as well, because they now have nothing to lose, so they’re willing to have a no holds barred dialogue.  They may also point out some not so desirable characteristics about you, that should have previously been discussed, but for whatever reason, it wasn’t.  Closure helps, because inherently; when you don’t receive the answers you have already disposed, it creates a sense of insecurity, because it makes you question your worth.

It is my opinion that no matter the explanation, it will not be an acceptable one, but it gives you an opportunity to vent, ask questions and express your frustrations. We can’t force anyone to have that conversation with us, and we certainly can’t expect the person that hurt us, to also help heal us.  It could be as simple as they’re just not into you. There’s no science to handling heartbreak, but time and forgiveness will aid in your road to healing.

It’s difficult to trust when we don’t get closure, and if that’s the case, give yourself time to heal, and be honest with yourself about what you could have done differently, because after you replay the conversation in your head, and you’ve had an opportunity to calm down, you might find some validity in what was said, and this will help you in your growth for your next relationship.

Terry D.

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Anger Management, Blogging, Conflict Resolution, Disputes, Dreams and Visions, Family, Forgiveness, Generational Curses, healthy relationships, Insecurities, Journeys, Love and Relationships, Marriage, Parenting, Restoration, Single Ladies, Single Men, Single Mothers, Singles, starting over, Unhealthy Relationships

Is Your Truth Buried in a Lie?

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We subconsciously live our lives based on what has been fed into our spirits.

How many of us live our lives based on expectations? It’s not easy to keep up appearances for something that was either taught or mimicked!  Despite how much we fight it, our actions and attitude become a reflection of what’s on the inside.

No matter how many lies we bury, the truth will always rear its ugly head. We have repetitive relational behaviors, and it’s easier to blame others, but the truth is; we came to the relationship with baggage that keeps us from fully emotionally connecting. Yes, it’s true that relationships suffer from lack of communication, finances and infidelity, but how much of this is a learned behavior.  No matter how much you don’t want to believe it, words carry power, and we subconsciously replay them in our heads, and as a result, carry them into our adult lives, and they take on a part of our character.

How many times have you heard?

  • Men don’t cry
  • Do as I say, and not as I do
  • Men don’t express their feelings
  • You’re too young to settle down
  • Don’t worry about what he does, as long as he takes care of home
  • Don’t upset him
  • You’re going to be a player
  • Get your money, if you’re going to sleep with someone
  • Always keep you a spare, because everyone cheats

Seemingly harmless statements prove to be just the opposite.

At some point, we have to take ownership for our baggage and choices.  Our learned behaviors are often passed down from generation to generation, and our dysfunctions img_0504become a normality, because accepting and facing the truth means actually having to be accountable.

If two people have been taught the same dysfunctional behaviors, it’s difficult to find balance.  We fight, we become bitter and we look for a scapegoat.  If we’re blessed enough to have someone that was not taught these same behaviors, we emotionally exhaust them, because we become needy, and they not only become a punching bag, but also an emotional receptacle.

Our emotional health has to be a priority.  It will allow us to heal past wounds, release generational curses and function in relationships without fear or waiting for the ball to drop.  The truth really will make you FREE!  Free to LIVE and LOVE on your terms.

If you want to know how I learned to start living my truth, check out my book, My Truth – https://www.amazon.com/My-Truth-Short-Stories-Pain/dp/1478785225/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508221603&sr=8-1&keywords=my+truth+terry+connor

Terry D.

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African American Dating, Blogging, Conflict Resolution, Disputes, Family, Forgiveness, healthy relationships, Insecurities, Interracial Relationships, Journeys, Love and Relationships, Marriage, Restoration, starting over, This Is Us, Unhealthy Relationships

This Is Us (The Melting Pot)

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Cue the Kleenex please…

The anticipation has been building, and once we saw Sterling K. Brown walk away with img_0323the Emmy, we sat on the edge of our seats, not so patiently awaiting Season 2 of This Is Us!

This show embodies a multitude of layers and facets of love.  It all came by the way of innocence and tragedy – in other words, by God’s design!

This is a show that not only demonstrates that img_0314Black Love is not taboo, but it also defies the stereotypes and shifts the trajectory of how we define love and family.  This is an emotional story that unfolds, and helps viewers to believe in love again.

The death and birth of an infant, would begin this img_0320story of tragedy and triumph of this not so picture perfect American family, as defined by society, but would teach a family that’s not bound by blood, to love without conditions, and equip them with strength for the unexpected.

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Regardless of this Melting Pot Family, it does not negate their love and family dynamic, but rather demonstrates love through the lens of those who feel unloved beyond the lines of color, weight and social status. Their differences are actually what help seal their relationships, without contrived limiting beliefs!

This Is Us teaches us forgiveness and acceptance in the deepest sense!

We’re now a couple of episodes into the new season, and still on the edge of our seats, because it’s so riveting, that it pulls you into their story line, and restores your sense of faith and hope in humanity.

This Is Us airs on NBC on Tuesdays at 9/8 CST

Let me know your thoughts, and please SUBSCRIBE, SHARE, LIKE AND/OR COMMENT!

Terry D.

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Blogging, Breakups, Cheating, Conflict Resolution, Love and Relationships

The Relationship Hour

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What is The Relationship Hour?

  • It’s an hour of peeling back the layers of the “Representative!”
  • An hour of transformation
  • An hour of transparency
  • An hour of healing
  • An hour of discovery
  • An hour of release
  • An hour of laying the foundation

We made our announcement on Sunday, July 9, about our 6 week LIVE Facebook pilot, The Relationship Hour, with Relationship Coaches and Authors, Kay S. And Terry D.!

Over the course of the next six weeks, (Five of which will be on Facebook Live and the Sixth week will give viewers an opportunity to join us in person for their questions and an UNCUT, UNCENSORED AND UNABBREVIATED HOUR or two) we will be transparent and brutally honest about our own relationship foibles, and while we’re not perfect, we have come to learn our own Love Language, identify our unhealthy relationship triggers and we’re sharing how you can learn to love you and accept that you don’t have to be perfect to have love, and be okay with moving beyond and forgiving yourself and others.

We’re also bringing a  practical and simplistic, but in your face approach to developing and sustaining a healthy relationship!  What does that even look like?  Everyone does not define healthy love the same, because if you have seen your parents or family members be dysfunctional or even abusive, and that’s all you know – GUESS WHAT?  That’s your healthy version of love.

There are components that make up the foundation for a healthy
and sustainable relationship!  We did not say perfect, and we didn’t say it would be a cake walk, but it will propel you into your purpose as an individual, and how you can dispel and peel back those layers of not feeling loved without someone else giving you that validation.

Join us every week on Facebook Live on Sundays, starting July 16 at 7pm at The Relationship Hour.

Terry D.

 

 

 

 

Black Girl Magic, Black Girls Rock, Blogging, Dreams and Visions, Love and Relationships, Restoration

My 2017 Mid-Year Goals Review

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This year has been rewarding and productive, but not without its challenges.  This has been my year of living, “Intentionally.”

JANUARY

hiresbookcoverOn January 19, 2017, I self-published my first book, My Truth.  My Truth is a non-fiction novelette, that will give you an insight into the twists and turns of my personal failures and successes in love and relationships – in hopes to help others in their own journey to healthy love.  I grappled with the idea of baring my soul to the world, but when it was all said and done, I knew my testimony was meant for someone else, so I stopped questioning God’s plan. This project was so much bigger than me, and I couldn’t worry about what others would think of me.  This has been one of the most liberating things I’ve done in my life, and the feedback validates my decision to be obedient.

FEBRUARY

For a few years now, I have been speaking and training for everyone else.  I have Removing the Masktoo (5)attended events of amazing men, women and organizations, where they shared their journey and helped so many others discover their purpose.  I knew I had it in me to do the same, but I allowed fear to cripple me.  It was all I could think and talk about, but I made every excuse in the book, to avoid actually acting on my passion.  Finally, I just began researching, planning, preparing and executing. I only shared it with a select few, because I didn’t want any reason not to follow through.  I had a plan, an agenda and a budget.  Searching for venues was not an easy task, but I was all in.  I looked and I looked and I looked. Finally, I booked the venue, paid my deposit and just like that, there was no turning back. It was really happening – February 4 to be exact.

16700454_10211535345275990_4956978693545354350_oTo say the least, it was surreal and rewarding, but not because I finally did it, but because of the real masks that were removed and the lives that were transformed.  Men and women alike, shared their unadulterated truth, and it became a domino effect of testimonials.   It was an experience indeed, and no one left there the same way they arrived.  16487307_10211535353436194_1054744811513003740_oSpirits were renewed, and the attendees left with a sense of purpose and hope – knowing they’re not alone in their journey to wholeness, removing their masks without shame and Living their Truth!

MARCH

March gave me a moment to catch my breath, reflect, and  shift my gears to 2nd Quarter goals, obligations and commitments.  I used this time to refuel and follow up on the progress of  some clients I was coaching and confirm engagements.  On March 25, I was the img_0616Keynote Speaker for the “Unapologetically Me” Women’s Luncheon, hosted by Nikita Legrone of Exclusive Extraordinary Events.

While I was there to impart knowledge and pour into other women, it was humbling to hear their, “WHY!”

  • Why they had to make their way there
  • Why they had lost hope
  • Why they felt God had given up on them

APRIL & MAY

Can you say, “RESET?” Not that I’m ever allowed to take it off, but it was time to put on my full Mommy hat.  I had to switch gears, and focus on my personal img_0109obligations.  I am the very proud Mom of my mini me. It was planning time for my daughter’s Prom and Graduation.  I did not plan much during these months, because she img_0620deserved all of my uninterrupted and full attention.   Such proud moments that you can never get back, have to be your priority.  I enjoyed every moment of watching her come into her own over the years, and the reward of watching her get transformed into a princess for Prom is indescribable.   The pride of img_0621-1watching your daughter who the doctors said wouldn’t make it to see the age of 18, had me up plenty of nights in this season, with tear stained pillows of joy and gratitude for God’s mercy!

 

JUNE

img_0547I’m still recovering from the Prom and Graduation festivities, but she’s over it and me by now.  I guess it’s back to business as usual. This is not the time to chill.  I have the remainder of my year accounted for and planned.  I’m now planning for 2018.  I’ve done some photo shoots to plan for upcoming promotions and doing my due diligence for upcoming opportunities.  After all of that, I doimg_0610 take time to pour back into me.  It’s a continued struggle to have work-life balance, but it’s necessary for your sanity, and not to become overwhelmed.  I have to make some me/we time, and img_0521ensure I’m not taking my daughter for granted…

Stay tuned for upcoming events for the remainder of 2017!

 

 

 

 

 

Terry D.