Reconciliation

“Hey bighead.”

Raya L.
Reconciliation
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Short Stories
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I Believe In You
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I Need Time
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Idk
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I love all the positive energy I am getting from many of you about my whatever situation it is. Instead of you guy saying fck that person, you guys are really saying good things. I do not know how many of you are long term here, but it kind of feels like you are growing with me. And yes, to agree with most of you, there’s always opportunities for reconciliation and resolution. Within my situation, I am not sure how possible that is, but we would both want to reconcile and one of us will need to break the ice and I could be wrong, but I feel that over the years, I have extended the olive branch many times over, this time, I think I am all out of taking the first step. Is that wrong to feel that way?

One of you said, “Send a text saying Hey bighead!” 🤣

I think the only contributing variable in a possible reconciliation is the fact we have friends in common with whom I am close to and I have gotten closer to a few ever since the smoke cleared. The friends maintain a mutual stance. They do not say anything wayward and I don’t say much about it either. I think they just have this unspoken understanding that they are just to stand by and let everything take its natural course. I respect that. I don’t like people feeling like they have to take stake in a matter that doesn’t directly involve them. And with these friends, I never could have imagined that I’d become so close to them. We all just naturally gravitated to each other. They’ve held on to me and I've held on to them. And sometimes they just randomly check on me. I was talking to one of them over the weekend and telling him that I’ve been stressed about the IRB process with my dissertation research and he says to me that if I need to block all of them for a year, they support it, but he also said that if I want to take my mind off it for a bit then we can hangout, get some food and drinks, and help me relax. I fckn love these people! Even when I don't say I’m stressed, they can hear it in my voice, they know how to read me and it's crazy because my relationship with them is far different from the relationship I have with the person we know, like that person should know how to read me and pick up on things.

And I mention previously that this person never really took the genuine time and energy to really know me, so how could they have ever loved me? I know the friends genuinely love me because they’ll say things to me that I didn’t even realized they even noticed about me, so I know they have been paying attention to who I am. I don’t think I can recall a moment where this person said something that let me know they see me. Which again, makes me sad to think about it. ❤️‍🩹

Of course this is just a small subset of my life compared to what is all on my plate, so it does not take up a lot of headspace, but there is space for it. I’m not one of those people who is like, “You’re nothing to me. Stay out of my life.” I think people who are like that are fighting demons within themselves and just don’t know how to compose themselves in a good manner. Yes, there are more pressing matters for me to address, and I’m not going to see about this unless it’s presented to me, but I am also not going to be childish about it. Children act out, adults don’t.

We get to a point in our lives where even though we may not care the same way about something, we still don’t need to be heartless about it regardless of what the other person has done or said. The last actual conversation I had with the person was not a great one and they said some cruel things, but to what purpose? I don’t know the answer to that, do what you want, at the end of the day, that’s not the type of energy I have. Bad energy is beneath me. And I told the friends the same thing. I have no mean words to say to anyone or about anyone. Let them do what they want to do. If they want to act foolish, let them. If they want to to civilized, let them. The only thing we can control is what decisions we make, not what decision other people make. Because when I meet my maker, I’m want to be confident that I did my best with people, whether there is a reconciliation or not. Should that be a goal, I mean I guess in some aspect, but either way I know who I am. I am not putting on a facade for people, I am not trying to prove anything other than that fact that I can be better and I am better. ✨️

And that’s what you have to remember for yourself. Let people act the way they want to, but you make sure you can be proud of yourself. If someone wants to mend anything with you, try to be open to it, but set boundaries. You don’t have to give anyone the same version of you that they took for granted. That’s on them. The Ex doesn’t get that same version of me. The Athlete doesn’t get the same version of me. But neither of them or getting a poor version of me, they are just getting a readjusted version where there’s new barriers. Are you guys following what I am saying? If you can be on good terms with someone, do it. But you are not required to put yourself in the same place to possibly get hurt again. 😕

I don’t want to get religious with you all, but I am a believer. I believe in the universe. I believe in the fact that people will show who they are based on what they are going through at the moment. If they are showing tension, it’s likely they are getting tension from another part of their lives. You just have to learn how to not be the type of person to transfer tension to others. I am also a prayer. I pray a lot and I rarely pray for myself. All of my prayers are in thoughts of other people. I pray for people to love and I pray for people to heal. I cannot make someone see me or see me in the eyes of someone who loves me. But I can pray that they strengthen their hearts to develop an understanding of what love can do for people when it’s genuine. Because there's so much love people are giving that’s temporary, superficial, and conditional and that's because many people don't understand their emotions so they act instinctively and don't think about what it is that their souls really need. ❤️

Be safe everyone. 🙏🏽


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Advice From A Friend

“Men of good sense know the difference between a valued woman vs. a temporary woman.” - Que

Raya L.
Advice From A Friend
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The Silver Lining
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One of my guy friends and I had a heart to heart about a few things. I’ve know him about 10 years now and we catch up about about once a week. We’ll talk for maybe 30-45 mins, just catching up and discussion various topics and since we don’t live in the same area, we video chat each other. I enjoy my conversations with him, it’s never superficial, and we feed off each other’s intelligence and cleverness. So the day he called me, it was about 1 hour after I published the last post, so my emotions were still high. When I answered his call, he instantly knew something was up. Now, even though he is a very trusted friend, I still don’t not share too much of my personal life that doesn’t involve the person I am speaking to, does that make sense to you all?

He asked me what was going on and I was reluctant to tell him anything because I did not want him to be too concerned about me. This friend, we’re going to call him “Que” has become really fond of me and cares a lot for my happiness and well-being. So I ended up telling him about the topic I just posted up and gave him a little background detail. He was already somewhat familiar of my history with the person and the friends I have in common with the person. I also admitted that my feelings were hurt from different situations with the person and that it makes me sad to think about it. Que applauded me for admitting to that because even he knows I am not very vulnerable with my feelings. He also knows me enough that hurt feelings won’t weigh me down, but I just may need a moment to process them through and he just caught me in that moment when he called. Que is also aware that within that friend circle, no matter what they know, seen, or have been told over the years, they do not treat me any different, they still handle me the same. And I think that speaks highly to their character.

So with the information Que already knew and the information I had just given him, he told me to remember what I’m trying to do. What he meant by that is for me to not get lost in whatever the issue is that it takes me away from what I am trying to accomplish personally and professionally. He advised me not to be around people who are not only reckless with me, but also reckless with their own decisions. And since Que is aware that I have an abundance of male friends, he warns me to be mindful of how people on the outside may see me. Even though my friendships are innocent, he doesn’t want me to put myself in a predicament where people do not take me seriously or misjudge me because of the types of men I am around.

He did said that there are places men take their wives and the women they care about and there’s a decorum on how you act when you are in those place, and then there’s places men take their toys (if you get what I am saying) and those toys do not always know how to adhere to the appropriate decorum. Que said that the way I carry myself, I do not want to be in the the places where tasteless things are being done.

Now to be fair, Que does put me on a high pedestal and over the years he’s heard me talk about my professional goals. He wants me to protect my reputation. His position on this is that he doesn’t want me to diminished my hard work just to be labeled as “that girl who was with that guy” or “that girl who’s always with those men”. And I completely understand what he’s saying. You never know who you will need to interact with, so you want to be seen as someone who can be trusted and held at a high regard.

And I definitely don’t want to be labeled as a woman who’s doesn’t know how to handle business or is not well versed in many worldly topics. And Que knows my confidence is not easily affected. He knows that no matter how someone may mishandle me, that I will still come out on the other side even better. He said people who really have good hearts end up regretting how they treat people and if they really want to be better people, they make changes within themselves.

I’ve always told you all, I am not perfect. None of us are, but we have to learn from mistakes and bad decisions otherwise we are just going to continue to leave a trail of damage behind us. I don’t want to be know for that, so I do my best to practice self-awareness. Even when I am being wronged, I am still aware enough to process my decisions in the matter. I am smart, I am beautiful, I do intimate men and women, and people do get insecure when I am present, but that is not something that should influence me to act disgracefully. I am a woman of distinction. I am admired and I am loved. Anyone who does not agree or see that doesn’t really know me.

So ladies and gentlemen, never forget your value even if you are sad about something. And to affirm everything Que talked to me about, don’t forget the goals you set for yourself. Don’t let someone else’s poor choices hinder your behavior. And when it comes to how the world may see you, you don’t ways need to defend your stance, but protect your reputation even if all you do is say nothing and just show people what class looks like.

Be safe everyone.


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Spiritual Impacts From the Solar Eclipse (April 8th)

Solar Eclipse
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You already know I am not big on Zodiacs and the meaning of the stars, BUT… the movement of the elements in the universe does have some effect on us.

According to Architectural Digest, it symbolizes a time of darkness and spiritual renewal, offering an opportunity for introspection and the shedding of old energies. In astrology, the eclipse signifies the darkness of the ego and the potential for spiritual rebirth, marking a moment to release past patterns and embrace new perspectives.

Reference: https://www.hindustantimes.com/

Here is a glimpse of what may come into play for you from the solar eclipse…

Aries March 21 - April 19

The insecurities and anxieties that may have been hiding in the depths may suddenly emerge, and you will have to deal with them directly. This eclipse also emphasises your desire to seek refuge from the outside world to be alone, eliminate the impurities, and renew in the personal sphere. The time spent in solitude, near the water, and in sacred spaces can be healing. When the clouds clear in your mind, you will see the world with a new outlook and a greater sense of meaning.

Taurus April 2 - May 20 ✨Me ✨

This eclipse could indicate the end of transient relationships that have come to their natural end, thus allowing new and more meaningful relationships to sprout. It will motivate you to develop new aspects of yourself and experiment with different things. You will be more open to the idea of teamwork rather than doing everything by yourself. Stay open to changing circumstances and accept these shifts as a part of evolution.

Gemini May 21 - June 20

The eclipse can be a source of bright ideas that will ignite new mental endeavours and awaken curiosity. Under this eclipse, there can be new professional beginnings. A new position could be offered, or you might be promoted to a leadership role in the workplace. You may find yourself in a higher position and more spotlight. The eclipse makes you ask yourself if you are on the right road, which is true and meaningful. If not, it's high time to stop and make adjustments.

Cancer June 21 - July 22

This eclipse can boost your thirst for knowledge and wisdom. You may desire to study more, but it could be as simple as enrolling in a course, attending seminars, or delving into philosophical and religious studies. You would be in search of a stronger spiritual connection, looking for alternative belief systems, or embarking on a more introspective journey. The eclipse could offer the chance to go on an adventurous trip.

Leo July 23 - August 22

The eclipse will give you a profound chance to have introspection and self-exploration. You may be under great emotional stress, with deep-seated fears and attachments holding you back. This is when you should turn inwards, let go of everything that does not serve you anymore, and be ready for the transformation process. There can be a break-up with an old relationship that is no longer suitable.

Virgo August 23 - September 22

This eclipse may mark a significant turning point in how you perceive the world around you, specifically about love and relationships. It could be the point when you discover new people who can positively change your life or see the end of some relationships that may not help you grow. It will incite you to analyse the nature of your partnerships critically. You might want to reconsider new ideas and collaborations.

Libra September 23 - octber 22

This eclipse urges you to reconsider issues relating to your health and well-being activities. This is when to adopt healthier habits or deal with existing health problems. Start new fitness regimens and dietary changes, or even look for alternative healing modalities to improve health. This eclipse could also signal upcoming changes in your professional life. You may be motivated to pursue new career goals and rearrange your work environment significantly.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

This is the time to examine creative endeavours, hobbies, and unique forms of creative expression. It may be the opportunity to discover talents that were hidden before or confront the creative barriers that were in the way of progress. Romantic relationships, too, may be subject to significant changes. The eclipse may open the avenue for new realisations or unexpected twists in romance or relationships.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

During the solar eclipse, the spotlight is directed towards your inner world, and you must search beyond the surface to discover the hidden recesses of your emotional foundations. It will bring to light unsolved issues and unconsciously expressed emotions. This can be a period of family transformation for some. Let go of old customs and bargain new deals. Find a balance between your needs and the family's required duties.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

This is when you could consider relocating to a new area or starting a new project, including writing or public speaking. During the eclipse, you will be curious to go on short trips or participate in academic activities and assignments that will deepen your thinking and give you a more thorough understanding of your surroundings. You can start intellectual ventures enabling you to discover and utilise your potential.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

This eclipse might be a wake-up call to reconsider how you perceive money and material things. You might be pressured to simplify spending, reduce unnecessary expenses, or even chase new opportunities to generate income. You may also use this period to explore alternative ways of wealth accumulation or investment opportunities that meet your values, like eco-friendly or socially responsible investments.

Pisces February 19 - March 20

During this eclipse, you may become more aware of yourself and even start a new spiritual journey. This might be when you realise that you must discover your hidden abilities or interests. Besides, the eclipse may make you question your aims and values. Your intuition will be heightened during this period. There could be sudden revelations that can become a guide to the path you have chosen.

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Be Above It

“We cannot always hold people to their indiscretions.”

Here For You 🫶🏽
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Raya L.
Be Above It 💖
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I Feel For You ❤️‍🩹
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I'm Blessed ❤️ (I Get Emotional When People See My Light)
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I want to share this anyone who has been slighted by someone they used to be fond of.

I was speaking to a dear friend recently, we were reflecting on good times that have been shared and then he stated to me that he hates how things play out between me and someone we both know. I responded to him with…

Sweetheart, I know you’ve not been privy to all the information and all the intricate details. One day I may speak my part, but not today. Only two people in the circle has seen me at my rawest emotions with different struggles. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m amazing. I’m thriving. I’m happy. I’m blessed. And we only move forward and only look in the review for reminders.

After our short discussion, I reflected on my experiences with the mentioned person where for so long I was kept in the dark about a vital piece of information. Information to which if I had known, many events, feelings, and decisions would not have happened. And yet, I was made to feel like I was the one who was constantly wrong. And also reflected on how the person treated me and the words they said before and after the news was revealed to me. It’s like I never really knew this person at all. I don’t have any hate in my heart and I moved passed wanting to know “WHY?” with anything. I actually feel indifferent about this person now, which is a weird feeling for someone I once felt very warm towards. It’s almost like this person is a stranger, now that I’ve been made aware of several things that was not presented to me for so long. Again, I have no hate in my heart and the people that this person and I share in common have a very special place in my heart. I love seeing them and catching up with them. They’ve never waivered me or made me feel unimportant. They have always placed a barrier of protection over me and for that, I am forever grateful. And my indifference towards the person I once knew will not affect how I care for those people.

I know I keep bringing this up, but this confirmation of my growth and peace. If I run into this person, I’ll still be kind. I’ll be delicate and ladylike, just as if it was my first time meeting this individual. I cannot predict how this person may behave, react, or receive me. Or if this person will be dismissive or slander me to those around. I surely don’t expect this person to protect me since that has been revealed recently. But hey, that’s not on me. It’s not proper for me beseech someone to act in valor.

I also previously told my friend that the person had their own reason for acting and saying what they did. The person also had their own reasons for keeping me in the dark about important information. I am unclear of those reasons as several of those in the same circle are unclear too. But again, that’s not on me and the friends who are aware of the matter agree. Yet, I am not sharing this to revel in it, because no one in the circle has spoken poorly of the person including myself, and I don’t bring anything up unless they ask. Even then I am tight lipped about what I share.

I’ve made a conscious decision to be above it. What’s been done cannot be undone. What’s been said cannot be unsaid. The only action is what I told my friend, “…we only move forward and only look in the rear view for reminders.” And not a reminder of pain and disappointment, but a reminder of what’s come from the experience and being grateful of the lessons learned from it. Like I said, I don’t know how this person will receive me if we run into each other, but I’ll stay delicate and hope for a proper and good interaction. I mean, I loved this person at one point, there still a little love there, it’s just not the same.

We cannot always hold people to their indiscretions. Therefore, we cannot always expect the worst or even the best from them. All we can do is be generous, not engage in gossip, not to pass prejudgements, not be venomous, and keep an open mind to people. Who they were yesterday may not be who they are today and tomorrow. That’s the surprise in life. Expect the unexpected and change is always inevitable. Take a deep breath, think of those who love you and have always shared their careness towards you.

For the Ladies, anytime I am tussling through my mind, I like to soak in a Lavender and Milk bath after getting a mani/pedi. I do a facial scrub and I put on a calming playlist, and then I just breathe. Fellas, I don’t know what helps you to decompress, but some of my close friends have said that having a boys gathering, like a kickback at someone house where you just sit and talk about various things helps bring out the better versions of yourself and keeps you reminded of how making good choices with people impacts the trajectory of your surroundings.

I hope sharing this helps some of you.

Be safe everyone.



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Don't Subliminally Pressure Me

“You can’t force the outcome you want.”

Raya L.
Don't Subliminally Pressure Me
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I mentioned this in my rundown of topics previously. I am beginning not to like it when men have ulterior motives with me. Because then I feel like I am not being heard and you just want what you want. If I tell a man I am not interested in jumping into a relationship or that I cannot prioritize a relationship right now, don’t push the topic. Although, you know what I’ve experienced when I stand firm on what I say? The men tend to get upset with me! WHY??? When I made it very clear what I don’t want, So now you’re upset because you could not convince me otherwise? - If you are going to be sassy because something is not going your way, why would I want to be with that type of man in the first place?

I’m not trying to be sexist, but it does seem like men are acting more feminine these days in regards to their emotions. It's okay to express your feelings, but don’t get out of sorts about it. You should still maintain some sort of composure and masculinity.

I shut out the world on purpose and frequently. I only show the world what I want it to see. Putting a space between me and what's outside of me is how I'm able to keep steadiness within my personal life and maintain my peace. Even if we are good friends, I still need some distance. Some take offense to it, although it is my choice, and I choose to wake up grateful knowing I'm blessed. I learned that I cannot give too much of myself to people. I cannot get too engaged with everyone else’s matters. My emotions and opinions can only go so far, and the best I can do is consciously choose to be full of light. I'm social when I'm social. I'm not when I'm not. And in both ways, I don’t like being expected. So if my words are falling on deaf ears to a man, then the decision is easy, I am not going to tolerate or entertain him.

I think I’ve shared this before, I do get some slack from friends about how I should be grateful that so many men are interested in me and want to give me the world and treat me like a Queen. Although, my mind doesn’t think like that. I don’t want someone who is obsessed with me, I don’t want someone who is exactly like me, and I surely don’t want someone who gets uptight when I am not conforming to his expectations. Yes, I do want someone who admires and respects me, but you don’t have to be with me to do that. A good man is a good man all around, no matter her relationship with a woman.

I am appreciative that men are sweet on me, and I am even more appreciative that my male friends have a soft spot for me. I am just not that woman who wants a house on the hills with the man of her dreams. Don’t get me wrong, I used to be that woman when I was younger. If you want those things or have that life, I love that for you, there’s nothing wrong with it. We all take our experiences and shape them differently. For me, I have experienced many things in my life that have made me think more practically and be more sensible about men and relationships. Had some of these men today who are trying to win me over, if they met me when I still thought how I used to think, I have no doubt I’d be married and possibly with more children.

Much of my growth happened in the last few years. I don’t regret anything. I don’t feel that I am wasting my looks or my femininity because I don’t want a traditional relationship. I just think that I am making decisions that are best for me. My outlook on life doesn’t block men from loving me; I’m just more reserved on how I would like men to love me.

Be safe everyone.


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