Good Monday morning!
I'm a firm believer that people are in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. This weekend I had to say "See you later" to one of the rocks in this latest chapter of my life. A friend I've known since I was in the 6th grade. What's interesting about our relationship is that she's always had a presence in my life. A quiet classmate and bandmate, the sister of a classmate, a friend of my friend, one of the girls to grab lunch with and catch up with or someone I would ask about from time to time. We all have ladies in our lives that play different roles at different times as we stumble through this thing called life.
Well this lady became a very close confidant and counselor when my life changed and I couldn't figure it out. Maybe I've told you the story about the time I had to face the reality of my pending divorce and she sat on the phone with me for hours as I wandered from room to room in my empty apartment revealing my fears of becoming a single woman for the first time in my adult life at the age of 30. I remember saying, "I'm not scared to be divorced, I'm scared because I don't know how to be single." She talked to me about meeting guys and keeping my place of peace separate and protected. When my first relationship ended she reminded me that I thought I would never find someone new and that I had in fact learned a lot from that relationship. She taught me how real women resolve differences and build friendships. Most of all she accepted me when I didn't event know who I was. I only hope that I was as good of a friend to her as she has been to me.
What's been the most interesting is that although I've known her for more than half my life, I didn't really get to know her until the last 1/3 and I am so grateful to have had Ms. T in my life exactly when I needed her. But now it is time for her to move on to greater things. I am so excited for you because God has greater plans than you could have ever imagined for your life. May you be successful professionally and fulfilled personally. But if ever you feel like you don't have a shoulder to lean on, please remember I'm only a phone call away, a bus/train ride away and really only a gas tank away. I love you and thank you for being my friend.
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
Monday, April 22, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Throw Back Tuesday!
Good morning!
This is a throw back post originally written on September 18, 2006.
What’s up?! The liquid sunshine slowed me down this morning, which is a good thing because too often I find myself in a rush to get somewhere…anywhere really and why? I don’t have the answer to that question I just know I need to stop rushing everywhere. So I decided to take it easy this morning and write my morning message before I rush off into the rest of my day.
Steve Harvey posed an interesting question this morning,“What would you be in life if you knew that you could not fail?” If you knew with 100% certainty that you would be successful, you would not worry about what others will think when you fail, or how much education it would take or where you will get the money. Just think about what you could accomplish without the fear of failure. So what would you do or what would you become?
Have an extraordinary day!
April 16, 2013 Update:
Funny how it is raining this morning as well and again I found myself rushing in order to avoid being late but instead I chose to arrive alive. I am in a place where have not been more clear about how fear has affected my life. When others peek into your life, they may believe that you have no fears, that you see yourself as invincible and that you can conquer any mountain...they really have that expectation on your life. But inside you are unsure, afraid of failing and loosing footing on the comfortable ground you stand on. I cannot say that I am not afraid of failing, but I am at the point where I see how not leaping has kept me in the safe zone.
Well I am not afraid any more. I know what I want out of life and I am pushing forward into the unknown. What is waiting for me has to be greater. I have too much to give, too much to share and gain in this life. Tell me some of the chances you took in life and what you learned from those experiences.
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
April 16, 2013 Update:
Funny how it is raining this morning as well and again I found myself rushing in order to avoid being late but instead I chose to arrive alive. I am in a place where have not been more clear about how fear has affected my life. When others peek into your life, they may believe that you have no fears, that you see yourself as invincible and that you can conquer any mountain...they really have that expectation on your life. But inside you are unsure, afraid of failing and loosing footing on the comfortable ground you stand on. I cannot say that I am not afraid of failing, but I am at the point where I see how not leaping has kept me in the safe zone.
Well I am not afraid any more. I know what I want out of life and I am pushing forward into the unknown. What is waiting for me has to be greater. I have too much to give, too much to share and gain in this life. Tell me some of the chances you took in life and what you learned from those experiences.
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
2012 World's Largest Chicago Stepper Contest Winner!
Good morning!
This year (written in November 2012) I placed 2nd in the Out of Town Category at the 2012 World's Largest Stepper Contest in Chicago! I do not know how I forgot to share that with you! Maybe because soon after the contest, I started a 6-Week workshop in my 2nd hometown of Ann Arbor. I never stop...that's what my mama tells me. I must admit there were some moments when I didn't really think it was worth the time and effort only because I was being pulled in several different directions between work, church, singing, practice and oh yeah...the funds to support all the habits I just mentioned in gas.
But my partner and I did it! I must also congratulate him on winning 1st place in the Trio Category as well! It was an exciting performance by Anne, Kammal and James.
Here are photos and a video for you to enjoy! Looking forward to more dancing and teaching in Ann Arbor! Please share your thoughts.
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
This year (written in November 2012) I placed 2nd in the Out of Town Category at the 2012 World's Largest Stepper Contest in Chicago! I do not know how I forgot to share that with you! Maybe because soon after the contest, I started a 6-Week workshop in my 2nd hometown of Ann Arbor. I never stop...that's what my mama tells me. I must admit there were some moments when I didn't really think it was worth the time and effort only because I was being pulled in several different directions between work, church, singing, practice and oh yeah...the funds to support all the habits I just mentioned in gas. But my partner and I did it! I must also congratulate him on winning 1st place in the Trio Category as well! It was an exciting performance by Anne, Kammal and James.
Here are photos and a video for you to enjoy! Looking forward to more dancing and teaching in Ann Arbor! Please share your thoughts.
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
If I Keep Still
Good morning!
This morning I can only tell you that when I humble myself and maintain a meek spirit, He will fight my battles! I can't even explain how I'm feeling right now so I thought I'd get a little help from Anita Wilson and 'Jesus Will'. Just a little reminder that He will fight your battles if I keep still!
Enjoy and have a great day!
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
This morning I can only tell you that when I humble myself and maintain a meek spirit, He will fight my battles! I can't even explain how I'm feeling right now so I thought I'd get a little help from Anita Wilson and 'Jesus Will'. Just a little reminder that He will fight your battles if I keep still!
Enjoy and have a great day!
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
Monday, April 8, 2013
It's All in Divine Order
Good morning! Go Blue!
Over the weekend I watched Michigan play and win in the NCAA Final Four with my mom and sister. I was calm in the beginning probably because I was comfortable with the lead Michigan had for most of the game. But something started changing...the gap in the lead they had was getting smaller and smaller as the time on the clock ran out. I turned into the girl I was exactly 20 years ago watching the game upstairs in my room on my 19" box TV. Jumping and shouting, screaming at my favorite college team to not give up and hold out until victory. My sister was laughing hard at me I guess because she had never seen me in such excitement over any sports-related game.
You should have seen me, I was pacing the floor and almost pulling out my hair from fear that Michigan would come so close to winning and not win. But it happened, they won and I was happy...I could breathe and was excited to return to campus on Monday because I knew everyone would be excited about Monday night's championship game.
This morning, I watched Jalen Rose's plea to Chris Webber to attend the championship game tonight and I started reminiscing over how badly I wanted to be a wolverine during my senior year. No one could tell me that I would not get into Michigan that was my biggest dream at the time. I had all these big plans and boldly shared those plans with all who inquired about my post-graduation plans. For those who know me, I eventually graduated from Michigan with a B.A. concentrating in Afro-American and African Studies instead of the coveted Business Administration degree I boasted about wanting. The truth is that it wasn't an easy road for me. The time between then and now has taken me down paths I never thought I would have to travel or wanted to travel. I have had some proud moments and I've had some moments I would much rather forget. I would like to erase the mistakes I made and disassociate myself with the people who were a witness to my weaker moments in life...but that would make me a miracle worker and that I am not.
I'm smiling now because the real truth is that I would never erase my history because it has produced the woman that I am today. I am still flawed but I am stronger, happier and wiser for the road I traveled. But really God knew where I would be in 20 years and what I needed to experience along the way. That is what is amazing to me and leaves me in awe of Him. He knew that the relationship between Chris Webber and the University of Michigan would be strained because of past events and this is where we would all be...needing to heal past hurts and mending past relationships. I am working day-by-day to use what I've gone through to be a better woman, daughter, sister, friend, girl-friend, colleague, mentor, employee and Christian. With that being said, I hope that Chris will join Jalen, Juan, Ray and Jimmy at the game tonight to support the young players who've always looked up to them!
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
Over the weekend I watched Michigan play and win in the NCAA Final Four with my mom and sister. I was calm in the beginning probably because I was comfortable with the lead Michigan had for most of the game. But something started changing...the gap in the lead they had was getting smaller and smaller as the time on the clock ran out. I turned into the girl I was exactly 20 years ago watching the game upstairs in my room on my 19" box TV. Jumping and shouting, screaming at my favorite college team to not give up and hold out until victory. My sister was laughing hard at me I guess because she had never seen me in such excitement over any sports-related game.
You should have seen me, I was pacing the floor and almost pulling out my hair from fear that Michigan would come so close to winning and not win. But it happened, they won and I was happy...I could breathe and was excited to return to campus on Monday because I knew everyone would be excited about Monday night's championship game.
This morning, I watched Jalen Rose's plea to Chris Webber to attend the championship game tonight and I started reminiscing over how badly I wanted to be a wolverine during my senior year. No one could tell me that I would not get into Michigan that was my biggest dream at the time. I had all these big plans and boldly shared those plans with all who inquired about my post-graduation plans. For those who know me, I eventually graduated from Michigan with a B.A. concentrating in Afro-American and African Studies instead of the coveted Business Administration degree I boasted about wanting. The truth is that it wasn't an easy road for me. The time between then and now has taken me down paths I never thought I would have to travel or wanted to travel. I have had some proud moments and I've had some moments I would much rather forget. I would like to erase the mistakes I made and disassociate myself with the people who were a witness to my weaker moments in life...but that would make me a miracle worker and that I am not.
I'm smiling now because the real truth is that I would never erase my history because it has produced the woman that I am today. I am still flawed but I am stronger, happier and wiser for the road I traveled. But really God knew where I would be in 20 years and what I needed to experience along the way. That is what is amazing to me and leaves me in awe of Him. He knew that the relationship between Chris Webber and the University of Michigan would be strained because of past events and this is where we would all be...needing to heal past hurts and mending past relationships. I am working day-by-day to use what I've gone through to be a better woman, daughter, sister, friend, girl-friend, colleague, mentor, employee and Christian. With that being said, I hope that Chris will join Jalen, Juan, Ray and Jimmy at the game tonight to support the young players who've always looked up to them!
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
Friday, April 5, 2013
Simply Grateful
Good morning!
I was asked recently how did I become such a morning person. It's no secret to those close to me that I love the morning, I love to open my blinds and let the sun shine right in as soon as I'm up! When I lived in a studio apartment facing west I loved the view of the sun setting and the stars and moon at night, but I longed for the rising of the sun in the morning. I tried to think about how to answer their question. I started by shrugging them off by telling them that I've always been a morning person, my mom started me out that way. She had to get up and go and so did I along with my sisters. It's always been that way. Even now, if I want to talk to my mom early on a Saturday morning, I usually don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call her because I know she will be up.
But then I started to ponder their question a little more because they didn't seem to think that was the source or the only reason. Then I allowed myself to open up and share part of my private routine...Every morning when I wake up I thank God for another beautiful morning. Sometimes before my feet touch the floor, but more often in the shower (can I say that?). That is the time I thank Him for waking me up and watching over me while I slept through the night. I thank Him for all things I didn't thank Him for the night before as I fell asleep. The important thing isn't where, when or how I thank the Lord but it is that I am simply grateful for everything.
It is in their response to my reasoning that I wanted to share with you to simply be grateful. Take a moment during your rush to drop off the kids, get to work, order that coffee or what ever you think you must do in the morning to start off right to thank God - appreciate all that he has created. This is what I say, "Good morning Father. Thank you for another beautiful morning!"
If you don't understand what I'm saying...maybe JJ and Youthful Praise can better express it.
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
I was asked recently how did I become such a morning person. It's no secret to those close to me that I love the morning, I love to open my blinds and let the sun shine right in as soon as I'm up! When I lived in a studio apartment facing west I loved the view of the sun setting and the stars and moon at night, but I longed for the rising of the sun in the morning. I tried to think about how to answer their question. I started by shrugging them off by telling them that I've always been a morning person, my mom started me out that way. She had to get up and go and so did I along with my sisters. It's always been that way. Even now, if I want to talk to my mom early on a Saturday morning, I usually don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call her because I know she will be up.
But then I started to ponder their question a little more because they didn't seem to think that was the source or the only reason. Then I allowed myself to open up and share part of my private routine...Every morning when I wake up I thank God for another beautiful morning. Sometimes before my feet touch the floor, but more often in the shower (can I say that?). That is the time I thank Him for waking me up and watching over me while I slept through the night. I thank Him for all things I didn't thank Him for the night before as I fell asleep. The important thing isn't where, when or how I thank the Lord but it is that I am simply grateful for everything.
It is in their response to my reasoning that I wanted to share with you to simply be grateful. Take a moment during your rush to drop off the kids, get to work, order that coffee or what ever you think you must do in the morning to start off right to thank God - appreciate all that he has created. This is what I say, "Good morning Father. Thank you for another beautiful morning!"
If you don't understand what I'm saying...maybe JJ and Youthful Praise can better express it.
Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
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