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Intentional Intentions

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Top: Goodwill, Pants: Forever XXI, Sandals: TopShop, Sunglasses: French Quarter Market, Bag: Dopeciety

"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." -Nelson Mandela
 

I'll be entering the last year of my twenties in about a month and I can literally feel it. My body is changing, my patience level has gotten more tolerable (roughly), and have found myself being more clear about my wants and needs. In the past I'd find difficulty determining exactly what all that entails. Everyday I'd pray for an abundance of love, joy, and success. But what all does that include? Am I being to general? Too vague? Am I confusing the Universe by not being clear with my intentions?  

A girlfriend and I were chatting about settling the other day. She vowed to be more conscious about her needs and is now practicing the art of "not settling." Applying it to every aspect of her life, from major life-altering decision-making, to deciding what brand to get of your favorite pancakes at the grocery store. She said if she wanted the Universe to understand her intentions, she needed to be more clear about them. If I go to the bar, order a Stella Artois and the bartender says they're out, I can't settle for a Bud Light. One because Bud Light is disgusting, [eck] but also because that's not truly what I want. See, I'd already tasted the crisp flavor of the Stella, touching the tips of my tastebuds. I'm not going to settle and go with something I don't really want. And no this was not a hypothetical situation, I'm at Outback right now writing this and I'm a little salty about it [I digress]. 

The fact of the matter is, my friend inspired me to try this method out. I pray and put my intentions out into the Universe everyday. If I want reciprocity, I better be putting out the right thing. I want an abundance of love, joy, and success. So I'm going to ask for it and I'm going to be VERY specific about it. I'm going to be more open and honest with myself and others. I'm going to create the life I want for myself. It's no one's responsibility, but mine. I'm holding myself accountable. Putting my big girl panties on and taking control of my life. Today I wanted my favorite steak from Outback. So, I took myself to Outback and got my favorite steak. Simple as that. [I clearly know the way to my own heart...] 

C. M. Hamilton

Complex Simplicity

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Top & Necklace: Forever XXI, Pants: Buffalo Exchange, Handbag: Thrifted

Photographed by: Danielle "Lil Bit" Miles

"Everything is simpler than you think and at the same time more complex than you imagine."
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

Life is just complex simplicity. It's a compilation of experiences turned lessons, moments turned memories...There are so many details to life, yet so little effort needed to actually live it. Some of the simplest things we often make so complicated...like love for instance... How complicated should it be just to love? Love is effortless. It exists without any attempt. It is something we are born with, given to share, and carry with us everyday. There is no real excuse for why we make it so complicated. 

As natural as it comes, the practice of love can be a bit challenging. Especially in an environment where it's not so easy to translate. Love does not exist where there is hate. We must create it. Manifestation is a real thing. 

My life is filled with many stories of hurt, pain, disloyalties, and unnecessary drama. There have been many days where I've allowed my insecurities to consume me, and my actions may have a reflection of that. My energy may have been low making me infectious to myself and others. Those days are difficult. We can't always be happy or proud of ourselves. But as I've matured, I've learned that those days are necessary. Without them I would not continue to grow. Those days are the fertilizer to my blooming life. I've learned that those days I need some alone time. Time to recharge my batteries and get back in touch with who I am and what my purpose is. Even though sometimes I may feel like my world is crumbling down, the only constant that remains is love. I may be down, but I am loved. I may be sad, but I am loved. I may be broken, but I am loved. And with love in my heart I will always be ok. 

So, maybe the complexity lies in the lack of faith that love exists. Or the idea that our lives are these giant mazes that we're racing through; with dead ends, trick doors, and no maps to guide us. The truth is our lives are bigger than us. All we're here to do is give love and receive our destinies. We shouldn't put so much time and effort into what we can not control. It is written. Instead of complicating life with the whys and why nots, let's accept what IS and engage more in the practice of love. 

Love yourselves: because to give and receive love you must BE love. Love your friends and foes: because they need to be reminded of the love that lies inside of them. Love your family: because you were created by them through love and reciprocity keeps it flowing. Love your life: because it's sacred. It's yours and no one else's. Soak it up. Sop it up. Ingest and digest it. Center your life around love. Be carefree, be gentle, be kind to yourself, have fun, laugh a lot, share moments, make memories. As complicated as life may seem, know that you can get through anything with love. It's as simple as that. 

 

Mio Amore

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Dress: Michael Kors, Jacket: Forever 21, Shoes: Bakers 

Photographer : Brandon Joseph (IG: @gr8mnd_)

 

Mio Amore. My Love. 

My love is pure like virgin sugar cane nectar.

My heart is deeper than the Pacific.

So why is love such a challenge?

Maybe it's the barricade keeping my feelings a little past arms reach 

Or my pride playing tug of war with my emotions

Maybe it's the lack of trust.

Trust in myself. Trust in faith...

The truth is, love is a challenge because I'm looking in all the wrong places.

I'm searching in signs, cosmic connections, energy exchanges

When all signs are leading to me

And the Universe is just giving me more time

And my energy levels are fluctuating,

Because I'm ignoring all the stars that are aligned in my own galaxy. 

The best kind of love is self love.

I must give myself the kind of love I wish to receive. 

If I can't love me, then who the hell else will? 

I'm not waiting on love. Love is waiting on me. 

Waiting on me to realize that it's already within me.

I was born with it. I breathe with it. I give with it. I live with it.

My love is ME. 

Amore mio sono io

xoxo

 

  

 

The Gentlewoman

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Glasses: Warby Parker, Shirt: J. Crew, Pants: American Apparel, Jacket & Suspenders: Thrifted, Scarf & Socks: Billy Reid, Boots: Steve Madden by way of DSW, Ring: Time Warp Boutique, Handbag:

Photographed by: Larry Everage (Ig: @larryeverage, website: LarryEverage.com)

 

Gen·tle·wom·an: noun, a woman of high social standing

Dandy as a gent in his finest threads

Dappered down to my toes 

Blazers & suspenders

Fine, divine, and debonair

Androgynous

Anti-misogyenous

A dwindlin' of my feminine

A a touch of testosterone

I've always had a strong appreciation for menswear. The lines and structure, coupled with the practicality and multi-functionality. It’s powerful. As a teenager, I remember my dad teaching me how to tie a necktie. Then, I'd sneak into his closet and "borrow" one to wear to school. I'd pair it with a blazer from my very extensive collection, throw on some jeans and sneakers and then feel so fly walking down the hallway. Back in my punk/rock fashion stage (post high school/college), I'd wear plaid newsboy hats and either black suspenders or a pinstripe vest over my graphic tees. I was CLEARLY making a statement. I've been known to be adventurous and push boundaries with my personal style. I have an androgynous taste in fashion. It's a reflection of my semi-guys' girl, borderline tomboy personality. Yet, I remain all woman. 

Word.