So, how do you heal from Trauma?

      Just Breathe

Trauma sounds like a word used to describe someone who's been physically hurt, like a "car accident or a shooting." Working in the E.R. for a number of years is probably the reason I initially relate this word in that way. I am fully aware that trauma can be experienced both physically & mentally. And I'm also aware that many people experience this all while being silent and not able to get help for either.  So, how you do you heal from it? How do you forget the way someone hurt you or used you? How do get over the fact that they intentionally harmed your mind? How do you not become bitter? How do you continue to realize your goals and life's purpose?

Hear ye, hear ye! I have the Answer! You continue to breathe. Yep, that's it. You just keep getting up every morning or night or evening. You keep getting ready, showing up or staying in bed all day or crying yourself to sleep. You keep eating or not. But most of all, you just simply keep breathing.

You see, I'm an expert in this field (not a flex). I'm convinced that I have to be a part of Project Blue Beam . They must be testing to see how many times a person can make the same mistake over and over again & remain somewhat sane. While I consider myself healed, I retained a little craziness as a by product. It simply couldn't be avoided. You have to have some type of sense of humor to be able to laugh at yourself.

And I do that often these days, laugh. I literally can be in my house, by myself and crack up at the thought of something funny my son or daughter did. And I love it. I look for reasons to laugh, I look for reasons to encourage & I look for reasons to be thankful.  And one of those reasons that I'm thankful is because I'm still here...breathing. It may sound simple to some...but I know for others, it is a heavy burden.

When you endure something that changes the chemicals and hair follicles in your body, you know that life is more than just waking up and living. As I look back on some of my experiences, I realize that I was one of the lucky ones. Although, at the time it didn't feel like it. I mean, I only lost my hair, skin broke out, feet broke out, lost my home, had to start over again, became a slave for Jeff Bezos, almost drove off a bridge after working as a slave for Jeff Bezos, thought about jumping onto one of the conveyor belts while working for Jeff Bezos---you get the point. 

All I want you to know is that it does get better. Everyone's better, is & will be different. The healing process, the forgiveness process, the recovery process, all of these events come with time and wisdom. Not saying it's an easy process--saying that it is simply a process. Along the way, you will gain strength and wisdom. You will hopefully learn from the decisions you made. You will choose better for yourself. And you will start to recognize your worth. It's a beautiful thing. Hang in there and remember to just breathe. (I approve all typos-go be perfect somewhere else)

Bee

Review for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin Parmer/Tech Ridge.

 On February 12th through the 15th, my son Jaxon & I stayed at the Fairfield by Marriott in Austin, Texas which is located about 20 minutes from the Capitol, in downtown Austin.

I'd booked the room at the beginning of January and opted to pay in person once we arrived. I do this when I travel only because an array of things can happen between the time you plan a trip and the time it's actually executed. The Fairfield is surrounded by 2 other Marriott hotels; Residence Inn Marriott and Springhill Suites by Marriott. 

The immediate reaction was that it was the average hotel. The lobby was clean and decorated with 4 modern sway back sitting chairs, all of which appeared to be clean. 

     The front desk was staffed by a lady with a long curly ponytail, I couldn't see her smile or lack thereof because of the mandatory mask; but she seemed genuinely pleased to greet my son and me. After advising her of our prebooked rooms she told me that my name was not showing up - I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and determined that everything was going to be fine. I pulled out my planner that I purchased from, Happy Planner, located my confirmation paperwork and politely gave it to her. She read it and still couldn't find my reservation. 

    "Okay ma'am, no problem. Do you all have any rooms available?" I inquired. "Yes, but not at the rate you were quoted" she apologizingly responded. 

Well, this is a problem. I have a certain amount budgeted for everything on this trip, I tell her. 

The rooms were running about $50-$60 above what I'd budgeted, so worst case scenario would have been me getting the rooms at a rate that I hadn't budgeted for. Not something that was going to ruin the trip, but I would've been disappointed. Nevertheless, she called her supervisor and told her about the discrepancy, to which her supervisor, Octavia Carter, appeared in about 3 minutes. No exaggeration, she was there as soon as the lady at the front desk hung up. Ms. Carter looked at the paperwork, my I.D and was able to figure out that booking.com had booked the room under my middle and last name. Okay. No worries. Problem averted. They both apologized for the mistake, although not their fault. All smiles. I thanked them both for helping me. They could have had the 'I don't care' attitude and not went the extra mile to help me. I was grateful. 

We were given 2 keys and directions to our room which was on the 2nd floor, only a few feet from the elevator. 

The elevators were clean with no offensive smells. The hotel hallways were the same, carpet appeared clean & free of any trash. This is always a good sign. The hotel keys worked...sometimes they don’t, and you have to go back downstairs. Our room was as the website described. We had two queen sized beds, microwave, fridge etc. I didn't see any bugs, hair or trash. Of course, I still wiped everything down with my Lemon wipes; and I do mean everything. Changed the pillowcases, checked the bathroom. It was clean. 

The channel selection consisted of the local channels plus the normal extra ones and Netflix, YouTube, Showtime etc. You had to have your own login credentials for Netflix; which I had and was able to watch Unthinkable with Samuel L Jackson, Micheal Sheen and Carrie-Anne Moss. It was a good movie, not for the little one though - he was asleep when I watched it. I started to watch Inventing Anna but decided to wait until I got back home. 

The hotel serves breakfast every morning from 6-9. While we were there, it consisted of the same thing and is as follows:

Scrambled and boiled eggs, sausage & turkey patties, oatmeal with all the fixings, cereal/milk, yogurt, fruit, tortillas, pancake batter for the waffle maker. Orange/Apple juice. Coffee/Water and muffins. 

On the last night there, Jaxon wanted to swim so we checked it out. The pool area was located inside the hotel, so the water temperature was lovely. The area was clean and smell of chlorine. A few towels were available but that was okay cause we brought our own. The depth of the pool was 4'6 at the deepest end. 

 They also had an area at the front desk where you could buy snacks and have them put it on your room bill; everything cost $2.00.

The hotel decor was nice and relatable. I enjoyed being able to see it when we were coming and going. The floors were always clean except for the last day we were there. A construction work crew had checked in and their boots left hardened mud rocks on the floor. I'm sure it was cleaned soon after they left the area because the housekeepers were always cleaning. It was never hard to find someone if I needed extra towels, etc.

I would definitely stay there again. The price was affordable, the customer service was great and the cleanliness was top notch. 10 out of 10, would do it again.

Biranda L Sims  

(Bee L Kirk)

Creator & Host of Thought Provoking Seconds Podcast (TBA)

I have had the pleasure of meeting many people in my humble 39 years here on earth. Some of them were more pleasant than others but all have been learning lessons in some way. This next encounter definitely ranks under one of the pleasant ones. Please enjoy my interview with Aaqila Rasheed!


1.    Where are you from originally? 

I am originally from Oakland, CA.

Oakland is beautiful! It's a city that I want to visit one day. And the skyline is breathtaking!

2.    Have you traveled out of the country? If so, where? 

I have been to Spain and Kenya. Both countries are simply breathtaking. They are both very rich in culture, history, and pride. I would love to go back to either places again.

Kenya is beautiful as well. There were numerous pictures that popped up when I typed in "Kenya". Some of them showed the skyline of the metropolitan area and others depicted the culturally diverse population of this area. But this picture caught my eye because of the setting/rising sun and the amazing ambiance it sets. I'm sure you were privy to this scene more than once while visiting Kenya. What a blessing. I can understand why you want to go back. Not to mention the food you had a chance to try. Definitely a bucket list contender.

3.    Listening to music or reading? 
Listening to music. 

I'm torn between the two because I love both reading and listening to music. They can be a useful source of peace when things are a little crazy. I listen to music every single day. If you haven't already, I urge you to listen to Lauryn Hill's gripping and soul exposing, MTV Unplugged 2.0 Full Album. Life changing.

4.    Advice to your younger self?

 My advice would be to not let others or your circumstances define who you are. Your identity is found in Christ and He says you are wonderfully made.

5.    Name one person you would want to have dinner with? Where would you take them? And what's one question you would ask them?

I would want to have dinner with Queen Nefertiti. I have always admired her symbolism for strength and beauty. I would ask her, “How in the world did they build the pyramids?”

Yes, she would be very intriguing. I did some research on her, and she was quite the character.

6.    Favorite color?

Purple, the color of royalty.

7.    Favorite musical artist? 

I have so many favorites. One is John Legend. His voice is amazing and he’s a great writer.

I am a radio fan of his and appreciate his ability to go beyond what is current and comfortable, but instead allows his gift to guide him in ways that produce musical genius. And I sound just like the female version of him when I sing...in the shower...on Wednesday's...after listening to the motivational speaker, ET Thomas.

8.    Steak or pasta?

Pasta every day! Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta with shrimp and broccoli topped with Parmesan cheese to be exact.

Yes, yes and yes!!! I don't think it can get any better than pasta with broccoli and shrimp!!! I am confident that if I had to have a last meal...it would be this. A medium well cooked steak with extra seasoning, grilled veggies, and french fries with bacon and cheese would be a close second.

9.    If our technological advances continue at the pace they are on, we will likely be able to go into outer space as regular ol' citizens. If given the opportunity, would you go?

 I would definitely go! I love to travel. If I could travel to outer space, that would be great. I am so fascinated by the things God has created. To be able to see it with my own eyes would no doubt leave me speechless. :)

This concludes our interview! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions and allowing others to learn more about you. I pray many blessings over you and your family. May God continue to be your guiding light. Be well. 

Bee L Kirk
City of the Guardians
The Matthew 7:12 Movement


                                      

Aaqila Rasheed | Marketing Director

m: 972.757.7974 | o: 214.443.6200aaqila@beiconicstyle.com | beiconicstyle.com

Let's Go...again

Hello, it's me. I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet....My bad. I'm listening to Adeles'  new song!

And if you haven't heard it,,,well, yeah it's pretty awesome.

Really though, Hello again.

It's been a minute since I've posted and I can honestly say that I've missed this. The ability to express yourself and share how you feel about certain things can be an freeing experience. Why have I been away so long? Because life requested me to be in 5 different places at the same time and blogging didn't fit into any of those places. Working a job for 12 hours a day can drain the most determined soul.

Add to that a 4 year old with the energy level of a rabid tiger, plus a 15 year old who is trying to find herself and you have a recipe that equals drainage of epic proportions--oh yeah, and still trying to finish City of the Guardians: Introducing Eric Honor as well.

http://www.beelkirk.net/

I'm not saying being super woman is impossible, I'm just saying it's not easy. But then again, what is? Anything worth having is worth fighting for and so I made myself sit down in the quiet of night and slumber to write these few pieces of advice for people who have dreams but a short amount of time to work on them. This is for the souls who long to be what they yearn to be but can't seem to grasp that thing that will lead them to their destiny.

I am taking time out my crazy schedule to tell you not to give up! No matter how many times you run into the proverbial brick wall, get back up, dust that stuff off and get back in the game. Under no circumstance can you give up. For if you give in to the hardness, that life is sure to bring, you will never know what greatness lies before you. Please allow me to give you an example.

J.K. Rowling

    J.K. Rowling....I know many of you have heard of this author. And I know many of you may know of her back story. But I'm going to break it down a little bit further for you. J.K. Rowling was on welfare, a single parent, and depressed.

If you are on welfare, that means you don't have enough money to buy food for yourself or your family. It means that the state is giving you a certain amount of money or food every month so that you don't starve. It means that you aren't doing well financially. It means that when you go to sleep at night you worry about how and when things are going to get better. It makes you question all the decisions you've ever made in your life and ponder the idea of, 'why me.'

She was also a single mother. This means she was doing 90% or more of the work that it takes to raise a child. Bathing, playing, feeding, clothing and making sure the child is safe...by yourself basically. Anyone who has a child/ren with two parents in the house can attest to the difficulty of raising them, so try to imagine being by oneself. It can be draining and at times defeating. It's makes you question life on the best of days and wonder if you are capable of giving the child/ren what they need to be a productive member of society.

Depression

She was also depressed. This is the one that makes me know that if she was able to realize her dream, we all can do the same. Depression is a very real situation. The feeling of defeat is one that can hold you in the corner of nothingness with the grip of Sampson. Having experienced this, I know how serious it can be. The fact that she fought through all that stuff, all that uncontrollable mess, all that life, lets me know that the possible is there.

We have to hold steadfast to the belief that we were created to win. There has to be the slightest bit of hope. It doesn't have to be a big a mountain. It doesn't have to sing from the Eiffel Tower. It just has to be a glimmer. And we have to keep our eye on it. The desire to be successful in the thing that you were created to do, will keep you close to the flame. Close enough to keep it lit. Take that little flicker and blow it. Blow it until it is a roaring flame and then maintain it. Your desires and aspirations are given to you for a reason. Don't allow the world to tell you differently. Don't allow failure to decide your future and take away the thing that you desire most. Everyone is going to fail at some point or another.

The people who proclaim to be the perfect specimen is the perfect lie. They, too, fail. We all do. The difference between the people who go on to succeed in their destiny and those that don't, is the single fact that the successful people got back up after being knocked down. If you've never hit the dirt before, just be patient. It's impossible to experience the gratification of success without the realization of failure. Failure is the thing that should drive you to succeed. The thing that keeps you up writing or thinking or planning on how you will win.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

If you give up now, just know that tomorrow's regrets will be ready to greet you in years to come. They will remind you of what could have been and what should have been. Reject the thought of not getting back up! If you don't believe me, just try and see what happens...

Bee Encouraged!

City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor
Twitter
FB Author Page
COTG Book Page

My interview with A Pilot...who likes to write books and eat at Nando's.

I love interviewing people because I always learn something new. The gentleman I had the pleasure of interviewing recently, has big plans for his future and is ready to motivate you about yours. Having already accomplished a great deal, he continues to push forward, making sure we all remember his name. Without further ado, please enjoy my interview with Matthew C Martino who is a film producer and author currently based in London.

Bee: Where are you originally from?

Matthew: I am originally from Zimbabwe in Africa.

Bee: Is this your first published book? 

Matthew: Go For It was actually my second book, my first book was a pilots manual named ‘Lets Fly’.

Bee: Are you a full time writer?

Matthew: No, I actually produce films and run my business full time, I enjoy writing and thus I've always made time for it. I find when I'm writing I can be free and use my creative sense.
Bee: Tell me about your book, Let's Fly. 

Matthew: Lets Fly is a pilots manual for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts and it gives an outlook into the aviation industry and provides general flying knowledge in layman terms.

Bee: What do you wish for the reader to take away from it?

Matthew: With Lets Fly I intend for the reader to go away with more knowledge about flying and to know the basics of how a plane gains flight and other aviation terminology. I also hope that someone gets a passion from flying from the book.

Bee: What makes you an expert on flying? 

Matthew: I began flying when I was (15) and I've flown various aircraft and helicopters(with an instructor of course). I have also studied JAA & FAA flying theory studies which makes my knowledge on aviation valuable.

Bee: You also have another book available for readers to purchase and experience, called Go For It. It speaks to all the entrepreneurs out there. And C. Martino shares some the highs and lows of being your own boos. It's available on Amazon.

       Who is your favorite author? 

Matthew: J.K. Rowling

Bee: Do you do any public speaking? 

Matthew: I don’t do any public speaking frequently. I occasionally get asked to speak at open days for flight schools or at business seminars which I quite enjoy.

Bee: Are you an independent or represented author?

Matthew: I currently have general representation who handle all my activity.

Bee: Advice for new authors? 

Matthew: I would advise new authors to send their manuscript to as many publishers as possible so you get a wide range of good advice.

Bee: What is your passion in life? 

Matthew: I want to be a successful businessman and be able to advance my educational portfolio to have a PhD in a chosen subject.

Bee:Where do you see yourself in (5) years? 

Matthew: I think I see myself in high education studying for my Masters degree and getting ready for my doctorate.

Bee: What's your guilty pleasure? 

Matthew: My guilty pleasure has got to be Nandos.

Bee: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or passed, who would it be and why? 

Matthew: I would love to have dinner with Sir Alan Sugar. A few people have told me I’m hard to please and arrogant like he is. I would like to learn a few tips from the man himself.

Bee: What's your #1 do-over?

Matthew: #1 do-over would have to be my GCSE’s. I could have gotten better results than I did in high school.

Bee:  The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is an academic qualification awarded in a specified subject, generally taken in a number of subjects by students aged 14-16 in secondary education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.What's the best advice you've ever received? 

Matthew: To never give up on what I want to achieve.

Bee: Sushi or Steak? 

Matthew: Steak all the way.

Bee: Celebrity you'd most like to meet? 

Matthew: He’s not really a celeb but Barack Obama. (Keeping my fingers crossed)

Bee: Favorite movie? 

Matthew: Its always got to be Pretty Woman, a good mixture of business and pleasure in that film.

Bee: Many thanks to C. Martino for taking the time to share some of his passions in life. I wish you continued success and happiness.

Bee L. Kirk - Author of City of the Guardians & What's From the Heart Reaches the Heart.

Matthew C. Martino's  Information:

Goodreads

Let's Fly

Go For It

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