CONFIDENCE IS THE MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 JUNE, 2021
Mental Health: Emotional Effects of Fatherhood
Dr. Thomas Franklin Freeman A Letter to my "Unofficial Father"
Father's Day Issue
by: Wendell King II
Life after Colon Cancer
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She Didn’t Quit tho' Learning to Live After Death In June of 2012, I gave birth to my only child Grace Serenity. Unfortunately she only lived eighteen minutes. After the loss of my daughter, I spent the next four years secretly angry with God as well as myself. How could the one thing I wanted most in life be taken from me? I knew God didn’t make mistakes but why did this tragedy have to happened to me? Especially when a year earlier, I lost my father, the only man I ever felt who truly loved me “unconditionally”. I had so many questions and no one could give me any answers that would ease my pain. I truly was in a state of depression, yet I was somehow able to function daily. In those years my weight gain would continue to spiral out of control as well as losing love for myself. I was ashamed and felt unloved. I felt like no one would ever want to love me since I would not be able to carry a child full term. This was the first time in my life I simply hated who I was becoming. I would put on a “happy go lucky” mask everyday so that no one would know how I truly felt about myself. I was not only physically unhealthy but also declined emotionally and mentally. After four years of dying, I needed to decide if I wanted to live or die. Although I was in my state of depression, I decided to live. I also needed to deal with the real issues which were I allowed life circumstances and my deepest desire to be loved to determine my identity in this world. I began working out and eating clean. The weight seemed to dissipate effortlessly. While losing weight, I worked hard to face the truth about myselfwhich was needing to rekindle the love for myself I once had. In a sense I was chiseling away every lie I told myself concerning me. I was beginning to live AGAIN.
I am in no way near where I want to be as far as weight loss, but I am right where I need to be as far as loving myself. My knight in shining armor has not arrived but I perfectly content with who I am physically, mentally, and emotionally now. I used to wake up each morning wishing to be loved. Now I wake up every morning grateful to God knowing I am loved so I am free love. As a practice of mine now I also wake up each day with the well to live. I truly believe whatever you think or say you have the potential to become. So it is important to start your day with a positive mind set. There are some mindfulness exercises that may be done each morning to start your day. For me, I never rush out of bed. I take a moment to put my day into perspective and think about how I will be intentional about accomplishing goals I have set for that day. Finally, I recite my daily affirmations. This has allowed my to live for today. I truly believe everyday is a good day. We may have bad moments in our day but our days are good. Keep on doing what you need to do to become mentally strong as well as physically fit. But like I always say… see you at the finish line and do not forget to be kind.
THE DRESSING ROOM Creative versatile and passionate about her craft Adrienne Shanelle has been able to establish herself as a successful stylist for over 20 years with that Adrienne feels that she can style almost anyone and everything . Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers . This months Dressing Room issue is dedicated to you . hopefully my observation and thoughts on fashion can help you refine the way you present yourself. No First who you are and then adorn your self accordingly. The first step to be respected fellas is to look respectable .always dress well keep it simple but significant . I can’t say it enough Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication guys!! Your Style and confidence requires knowing yourself and where and what you feel best in. BeYou unapologetically!!
It's Father's Day Month and we are saluting Father's and Fatherhood. In the Dressing Room we don't discriminate, we dress men as well. I decided to honor the love of my life, my husband. Here we have him in a causal Saturday Stroll outfit and on the right he is Dressed to the Nines. Honey!!! He Gets a 10+ on my SCORECARD and in my heart and the hearts of his children and family.
By: Adrienne Shanelle