Finding Peace

Happy Monday!

Peace is one of the most sought after gifts on this Earth.

How wonderful would it be to live in a world with no violence, no war, and no hostility!

But, this is not possible. As long as you have people with different religions, upbringings, and cultural views on what is "right", conflict will continue to happen.

We cannot control what others do, say, and believe. But, we can find peace within ourselves and our homes.

How do we find peace within?

• By stopping the mental and emotional assaults on ourselves. 
• Stop telling yourself you will never make it or you are not "good enough". The thoughts we meditate on become our reality because we don't strive for anything better.
• By acting toward others in love, even when they don't reciprocate it. 
• This is a hard task to do, but if we allow ourselves to lash out in anger every time someone does or says something we don't agree with, we are inviting unrest into our spirit.
• By allowing others to live their own version of peace.
• What we define as peace and stability in our minds and lives is not the same for others. As long as the other person is not hurting anyone, allow them to live their peace. For instance, my peace comes through writing and poetry and is not found in the "traditional" workplace. For another woman, her peace may be found in a 9-5 setting. When we stop trying to "fix" others, we can transform ourselves and be a positive influence on those around us.
• By constructing a time and place to be alone. 
• Even if you have to get out of bed earlier or escape to your bathroom or car, find at least 15 minutes for yourself. Breathe, clear your thoughts, and pray or meditate to restore balance in your life. When you replenish your reserve, you can serve others more efficiently.

Love and Light,

-T. Amour

Song of the Week - Amel Larrieux "Afraid"

Amel Larrieux never fails to release soul stirring, feel-good music!

She recently debuted "Afraid" the first single from her upcoming album Ice Cream Everyday. 

Faithful fans have waited six years for new music and, with just one listen to "Afraid", the wait was worth it! Amel's signature smoky voice sounds electrifying against the funky bassline and she ponders the possibilities of new love.

This intoxicating track pairs well with balmy summer evenings :) 

-T. Amour 

Yeezus or Born Sinner??

Today, J. Cole and Kanye West go head to head.

J. Cole released his sophmore album, Born Sinner, and Kanye released the highly anticipated Yeezus.

I find both names to be interesting (to say the least), but its all about material in the end. Kanye is known to be a production genius, J. Cole is know for his masterful wordplay.

Which album will you choose? Or, will they both get equal play?

-T. Amour

Song of the Week: J. Cole feat. Kendrick Lamar

Born Sinner is about to be one of, if not THE best rap album this year.

After a leak of the album, J. Cole streamed the album on his bornsinner.com website just a day after his creative marketing scheme involving several cities.

Rap fans have wanted a J. Cole/Kendrick Lamar collabo album for a while now and this track is a taste of what these two lyrical geniuses are capable of. Although Kendrick is only on the hook, this song still rides.

Supported by a nice sample of A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation", this is surely a standout track on Born Sinner, which is slated for a June 18th release.

If you are truly a J. Cole fan, support him and BUY THIS ALBUM.

-T. Amour
***I know there was a post of a tiny foot and other stuff up a few minutes ago. That was my daughter fooling with my iPad. Sorry!

New Beginnings and Sweet Poetry

I have finally gotten the courage to leave my full time job and pursue my dreams of being a writer and small business owner.

Of course, most of my support has come from outside of my family via my faithful Twitter family. The people I know in my non-virtual life think I am insane for daring to be a writer.

But, I know who I am and what I need in my life to be happy. And, being at someone's cubicle for 40+ hours a week is not for me. In order to be the mother and wife I need to be, I have to make a life and not just a living.

I am also leaving the state of NC and moving just a little bit north to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. While its not a cross country move, I will welcome the change with open arms.

Also, my book of poetry is on its way soon! Everything has been written and I am working on the covers and exploring my publishing options. I am aiming for release in mid-July (at the latest), so stay tuned!

Please keep me in your thoughts as I go forth in my journey. If you are the praying type of person, I accept positive prayers as well! :)

As always, I am thinking of all of you. I want you to be happy, healthy, and to achieve everything you set out to do.

With Love,

-T. Amour