Truth is...

...I'm in a good mood and having a good day.

I'm happy...simple as that.
Feeling like I'm on Cloud 9!
...Enjoy...

Truth is...

...I've done the diet route...Ain't my thing!

Picture taken from here

So I've mentioned before my take on my size/weight/body.
And just as I said then...

...I love my FAT self!!!

But I also mentioned something very important.

More important than fitting into a certain size or style of clothes.

More important than trying to fit into the norm...whatever that's suppose to mean.

And more important than being appealing to others.

What's more important than all of that, you ask?

Being healthy.

Taking the necessary steps now to live a long prosperous life and curb any unnecessary health conditions and ailments.

As I mentioned, one of my last conversations with my mom was on this exact subject.

Living healthier, free of ailments, finding an inner peace, becoming more spiritual.

All the things that help to create a better version of who we are as individuals.

So for most of this year, I've been working towards creating a healthier life.

And let me be honest...it's hard as hell!

It requires you to make some major life changes.

Not too bad, changes come all the time. So why is this so hard for me...:

1. I don't do diets.

I can not, I will not, I shall not. Have I tried? Most definitely. Who hasn't.

But I honestly, honestly feel that diets are 9 times out of 10, set up for you to fail.

Look around...there are millions of meal plans, workshops, work out centers, attire and equipment, etc etc etc that are out there waiting for folks to pounce on and gobble up.

And though all this is available for us, people miss the main factor why so much is out there...it's a business people.

People are in the business of selling you things, presenting you offers to make their pockets fatter. Now don't get me wrong, there are some programs that are really interested in helping those individuals, like myself, who are interested in a healthier lifestyle. But there are many that are out there to jump on the bandwagon of one of the most lucrative businesses...the health industry.
Look at it like this: If someone presented you an offer into a business field that's making millions and becoming more popular by the day, doing something legal, but not original or necessarily always to better others...Would you do it? You might not, but so many will...
2. I'm unemployed...
..so I really don't decide what type of "bread we're winning".

I've talked about my Pops before. He's a hardworking man. Been doing construction for over 20 years. Came straight from the back woods of Alabama. Not scared at all to try new foods, but he's still a country boy to his heart.
Therefore...meat and potatoes are always on the menu.
Naw, not literally, but you get my drift.
He likes the typical steaks, fried foods, fast foods, etc.
They say you pick up your eating habits from your parents and boy were they right.
I can admit I've gotten a lot of them from him.
Over time he's changed some things due to his own health concerns, but you can never take the country out the country man.
So I said all this to say...
...While I'm unemployed, and living in his home, I must adapt to his food choices.
*Sigh* This is the biggest challenge. Bad enough healthier food is always more expensive, but then add that you can't make the food purchasing decisions...No win.
Now it's not drastic where I must only buy what he wants, but I have to be considerate that usually I'm using his money to make the food purchases and I have to feed him and a growing teen boy.

*Sigh*...in due time, in due time...
3. I moving towards living a more holistic lifestyle.
I mentioned it before when referring to the products I use on my hair and skin, but I would love to embrace in every aspect of my life.
I think when people hear "holistic" sometimes they think its a religious connection or a hippie concept, but it's not that at all.
It more about embracing more organic products, medical alternatives, and implementing actions into our lives that help create peace and tranquility.
Sounds like a simple visit to a spa would help, right? Lol
But again, I would love to embrace this into my life in every way possible.
I think sometimes we're taught or believe there's only one way to live, one certain product to use or we have to take all the medicine out doctors hand over to us.
But like the old saying goes...there's more than one way to skin a cat.
And I'm hoping to find ways which are less chemical infused, less potent side affects, and helps me improve my well being in a better way.
Haven't quite figured it all out and haven't found the right techniques and/or products.
May be trying reflexology...let you all know about that, soon.
4. I'm not good at making drastic changes.
I am a Taurus to my heart. We have a hard, HARD time with changes. Enough said.
5. I'm not a big eater.
I can go an entire day with the smallest amount of food.
This is so not a good thing and I know it.
But besides that, the biggest thing that's helping to add on the pounds...
I may not eat a thing, but I over consume on pops.
Won't name my favorite, but let's say its a dark color and though there's an on going debate of which of these two popular brands is the best...SMH...it doesn't matter to me, I love them both.
Now I know...this is soooo not good.
I've yet to create write the post that will reveal the long term effect of over-consuming soda and pops. Mainly because it's a touchy subject for me.
But because I want to improve my health and this certain matter, I'm working hard to make this one particular aspect better.

So these are all the factors that are in my way.

Now what am I doing to bi-pass this and move towards that healthier life?...

a. Won't do diets...
...but I've become more conscious of the food I take in: calories, sodium, cholesterol, and have included various ways to be more active: walking, starting a water aerobics class soon, etc.
b. Don't have to eat everything that's purchased to eat, but can choose healthier options from it.
Example: Dinner was Boston Market. Instead of loading up the macaroni and cheese and sweet potatoes, I got a spoonful of each and then loaded the plate with dill potatoes, steamed veggie mix and green beans.
c. I mentioned the reflexology. Looking into some other things, too.
d. Bad at drastic changes. Baby steps people...baby steps.
e. Haven't cut pop out permanently, but I've made changes. For every glass of pop I consume, I try to drink two glasses/ bottles of water. See, I'm good at changing some things.

So that's it in a nutshell.
I hope to look back many years from now and be so proud of myself for living a healthier, happier life.

Diets, for me, stinks. But baby steps always help me get closer to my goals.

Image take from here

Stay healthy...Be happy,


Rani

Randomness...Young, Fresh & New!

Been in quite a funk this past month.
Like I mentioned in a previous post, things aren't going as I planned.
But today is a new day and another opportunity.
I woke up this morning feeling like I could take on the world.

I decided to make a few life changes:

eliminate some people, become more involved in other aspects of life, broaden my career horizon

And pick back up some things I threw to the side:

exercise, eat healthier, meditation, doctor visit, praying, organization

Taking baby steps, with big spaces.

The quickest way to burn out is to take on too much.

So here we go...

Life Editing: Take 2!!!

And to make sure my a$% get to moving, I woke up this morning banging this...

...Sorry neighbors!

I'll put $5 on it...

...cause some s$&t never fails!

I'm not a gambling person.
Playing the lotto, going to the boat (that's a Chi-town thing), shooting dice...none of those things appeal to me.
Not because I'm a Christian, it's just not my thing.
But the more certain things happen in life I wonder...Should I make a bet on this?
Some things happen so often to me, I can bet money on it and get paid. Good money, too.

There are things in life that never fail.
No matter how many times you've done it, said it, tried it, some things are just bound to happen.
It's like Murphy's Law, "What can go wrong, will go wrong!"

Anyone can create their own list of "never fails".
There are some things in each one of our lives that just always take place.
A lot of these things came to me last night as I'm in the bar with my sister and a friend.
As one happened it triggered the memory of another and another.
If I had a sheet of paper and a pen handy I could have written an encyclopedia right on the spot.
Bonus: That devil juice make you think...so you can imagine where my mind wandered.

S#&t That Never Fails: Volume 1

1. No matter where I am...

...the oldest man in the room is the one who's approaching me.

If I'm lying, I'm flying and my feet ain't left the ground.

No matter where I go, the oldest man in the room is the one that's all up in my face, asking me my name, trying to take me out to Denny's, or let me drive his van.

I wish I could say I was lying about this, but it never fails!!!

A man usually older or as old as my father, is the one seeking me out.

My father is 50...enough said.

Last night was no exception. The man was 59, yall.

59!!!!

Now I will admit, I've dated older men.

Usually only a 10-15 year difference.

Honestly...*with a straight face*...they're the only men who'll approach me.

I don't know if it's cause I look much older than 25, cause I'm not bent over booty-tooting in the club, or because my mannerisms are old school, but every man that steps to me is much, much older.

For most of this year, every man I came across was 40.

It happened so often, I thought it was a sign...Maybe I should play 4-0-0 in the lotto!

But 59, yall!!!

Now don't get me wrong. The man was nice, very respective, and was a true gentleman.
And unlike many young women, I usually am cordial and speak to them, not shun them, hiss, or roll my eyes.

I always believe, "the feet you step on today may be the ass you kiss tomorrow", so I never want to just dismiss anyone. You never know who you come across.

But I promise, it never fails.

Granddaddy's love me.

2. After talking to an older man, his response is always the same, "You're only 25?!?"

Another never fail moment.

Yes, I'm only 25!

I'm not making it up or lying. I have nothing to hide, I'm not under a different alias or under witness protection.

I'm 25.

And 9 times out of 10, the man approaching me has a child my age, close to my age or older.

One guy I know had a daughter I went to school with...*smh*...he still wanted to date!

All my life I've been told I looked older, sounded older, was very mature. So yes, I get it.

But when I say I'm 25, yes I mean it.

What's messed up is the double edged sword...

...men who are older, think I'm their age and they approach...

...men who are my age, think I'm older and don't approach.

*Smh*

Like that old saying goes, "I can't win from losing!"

...Since I'm the subject of "Men", I going to stay here for a moment...

3. Folks are always shocked I'm single.

Okay, I can go on and on and on for days about this, but I'm going to keep it short and sweet and try to quiet that voice in me that's screaming, "Tell it like it is, girl!!!"

Okay, so I'm single. Check.

College graduate, no kids. Check. Check.

No longer own a car, not living alone just yet, but I'm goal oriented, focused, and working hard to make some life changes.

Check. Check. Check. Check. Check.

"So why are you single?", they ask.

I honestly don't know.

It's like a shot in the dark on this one...

...because I'm a fat girl? Naw, you'd be surprised how many men are attracted to larger women.

...because I'm short? Nope. Actually, my height never hinders me. Except when reaching a top shelf.

...because I'm Black? *SMH* No, not that either. I've had men of various ethnicity giving me the looksy.

I honestly don't know.

After getting over the shock of me being single, and double checking my ring finger, like that means anything now days, Mr. 59 years old asked, "Don't you get lonely? Don't you miss it?"

Uh.............................yea!

Who doesn't miss hugs, kisses, having a significant other?

The only thing you don't miss are the bad days, let's keep it real.

And as a woman, we long for affection...You d%$m right I miss it!

But as I stated in a previous post...I'm content.

I really do think it's just not my time.

And so...once again, I have to hear this question and offer the same answer.

I-DON'T-KNOW!

4.  The man you're interested in has no interest or only interested to a degree.

*Sigh*..so in some ways this is obvious. Refer back to #3.

And this definitely cancels out any one in the #1 categories...I did say man I'm interested in.

(Side Note: Mr. 59 just blew my phone up. Not cruel enough to hit 'IGNORE' so I let it go to voicemail. Do you know he sent the "please call" text to my phone?!?)

This has happened on multiple occasions. I'll give you two examples:

Exhibit A:

 A guy I've been friends with for a couple of years now.

When we initially met, I was involved with someone and so I had to turn him down, but there was some mutual interest.

We didn't fool around, yet, our friendship still flourished and we became pretty close.

When my ex and I split...When my ex left me, (tell the truth shame the devil)...my friend had now began a relationship with another woman. Once again, we still stayed in friendship zone.

Flash forward closer to present day: We're both single. Obviously still both attracted to each other.

But nothings happened.

Hell, we flirted when we were involved! Now we just kick it like two old war buddy's.

*Waving ecstatically*

"Hey! Over here, buddy! It's Me! The chick you were interested in awhile back.

The circumstances are now right, we're closer than before.

What's the problem?!?"

Exhibit B:

 Another guy I've known for awhile, but didn't really get close to until about 1 year ago.

Our families have known each other for years.

(Side Note: He might actually be reading this...if so...this shouldn't be a surprise, right?)

Though our families have known each other and we knew each other distantly, it was not until about a year and a half ago that we actually started to communicate and hang out.

Eventually we realized our career choices were similar, our circle of friends and associates overlapped, and we just down right had a lot in common.

So why aren't we together?

Basically...he wants one thing and I wanted more.

I'm trying to keep it PG people, but go ahead and read between the lines.

Now, I honestly think its more to this...

I have a feeling that he has a lot of females in his face.

They see his potential success and are rushing to find a way to lock him down.

Not a bad thing, it means he has options.

But I think he knows this and is enjoying playing this "possum" game.

Unfortunately for him, I won't play along. Not my cup of tea.

Do I like him? Yes, I do. Think he's a really good guy.

Not because of what he can be financially, but because of who he is as a man.

But you can't make someone see what they don't want to see.

Now I can go on and on and on about the things I come across that repeat themselves.

Sometimes it's like an endless cycle of bizarre occurrences that folks would think I'm lying about.

Seriously thinking about taking bets on these things...I could use a few dollars!

Hey...don't judge me...just place your bet!

Stay blessed and failing (Just kidding),

Rani

Dear Future Husband...

"Forver My Queen" by Jay Bakari Allen

...I loved to be loved...

...and give love in return.

I know. What a sentence, right?
But it's all true.

I'm a lover from the bottom of my heart, the depths of my soul.
I love hard, deep, intensely, and seductively.
Everyone I've loved knows/knew it, felt it and will testify it was real.

So why am I telling you this?
Because by the time you have read this you would have felt it.
Had it first hand.
And I want you know-Yes, it's real.

I think I was born to be a lover...
I'm a Taurus. Ruled by Venus. Venus = Goddess of Love.
I was my parents love child. Married in March, born in May.
I've always been the sister, friend, associate, co-worker who'd everyone would run to for support and
extended arms.
I was bred to love.
And though all this love encompasses me, I can yet say that I've met someone, a man/mate, who can or has returned the love I dished equally and with the same manner; hard, deep, intensely and seductively.

There's a time and a season for everything. True, so true.
If it were not so, you (who presently doesn't exist in my life) would have never come to be.

So I say this all to say...
By the time you've come around I will have experienced heartache, betrayal, loneliness, depression, solitude, disloyalty, failure, remorse, confusion, weakness, pain, discomfort, ungratefulness, mental abuse, vulgar remarks...and the list goes on and on...

...but...

...none of that has hindered me from loving you.

It has only prepared me to:

     1. give you the love you deserve

     2. understand why it never worked with anyone else

     3. recognize and receive the love you offer and return.

We live in reality so we'll fight, we'll argue, we won't always see eye to eye, but in the end we'll love...

...hard, deep, intensely, and seductively.

With real love,

Your wife

 

Some things are hard to admit...

..but you just have to be honest with yourself.

"My Cup Runneth Over" by Annie Lee

Sooooooo life has been quite interesting recently.
Not much of a dramatic change, but of course, as life goes, not what I expected.

As a recent graduate I had all types of expectations of where I would be at this point of 2010.
Needless to say, none of those things are taking place.
And not just in my career...in every aspect of my life.

Now, I'm not going to sit here and go indepth on everything I expected to happen vs what's taking place.
Because then I just be whining like a bi*&h a%& baby! 

And damn putting it all on a blog...I'd need a book for that.

But what I will say is this...
...though I am not where I want to be, not doing what I want to, questioning my decisions and the road ahead....
...I'm content.

Not ecstatic, just content.
And there's nothing wrong with just being that.

Yea, I'd love to have some magic wand/fairy dust/ and a fairy god mother come sweep away the mayhem and replace it with some good je ne sais quoi...but I live in reality and reality is telling me...
...yelling/screaming/knocking me up side the head and saying...

...It's not your time!

It's a hard pill to swallow? Sure it is.
It makes me want to drop to the floor and wild out like a spoiled child who's standing in the middle of the toy aisle and not getting what he wants and screaming through booger bubbles, "IT'S NOT FAIR!!!"...
(You've seen this happen before!)...
...but I can't.

I have to admit and accept that something else is taking place in my life.
Something so much bigger than what I can see.

And its cool.
Not excited, not ecstatic, not upset, or erratic.
Content.


Contently (lol),

Rani

Loc'd & Loaded: Links

As I mentioned in the previous post, I wanted to put some links up regarding the Loc'd & Loaded topic:


One of the greatest things about going natural is the support and information you can find out on the Internet. So many people have documented their journey, provided helpful tips and posted images and videos to inspire and help you in your journey.
Here are a few of my favorites:
(click the title for the links to websites)

BLOGS
1. "On the Road to Queendom"
--Love, love, love her site. A beautiful woman, with beautiful locs who has inspired me in my journey. Any and everything you need to know about rocking locs, need some inspiration--start here. And check out her Youtube!
2. "Loc Rocker"
--What I love sooo much about this site is that the blogger, Brittany, puts it all out there about her loc journey...her frustrations, her mistakes, her victory, everything.

3. "Loc Luv"
--Just recently found this site. Beautiful images of loc rockers on every page. Click and become addicted.

4. "Healthy Locs Blog"
--Another site I've stumbled upon recently and become addicted to. That why I call them "my drug or choice"...duh!

YOUTUBE
Youtube is like natural wearer's crack! One hit and you want more and can find more. Anything and everything about locs can be found on here.
1. CoCoFemme...
...tells it like it is and not like it was. Love it!!! She's been posting her journey for awhile now and though I'm just now subscribing to her (shame on me), I've been watching her along the way. Want a good product review, eye some new earrings (I heart her jewelry) or just want to enjoy another beautiful sistah with locs....check her out!

Oh and I heard she just made partner with youtube...Congrats Beautiful!

2.Bronze Goddess 01

Oh la la...that's all that needs to be said! To me, she reigns as the queen of loc tutorials on youtube. If I had to start my locs all over again I would want them to look as healthy, thick and regal as hers. She's always posting some great stuff and ideas. This isn't her recent posting on youtube, but one of my favorites...Check out her journey!

3. Nialanas

Another beautiful locker who has probably one of the best colors I've seen. Great tutorials and advice. Again, not her latest video, but one of my favorites. Especially now as I look for a good colorist for my hair.

Now as I mentioned there is a lot of other blogs and videos with natural information and inspiration. For the sake of not bogging this post down with videos, here's a list of other greats:

1. Black Girl, Long Hair: for all natural wearers, not just the lockers.

2. Natural Belle: another beautiful sistah who has shared her journeys, pains, and victory of natural-hood. You'll see, its not just an American thang.

3. Wikipedia-Dreadlocks: Used this as part of my reference for my last post. Has a lot of great information and goes a lot more in depth.

4. "The Dawn of the Dread": A short documentary on black vs whites wearing dreads. Everyone has an opinion on it, good or bad.

5. "The History of Locks": Not a detailed, point by point, break down of dreadlock history. The gentleman speaking is having a discussion on why dreadlocks are worn and being a Nazarite.

Disclaimer: I, Rani, do not agree with everything you will hear or see in the videos above. However, I do believe in hearing both sides of anything and so I'm providing various view points of locs.

6. "Aron Ranen's Black Hair Documentary": I've mentioned this documentary in a previous post. Please, please, please watch it. Ranen dug a lot deeper into the hair industry and the black community than Chris Rock did. He provided some very enlightening information. What got me was that he spoke to a owner of a beauty supply store that I live a block away from and use to frequent. (You did peep that I used past tense.) Please watch and be enlightened.

Okay so that's it for now. I'm sure I'll dig some of these up again for future post.

Happy viewing,

Rani

Loc'd & Loaded

It's deeper than hair yall!

On a previous post I mentioned one of many reasons why I decided to Loc my hair.

I'm going to go a little in-depth and explain another...

This post was sparked by a convo I had recently with a friend of mine who I attend church with.

At a recent service a young minister spoke...a very handsome young minister, might I add.

***daydreaming***
...Okay, I'm back...

While delivering a great message toward the youth regarding not "conforming to the world", "showing your faith by your lifestyle", the young minister interjected a very relative story.

To summarize quickly...

In a biblical story (looking for exactly where) God sent his people to go to a specific location that was populated by individuals who were sinning. He instructed his people to create changes in their appearance that would help them differentiate themselves from those other individuals. He told the men to shave themselves bald and the women to cover their heads.

Now, there is soooo much you can take and apply to the world we live in, just from that little bit of the story. Think about certain cultures and religions where the men and women shave or cover their heads as a part of their faith based lifestyle or even before they go into their church or temple. This is, I'm sure, not their only reason, but you can see it has a correlation to actual biblical text, not just old world customs.

Anywho...

As I mentioned, I received a call from a friend of mine and she brought up a great point which has been on my mind for awhile...approximately 3 weeks.

After the minister/speaker mentions the story, he made a short comment about his own hair, but as my friend pointed out, didn't explain why he, a man of God, chose to wear a not shaved head, but something totally different...

LOCS!

Now, of course, initially I was excited to see that the brotha' had Locs.

Truth be told, not too many older individuals in the black church, understand or accept certain looks and styles that the younger generations have embraced.

(Been like that for years)

My grandmother included...but that's a post for another day.

(She's coming around, though.)

I will say though, that I'm blessed to be apart of a church that has shown no disgust or repugnance toward me wearing Locs...at least not to my recollection.

(I know there are people reading this thinking she's exaggerating and being dramatic, but you'd be surprised at some of the things I've seen and heard regarding Locs. Honestly, like many things that folks don't feel are the "norm", it's not embraced everywhere.)

Back to the story...As I said, I was excited to see the brotha was Loc'd. Seeing another Loc'd head is exciting to me because again...it's deeper than hair yall.

But what my friend said on the phone still kept ringing in my head.

Now fact: The speaker only had so much time to deliver his message, so he obviously, he wasn't going to delve further into his own hair story; however, being that many assume its just a "fashion statement" or you're a Rastafarian, it would have been interesting to hear if his choice to wear Locs had any religious correlation.

You do know that Locs are linked and seen in various cultures and religions?

No?...Really?
Not just on a popular rapper...Not just a Jamaican
Locs are universal, cross cultural, and timeless.

--Remember looking in your elementary history books and seeing pictures of Egyptian Hieroglyphics.

What style of hair were they wearing?

Yep...that's right folks...Locs.

There are even reports of archaeologist discovering mummified remains with Locs

--Who's ever seen the Himba people of Namibia. You often are mesmerized by their red skin tone, but what about their hair...Locs.

--What about the Hindu deity/god Shiva. He is described as wearing "matted hair" or jaTaa--"twisted locs of hair".

--Also seen in Hinduism are Sadhus, an individual who lives more private, secluded life to focus on their spiritual practice. To them, locs are sacred and are a symbol of their spiritual enlightenment. In many parts of India, the holy men are seen and described as wearing this matted hair style.

--Very similar to this is Rastafarianism. They too, like the Sadhus, wear Locs as a reflection of their spirituality and belief that a person should "remain whole"--never to cut the hair.

It is through Rastafari that we learn of the term Dreadlock, which is the more common term used when referring to locs. The Mau Mau's warriors from Kenya, wore their hair loc'd while hiding from their British oppressors in a forest. When seen, they were described as "dreadful".

Connect the dots...

It is also from his practice of Rastafarianism that Bob Marley, a beloved icon of Reggae music--introduces to some, present to others, and births generations of new Loc'd wearers and lovers.

There are so many other cultures, nationalities and historical points that we can find Locs.

As I said...its universal, cross cultural and timeless.

But based on the my own faith and the speaker's decision to mention hair, I must also mention a very overlooked example of Locs in history and culture...

...It's in the BIBLE.

Yep, it is.

Worn by a very popular character from Biblical text...
...Samson.

Oh, the mighty Samson!

I remember as a kid reading bible stories and seeing drawn images of Samson as a larger than life, muscular, strong man.

Which in some ways was befitting because God had spoke earlier on to his mother that he would be a warrior and deliver his people. However, some people have reinterpreted that and his story and created his image as more of a 'sex symbol'...uh, whatever, back to my point...

While God spoke to Samson's mother as he laid in her womb, He also instructed her...

"...no razor shall come unto his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God..."

Judges 13:5

Now naturally...no pun intended...what happens to hair that is not cut?

It grows long right. And last time I checked, there was no perm or activator during this period of time, therefore his hair had to take on a more natural shape and condition...

...become "matted" together maybe.

Also it's important to know that Nazarites are very similar to Rastafarians. They practice multiple vows, which include not cutting the hair. Again, uncut hair equals...

Okay, now skip a few pages ahead in the Bible.

In Judges 16, the infamous story of Samson and Delilah hits its climax. After Delilah is given an offer by bringing down the mighty Samson, he, unknowingly reveals to her, his strength lies in...his seven LOCKS.

Yes, the Bible said LOCKS.

Locks, Locs, Loks, Dreadlocks...same hair, different name.

Now I know...many, many people have interpreted Samson's locks as...

.... 'curly, silky locks of straight hair'.

If you every view the film, "Samson and Delilah" you'll see the actor playing Samson has curly black hair. Now that I think about it, his hair wasn't even long in the film.

Didn't he have a Cesar?

To each his own on the interpretation, but when you add in the time period, nationality and living conditions, 'curly, silky, straight' just don't add up.

Just the same with how Jesus is described in the Bible in relation to the pictures often seen...no connection.

Not trying to make this a black or white thing...not at all. Just pointing out some facts.

So I said all this to say this...

Yes, there are many individuals who choose to wear Locs as just fashion.

They see their favorite rapper, singer, whomever wearing it and so they want it, too.

They discover its more convenient upkeep for the lifestyle.

They like trying different looks, and this is their newest one.

As I always say, "to each its own".

All these things are fine with me...Do you!

But for many people, including me, it represents much more than that.

I'm not rastafarian, don't worship a Hindu god...I'm not even a Nazarite.

I didn't go into loc'ing with any religious or spiritual intentions; however, through my Loc'd journey it;s birth, revised, and a created a stronger level of spirituality and self awareness.

Everyone's journey is different...

...but when you go through the journey from no hair to a small buds, from ugly hair days to gorgeous, from product to product, from an inches to inches...something happens.

I'm sure many naturals, not just lockers, can testify that when you go natural, you learn to confront the rawest, bare-bone form of you and love it.

It's a challenge, it's emotional, and can be life changing.

But oh, what a journey to take!

Be blessed,

Rani

P.S. I'm going to follow this post with some links to this topic. Stay tuned...