Fake It 'til You Make It

**As you can see, PLPT is undergoing a makeover!  Bear with us as we continue to post while we're under construction.**   The world is governed more by appearance than realities so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it. ~Daniel Webster How many times have you given up on an endeavor because it seemed too complicated?  Not only have I given up, but sadly I can recall many times where I have not even started.  We don't want to expose what we don't know, right?  We don't want step out of our comfort zones into the unfamiliar.  We are afraid of the risks, so we psyche ourselves out of the rewards.   All of us have different goals, but we should all foster an approach that is creative and fearless. Look at...

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5 Keys to a Fantastic Day

Photo Credit Morning is the most important part of the day as it sets the tone for the remainder of the day. It is at this time that decisions are made—whether consciously or unconsciously—about the mood or feeling we’ll carry with us, how we will react to the difficulties we may face, and how productively we’ll execute our daily tasks. I like to use my morning routine to set a specific intention each day, for example: focus, balance or productivity. My mornings consist of 5 essential elements that I call my keys to a fantastic day.    Daily prayers/affirmations – Prayer is the time for speaking. Ask for whatever it is that...

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Pretty Things: What I've Learned About My Natural Hair

When I decided to stop relaxing my hair, I had many ideas about what it would be like to be natural.  Now that I'm about five years into my natural hair journey (that includes transitioning), many of these ideas have been proven quite wrong.  I absolutely love the fullness and versatility of my natural hair.  I expected that and haven't been disappointed.   However, there have been many challenges that I didn't expect!  1. Just because my hair is not chemically treated does not mean that it will automatically be healthier and grow longer. My hair is naturally thin and dry, so I have to be gentle with...

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Love Notes - Friday 11/19/10

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All I Really Want is Peace, Love and _____

All I really want is peace, love and the freedom to be limitless.I look forward to the holidays every year for the traditions and the family time, and of course for the giving and receiving of gifts. Who doesn't? While it's very easy to get caught up in the ads, the sales and the sensationalism of the holidays; I want to redirect your focus a little bit to ask you a question.What do you want to give yourself this year? This is a great time to begin reflecting on the past year and thinking about whether or not you've given yourself everything that you deserve. Have you honored your feelings? Have you told yourself how beautiful you are every day?...

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Our Tendency to Over-Indulge

 Photo credit  When it comes to food, I have at times stuffed myself too full of a good thing--despite being able to visually identify when there was too much in front of me. Often, when I’ve found something particularly tasty, I have continued to eat, even when my stomach has alerted my brain that it was full. Even though I make primarily healthy food item choices, anything in excess can prove harmful, right? Do you ever find yourself engaging in similar behavior or feeling like no matter what you do, your actions toward food are counter to your intended health or fitness goals? Over-indulging is so often a result of learned behaviors...

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If You Want to Change Your Life - Start Believing in Yourself

"I found God in myself and I loved her. I loved her fiercely." ~Ntozake Shangephoto creditAs we head into the weekend, I'm continuing to fly high on productive energy. This is what happens when you deliberately surround yourself with like-minded folks and fill your mind with positive thoughts. When I reflect on the past year, the biggest change I've noticed within myself is that somewhere along the way I started believing in myself with the same persistence that I used to doubt myself. I still hear the doubts whispering in my mind, but they are drowned out by the cheering, high-fiving and brainstorming. I feel like I'm finally all in. Is there...

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Happy Black Girl Day!

In celebration of Happy Black Girl Day, let's take a moment to be thankful for voices that inspire us, lyrics that give meaning to our emotions, and soulfulness that floats through our speakers and earphones from the beautiful artists featured below. There's nothing like a Happy Black Girl playlist to boost a worn out spirit and redirect negative thinking. When your internal soundtrack is pumping music that supports an inspired outlook, you can't help but feel good and attract good things. If you don't have a Happy Black Girl playlist, create one immediately. Perhaps these tunes will get you started. Jill Scott - One is the Magic Number  Photo...

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Black Girls Rock!

If you somehow missed tonight's presentation of Black Girls Rock on BET, I implore you to find it online or to catch the repeat on Tuesday night at 8pm. Black Girls Rock was a phenomenal celebration of Black women and girls who are lighting up the world with their gifts, giving back to their communities, and just being generally outstanding people. There were so many amazing Black women in the audience and on stage. Those celebrated, to name just a few, included Iyanla Vanzant, Raven Symone, Keke Palmer and Ruby Dee. I found myself clapping feverishly in my living room at Iyanla's rousing acceptance speech "..Black girls rock because we have...

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The Start of Something New

I step into the unknown and am excited for what's to come!- The Daily Love Photo Credit via google images It is always exciting when something (or someone) new happens in our lives. The pleasure and the giddy anticipation of what could be tickle our fancies and send our imaginations running wild. This mostly serves to increase our enjoyment and sends positive energy into the situation, but there comes a moment where we stop enjoying and start wondering… “Where is this going?”…and this is often the moment where fear and judgment set in. We begin to question, label, and judge every aspect of the situation, wanting to determine if it is...

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Pretty Things: Winterize Yourself Inside and Out

originally posted on Curly Nikki on 10/22/2009:When your inner and outer energies radiate in harmony, you are blessed and spiritually magnetic. ~Jasmine HeilerAs the temperature drops and the layers of clothing increase, every woman must go through a change in their beauty routine to prepare for the cold months ahead. If you know like I know, a beauty routine is not just about creams, oils and powders. If you don't have a regimen for inner beauty as well, your skin will not glow and your hair will not shine with the true brilliance that comes from a healthy spirit. Periodically, it is essential to connect with your body and soul to seek out your hidden needs and develop a plan to meet those needs. The change in seasons presents an ideal opportunity to do just that. With the many responsibilities...

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