Being Full of Yourself

I’m full of myself. Not in an arrogant kinda way. I’m full of all my good and bad qualities to the point that I’ve begun to spill over into the minds of others. People usually think being “full of yourself” is negative. I, on the other hand, don’t. To me, being full of myself means that I’ve embraced every aspect of my body and soul; both negative and positive. It’s a wonderfully empowering feeling.


Once you become full of yourself, there is no space for anything other than you. Your mind and body can’t become corrupt with the negative ideas of others. The socialization of your mind ends. Everything in you becomes who you truly are. Like I said, its wonderfully (yes wonderfully) empowering.


I'm starting a list of those who are full of themselves:

1) Sade

2) Jill Scott

3) Erykah Badu

4) Alice Walker

5) bell hooks


add to it!!

Forgetting the “Veg” in Vegetarian

I’ve been a fish eating vegetarian all my life (pescatarian). Only in the last two months have I truly become a reformed vegetarian cutting out all sea food and embracing various vegetables in my diet.

Growing up I only liked two vegetables: spinach and broccoli. Everything else was out of the question. That left lots of space for junk foods. My lack of vegetables and over consumption of junky processed foods left my body nutrient depleted. I literally became a non-vegetable-eating vegetarian. Sounds crazy right?

I was a meatless, vegetableless, dairy loving vegetarian who was always fatigued, slightly over weight, and comforted by marshmallows. That equation didn’t add up to a healthy life style. I decided towards the end of spring this year that I was going to change. Climbing slowly, but surely, towards the 200 pound mark was enough for a wake up call.

I make a point to mention that I’m a broke college student often, and I’m going to say it again.

I’m a broke college student, from a lower middle class family who found that 76 cent bean burritos loved my wallet more than healthy foods did. My freezer was filled with red and green Morning Star, and Boca Burger boxes (more on that later). My pantry was filled with sweet treats that gave sugar rushes in the afternoon and crashes towards night. I had begun to sacrifice my health to save a buck or two.

This summer, besides getting dirty and sweaty at an archeology dig (more on that later), I made a major shift in my eating habits. I emptied out my pantry of sweets and discarded the remains of my Morning Star and Boca boxes. I ate fresh fruits, vegetables and cut back on everything with ingredients I couldn’t pronounce and artificial dyes.

I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m satisfied with my progress. Fresh herbs, spices, vegetables, and fruits have never tingled my senses the way they do now. I’m making strides towards veganism and these baby steps are helping me get there.

End of the year goals:

1) Buy only organic vegetables and fruits to avoid pesticides.

2) Experiment with different grains

3) Have fun with various teas and flavors

4) Stop eating cheese (Hardest one)

5) Invest in vegan and vegetarian cookbooks

Urban Flower Child?

What does it mean to be an Urban Flower Child?

It means being the wildflowers that grow along the streets. It means being the vines that creep up the skyscrapers. It means being the weeds that crack the sidewalk. The Urban Flower Child is the constant reminder to the busy world that surrounds her that life should be taken as a breeze. Like the wildflowers, vines, and weeds the Urban Flower Child is a symbol of Earth’s natural beauty. The pavement may close us in. The brick buildings may push us up and the concrete sidewalks may try to cover us, but we live. We break through and live our free spirited lives against the obstacles that try to obscure us.

Sometimes people don't want the wildflowers, vines, and weeds. Some people want to pave over the wildflowers. Some want to cut down the vines. Some people want to kill the weeds. Some people just don’t want to be reminded of the connection we have to nature; and ultimately to earth. Some people would rather be encased in their man made heaven when the wonders of Earth are right outside waiting for them. It’s the job of the Urban Flower Child to remind others.

I named this blog Urban Flower Child, because I want this space to act as the wildflowers, vines, and weeds. I want this space to remind others of the beauty and simplicity of life. But, I also want to remind others of the beauty of nature, I want to uproot sidewalks with discussions on current events, and line buildings with talks of music and fashion. As a broke college student, I strive to make the most of my life on the simplest of terms. My happiness is never complicated. I’m an Urban Flower Child.

Intro

Who I am:

• I’m an urban flower child mixed with a little neo-soul and a lot of hippie who wishes she was born in the 70s.

• I’m a vegetarian student with a mug of tea in one hand and toasted pita bread in the other.

• I tend to rant, rave, and ramble.

• I’m the daughter of a hippie turned psychologist. Have you heard the stories about the children of psychologist… I promise I didn’t turn out too bad

• I have a afro and I’m lovin’ it

• I’m a broke junior in college who loves organic food. Why the hell is organic food expensive?

• I’m a young woman who wants to travel the world by backpack. You can find me in Senegal, or maybe Papua New Guinea, or maybe Moldova. Stay tuned to find out.

• I suffer from a Peter-Pan complex

• I love to read anything by Octavia Butler

• I’m a wannabe shovel bum

• I want to be an Orange Moon- Erykah Badu reference…sorry had to do it.

• I’m an urban flower child traveling at a slow pace trying to find her place in a world that moves too fast.

What I write about:

I write about what I love. I write about what I hate. I write about what inspires me.

• Food

o I’m a vegetarian trying to become a vegan who dreams of becoming a raw foodist who loves anything with sweet potatoes.

• Love

o Currently conducting anthropological research on the topic. As of right now no conclusive conclusions have been drawn…

• Earth

o Every time I walk outside I see its wonders.

• Music

o At all times there is a song playing in my head.

• Clothes

o The 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and the remakes that people wear today.