You Have to Wait Your Turn

~ Laurie Samuel ~ Leave a comment

When I was 14, I wanted to be a rapper. I would write rhymes in my spare time perfecting my craft. I was recently cleaning out some boxes and found a folder containing my precious teenage writings. I sat down and read through the pages and chuckled at the fact that even at that age, I was trying to understand the world, people, and relationships. And now with age and wisdom, I understand a little more but believe that something can be learned from a young lady, full of life and innocence. So, here goes…

You Have to Wait Your Turn

They were dashed to the floor. Your love letters are no more.
I heard what you did and what you did was bad.
But I’ll pick up the pieces of the puzzle. No guy is going to give me trouble.
I kept up my guard for weeks and weeks. Companionship I did not seek. Dependent on a man, I am not. Anything he can do, I can top.
The men of today will have to learn. You just have to wait your turn.

Loving relationships are about caring and reciprocation. For relationships to thrive, trust is paramount. We all need to be honest. If you cannot be true to your husband, wife, or partner, then be mature enough to walk away before someone gets hurt. Sneaking around, lying, cheating, it is all very messy. When it is finally your turn, and you find the person that you cannot imagine living without, treasure them as the grass isn’t always sweeter on the other side.

Be safe,

L.J.
Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#real #love #wisdom #honesty #truth #ljsamuel #deardiary

Love

~ Laurie Samuel ~ Leave a comment

VD Heart

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Hopefully someone shows you love and appreciation every day.  Remember love should not hurt.  If it doesn’t feel right, it is ok to walk away.  Love should be kind.  Love should make you happy.  Love is not perfect but your smiles, laughter, and good times should outweigh the tears and pain.  God has shown true love and He would never want you to be beat, battered, and abused.  Quite the opposite.  You should be placed on a pedestal for as women, we are love, birth love, and nurture love throughout time.

Be safe,

L.J.
Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#love #female #empowerment #crime #justice #ljsamuel #deardiary

 

 

Like a Girl

~ Laurie Samuel ~ 1 Comment

Always debuted their #LIKEAGIRL campaign during Super Bowl XLIX February 1st, 2015 by airing an ad featuring young girls, women, boys, and men performing various tasks when prompted by the off screen interviewer.  For example, they were asked to run like a girl or to fight like a girl.  I find it interesting that Always chose to introduce this campaign during one of the biggest and most popular sporting events.  Football is a hyper-masculine sport where no player ‘runs’ or ‘hits’ like a girl. Unfortunately, sometimes what players are taught on the field carries over into their daily life.  Given the tumultuous year the National Football League (NFL) has had with domestic violence, perhaps Always wanted to remind viewers and consumers that women still matter. What you were left with at the end of the commercial was a well-played dichotomy. But I shall take it a step further. Men don’t hit like a girl, so they should never hit a girl, young lady, or woman. We all need to find other ways to deal with conflict. Let’s use our words and not our fists.

It is a known fact that modern women are more educated, they are strong, independent, and they make their own money.  But they are still women.  So if a man is not secure enough to handle a strong woman, then leave her alone.  Do not take your insecurities out on her.  Do not belittle her because you don’t have a university degree.  Don’t make negative comments about items she buys just because you may not be able to afford the same luxuries.  Bottom line: don’t mishandle her because she feels like a girl, bruises like a girl, and bleeds like a girl.

Be safe,

L.J.
Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#LIKEAGIRL #Always #SuperBowl #NFL #strength #peace #love #female #empowerment #personalsafety #domesticviolence #spousalabuse #crime #justice #ljsamuel #deardiary

Courage

~ Laurie Samuel ~ 5 Comments

I was in the women’s locker room at my gym this past Saturday talking to a friend about my book.  I was describing the storyline, a domestic violence homicide, when something interesting happened.  Several other women in the locker room started listening and actually came over to hear what we were talking about.  As my friend and I chatted they started sharing their own experiences.  It was completely organic and unscripted.  I was floored that these women, who were strangers to me, were so willing to discuss such a personal part of their life with me.  There is something therapeutic about disclosure.  It truly is a part of the healing process.  Some of the women were able to speak candidly as the abuse occurred decades ago while others still had raw, fresh emotions.  Wherever they were in their lives, there seemed to be a common bond that created a small community right there in the locker room.  It became a safe place fueled by strength as they were able to break free from their abusers and are now living fulfilling lives filled with peace instead of violence.

So I leave you with this- forgiveness is bliss so forgive yourself first.  This experience does not make you you a bad person nor does it define you. You got out because you are courageous. Remember, God does not make mistakes. You are beautiful through and through. So let that light shine for someone who is truly deserving of your love and who recognizes what a treasure you are. Teach your sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors what self-worth really is so that we can break this cycle of violence and everyone regardless of space or place can be safe in their homes.

Be safe,

L.J.
Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#strength #courage #peace #love #female #empowerment #community #forgiveness #personalsafety #domesticviolence #spousalabuse #crime #justice #ljsamuel #deardiary

Gun Play

~ Laurie Samuel ~ 1 Comment

Badazzled gun

I am a regular attendee at my local gun range as I believe that if one owns, possesses, or carries a firearm for their job, they need to be proficient and safe in the handling and use of it.  I always marvel when I see a group of people at the range as part of a social outing.  From time to time some of the online organizations that offer e-coupons and deals will run a group special for the gun range for birthday parties, male bonding outings, bachelorette parties and the like. I am always left wondering- why?  Guns are not to be played with.  Time on the range using real guns and real ammunition is serious business.  It is not a game. Yet, you see groups of men laughing it up in shorts and sandals or groups of females in tight jeans, heavy make-up, and stilettos coming to the range to play.

I understand that gun ranges are a business and owners have to find creative ways to bring in new customers but it should be with an understanding that time at the range is serious.  Safety should always be the emphasis.  Whether the gun is pink, blue, or black, it fires real bullets.  Now, I am all about people experiencing new things however it should be couched in a safe manner.

Some key areas that should be considered when coming to the gun range are:

• Proper instruction;
• Gun safety; and
• Minimizing distractions and impediments (i.e. open toe shoes, high heels, tight clothing, etc.).

A gun range is a controlled environment for instruction, practice, and leisure. However, it is still a dangerous setting.  So always remember- safety first, play later.

Be safe,

L.J.
Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#gunsafety #personalsafety #crimeprevention #crime #justice #ljsamuel #deardiary