​About every two weeks, I get my nails done.  I’m a big fan of the dip powder which when it is applied, it has a hard base like acrylic.  With that, I like wearing them a little long which makes my real nail prone to splitting because of the pressure I constantly put on my nails.  ‘Even though I put something on the split to hold my nail together before applying the dip powder, after a week, the nail will break on top.  Every time this will happen no matter what was corrected on my real nail. 
How I see this is that if the foundation of something isn’t stable or broken, no matter how much you try to fix it, eventually whatever you cover it up with will break as well.  No matter what you go through in life, just know that you need a solid foundation to build anything on.  You may can cover it up and put glitter on top but after the wear and tear, the glitter will start to fall through the cracks.  Instead of doing quick fixes, invest in complete makeovers over your life to have a lasting result in whatever you do.  Don’t continue to fill up potholes, to have to keep filling every 6 months.  Just redo your whole street.

Sometimes you have to be willing to take risks.  Not all risks are good nor bad. But a risk is almost never a good thing because you have decided to jump into the unknown hoping that it all works out.  That’s why it’s called a risk right?  Now, you can take “good” risks if they aren’t acting off of impulse, poor judgment and planning.  Most risks are where great businesses, relationships, etc. are born.  If it’s something you want and have to have, then go for it.  Waiting around won’t get you anywhere but behind or you will even watch someone else living your dream.  The unknown of course isn’t a comfortable feeling to think about getting into, but its life.  We do it every day.  But knowing that you want change requires you to take the first step.  As long as your heart is in the right place along with the planning and the right people in your corner, anything is achievable.  You’ll be swimming in no time!

I finally had the chance to read Becoming Michelle Obama after patiently waiting a while to get my hands on a copy of it.  Let me just say, I haven’t finished it; but just reading the first two pages really puts you in her shoes and her vision on things. To me and many others, we look up to Mrs. Obama for her status, confidence and drive that she portrays so effortlessly that we forget that she is just a regular human being figuring out this thing called life like the rest of us.  Her journey from a child, teenager, wife and mother is just like ours.  She lets us know that it’s okay to not have all the answers, but to always stay on track. 
We all may see ourselves looking at the end product or the successes of others, but forget that there were some bumps along the way of getting there.  Remember, we always see the finished product because no one necessarily needs to see the struggle in everything you do.  Just don’t beat yourself up trying to find a formula for success or think you’re less than because of what you see on someone else.  Yes, Mrs. Obama has it all because she set a goal, made plans and executed them.  She had great role models and mentors to get her to each step with incredible determination.  We can all make up that formula within ourselves and instead of looking at others fulfill their dreams and callings, we can do it too.