2010

So, I've started off this year with a new outlook on life and I've actually taken the steps to stay that way. I realize that I'm a "big girl" now and I really don't have to listen to anybody but my mama(s). So how did I come to this conclusion? I took it upon my self to let the voice of someone who thought that degrading and belittling me would make me respect them, just go through one ear and out the other, and boy did it feel good. Those who know me know that I'm able to take a lot of mess from people without complaining or standing up for myself. Well, that's not bout to continue.... Thats sooooooooo last decade.

1. My mother and Grandmother are the people considered my legal guardians.
2. I'm on the verge of being completely independent and feel the need to only take CONSTRUCTIVE Critiques from people who actually have had an important part in my life.
3. The man who helped raise me and had no problem doing it is called G.G by his loved ones, he is no longer here, but his lessons live on in me...
4. and the last time we talked he told me not to take any mess.....
5. I don't need a daddy... I'm bout to be 22 years old...
6. If u can't accept the fact that I'm not lil Ty any more then you really have no sense of time...
7. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS ONE... There is a method to my madness and if you don't understand it ask me, but don't approach me with an ignorant attitude and expect and educated response, because I find it funny to watch you get frustrated. IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID OR WHAT I'M DOING, IT'S NOT YOUR BUSINESS.
8. Did i mention that I'm bout 22 years old.... and I'm not lil Ty Ty anymore
9. You bark I bark back, especially if it upsets you...
10. Don't mistake my kindness or the fact that I don't talk to you for insecurities or fear.... YOU DON'T SCARE ME AND I REALLY HOPE YOU DON'T THINK THAT YOU DO... NONE OF THAT MESS WORKS ANY MORE.... I have better things to do than sit here and let you waste your or my time on things that have happened in the past or things that you have not authority to keep me from doing. Get over it! Cuz if you didn't realize that I'm staring at you blankly....I'M STARING AT YOU BLANKLY.... and wondering when you'll realize that the only attention you're getting is the BLANK STARE...

Any way.... I'm going into this decade by faith... and those who matter, know that they matter... If you're unsure, ask me and I'll make to answer you as politely as possible.

with a clear mind, open heart, and led by faith... I'll reach my goals... and pray for you as you try to hold me down...

Oh yea, this isn't one of those new years resolutions, It's an epiphany. Stress isn't what I need and I'm not going to let anyone cause me stress anymore... it's just not worth it, especially since tomorrow isn't promised.

Love yall,

Be Blessed,

and Have Faith!!!!

Shadow Dwelling

standing in the shadow of your ever-present physique
sinking under the weight of the title given to me
wondering if I ever will be free from this decree
I continue to stand in your shadow...
but I won't stay there forever
I just have to be me,
so I chip away at the cement cage
that has me trapped...
almost free...
glimmers of sunlight start to hit my flesh
and gives me the will to break out of this hold
No longer will I allow your words to dictate the movement of my feet
nor will I allow your eyes to correct my heart beat
I will dance to the music of the breeze
and love like the waves that crash onto the beach
each of my tears will be guided by the rain
and the thoughts in my mind will grab hold of you
like quicksand
and cover you from head to toe until you realize that I am my OWN Woman

No longer in your shadow, No longer just that girl...

No... I am THE GIRL, better yet, THE WOMAN...

I Am.... Free

What am I Missing?!?!?! pt. 2

Hope you all have had a blessed day today....

I'm back and I have realized that this is going to end up becoming a reoccurring topic on my blog, so keep following... I'm really loving all the input that you guys (and girls) are providing.

Well here are my new questions for the week (not as angry but I'm still very concerned about certain things.)

Here goes

Why is it that people are so concerned with Everyone's life but their own?

Prime example: MJ (RIP) you all know where I'm going with that example so there's no need to go in depth, but I do have an example that deals with things closer to home (in a sense). Now before you jump to conclusions about what I'm about to say, this question is closely related to those who only find the negative in everything you say. Think about it... there two types of people who ask you about your day;

A.those who really want to know and
B.those who really could care less

and even then you could break it down further..

A.
1. Those who really care about you
2. those who need something to talk about

B.
1. those who are just making small talk
2. those who don't want to be rude and feel the need to ask because you asked first *smh*

and it continues from there.

Seriously, I tested this theory. A person called just to "check in" and I told them somethings that weren't completely true (now though I actually feel bad about sinking to that level just to find the truth... but I digress) and NO LIE... what I said got back to me within the next 30 mins. *WTFudge!!!*

Why is that? I mean, I know that everyday in one's life can't be filled with joyous (catch the sarcasm) activity, but I really don't understand why people dwell on making others upset/miserable. Ugh...

NEXT!

Why do others tell you that they want you to speak what you feel, but get really upset when you try?

*sigh* Not gonna dwell on it, but this is the main question in this blog I'd love to hear your responses to...


Why are we all so eager for others to tell us what we want to hear than for them to tell us what we need to hear and why does it seems so hard to except what we need?

Yes, I'm guilty of this too, but I have never understood why people feel that its easier to beat around the bush. Especially when the truth usually comes to the light. I am getting better every day at telling people how you feel and what you feel right then and there. But sometimes it's tough when you know you don't want to see the person you are talking to get hurt by the things you say. So why are we trained to keep people wondering if we are really helping or hurting them more in the long run?

Well, this is it for now. Have at it. :^)

What am I missing here?!?!?!

Ok, so I am in NO way a on love or relationships compared to some others in my age range, but lately (this weekend actually) some questions popped into my head/heart and I just had the urge to get them out. {I mean this is a blog about what I'm learning in my last few years as a college student, Why not use it to the fullest?} so as a disclaimer...

IF YOU ARE HERE FOR A LOVE POEM AND SOME NICE CONVERSATION YOU ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE, I'M FRUSTRATED AND DON'T REALLY FEEL LIKE BEING TACTFUL TODAY....

Well, over the weekend I got the chance to chill with 3 of my friends whom I met at WU and I began to notice a few things about each of them, some things that never really meant much before, but for some reason made me wonder what made me different from them and what actually made others catch the vibes that they expelled. And then I also began to wonder things about their relationships with other people... and with each other. That's what led me to the first major question I had; (the order of these questions will make sense later)

What really makes us all compatible with each other?

I mean, I know its not rocket science, but why do we all get along with each other when there are so many things that we do to sometimes make the people around us uncomfortable. For example, I decided to distance myself from one of my "friends" because he continued to (in my opinion) belittle me when it came to a relationship I had with another male at our school... and yet even though I never criticized him or his relationship, I told him how I felt about it, and even though he didn't care how I felt about his actions, we acted as if nothing ever happened and we both just let it go.... for some of my other friends who know how I can get at times they would look at me and either think or say "WTF Ty?!?!?!?!" or the ever so infamous "Seriously Ty?!?" @ times I really do wonder why I never hit the fan with this....

Question 2

Why is it that we (yea all of us) at times begin to compare ourselves to others who aren't exactly like us?

We all have that couple in out group of friends who make it obvious that they are Madly in love with each other so why is it that when some of us see this they try to compare their hellacious past relationships to that couple and try to figure out ways that one of them will "F*** up a good thang". Seriously... that really pisses me off when that mess happens... I'm all for the empowerment of the human race and all that jazz, but how can you call yourself a friend when you can't even be happy for what they have. Think about it. How many people do you know that can tell you all the negative bull going on in their life, but when you mention something good, they either:

A. Suck their teeth
B. Change the subject
C. Talk a whole lotta mess about that "friend"
D. put out that friends "business"
or E. All of the above..

Why do people do that? Why are they so miserable that they can't appreciate and accept the fact that others are happy? and why in (*forgive my language*) the hell do they continue to smile and laugh in your face after they have been talking s^!% about you for the last 4 hours (hypothetically speaking of course)

Am I really the only one bothered by this mess lately?!??! *waits for answer* DIDN'T THINK SO...

Question 3

Why is it that we get upset at how people in love act around those who aren't in love or with the one they love?

I've been guilty of this a few times before, but I don't think I've ever taken it to the extent that I heard when it came from others and that goes for the young and the old. I was extremely hurt by somethings that went down earlier this week, and to be honest I caught myself wanting to flick off some of the couples that I've seen in the last few weeks (Restraint sometimes isn't my strong suit though... I did it a few times at the mall *don't judge me You don't know my struggles*) but anyway, this goes back to the previous question... why is is so hard for us, as a people to be happy for each other? For example, I've actually heard some people talk badly about a relationship that was close to home even though the woman's husband had been deceased for a while, COME ON BLACK PEOPLE!!! (excuse my niggatry) IT'S ONE THING TO BE MAD CUZ SHE TOOK YO MAN, BUT IT'S JUST PLAIN RUDE TO BE MAD CUZ YOU NEVER HAD A CHANCE WITH HER MAN!!! GROW DA HELL UP!!

UGH!!!!

I'm getting angrier by the word, so I'm just gonna stop here....

To be continued another day... feel free to give your opinion on any of the questions or statements I made...

Peace!

Inspiration {For Real}

It's a warm rainy night
I'm finally free from the grind
and I just know that I'll finally have a chance to relax
Until a song plays that reminds me of you...

I told myself i'd let you be even for just a few days
but this song is making me feel as if its impossible to bear
I'm sure you get tired of these lovey-dovey poems
and me saying that I love u, and even wanting the embrace to last a lil longer
but the effect you have on me is unreal,
"For Real..."

As Amel sings what I've wanted to consider the song of my (love) life since '04,
I'm reminded of my feelings for the first time in weeks
all the firsts I shared with you, all the times you made me smile
"I could trip and if I could fall into your arms I could stay there my whole life..."
the words roll off her tongue and your voice is etched into my mind
"I can feel, I can Love, I can be..."
something better than I was before, simply because you motivate me to do so
"For Real..."
" I can run, I can race for hours and hours and..."
still not be tired as long as you are the goal I'm racing towards....
So, as I hum along and reminisce who I first related this song to I realize,
He won't ever compare to you
"For Real..."

"Without you I'm not Real...."
*sigh* as her voice reaches to its highest point
my mind sinks into the deepest abyss....
swimming through all of my memories of you...
I wonder what new memories we'll create,
what new places will remind me of your smile, and all that jazz (lol)
"...can't feel safe in this wide world without you..."
and I remember the first time you came to my rescue (even though I didn't thank you for it)
"Your are for real..."
Drifting...
Falling...
Smiling...
Blushing...
{yet, emotionally trying....}

My mind is in a frenzy but I like it...
"I can run, I can race for hours, and don't stop..."
lol... this is my story.... and as the song comes to an end...

I begin to relax (finally) with the realization that no matter what the future holds...
I am truly happy with the lessons learned... (some inspiration you are... if I must say so myself)

Mema's Tears

{This past Sunday I went to my grandmother's house to check up on her and before I could even ask her how she was doing she began to cry... this is my response to her tears...}

It always hurts to see her cry
but it hurts even more to remember why
If I could I would remove her pain
and bring her best friend back again
Just to see her smile and to hear him say
"Dell, I'm home!" {yea that'd make her day}
But because I cant, I'll send these wishes
God, let her tears become my grandfather's kisses
Let her heartache become his hugs
and let her remember all his love
Bring her through this time of struggle
and let her see through us that he loves her...
It's been 8 months
and the wound still wont heal...
Yet, in each one of us my grandfather lives

Something New: Letting Love Find You

Well I'm done with my SCWK 200 class and now I can use this blog to discuss pretty much anything my heart desires (Don't worry, I won't stray far from the intended objective.)

So, can you guess what a hopeless romantic's first free topic might be?
Don't rush, I'll wait...

Yep that's it... Love. :^)

Ever since I was young the statement "Let love come to you" has been drilled into my skull and the family never failed at reiterating that point (to this day I'm still not sure if they did it to be overprotective, or because they actually cared; either way it was good advice). I did not truly understand the meaning behind the message until I actually started dating and after having some time to sit and think about what was said I realized that for some, it is not that easy. Being on a college campus is the closest thing to culture shock that I have ever had and because of it, people watching has become a new past time of mine.

Over the last 3 years I've seen hand holding (among other public displays of affection), general kindness, and even some anger towards the previously mentioned actions. Even so, on a college campus that can be encouraging or discouraging. Encouraging because it could give a person something to look forward to, and discouraging because many feel like if they have trouble "finding love" before they graduate then it will be even harder once they are working in their field. Sadly, studies show that many successful African American women don't get married later in life if they can't find a companion before they find their career.

Which leads me back to what I was saying before. I am a firm believer that there is someone for everyone, but I also feel that if you try to force that person, or any person for that matter, to love you then you are missing the point...

LOVE TAKES TIME

It may not be a long period for some, but it still takes time. Think about the commercial where the father is holding his newborn and says "I'm at that point", it took him 9 months to get to that point in which he realized that he loved that child, but he got there. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's different for everyone, but you must be patient. I was always the one who said that when God wanted to put another love in my life he would and all I would have to do is let things play out. I like to think that I got lucky. I spent so much time on making myself into what I consider the goal oriented, dependable woman. That it was almost inevitable that I'd run into the goal oriented, dependable man. I feel as though I have loved and cared for myself so much that God feels like I am capable of loving someone else as much, if not more than, I love myself.
I understand that relationships are different for everyone, but I feel that no matter how many bad relationships one may have, as long as they have enough love for themselves, the bad relationships can only show you what you won't get in the good one. So, take the time to develop yourself, love yourself, and care for yourself... then, when you have done that to the best of your ability, will love find you.

avec beaucoup d'amour
-Tyleshia-

Losing Yourself to yourself...

I’m sure that at some time in everyone’s life they have been extremely sad, angry, or just plain upset at some point in their life. But sometimes it can be very overwhelming. Everything that you do in life brings along some type of emotion. When that emotion is depression then something needs to be done about it.

I’ve always believed that the holiday season should bring happiness and joy, but this year that just doesn’t seem to be the case. When I went home for Thanksgiving, things just weren’t the same… the things that should have brought happiness brought tears, the new memories that are usually happy were sad, and, to top it all off, the thought of going on another day just seemed down right painful, literally. Depression can and does affect every aspect of your life. When you suffer from this emotional disability it also takes its toll on everyone around you. This semester has been an emotional struggle for me, ranging from separation anxiety to losing the most important man in my life (my grandfather) I have felt as though it was important for me to put up a façade and pretend as though all was well when it really wasn’t. I made it seem as though I was mentally capable of taking care of others when I couldn’t even handle my own. I needed help and didn’t realize it. That is, until my best friend told me that he noticed a change that no one else had noticed… I had lost my drive… I didn’t care about school, family, finances, anything. I barely even cared about life. He told me that I had lost my glow, my “crazy” antics, my smile was fading, and I didn’t express myself anymore. He said “you just aren’t yourself anymore and I miss you” From that point on I knew that I needed help. Depression can cause a lot of problems, but once you realize it is a problem, it’s up to you to get the help you need. Just realize that you can’t do it alone. And in the words of one of my very wise friends, “As long as you have at least one person who loves you and/or adores you more than you can possibly imagine, you are not alone.” It took a while for me to see it but now that I do I now feel like I have a reason to go on. I love you guys and I promise that as long as I have you behind me I won’t give up. Just stay by my side, because I don’t want to slip away again.

“It’s better to have one good friend, than many “friends” who could care less. Look for quality baby… “~ GG Bessant (RIP)

My Personal Opinion on Volunteering

So, on Saturday I finished 80 hrs of community service for my SCWK 202 class (making my total from the beginning of my college career a whopping 130 documented* hrs) and I felt oh, so accomplished… that is, until I realized that my work wasn’t done. It would be completely wrong of me to stop volunteering at the height of the holiday season, especially since there are only two volunteers. I couldn’t do that. I know that some may not agree with me on this one, but I really believe that volunteering is very important. Not just for a class, but for individual development also. It provides one with a sense of self-worth and accomplishment simply because you get the chance to help others who are, in most cases, less fortunate than yourself. It’s a wonderful feeling that you get when someone walks up to you and says “you have just made my day”, or asks if they could hug you with tears of joy in their eyes, simply because you handed them a bag with enough food to last them for a few weeks or clothes that could keep them warm through the winter months.

Over the course of this semester, I spent the majority of my day, on Mondays and Fridays, at Pilgrims Inn. PI provides emergency assistance to men, women and children (in the form of donations, daycare, and a sense of security) all over the Rock Hill area and also provides shelter to families with no place to go. It strives off of the donations of others and if they are unable to accept donations then they pass them on to other organizations around the area that can. I am very glad that I decided to volunteer there. It’s taught me a lot. One major lesson I learned is that a career, no matter what path you choose, isn’t always going to be predictable. As a social worker I know that it’s not going to always be passing out donations and filing papers. This semester alone there has been a client that has gone in labor, a semi-truck full of food, and remodeling of parts of the building. The unexpected happened and about halfway into my volunteering I realized that I had to stop coming in and expecting to do the same things every time. I had to come in and be willing to face what ever was placed in front of me.

Life isn’t always sunshine and four leaf clovers people, if you haven’t volunteered before you should, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for what you have and you’ll learn that, sometimes, hard times are only lessened by hope.

Au revoir for now…

Individuality vs. Society

A few days ago, I was reminded of a conversation that took place between me and two of my friends. The conversation was on how a person becomes an individual and how they are able to stand out in a society where no one can actually call themselves individuals because of their similar thoughts and action. Now many could (and have) argued with me on this one simply because genetically everyone is different, but if you were to really sit down and think about it society is what makes an individual and no one is completely different in thought from everyone in society because we are taught what to and not to accept. Our social norms and beliefs are what tie us together.

So, what do you think? Are we really individuals, or are we the product of a society that wants us to believe that we are different? You decide.

I helped to make History!! We Did it America!!!

*Disclaimer: Those who may not follow my political or religious views should understand that I am not trying to force you to think the way I do. We are all beautifully human, and I am just using this blog to express my PERSONAL views. Please do not take offense to the content of this blog entry. I am only expressing my opinion.*

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HAS ACCEPTED AND AGREED WITH IT'S VOICE OF REASON. ALL WE WANTED WAS A CHANCE. THANK YOU FOR GIVING IT TO US!

If you all haven't realized it yet, I am an African American who voted for President (it feels good to say this) Obama. Not because of the color of his skin, but because of the topics that he focused upon and last night at 11:06 pm I realized that this was realy happening. A nation of people that, at one point in time, didn't believe that blacks had the mental capability to take care of themselves in their own land, allowed us to prove that not only could we take care of ourselves, but if given the chance, we could take care of others too!

We as a nation elected our first African American president. This is still a little surreal to me, but I have been in a state of euphoria since he won the whole New England region. Last night I cried tears of joy because, for once, I actually believed that my children would have an even better chance at life than I did. I cried because my grandmother cried and said that she never thought she'd see this in her lifetime; because my mother, who was born in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, finally believed that what others fought for was worth it; I cried because the man I love had a look of peace and determination in his eyes that I had never seen before and because I knew that the man I miss was in heaven praising God for sending the blessing that would cover all the generations he left behind.

As we, the Obama supporters (of all ethnicities) of Winthrop University, marched from our dorms to the major meeting places on campus all you could hear was Obama chants, people crying, and some even singing "We Shall Overcome". And as I followed the crowd, thanking God the whole way, I realized that Barack Obama is my generations form of MLK, Jr. and JFK combined. He had accomplished what so many others fought and died for, UNITY.

Now, although there are still some who still aren't as open minded as we'd like, and can't see past the color of his skin, we are all still "One nation, under God" we can make a difference as long as we keep the faith, continue to reach for our hopes and dreams and know that change isn't always a negative thing.

America, let's put the past behind us and know that brighter days are coming. Change is here, are you going to accept it? I sure have...

What Will America Do?

So, right after the first Democratic debate between Clinton and Obama, I decided to "Barack the Vote" on this coming Election Day.

(side note: Woo!!!Obama '08!!!!!)

But lately I've been wondering what is going to happen after all the ballots are in. America seems to be in such a divided state right now that I'm worried about my future. Racism is coming back to the forefront of our nation and although many people believe that prejudice and racism are a thing of the past, both are still a debilitating factor in the American mindset (how can we stand strong in other nations when we can't even tolerate each other at home?). Being an African American myself and coming from a town where Blacks weren't considered worthy of the ground they walked on, by some, I can honestly say that I know what it's like to be discriminated against (and many of my family members would know better than I would). It's a very discouraging feeling, so knowing that there is a tad bit of hope for our future; a slight chance that we can move up a just a little bit is the greatest feeling in the world to me.

Now I'm sure you may be asking; what does this have to do with Social Work? Well, I think it has everything to do with Social Work, our main goal is to contribute to the social welfare of others, and civil rights contribute to social welfare. There is no way that people can live happily when they feel as if they are treated unfairly and not given the opportunities that other "superior" races are given. I will be honest with you, a major concern is the safety of those who are supporting our "1st Black President".

I really believe that there can be some serious problems if he wins. (race riots, attempts to assassinate, etc.) And the horrible sense of defeat that we would feel if he didn't win can't go without mention. I think that this election can really be compared to the Joe Louis and Max Schmelling fights of 1935 and 1938 (Black America vs. the Oppressors, if I must say so myself). The only difference is that if he loses this time, we may not get a rematch and it won't be easy to get us to believe that we do have a fighting chance in this world, even more so, in this country.

Don't get me wrong, I also believe that this will do wonders for the morale of the African American community. I have noticed that we have been united ever since we realized that we could possibly have our first leader who showed that all African Americans aren't the way that people try to portray us. Not all of us, fit the stereotype of the "Ghetto, nappy-headed hoe" or the "Thug". Many of us are educated, some more than they portray themselves to be, and have the know how to do things just as well as the next person. It proves that we can come together for a cause. The last time that this was seen was during the Civil Rights Movement. Then, we fought for equal rights, now that we have them, we are fighting to prove that we are equals.

And, although this may seem cliche', I really think that this will be good for the Caucasian community also. Now, I'm not saying that every Caucasian believes in White Supremacy, but I do believe that this will be a wake up call for those who do. It will prove that a Black man can be just as influential and serve just as well as the president's that we've had before. All he needs is the chance to prove that he is capable.

I have realized that this is more than just another election. It's history in the making and it feels great to be apart of history.

Questions WE are afraid to ask

First off I would like to apologize for my hiatus. I just lost the most important man in my life and I'm trying to get back into the hang of things (please keep me and my family in your prayers).

Well since I've gotten back to Winthrop there have been a few issues that I have been wondering about but wasn't exactly how to approach and that's exactly how I came up with today's topic.

During today's Social Work 200 class we discussed sexuality and social acceptance. I realize, now, that this subject is just as touchy as racism here in the south. As I sat in the classroom and listened to the direction of the conversation I realize that people seem to be more afraid to ask than they are to learn. That poses a HUGE problem in my opinion. In order to learn one must, first, accept the fact that they don't know everything and then secondly ASK QUESTIONS. Well, I can honestly say that I sat there and watched people (who were actually paying attention at the time) squirm in their seat when people spoke of the LGBT community.

You would think that Winthrop, being as diverse as it is, would have no problem educating its students on accepting cultural/social differences. I guess I was wrong. I come from a family where being heterosexual is the unwritten rule, yet I still know and accept the fact that not everyone is going to feel the same way about men as i do, and I have no problem asking questions if there is something i want to know, today though, it took someone in the class saying "feel free to ask me what you want to know" in order to get the discussion moving at a steady pace.

Don't get me wrong, I know that you first have to feel comfortable with a person, in most cases, to ask them personal questions, but why is it that even when we get to that point we still don't want to ask the things we really want the answers to?

I just don't get it... I guess that the point I'm trying to make with this one is that the only way to learn is to question. No question is a stupid question and although they say that "ignorance is bliss" you can't grow if you are stagnant in your thoughts. Open up to new things, accept what you can't change. Gain knowledge. Ask!

My First Blog

Hello everyone!!

As one could obviously see from the title of this entry, this is my first blog on this site. I decided to title this "complete series" in such a way that it would be easy to see the focus of my blogs for at least the next ten weeks. I've heard that the only time that you won't learn is when you aren't breathing. I know it's kind of harsh, but I'm beginning to see that it is very true. So My blog will cover things that I learn (in relation to my major of course). Well since the introduction is out of the way, I believe now will be the perfect time to let this knowledge leak from my brain to your computer screen. Here goes...



On the first day of lecture in my SCWK 200 class, I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. The semester began with a QPR, which is a suicide prevention presentation. We were given a handout and information on how to see the signs of possible suicidal thoughts. Now, I just turned 20 and I come from a small town. If I can remember correctly I've only had to deal with suicide once. I never really knew how to tell if a person was almost at the "point of NO return" so, this was all new to me. Well, the major point that stuck out the most to me was that most people who have had thoughts of suicide will reconsider if someone is willing to talk with them.... or simply JUST LISTEN. Just watching the presentation proved to be a very emotional experience for me because I began to worry about some very important people in my life...

Well to get back to the point, I would like to share the knowledge that I gained from that experience.

1. Please, please take the time to listen when someone says that they want to talk. Don't just compare everything that they are talking about to a situation in your life, because that could possibly make them feel worse. QUESTION them about suicide if necessary.
   
2. If someone tells you that they've had suicidal thoughts, do better than your best to PERSUADE them to receive the help that they need.
3. If you aren't sure how to approach certain situations, make sure that you REFER that person to someone who can.
4. (This one is something that I feel will also help in the situation) Prove to that person that you actually do care about them and their well being. Don't just be a part time friend. Be trustworthy, loving, and caring at all times because you never know... the smallest display of affection could be what they needed to bring them back from the tipping point.

Well, now that I've shared my knowledge I hope that you will do the same. Please pass this on. Not many people know how well these points work or how to handle suicide. Knowledge is Power, people! Become Powerful!!!!

Love, & Happiness to all.