when's the last time you had a conversation with yourself? a nice, warm, heart-to-heart...

when's the last time you took a few minutes to yourself? to sit peacefully and reflect on you. not what's happening at work, with your classes, your love life, your social life...but really took some time for you?

have a seat. lower the computer screen. turn the music down, it doesn't have to be off, just low enough that you can hear...you. and put that phone on silent. if it's urgent, they'll leave a voicemail.

maybe you want to close your eyes. or maybe you want to sit in front of a mirror and stare at the reflection. study the person looking back at you. notice that scar on your right cheek that kinda looks like a tiny birthmark. a beauty mark. notice the shape of your eyes. your nose. the fullness of your lips. take a minute to smile at the reflection, she really is beautiful.

and when you're done with the outside, turn the conversation inward. how've you been? what are you doing that's making you smile? have you commended yourself recently? I bet you've achieved more than you've given yourself credit for and i hope you're not waiting for someone else to acknowledge your accomplishments. that's why we're here today. to acknowledge...you. what are you proud of? what have you overcome? don't forget to go and brush your shoulders off.

so, what's got you down? let's start with a stretch. inhale. so, are you making silly mistakes at work? is it the weather? yeah, this winter-in-spring shit is for the birds. or is it some stupid boy? you know better than that. niggas ain't shit but hoes and tricks. fuck 'em. exhale--release.

what are your strengths? everyone's got some of those, so you're no different. don't forget about them, they'll get you through your weaknesses.

and let's talk about these weaknesses. they're not really weaknesses, just areas of improvement. look how well we spun that! just like Wall Street financiers did with their earnings statements. except you're not ruining everyone's lives. just improving yours. but back to you, make a note of those areas, and now, let's set out and improve them, so we can add them to the list of accomplishments.

take one last stretch. a deep inhale and exhale.

go ahead, take over the world.