Note To My Younger Self: Three Key Advises I Would Give To Myself Then....And Now.

Many of us wish we could've gone back in time and speak to our younger selves; may it be words of encouragement or simple warnings to be careful in our decision makings. 

If I had the opportunity to sit and talk with my younger self, we'd have a hell of a conversation!

But no, really, if I were able to tell my younger self three short but very valuable key points or advises on life, they would most definitely be:-

ONE: Don't Think About It Too Much.

Remember when you loved reading aloud during class sessions? Or writing play scripts for youth groups? The speech competitions you were oh so eager to be apart of? Some victorious, others not...but that was okay, you kept going? Somewhere along the way Akrizia you lost your spark. You became fearful and uncertain of yourself. You began to over-analyze everything, therefore pushing you to just give up completely saying, 'oh well, I just can't do it.'

Hey, you there....don't think about it too much! Become fearless again when it comes to the things you love to do. You're a natural! It's okay to have the jitters at times but it's never okay to quit. You've done it before, you can do it again. The world is your stage, and your audience are waiting; don't disappoint them, more importantly, don't disappoint you. Go out there and be amazing!

TWO: Time Heals Most Wounds.

So, he broke your heart huh? But have you not been here before? Okay so it's sort of a different situation but still, it's sort of the same. Cry about it if you must, fine, i'll give you that but please, do not wallow in it and for the love of God Akrizia, stop being dramatic; no, you are not going to die:-). You didn't last time or the time before that did you? One thing I've learned over the years is that time heals most wounds. I will not tell you all, but the breakups, yea, it healed them.

Letting go of someone because they are just not who God has intended you to be with is okay. You may ask how do I know who God has in store for me...well, i'm still single (unmarried) so i'm not quite certain but I do know for sure it's not who you're crying over. You prayed about it remember? He said no but you still went ahead anyways? Yea, that's how I know. You're a tough cookie and you're going to be okay. So as they say, 'be on your way and stop crying your heart out.'

THREE: You Are More Than Enough!

Sometimes we doubt ourselves and our capacity to be great; it happens. Shake it off....okay. Sadly, the world is filled with people who at times can make you feel as if you're not enough; don't you dare let them get to you. You are more than enough!

Akrizia, if I had the opportunity to trade lives with anyone else, i'd still want yours; you make life worth living. So there's been bumps in the roads and you thought you wouldn't make it through, but you did. In-spite of everything you've been through and we can agree it's been a lot, you still manage to smile and say, 'God You are good and Your mercies surely endureth!' You encourage others to be great even when you're not feeling at your best. That's because you were born for this. You are more than enough. Do not let anyone dim your light. People have said some very hateful things in hopes that it would break you, it didn't and it won't.

Not everyone is going to like you and that's okay. Stop letting that make you insecure. You'll discover in your older years that you're not fond of everyone either. You don't hate anyone but you've grown to understand that life isn't about being liked too tough but being respected. Give them something to respect. Know that you are valuable and never cheapen yourself for those who cannot afford or appreciate you. You are more than enough. You've always been even when you thought you weren't. Continue on this journey walking with God because you CANNOT  do it without Him, believe me. He's got so much wonderful things planned for you.

Doors are opening that seemed impossible all because you were faithful; remain faithful. Watch the company you keep, you tend to pick up their traits. Some were not the best habits but you got focused along the way, remain focused. Honestly Akrizia, you're going to be okay! I'm proud of you. You have been, am and will always be more than enough!

Be encouraged, the best is yet to come!

Akrizia 'MaryAntonique' Smith

Written:18th November, 2015

@ 19:47pm

Thank You!!!

23 years huh? Wow!!! It may not seem like a lot but indeed that’s so much in these last days. Who would’ve thought it…that we’d reach to a stage where 23 is considered a long life? Scary huh? First and foremost I’d like to thank God Almighty for His grace and mercy that has indeed brought me through. It has been such a tremendous 22 years and gosh do I look forward to celebrating 23.

Over the past years I have accumulated great friendships and suffered heartbreaking losses. Nonetheless, I’m still here and still standing. I’m excited to embark upon this New Year as I look forward to accomplishing many things and staying steadfast on the path to success. More importantly, I look forward to my growing relationship with the Father, Christ Himself and do believe that he will carry me through all endeavors that I might face.

As some may say, I’m getting up there in age lol so they assume that it’s time for me to perhaps have some kids and settle down. I do anticipate doing so one day but as of right now my immediate plans remain the same. 23 yearsJ. That’s a huge accomplishment as in this day and time many do not live to see it.

I will continue to put my best foot forward, achieving all that I can and being a motivation to others. I do enjoy my life to the fullest and I am hopeful to celebrate many more years to come.

Thank you!!! My sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone who have wished me blessings on my birthday and even more importantly, to those who do so all year long.

 To my family, Gracias! Te quiero!

My friends, Te quiero para siempre! Significa el mundo a mí!

And to everyone else, Dios le bendice!

Thank You!!! Gracias!! Merci!!!

Respectfully,

Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith

“Respect is given when we express our gratitude to those that mean well to us. Never deprive anyone of the fit just that is due to them.”- Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith

Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith- Holiday Greetings

It gives me great pleasure to bring to you holiday greetings and cheer!!! Indeed it has been an eventful year but nonetheless amazingly blessed. God has afforded me the opportunity to live yet another year and I am forever grateful for it. Though the many challenges faced throughout the year, I am most happy to say that indeed I have been more than a conqueror and have made it!!! There have been many ups and thankfully, not as many downs.

As we embark upon the Christmas season and shortly thereafter embrace the New Year, we must remember the true reason behind our celebration, which should and ALWAYS be Christ. He selflessly died and risen for our sins and has taught us a valuable lesson about being selfless for the greater good. Too often we are caught up about the presents and things that we desire all for self gratification without ever thinking about others and those who have not.

Not only during this season, but throughout the year we ought to think about others and consider them in our daily plans as Christ has taught us to be our brothers keeper. I encourage you to not only consider the material aspects of giving but also those gifts that cannot be bought or sold; gifts that are beneficial for others all year round and can be uplifting to them as they too face adversities in this life. Prayer would be my main suggestion among many others. We must see the need for prayer and must realize the supernatural power that it possesses.

It is vitally important that prayer is a part of our everyday life for it is the main vehicle that will carry us through all of our endeavors. I trust that you will adhere to such advice and keep pushing forth for greater things to come.

I’m not one to make New Year Resolutions as I honestly find them redundant. Reason simply being is that throughout the course of the year though my overall goals do not change, obstacles do occur and there is no sure guarantee that I will fulfill such resolutions. I do believe in living in the moment and embracing each day as it comes. Whiles I do encourage you to have overall goals and aspirations, I strongly advise you to not make them a yearly recycled vision but one that is beneficial in the long haul and meaningful towards the future.

I am beyond grateful for the people good has placed in my life and I thank you guys so much for all that you have added to my life. I look forward to celebrating over the season with many of you and for those that I have not yet come into personal contact with; I do look forward to doing so in the near future. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and indeed a Prosperous New Year to come!!!

“Keep looking forward in knowing that your past is all now just memories, your present actuality and your future that of what you write as you mark each day with your living pen. What was shall never be again, those to come are unthought-of yet but what’s now is what truly matters at the end of the day.”

Authentically,

Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith

Nation Building: Unity

“Expecting others to fight ones battles leave you open and defenseless; easily to defeat. It is through acting in accordance that obstacles are faced head- on and overcome.”- Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith

As the nation listened attentively Monday night (October 3^rd, 2011) to the Prime Minister’s National Address on crime, eyebrows were raised, comments made and questions asked. Many, because of political preferences disagreed with much that was said whiles others stood by his statements. Well, from my perspective, I partially agreed on much that was said and two particular points stood out to me (one which I will elaborate on).

However first, I pose this question to you, the Bahamian people; when are we going to take the political aspects and opinions out of how we care/ contribute to the building up and betterment of our country?

Whiles I agree with many that stated the PM’s address had little substance, there were a few valuable points made. Too often we blame poverty and misfortune for our actions and for limiting us to accomplishing/ achieving in life. We blame circumstances and inevitable situations for our short comings and sadly, we blame the government for everything else that seems to go wrong in our lives. Where is the accountability in all of this? Are we not to be held responsible for anything?

In the political world, though sad, it is expected. However, we all do not live in that world and quite frankly, we should not desire to. Before we see political party and color, we should see ourselves and we should see are nation as a whole. Our first initial question should not be what is the government doing BUT what are we, even more personal, what am I doing to contribute to the fight and help my country? Yes, the government is there to do a job and when they fail we have an opportunity to bring in new people BUT do we just sit back and watch them fail, or do we not offer ourselves to be of some service for patriotic gratification?!

We blame everything and everybody but ourselves and honestly, I DO NOT think it is fair. I hold myself accountable for many things that I chosen not to care about or say it wasn’t my business when indeed it was. Everything that goes on in our country that affects us is our business. We have to stop playing the blame game and admit that we too have failed. As a people we are supposed to be united and before political alliances, which honestly are why we are so divided now, we are supposed to see Bahamian and what it truly means to be one.

We come together when murderers are loose and protest for a brief period of time; then march the streets when sales are going on and once we’ve put out all the fire of being riled up and angry, we quickly go back to being divided. We MUST do better as Bahamians. We look at other nations and we copy everything but we fail to see the unity and togetherness that they possess. We don’t want others here but yet we can’t appreciate one another? How hypocritical is that?!

We can say the government has failed us and I won’t argue with that, BUT, what have we done to make our Bahamaland better? What extreme measures have we taken to protect what is ours and why do we blame it all on poverty as to why we can’t do, give, or achieve? Poverty is more than a physical state but a mental attitude that we adapt to because we become discouraged in believing we can’t achieve more; so we become complacent just like the government. Then, how are we any better? Just like them, we must renew our mindset and stop allowing politics to cause us not see the bigger picture: Bahamians FIRST. We are all in this fight and no one man or government can do it alone.

So again I ask, when are we going to take the political aspects and opinions out of how we care for the building up and betterment of our country? Expecting others to fight ones battles leave you open and defenseless; easily to defeat. It is through acting in accordance that obstacles are faced head- on and overcome; For there is strength in unity and unity through progression. No one is left behind in a forward harmonious movement and should one fall, he is blanketed by his peers and uplifted; unity is power!!!

Authentically,

Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith

A. Smith VIII. XV. LXXXIX

There’s a special significance about this particular birthday as no other have hold. If granted the opportunity to see it, it would be so amazing. God has brought me thus far and if only 21 years, even then, I am forever grateful. It’s been a trying time and I’ve faced many trials, too many to count. Had it not been for God, I most likely wouldn’t have been here.

Everyone gets excited about sweet 16, then 18 & 21, but this one for me means so much more than they ever could have. 21 years and I’m finally at the point where I want to be in my life; I’m happy. How, when, or why it happened is beyond me but it happened. There have been endless teary nights and many self-destructive tactics that literally could’ve been the end of me. BUT, God’s kept me.

I know the great calling He has on my life and once again, I am forever grateful. However, it gets depressing at time always taking care of others before me, considering their feelings before mines, but nonetheless, it’s why I’m here. I take my responsibility very serious and follow through with no hesitations.

21 years and I’m finally happy. I’ve been searching, waiting, and constantly praying for this feeling and it came, and it feels so good. I’m confident now in who I am but most importantly, I know who I am. I was confused for quite some time with who I should be, living off other peoples impressions. Now, I know me and it’s a great feeling to know and love me.

“Destined to be a star, Ordained to shine”- I live by that. I know that greatness is within reach and if I’m self-motivated, I can achieve it. 21 years and I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of life and all that it has to offer. I’ve come to realize that the rain signifies blessings so therefore I shouldn’t complain when it comes.

21 years and I’ve come so far, so close to where I ought to be. If granted, 22 is going to be amazing!!! To the person writing this, Akrizia MaryAntonique Smith, you are Beautiful!!! You are intelligent, vibrant, confident, and exquisite. God’s covering is upon you and you ought to be the change you seek to see. Keep going, pushing forward knowing that in due time, with such diligence, you will overcome, for you are more than a conqueror. You are loved.

God’s blessings always and forever,

Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith.

Forward, Upward, Onward Together!!!

“There’s strength in unity and through unity, progression; no one is left behind in a forward harmonious movement and should one fall, he is always blanketed by his peers and up lifted. Unity is power.”- Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith.

Once again, the frequencies of my notes have been fluctuating but I’ve got a lot that needs to be discussed so I won’t drop the ball this time.

As you all should know by now Independence is my FAVORITE holiday of all time. I get more excited about it than my birthday. All throughout the year I find ways to better my country and to assist with helping out and giving back to those who’ve made it all possible. 38 years is a big achievement for a small country like ours and I’m eagerly excited as to seeing many many more. I believe that our country has great potential and has the youth of the people who are ready and willing to take it to the next level. I am passionate about being the change I want to see.

With that being said, I feel as if our country currently is at a standstill. Where we are now feels as if it is no different than where we were perhaps some five plus years ago. The issues we’re facing today are the same issues of yesterday and had we taken care of them from the beginning, we would be much further than we are now. You can never change a corrupted man from what he is accustomed to. You can only hope for the better and put effort into bringing up and inspiring a man with good morals and strong work ethics and belief. A corrupted nation is far different.

To refer to our country as corrupted is very extreme and might be disturbing to some and even to me. However, I feel as if, and not only within the government, that we have people who are placed in powerful positions who are not intellectually fit to be there. The mindsets of the people are not where it should be despite their academic achievements. Education is vitally important and it is good to have people with great knowledge but what we tend to forget at times or not see is academic knowledge can only take you so far. Growing up they said manners and respect took you throughout the world. Well, let me add to it, having the ability to intellectually stimulate people and motivate them to want positive change is what also takes you throughout the world.

Our motto of what we’re supposed to live by is Forward, Upward, Onward Together but daily I see the progression of the people going backwards. We pull down, tear apart, and deliberately destroy each other all for the sake of power and name. If this is how we expect to build our nation then it’s simply not going to happen. The maturity level of our leaders is questionable and it scares me to think of where we are going to end up. As said before, I believe that our country has great potential but before we can ever move forward and be productive we must realize the potential that we have and embrace it. We must have people in power who are focused on making sure that no one is left behind.

In our society too often we are afraid to help another because of fair of being pulled down or looked down upon. We say we want change then we must be the change we want to see. We say we want progression but why are we then so afraid to get rid of the old ways of thinking? We must first move from the former in order to reach to the latter. It is said and proven true that your latter will be greater than your past but we cannot reach it living with the past mentality.

There is more expected of us. I believe and will see to it that this generation, my generation is going to rise up and totally turn this country upside down, inside out, and all around make it so much better than it’s ever been. We have the visions within us and though there are very few inspirational leaders out there, we must act on our own motivation. Too many times in this country things are done for self gain. Even though we must be self motivated, nothing we do must be for self gratification. Our common goal should and must be the building up and betterment of our country.

Our forefathers left a legacy that is greatly appreciated and should always be remembered but the footsteps in which are current leaders are walking is on a different course than where we are suppose to be. Therefore, a constructive change is indeed necessary. Change is inevitable and will happen regardless it be for the better or worst. We must ensure that the change our country is about to embark upon is one that is effective and optimistic in the progression of us as a people.

Forward, Upward, Onward Together we march; we must march. My hand in yours and yours in my mind, in love and unity; we march, we must march. Our making as a people that are excellently executed through the words of our national anthem encourages us to do so; in unity we march; we must march. For “there is strength in unity and through unity, progression; no one is left behind in a forward harmonious movement and should one fall, he is always blanketed by his peers and up lifted. Unity is power.”- Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith.

Happy 38^th Bahamas!!!

Authentically,

Akrizia ‘MaryAntonique’ Smith

Burning Your Bridges: When it’s not ok and When it’s beyond time to do so.

Within society it is commonly said that you should not burn your bridges. Many younger folks question exactly what does it mean. Well, from my understanding of what I’ve been taught, it simply means to be careful how you treat others and to always try to keep an open and honest relationship with whomever you come in to contact with because you will never know when you will need someone later on in life.

I am an argumentative person (love to debate) so I can always see the two sides to the story or the reasons why and why not to do something. With that being said, I’ve already stated exactly why it is not good to burn your bridges, now here is my full on opinion as to why sometimes it is a MUST that you do.

In life, there are those people who no matter what you do; they will always be there for you. Most of us can honestly say that those people are perhaps just Mom and Dad. Some of you are blessed to say that you can consider friends to be those people too; good for you. These people stick with you through EVERYTHING to the point where even in death; you know they will defend your honor. These are the people who you should NEVER burn your bridges with, regardless.

 THEN of course, there are those people who never see or acknowledge when they do you wrong but always seem to criticize and ridicule you if you should just so happen to step on their toe. There are those people who are “perfect” in their eyes and see every flaw you possess. Certain friends we have amoung us are secretly waiting for our demise and ironically they reveal themselves, whether you see it or not, by constantly giving you advice that they themselves do not adhere to. Failed relationships we tend to cling on to and try to rekindle simply because we are afraid of perhaps being by ourselves or moving on: THESE people and these relationships we MUST burn our bridges!

Why is it that we allow ourselves to continue on in holding friendships and relationships with hypocritical people? We, as humans often tend to say things that we do not mean or go back on our words BUT some people live for hypocrisy. People who always see the negative side of things in life are NOT people we should want to communicate with. Those who only see the wrong in your doings but never theirs are people who WILL step on you to get where they want to go in life. Friends we are most sure of who hate on us and easily give us unhealthy and confusing advice considering the way they live their lives are not real friends. Running back to past relationships after they’ve failed miserably is idiotic and is actually an act of insecurity. Why are we keeping people in our lives who we know mean us no well and why do we go back to what we’ve already left?

If we allow these bridges to remain open, then we are allowing feelings to foster/ linger and the more we allow this, the more we will always look back and want to revisit these bridges. Sometimes in life it is a MUST that we not only let go but do not look back at closed doors. They are closed for a reason and going back through them is only a hindrance to what we can achieve if we were to remain focused on moving forward. Burning certain bridges are a necessary act for us to get ahead in life and to not constantly wait around wondering should we or should we not go back to them. Certain friendships that we are sure of that are not beneficial or inspiring at all in any way to us MUST be disbanded. There is absolutely NO need to hold on to uninspiring friendships or relationships for they only keep us from developing and bondage us to the ignorance of others.

It is extremely important to know which bridges you should not burn but be that as it may, you should never be afraid to let go of things/ people who mean you no well and not fear the reaction you will get from it because in the end, it is only for your best. Many older folks will say, “Never burn your bridges.” Well, I disagree. Some bridges are meant to be burnt simply because some of those are ones we never should’ve crossed in the first place. Be careful of the paths you choose to take because some of them lead you to an intersection where you will have to choose your next step from there. Be wise in choosing your friends and relationships because should there come a point when things are not at all what they have seemed to be, it will be a bittersweet ending to them.

Stop blaming others for the decisions you make and learn to be wise in your decision making for if you are, you won’t have to worry about releasing people/ things free from connections with you. We often say if God brings us to it, He will bring us through it. Whiles this is undoubtedly true, we should be honest with ourselves and admit to the fact that many paths we cross in life are self chosen and therefore, we put ourselves in the predicaments we are in or face. God no doubt still brings us through and closes those doors or keeps us from crossing those paths/ bridges again; so, leave them alone. Move on and do not feel the need to go back to what is already done. Think from now on before you do/ say anything and perhaps we will have fewer regrets in life and not so many bridges to burn. I can only speak from personal experience so trust me when I say, it’s not fun burning certain bridges. There’s a sense of emptiness inside that perhaps, if I were more careful in my decisions, I wouldn’t have to face such difficult choices now. Rise up and wise up; just lookin’ out for ya!!!

Authentically,

Akrizia “MaryAntonique” Smith