Faux Fur Vests, Sidestepping Grizzle, and Lightening Up

WHAT:
Hola Amores! This past weekend, I made the journey down to ATL for the infamous Morehouse/Spellman homecoming. Me-oh-my! It was a sight to behold, to say the least. Thousands of beautiful black folk, the girls with their roots freshly permed, sidestepping BBQ grizzle with their freakum boots at the tailgate; the men with the fresh fades and stunna shades, grabbing wrists, trying to fill up their bench for the winter months! Guess there’s no such thing as “doing too much” when it comes to ATL’s annual stunt-fest. Which brings me to a very bold trend that I saw a lot of this weekend: the faux fur vest.

Ladies, ladies, ladies. This is the type of trend that polarizes: you either love it or you think it’s the tackiest thing you’ve seen since Amber Rose wore that camel-toe baring snakeskin body suit to the MTV awards! If you loath it, you better at least get used to it because this winter, fur vests are all the rage. Don’t hate! Participate!

WHERE:

HOW:
A fur vest can be worn inside or outside. For outside, layer it over a long-sleeved, solid-colored top or sweater. For inside, you can pair with a tank, or a short sleeved shirt. Skinny jeans or black pants are best on the bottom, and don’t forget a mean pair of boots! Also, you might want to add a sash around the waist to pull in some of the bulkier styles.

EASY-LIVING TIP:
Often, on the road to self-development, we can begin to take ourselves too seriously. Everything begins to seem life-or-death, and this sobriety can lead to negative thoughts and anxiety over the future. Conversely, having a light spirit and good sense of humor allows us to be more productive because we can let things roll off of our backs and focus in the present moment. Next time you find yourself criticizing your progress or brooding about what someone said or did to you, use these four tips to lighten up:

1. Realize that you are not your ego. When you learn to recognize that inner voice screaming “I am important! How dare they make jokes about me!” as your ego, you can begin to take control of your emotions and moods. Yes, you’re phenomenal. You have unique gifts and talents. Many people love you. But you’re also just one tiny person in world of similarly fantastic specimens, so get over yourself. Laugh with your critics and develop a humble attitude. You’ll be much happier when you do.

2. Realize the only thing you can control is you reaction. It is easy to get caught up in negative emotions. To replay an agitating incident over and over in your head. But at the end of the day, you really do have complete and utter control over your own mind and emotions, so don’t let those emotions control you! Sure, it takes practice, but next time something awful happens, don’t go off the deep end. Breath. Stand back. Before that impulse to bemoan your situation kicks in, simply fix your focus on the most sensible solution.

3. Assume familiarity. One of the best ways to lighten up is to treat new acquaintances as if they were your best friends. This will put you in a relaxed, easy-going space. It will help you to laugh, joke, and not get offended when others tease you. People are attracted to outgoing spirits and especially to people who can laugh at themselves.

4. Always take the long-term perspective. When you think about the things that worried you last year at this time, you’ll probably have a good laugh. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of today’s situation, think about something difficult you’ve been through and realize that you are still standing today. You made it through and you will make it through again. Soon your current grievances will be a distant memory, so don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Lighten up!

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