The truth is that the price has gone up to engage with me in all areas of life with the exception of my relationships. I’ve been separated for seven years and divorced for five. Believe me, I have had a phenomenal time and met some very interesting characters, to say the least. As I approach my 48th year on the planet, I must acknowledge, in the words of the great Afro Latino poet, Fat Joe, “Yesterday’s price, is not today’s price”!

When I hit the dating scene in 2017 newly divorced, I wanted to be footloose and fancy free. Look, I enjoyed myself…OK! My momma reads my blog so I can’t share any details, but know that I accomplished my mission many times over! Now, it’s time to be laser-focused on reaching the transformational goals written in my 2015 Vision: Forty to Infinity. I used to joke around saying everyone can’t come, but I probably haven’t spoken truer words. Anything that is not aligned with my vision must go. This is a hard pill for me to swallow because I love bringing folks with me, but not this time.

Shonda Rhimes encouraged us to say “yes”! Well, I live on “yes” and for the most part, it has served me well. I have had some unimaginable experiences and I give thanks. However, when it comes to relationships, platonic and romantic, it’s time to say, “NO”! It’s time to say “no” to connections that drain your energy. It’s time to say “no” to connections where trust, authenticity, and reciprocity are not present. It’s time to say “no” to connections that require you to betray or contort yourself to fit into someone else’s vision. At this point, I am committed to realizing my vision.

In the words of MJB, “I didn’t know I was me”, because if I did, the price would have gone up long ago!

#SMDH