Healthy happy life

Health is the most important thing there is.  Those if you who rarely have health issues may take it for granted, but please remember you should always treat your body with care, even when you're feeling fine.  I have been dealing with health issues most of my life and when I'm feeling good I really dislike thinking about what I should be doing to stay healthy.  Sometimes I feel like illness has robbed me of a normal life, so when I feel good I just want to do whatever and not even acknowledge that I will most likely get sick again.  This is not the way to live.  For one thing, I need to change my perception.  Eating healthy foods, exercising, mental stimulation, creative outlet, these are all things that we should be doing not out of fear that we may get sick if we don't, but out of the joy that these things bring to our lives.  I know that especially lately I have become resentful and angry when I get sick, and I am sorry for this and for anyone that has had to deal with me.  I am human and I struggle and sometimes I act in ways that I know are wrong.  I am working on changing my attitude.  I am certainly thankful that I have support from people that love me.  I am thankful for my doctors who are trying to make things better.
I am certainly not saying live your life in fear, because that will not make you happy and happiness leads to health.  Live your life to the fullest, appreciate what you have, and treat your body with care and respect.

"If you don't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?" -Rupaul

Can I get an Amen?
Seriously, I know it can be hard sometimes, but you must love yourself.  One thing that really bothers me is when people alter themselves because they think society wants them to.  Now I am all for experimentation and changing your look, but only if its for your own reasons.  One of the societal pressures I encounter the most is a belief that natural texture is somehow a bad thing.  Especially when it comes to ethnic hair, some seem to think that if it isn't straight it isn't beautiful, and that is just not true!  I LOVE textured hair, I think it is gorgeous.  For those people who have never worn their hair natural I encourage you to try, I believe you can learn a lot about yourself and your perceptions of yourself.  NaturallyCurly.com is a great site for advice on keeping your curls healthy and happy.
Please know that I am in no way putting down people who do things to change their hair texture.  I have colored my hair for coming up to half my life and I'll wear it straight on occasion.  But I do these things because I like to, because it's fun to change up your look and try new things.  Get your hair relaxed!  Or permed!  Or dyed! Or chop it all off!  Do whatever you want, because it's your body to play with.  But do it because you want to, not because you think someone else will like you better because of it.  And of course do it safely!  All chemical services should be done by a professional.  Also, treat yourself with care, this means using good quality products to keep your hair healthy and beautiful.
Most of all, just remember that you are beautiful no matter what.  So have fun, try something new, and love yourself for who you are.

Here's an example of trying something new.  Jasmine typically wears her beautiful hair natural, but for fun I blew it out and turned it into this gorgeous updo.

Celebrities change their hair constantly (and can afford to do so safely), here's a picture of Beyonce looking beautiful with her natural curl.

This is Sydney Tamiia Poitier, from the film Death Proof, this picture doesn't do her hair justice, it is soooo long and gorgeous!

This is my personal hair icon because her texture is very close to mine, Dana Fuchs a la Across the Universe.  I can't wait for my hair to be long again!