My daughter and I were having a discussion regarding beauty and ugliness the other day and it really made me think.  I remember telling her, “I really don’t know any ugly people.”

Everyone has something beautiful about them. Ugliness to me is not a blemished complexion or a disproportionate body.  Ugliness to me is evil.  Ugliness is rude, mean and hateful.  As we stroll through the produce department searching for the perfect tomato, we often fail.  I think to myself, “What’s the importance of a perfect tomato? An oddly shaped tomato can be just as delicious.”  I made it a point to buy the most imperfect tomato I could find.  After all, why does everything have to be perfect?

If we all put effort into living beautiful instead of looking beautiful, we would have much happier lives.  Imagine waiting in line, at the dreaded Secretary of State office to renew your license.  Wouldn’t it be nice to wait with a bunch of happy and kind people? Instead of spending thousands on plastic surgery and make-up, why not spend time and money volunteering in homeless shelters and schools?

It makes me sad that it has taken me almost forty years to find comfort in my own skin.  I was always trying to change my hair, my weight, my make-up and my clothes.  I have, finally, learned to change the way I see myself.  I am comfortable being me.  I wouldn’t change anything physically about myself because then I wouldn’t be Rhonda Gutierrez.  However, I will continue working on being the best person I can possibly be on the inside.  Pretty is as pretty does.  Smiles are beautiful, imperfect teeth and all.  Wrinkles are attractive, when they are products of many years of smiles.  Frown lines…not so much.

There is no perfect person and there are no perfect lives. We are all here together, in this big beautiful world.  Let’s make it shine with smiles and happiness.  Be the most attractive, magnetic person you can be—just by being nice.

“That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.” Ninon de L’Enclo

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you are looking for something unique and entertaining this weekend don’t miss out on this!

Everything in our lives depends on attitude.  We can dread work or we can walk in each day with a positive attitude and embrace the job at hand.  Even exercise can be enjoyable with the right music.  Housework is fun with my favorite CD playing.  I dance through the house, while dusting the furniture.  The broom is my favorite dance partner.

I feel bad for those who find no joy in their lives.  Bad things happen.  It’s part of life. Death, sickness and struggles can ruin our days, but, while we’re here and breathing, we must live for today.  Today is a gift.

People who have never had to struggle may not appreciate the everyday gifts, such as sunshine and breath.  Those of us who have, truly look forward to hugs and kisses from our children and another chance to witness life.

Make this year your opportunity to shine.  Do all the things you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t wait until tomorrow, next week or next year.  Today is the day.  This is your year! Whatever makes you happy….do it!

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” – Aristotle

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

Image: graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I believe resolutions are mainly an American tradition.  It makes us feel good to have a fresh start and try to get a better idea of what our lives should be.  We order exercise videos and join gyms only to waste the money.  We rarely stick to a strict routine of diet and exercise.  Life is busy and, after working many hours each week and driving kids around, we often feel exhausted.  The last thing we want to do is drive to a gym.

Everyday stresses cause us to eat for pleasure.  Comfort foods and familiar desserts give us a false feeling of reward.  We fail to realize that true organization and health will give us the most satisfaction.  Everything in moderation.  Yes, we can exercise and diet too much.  However, we can also relax and overeat too much.

This year, I have vowed to be happy.  Nothing more. Nothing less.  Happiness includes healthy foods, exercise, organization, family time and an occasional treat.  These are the tools needed to make me happy.  Decide what makes you happy and stick with it.

“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” – Author Unknown

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

Image: dream designs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The one episode that I saw was where the Fordson High School coach was invited by the White House to celebrate the Iftar.  I  also saw another’s journey to start wearing the hijab and a story of converting to Islam for love.  I was fascinated by watching some of the issues discussed that are universal to many other ethnicities.

This is why I was extremely shocked when I heard about how Lowe’s decided to pull advertising from All-American Muslim, as the result of the Florida Family Association’s efforts.  From what I have read, the FFA is concerned about the show’s supposed hidden agenda.  Was I missing something? I was learning about the experiences of another minority.  These experiences are something that I am extremely familiar with.

I do think that the FFA thinks that they’re coming from a good place.  In their About Us section, they say they want to “…Educate people on what they can do to defend, protect and promote traditional, biblical values.”

One of the principles that I have tried to live up to is acceptance.  I believe in letting people live their lives in a way they see fit, so long as they are violating no laws and not presenting a danger to their community.  If somebody wants to wear a hijab, why should I care? If somebody wants to convert to Islam or any other religion, what business is it of mine? It’s not my business and it’s not really that of the FFA either.

I applaud the Lowe’s boycott.  If they were really that afraid of what could happen from advertising on AAM, then they shouldn’t have advertised.  To see them pull out makes me question their dedication to diversity and inclusion.  Either they are or they’re not.

In writing this piece, I’m exercising my rights as an American just as the FFA are.  I will not dictate to anyone how to live their life.  However, there are some well-intentioned people that don’t follow this path.  The danger is in not knowing where to draw the line.  Once we start cramming our beliefs down someone else’s throat is when we cease to be American.

Author: José A. Rodríguez

Image: Getideaka / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Every time I think of complaining about something I say to myself, “Are my kids healthy? Did I wake up today?”  Yes.  Yes.  Okay…today is a good day.

We should all be grateful for our health, our jobs (like them or not), a roof over our heads (renting or owned) and food in our mouths.  If we are sincerely unhappy, we should do something about it.  I love the people, who continuously tell me how miserable their lives are.  When I offer a solution to a problem, they always answer with, “I would but….”  But, what? Excuses, excuses!  There are no excuses to be unhappy and miserable.  There is always a solution, but laziness often prevents corrections from being made.  Let’s face it, some people just love to complain and listen to their own drama.

I have quickly learned to surround myself with positive people as their energy often rubs off on me.  Those negative statuses become irritating and create bad feelings that are never wanted or needed.  We all need a shoulder to cry on sometimes and we all need moments to vent, but when venting and complaining become an everyday event, medication may be a good alternative.

A loved one was recently depressed and negatively rambling about his life and failures. My response to him was, “There are people in hospitals, all over the world, holding their children for the last time.  They are spending these last moments with their dying child. In comparison to that, you’re pretty blessed.”  He was silent and it was apparent that my words were piercing.

Life is what you make it.  It’s all about attitude.  Joel Osteen says, “Don’t say, ‘I have to go to work today.  I have to take care of my kids.’  Say…’I get to go to work today.   I get to take care of my kids.’”

What are going to do to change your life today?

“I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it.” Charles Swindoll

Author: Rhonda “Roni” Gutierrez
Images: 123RF Stock Photo

News stories and reality shows are filled with stories of drugs and drug dealers.  Growing up in Detroit exposed me to the reality of the drug world.  Young men fighting to protect drug territory.  My corner, your corner.  My customers, your customers.  The fighting brought violence and the violence brought death.  So many young people dying to make a dollar the easy way,  but the easy way isn’t so easy.  Constantly watching your back is never easy.  So, why is it many people are willing to die for this?

The American Dream is a dream of success, fame and wealth.  Sure, these street pharmacists may be famous, but it’s for all the wrong reasons.  They are usually famous after they die or go to prison.  Successful?  No.  Wealthy?  Sure, but only for a short time. It doesn’t last long before one faces death or prison.  The sadness lasts forever because the innocent family members suffer for a lifetime.

No money in the world is worth the pain that drugs cause.  Sure, it may seem like quick and easy money, but it’s not.  Quick money to me would be waiting on a few tables to earn a little cash.  Or, having a garage sale or eBay auction.  That’s quick money, why not try that?

Every time I see a young guy drive by in a pimped out ride wearing the Jordans and gold bling, I think to myself, “If he was as passionate about an education and career as he is about making that quick, illegal money, he’d be doing well.”  Why is it that all the hard work goes into making that money when money can be made by doing the right thing?

Doctors make lots of money.  Athletes make it big.  Actors are rich.  This is what young people should be dreaming of.  They should be dreaming of a future.  They should be working towards a long, happy life.

As adults and teachers, we must be sure to motivate our young people.  We must guide them to be their very best and encourage them with positive words and examples.  Hard work and determination equals positive results.

“Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.”  Theodore I. Rubin

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

Image: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…WAY TOO SOON! Before Halloween even came, I walked through the stores searching for Halloween decorations and all I could find was Christmas decor.  I thought to myself, “What a way to spoil the holidays!”  The radio was playing Christmas carols and the Halloween candy was mixed in with tiny chocolate Santas and peppermint candy canes.  What is going on with American commercialization these days?

It seems that the holidays have lost their true meaning.  Making time for family around the dinner table, exchanging homemade gifts and baked goods, sending beautiful Christmas cards and volunteering to feed the homeless has turned into rushing around to be the first to buy the expensive toy that everyone else if fighting for, standing in line all day and night on Thanksgiving to catch the sales and sending emails to loved ones instead of  handwritten messages.  It’s all about one thing–MONEY!

I must admit that I do not enjoy the holidays, as I had during my childhood years.   Holidays seemed much more relaxing during that time.  We looked forward to my mom’s cooking and family visits.  We took the time to drink hot cocoa, as we decorated the tree and cookies together.  These days, I feel like I’m running a rat race to shop, wrap presents, decorate, bake, and visit numerous friends and family, making sure not to forget anyone.  It’s stressful!

This year, I have vowed to make the holidays simple.  I won’t give in to the sales, shopping and endless parties.  I will be home with my family, drinking cocoa and eating cookies, watching Frosty the Snowman.  These are the times that my children will remember, special time as a family.  I just hope to avoid the bikini sales in December!

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”  Roy L. Smith

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

The exhibit is set to close on Friday, November 4.  There will be an open mic event with poetry and music from 7-8 pm.

This is an invitation to the entire Southwest Detroit community and to the rest of the people interested in Día de los Muertos.

This event is sponsored by SDBA (Southwest Detroit Business Association).

Just recently, I read a TIME magazine piece by Joe Klein entitled “Middle Of The Road,” which detailed his trip through Middle America to talk with actual everyday people. One of the things that struck me were the numbers of people across the entire political spectrum that were getting sick and tired of the blowhard type of discussion that has dominated our political landscape. I’m talking about the pundits. I’m talking about the political rallies, where people are foaming at the mouth. I’m talking about candidates that feed off of discontent for the only purpose of getting elected than getting anything done.

I looked up what compromise means. According to Merriam-Webster, a definition of compromise as a noun is “something intermediate blending qualities of two different things.” As a transitive verb, it is defined as “to bind by mutual agreement.” When I see our congresspeople doing their little press conferences, what I see is them trying to defend their political credibility. They talk about compromise. However, what I see is them trying to cater to their supporters rather than looking at the big picture of what our country needs. Since when was it more important to stick to your own than to cross the aisle, transcend difference and get some things done. Can you imagine being remember for getting things done? What a concept?!

I pride myself in filling my network with people from different ideologies, backgrounds and mindsets. I have little room for people that I can’t have a good conversation with. Some of the best and smartest people I know lean way more conservative than me. Do I always agree with them? Definitely not. However, at the end of the day when we conclude a discussion on issues, we respect each other and agree to disagree. No personal attacks. No threats or fistfights. Sometimes, we even find some common ground. If only our “leaders” would do the same.

Images: 123RF Stock Photos