She is Me and I am She.

8/24/17 KLOUD turns 1. Happy Birthday KLOUD! 💃

One year ago today I took a leap of faith. I decided to believe in myself and in my writing. Of course I was nervous and afraid. I questioned if my poetry was good enough. I wondered how others would respond and if they would really be inspired or encouraged just by reading my words and hearing my story. Well, here I am 365 days, over 6,900 views, 175 comments, numerous of likes, shares and comments (via social media) later and I humbly say THANK YOU! The love and support that I have received has been far more than I ever imagined and I am forever grateful. Hearing things like, "you are a an inspiration to many, this poem is awesome, or I am proud of you," motivates me to keep writing. So, from the bottom of my heart I really appreciate each of you that have continued to follow and provide feedback, you guys are bomb! I cannot thank God enough for giving me a vision, and words, and a means to tell my story and be an inspiration to someone else. Lord knows that i just wanted to write.

Psalm 37:4, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Trust me when I say this...I take pride in KLOUD, she is my baby and I promise to keep moving forward, to become bigger and better.  All I want to do is write and I plan to keep doing just that.

I  am She.

And one day she decided to follow her dreams,

To let go of any doubt, fear and insecurity,

To use her pen and paper to set her mind free,

To use her words to make herself completely happy.

Not knowing how far she and her writing would go,

She just didn't want to not follow her passion anymore.

So she took a leap of faith, 

Started a blog while letting her poetry lead the way.

And she didn't know how many lives she would touch or how many people she would inspire,

But, she vowed to keep speaking her truth and encouragement would follow.

Because see one somebody would or could relate,

Even if just one person would understand and get through their own situation.

That would be enough for her because that's what she set out to do,

To let her readers know she has been there before, she knows all of life struggles too,

Her life isn't perfect and she's made mistakes just like you.

As KLOUD turns one know that she is forever grateful for every reader, follow, share and comment,

You all are greatly appreciated for all the love, support and continuous involvement,

Thank you for sharing with me this moment.

And know that this is not the end, she's just getting started,

She still has so much to share with you as a business woman and future author. 

Because she is too indebted in herself to not continue to follow her dreams,

And if no one else does, she believes in me,

Because she's is me and I am she.

In honor of KLOUD's birthday, I decided to add some fun facts to celebrate me today. I hope each of you enjoy and continue to join me every Wednesday for new blog posts.

Hugs and Kisses 😘

K.Giles

10 Fun facts...

Do you have hidden talents most people don't know about?

• Lol. Not at all. I swear I can sing and lord knows I can't. It's all in my head. 

What one accomplish are you most proud of?

• I  am proud of so many things (graduating college, being a mother, etc) but, I would have to say My KLOUD Blog. Reason being because it was the first step I took to following my dreams. I actually set myself up to one day becoming a great writer and published author by starting this blog. 

What's on your bucket list?

• I don't necessarily have a bucket list, but it's a few things I'd like to do while I'm still living like; travel, camping, publishing a book, start a business, etc.

Can you play any instruments?

• Well, I use to play the clarinet (I was good too lol) but it's been so many years, I honestly don't know. But, I'm sure I could probably still play. Man I miss those days. 

At which store would you like to max out your credit card?

• No brainer: TARGET! Lol. It's my favorite. One stop shop. Starbucks, groceries, crafting supplies, clothes/shoes for both Kaidy and I all in one place. #winning. We go to target so much, Kaidy ask me now when can we go! Smh #dontjudgeme

Have you ever had a song or poem written about you?

• I have a few times. I always seemed to have met and dated men who could sing. They stayed singing to me and making up songs. I've even been lucky enough to have my poetry rub off on a few of them and they expressed how they felt about me through poetry.

What, if anything, have you ever re-gifted? 

• I stay re-gifting things. Sad, but true. Mostly gift cards or bath and body works. But...Especially if you have a kid, I shop right in Kaidy closet sometimes for gifts. Oh well, it's the thought that counts. 

What was your favorite tv show when growing up?

• Now everybody that knows me, knows I love television. How could I pick just one?! But, growing up I loved Arthur. Sister sister, Moesha and a different world were favs too. But, I'm going to have to go with Greys Anatomy. 13 seasons later and I still don't miss an episode!

Choose a movie title for the story of your life.

• Pursuit of Happiness. I've definitely had some tough times. Life has been up and down. Good and bad. But, I refuse to let it break me. I vow to keep going. Although we may endure many hardships, just like Chris Gardener, I refuse to give in to despair. And I'll forever struggle and do my best to create a better life for myself and my Kaidy. Everyday I'm learning to take it all for what it is, one day at a time. To appreciate life as is it because I only get one. And to continue on this journey of knowing what it's like to genuinely be happy. 

What inspires you? 

• Love. Happiness. Knowing that I have the opportunity to love my life and to truly be happy. I'm inspired by simply being able to one day love what I do by doing what I love. The idea of being completely content and comfortable about who I am inspires me. Being able to follow my dreams. And of course the everyday love and joy from sharing moments with my Kaidy.

Until Next Time...

©2017. Kiara Giles. All Rights Reserved.

Chivalry is NOT Dead

Music 🎶 Baby Face, "Chivalry" 🎵

"Being a gentleman never gets old!"

Chivalry is NOT Dead!!!

Gentleman still do exist and who said chivalry was dead?!
You just have to give a man and not a boy a chance, who'll connect mentally, spiritually and emotionally instead of focusing on what's between your legs!
I didn't know men still opened doors and picked up checks,
Guys who actually get out the car and come to the door instead of sending, "I'm outside" texts.
There are men that still call just to say good morning or good night,
To ask about your day and to simply just make sure everything is going alright.
See, I think men never stopped being respectful, women just stopped giving them things to respect,
So, how can ladies get mad when a guy doesn't pull out chairs, walk you to your door, and basically hits and quits and moves to the next?
Men are creatures of habit and he's only going to treat you the way you allow,
So, stop lowering your standards for a man who's probably not worthy of your time or presence anyhow.
And women stop blaming all men for what the last guy did,
Because you'll only push a good guy away, they do still exist.
No man wants to constantly hear about the ex that did you wrong,
Especially when he's trying to show you better and move things along.
I've realized that there are still genuine, wholesome men willing to spend time,
Men that knows the importance of courting a woman, whine and dine, and sometimes sharing moments without spending a dime.
I don't know about you all but I'm happy with a man who just wants to make me smile,
That realize it's the simplest things that gets me, like just because calls/texts, random compliments and I was thinking of you gifts every once in a while.
Thank God for men who actually takes out the time to make plans,
One that doesn't sit around a wait,
For a woman to have to always initiate,
Date night.
Or romance.
Dating in our generation is hard and yes I agree that some of the men and women suck,
However, I'm not giving up on love,
I decided to give a guy a chance and I just may be in luck.
Chivalrous behavior is not dead and that I do believe,
Because he has not been anything but a gentleman to me!

"Chivalry never died. The gentleman in most men did."

"Chivalry isn't dead, it just followed wherever being lady-like went."

And there you have it! I don't have a story to tell, the poem and quotes speaks for themselves. Ladies, give a man something to respect and he will. And stop bashing all men. All men are not the same. I really do believe that good, decent, respectable gentlemen do still exist.

Until next time,
XOXO 😘,
K. Giles

©2017. Kiara Giles. All Rights Reserved.

Tired

The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest," Exodus 33:14.

I Get Tired Too

I didn't think it was against to law to want to stay home,
Somedays, I just want to be one with peace and quiet enjoying time alone.
Yea, it's my fault that I'm always on the go, because I just don't know how to say no.
But, for once I don't want to go to a birthday party, dinner, baby shower or wedding event,
I get tired of driving, buying gifts, and spending unnecessary money that I really don't have to spend,
So, I chose to stay in and relax for just one weekend.
I can't even recall the last time I was able to take a nap and watch some good ole tv,
To just lounge around and be surrounded by absolutely nothing and nobody, but just me!
Although myself, my family, friends and Kaidy may think that I'm superwoman, I am definitely not quite there,
And between being restless, stomach cramps and a migraine, I just didn't feel like going nowhere.
Juggling errands, crafting, writing, a child and a full time job,
I was lucky to even take a breather and be able to just sit around in one spot.
And in a few weeks I'm adding student back into the equation,
So, my time is about to become very limited and I can only say yes if it's a very special occasion,
Because normally my social calendar be in heavy rotation, but it's time that I make time for rest and relaxation, not to mention I think I'm ready to start back dating.
And yes, my life really is this busy, my schedule gets crazy.
As much as I'm there for everything and everybody, sometimes I wish someone could be there for me,
Even if it's just asking about my day, telling me to get some rest or simply asking if they could bring me food to eat.
But, I've learned that I can't be everywhere, for everything and pleasing everybody doing all the things everyone invites me to,
Or showing up to do everything that someone else wants me to do, Because stress and fatigue is real and believe it or not, Kiara gets tired, too!

Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Thank God for allowing us to cast our cares on him. For making us strong when we are weak. And for making our burdens lighter and helping us carry the load. He'll never put more on us that we can bare, but even He knows that we need rest!
I've learned that I am only one person, I am human and I get tired. Stress is real. And fatigue can take over your mind and your body. So take it from me, "you are only one person and you can't be in multiple places at one time, you can't please everyone, and you don't owe anybody anything! Also, it is definitely okay to simply JUST SAY NO!"

"A heart that always understands also gets tired!"

©2017. Kiara Giles. All Rights Reserved.

Just Like You

🎼Keyshia Cole: I'm Just Like You🎶

This will probably be the most transparent, honest blog I've ever written (well after broken and you're an adult). It's not Freestyle Friday; but, I want to be completely open and honest with you all and myself. I don't know how inspiring or encouraging this blog would be, but please read until the end and it just may help you discover somethings about yourself. To help you forgive yourself and to move on with your life. To be free and to be happy. My story just may help you more than either of us will ever know.

I just want to be honest about where I am in my own life. I don't want you (my readers) to read all my blogs and automatically assume or think I have it all together, because I don't.

I try to be encouraging and inspiring and yet some days I'm discouraged myself. Lately, I've been doing a lot of thinking about my life and where am I...so let's see, I have a kid and I'm not married. Speaking of that, I've decided that I may never get married and that's probably not for me. I just don't believe in love and relationships after being single for over 5 years or so and steady meeting unworthy men. But, moving on...I have a degree in healthcare management that I'm not using (Lord, I wish I had known before I got student loans lol). I wish I made more money. I prefer that I was working from home and I could take my daughter to school everyday. But, I'm just grateful that I do have a job. There's some people that I no longer talk to that I wish I did. I miss them some days and think of them often. I don't have a relationship with my dad. I wish I could spend more time with my friends and my family. I would love to afford to travel more often (but right now that's not in the budget and funds doesn't allow). For the most part, I'm okay though. Just like most of you, I'm maintaining and making it work. But, unlike some of you, I'm not afraid to admit or ashamed to say what you won't...SOMETIMES I JUST DON'T HAVE IT AND OTHER TIMES I JUST CAN'T!

My life is far from perfect and I've made my share of mistakes,
I've done and said things that I'm not proud of and wish I could press rewind; but, too bad I can't.
If only I could go back in time...
There's been times I was hungry, late on bills and broke,
I was depressed so I slept the pain away because life was too hard to face when I was awoke.
No I've never done or sold drugs or danced on a stripper pole,
But, I have stories and secrets that no one knows.
Things that'll I'll never admit so I've decided to take them to my grave,
But, these were all the decisions I once made, so I have to deal with the consequences of my actions and I only have myself to blame.
I dislike people who act as if they've never said certain things or won't admit to certain places they've been,
As if they can't relate to the positions of others, like they've never sinned.
They're the biggest hypocrites to date and always have something to say and can see everybody faults but their own,
But, that would be a whole other conversation so let me move along.
I'm just trying to admit my flaws so that I can be the best me,
To forgive myself for the young and dumb Kiara because that's no longer who I'm trying to be.
I don't want to hold on the past hurt and pain,
So if I let it go...true love, genuine happiness and pure joy I could gain.
Just know that your past actions and old mistakes does not define you,
And never let anyone judge you because we all have skeletons, even those who try to shame you the most and guess what, I do too.

It's never to late to change your thinking, your actions, and to forgive yourself. Everyday I'm learning how to move on from all the bad decisions I've once made. Everyday I'm learning to let go of hurt. To stop dwelling on things I can't change. To live in the moment and stop stressing about what lies ahead. I can't do anything about situations that has passed. And I'm learning to be free from the hold I have on my own mind (thoughts) and the feelings I have inside. I had to let it all out and to simply forgive myself. So, that I could move forward, so that I could love me completely, so that I could be happy. I accept me flaws and all. I am awesome and I can do anything. And you know what else...you are awesome and you, too, can do anything!

"Don't ruin a good day today by thinking about a bad yesterday!"

🎤"(I'm just like you)
I know it gets a lil hard.
But he will take care of you.
(If you trust and believe and have faith)
Ohhh..." 🎶

©2017. Kiara Giles. All Rights Reserved.