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.

Beauty

"Beauty isn't about having a pretty face. It's about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart and a pretty soul!"

Beauty

I've learned that beauty has nothing to do with the designers you wear or the style of your hair,

But, everything you said you would do and be and for every battle you fought and won to get there.

Beauty has nothing to do with the car you drive or how much money you make,

But for every dream you chose to chase and for every risk you're willing to take.

Beauty isn't about how popular you are or how many people know you, 

But, about how many people lives you've impacted by every time keeping your word and always coming through.

Beauty isn't about where you work or what you do for a living,

But, about to those around you how much love, time, support, etc. you put in instead of just the money you're giving.

Beauty isn't about what people see when they look at your surface,

But the energy, genuineness, love and loyalty they feel in your presence and for being exposed to your real purpose. 

Beauty is more than the makeup you use to cover your skin, 

It's about character and personality, things that reveal exactly who you are within.

I don't that I am beautiful because of how I look or what people see on the outside,

I feel that I'm beautiful for staying true to myself and showing you the exact things others try to hide. 

Most times my words and poems have been transparent enough for you to get a glimpse of my life, 

But not once did I vow to be perfect or pretend as if in life everything I do or say is right. 

For me beauty is just that, the confidence, love and respect that I hold inside of me,

Because no matter how I look, dress, talk etc. the only person whose opinion matters is my own,

And with that being said I am beautiful inside and out because when I look in the mirror that's exactly who and what I see.

I am not afraid to admit that I have flaws and have made my share of mistakes. I, too, have looked in the mirror and didn't always like the person that I saw. I use to feel as if I wasn't good enough or pretty enough or I hadn't accomplished enough. But, I had to ask myself, "to whose standards are you not these things?" I had to remind myself "to not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of my mind!" (Romans 12:2) I had no one expectations to live up to but my own. And I had no one to compete with but myself. I have gotten to a place in life where I remind myself and repeat daily affirmations on things like, "I am enough, I am a great mom, I have accomplished some things, and today will be a good day." Never let anyone tell you that you do not posses great beauty. The beautiful person you are is already within and just waiting on you to figure it out and release them. The only person whose opinions of you matter are those of your own. Only God can judge you!

"Beauty is not flawless; it shines even through your flaws...so, remember that a flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms!"

"BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL!" and just in case no one told you on today...

                          YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!

©2017. Kiara Giles. All Rights Reserved.

Freedom

Looking through past and present pictures of my daughter from Fourth of July inspired this...Enjoy 😊

Freedom.

Red, white, and blue,
Well...red, white, and cute.
Thank God that I have the freedom to love on you,
To choose how I parent, to choose the activities we do.

Independence Day yet we're not always so independently free,
But thank God that she has a mother like me.
To teach her all about unalienable rights, the constitution, and the abolishment of slavery.
To try to shield her from as much hatred, criticism and racism as I can,
To teach her that she is beautiful, she has a voice, and she has what it takes to stand.

Black and proud,
Let her melanin pop loud.
Because too many people walked, boycotted and fought for her.
To not live as she pleases,
And take pride in the things she believes in.
Of course just because of the color of your skin, you'll face injustices,
Because sad to say, yes the world is divided but not equally.
So, know that one NO does not mean it's the end of the world,
God will say YES, He has the last word,
Always remember that you ROCK my little black girl.

And if you don't know anything else, you will no this,
"I'm going to protect you from all hurt, harm, and danger until my least breath!
I will fight for you and with you with everything in me until I have nothing left."

Because see we're free to follow our dreams,
To create our own paths and choose our own destiny.
Kaidy you can do and be anything you put your mind to...
So, let your light shine, let your freedom ring!

Parenting is no easy job in itself. But once you add the stress of trying to do it in 2017, in the world we live in today, it becomes ten times harder. It's scary. Everyday I ask myself why or how am I suppose to do it or explain certain things to my child. All I know is that I can only try my best. I can only pray for wisdom. All you can do is keep doing what you're doing and praying that you or your child is not next. I pray everyday for guidance and strength to be the best mom I can be. All we can do is to teach our kids morals, values and respect and fill them with knowledge and common sense about living in today's cruel and unjust society. To teach them to be better than their environment. To remind them that they can do and be anything that they set their mind out to do and be! Instill in them the importance of an education. And most importantly shower them with love.

And I leave you with a comforting promise parents should take to heart...
Lamentations 3:22–23
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness."

©2017. Kiara Giles. All Rights Reserved.

Even Me

Hebrews 13:16, "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Even when you don't always feel as if your light is shining,
There's always at least one person that sees your potential, they see how hard you're trying.

Even when you don't think you have much to offer,
Your words alone can change someone's life, you've done a good deed just by talking.

Even when you feel as if you haven't done enough to help,
That person is grateful just to be able to say that they're glad the two of you met.

Even when you don't fully understand the way things tend to happen,
You realize that sometimes certain people were meant to cross your path,
And God will continue to use you to do things far greater than you could ever imagine.

Matthew 5:42, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

So...I  had a great experience this morning. You never know who you'll meet and how much your help (words) may impact them.
I met a fellow writer today. She started asking about my blog and said she would love to read it. She stated that, "she was in awe of me and didn't even know me, but it was meant for her to meet me." Long story short, I didn't feel as if I had much to offer; but, she was very thankful of the advice, tools, resources that I was able to share.

It just amazes me how I finally decided to write and go to school to make a career of it and now people are coming from everywhere asking for my expertise and I'm not even where I want to be yet. But, I feel like God is using me to help someone follow their dreams. It feels good to know that I helped someone to take another step. My goal was to always be open, honest and inspiring, so that's a plus for both me and them. She's like the 4th person that had reached out to me. Now, I feel like I can do great things. The possibilities are limitless. For me and for you. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. If you have a dream, protect that dream. Because of them, who knows, I just may go into teaching writing courses, or starting a consulting business, I may even be a publisher or editor one day. So, thank you to those that trust me enough to reach out for help. I have people helping me and I've met people on this journey that has been more than welcoming, willing and able to give me sound advice and help point me in the right direction; therefore, I do not mind doing the same.

I'm excited. I never imagined this. I just wanted to write. I didn't think people would actually read my blogs and be inspired to start one. Or to reach out for advice. I don't know much myself about this industry but just knowing that people see my light shining is confidence enough to keep going and to keep writing. And what are the odds that my first course in graduate school for my professional writing degree is editing, layout, and publishing? God definitely works in mysterious ways.

I say all this to say that you never know who is watching you, who is looking up to you, or who sees the best in you. So keep doing what you do.  God will put people around you that share similarities so that you can build each other up. Just by doing what you love, you never know how it could help, inspire or encourage some one else, so don't stop doing it. No matter how scary it may seem or how much you don't understand certain situations, when God says move, you move. Pray about it and let Him lead the way.

Even when in life you don't think you're as far as you could be,
You're exactly where Gods wants you because He see things in us that we don't see,
So yes He could use someone like you and even someone like me.

Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven."

©2017. Kiara Giles. All Rights Reserved.