Speak Your Truth...

By Chris Assaad 

Telling the truth isn’t always easy, but I believe that it’s the foundation of meaningful connection, closeness in relationships and genuine fulfillment in so many areas of our lives. Somewhere along the way, many of us have learned to keep our thoughts and feelings to ourselves out of fear that people will not love us if we tell them what’s really going on. While this approach may have served us in certain situations or up until a certain point, as we go deeper into our own spiritual journey and as we strive for a reality that reflects our highest potential, it’s ultimately the truth that will set us free.

Before I go any further, I should clarify that the word “truth” is subjective and in this context, I am referring to your truth. In order to speak your truth and share it with another, it’s first important that you’re able to be honest with yourself. Whether it’s an upset, a crush, an idea or an apology that needs to be expressed, the first step along the path to authentic communication is identifying what’s true for YOU. This part of the process is crucial and can often be challenging for a number of reasons. The truth can be scary sometimes because it can reveal to us that we need to take action in a direction that’s uncertain, such as walking away from a relationship that isn’t fulfilling or a job that’s not in alignment with our purpose. The same applies to expressing our true feelings for another and giving voice to our creative yearnings, both of which require us to put ourselves out there, to be open and vulnerable. Similarly, when we are communicating something that is not inherently positive, such as a disappointment or a point of contention with a friend, colleague or loved one, there are a few challenges that arise as well.

The first, especially for those of us on the Path who believe in taking responsibility for our perceptions, is to objectively determine if our grievance is well founded and see where it ‘s really coming from. Perhaps there’s an opportunity for us to own up to our part in a conflict, to put our egos aside and swallow some pride. We all know how difficult that can be! On the other hand, we may feel genuinely hurt by something or we may want to establish a boundary or standard in a particular relationship without necessarily blaming the other person and putting them on the defensive. In either case, being open and honest is the key to maintaining a clear space in our relationships and the way to do this is by being authentic in our communication and expressing from a place of love and a desire for harmony.

One of my favorite metaphors on this subject is the idea of the “elephant in the room” which represents the obvious truth that is not being addressed among a pair or group of individuals. I always picture two people wanting to be close and intimate being separated by a giant elephant! Whether it’s obvious or not, there is no question that the unspoken truths that we carry around and bury deep down live in the space between us. There is a distinct energy that comes from repressed upsets and emotions, as well as unexpressed love and creativity that creates a wall between us and others.

Beyond this, what we do not authentically explore within ourselves can have a negative impact on our own state of balance and our health. Harboring unacknowledged frustration, anger and resentment and not dealing with them appropriately can be toxic to our bodies and can be the beginnings of disease. I’m not suggesting that we go around unleashing the fury and breathing fire on other people. That said, it ‘s important to give ourselves space to vent and give voice to our darker emotions in healthy ways, such as journaling or communicating with someone who can hear us out but who is not involved in the situation.

As cliché as it may sound, I also can’t help but point out that life is short and tomorrow is never guaranteed. We may have the chance to express something today, but we never know if we’re going to get a next time. So let us not pass up the chance RIGHT NOW to make things right with those we love, to be honest with the people in our lives, to say “I love you”, to sing our song, to tell our story, to share our ideas and to speak our TRUTH!

Let’s be honest with each other. Is there something that you’ve been keeping to yourself that you know you need to express but don’t know how? Or better yet, is there something within you that you’re dying to express but haven’t because you’re afraid of how it will be received?

If you feel up to it, leave a comment below and let us support each other in opening up and expressing our truth.

Watch: Alicia Keys Performing At The iTunes Festival

Grammy-award winning songstress Alicia Keys was a headlining act at the iTunes Festival in London, where she performed a rousing set including classics like "Fallin'," "If I Ain't Got You," "You Don't Know My Name," "A Woman's Worth" in addition to her new singles "New Day," "Girl On Fire," "Brand New Me," and "Not Even the King." Watch it all below.

Setlist:

1. New Day 

2. Karma 

3. You Don't Know My Name 

4. Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart 

5. Unthinkable 

6. A Woman's Worth 

7. Unbreakable 

8. Girl on Fire 

9. I Need You 

10. Brand New Me 

11. Fallin' 

12. Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down 

13. No One 

Encore:

14. Not Even the King 

15. If I Ain't Got You

Top 10 Male Vocalists Of Our Generation

Here is my top 10 male vocalist of this generation that display amazing vocal abilites, sultry sounds, great stage performance live and great songwriting.

 Chris Daughtry: Chris was a contestant on Season 5 of "American Idol", he was sadly eliminated but that didn`t stop him from pursing a recording career. He went on to form a band named after him Daughtry. In 2006 they released their self-titled debut album that best know for being the fastest selling debut rock album in history. They followed it up with two albums "Leave This Town","Break the Spell" which are highly successful and critical acclaim.

Chris is the total package entertainer, blessed with a very powerful, impassioned, soulful voice and wide vocal range than almost any other rock vocalist out there. He sings with so much heart, charisma and he able to captivate audiences of all types, ranging from the American Idol fans who supported him throughout his run on the show, to alternative rock crowds.

Jason Aldean : Jason came on the music scene in 2005 with his self-titled album  Jason Aldean, which peaked number 6 and went  Platinum, he followed that album with four album that were all successful and all went Platinum and won gained him millions of fans and won him countless awards.  All the albums showcased his amazing vocals and his original musical styling which is so charming and daring. He takes each song like a pit bull to a T-bone, tearing into it until he gets to the core of the song. Embodying the emotion behind the lyrics, the man sings the message. With intention, a single note can immediately convey in depth feeling-emotion for which words cannot. Live, his vocals are always on point, smooth with great depth and amazing energy level and showcasing his guitar skills, keeping the audience’s attention.

 

John Legend: John came on the music scene in 2004 with his stunning debut album "Get Lifted" which peaked at number 4 on the Billboard charts and own him 3 Grammy awards for Best R&B Album, for Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the hit single "Ordinary People". The album was beautifully written and produced and showcased his impressive vocal range that is similar to Stevie Wonder's but it has his own unique style and very rich texture to it. Legend went on to release two more albums and win 6 more Grammy awards and he got better and better with each other and never felt like he needed to degrade his sound to sell records nor be successful, he just stayed true to his sound and his fan base.

John Mayer: John came on the music scene in 2001 with his debut album "Room For Squares" which peaked at number 8 and has sold over 4 million copies in the US. The album is a masterpiece that displayed his amazing songwriting skills and showcased his dark-soulful vocal range and also showcased his great vocal control as he sings over his instrument, producing notes that are well supported. He went on to release four more albums and won countless awards, including 7 Grammy awards.  Mayer is AMAZING live, he is able to showcase more his skills as talented musician and also a gifted guitarist. He is destined for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and is regarded in the same league as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

Justin Timberlake : Justin came on the music scene as part of boy band named N'Sync, which was really success but when they went their separate ways, who would`ve known that he would be such a sensation in the R&B world. In 2003, he released his debut solo album, "Justified" and in 2007 he released his sophomore album "FutureSex/LoveSongs" that nobody was prepared for, he teamed up producer Timbaland who gave him such a refreshing, edgy sound and took him to the next level. Justin Timberlake had arrived, the album showcased his growth as artist and as vocalist, his vocal range is impeccable, particularly his falsetto which was heavily influenced by Prince and Michael Jackson but he has mastered the technique and owned it. His upper register trills are full and resonate and he is able to sustain full-bodied mid-range belts with precise pitch. Live he is amazing, one of the best performers of this generation, he delivers some flawless vocals and tight choreography. 

Maxwell: Maxwell is one of the founders of Neo-soul music which was heavily inspired by the sound of classic soul music. He came on the music scene with his debut album "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite" which went on to sell over 500,000 copies and was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 1998 He released his second album"Embrya" which earned him another Grammy nomination, in 2001 released his third album "Now" which earned his first number one album on the peaked at number one on the US Billboard charts. Than he took an extended hiatus and returned 8 years later with his forth album "BLACKsummers'night" that was is critical acclaim and earned him two Grammy-awards. 

His body of work is highly creative and has set the music industry on it's ear every time he drops an album. Always showcasing his warm, silky voice that displays alot of passion, emotion, and raw vulnerability. And his lyrics are complex, intelligent and well thought-out.

Michael Buble: Buble came on the music scene in 2001 but it wasn`t until he released his self-titled album, did his career actually take flight . He went on to release four more album that are massively successful world-wide and won him three Grammy-awards. The albums showcased his rich tenor-high baritone voice with impressive vocal range and amazing vocal styling that is heavily influenced by Frank Sinatra and live he has captivating stage presence and cheeky yet charming personality.

Raphael Saadiq: Raphael came on the music scene as a member of the groundbreaking 1990s neo-soul trio Tony! Toni! Toné! and he went on to form a short-lived R&B group Lucy Pearl and then produced a couple of tracks off D'Angelo's groundbreaking album "Voodoo". In 2002 he released his solo album "Instant Vintage" which peaked at  number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart, the album saw him pushing neo-soul music ahead tremendously. In 2003 he won his first Grammy award for producing Erykah Badu`s single "Love Of My Life" featuring Common. His following two albums after that one, showcased his growth as artist and saw him changing his musical style from Neo-soul to a more Motown sound and his last album "Stone Rollin'" saw him changing his musical style once again to R&B but with a rock and roll twist to it and it become his highest charting album to date.  Live he is beyond amazing and vocals are better than ever, he is very comfortable  and confident on stage, displaying some great soulful energy with great band and background singers backing him up.

Robin Thicke: Came on the music scene in 2003 with his underrated debut album "A Beautiful World" but it was his second album "The Evolution of Robin Thicke" that put him on the map, that album was so refreshing and his vocal range is similar to Marvin Gaye`s and Timberlake-like falsetto but with his own smooth musical styling. He went on to release three more albums that were all successful and showcased his growth as artist and as vocalist, he always pushes himself in that department,expanding his vocal palette and exploring the mid and deeper regions of his vocal range. Live he sounds amazing, flawless vocal delivery, great stage presence, great ability to engage the audience, along with his excellent piano skills and overall musicality is incredible.

Usher: Came on the music scene in 1994 with his self-titled debut album which showcase his vocals but he needed time to grow into the artist he was supposed to be. Three years later he returned with his second album "My Way", which showcased his growth, confidence and his amazing songwriting talents and showed the world he was truly a star. Usher went on has also released three more albums "All About U", "8701" and his groundbreaking album"Confessions" which peaked at number one and sold over 10 million in the US, 20 million world wide. Throughout the album he showcased his rich, raw, smooth vocal range, unadulterated sexual energy and passion. He went on to release 3 more albums, his material might`ve changed over the years but his vocals have gotten better.  He is fantastic live, true performer who he puts everything into his performances, the dancing, singing, production and quality is just unreal.

Interview: Janelle Monae

Earlier this week Billboard caught up with Janelle Monae in Los Angeles during Nokia Music Social Media Week and she opened up about her forthcoming sophomore album "The Electric Lady" and also talked about being the new face and spokeswoman for CoverGirl. 

Watch the interview below.

Interview: Missy Elliott Talks About The Next Single, New Album, Her Dream Collaborations And More...

Missy Elliott recently did a interview with the Femme Fatale Mixshow about her new album,her new artist Sharaya and who she wants to collaborate with : 1). Andre 3000 2). Lauryn Hill 3.) Kanye West. She also revealed that her forthcoming seventh album is complete and will dropping soon after she releases the third single, which will be features two of her long time friends.

Watch the interview below.

Download "9th Inning" and "Triple Threat" on  itunes.

New Music: Lana Del Rey Previews "The Paradise Edition" And Debuts "Ride"

Lana Del Rey is gearing up to releasing the re-release of her critically acclaimed debut album "Born To Die" as "The Paradise Edition" which is due out on 12th November. The album feature the original 12 tracks, including three bonus records and an additional 9 new songs including her new single "Ride". 

The Paradise Edition Songs

1. Ride

2. American

3. Cola

4. Body Electric

5. Blue Velvet

6. Gods & Monsters

7. Yayo

8. Bel Air

9. Burning Desire

During the summer alot of songs leaked from Lana, that were so refreshing and also showcased her musical range, sadly her new single "Ride" didn`t quite hit the mark. It is a melodramatic-draped piano ballad that was produced by Rick Rubin, it is a good song but it`s not single worthy at all, more like album filler and her vocal delivery during the verses was very lazy and emotionless while the chorus and the bridge was beautifully put together. 

Rating: 3/5

New Music: Dawn Richard - "'86"

Dawn Richard has premiered her new single titled "86`", which is the lead single taken from her forthcoming debut album "GoldenHeart", the first in a trilogy with others titled "BlackHeart" and "RedemptionHeart".  "86`" is a 80s inspired ballad, produced by Druski, Richard bares her soul all over this track as she sings about letting her guard down and letting herself love. 

Here`s what she had to say about "86`", in a interview with Interview Magazine: "For "'86," my producer Drew and I really went back to the basics. I also grew up listening to Prince, Genesis, Cyndi [Lauper], Peter Gabriel, and Phil Collins, which you hear a lot of in "'86." Their sound resonated in my life and my childhood, so, it's really in a sense the beginning of my story. And that's exactly what "'86" and Goldenheart is for me. A new beginning. "'86" is really the most naked single I've ever had. I did that purposely because when you're presenting a story, you don't start at page 50, you start at page one.

 "'86" is about the lyrics and the atmosphere—it tells you how I gave it all up to start this new journey. "'86" is actually a slang term—it means to get rid of something. For me, I've put up so many walls that I forgot if I was going to do this, that I can't play the victim, I have to play the survivor. The song's about ridding yourself of all those barriers so that you can be free and fight for love. That's what everything I do now is about. The fight for love—what I love, and that's the music."

Rating: 4.5/5

 Listen to "'86" below and download it on  iTunes and be on the look out for her debut album "GoldenHeart" when it drops on 16th October 16.

Fashion Bish: Cassie GQ Spread

 Model Cassie Ventura is featured in a sexy 8 page spread titled "Diddy’s Girl" in the October issue of "GQ Magazine", showing off her ridiculously good looks and flaunting her oiled up body ready for a workout. Cassie poses in a bikini top and tiny denim hot pants on one image where she channels a gymnast.

Here is a behind the scenes look at her photo shoot and you can read her cover story and see more pictures from the photo shoot here.

 

New Video: Rachel Kerr - "Hold My Hand"

Introducing Birmingham-bred singer-songwriter Rachel Kerr, who recently premiered her music video for her new single "Hold My Hand" taken from her debut EP "Back To  Music" that was released earlier this year. "Hold My Hand" is a soulful track that samples Ben E. King`s classic record "Stand by Me", the production allows her to showcase her beautiful vocals so confidently and fiercely. Rachel shines in the Andre Efeturi-directed music video as she sings her song in a believable manner.
Rating: 4/5

"Back to Music" is available on iTunes.

New Music: Prince - "RnR Affair"

Music legend Prince has premiered his new single titled "RnR Affair" on Chicago’s I Heart Radio, the song is reminiscent of some of his old records like "1999", very funky track laced up with his signature sound and vocal delivery. No announcement if the track will be featured on his next album, but the track is worth  listening to, it`s a banger.

New Video: Adele Vs. Daft Punk - "Something About The Fire [Carlos Serrano Mix]"

San Diego-based mashup artist DJ Carlos Serrano has combined Daft Punk's "Something About Us" and Adele's "Fire To the Rain" to create a truly unique and awesome song "Something About The Fire". And has now premiered the beautiful music video to the song, that was directed by Jason Ano, who has directed for the likes of A$AP Rocky and Skrillex in the past.

New Music: Thaddeus David – "NASA"

Seattle rapper Thaddeus David has just released his new single titled "NASA" , the second single taken from forthcoming solo album titled "Trapital Trill" that will be dropping on 15th October. "NASA" which has nothing to do with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration but means "Never Am (I) Scared (about) Anything". 

The track is a relaxing, laid-back song that was produced DJ Semaj and 1stBorn, the drums are smooth and synthesizers roll in the background are so steady. David showcases his wicked wordplay as he raps about his lifestyle, hustle and reflect on a lack of fears. "Colder than an eskimo, trappin' at the Texaco, bags full of Mexico, hope I don't go Plexico."
Rating: 4.5/5

Solange Premieres A Trailer For Her Upcoming Single: "Losing You"

Solange has premiered a trailer to her music video for her upcoming single "Losing You", which she will be releasing on 2nd October via Terrible Records. The song is produced by Blood Orange who is mostly known for his work with Florence and The Machine and Theophilus London. 
Watch the trailer of the song, and the video below.

New Music: Flying Lotus Feat. Thom Yorke - "Electric Candyman"

Flying Lotus is gearing up to releasing his anticipated fourth album "Until The Quiet Comes back" and has now premiered a new track titled "Electric Candyman" featuring Thom Yorke (frontman of Radiohead). "Electric Candyman" is a smooth, soothing, trippy electronic, jazzy track with haunting vocals and intermittent guitar stribes that create unique vibe.

Rating: 3/5

 

 "Until The Quiet Comes" will be is released 2nd October

New Video: Jessie Ware - "Night Light"

British songstress Jessie Ware recent premiered her music video for her new single 's "Night Light", it is the third single taken from her elegantly smooth debut album "Devotion", which peaked at number 5 on the UK charts. "Night Light" is a mellowed out, smooth track that showcases her powerful and beautiful voice and it deserved to be a single.

 The effortless black and white music video was directed by Chris Sweeney, it kinda reminds me of Goapele's music video for her single "Play", it`s  all monochromatic, abstract and sexy and features cameo appearances from her boyfriend and  her sister Hannah Ware. 

Rating: 3.5/5

 

New Music: Frank Ocean - "Blue Whale"

 Frank Ocean has released a new song titled "Blue Whale" via his tumblr site the song is a relaxed, smooth, introspective track that find him rapping throughout the song about life: "If I ever have a daughter, I wonder what I could call her. Nine months after I fuck on the beach, I guess I call her karma", he raps. This is the first time we’ve heard Frank rapping and sounded pretty good, his flow is really smooth and has an old school feel to it. The track might sound a little rough , it`s pretty good and it showcasing his rap skills perfectly.  

Rating: 3.5/5

12 Things My Grandmother Told Me Before She Died

Written by Marc Hack

When my grandmother, Zelda, passed away a few years ago at the age of 90, she left me with a box of miscellaneous items from her house that she knew I had grown to appreciate over the years.  Among these items is an old leather-bound journal that she aptly named her ‘Inspiration Journal.’

Throughout the second half of her life, she used this journal to jot down ideas, thoughts, quotes, song lyrics, and anything else that moved her.  She would read excerpts from her journal to me when I was growing up, and I would listen and ask questions.  I honestly credit a part of who I am now to the wisdom she bestowed on me when I was young.

Today I want to share some of these inspiring excerpts with you.  I’ve done my best to sort, copyedit, and reorganize the content into twelve inspiring bullet points.  Enjoy.

1. Breathe in the future, breathe out the past.  No matter where you are or what you’re going through, always believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Never expect, assume, or demand.  Just do your best, control the elements you can control, and then let it be.  Because once you have done what you can, if it is meant to be, it will happen, or it will show you the next step that needs to be taken.

2. Life CAN be simple again.  Just choose to focus on one thing at a time.  You don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it all right now.  Breathe, be present, and do your best with what’s in front of you.  What you put into life, life will eventually give you back many times over. 

3. Let others take you as you are, or not at all.  Speak your truth even if your voice shakes.  By being yourself, you put something beautiful into the world that was not there before.  So walk your path confidently and don’t expect anyone else to understand your journey, especially if they have not been exactly where you are going.

4. You are not who you used to be, and that’s OK.  You’ve been hurt; you’ve gone through numerous ups and downs that have made you who you are today.  Over the years, so many things have happened – things that have changed your perspective, taught you lessons, and forced your spirit to grow.  As time passes, nobody stays the same, but some people will still tell you that you have changed.  Respond to them by saying, “Of course I’ve changed.  That’s what life is all about.  But I’m still the same person, just a little stronger now than I ever was before.”

5. Everything that happens helps you grow, even if it’s hard to see right now.  Circumstances will direct you, correct you, and perfect you over time.  So whatever you do, hold on to hope.  The tiniest thread will twist into an unbreakable cord.  Let hope anchor you in the possibility that this is not the end of your story – that the change in the tides will eventually bring you to peaceful shores.

6. Do not educate yourself to be rich, educate yourself to be happy.  That way when you get older you’ll know the value of things, not the price.  In the end, you will come to realize that the best days are the days when you don’t need anything extreme or special to happen to make you smile.  You simply appreciate the moments and feel gratitude, seeking nothing else, nothing more.  That is what true happiness is all about. 

7. Be determined to be positive.  Understand that the greater part of your misery or unhappiness is determined not by your circumstances, but by your attitude.  So smile at those who often try to begrudge or hurt you, show them what’s missing in their life and what they can’t take away from you.

8. Pay close attention to those you care about.  Sometimes when a loved one says, “I’m okay,” they need you to look them in the eyes, hug them tight, and reply, “I know you’re not.”  And don’t be too upset if some people only seem to remember you when they need you.  Feel privileged that you are like a beacon of light that comes to their minds when there is darkness in their lives.

9. Sometimes you have to let a person go so they can grow.  Because, over the course of their lives, it is not what you do for them, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them a successful human being.

10. Sometimes getting the results you crave means stripping yourself of people that don’t serve your best interests.  This allows you to make space for those who support you in being the absolute best version of yourself.  It happens gradually as you grow.  You find out who you are and what you want, and then you realize that people you’ve known forever don’t see things the way you do.  So you keep the wonderful memories, but find yourself moving on.

11. It’s better to look back on life and say, “I can’t believe I did that,” than to look back and say, “I wish I did that.”  In the end, people will judge you in some way anyway.  So don’t live your life trying to impress others.  Instead live your life impressing yourself.  Love yourself enough to never lower your standards for anyone.

12. If you’re looking for a happy ending and can’t seem to find one, maybe it’s time to start looking for a new beginning.  Brush yourself off and accept that you have to fail from time to time.  That’s how you learn.  The strongest people out there – the ones who laugh the hardest with a genuine smile – are the same people who have fought the toughest battles.They’re smiling because they’ve decided that they’re not going to let anything hold them down, they’re moving on to a new beginning.

Album Tracklisting: Dawn Richard - "GoldenHeart"

Dawn Richard has just revealed the official album cover and tracklisting for her upcoming debut album titled  "GoldenHeart", which is due out on 16th October via independently. It's the first album in her the trilogy with others titled "BlackHeart" and "RedemptionHeart". The album follows-up to her iTunes-topping EP "Armor On". The album will have a total of 15 tracks including the previously released track "Pretty Wicked Things". She will be releasing the lead single titled "86" on 26th September.

"The last six years have been a battle for people to understand and conform me into what they really want me to be and I've kind of had to protect that throughout this whole journey. It's kind of the story of me protecting this golden heart, which really kind of symbolizes my own heart and my passion for this music thing and really who I am".

Tracklisting

1. In the Hearts (Intro)

2. Return of a Queen

3. Goliath

4. Gleaux

5. Northern Lights

6. Pretty Wicked Things (PWT)

7. Frequency

8. War-Faire

9. Tug of War

10. Ode to You

11. 86

12. In Your Eyes

13. Break of Dawn

14. 300

15. GoldenHeart

Interview: Missy Elliott And Timbaland At The Breakfast Club

Missy Elliott and Timbaland recently stopped by The Breakfast Club to talk about a myriad of things including Missy's two new singles lifted from her forthcoming seventh studio album,being the underdog, her Grave's disease, the term "irrelevant" and also talked about the much buzzed about posthumous Aaliyah album that fans have called into question due to the fact that Timbaland and Missy have not been brought into the Drake helmed project and many more.

8 Ways You’re Wasting Your Life...

One of the hardest challenges we face in life is to simply live in our own skin – to just be right here, right now, regardless of where we are. Too often we needlessly distract ourselves with anything and everything: food, booze, shopping, television, tabloid news, online social networks, video games, cell phones, iPods, etc. – basically anything to keep us from being fully present in the current moment.

We use compulsive work, compulsive exercise, compulsive love affairs, and the like, to escape from ourselves and the realities of living. In fact, many of us will go to great lengths to avoid the feeling of being alone in an undistracted environment. So we succumb to hanging-out with just about anybody to avoid the feeling of solitude. For being alone means dealing with our true feelings: fear, anxiety, happiness, anger, joy, resentment, disappointment, anticipation, sadness, excitement, despair, and so on and so forth.

And it doesn’t really matter if our feelings are positive or negative – they are overwhelming and exhausting, and so we prefer to numb ourselves to them. The bottom line is that every one of us is an addict, and what we are addicted to is avoiding ourselves. Acknowledging this addiction is the first step to healing it. So begin today by just noticing with curiosity, and without judgment, all of the ways in which you avoid being in your own skin, right here, right now, in this present moment we call life.

Here are eight reasons so many of us miss out on life as it’s happening:

1. The fear of missing out. – If you feel anxious because you constantly feel like you’re missing out on something happening somewhere else, you’re not alone. We all feel this way sometimes. But let me assure you,you could run around trying to do everything, and travel around the world, and always stay connected, and work and party all night long without sleep, but you could never do it all. You will always be missing something. So let it go, and realize you have everything right now. The best in life isn’t somewhere else; it’s right where you are, at this moment. Celebrate the perhaps not altogether insignificant fact that you are alive right now. This moment, and who you are, is absolutely perfect. Take a deep breath, smile, and notice how lovely it is.

2. Avoiding pain and defeat. – Not to spoil the ending for you, but everything is going to be OK – you just need to learn a lesson or two first. Don’t run from the realities of the present moment. The pain and defeat contained within is necessary to your long-term growth. Remember, there is a difference between encountering defeats and being defeated. Nothing ever goes away until it teaches you what you need to know, so you can move on to the next step.

3. Holding on to what’s no longer there. – Some of us spend the vast majority of our lives recounting past memories, and letting them steer the course of the present. Don’t waste your time trying to live in another time and place. Let the past, go. You must accept the end of something in order to begin to build something new. So close some old doors today. Not because of pride, inability or egotism, but simply because you’ve entered each one of them in the past and realize that they lead to nowhere.

4. Retelling a self-defeating story. – If we continue to repeat a story in our head, we eventually believe that story and embrace it – whether it empowers us or not. So the question is: Does your story empower you? Don’t place your mistakes on your mind, their weight may crush your current potential. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as a platform to view the horizon. Remember, all things are difficult before they are easy. What matters the most is what you start doing now.

5. Attempting to fit in by becoming someone else. – The hardest battle you’re ever going to fight is the battle to be you, just the way you are in this moment. We cannot find ourselves if we are always searching for, or morphing into, someone else. In this crazy world that’s trying to make you like everyone else, find the courage to keep being your awesome self. Be your own kind of beautiful right now, in the way only you know how.

6. The picture in your head of how it’s supposed to be. – What often screws us up the most in life is the picture in our head of how it’s supposed to be. Although every good thing has an end, in life every ending is just a new beginning. Life goes on – not always the way we had envisioned it would be, but always the way it’s supposed to be. Remember, we usually can’t choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.

7. Berating yourself for not being perfect. – Don’t be too hard on yourself. There are plenty of people willing to do that for you. Do your best and surrender the rest. Tell yourself, “I am doing the best I can with what I have in this moment. And that is all I can expect of anyone, including me.” Love yourself and be proud of everything that you do, even your mistakes. Because even mistakes mean you’re trying.

8. Waiting, and then waiting some more. – Stop waiting for tomorrow; you will never get today back. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past. It doesn’t matter how low or unworthy you feel right now. The simple fact that you’re alive makes you worthy. Life is too short for excuses. Stop settling. Stop procrastinating. Start today by taking one courageous step forward. If you are not sure exactly which way to go, it is always wise to follow your heart.

(via)

Music News: Chrisette Michele Is Readying Her New Mixtape "Audrey Hepburn: The Mixtape"

While we wait for Chrisette Michele's forthcoming fourth album "Better," she recently announced on twitter that she will releasing a new mixtape titled "Audrey Hepburn: The Mixtape" that will follow-up her 2010 mixtape "Love Thy Brother", that she and her brother Lem Payne teamed up to create.

She tweeted: "The name of my Audiovisual Presentation is called Audrey Hepburn THEMIXTAPE, this journey is a special expression of my truest creativity."

"I’m going to show you how inspired I truly am by a lady I really adore. I’m taking a trip thru parts of Europe to visit places she frequented."

Hopefully we shall hear it soon.

New Video: Elle Varner - "I Don't Care"

Elle Varner has premiered her music video to her new single "I Don't Care", third single taken from debut album "Perfectly Imperfect". The sensual visual sees Elle completely stripped down and beautiful and also sees her tackling issues like interracial and homosexual dating. The couples in the video are seen battling with members of society that don't approve but "they don't care", they are gonna love whom ever they want.

New Music: Missy Elliott Feat. Timbaland - "Triple Threat/9th Inning"

The legendary rapper-songwriter and producer Missy Elliott has finally premiered her new singles "Triple Threat" and "9th Inning" both tracks featuring Timbaland, who also produced them. The tracks are the first singles taken from her highly anticipated seventh album.

"9th Inning" is a heavy hitter with a infectious production that features different elements that sound out of the norm and Missy delivered a hot verses with a great flow, with a catchy chorus and Timbaland delivered a great verse. Hip-hop at it`s best, creatively put together. Rating: 5/5

"Triple Threat" is a club banger with a catchy hook from Timbaland. The song is a fantastic track, I really enjoy the track, their lyrics are just as amazing as the production. Rating: 5/5

You can buy the singles are available to download on itunes.

New Video: Joss Stone - "The High Road"

New Music: Summer Williams - "Tales Of A Soulstress"

New Music: Angie Stone - "Backup Plan"

Angie Stone has dropped her new single titled "Backup Plan", which serves as the second single taken from Stone’s upcoming album titled "Rich Girl", which will be released on 25th September via SRR Records.

New Music: Lana Del Rey - "Backfire"

A new track from Pop songstress Lana Del Rey has leaked online, titled "Backfire",it is not yet known whether it will be featured on her upcoming Paradise edition of her Born To Die album which will be released this November. "Backfire" is a mid-tempo track with a great production that features some drum machine, with a lap steel guitar mewling in the background. The song showcases her musical range that she wasn`t able to showcase more of on her debut album. She can do all sorts of musical genres and still make amazing music. Her vocal delivery was so pure and sounded effortless, displaying the great tone to her voice.

"I’ve been waiting on your love, baby, for too long now, too long now/ I thought that I could change you like the others, but I don’t know how, don’t know how."

Rating: 4/5