Sometimes people will try to steal your joy in efforts to make you move or act differently. Being wary of this and staying prayed up is a proactive way to hit the Heisman on those attacks. Another simple way to do this is by practicing more of the things you love to do. I think we are less susceptible to being caught off guard by negativity when we are actively participating in positivity and things that bring us happiness. You know the saying: hurt people, hurt people? Well, happy people just don’t. (Usually and not intentionally, anyway.) So what makes you happy? What brings you joy and inner peace? Whatever the answer is, think about ways to experience more of that on a regular basis. Then write it down and post it somewhere that you will see everyday. Here’s my Happy List (which, of course, started out as a poem) in case you need a bit of inspiration.

The Happy List:
More writing.
More writing on pink frilly paper. 
More passion tea.
More rain before clear skies. 
More faux fur throws. 
More cozy, fluffy pillows. 
More manicures and painted toes. 
More winged eye liner. 
More baking with one of those little, white timers.
More Bantu knots and twist outs.
More strawberry and mango smoothies.
More decorating bare rooms. 
More photos in black and white. 
More Black-painted art.
More mimosas at brunch. 
More pepperoni at lunch. 
More long islands at dinner. 
More twisted mermaids on black sand beaches. 
More passport stamps. 
More trips to see our mark on this territory.
More adventures for the sake of adventuring.
More Black Power theories. 
More philosophy debates. 
More mommy-daughter dates. 
More daydreams that come true. 
More tears brought on by joy.
More balance and meditation. 
More building of the nation. 

#SincerelyTyra