Ghouls and Fools

I never grew up celebrating or participating in Halloween activities. Even as an adult, I have maintained the same standards set by my parents, as the “holiday” has not shown itself to be worthwhile to me. Anyhow, there are many people who do participate in Halloween activities, whether it’s for themselves or for their children. As the day progresses and night comes on, I’m sure we will all see our share of ghosts, cartoon characters and superhuman costumes. However, there is a costume that I find to be both upsetting and insulting – the Trayvon Martin.

If you have paid any attention to social media network over the past couple weeks, you may have seen pictures circulating of individuals wearing hoodies and painted faces, with candy and iced tea in their hands. While there is a part of me that hopes those pictures are fake, the realistic side reminds me that there are insensitive fools, who would turn such a tragic situation into a joke. I understand that everyone will never see eye to eye on all matters, but respect for each other should override that. Whether it’s dressing up like Trayvon Martin or choosing to name your child Hitler, we need to have more respect for our fellow man and the tragedies they may have endured.

As you go through this day, stay safe from the 3ft. ghosts and don’t eat too many Kit Kat bars.

Finding Yourself

When people usually talks about finding themselves, I tend to ask if they were lost. They may not be seen by other people, but I’m sure we all know where our “self” is. Therefore, I found the term of “finding yourself” to be pointless, at least when related to backpacking across Europe or doing a road trip from Cali to NY. But I did see its purpose in figuring out where one truly belongs. The same way babies have that weird reaction when they first realize their little feet can take them from one toy to another; I think young adults also need to have that experience. Where they find something they are passionate about, and work it to the point that it also takes them from one job, dream, aspiration or invention to something greater.

Then I came across this quote, and its words are so true… It is NOT about finding ourselves. We are already here. What we have to do, is create the life that we want to be a part of. Place ourselves in circumstances that will work out in our favor and provide us with opportunities that will make us better, stronger and more useful. If a chef is hungry, he or she creates a meal. If an artist wants to see a painting, they create a picture. If a person wants to be a spectacle, they create drama.

It’s time we stop looking for ourselves. Who we are, is already inside of us. We just have to create the space for that character to shine.

Respect Yourself

If a pen no longer works, we throw it away. If the shoes now have holes in the bottom, we get rid of them. If the car can no longer be patched, we give in and buy a new one. Sometimes there is still life in the material objects, but rather than taking the time to repair and reuse, we throw simply throw away. There are times when the item is still full of life, but something bigger and better has come out on the market, so we trade-in and replace.

It’s so easy for us to get rid of material things that cause no harm to us. Yet, situations and people who hinder our progress and belittle our actions, many times get to set up shop with a long-term lease. The friendship may have been good three years ago, but no longer serves any purpose. No one says you can longer talk, but if you’re growing and that friend remains the same, maybe your time together needs to be minimized. If you find yourself spending less time with family and friends, because of a significant other – it may be time to re-evaluate that relationship as well. No good companion will keep you away from your family and friends. If your job is turning your hair gray and keeping you away from your kids, maybe you should consider switching departments or jobs completely.

Your happiness and success will only come from you. No one can do more for you than you are willing to do for yourself. The key is in your pocket and the password is in your hand. Know your worth, respect yourself.

Natural Beauty

One thing my mother taught me from a young age was to embrace who I am…naturally. Even though her hair is relaxed, she never forced me to perm my hair or made me feel as though my natural hair was an unnecessary burden. (Even though I do remember many instances of going to my aunt or cousin for school week hair rescue, after mom’s hairstyles left me with uneven parts or braids that stuck up in the air.) Mom always told me that perming my hair was my decision, and it was a decision that I made twice in my life…never again. Now I have nothing against those who relax their hair, it’s just not for me. I love my natural hair and the ability I have to do nothing to it, yet still get many compliments on my hairstyle.

Over the past 5 years of so, quite of number of my friends have given up the “creamy crack” and started wearing their hair naturally; whether it’s with extensions, dreads, afros or short n’ sexy. Some were tired of the relaxing process, while others wanted to try something different. Some decided to go back to their roots, while others felt “growing dreads” would be their “mid-life crisis.” Whatever the reason, natural hair in the Black community is taking over. Even though I have ridden this train for many years, I will happily welcome those who wish to climb on board.

But natural beauty isn’t only about hair. It’s about accepting who you are, without the perm to cover your hair, the makeup to cover your skin and the many other products that people hide behind. Some are so caught up in the commercialized opinion or concept of beauty, that they have forgotten who they are. In the process of “becoming someone else,” they are also showing our children, whether directly or indirectly, that it isn’t ok to be yourself. We have to reinforce to the younger generation that lighter skin isn’t better than darker skin – all are beautiful. Long, straight hair isn’t better than short, kinky hair – special people have all kinds of hair texture. Make-up should complement beauty, not mask or create it.

I know most of these issues tend to take place among females, but males also play an important role in the matter. Daddies, uncles, brothers and cousins should embrace the young girls in their family, reminding her that “She’s Royal,” because she is a gift.

Natural beauty rocks!! Spread the word. 

*Click here for a special treat.

Village Light

I was listening to K-Love on the drive home, when the radio personality mentioned a village in Norway that sits in a valley between two huge mountains. The village is so low, that 5-6 months out of the year it doesn’t get any sunlight, because the mountains block the light. Finally last year, 3 huge mirrors were placed on one mountainside, in order to reflect the sun and provide the village with some light. The radio host when on to mention how gloomy that village and its residents must have been for all those years, during the months it didn’t receive sunlight. And the difference the villagers must feel, now that there is constant light coming into their village.

The same thing happens to those who have been living in (figurative) darkness due to abuse, gang involvement, addiction and other negative behaviors. Their lives are gloomy, until light comes in and shines hope on them. That light may be a stranger, family member, job opportunity or simply a life-changing experience. You may be that light or have gone through the experience. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, you know that nothing is better than being in a well-lit place.

As you go through this day and onward, may the Light of Peace shine on you. As that Light shines, I hope you can serve as a mirror, allowing it to shine on the life of another.

Bon Sabbat. Shabbat Shalom. Happy Sabbath. Feliz Sabado.

The Power of the Tongue

Everyone enjoys a good debate every now and again. Two or more individuals engaged in a healthy discussion of pros and cons; each defending his or her position and trying their utmost to have their opponent concede.

Now what if you had the chance to debate on an international stage? To speak in front of a large audience, representing yourself, school and country. For the first time in its history, the World Universities Debating Championship, has allotted a spot for the Northern Caribbean University Debating Team. This of course, is a great accomplishment for the school, as well as the island country of Jamaica. For this, I am proud of my Alma Mater. The championship will take place in early 2014 in India. The team is working hard to attend, but lacks the finances. They are in need of JA$1.5 Mil (US$15,000) to attend this championship. If you can support in any way or know someone who can, please feel free to help these students. Click here to donate (look for WUDC link).

Every opportunity we give to another, allows them to give to someone else.

As Leaves Fall

While Summer has gone to rest until next year, let us embrace the beauty that Autumn brings us. As the trees prepare for the cold that comes with Old Man Winter, they lose their leaves and create beautiful sceneries, similar to the picture above. We can also take a page out of the trees' book, by shedding some personal leaves. Let's use this season to get rid of the leaves of jealousy, doubt and selfishness, which may be hindering us from achieving peace. Or maybe we are holding onto fear and self-pity, which is keeping us from success. The leaves could also be literal, such as weight that we want to lose, in order to be healthier and feel better about ourselves.

Whatever your leaves are, I hope you can take some time to shed them. Just as the physical trees shed their leaves and create pretty pictures for us, so will our leaves serve as the paint that helps create our beautiful future. 

Say "NO" to Bullying

There is an episode of the show “Frasier,” where he and his brother Niles encounter an former bully, who shows up at Frasier’s apartment to fix a broken toilet. Of course the bully doesn’t recognize them, but Niles remembers him and tries to give him a “swirlie” (A form of torture/punishment in which the victim is held upside down over a toilet, with his head in the toilet bowl, while it is flushed), to make up for the many ones he received while in grade school. Of course Frasier tries to convince Niles that he is better than the plumber, with his doctorate and other accolades, so there was no need to stoop to his level. Niles does put the idea to rest for a minute. Only to again think of revenge when he finds out the plumber owns an S-class Benz, the bigger brother to Niles’ E-class. In the end Frasier and Niles get their revenge, as the older brother to Niles’ bully also shows up at the apartment and makes light of the “bullying” that used to take place. Frasier and Niles give the bullying brothers swirlies, then run for cover.

While this was a TV show, the situation is very true to life. There are still some individuals, who don’t think this is a big deal. “Everyone gets picked on in school,” they say. “I was teased as a kid and look how I turned out,” is the argument of others. The fact of the matter is being teased 10 or 15 or 20 years ago for wearing glasses or not playing sports, is completely different from the bullying that takes place in schools across the country today. Dissing contests are no longer light-hearted and kept to the confines of school playgrounds and neighborhood parks. They now travel via text messages and social media networks, laced with inappropriate comments, videos and pictures, following their victims for days and months to come.

In no way, shape or form should bullying ever be tolerated. As educators, mentors, parents and family members, it is important that we teach children that bullying is not ok. The old saying that “words will never hurt me,” is no longer true. As words stick around much longer and travel farther, thanks to Facebook and Twitter. We must also reinforce to those being bullied that there is help for them. They should never feel that ending their life is the solution. While children find peer acceptance to be very important, they must also remember that their family loves them and wants them around.

October has been National Bullying Prevention Month. Let’s do our part to stop the hurt.

Success Is

For some people, success is measured in material things – monetary notes, the number of cars they own, the price tag on their house and the ability to shop at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. While these measures may be good for determining wealthy, I don’t find them to be an accurate indicator of success. As one’s success weighs heavily on other people. Oprah became successful through her TV talk show, which was dependent on a loyal audience who showed up in Chicago to sit in the audience and/or watched her on television. Steve Jobs success came from building a product that appealed to people, and attracted them into buying the newest version no matter what. Jay-Z’s success came not only from being a hip hop artist, but understanding the importance of reaching a market outside of his perceived demographic, in order to create a greater following. The success of these individuals and many others has nothing to do with money. Their acquisition of material goods is based upon the success they received from reaching a target audience and making a difference in their lives. Who in turn support them, their ideas and anything or anyone with whom they associate.

Now, this concept isn’t only for the mega-rich. It applies to all of us. I believe that if my actions can touch or change a life, then my goal has been reached. While money is needed to make purchases and survive, I don’t believe it to be the precursor of happiness and success. Those things come from being genuine in whatever you do and doing what you are passionate about. Teachers are underpaid, underappreciated and over-scrutinized. The work that they do and the foolishness they tolerate, from parents, students and sometimes administration, should have they in a much higher pay bracket, but does that mean they aren’t successful people. I would definitely consider my mom a successful teacher, because 10 years after having a student, they have seen her in the store and run over to hug her. Our success is dependent on others. When we make a positive difference in a life, we are sowing the seed for positivity to be paid forward.

A small difference can lead to great rewards.

Stronger

Almost every situation has us at the “end of our rope.” Every time our back is against the wall, we get tired of running or we think we’re out of options, we throw our hands up and say we’ve reached our breaking point. We’ve reached out breaking point so many times, there should be nothing left of us, to put back together. Fortunately, our “breaking point” is actually our “break through point.” Just when we think we are out of steam and can’t emulate “The Little Engine That Could,” we get this push; this thrust that takes us over the wall of hurt, around the lake of disappointment and helps us climb the hill of struggles. We conquer, we defeat and we overcome the struggle. Proving that we are stronger, we are wiser and we are capable of more.

Next time you feel like your situation is getting the best of you, remember the words to Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger”

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes you fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over 'cause you're gone

Home Improvement

One Sunday morning back in June, I woke up early to attend a function. While it was early for a Sunday, it was a tad bit too late for me to make it to the event. Since I was already awake, I decided to be useful and paint the house. Yes, you read that correctly, I decided to paint the house. It was something I had wanted to do for a while, so I finally decided to get it done. I brushed my teeth, threw some clothes on and headed to Home Depot. If you’ve ever been to Home Depot, Lowes or any other home improvement store, you know that it’s very rare that a person makes only one trip there for the day. I believe I returned to the store about 2 more times, before I got everything I needed and was able to get to work. That day I started painting the exterior of the house, pulled up the fake grass carpet in the backyard and cut some low hanging tree branches. It was amazing how different the place looked after only a few hours of work.

My message to you this morning is – “Home Improvement.”

We sometimes find it easier to clean the backyard than to clean up our attitude. We rather put a fresh coat of paint on the wall than attempt a fresh way of thinking. Fallen leaves and broken branches are easy to hide in garbage bags, but not broken spirits. Many houses look pretty on the outside, but the home is full of turmoil. At some point in time, we all have to wake up and start cleaning up. It may not be easy, but no home improvement task is. You may get a little paint on your clothes, dirt in your shoes and even an electrical shock, if you are changing out wires, but think of the end result. Think about the happiness that will return to your home. No longer will it just look nice on the outside, but inside will be just as cozy as well.

Columbus Day

Today is “Columbus Day.” While it is a controversial holiday for some people, the fact remains that Columbus did find a place that was “new” to him and his fellow countrymen. However, I believe the problem lies not in the discovery, but its aftermath. Instead of allowing the natives to continue living as they had been, these bullies came in and took over. Forcing the Native Indians out of their comfort zones and into a lifestyle they were not used to; where many died, due to exposure to diseases and other things that were foreign to them. Today the struggle continues, as they live on reservations (in America) and their culture is disrespected by others. A land that once belonged to the ancestors, now barely recognizes them as a people.

As you go through this day, think not only about Columbus but the Native Indians that were displaced all across the Americas (specifically the Arawaks, Tainos, Mayas and Incas to name a few).

One man’s discovery leaves another man lost. 

Making Strides

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, it’s not only about breasts. It’s about breasts, ovaries, cervixes, colons, prostates, lungs, pancreases, the blood and every other part of the body that are affected by this “C” word. It tears families and individuals apart in grief and bring them together in comfort. It can make you or break you. Yet, knowledge is power and the key to prevention, early detection and treatment. We may not always win the battle, but we should definitely put up a fight.

Ladies, do self-breast exams and have yearly visits to the GYN for a pap smear. Men, please get over your masculine pride and get your prostates check. Everyone should also include a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables to their diets and exercise regularly. We can all do our part.

I’ve lost some loved ones to this “C” word over the years, like I’m sure many of you have. There are also some who continue to fight or have won. Some of you reading this post may also be in the “winners” category, but we have a long way to go. If you can, donate to research.

• On Oct. 20, my friend Cordelia will be walking in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event. Click here for more information and/or to make a donation.

• On Oct. 26, my cousin Trevor and his new wife will be participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk” in honor of his late mother, Jennifer Bonney. My hope is to be there with them, under team “Just Married.” If you would like to make a donation or for more information click here.

*This post is for those that I’ve lost – Uncle Vinny, Keisha, Auntie Davis, Auntie Barbara, Jennifer (B.) – and those whom you have lost. Special shout out to the survivors as well, keeping moving forward.

Your Morning Motivator

My hope through these Morning Motivators is to be exactly what the quote above says, that "one small positive thought." I hope the words I've shared with you have been doing that and also encourage you to be that for someone else. Whether it saying something encouraging, funny or just "hello," be sure to leave a mark on others that you would want left on yourself. 

As you go through this day and beyond, stay safe and keep a song in your heart.

Are You a Picky Eater?

Are you a picky eater? Similar to that child whose parents send them to visit for the weekend, with a list of “what not to eat,” that comes in its own composition notebook. Irritating isn’t it? By the time you figure out what’s appropriate for breakfast, the child is left with one dry waffle and Pediasure, or better yet a grapes sandwich.

Not you? Your appetite is a bit better? Well, what about being a picky eater with life? We’ve all done it – find reasons and made excuses to avoid those hard decisions that would make our lives easier and/or better. Maybe you didn’t go for the promotion at work because you were afraid you’d have to work longer hours, even though the experience and raise would make you feel better about your job and yourself. Or you haven’t tried out that new restaurant, because your friend said they don’t like its location.

Too often we miss out on great experiences because we are being picky. Dreams stay written in book because we’re afraid to turn them into reality. We have to move from dreaming to saying, saying to doing and doing with no regrets. The business isn’t going to start on its own, the book isn’t going to read itself and the promotion has to be requested.

Stop being a picky eater and turn tonight’s dreams into tomorrow’s dos.

The Interception that Landed an "A"

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matt. 21:22

 “I thought I hit save, but when I went to send my paper, it wasn’t there,” Simone said with tears in her eyes. “This assignment is due in ten minutes and I’ve lost half my work. What am I suppose to do. The professor said any assignment she receives after midnight, will automatically be deducted a full letter grade.” As she stands in the school lobby, crying on the phone to her cousin, Andrea; seeking some comfort and advice, but not believing that there is any help available for her.

“Listen,” her cousin says, “why don’t you send your professor what you already have. Tell her the computer lost the other half. At least she will have proof, that you so had something already done.”

“Ok, I’ll do that,” says Simone.

So Simone sends in her half assignment and gets on the train for the long ride home. The entire trip, she’s wondering how she will pull this off, considering the professor gave strict instructions that assignments will not be accepted as late after midnight.

A 35-minute train ride, felt like 35 hours. Simone dreaded reaching home and trying to remember all that she had written before.

During the ride home, Simone received a text message from Sherene, “hey, what’s up?” Simone responded to Sherene’s text, telling her about her recent disaster and how she was on her way home to re-write the assignment. Concerned, Sherene asked Simone if she had eaten dinner. “No,” Simone said. “Nothing since about 5.”

Sherene responded, “That’s not good, I’ll meet you at your house.”

By the time Simone reached home, she was exhausted; after spending an entire day at work then in school. It was now 1am and no sleep was in sight. Frustrated and hungry, Simone changed her clothes and settled on the couch with her laptop. Before starting her assignment, she whispered a prayer. Asking God to help her through this stressful time and to bring back to her memory what she had written before, also asking that He help the professor be lenient in her grading.  Simone then got to work, knowing she had a long night in front of her.

 Not too long after she started typing, her phone rang. It was Sherene telling her to open the door. When Simone opened the door, Sherene stood there with a bag of McDonalds.” I know it’s not the best, but it was the only place open.” Simone smiled, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

The two proceeded upstairs to Simone’s apartment. They ate and Simone started working. Sherene stayed and kept her company, even though she fell asleep. Simone worked until 4am. She did a spell check, read it over, said a prayer and submitted the assignment. All she could do now was wait until the next class for the results. During that wait period, she got a response from her professor saying that she received Simone’s assignment; however she made no acknowledgement of getting the incomplete one that was first sent.

 Next class finally came and Simone was nervous. She didn’t know what to expect. She already felt that the paper wasn’t her best work and the full letter deduction for it being late, didn’t make her feel any better.

Towards the end of class, the professor returned the assignments. Simone got hers, but was too nervous to look at the grade. Finally, she turned it over. On the top of the paper was an A. Simone was so happy. She whispered a prayer, thanking God for his help and promising to try and finish future assignments earlier.

No mention was ever made of the incomplete assignment. To this day, Simone doesn’t know if the professor even got it. She believes God intercepted that email, and then changed the sent time to before midnight, on the completed assignment that was submitted.

Simone went on to pass that class with a B. She may never know the real story behind the assignment, but she gives her testimony of how God intervened and helped her get an A.

Happy Sabbath. Bon Sabbat. Feliz Sabado. Shabbat Shalom

Raised Your Skirt and Opened Your Knees

If you watch “Scandal,” you’d agree with me that the season premiere last night was amazing. Not wanting to spoil it, for those of you who haven’t seen it yet, I won’t say much. However, there is one line I would like to focus on for a bit – “You raised your skirt and opened your knees for a man in power” – said to Olivia by her dad, as he chastised her about her relationship with Fitz.

It’s a harsh statement, yes I know. But let’s look at it for minute. How often do people make themselves vulnerable in this way? Not only sexually, but physically, emotionally and mentally as well. Many young girls and older women have not been taught to value themselves and the value of their self, so they casually offer their bodies to anyone who whispers softly in their ears. This is no way takes men off the hook, who also need to understand the value of their bodies, and not sow their seeds like a farmer with 400 acres out in Montana. There is still respect in modesty.

And modesty is not only in reference to sexuality, as there are many who may not raise their “skirts” physically, but do so verbally or emotionally. Allowing too many individuals into the private spaces of the lives, who cause havoc and unnecessary worry. Not everything needs to be placed on the cover of “My Life Weekly.” It’s ok to keep parts of your life private or only in your family. The more outsiders who know your business, the more ammo there is to use against you in time of war. I’m not suggesting that no one can keep a secret or be a confidant, but everyone can’t have the same status.

So as we go through this day and onward, let’s remember to keep our skirts down and knees closed. If it didn’t work for Olivia, it definitely won’t work in real life.

Scandal

Gladiators, suit up!!

Yes, tonight is the return of “Scandal,” one of the highest rated and most controversial shows on television. I know, I know, the main plot of the show is based on the steamy, love affair of Fitz (the married POTUS) and Olivia (the Fixer), but if you watch the show you also know the hundred other non-sexual plots and story lines that are going on. At the end of the day, each character – Fitz, Millie, Cyrus, Olivia – works hard to defend what they believe in. They will lie, cheat, kill and steal, in order to keep their secrets private. For those who don’t have the wit and skills of these main characters, they go to Olivia Pope, the fixer, for help. At the end of the day, “it’s handled.”

Now, I’m not suggesting that we should lie, cheat, steal or covet the FLOTUS’ husband, but we need to stand behind our beliefs, whatever they may be. For many of us, our dreams and goals get pushed to the back too easily, because of someone else’s beliefs or ability to push harder. You aren’t going to get that position you really want, if you don’t show your boss that you are capable of performing the tasks. You can’t blame the demise of your neighborhood or city on elected officials, if you didn’t even take the time to vote.

So suit up, and handle your business!!

Added Sugars

I was on Facebook last week, when a friend of mine posted a “no sugar” challenge. She and another friend, in preparation for friend #2’s wedding, had decided to take a break from products with added sugar, such as cookies, soda and the like. Of course, within 15 mins. of being updated, myself and others saw the post and decided to join the challenge as well. Unfortunately, the Milano cookies, Buttercrunch cookies and juice I consumed on the first day disqualified me, but I started over the next day. I tried to use my brain on the matter, convincing myself that Frosted Flakes wasn’t added sugar because I bought it that way, but decided to give it a break anyways. Here I am on Day 4 – drinking lemon water, eating oatmeal with dried cranberries and getting back on my exercise routine. If I told you I have a new burst of energy, I’d be lying to you. BUT… I do feel better about myself, knowing that I can make it without my Frosted Flakes and Berry Punch juice.

Sometimes we need to give ourselves a break from the “added sugars” in order to recognize what we can truly accomplish. Many times our activities become overcrowded with non-essentials, causing us to forget about the simple things that bring joy and peace to our lives. Almost anything in moderation is good, but nothing is wrong with fasting every once in a while. Your “added sugar” may be TV, the internet or pound cake. It may not seem like much at the time, nevertheless I’m sure you’d be surprised at what you can accomplish by giving it a break.

I’m heading out for a spin on bike. What about you?

Blackout

For the past two days, my house was experiencing partial electricity problems. All the apartments only had partial lights and outlet usage. Of course Con Ed said it wasn’t their problem, but after having an electrician look at it, we found out it was a Con Ed issue. Finally around 8:30 last night they showed up and started working. I was minding my own business, working on the computer and watching Monday Night Football when everything went dark. I could hear the neighbors yelling out the window, cursing the poor Con Ed worker for cutting the power. (I shrugged my shoulders and continued working, knowing power would come back eventually.) It was out for 15 minutes max before it came back on. While the neighbors rejoiced at having their power returned, those in my house still had the issue of partial lights. It took another 30 minutes for Con Ed to fix the problem (bad wiring) and restore full service to our house. Enough time for me to see the last quarter of the football game.

I know I’m not the only one to have ever experienced a blackout. If not in your house or neighborhood, maybe there was a blackout in your life. A point when everything seemed to be going wrong, nothing made sense, one incident after another had you spiraling out of control. You may have even reached the point of screaming and wondering when it was going to stop and your power would be restored. Heck, you may be screaming and waiting for your service to return right now. It may take a little while. Maybe there’s a rotten wire that needs replacing or a short in the circuit that needs fixing, but know that your power will be restored. And when it does return, your lights will seem brighter than they were before the blackout came.