This week’s edition of HH101 focuses on summertime’s hottest commodity; love!

The beautiful thing about Hood Health is that it covers a vast array of topics that we need to address in the “hood”. One of the most difficult issues to address amongst people in general, is relationships. This article does not propose to tackle all of the issues as it relates relationships. It is meant to provide a medium in which I could share with you what I would share with my younger self or younger siblings. The only thing that I ask is that you carry and live with some of the things that you are going to read.
If you are that girl or boy that is constantly in relationships or constantly “boo’d up”:
The first thing that I want you to remember is that loneliness does not necessarily equate to being alone in this world. You should always take the time to be alone with yourself. It is in our time of solitude that we’re able to discover who we as individuals are. This type of time has to be given to yourself in order for you to grow. After all in truth, if you cannot be alone by yourself, how or why would you expect anyone else to enjoy and be able to be alone with you?
Be authentic:
There is only one you! You were not meant to be like anyone else. You are perfectly imperfect and with every ounce of my being I say to you, hold on to that. In a world of copycats and imitators be the breath of fresh air that breathes new life into the souls of those who gather around to you. In this life I want you to be the flame and not the moth. See beloved, through fire things are transformed. Never be afraid of your own goals, process or authenticity.
Say what you mean and mean what you say:
Believe it or not beloved, communication is an art form. It is a delicate weaving of truth, tone, timing, understanding, and intention. Needless to say, make sure that your intentions when communicating shows consideration for the mind and heart of the person you’re speaking with. Also, all keep in mind that everyone does not communicate the same. So with this in mind, it is important to speak to be understood rather than speaking to simply be heard. Human beings will always encounter difficulties with other individuals. The key component to remember in any situation is to maintain respect.
I know you may be looking like these are some of the most basic things to say, but you will be surprised how much trouble it is for individuals to do them. Taking the time to be alone with yourself to find out who you are independent of any other person, is the space where your authenticity is forged, and to communicate that authenticity boldly is one of the ultimate goals in life. Those three characteristics my friends, are what draws people in to you. Don’t forget to follow me @NakeashaJ

-Nakeasha Johnson(@NakeashaJ)