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ImpactU Today: We’re Coming Back Soon!

Hey, ImpactU Today Fam,

We know it’s been a while, and we’ve missed connecting with you! So much is happening in the world, and let’s be real—life be lifing. But don’t worry, ImpactU Today is gearing up for a comeback, and we’re excited to bring you fresh content, meaningful discussions, and all the positivity you’ve come to expect.

As we plan our return, we want to hear from YOU. Are there topics you’re passionate about or conversations you’ve been itching to have? Whether it’s world events, personal growth, or anything in between, let us know. Drop us an email at impactutoday@gmail.com, and we’ll make sure to include your ideas in our upcoming content.

Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being part of the ImpactU Today community. We can’t wait to connect with you again soon!

Take care,
The ImpactU Today Team

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Under the Radar: Manson, Diddy, and How Power Plays the System

“Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties” by Tom O’Neill digs deep—real deep—into the twisted, complicated story behind Charles Manson. Unlike most books that just label Manson a crazed cult leader, O’Neill takes it further, suggesting Manson may have had ties to powerful institutions like the CIA. The idea is that Manson might’ve been more than the wild man the public was led to believe. And honestly, for me, O’Neill’s research is eye-opening.

After 20 years of digging into this case, O’Neill raises serious questions about why Manson managed to stay out of jail for so long. He connects Manson’s potential involvement with the CIA’s MK-Ultra program—a secret mind-control experiment—and argues that Manson’s actions and influence could have been part of something much bigger and more sinister. It’s not just about sparking a race war like the “Helter Skelter” theory suggests; O’Neill paints a picture of Manson being part of government agendas and covert experiments.

O’Neill doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but he backs up his theories with interviews, declassified documents, and plenty of receipts. The possibility that Manson was an informant or protected by agencies challenges everything you thought you knew about him. Trust me, it’s a dark and wild ride through this book!

Comparison to Sean Combs’ Lawsuits

Now, looking at what’s going down with Sean “Diddy” Combs and his recent lawsuits, there’s a surprising parallel. Yeah, Manson was a cult leader, and Combs is a music mogul, but both held immense power in their worlds and seemed untouchable for a long time. Think about it.

In “Chaos”, O’Neill hints that Manson avoided punishment because he was an informant or someone the government used. With Combs, there’s no solid proof he played that kind of role, but rumors suggest some powerful people, like him, might also have quiet ties with authorities to keep themselves protected. While we can’t say for sure that Combs worked with the feds, it’s not crazy to think that certain celebrities might be pulling strings behind the scenes to stay out of trouble.

Were Manson and Combs Informants?

O’Neill implies that Manson’s ability to skate by without getting locked up was connected to him possibly being an informant or protected by the government. As for Combs, there’s no hard evidence, but the rumors show how powerful figures often move in spaces where the rules don’t apply the same way for them.

In conclusion, “Chaos” leaves you wondering just how much of Manson’s story was influenced by forces bigger than himself. When you compare that to Combs’ current legal troubles, you see a similar theme of powerful people being protected or quietly working with law enforcement. Whether it’s the ’60s or today, there’s always more going on beneath the surface when it comes to those at the top.

Side Note: Shoutout to Candace Owens for putting this on my radar through her YouTube channel.

So, what do you think? Have you read *Chaos*? If not, I highly recommend it.

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Remembering Michelle Love

Do you know what today is? It’s Michelle’s Birthday! She would have been 48 today.

We, here at ImpactUToday, want to wish our angel a happy heavenly birthday. Her impact with her heartfelt/personal writings at the beginning of our blog journey will never be forgotten.

You will forever be in our hearts and minds.

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Who Am I… Today?

Who Am I… Today? That’s a question I often ask of myself or have submitted to friends I’ve been  in conversation with lately. As a 40+ year old, wife and mother of four, I can often forget who I am. I often have to acknowledge that the person I was 20yrs , two years ago, 2 months ago and even 2 days ago are not the same person TODAY! 

It’s hard to face the reality that change will occur, most importantly it’s inevitable. The beauty is that once we embrace the change, new found revelations arise. But the hard part is to begin the process and walk out the new change and adjustment.  

Lately, there has been A LOT of change happening in my life. It’s been so much change I had to really ask myself if something is wrong with me. There HAS to be something wrong with me… I’m doing SOMETHING wrong,  seriously. Things are coming at me from so many angles. I can’t seem to catch a wave at my back, not taking me under face forward.  Welp, interesting enough, I started therapy again going on a month now. I needed to speak with a professional other than my friends and husband. Literally, in my first session I was like here is a run down of all the things happening. My therapist then replied, “ I was going to give you a pop quiz, but this is better,” and chuckled a little.  After going into my third week, my therapist stated that though she hasn’t finished my intake, she has come up with a pretty good diagnosis for me”. She stated that everyone HAS to be diagnosed with something when seeking therapy…. Mine, Adjustment Disorder in the alignment with Depression and Financial Strain and Unresolved Issues with Grief. She then asked me, how does that sound? My reply, it tracks. I then said, no one likes labels when it comes to therapy, but this one… it aligns. She then said ok and we proceeded forward. 

So, I ask the question again, “Who Am I.. Today?” Today I’m a wife, a mother, a career woman trying to find the normal in her life due to so many adjustments. Trying to find stability with some ripples, but nothing to the point where I’m drowning. I have to remind myself that, GOD knew ALL of these moments in my life would occur. HE knew that this moment would bring me here. I remembered writing in a blog space was another form of therapy, but also providing transparency for those who also feel like they’re “alone” when in actuality they’re not. I’m here to remind you that who you are today, will not be the person you will be in two days because maybe that glimmer of hope or that sigh of relief, that door of opportunity will open up, changing what you think is a new result. But in the end, it was all a part of GOD’s plan, even though we can’t see it… We WIN in the end. We just have to stay focused even if we do change who we are.  

So right now… today… I’m allowing myself to just BE. 

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MasterPeace

“When you master your mind, you master peace.”

A new, wise friend shared this with me about a month ago and it’s been stuck in my head ever since. Master your mind. Master peace. Masterpiece. It makes so much sense. So simple.. Let’s talk about mental health. I know LaShawnda just touched on the impact of social media on mental health, but let’s talk a little about the darker sides of it and how to get help. I’m no expert but I know a thing or two.

Once a taboo subject, we’re hearing about this everywhere these days. Often we hear about celebrities with mental health issues that have taken their own lives. Or we know someone who has. These were minds in crisis. These were minds that needed attention and help from someone to manage the stress and monsters in the closet that no one else can quite understand. Some people need medication. Others need to simply talk and share. I find myself in that latter category. 

Sometimes life is unbearable. Sometimes we know why, and can point to a person or situation that is causing the breakdown in our minds. Perhaps it is a job or family member or some other stressor that is wreaking havoc. Other times we have absolutely no idea it’s even happening. Some of us are fortunate enough to be self aware and are able to reach out before things turn really dark. Not everyone in a mental health crisis is suicidal or unpredictable. Sometimes we just need a moment to reset and recalibrate.

Mental health days. That’s a new term for those of us in Generation X or before. No one ever talked about these things before but in 1992 the World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organization declared October 10th to be a day to increase awareness. Since then, it is not uncommon to hear someone say they need a mental health day. Some organizations and workplace even provide it. What that means is the person is not sick, not on vacation, but just needs a mental break from everything. Everything could be work, working from home, people, daily stressors, anything that is causing a mental struggle.

The truth is, you DO have to master your own mind to have peace. How can you have peace if there is a constant war or struggle going on mentally? Maybe there isn’t even a known cause…maybe it’s some sort of chemical misfire in the brain. Again, I’m not an expert on this subject but know for a fact there have been times I needed a mental health day. There have been times in my life I reached out to counseling professionals to help me through a rough patch in life. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, self-care is not always yoga and bubble baths. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is take a mental break, and if you can’t do it alone, call in an expert to help you. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and that is one of the biggest misconceptions in today’s society. You don’t have to have friends or family to lean on. Maybe they’re the last people on earth you would want to vent or talk to. We have a world of first class counselors, therapists, and support groups at our disposal.

Therapy is not always costly. If you don’t have insurance, there are plenty of options available. Look around. If you live in Michigan, go to: https://www.opencounseling.com/michigan.

Or look here at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists. If you live in another state or country, Google is your friendly resource to help.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call: the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Master your mind. Master peace. Best advice ever.

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Breaking Free: Recognizing Narcissistic Relationships and Reclaiming Your Power

Navigating relationships can be a complex journey, and unfortunately, some individuals find themselves entangled in toxic dynamics with narcissistic partners. A narcissistic relationship is characterized by manipulative behaviors, self-centeredness, and an imbalance of power. If you suspect you’re in such a relationship or want to learn how to avoid falling into one, this blog post will shed light on the red flags and offer valuable tips for breaking free and reclaiming your emotional well-being.

  1. Understanding Narcissistic Traits and Red Flags: Educate yourself about narcissistic personality disorder and the common traits associated with it. Recognize red flags such as excessive self-importance, lack of empathy, constant need for admiration, manipulation, and gaslighting. Awareness of these warning signs is crucial in identifying potential narcissistic partners early on.
  2. Trust Your Intuition: One of the most powerful tools you possess is your intuition. Pay attention to any feelings of discomfort, unease, or imbalance in the relationship. Trust your gut instincts and don’t dismiss your own feelings and concerns. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s essential to investigate further and seek support.
  3. Establish Boundaries: Narcissists often push boundaries and disrespect personal limits. Set clear and firm boundaries in your relationships. Communicate your needs, values, and expectations openly, and be prepared to enforce consequences when they are violated. Healthy boundaries protect your well-being and prevent the narcissist from exploiting your vulnerabilities.
  4. Seek Support from Trusted Individuals: Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or professionals who can provide objective insights and emotional support. Narcissistic relationships can be isolating, as the narcissist may try to isolate you from your support network. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being is crucial for regaining your strength and confidence.
  5. Prioritize Self-Care and Self-Love: Narcissistic relationships can erode your self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Focus on self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice self-compassion, and engage in positive affirmations. Cultivating self-love and building your self-esteem will empower you to break free from the toxic cycle.
  6. Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking therapy or counseling to heal from the emotional wounds inflicted by the narcissistic relationship. A trained therapist can guide you through the recovery process, help you understand the dynamics at play, and provide strategies for rebuilding your life and forming healthier relationships in the future.
  7. Plan Your Exit Strategy: If you’re currently in a narcissistic relationship and considering leaving, develop a solid exit plan to ensure your safety and minimize potential backlash. This may involve seeking legal advice, securing your financial independence, and having a support network in place. Remember, leaving a narcissistic partner can be challenging, but your well-being and happiness are worth fighting for.

Escaping a narcissistic relationship is a courageous journey towards reclaiming your power and rebuilding your life. By recognizing the red flags, setting boundaries, seeking support, prioritizing self-care, and planning your exit strategy, you can break free from the toxic cycle and move toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Remember, you deserve love, respect, and happiness. Embrace your worth and embark on a path of healing and self-discovery.

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Autism Activist and ImpactU Today Contributor, Michelle Love, has passed away.

This hurts.

Please pray for the family and friends of Michelle Love.

She comes from a loving and close family. She has always been nice and hilarious at the right moment. One of the quotes I use often is “Don’t be deep, be real!” It came from her. I LOVE THAT QUOTE.

She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and made at Tau Chapter (Wayne State University) in 1996.

Please pray that God’s healing strength is given during this time to her family (especially her daughter) and friends. Death is uncertain, but God IS! He never changes.

One thing we know for sure is she’s in Heaven….a place we hope to be when we leave this crazy place… to rest in His arms.

And that right there says a lot!

One thing folks didn’t know, she was a great writer. If you want to read some of her writing contributions to ImpactU Today, check it out here: https://impactutoday.com/author/mdot96/ .

Thank you in advance.

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A Word About Grace

Here’s another good blog post!

Michelle Niemi's avatarChaos & Naked Grace

So, I said in my first post I don’t like to talk about politics and religion and that I’d tell you why. So here we are talking about it. But..it’s going to be a one and done as far as I’m concerned.

I looked at my first post and thought, man, that’s just too long. Keep it shorter Michelle. But seriously, I don’t think it’s possible. I’m already distracted by everything I want to cram in here. So I’ll start by saying I find politics boring. I know they’re important. To some people. Just not to me. It doesn’t mean I turn a blind eye to what is going on in the world or in my own country. It doesn’t mean I don’t care or I’m not concerned. But in general, politics put me to sleep and people arguing about them even more so. I’m blown away by people who…

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The Unexpected Beginning — Chaos & Naked Grace

So…here it is. My first official blog post. And it’s already nothing like what I thought it would be! I thought I would be explaining the title to you, telling you about me if you don’t already know me, finding some clever and quirky things to say to keep you interested…..but NO! I think one […]

via The Unexpected Beginning — Chaos & Naked Grace