Mom's Born Day

So today is Mom's birthday. The day she was born so many years ago. Although she made her transition in 2011, I still make time to celebrate her life. Today I reflected on the principles she taught us. She believed in curiosity and encouraged our asking questions. She was a teacher by trade so she was our window to the world. Mom was a woman of faith who led us to church and our beliefs in Jesus Christ. Her love was strong and her heart was big enough to shelter everyone. Everyone was her friend or wanted to be her friend after they met due to the warmth she exuded through each conversation. Mom measured common sense with tough love. Neighbors knew to bring us home to her if we had questionable behavior. Mom had instant credibility at our schools and was actively involved in our studies. We experimented with recipes and created many memories. I know she's in a better place, but it doesn't stop me from missing her so. How about you? Have you made any new memories this year? What do you reminisce about? How have those memories shaped you? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

The gift I didn't know I needed

How was Christmas for you? Hectic? Stressful? Did you have travel plans? Did you have guests over? Did you stick to your budget? What gifts did you receive? Well let tell you that I was a guest in the home of one of my friend's cousin. This was a beautiful home on a quiet street with plenty of holiday cheer for all. It was here that I got the most unexpected treasure....the homeowners dog. EVERYONE who knows me knows I'm afraid of animals. But this dog was different.  She's so big and beautiful. Her shiny black coat. Her big brown eyes. He cautioned approach. Her loving licks. She blew my mind. I felt safe around her. She just wanted snacks but every time someone approached the house she barked. Then she would come back and sit down. This dog was well trained and followed her commands. She even sat on my feet once. What really got me was she kept licking my shoes??? I have never been so comfortable with a dog. But I kept petting her shiny coat and she kept licking me. She almost licked my face but I moved in time. Now I'm not about to run out and get a pet. But I know that I will enjoy visiting their home for the holidays. What unexpected joy did you receive this holiday season? Did it bless you real good? Share your story in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

November to Remember

November 2019 will be EPIC!!! By all prophecies,  prognostications, and patterns, the last two months before 2020 are destined to be a fruitful season of harvest. But for those who have not planted,  what do you expect to reap? Are you stuck languishing in what coulda, woulda, shoulda been? Are you paralyzed by fear and still stuck in the same place as last year...and the year before that? Or are you running in circles repeating the same cycles expecting different results? Well you aren't alone. So many others are stressed and suffering anxiety attacks, depression, homicidal and suicidal thoughts. People have even turned to alcohol, opiates, and other mind altering drugs to seek temporary relief from persistent problems. So when are you going to take a stand? What changes can you undertake to move towards your goals. Have you identified your life's purpose? Have you ever tried and failed to achieve success? Have you seen others do it and now you want to? It can be scary to undertake a new course and follow through.  But if not now, when? If not you, who? I've taken my time to make 2019 a year of transformation.  I've been doing research and eliminated bad connections and pointless associations.  I'm establishing new relationships with my goals in minds. I've gotten great encouragement and learning opportunities to grow from. My hope is to greet 2020 with ambition and plans to make my dreams come true. And I also hope to take you with me. Can we agree to make the best of these next 60 days? Can you create actionable goals? Do you have a schedule of events lined up? Can you overcome your past to greet your future? Is accountability important to you and your goals? If so, we can get through the journey. Let's begin by providing support for each other. How can we help you reach your goal? Leave your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

La Dolce Vita

I am thoroughly enjoying myself in Rome. I'm taking everything at my own pace and truly soaking up surroundings. We've had excellent service and dined sufficiently. One of my friends was traveling here at the same time with a wonderfully active agenda. I  must admit that at 51, I have toned it down a bit. Today was just as delicious as we found a quaint restaurant nearby. They tout themselves as being organic and using non modified foods and ingredients. I snapped a photo of the soda pop as we waited for our meals. I couldn't help but notice the families there. One couple actually ate the same salad out of the same bowl. Everyone there took the time to enjoy the food and the company. Not a single cellphone in sight. Completely in tune with the tranquility and ambiance of the moment.  I guess that what the "sweet life" is all about. Making memories with family and friends versus the status quo. I've taken my journey to get to this point, and I'm enjoying the view. I definitely want to level up and go higher...in both my work life and prayer life. But I also know that I needed this time to regroup.  Refresh. Reevaluate. Readjust. Relax. Relate. Release. I know I'll get better as I have strengthened my resolve every day. I  haven't missed my Faithful Mornings with Pastor Ericka prayer nor have I missed working on my business launch. But this is the mobility I long for and the locale that rises to the occasion.  What about you? Are you living la dolce vita? Are you striving to live your best life...the purple life? Or are things a little complicated? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

How I faced my fears

I had to do it. We were staying at the Renaissance Hotel in Naples with a million dollar rooftop view. I don't fear heights necessarily; I fear exposure to danger. Some people like living on the edge. Challenging fate. Adrenaline junkies.  I am quite comfortable with barriers. I love feeling protected. My knees locked up trying to get on a balance beam at school. My uncle lived on the 13th floor with ceiling to floor windows. I always sat against the wall near the kitchen. But this was too much. It's so beautiful here that I had to take the chance. So here's how I mustered up the courage to face this full on:

1) I was fully convinced that I could do this. Many families were there and several sat outside on the terrace. My thoughts were " if babies are out there, then I can too"

2) I picked the date and time. September is a month to remember. The transition from summer to fall and Labor Day Weekend.  Perfect!!!

3) I picked the right person to help me. I asked my sister to join me on the roof. She'd been taking photos all trip, but I wanted to capture this...for posterity.

4) I went all out. I picked one of my favorite dresses, and my classic sneakers. I held onto the ledge, and I leaned in.

A few snaps of the camera and I was all done. No fanfare. No broadcast. In fact, no one knew but my sister and me. But this was monumental for me. I allowed myself to be open and honest... and got it done. I'm naturally risk adverse, but I took my shot. It was amazing!!! I'm not to the point of skydiving, cliffhanging, or bungee jumping. However, I'm ready to see the risks for what they are and calculate their value.  We will face a lot during this journey. So how do you face your fears? Any suggestions? Stories to tell? Or are you stuck there? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

The Power of Cappuccino

So I'm writing to you from Naples, Italy.  Its after midnight here, but early evening in the US. I just had to take a moment to talk about the power of cappuccino. My sensitivity to caffeine began in college (thanks Mountain Dew). Cappuccino is not for the weak. That little cup packs a punch!!! I'm not jittery, but I am fully awake. I started reminiscing about how wonderful this trip has been,  and how far I've come on my journey. But my first sip of coffee started in high school. I'll never forget. Purple Rain had just been released, and my friend took me to the Coventry Theater to see it. I was so deep into Prince that we made a point of wearing purple to the event.  Afterwards, we went to Arabica to get iced coffee. Mine was Mocha and I've been hooked ever since. Prince has had an influence in my life since I was 10 years old. I did my homework to his music, and play it loudly in my purple car. I went to as many concerts as I could, and even caught a pre-set during his 07.07.07 experience. What I can say is that Prince fans are family. Many people have started clubs and groups to honor his artistry. I've always heard about his late night sessions and parties at Paisley Park. I can only imagine him being driven by his craft...while envisioning everyone else needing a caffeine boost when it was over. Cappuccino brings family and friends together.  I can tell you the number of times I've walked these cobblestone streets and seen people taking a break with those they love. They sip those little cups very slowly... engaging in conversation and creating memories. I definitely feel my life has come full circle as I continue on my path to live the best life...the purple life. So how is your journey going? Can you remember when you first had coffee? Cappuccino? Do you remember who introduced you to Prince's music.  Take a moment for yourself.  Drink a cappuccino if need be and share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Eat, Pray, Love

Ciao Bella!!! I am in Italy!!! This will be the greatest trip ever as I visit family in Rome. Top of the list was the restaurant featured in Eat, Pray, Love. As I tasted their fabulous food,  I was transported to happier times in my life. Acting with youth and reckless abandon, just enjoying life. Then, it hit me. I enjoy traveling as a brief respite from life. I make my own rules, and go my merry way. No one knows me, so no one cares about what I'm doing. I can truly go for the best life, my purple life. Then, it hit me again. Why can't everyday be like today. What choices can I make now to ensure the best for my future self? I've embarked on the next part of my journey by interrupting patterns that failed previously. I've had the vision for a while now.  I'm just writing it down to make it plain. It's funny how God uses the simple things to confuse the wise. But its always better when He guides your footsteps. I've taken the scenic route long enough. I look forward to where He's taking me on my journey.  Where has He taken you on yours? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Don't waste your time

Have you ever had days that weren't planned out? Or you made the best plans but things fell through? How did that make you feel? Happy? Sad? Mad? Or blazee? This may be a hard pill to swallow, but if you didn't care, should you have been involved in the first place? Saying "yes" when "no" was appropriate is the biggest source of regret and sorrow. Spending time on something you aren't interested in is a complete waste. It saps your limited energy and builds resentment.  Its best to live life on your terms. Persuade others to join you in your efforts. Endeavour to be inclusive but not obtrusive. People want to be around positive things. They want to feel good about themselves and will try anything in the pursuit of happiness. Even if it's for a moment,  those are the times we cherish. Life is too short to engage in foolishness. Try to achieve balance as you move forward on your journey. You'll find that you will enjoy moving in the right direction with the right connections. You'll find that you have gone higher in living the blessed life. The purple life. How about you? How widely are you spending your time? Do you wander aimlessly trying to find something to get into? Are you fulfilled and content? Or are you lukewarm? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Deadlines or Dead Lines?

How are your communication skills? Do people misinterpret you all the time? When you talk do folks eyes glaze over? Are they confused by the words coming out of your mouth? Do you have to draw a map or diagram mid conversation to get your point across (looking at all you Northwestern University people)? Are they looking in your eyes or are they on their cellphone? Can they repeat what you just said? Do you send emails in order to give info with no feelings attached (me all day every day)? The list can go on and on, but the bottom line is engaging with that person or group of people. Whether you're at work, school, social events or at church, you must be able to communicate. When you are completing a task for a deliverable, you can't afford mistakes. If you've promised a good or a service, you must honor your word. How you communicate is a reflection of yourself. Oftentimes, muddled messages lead you off course and could potentially ruin any goodwill that you've created. You want to make your impression in a positive way.  You want to establish a rapport with that person or group. You want to be included. Connected. Accepted. Approved. There's something to be said about having a sense of belonging. You should have a community of support that you can feel empowered by rather than dreading a meeting.  As Summer 2019 comes to a close, I invite you to reevaluate your lines of communication to see if its working for you.  Social media can be isolating and cause issues of jealousy, fake realities, or complete mental breakdowns.  However,  most posts are about joy and gladness and good things going on in life. I know I over post, but I also know that I bring love and happiness to those who take the time with me. So how about you? Talk to me. Leave your comments below whether they're good, bad, or somewhere in between.  Thank you for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Shaken Not Stirred

Well this was a day for the record books. Moving around at the office. Reworking the business plan. Getting loose ends tied up. It has been real. But such is life. We go through ups and downs often.  If you have no problems now....just wait. Tough times lie ahead of you. How do you prepare for these challenges? By recognizing that everything is temporary. Even the best laid plans may change. Flexibility is key. Can you adjust? How adaptable are you? Can you move like the bamboo trees or will you break like a mighty oak? Sometimes God will send you a test to see what you've learned. Once He can trust you with that task  He can pass you to the next level. So when trials come your way, they may shake things up a bit. Stay the course and maintain your focus. Adjust as needed and move forward.  Whatever you're confronted with,  you can make it through.  Don't lose yourself in the process. You'll find your successes outweigh your losses. Can you share some of your success stories? Perhaps you can tell us how you've overcome those trials. Please share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Through it all

This has been a Monday Monday. Had a wonderful time at my church and even attended the launch of another church. I felt renewed from so much spiritual joy and jubilation. Then I woke up to the reality around me. The dynamics of working a full time job while starting your own enterprise is challenging. The ebb and flow of limited energy and resources means many worries. Sleepless nights. Cancelled plans. Missed meals. These are the things no one tells you about on the road to success. But we all experience tough times. What makes the difference? Grit. Determination. Due diligence. Consistency. Sticktoittiveness. Too often we're ready to throw in the towel right before the breakthrough. But it's in these times that testimonies are made. You show what you're made of and how you can persevere. I've found that you encounter many bumps and bruises while navigating life's journey. It's your attitude that will determine your altitude. Are you ready to go higher in your journey? Or are you comfortable being stagnant? The choice is yours. What have you decided? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Happy 80th Birthday Dad

What can you say? 80 years on this earth is a long time. Something to be celebrated and cherished. But my Dad is not like everyone else.  He never made much fuss of his special day. Usually, he would work. He would tell us not to fuss. He would fly under the radar. Dad was always about his business. He would tell us that if we were going to be a potato peeler, be the best you can be. Definitely a different view from the notion of "getting by". I work hard because he did...everyday.  Dad has a ton of advice that he loves to share much like myself. So I must give honor to whom honor is due. I can't imagine the things he's seen and the things he saved us from. He kept us grounded in a strong work ethic. Happy 80th Birthday Dad!!! How about you? Who is your Dad to you? What did he teach you? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Are you missing in action?

It's been a long time...I shouldn't have left you...without a strong rhyme to step to... These are some of my favorite lyrics from one of my favorite rappers (And he's only 4 days older than me). However, it's so appropriate after looking at the history of this blog. I needed to get away and rest. Often, we don't want to slow down and admit that we are human. Life has advanced technologically, but we are forever chasing the next "big thing". Our fast paced lives can run you right into a rut. It can be overwhelming. Some react by going into auto pilot. Others numb themselves with legal and illegal substances. Still others shut down completely. It can be a vicious cycle as we dance around issues instead of tackling them. I managed to reconnect with my purpose and realign my efforts with my vision. I've been tweaking some plans and I am excited to implement this new strategy. How has your time been? What are you up to? Are you MIA? Fully engaged? Or in the middle  somewhere? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

The Bluest Eye

When I saw a post about the death of Toni Morrison, my feelings grasped me. This prolific author has left us with a body of work that has established her place in history. This award winning African American novelist started her writing career at the age of 39. In all of her tributes, no one speaks of what she did beforehand. Her latter was greater than her former. My imagination runs wild thinking about the thoughts that perished with her. They say the graveyard is the greatest collection of ideas. The truth of that statement is palpable. I don't want to live a life of regrets. It's never too late to course correct.  To follow your dreams. To fulfill your purpose in life.  I spent my time away to reflect on my own experience, evaluating the pros and cons of the decisions I have made. I grapple with the vision God gave me versus my current situation. Perhaps you have felt this way too. Do you feel like your life hasn't begun. Do you feel stuck in a rut? Do you want to start over? Then do it!!! Make the change!!! Shift your focus!!! I'm still on my journey and I am pressing towards the mark of the high calling.  Where are you moving forward to? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Happy 58th Birthday President Barack Obama

It's been a while since my last post. I've taken some time to focus on my life, health, and goals. I'm still on my journey but I've found some much needed clarity and levity. However I could not ignore the rash of violence that has covered our country. Mass shootings from random gunmen who seek notoriety or infamy in the worst aspects of life. These white nationalists are terrorists much like the KKK that preceded them. These fractured factions aim to alter the diversity that threads the fabric of American life. What's even more shocking is the "false news" that comes from the highest office in the land. When I reflect on the Obama Administration, I saw hope of change. I saw compassion.  I saw optimism. I saw authenticity. I saw bravery. I saw tactical planning. I saw true power in action.  I saw this in the face of abject racism and political divisiveness. And I saw this handled with a grace, dignity and strength. I can't imagine what this could have been like especially while raising a young family. Even now, he has provided words of comfort and direction to our grieving nation. To this end I wish the greatest man for the times and my Forever President. Happy Birthday Barack Obama!!! Add your comments below and engage in the conversation.

Pass the baton

Have you ever held onto something too long? Your favorite jeans from high school? An old junker car? Sneakers that are worn out? Better still....how's your basement looking? Your attic? Your garage? Your storage unit? Let's face the reality of letting things go. The job you hate could be someone else 's dream. Those old items can be recycled and/or repurposed to save the environment. Your business could fill the niche that people don't recognize they need. Timing is everything.  If you launch your business before you're ready,  you could ruin your reputation.  If you wait too late, that trend may pass you by. Life is a giant relay race. You must know how to pass the baton. There is a certain path you must follow. Some people will be on the same journey with you. Others will be there to support you. You may face distractions along the way. You must stay the course and keep your focus.  Consistent performance will yield winning results.  How is your business model working now? Are there new strategies or technology to push you forward? What is your succession plan? How is your team prepared to face the future? Being disciplined like the athlete with coaching and mentoring will take you to the next level. Are you ready? Leave your comments below and let me know where you are. My journey has just begun but I'm pressing for the mark of the high calling.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Redeem your rewards

How do you show your appreciation? Is it similar to your love language? I learned a valuable lesson about maintaining relationships and establishing rapport. My customer bought a program that she returned a few hours later. I met her needs but she didn't see it's full value. I found comfort from using a loyalty program and receiving free food for my birthday (yes I'm still celebrating; polar vortex my foot). Have you experienced the ebb and flow of your clients? How do you thank them? How do you treat yourself? Why should your customers buy from you when they can get comparable goods elsewhere? Oddly enough,  it's the customer experience that they've been sold on. Your product/service should fit a niche that your clients want, need, and must have. Tiny details like saying please or thank you go a long way in this computer click bait society. As time goes by, relationships deepen and referral business comes in. This concept also works in your personal life. You CAN get more with honey rather than vinegar. Being thankful and humble keeps you grounded and focused. Self centered actions always lead to poor results. Note how many cards, accounts and programs you're enrolled in? Why? And why are you not taking full advantage of them? These organizations are waiting to serve you and spend plenty of money to do so. Use them as your testing ground to see what or won't work for you. You'll find that you enlarge your territory,  strengthen your strategies, and enjoy that path to success. I hope this helped you as much as it did me. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

p.s. I'm a huge fan of birthdays. Please go to www.birthdayfreebies.com and sign up.

bonus tip: if you use gmail, they will stash your freebies and separate them from your regular email. Sweet!!!

Learn some new tricks

In sales, you deal with all types of people. Did you know that some folks still have rotary phones? No cable? Not even an email address? We all know someone who is "behind the times" and won't budge. And they know it too. Many businesses were stuck in similar ruts.....and have since shut down. You have to move with the trends to gain or maintain your customer base. Have you noticed any areas of your personal or professional life that are stagnant? If so, go out and learn something new.  Add some knowledge based tools to grow your work. Relax, take a deep breath, and plunge right in. More skills makes you more marketable. So what's hindering you? Fear of rejection? Loss of control? Delegating duties to someone else? Upgrading your clamshell flip phone to an Android or iPhone? Don't be basic and please don't become cliche. Take the bull by the horns and go learn something new.  Prove the naysayers wrong,  even if they're all in your head. Accept the past for what it was, but embrace your future and what will be. What part of your life are you working on? Please share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Mixed signals

So today was a true Monday. My job is restructuring so they just had another wave of layoffs and firings. I'm in a new area and made my first sale. You definitely want growth in your career, but must face reality that things can change on a dime. So how do you navigate the choppy waters? Can you tell when the end is near? Actions speak louder than words. Watch the trends. Know your competition. Make a SWOT analysis of your transferable skills. Whatever you do, take the company speeches with a grain of salt. No one likes to admit failure. As such, firms will sometimes lock the doors when they close rather than inform their employees. This isn't my intention or my desire....hence the blog. I am transparent and willing to share my journey with you. I'd love for you to share with me the ups and downs that you're dealing with on your journey. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Keep it moving

Stuck in a rut? Going in circles? Headed nowhere fast? It can feel like a complete failure when things don't go as planned. But do you throw the experience away? Or do you save what you can and learn the lesson? You'd be surprised how many people give up due to peer pressure or a failed support system. It's when the rubber hits the road that you find out what works and what doesn't. You wouldn't gain knowledge if you didn't try. Physics tells us every action has an opposite reaction. So what does that tell you? Keep it moving!!! Whether it's a full sprint or a steady crawl, keep pushing toward your goal. You'll never know what could be if you never try. Its important that you release what was and move towards what could be. Often, people revel in their "glory days" and reminisce about their memories. Its 2019 so act like it. Act like you have a plan even when you're creating it. Gather your money and invest in yourself. You'll never regret seeing what could be versus dreaming about what never was. Don't lose your new year's momentum because you're afraid to move. Don't get trapped in your head replaying worse case scenarios. Make strides and don't get paralyzed by the tasks ahead. You'll be better equipped for the road and the path you've chosen. Life is about the journey so let's support each other along the way. Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

It's time for you to start over

We are officially into 2019. How are those resolutions coming along? Do you even remember what you pledged to do? Or have you been in survival mode with the extreme weather we've been having? I'm a January baby so I'm used to it. But this is also my personal new year, a time of reflection.  There are so many goals that I want to achieve hence the methodical planning. I've put some wheels in motion, and I'm waiting on some targeted responses. Where are you at with your goals? Your dreams? Your purpose in life? Recently, I had dinner with a very good friend of mine. The conversation was incredible as we spoke to each other's station in life and the future plans we have. You never know what people are going through but there's always a connection to your personal journey. As a church volunteer,  we had a Leadership meeting. What came across is our need to serve and our reasons behind it. What also came across was the effectiveness of the outreach. That meeting helped me to refocus my efforts and energy on impact and entrenchment. So what does this have to do with you? Maybe you feel it's too late. Perhaps the responsibility to your family have stifled your dreams and put your goals on the backburner. You put on a brave face, but you dying inside. You are unfulfilled and you may even be lashing out at your loved ones. I have good news for you. YOU CAN START OVER!!! Write the vision and make it plain. Do your research. Check the trends. Clear your path. God woke you up today!!! There's still a chance for you, your goals, your dreams. If no one else has told you, there's a whole new world that needs what you have to offer. Your gift will make room for you. Will you allow it to flourish? Or are you killing it softly.  Let's encourage and empower each other. Add your comments below and share your story. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Happy Birthday to me

I love birthdays!!! Always have and always will. Shout out to all the January babies and all my J31 twins. It's so sad to me that some people despise the day they came into the world. I remember a coworker I bought a card for who had a 10 minute conversation with me about how much she HATED her birthday.  I wound up returning the card to the store. January is the start of the new year which helps with reflective thinking. I took some time from blogging to truly focus on what I want to accomplish this year. It's great to give advice and coach others. Now it's time to hunker down and move forward on my goals. I've reached the halfway point of life, and my golden years are ahead. There's so much I want to do and to share. Even more to learn and to grow. I have a seven fold plan to put in action. How about you? How many things have you dreamed of doing? How many years have you dreamt the same things? When are you going to act on it? What will it take to move forward? Who is supporting you and your dream? Can you monetize it? How will you chart your progress? I ask these questions as the answers will be the foundation of your next venture. As I get my journey back on track, I'll share those tips with you. We have to shape the world around us with the creativity and initiatives that God has purposed us to do. We can achieve what we believe. Post pictures of your starting point and let's compare notes as we continue our journey together striving for the mark of the high calling. Let's live our best life. The purple life. Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Polarizing Vortexes

So here in Chicago we are experiencing the worst winter weather. At -22 degrees and wind chills of -50 degrees, most opted to stay home with family.  But what about the elderly,  homeless, or poor who need shelter? I am proud to say the city, many businesses, churches, and social organizations stepped up to the plate. Seeing everyone pull together reminded me of the holiday spirit shown at Christmas time. The news covered the Polar Vortex, but what about the Spiritual Vortex? However far our ideologies are,  we are human beings. We must pull together in times like these to support each other in all we do. My heart was broken by the hate crime that happened to the actor here, but my faith has been restored by everyone's actions. Thank God for small favors. Today was a day to reflect on current events.  However, this day will live in infamy as everyone will remember where they were and what they did. Trusting God to keep you warm wherever you are and loved beyond measure. Feel free to share your comments below. Take Care and God Bless!!!

You have got to chill

Have you ever stressed out when trying something new? Do you gripe about what used to be? Are you still upset with people....even after they've died? How are you treating your loved ones? After all, you're doing this for them right? RIGHT!!! This is why you must chill. Take it down a notch. Relax, relate, release. When you push yourself to the brink, there's nothing left. The snap back is worse for the wear and tear that you're going through. Even the finest machines break down and need repair.  So do you. The joy comes from the journey. Most millionaires have a humbling experience that they've come to grips with.  They offer their best advice to help keep you from falling in the same trap. But are you listening? Or do you forge ahead doomed to make the same mistakes? Stop and consider the consequences. Evaluate your options.  Then rest in your calculated decision.  You enjoy the process more and help others along the way. So how can you incorporate "chill" into your work-life balance? Share your comments below.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

I Have A Dream Too

January 21, 2019, will be celebrated as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Normally,  it is a day of reflection and service. They pull many clips from the 50's and 60's as a sort of history lesson. What have we learned in the past couple of generations? Apparently not much. Many of the freedoms gained from marches, protests, and civil disobedience are being erased in legal battles and privileged proceedings.  People cited the many changes throughout the decades. But look at the headlines.  They come straight from those days gone by. As you play those audio and videotapes, the storyline has not changed. We had a black President who did twice as much and faced object racism and hatred.  Meanwhile we now enable the most deplorable, vile, racist, misogynistic, narcissistic and uneducated foreign agent who destroys our country with nepotism, separatism and pillaging of these United States.  Dr. King had a dream that he was assassinated for. I have a dream too. I want this generation to rise up against the evil that has sprung forth and send it back to the depths of hell. I want Black lives to matter and the bloodshed to end. I want to see growth and expansion of the industries and entrepreneurial sectors that are inclusive. I want to see the world at peace. They thought they killed the dreams with the dreamers of the 60's. Let's show them what the dreamers of 2019 can do to motivate change and spark innovation.  What are your dreams? How do you plan to fulfill them? Leave your comments below.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Retrain Your Brain

Reorganization.  Right sizing. Restructuring.  So many jobs are using these terms to rearrange their resources to fit ever changing trends. Does the thought of change make you cringe? Or do you get excited? Some people like to follow a path. Others like to blaze a trail. Either way, you must prepare for the inevitable. People like to have a Plan B, C, D, etc. But what if Plan A was the only option? What about that book burning inside you? You have a story to tell and a world to listen. How about that invention? The "crazy" idea you have? The idea that can make you millions and change your trajectory in life? What if you had a Crystal Ball that told you everything will work out? Would you move forward? So many millionaires and billionaires started from humble beginnings....but they had a dream. They have passion. And perseverance. These people believed and worked to make it happen. Can you retrain your brain? Renew your mind? Employ a "can do" attitude? If you don't work on your dream, someone else will have you build theirs. So what are you prepared to do? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Follow God's Purpose for Your Life

Has the universe been trying to tell you something? Do you find yourself going in circles? Are you ready to hop off this merry-go-round? Well I had quite the day today. As much as I tried to run around being busy, God put obstacles in my way. I kept refocusing on Him and His ways. I had to submit to His plan for today. I tried to run, to hide, to get mad, to help others, and to travel around town. All roads led back to God. I'd been saying what I wanted for my life, but He gave me the vision and made it plain. He gave me a glimpse of my future and He's encouraging me to JUMP!!! I've hesitated about getting into blogging new content daily. I put my bookwring on hold as I transition into the more creative side of my personality. I encourage you to do the same. Tap that side that you've kept hidden...eventually you'll get where you want go quicker.  God put it deep within you for a reason. See to it the end and let it take you where God intended.  You won't ever require any more than what He could provide for you.  Take those first few steps on your correct path and find your way to your best life.  The purple life.  What actions can you take today to move towards your goals? Share you comments below. Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Training Day 2019

Monday monday... you've done it again. After having holidays the past couple of Tuesdays, I really wasn't looking forward to a full work week. Lo and behold when I got to the office...my schedule changed...and I had a full day of training. Self-study for my Continuing Education credits. So I literally got a chance to read, refresh, and recall things that I knew but buried deep in my memories. It felt so good to just engage the material and immerse my mind in relearning. What have you done new in 2019? I realize the year just started, but why wait? Start now!!! Time waits for no one so why not improve yourself in some fashion or form. When's the last time you accomplished your NYE resolution? Are you still dreaming of the same things? Did you start a project but didn't finish? Try it!!! JUMP!!! Become who you were meant to be. Follow your purpose and live your best life. The purple life. What is the next step you can take to move towards your goal? I'm blogging more consistently, sharing my journey with you. Share your journey in the comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Mended

How handy are you? I tried my hand at sewing a hole in my purse. Sure I could just drop it off to the repair shop, but I just knew I could fix it. Well I got halfway and the needle cut through the thread. I'm proud of what I did, but I need to do more. Have you done something similar? Started a project but met with difficulties? Tweaking your plans due to a mishap? Apologies to someone even when they were wrong? We often think of mending as repairing something broken or damaged. But it also means to heal or return to health. How's your health in 2019? Have you broken your resolution yet? I'm still working on the  purge. Repurposing old items, recycling materials and properly storing treasures. Each item took me back to the place and point of purchase.  Making room for the new memories by releasing the old. These little victories add up to bigger things in this game called life. Mistakes are learning opportunities from which we grow. Lean in. Jump. Level up.  Make moves. Do what you need to do to heal yourself and become your best self. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey. What is on your path today?  Leave your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Hello 2019

What a difference a day makes!!! We're in a new year, new month, and new day!!! So what did you do to ring in the year? I had the pleasure of being with friends before going to Watch Night Service. Then I got home and selectively cleaned house. I've been on a mission to go one room at a time and declutter. Its amazing what you accumulate when you're going through "the motions". Many people wait until spring to clean, but why not do it now? Are you still holding on to meaningless mementos? Transitional trash? Awful antiques? Stuff with tags on it still? Frenemies? The real question to ask is why? Why do you hold on to things that aren't holding on to you? Could your energy be more focused without the garbage? I can attest to the fact that my life is getting better with each item I've repurposed or recycled. My goals for 2019 is to finish what I started in 2018. You'll start to see more pointed blogs with more relevant content. We're on this journey together striving to live our best life. The purple life. So where is 2019 taking you? Leave your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!