Staying true to yourself

I can't believe 2020 is almost over!!! Goodbye and good riddance to the year that brought us the worst pandemic since 1918. This worldwide disease has shifted our very existence on earth. Natural disasters attacked our environment and survival became the modus operandi. Working from home is now the norm rather than the privilege. Sheltering in place means we're safe at home. With the United States reaching over 335,000 lives lost, networking skills made the difference between learning and suffering. If nothing else, 2020 has proven that necessity is the mother of invention,. Social media was and is the preferred way to connect to others. We use it to reach out to prospective contacts and strengthen ties to clients, family and friends. Today I had the chance to pray with our Faithful Mornings community, manage my healthcare telephonically, and Zoom meet with friends who I connected to each other. This sparked a flood of creativity to not only help myself but also my customers and my platforms. To gain the clarity is nothing short of a miracle. To write the vision is making the next steps actionable. I am taking the things that I love and making them into the life's work of my dreams. Taking this staycation time to reflect and review my options made one thing crystal clear-stay true to yourself. Faking your way through life is a drain. Once you've lost your soul, your gains mean nothing to you or those around you. Authentically earning your success is the sweetest level of attainment. More announcements will be coming soon. Until then, what are you doing? How will you celebrate NYE? What are your plans moving forward? Do you need help on your journey? Please share your comments below or message me directly. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Celebrating My Mom's Heavenly Birthday

Today has been a day of quiet reflection for me.  My Mom was born on this day many years ago. I won't tell what her age would have been if she were still alive, but I will say she touched many lives during her time on earth. I remember her warm smile, big brown eyes, and radiant spirit that grabbed everyone she met. She taught many students and she was the center of our family. Mom was a warrior for Christ and spread the gospel wherever she went. Even in the nursing home during her later years, she ministered to the staff and her many visitors. I had the opportunity to share her with the world, yet keep the best of her with me. Mom encouraged my curiosity and stoked the flames of exploration to quench the questions. She allowed us to think for ourselves with gentle parental support and guidance.  Always a sophisticated woman with grace, style, and beauty. She laid the foundation for our love of God and our Christian principles.  Mom also gave us the capacity to love others as we love our own. I know she'd be proud of the blogs I've written and look forward to the content portrayed. I will keep it up as my journey is continuing. Happy Birthday Mom!!! Who is your influencer? Who motivates you to do better? How is your journey going during this season? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Staying true to the Game

What are you working on in 2020? How is it going for you? Who is holding you accountable? Are you ready for the change you're working towards? I must admit, no one could've predicted the devastation that the coronavirus caused. During this staycation, I told myself that I'll work on my platform. Speaking on it and obsessing about it.  In actuality, my progress has been difficult. No one is holding me accountable because they're not qualified to do so.  I finally came to the realization that no one needs to know what you're doing unless they can help get you to the next level. It's a better testament when you've accomplished something rather than the struggle to get through it.  Everyone wants to win at something and tell that story. Stay true to your plan, goals, and dreams. Clubhouse is full of entrepreneurs who are self promoting and  selling their expertise. The American dream on display for social media. And we trust social media right? Right. Let your success tell your story. Allow your tests to be your testimony. I know it will be worth it in the end because of all the stories proceeding mine. I'm certainly willing to share my journey and I'm inviting you to come along.  Will you join me? Is your future success worth it? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

The Greatest Gift Of All Time

So how was Christmas 2020 for you? Is this holiday season living up to your expectations? Or was it just another day for you? Amid the pandemic, many spent time with their families, whether remote or in-person. I decided to shelter in place and be safe at home. This gave me a chance to reflect on the year that was markedly different from 2019. As I looked back, I gave thanks that NO ONE in my immediate or extended family got the coronavirus.  NO ONE lost their job or their home. EVERYONE  has clothes on their backs, shoes on their feet, and food on the table. EVERYONE is thankful and grateful that we made it this far. Coming from the Midwest (Hello Cleveland), we all have a strong Christian work ethic and strong family ties. I wish the same for the rest of the  world and hopefully we'll get there. Let me tell you though, this was not the greatest gift. I  actually received my gift over 2000 years ago. His name is Jesus Christ,  son of the Living God. He came to earth to die for sinners like you and me, and redeem us to Abba Father. God knew us before the beginning of time, and loved us unconditionally. Regardless of the mistakes we made, he still cared about us. When we were in sin, it grieved Him. So much so, He gave His only begotten Son to save us. Not a preacher. Not a prophet. Not an evangelist. Not an apostle. GOD SENT HIS VERY BEST GIFT!!! I'm so glad that Jesus saved me at an early age, and has kept me until this present moment. Have you ever given anyone your very best? Have you ever received a gift you didn't know you needed? If so, were you glad to get it? How many thank yous have you bestowed on the giver? If you have difficulty answering these questions, take the time to reflect deeply and seek professional help if needed. I could never tell everything that God has done for me, even with 10,000 tongues. How about you? What do you have to say? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

The Gift Of Prince

'Twas the night before Christmas, and I'm writing to you. I hope your holidays are happy, and not making you blue. Depression is a real struggle for some people this time of the year. There's even a medical condition called S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a distinct mental health condition Considered "holiday blues", it can be brought on by stress, fatigue,  expectations,  commercialization,  finances, and separation from family and friends. The Mayo Clinic has 10 tips for coping with the holiday season:

1. Acknowledge your feelings.

2. Reach out.

3. Be realistic.

4. Set aside differences. 

5. Stick to a budget. 

6. Plan ahead. 

7. Don't abandon healthy habits. 

8. Take a breather. 

9. Learn to say no
   

10. Seek professional help if you need it. 

I always recommend listening to music for any situation. It can take you from where you are to where you want to be. I love Prince and his musical catalog covers every mood imaginable. A recent group post stated the surprise that Prince only made one holiday song "Another Lonely Christmas ". In researching for this post, I  discovered that he wrote this song in 1984 during the height of his career. The song was the B side for "I Would Die For You". He only performed the song live once on Dec 26,1984. The song details the loss of a loved one and the memories shared. During this pandemic, there's been so much loss. I  want to encourage you to face reality AND count your blessings. Remember and honor those who have passed on, but recognize they want you to keep living. I want you to keep living. The gift of you is needed in this world. The gift of Prince and his musical genius will outlive us all with the opening of his vault. Allow me to gift you with a YouTube link for his Christmas song. Click and listen to it here:  https://youtu.be/yFubCQLJdGI . 

Please take care of yourself during this pandemic holiday season. If you need professional help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800.273.8255. Let's help each other along with this thing called life. Please share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless You!!! Merry Christmas!!!

The Gift Of You

Happy Holidays 2020!!! Celebrating Christmas during the pandemic is testing our mental and spiritual fortitude. The Stimulus package was vetoed by our current administration. Many families are struggling to make ends meet.Many charities are strapped for resources as they try to meet the need. People are breaking records as they travel to see loved ones. The government is recommending that we shelter in place due to the increased spread and mutation of the coronavirus. But what do the lonely due at Christmas? I've been very lucky to have friends to lean on. But if you feel alone, sullen and in despair? WebMD has a list of 19 things you can do to fight the slump:

1. Make realistic expectations for the holiday season.
2. Set realistic goals for yourself.
3. Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle.
4. Make a list and prioritize the important activities. This can help make holiday tasks more manageable.
5. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
6. Do not put all your energy into just one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve). The holiday cheer can be spread from one holiday event to the next.
7. Live and enjoy the present.
8. Look to the future with optimism.
9. Don't set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with the good old days of the past.
10. If you are lonely, try volunteering some time to help others.
11. Find holiday activities that are free, such as looking at holiday decorations, going window shopping without buying, and watching the winter weather, whether it's a snowflake or a raindrop.
12. Limit your drinking, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.
13. Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
14. Spend time with supportive and caring people.
15. Reach out and make new friends.
16. Make time to contact a long-lost friend or relative and spread some holiday cheer.
17. Make time for yourself!
18. Let others share the responsibilities of holiday tasks.
19. Keep track of your holiday spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive after the holidays are over. Extra bills with little budget to pay them can lead to further stress and depression.

My solution is very simple...reach out. Someone in your life is more that able to comfort and protect you.  You are the gift that someone is praying for. Don't run. Don't hide. Put the energy out there and watch it return to you. If you can't think of anyone,  then join a social club to meet someone. Recognize that the holidays aren't about material things but physical prescence. We need you. We need your energy. Your uniqueness.  Your brilliance. Take your time and reflect on these things suggested. Above all else, know that you are loved, supported, and encouraged to push through. How are you coping this holiday season? Would you like to add to the tips listed? Share your comments below.  Take Care and Merry Christmas!!! God Bless You!!!

Happy Great Conjunction Day

Happy Great Conjunction Day! This is actually the Winter Solstce for 2020. From this day forward, we will gain more daylight to work with. Today's significance is that Saturn and Jupiter are the closest they've been in 800 years! More important, this conjunction is taking place in Aquarius, the sign of innovation, humanitarianism, and independence. Above that, Aquarius is an air sign, which is known to be intellectual, communicative, and idealistic. So what does this all mean?  Jupiter represents growth, Saturn evokes restriction, and Aquarius fosters invention. Together, this means we can expect radical change, growth, and a renewed sense of hope. Astrologers and astronomers have given their predictions how how to see and read this spiritual event. However, I want to share some suggestions from Malena Crawford. Malena created "The Black Divine Feminine Reawakened " and is an absolute influencer of positivity, love and light. She suggests 3 ways to take advantage of the dynamic energy of today:

1. Make your intentions today, they will last for generations to come.

2. Question EVERYTHING and Reprogram your mind.  Take inventory of the beliefs and  thoughts you have been choosing this year. Are they working for you? You will know the truth by how it feels.

 3. Pay attention to what has been rising up in you over the last year. What really matters to you now? Where do you want to take action and move ahead in 2021 & beyond?

 According to Malena, you will thrive in this new paradigm when you stop to see the sacred gift in all of your life experiences. The great conjunction will set the tone for the next 20 years affecting everything from the arts, music, theatre, literature, entertainment, designer fashion, food, music, mathematics, science, politics and the government. As an Aquarius, I've felt the shift from the analytical to the creative. As I work on my platforms, I invite you to do the same. Write the vision and make it plain. Map it out and get your blueprints together. Do not miss this divine opportunity to connect to God's will and purpose for your life. Use this time to reflect and prepare. Let's be bold with our efforts toward 2021 making it the year of growth and expansion. Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? Share in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Press Towards The Mark

What are you doing with your life? Are you happy doing it? Or is it a daily struggle? In sales, we have goals to meet and service levels to maintain. In life, it's much the same. Everyone has an idea of how they want to live. Often, we spend that time achieving our heart's desires. Sometimes, we get off course or distracted by tough situations. We put our dreams on the backburner while fulfilling obligations. The good news is that we're still alive!!! As long as there's breath in your body, you can change. I work with older clients who need help with their health options. Day in and day out I hear many things. I try to glean as many pearls of wisdom they give. Mostly, I listen to their regrets. Their struggles. Their frustrations. Their sadness. Their losses. The most important thing they've taught me is to live life to the fullest. Take advantage of the moment. Do what needs to be done to make your dreams come true. As I watched an AARP event, I saw vibrance. I saw energy.We reminisced while looking forward to the future. The event organizers inspired families to join in the festivities while encouraging their 38 million members to remain vigilant. I pass this encouragement on to you. Im off work until the 31st, so I'll be using that time wisely. Take the remainder of 2020 to reflect on the year that was. How do you plan to survive post COVID-19? Where will you be in six months? Next year? Five years from now? If you have issues answering these questions,  consult with an advisor to sort things out. No matter what, don't give up.  Keep P.U.S.H.ING!!! Press towards the mark of the high calling. Find your purpose and expound upon it. Dare to dream again. It's not too late. You're not alone. The future awaits you. Show the world what you're meant to do. So, what are you doing with your life from this point forward? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Resolve To Just Do It

What are you doing right now? Literally, what motivates you? Do you believe in anything? Has the pandemic ignited a fire in you? Or dropped you in a deep sleep? COVID-19  has shaken the world to the core. Status quo no longer exists. The playing field isnt level, but the doors are wide open. New businesses are filling gaps we didn't know we had. Experts are giving advice on how to PIVOT in this environment. Million dollar deals are happening on Zoom, Clubhouse, and other social media sites. Entertainers have truly used their voices and their platforms to shine a spotlight on their concerns. The politics of our country has elicited the strongest response. The runoff election has drawn many singers to offer their rendition of "Georgia On My Mind". Organizers have created many events speaking to the change agents on the ground making things happen. I was pleasantly surprised by one star who conducted his first IG live with an activist on her first IG live. They had technical difficulties.  They were all over the place with the interview.  However,  they gave valuable information on the issues, implications and importance of this runoff. They also gave information on how we can help. Why wait for 2021? You can start TODAY!!! We need your uniqueness.  Your individuality. Your vision. Your invention. Your viewpoint. Your expertise. Nobody can be you but you. The world needs you now. Not next week. NOW!!! What I saw is people doing it scared...but getting it done. What struck me was how the event wasn't as scary as they thought it would be. We can look at our journey and say the same. So what have you wanted to do? What have you procrastinated on? Researched to death? Given up on and buried deep in your soul? I talk a good game but it's time for some action. So what are you prepared to do? Please share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!  

#ThankYouGA #LiveFromGA #HiFelicia #GeorgiaVote

Be Unstoppable

Work work work work work work.. you've done it again. This sales season wiped me out. I am weary, tired and worn. Dealing with the pandemic and sheltering in place is safe but routine. Having the holiday season upon us, I really wasn't looking forward to a full work week. When I got online yesterday...my schedule had changed. I had a full day of training today. 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 not be on the phones. I was able to immerse my mind in relearning the material while listening to my favorite DJ. What have you done new recently? I realize that 2020 has been more than what we bargained for, but why wait? 2021 is 17 days away💜 So start now!!! Time waits for no one and tomorrow is not promised. Why not improve yourself in some way shape or form?  Build better habits now. Start networking now. Release your fears now. Think about it. What were you doing five years ago? What are you doing now? Five years from now? Do you see a pattern? Do you like what you see? Can you do better? Then do it. Do it afraid but still do it. 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!!!

PRINCE FANS ARE AWESOME!

Why are Prince fans so awesome? Hands down, they act like your family. Prince has one of the biggest international fan bases of any artist. The main difference is that there's an automatic bond with one another. I've been a fan since 1978 when I was 10 years old. At 13, my parents took me and my siblings to my first Prince concert. While waiting outside the arena, Prince fans offered my Mom wine and my Dad weed.  We laugh about that into this day. The connection everyone has to Prince's catalog is ravenous. People collect any piece of memorabilia they can get their hands on. April 21, 2016 is when Prince left this world in utter shock and disbelief. The world turned purple as people reminisced about the Purple One. Seemingly, Prince fans opened their hearts, minds, and vaults. So many creatives have produced artistic renderings of his music, his art, and his image. His estate has released several sets of remastered music. Facebook has numerous groups of fans from around the world. Most group only require respect for one another. Prince taught us to have love for one another.it doesn't matter your race, your sex, or your socioeconomic status.  It's the love for Prince and the love of his music that binds us. We are not just Prince fans, we are the Purple Family. We support one another unashamed and unabashedly. So I wrote this post to share and spread Purple Love to anyone who needs some. May it overwhelm you and overflow to others in need. So what's your story? When did you become a Prince fan? Do you have any fun fan moments? Please share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by. Peace and Be Wild!!!

Are You OK?

Are you ok? Three little words that pack a multitude of concern and emotion. I've seen these words used as an attention grabber for those lacking affection. I've also seen it used by concerned adults who truly care. Others use it as a control mechanism to manipulate others. This phrase is a gateway to further deeper and difficult conversations. During the pandemic, many cities have sponsored and updated wellbeing checks to ensure residents are cared for. Social media has taken the stigma from asking for virtual hugs, kind words, or motivational quotes. Recently, I asked for some "purple love" sent to me. The response was overwhelming and overflowing. Special shout out to all Prince fans. The Purple Family sent every Prince photo, purple hearts and music clips which brightened my day. All my purple lovers groups posted every purple product you could want. Although I couldn't speak to why I felt that way, but the positive vibrations lifted my mood and energized my spirit.Friends and family checked to lend an ear and soothe my soul. So I ask you now...are you ok? Who is in your corner? Does your circle lift you up? How are your emotional tanks full or empty? Know that I care and am concerned about you. Please share your comments below.  Thank you for stopping by.  . Take Care and God Bless!!!

Level Up Ladies.....Its Time

It's the final countdown!!! 28 days left in 2020....and I'm excited. In my last post I opened up my "mouth"  and declared my desire to become a Voiceover Artist. My phone has rung consistently. When you put things out in the world, it comes back to you. As I review these contacts, I am reminded of the hard work to come. Men meet that weight with energy and drive. Women surmise the situation and quit before getting started. Meanwhile, they support their husbands and sons while managing the household. Imagine the shock of discovering this antiquated belief system is still rampant today. We must do better and be better to our women and girls.  Diversity issues are often addressed by white men who select the "safe" option to appease legal requirements.  However, many women are starting to see the light. They want flexible work options that balance their lives. This upheaval began many years ago but progress is slow. As I completed research for this post, I wanted to know which occupations are trending for women. Below are 10 career paths that women can start:

1. Blogging
2. Affiliate Marketing
3. Freelance Writing
4. Proofreader
5. Bookkeeper
6. Social media influencer
7. Sell on Amazon
8. Life Coach
9. Transcription
10. Owning Rental Properties

I found it interesting that blogging was at the top of the list. Social media has created a consistent need for content. We don't have eyes everywhere and depend on the experts to reveal their viewpoints with us. Society has engaged fully during the pandemic as a socially distant way to stay connected. These paths honor creativity, ingenuity, and methodology. Having a standard process for a niche market has catapulted several individuals into social media stars. These fresh faced darlings inspire our girls to reach further,soar higher and achieve their goals. So what about you? Do you dare to dream? Do you long for a better quality of life? Do your plans go beyond hitting the lottery? Share your story in the comments below. Let's encourage and inspire each other as we strive for the mark of the high calling.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

'Tis the season to LEVEL UP

Its December 1st 2020. Literally there are 31 days left to this cataclysmic year. Surviving the coronavirus, the elections, and the economic downturn has tested the resolve of many people. However, this is the best time to launch a new venture. Customers everywhere are looking for the next new thing. Viral videos are making stars out of ordinary individuals.  You"ll make mistakes along the way but grow from the experience. Surveying industry experts, they have several indicators to start your business:

1. When you have a jumping off point for your customers. ...
2. As soon as possible. ...
3. When you've honed in on the best idea. .
4. When you feel comfortable internally. ...
5. When you've set a date. ...
6. When you've generated some buzz.
7. When you've made some early sales.
8. When everyone tells you you're ready

Most entrepreneurs are driven by the thrill of success or failure.  They thrive off of charting their own course. Necessary is the mother of invention, and the pandemic exposed many societal gaps that exposed needs to be filled. So now that we've winding down the memories of 2020, what's your plan? What are you prepared to do? Are you ready to jump? As for me, I've done some low key learning and big dream talker. Now it's time for some action!!! So I am moving forward on my desire to become a Voiceover Artist. I have my demo and I'm looking for an agent as well as clients. Reach out to me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Blogger. I am involved with a Sister Circle online and the CDM Ministry at church. I'd like to start an Accountabilty Group to track, support and maintain progress. Reach out and network with me along with talented people across diverse backgrounds. Let's start the next leg of our journey towards 2021. Share your thoughts by leaving your comments below.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!