GROW FROM THIS PLACE

Have you ever felt the move or the Spirit of the Lord? Have you ever been stopped in the middle of your day, your hustle and bustle and just had to commune with God?It's really quite an awesome experience, and just a gentle reminder that we need to talk to God on a daily basis. Literally, I've been up since 3am (which is a daily occurrence for me). But today was different. As I was preparing for my work day. I just stopped in the middle of doing everything and just busted out crying. I mean sobbing. Tears just flowing...almost to the point of rewashing my face. This hasn't happened to me in a while, but it really let me know something in my heart was hurting, Something about my spirit just wasn't right. Something was really gnawing at the inside of me, and I don't even know what it was. All I know is I just sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. And normally, we have our morning prayer at 4:30am. I literally had to rerun that tape for several hours until the message got through to my heart. Faithful Mornings with Pastor Ericka has been in effect for the past two years, although I've been following her for longer than that. And this morning's message really came to heart. It seemed like the entire universe was sending this same message to me and I guess that's what caused my spirit to just overflow and the tears to just start falling. The thing that really struck my heart?  Grow from this place. With it being the Holy Week. Resurrection Sunday is around the corner. Very very religious time. A time of cleansing. A time of purification. We're actually doing communion at my church, which I plan to be in attendance.  I am confident in the spacing in our church that I will be safe and protected. My eyes are still salty from all the tears that I cried, but God. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He died so that we can live. He laid down his life because, as God, he could have had a million angels come down and free him from the cross. But Jesus went to the cross to save wretched souls like myself, and to give us a clean slate. To wash us with His blood, so that we could be faultless.  So that we could be sinless. So that we can provide and abide in him to do His will to do the work that God has called us to do. We talked about the fact that we're still here for a reason. God still has us on this earth for a reason. When you think about the Coronavirus and over half a million Americans have died, but we're still here. Some of us are still living. Still breathing. Still able to move our limbs. Still able to practice our craft. Still able to help others as they practice their craft. Still able to move and be and be seen. What are we doing with those efforts? What are we doing with that energy? Are we living up to God's purpose for our life? Are we doing what He set for us to do? One of the things when he talks about during morning prayer. Even if you move an inch, even if you crawl a little bit, even if you cry a little bit, you keep moving. You don't go backwards, you keep moving forward. You keep everything in place, you don't get stagnant. You don't get stuck.  You don't become complacent. There is no middle ground here. Either you are going up, or you are going down. Nut you are moving. You are learning. You are growing, and you grow from this place. We talk about leveling up and getting to the next level and obtaining the goals of the next level. However we always want to keep our eyes on the prize. On the mark of the high calling. During this Easter slash Resurrection slash Holy Week, we want to be mindful that God still loves us. God still cares for us, God still provides for us. He will stop us in the midst of the hustle and bustle just to acknowledge Him. He will set our love for Him. Set the tone for our day to redirect the course. When we lose our way, the GPS signifies that it's recalculating. Because we've lost our way. God will tap us on the shoulder to let us know we're lost.  He wants our attention to redirect our energies to rewrite our course to make the vision plain again for us to see.We want to recognize where we've come from and how far we're going, and how much more work there is to do. Now we don't want it to be overwhelming, but we do want to be in compliance with God's will in our lives. So I really want to implore and impress upon you. What are you doing on your incline? What are you doing on your decline? What are you doing to level the playing field? Are you striving? Are you thriving? Do you have a guide to get to where you need to go? Or do you need someone to help show you the way? Jesus has a calling on our life. And He gave His life so that we might live more abundantly. And the missing link that we often have is our prayer life. Are we connected to the one? Are we still ripened fruit on the vine, or have we fallen off the tree of life? Do we need to reconnect to our spiritual roots, or are we breaking down composing as a seed to spread more fruit.  What are your thoughts? How are you celebrating this Holy Week? How are you celebrating Passover? How are you celebrating Ramadan? We are practicing what we preach. So what is your message that you're sending to the world today? Please share your comments below. I want to thank you for reading this blog post and sharing these articles. Please stay safe, warm, and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude

It's the last Saturday in Women's History Month 2021. What more can we say? This has been a month of change. This has been a month of stimulation. This has been a month of stimulus checks🤑. This has been a month of Revelation, and this has been a month, unlike any that we've seen before. Women are taking control of the world. We are putting our destiny in our hands and we are moving forward with the agenda that we've set. We've created a path for our future. I can think of no one else who embodies that more than our Forever. First Lady Michelle Obama,

"Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own," Michelle Obama

Mrs. Obama has absolutely set the bar high for first ladies to come as well as ladies, mothers, single women, young girls, anyone who is looking to achieve a goal, to realize their dreams and to go beyond what we could have ever imagined. Mrs. Obama has always been a pillar of strength in the community. She has always backed her husband, President Obama, and she has always used her law degree to advise businesses. Mrs. Obama helps to maintain who they are, provide sound legal advice, and to help strategize to get towards the future. Mrs. Obama had her opinions in the White House when it came to dealing with military families. When it came to dealing with healthy food for the children. Also, she speaks to issues on women's rights. She has continued that legacy. Even after leaving the White House by writing her autobiography, I Am Becoming. Mrs. Obama is partnering with her husband producing many TV series and specials. Her latest adventure,  Waffles + Mochi,  a food cartoon to help children understand the importance of healthy eating. There is no ceiling that she can't break through. There is no floor that she cannot cover. She has progressed and moved beyond any limit, any imagination, and beyond anyone who could criticize her.  Although the critics have tried, they have failed because her success screams louder than any words she could ever say. She has served as a role model. She has served as a pillar of strength. She has served as our American Royalty. She has the elegance of the Queen's and the blessings of the Ancients. She has the ancestry of our strong black heritage, and she has the foresight, as a fierce mother who's protecting her babies, and the babies, of the world. I can't say enough about Mrs. Obama. I can't say enough about her successes. I can't say enough about this graceful woman who has embodied the epitome of what it is to be a woman of the 21st century. I only hope that someday we can all step in those footsteps and go beyond the scale. Go beyond the veil, go beyond what we ever imagined to be what ever it is that we want to be. So I just leave the question for you. What do you want to be? What are you inspired to become? What is your goal, your dream, your ambition? Do you have any plans for the future? Are you trying to be the best mother in the world? Are you trying to be the best homemaker in the world? Are you trying to be the best job holder in the world? Are you trying to be First Lady? Are you trying to be the first woman president? What is your ambition, and how does it feel to you today? Has this Women's History Month imparted anything in you to spark you to move forward? Please share your comments below. Thank you for supporting this blog space and this article. Stay safe, healthy, and warm. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Being powerful is like being a lady

So we're coming to the end of Women's History Month, and this week has been one of the craziest weeks that has gone down. 2020 was one thing but 2021 is shaping up to be that much more. I wanted to talk about our First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Dr. Jill Biden is the first. First Lady to have a doctorate degree. I found it interesting is, before Joe could even take the oath as President of the United States, people felt, Dr. Biden should not use the doctor in her name. That she should just state that she's the wife of the president, and that she should not try to outshine those around her. I find this to be most perilous most ridiculous and most concerning. They tried to reduce her grand personality, down to one strand as a wife, giving no consideration to what she contributes to this world, her husband, her family. 

"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."  Coco Chanel

This is so short sighted because of the many accomplishments that she made, as the Second Lady of the United States, under President Barack Obama. They're not talking about her in the news. As a matter of fact, they've said nothing about the work that she's doing. Even though she has been an educator, even though she started her foundation, even though she supports her husband every step of the way. There's not much written about Jill. Dr. Biden. One of the things that I do appreciate is the fact that she has not cower down. She has not folded her tent. She did not succumb to public opinion. Even though this is the rough start to their presidency. I do believe that she is ready, willing and able to help him leave an impact on our nation.  Dr Biden is a strong proud woman, Catholic,supportive of her husband, and supportive of our country. I'm looking forward to seeing what she does. I'm looking forward to see how our country turns this around. I applaud Dr. Jill Biden, for taking her role in stride. Although she is not featured in the news, I know that she is prominently in the background. I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts? What is the role of a First Lady?  Do you care about the nature of this country? Do you care about the direction that we're heading? Do you care that Dr. Jill Biden is an educator, who is coming in with her husband, to help clean up the nation? Share your thoughts below. Thank you for supporting this blog space and reading this article. Stay safe, warm and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Be the heroine of your life, not the victim.

Madame Vice President. First of her kind...but she won't be the last. Ms. Kamala Harris is our first African American, South Pacific woman Vice President. She has made her career in politics and cemented her place in history. And there are legions of black women who stand tall and proud behind them. Truth be told, I'm rooting for everyone who is black. May the grace of God cover us as we move forward as a people. There's a great work to do, and she is getting it done. Black people have carried the burden of fixing messes we didn't create, but we do it so well that it's an expectation.  Her moment in time is excellence personified, extrinsic motivation and glass ceilings shattering.

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.” ― Amelia Earhart

The inauguration ceremonies for Vice President Kamala Harris were filled with history and nostalgia. The overriding theme was hope for the future. There were so many moments with so many gems dropped. The ceremonies were diverse and inclusive. Kamala's purple ensemble was a flashpoint for the day. She stood out as an individual in the massive crowd. Purple is a rare color that signifies power, royalty, consistency, steadfastness, and wisdom. In 2020, purple represents the political mixing of blue and red, or unity. Madame Vice President Kamala Harris selected a black designer and she wore pearls to represent her sorority. This was a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to run for President. As the first woman to hold this powerful role, she sent a clear message that she was prepared and ready to serve our nation in this capacity.. COVID-19  has trained us to shelter in place and participation virtually. We each have our place in history.  We witnessed the transfer of power to a proud Black AAPI woman. She projected the imagery of strength, unity, and dignity. I cried. I laughed. I leaned in. And I observed. Are you impressed with her performance? Have you reviewed the role of Vice President? What has this motivated you to do? Please share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Stay safe and stay healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Without justice there can be no love

So it's the last full week of Women's History Month 2021. Ever since the start of the pandemic, celebrating holidays are virtual gatherings of limited space but powerful influence. What I love is the fact that so many news stories are focusing on the individual change agents and their impact in their community. In this series of blog posts, I'd like to focus on power players who are blazing a path for others. Since yesterday was World Poetry Day, let's focus on the hottest poet in the land. Say her name.... Amanda Gorman.

 "I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass." — Maya Angelou

 This 22 year old black woman took the world by storm as the youngest Poet Laureate to perform at a Presidential Inauguration. This History Maker stepped onto the world stage and rocked it to its core. Her words "The Hill We Climb"" were created to bring unity to our country and heal the land. Amanda states that she was tapped to perform on Dec 30th, and wished she had more time to practice. It's funny looking back to think of what additional practice would have done for her performance. She followed this effort by being the first poet to perform at the 2021  Super Bowl. She honored 3 Essential Workers selected for the Coin Toss. The ceremonial performance will add to the legendary accomplishments that Amanda has amassed. The fact that she was racially profiled in her residential neighborhood fueled her passion for justice, equality, and social reform. God's timing is perfect. He knew what he blessed this young woman with, and He moved on her behalf. Each generation looks to the youth to carry the baton for the next leg of the human race. When looking at extraordinary creatives like Amanda Gorman, our future feels secure. Ms Gorman has been quoted many times as wanting to run for President when she's old enough to do so. As a Harvard graduate,  she has definitely built a foundation from which to grow. I look forward to her platform to be defined, and she can count on my vote when the time comes. We can look to the youth and encourage their dreams. Mentors help mold young energy into focused action. God creates connections to do His divine will. Ms Gorman even stated that she "can dream of becoming president only to find herself reciting for one." during her historic presentation. As we move along life's journey, we must find inspiration where we can. We must also be the inspiration for those who knowingly or unknowingly follow in our footsteps. There are so many moments from this inauguration that sparked inspiration for me that will take several posts to review. Which moments inspired you? What do you recall from this history making event? Share your comments below.  Thanks for supporting this blog space and these artticles. Stay safe, warm and healthy.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

How To Recover From A Complete Failure

Have you ever had to scrap an entire project? I mean completely throw away the efforts you made and start all over again? Has the money or resources run out before completion? Did you win money on Shark Tank and blow it on your launch party (that actually happened)? Has your body shut down involuntarily so you couldn't move or honor appearance commitments (✋🏽✋🏽✋🏽)? Were there extenuating circumstances beyond your control? COVID-19 has taught us to shift quickly. Pivoting your set of skills to the latest trends has become a tangible skill and profitable option. The number of businesses that are making facemasks have taken over the internet. Bloggers are creating content around at home remedies for shuttered non-essential businesses that permeated our lives. The world is an upside down ball of confusion. How are you dealing with that? Are you working or looking for work? Are you a business owner or a hustler? Are you single or do you have families you're responsible for?   This is when you have to be your own best cheerleader. And there are ways to keep yourself encouraged. First, take responsibility for the missed opportunity.  Analyze the situation.  Where were the errors and omissions? What corrections can be made? Mistakes are learning lessons and process testers. Glean what you can and monitor closely. Second, remember there are many ways to solve problems and provide services. We can become so attached to a single desired outcome that we feel lost and devastated when we don’t get that one result. If there is only one way to succeed, then disappointment will inevitably loom. Focus instead on the process: Everyone has a cross to bear. We must navigate these land mines with skill, patience and grace. It's tough sometimes but we must hang on. Hang on to our hopes. Hang on to our dreams. Hang on to the promises of God that He will never leave us or forsake us. So many passages of scripture talk about faith, hope and strength. Now we must apply these principles for our lives. What are you seeing? Is it a good look where you are? What is your focus now? Are you yet holding on? Share your comments below.  Thank you for reading this article and supportingthis blog. Stay safe, warmand stay healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Time to reinvest in yourself

Today is the 1 year anniversary of #ClubQuarantine with DJ DNice. He's been in the business for over 30 years...but now? He's hot like fish grease. Tonight, he told of a friend who suggested the name while discussing the functionality of IG Live. He went on a limb, took a chance, and skyrocketed back into the stratosphere. All while we were in Quarantine due to the pandemic. So many people have pivoted into new careers and been successful. Others have turned their hobbies into lifestyle must haves. Others have done nothing. They've hidden their talents due to fear, past failures, and/or finances. 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. You need to find your niche. No body can be you but you. You have your thoughts. You have your creativity. You actually have others with complimentary talents who would love to help you reach the next level.. 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. Is there a trade, hobby or talent that you'd like to explore further? Have you created a new product or process to ease the labor of the world? Do your research and see how little you need to grow beyond your wildest dreams. 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. 2020 taught us that time waits for no one. Tomorrow  is not promised so do it now before it's too late. Many people died with their Hope's and dreams locked deep within. Empty yourself and fulfill God's purpose for your life. The blessings far outweigh the risks that you'll take. 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 reading this article and supportingthis blog. Stay safe, warm and healthy.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind

Drama! Drama! Drama! JLo and A-Rod? K Harry and Meghan? K. Kirk Franklin and his son? K, The Grammys? K The Oscar's? K I mean history is being made in the entertainment industry. Certainly a lot to think about but okay. Today's headline was the fact that Harry has finally talked to his family. He's talked to his brother and his father. Although they said the conversations were not productive, but at least they happened. What I really find interesting is that it's life happening in front of our eyes. Think about it. Do you have family issues? Relationship issues? Issues on the job? Do you even have a job to have issues with? Will this stimulus, help you out in any way? Will getting the vaccine return your life back to normal? Or is it the new normal? These are a few questions to answer, and it can be so overwhelming. It's reported that no one has reached out to Meghan. No one is checking on Meghan...and she's pregnant. Can you imagine having the weight of the world on your shoulders?  Harry decided to move to the US because he felt it's safer for your black son. 😱😱😱🤯🤯🤯🤔🤔🤔  I mean, black lives matter, but we're not there yet. So really think about it. What kind of mentality, does it take? What kind of resources are available? Now I applaud Harry and Oprah for their Mental Health Initiative. But let's face it, not everyone has Oprah's money nor do they have Harry's Harry's money. So, what is a person to do? Well, I must admit, I'm a little biased because I love my church. I volunteer at my church with the Career Development Ministry. And I know from volunteering that they have so many services they offer to their parishoners and the surrounding community. Something that they have recently created in this pandemic time is the Pastoral Care Team. During office hours, you can actually contact the church to receive care and services. You can also submit requests through the church's website, www.acog-chicago.org.. They've created the care services to make sure they keep in touch with membership.  Illinois residents created the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953 to make sure that people can speak to someone trained to discuss mental health issues.  The Bible does state that you want to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and I can't think of a better way, or a better place to really kick off this initiative. I'm proud of my church and I want you to feel free to use the services being provided for you. I know that getting that extra help when you need it is certainly the best thing that you can ever do. And if you're stuck in a situation where they won't offer you the traditional services that you require...Make sure you reach out.  Make sure you tell someone. Make sure that people know to check on you. Also to make sure that your health is okay. Make sure that you reach out, no matter how many times they don't reach back. Keep going to make sure that you get the help you need. So many people have passed so young from suicide. Life gets better, or greater later. So whatever you do, make sure you get the help that you need. Get the care that you deserve. If you keep traveling through this thing we call life. Please share your comments below. Thank you for your time in reading this blog post and these articles.  Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe, warm, and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

It's Our Anniversary: COVID-19 Quarantine

So when was your COVID anniversary? I can't believe that it's actually been one year here in Chicago that the city completely locked down. This was also the day that they found out that a black woman was the first victim of getting COVID and subsequently dying from COVID. My job heard rumors of the shutdown so they started preparing everyone for working from home. Literally, my last day working in the office was on March 12, 2020. I remember that firmly because I had always hated commuting and welcomed this refreshing change. What I will say is what a year it has been. Can you imagine thinking that it would take this long, especially because the former administration kept saying that this would blow over in a couple weeks. Here we are a year later, and we're still dealing with this pandemic. The vaccines are coming out now that could potentially save lives.  If the US had more cooperation with the medical and scientific community, this technology could have come several months ago. What was crazy though is that most of our international partners found this out months ago. That fact brings me to this point..... what would you do differently? I mean, this lockdown has cleared so much space and stripped us to our core.  Being quarantined has really given me some clear revelations as far as my goals and dreams. You need to have that creativity, you need to have that ingenuity, you need to find your niche and you need to find your tribe.  Someone out there is looking for what you have and you haven't put it out there yet. They're looking for you. They're wanting you, They're waiting for you. The list of possibilities is endless. How many people have pivoted from brick and mortar to online services. So there's really no limit to what you can do other than the limits that you put on yourself. Do you have limiting mindsets? Do you have someone who is spreading negativity on your dreams? Do you have the proper support system to carry your dreams into reality? Do you have someone who has a different viewpoint than you, who can add diversity to the ideas that you're making? Do you have a dream that you really willing to die for,? Or a dream that you're willing to live for? Are you living your best life now? Or could things be better? There are so many questions that you can answer. And if you're having trouble answering them, there are advocates and support services available. Ponder these things.  We all need to travel together on this thing called life.... this purple life. Please share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by and reading this blog posts and articles. I want to thank you for your support and your continued reading. Stay safe, healthy, and warm. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Spring Ahead and March Forward

My God, My God, My God. Today is the day that we lose an hour of sleep😱😱😱 We've seen reminders all over the news and social media. Motivated by the self care movement, I took the time to care for myself. I was successfully resting until the evening news came on. COVID-19 vaccines, stimulus checks, public housing failures, hazardous blizzards, and political posturing. Couple this with Meghan's Meghxit, JLo's love life plight and Breonna's posthumous search for justice. Add to this the racist diabetic sportscaster, racist Congressman, and on air racist comment confrontations. I've had all I can stand, I cant stand no more. Can't we all just get along? The current administration is working hard to turn things around. Our country is still divided among racial lines. The American People have been silent for too long. There's only one thing they understand and that's power. Since the slave trade, trail of tears, and internment camps, Americans have become more aware of the racial divide that no one is trying to repair. The world is watching and they are not pleased. God is watching and His will shall come to pass.  Please let you light shine. Let your voices be heard. It's time for some action. March forward. Definitely stand in your truth and live your power. You matter. Your thoughts matter. This pandemic highlights the urgency of change and policies that wrap around us.

Too many lives are at stake to sit on the side and let this continue. As we all strive to live the best life, we must never forget our most vulnerable. Let's finish this chapter and proceed to the rest of our collective lives. The purple life. Thank you for supporting this blogpost and articles. Stay safe, warm and healthy. Take Care and God Bless !!!

Is Everything OK?

Is everything ok? How is your Friday going? Are you alright? Just got finished rewatching the blockbuster interview Oprah did with Prince Henry and Meghan Markle. Amongst all the noise this 2 hour event, there were moments of silence. There were disclaimers for those who may be triggered by the topics discussed. It never occurred to me that someone's truth would elicit a chain reaction in someone else. With everything going on in the news and social media, there was virtually no consideration of this very important aspect of her story. I've lost many classmates to suicide, and I've always lamented over their deaths. For those who have lost loved ones, I can only imagine the range of emotions that you go through. Suicide prevention focuses on connecting with others. Watching human behavior and recognizing changes in them is key to recovery. 

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
• If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

Many organizations have listed resources online for symptom recognition. Therapists can assist with exploring the root causes for individuals who are not coping well with life or have expressed the desire to harm themselves. During this pandemic, calls and requests have increased dramatically.  Often, people suffer in silence. Luckily and lovingly, Harry recognized the symptoms his new wife was suffering. Both made decisive actions to get the help they needed. I'm glad to see that they are using their celebrity status to address this pervasive issue. But they can't do it alone. Once the spotlight is gone, what's next? Who will step up to the plate? Actually, the key piece to the puzzle is you. Are you checking on family and friends? Is there someone who has been on your mind? Have you noticed subtle/drastic changes in those around you? Does your workplace have programs in place? Your school? Your church? Do you belong to a support circle or an accountability group? You can't save the world, but you can give someone the hope and strength to keep going. People can move forward and get through the situations that they think they can't overcome. Let's incorporate mental health awareness into our schedules. It is shocking how thin the line is between the two. While we are in quarantine, let's strive to improve the quality of our lives and the lives around us.  Let's continue to press towards the mark of the high calling and live our best life. The purple life. Please share your comments below. Thank you for your support of this blogpost and articles. Stay safe, warm and stay healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Envisioning Life In The Sunshine

Are you a hidden figure? Have you been forced to stand down while someone else took credit for your work? Do you play small so that your family or friends look big? What awards or accomplishments have you feigned modesty and placed in the footnotes of your life? I took some time from my day job to attend an online conference. These first two days have blown my mind. I literally had to come to the.shores of Lake Michigan to sort it all out.The unease. The discomfort. The fear of missing out. The dreams and goals God set in my soul bursting to come forth. What these speakers are saying pricked my Spirit and shook my consciousness. That burning fire is escaping from the spot deep within my core. I can't hold it back any longer. And neither can you. It's almost been a year since the US went on quarantine and we sheltered in place. The time spent in safety has led to an unwillingness to postpone the status quo. Necessity is creating opportunities like never before. Desperate pandemic times have forced our lives to change and revealed our needs. It is no longer safe or convenient to be risk adverse. You must steer your life back to God so He can guide your footsteps and direct your path. God is forcing our hands to let go of the old days and old ways of existence.  He is redirecting to the higher levels He has planned since the beginning of time. So are you ready to grab for the brass ring? To do it afraid? To use your ingenuity to change the world? Will you allow God to use your gifts and talents to make room for you and yours? If so, let's go!!! If not why not? Either way, we will get to where he wants us to be. How much longer are you willing to wait? Share your comments below.  Thank you for reading this blog post and article.  Stay safe, warm and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Do What Makes Your Soul Happy

What a wonderful Sunday. I mean, God used every preached word that I heard to go forward in faith. Trust that God has got your back and move based on what He told you for your life. WHEW🔥🔥🔥 I mean these preached sermons resonated so deeply in the core of my being. It's a sad reality of the "struggle". The "battlefield" of the mind. The ying vs the yang. It has been a process for me to focus on my creativity rather than my analytical skills. The naturally curious and inquisitive me versus the vivid visionary and intuitive me. As an Aquarius, I wrestle back and forth as both sides are rising to the surface. But the uncomfortably is the result of my grown.  This pandemic taught me to be more God reliant as He worked on defining my "self". He laid out His goals for me. He gave me more visions as glimpses of what the future holds for me. God allowed me this pandemic time to truly see the path He has me on and why some things had to happen in life. I've been building the consistency of this blog which will lead to the seven-fold focus of my life in Him. God had to remove the foolishness of my life, my job, and my surroundings to delete DISTRACTIONS and maintain the markers He set for my journey. I've talked about it for way too long. Actions speak louder than words so watch out for my updates. In the meantime, let's talk about the heart of the matter. Are you fulfilling God's purpose for your life? Has He made the vision plain for you? Are you tired of hiding your talents from the perceived cruelty of society's taskmaster judgements? Can you put your trust in Him? Or is the struggle for your mind too much for you to bear? Have you numbed your sense of being with drugs, alcohol, or other attention stealing addictions? Do you feel like you've lost your freedom? Are you ready and able to reclaim it? If you're having trouble answering these questions,  seek professional help.  If not, share your comments below.  Let's help each other move forward, gathering together to get through this thing called life.  We're still marching towards the mark of the high calling but with intention. It's time for you and for me to go and get it. I expect to hold myself accountable as we embark on this next leg of the journey. 2020 taught us that tomorrow is not promised. 2021 is revealing that time waits for no one. 2022 will remind us of the changes we're making today for a brighter future.  Thank you for your continued support of this blog content and articles.  Stay safe,  warm and healthy.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Find Your Happy Place

Saturdays are so sweet. Most of us are off work and able to indulge in some "cheat day" activities. COVID-19 has certainly changed the ways we enjoy our free time. As the vaccines become more available, sheltering in place is succumbing to cabin fever. I am not passing judgment on anyone,  but this disease is not worth the health risks for temporary pleasure.  However, I'm a firm believer in finding your happy place. Everyone should have a place of rest, peace, and safety. Oprah famously stated that " your home should rise up to you". The pandemic has highlighted this beliefs as homes are being bought, repaired, and upgraded. People who generally commute or travel for contract work had to face the reality of working from home. I can say that most of my friends understand and respect the coronavirus policies and procedures. Everyone also understands that if they need the love, light, and positivity that my home provides,  they are welcome. It's funny because everyone who visits me talks about how comfortable and relaxed they feel. They love the fact that I always have plenty of water(Aquarius....and my name is Monica ♒♒♒) drinks, food, and festive conversation. Whether it's a brief encounter or a full blown counseling session, people always feel better when they leave. People always say that they see me in everything from the construction to the style to the decorations of my home. Personally, I feel like I'm an island girl. Sun, sand, and cool drinks is definitely more my personal preference.  But I try to impact any environment that I am in. You can't make anyone be happy, but you can find your bliss filled location to safely and securely unwind. If you don't have that now, it's not too late. You can always start again and elevate your circumstances.  If you need help identifying your peace points, seek professional help.  I promise you, it's worth the work. Where's your happy place? Have you found it? Did you create that space for yourself? Share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe,  warm and healthy.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

The Pursuit of Happiness

Happy Friday!!! Its the freakin' weekend and general day of joy. But have you ever encountered a "Negative Nancy"? A "Debbie Downer"? I mean someone who can suck all the joy out of any situation? Even worse, do these same folks try to rain on your parade? Just downplay every effort you make? It's truly a wonder how these people got this way and continue to exist. As someone who tries to help individuals,  I run into a number of clients who've had bad breaks. Some have rehearsed their sad sob story to a pitiful perfection.  Others are grateful that they're still alive and kicking. I draw the line at those who are in relationships. Please don't tell me how horrible your partner is if you continue to stay. And PLEASE don't share the emotions details of your up &down, ping pong, fire &ice, break up to make up situationship❌❌❌  The old saying goes "if you like it, I love it". Some people don't want to be helped or rescued. Their misery just wants company. They feast on your energy to fill an unquenchable void in their miserably perceived world. I want to encourage you to pursue happiness. Seek the silver lining. Find yourself and don't let go. Happiness is a mindset. It's your life. You are the one who controls the decisions you make. You are the one who has to live with the consequences.  It all falls on you about the things you do. We are on a perpetual grind to achieve success. It's time to stop and take some time to be happy. I generate my happiness and I share my love and light with all. My foundation is sure with Jesus Christ and my ceiling reaches up to heaven above. I no longer trade my beauty for the ashes of the miserable. I just pray that God blesses them and watches over them until they see the light as well. How about you? Are you happy? Is your glass half full? Or are you dying of thirst? Please share your comments below.  Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe,  warm and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

#IWantYouToBeHappyDay

So every day seems to have a theme attached to it. Not all of them are sponsored by greetings card companies (again, Happy 3121 Day), but many go under the radar. When this note came into my email, I bad to write about it. Today is National I Want You to be Happy Day. This March 3rd we are encouraged to do something that makes others happy. Today also reninds us to see others’ happiness from their point of view. Putting a smile on someone’s face tends to put one on ours as well. I always strive to send good vibrations through my everyday actions. Coronavirus has taught us that life is too short to harbor anger, bitterness and frustration. If anything, we need to spread as much love as humanly possible. Genuine happiness takes effort and a positive mental attitude. While we’re not individually responsible for other’s happiness, we can play a role in choosing joy and cheerfulness. A person’s journey through life gives them a unique perspective on what happiness is.
Being happy may merely be about quality, not quantity. Whatever it means to you, share it with others today. Are you into random acts of kindness? Do it. Are you into telling jokes? Do it. Do you like smiling at everyone? Do it. You you blast your music for everyone to dance to? Do it. Are you a chef or does someone enjoy your special dish? Do it. Are you home alone and need to cheer yourself up? Then do that too. Know that I wish you all a great day. So what did you do to share happiness today? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Stay safe,  warm and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Happy 3121 Day: Once in a Lifetime

Happy 3121 Day!!! Prince fans have been waiting for this date for years. This 3121 album was the 31st on that he released on March 21st 2006. He understood the value of ownership and marketing for the record.  Prince did things his way. Sometimes good and sometimes not so much, but every experience taught him at a young age to depend upon himself.  Thank God his talent was recognized early as he gave us his soul in song. It is the love of his music that we celebrate today. As an awkward ten year old, I gravitated to his unmistakable falsetto and vibrant beats that reached out of the radio and grabbed my heart. The boldness of the music. His fresh take on classic songs. His inventive style, sound, and swagger commanded attention and respect.  Prince drew fans from across the globe with his love of God and his musical talent. He gave us his all and every performance was one to remember. I had seen him several times in concert, but it always felt like a private show. Prince loved us through his music and we the fans will never forget him. His Royal Badness continues to reign after his death. He left us filled with his love and his catalogs and his vaults of treasured materials that will outlive us all. Someday the estate may release a box set of this work. Prince was a champion for artistic rights and forward progression. He was also a  humanitarian and silent benefactor to many fellow artists and individuals alike. Prince moved in silence but his good deeds speak volumes. As does his life. As does his legacy.  It doesn't get much purpler than this. Are you living your best life? Your purple life? What will people say about you when you're gone? Will they remember the good? Or will you be a distant memory? I challenge you to change your narrative. There's still time to rewrite your story. Its certainly worth the effort to make the rest of your life the best of your life. The purple life. Please share your comments below.  Stay safe, warm and healthy. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!