Starting The Next Chapter In Life

Happy Monday Everyone. Usually, Mondays are so blah as the new week starts. Today is my 54th birthday, or Chapter 54 in my life. 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. The pandemic has tempered celebrations to socially distant, virtual or hybrid occasions. Social media is good for flooding your timeline with memories, and it helps to reminisce about good times. Now I do remember a former coworker I bought a card for her ad my godson. She had a 10 minute conversation with me about how much she HATED her birthday. I wound up returning her card to the store. January is the start of the new year which helps with reflective thinking. I took several classes and challenges to truly focus on what I want to accomplish in 2022 and beyond. It's great to give advice and coach others. Now it's time to hunker down and move forward on my goals. The world is moving at a rapid pace and tomorrow is not promised. COVID-19 and its variants has shattered traditional business models and created new paths to wealth. I've reached beyond 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? What chapter are you on? 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. Write down your starting point and compare notes for goal setting, benchmarking, and forecasting analysis. Chart your progress as we continue our journey together striving for the mark of the high calling. Let's strive to live our best life. The purple life. Please share your comments below. Thanks for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

The Symphony Of The Soul

Happy Sunday Everyone. For me, it's my Happy Birthday Eve. The entire country is swathed in snow, cold and chaos. Attending online church services helped to lift my Spirit and renew my mind. Luckily, the praise teams showed up and showed out. Being socially distant preclude large choirs gathering, but many churches have adjusted their music ministry to accomodate that. So how important is music? It is mentioned many times in the Bible. Since the world was, music has been. How does music touch your soul? The Spirit inside of you? Music's original role was to praise God. Over time, it has morphed into what it is today. As a black woman, I relish in our history both in Africa and America. African music tells the tales of our ancestors. An oral history of our people, cultures and experiences. It expressed our languages and our deep rooted connection to each other. Once stolen from our land, music adapted to the "New World". Songs became spiritual medicine for broken souls. Music was used to ease the burden of the slave labor and relentless captivity.  For those who had to escape, songs were used as roadmaps to freedom. Once freed, churches became social magnets. This gave rise to Gospel music. Black people needed to uplift their spirits through the adversity that challenged them. The call and respond style allowed audiences to participate and release their tensions in a socially responsibly way. As the genre grew, lyrics were formed around popular melodies of the time. Today, music is categorized and segregated by the companies that produce them. However, musicians have blurred those lines to bring our society some semblance of unity. Have you noticed how traditional church hymns are becoming more secular? Have you noticed how Gospel music has crossed over to all music genres? Every religious service I've ever been to has music incorporated into it. Whether its instrumental, soloists, praise teams, choirs or pre-recorded tracks, music is a part of the ministry. I am a lover of music and I enjoy the creativity and artistry that musicians use to craft their product. I also find that music adds the soundtracks of our lives. So now that we've seen how music affects the mind, body and soul, how has it affected your life? What genre(s) do you listen to? Where does music take you to? What memories does it evoke for you? Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

The Beautiful Benefits Of Music

Happy Friday Everyone! It's my birthday weekend 🎉🎉🎉 and we've got even more snow ❄❄❄ Cabin fever is at an elevated pitch, as our travel woes continue. So how do you celebrate? For me, it's all about the music. Whether I'm at a club, concert hall or church, music is central to any celebration I attend. Music is the universal language of mankind. In my travels, I have found that people gather and celebrate with music. More impressive, they can appreciate music in English even when they don't speak the language. We have the ability to emote with the song selection chosen and transfer energy between each other. I took a class from a powerful, internationally known speaker. She relayed a story about an engagement she had overseas. The crowd reacted to the songs she chose for her presentation, but didn't understand the presentation itself. There is a sense of comfort and community established with the harmonies, timbres, and textures of the melodies played. Often, the music brings up memories of times past. Tonight, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is playing classical music at my church. Familiar songs brought into the neighborhoods in a cultural exchange. Their reach goes across the city while our church reaches out to a diverse community melodically. Many musicians are remixing their catalogs to create fresh perspectives on past successes. Researchers have found that music can evoke empathy of mankind towards each other. As I engage others, they respond in kind. I often project positivity, which draws people in. Rarely have I had issues expressing my thoughts when music and movement were involved. How has music translated for you? What are some nontraditional genres that you listen to? Are there any cultures you'd like to immerse yourself in? Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Discovering The Elements Of You

Happy Thursday Everyone. So we are near the end of January, my Birthday Month. A lot has happened in these 27 days. COVID-19 has turned the tide from monolithic to multiple mutations. Many celebrations like Carnaval have been cancelled while others have turned to virtual, socially distant gatherings. I love winter, but 2022 has already brought the entire country too much snow. People need to feel connected,  especially around their birthday ( Jan 31st or #J31). Now I love all Prince fans. They are awesome, and we are the Purple Family. I am very fortunate to have family and friends who love and support the ventures that I do. But have you ever felt like there's a gap? A missing link? Some wiggle room in your tightly knit fabric? I was looking for new outlets for my creativity and stumbled into my tribe. Aquarius...and my name is Monica. I will look at horoscopes every once in a while, but I believe in Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Often, religion is at odds with astrology and philosophy. But there is something to be said about when you entered into this world. I have found comfort and joy with like minded individuals who celebrate at the same time you do. I've met so many "birthday twins" who based our bond on our shared born day. We've laughed, questioned, and analyze the world through our frosty distant yet observant views. I've never met an Aquarian that I didn't like, and we remain strong to this day. When I saw this chart, I looked at how my inner circle matched up. Blew my mind how accurate it is. What is your element? Do you see the similarities in your life? In the lives around you? Of all the Elements on earth, you must have AIR to survive. If you're looking for love, get you an Aquarius. Do you need a ride or die friend who'll stay to the end? Get you an Aquarius. Are you trying to live drama free? Get you an Aquarius. Is truth and loyalty a top priority? Get you an Aquarius. I promise you, you won't regret it. I'll be posting more Aquarius themed materials as every astrological sign needs water🌊🌊🌊 Have you ever felt an immediate connection with someone? What drew you to them? How do you feel about your tribe? Who is in your circle? Please share your comments below. Thanks for reading this  article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Wanderlust 2022

Happy Wednesday Everyone.  So the hump was frozen for most of the country today. Noreasters are threatening the East Coast, and climate change is flipping the script on everyone. The pandemic has surged again, and more variants have been discovered. The economy is in disarray as forecasts are predicting rising interest rates. How are you dealing with all of this? Working hard? Stressed out? Family on your last nerves? Sometimes, it's good to step back and take a break from your routine. As a former travel agent, vacationing was my life. We visited exotic locales to sample life from a different global view. How have you been spending your time in Quarantine? Have you visited any good places during the pandemic? We are 26 days into 2022 and I am ready to go. Usually, my vacation days are planned by now. Like everyone else, I thought this pandemic would be over but its getting worse. The rebellion is growing during this wave of this disease. However, the rest of the world has navigated their policies around the virus and remain open. According to many news outlets, now is the time to book your vacations. Many counties will accept American travellers as tourism has suffered these past two years. Check the web to see which destinations and deals are available. When I look over my past trips, the wanderlust begins. Seeing snapshots of happy memories motivates me to return. Pictures of those adventures make me want to explore new territories. The Amazing Race has opened our eyes to safely and socially responsible globetrotting. What about you? What have you dreamed of doing during the pandemic? Have you travelled? If so, where? If not, what are you planning to do when it's safe? How do you escape the everyday routine? Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Facing Suicide: Depression 2022

Happy Tuesday Everyone. My heart has been so heavy lately. There has been a rash of young adults committing suicide. In Chicago, an Illinois State Trooper killed his wife and then took his life. With everything going on in the news and social media, there was virtually no mention of these alarming numbers. 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. I watched an interview between Tamron Hall and Ginger Zee. They reminisced about working in Chicago. However, Ginger revealed how she's attempted suicide twice. It took her a while to get the proper help she needed. Ginger masked her depression with smiles and faked energy. That struck a chord with me and the audience. Sometimes, it's hard for people to focus their energy internally to be in the present moment. However, 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. The key ingredient 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. As we prepare for our winter weather workweek, let's also 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. Be a safe place. Don't force people to put on a brave face around you. We should strive to help improve those 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 reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Retrograde Relaxation Techniques

Monday Monday. We finally got substantial snowfall in Chicago, and winter is in full swing. Corona variants are still ravaging the country, and the mask mandate fight has gone next level. So the Ukraine Russia conflict is revving up and the Supreme Court is setting off firestorms. As I found myself sheltering in place today, I was calm and collected. I managed to get some things done, but experienced stress while doing them. I needed to take the time to unwind and unpack all the current events today. Watching updates on the shootings in Chiraq and the general unrest across the country left me drained. I needed to refresh and refocus on my goals, dreams, and desires. Have you ever run out of gas? What do you do to refuel? Well, I found this interesting list of ways to destress using your zodiac sign. Review this list and find your sign:

Zodiac Stress Relievers

Taurus: Food

Aries: Alcohol

Pisces: Sex

Aquarius: Music

Gemini: Reading

Cancer: Hug

Leo: Exercise

Virgo: Sleep

Scorpio: Weed

Capricorn: Coffee

Libra: TV Series

So is this true for you? As a proud Aquarius, it is an unequivocal yes. I have tried many relaxation techniques, but it has always been the music for me. I'd suggest trying these (except weed Scorpios) and see how it works for you. Small successes will motivate you to stay the course. I'm a disco queen. I love all club music and in particular house music. The bass moves you, the beat grooves you. Gospel house music is creating a new genre for DJs a chance to use their skills to recreate a spiritual connection. And you just move. Fast or slow. Partnered up, grouping out, or going solo. There's no judgement at home, and we're at the mercy of the DJ who keeps the in club party going. You'll find birds of a feather flock together, and Aquarius loves to celebrate and respond to the music played. For some brief moments these techniques will draw your focus to relaxation. I revel in the fact that once COVID-19 is under control, we will be free to congregate with each other.  Love one another. Live our lives to the fullest. Are you happy with the way your life is going? Or are you stressed beyond belief? Do you need to make some changes now for your future? Join me as we move along this journey to see the best things in life. The purple life. Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blog space.  Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Farewell to the most Fabulous Fashionista

Happy Sunday Everyone. So many headlines have announced the deaths of several celebrities. It's quite numbing to lose so many icons in a span of weeks. January 18, 2022 is a day that will live in fashion and journalism history.  Our Emperor of Elegance Andre Leon Talley has passed of a heart attack. Although he led a fabulously famous life, it's hard to fathom him not being with us anymore. He was a history Maker and trailblazer in an underrepresented, influential and powerful industry. He reigned longer than my years on earth, and my life will never be the same. Andre learned his craft and directed the most influential magazine empire in the world. He shared his gift with us and lit the style scene on fire. His observations spanned all genres and garnered millions of fans. As a towering gay black man, he was a role model for minority populations to hold their heads high. Andre had a spirit of a soldier and a fighter who was deep in the trenches of diversifying the industry. The legacy and the accolades continue to roll in and will go on forever. His stories gripped me. His advice has guided many decisions made in my life.  His example is a shining light of being your true self... and winning at it. I couldn't let another day go by and not say anything. Thank you Andre for giving us your presence and your gift of grace and distinction. May you rest in eternal peace. What are your favorite memories of him? Please share your comments below. Yhank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay  safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Own Your Authenticity

Happy Friday Everyone! We survived a week of frigid weather, holiday remembrances and political gridlock. I had the unfortunate issue of my IG account being cloned. In this digital age, I've had my identity stolen, my employee records breached and real bills created by fake criminal profiles. Luckily, my friends knew that this clone wasn't me and notified me within 7 minutes of being contacted. Even with all the security software, we as Americans must fend off these global threats. My idol, Prince, even squared off imitators as he said "anyone who plays me is playing themselves". The whole mess could have been avoided if they had looked at the frequency of my posts. Then it hit me💥💥💥 Who do we pretend to be? What is the public persona vs the at home individual? Do you code switch? Do you change your voice based on who you're speaking to? How many filters do you use on your photos? How recent are your profile pics? Let's face it. There are roles we play everyday, but how close is that to the real you? I strive to make sure that I represent my truth and reality. I love Jesus and follow His teachings and principles. I strive to be a shining example of being a true believer of Christ. I am an open book... about most things. I'm glad that people actually feel that virtually. There is always the search for truth and knowledge. Often, people suffer from Imposter Syndrome when stretching beyond the norm. Criminals always look over their shoulder to see when they'll get caught. So why stress? Why worry? Why not try being your authentic self? The world needs more individuals, not herds or clusters. Your difference can impact the world in a multitude of ways. So just do you. Nobody can be you but you. So be the best you that you can be. Are you ready to live authentically? Can you be in the moment with yourself?  Does living your truth excite you? Or frighten you? Please share your comments below. Thanks for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

its National DJ Day

Happy Friday Eve! Today was a frozen melancholy mess.Medical appointments tested my patience, will and virtue. What made it bearable was the satellite music playing throughout. the office. Then I saw the posts that today is National DJ Day. These essential workers have rescuued our memories and transport us back to simpler vibes. Celebrated since 1909, disc jockeys are given kudos and recognized for their products and services. They have mastered the knack of spreading love and joy through song selection and energy creation. it's appropriate that this day falls under the zodiac sign of Aquarius, the music lovers. We absorb, create and collect archives of melodies and rhythms of erasure gone by. In 2020, entertainment history was made. The 2020 Emmys were socially distanced from 100+ locations. More importantly,  D-Nice served as the first DJ/ Rapper to do the Creative Director of Music/ Co-Host of the show. The CEO of Club Quarantine helped to ensure the production went off without a hitch. This pandemic has highlighted the fact that DJs are saving lives. DJ Jazzy Jeff (fellow Aquarian♒♒♒) is producing a DJ training series along with his birthday weekend extravaganza starting tomorrow. DJ Vince Adam's is a popular Windy City figure who often chairs weekday workouts, fundraisers, and themed virtual celebrations. Chicago in particular is the birthplace of Gospel music. The team at Inspiration 1390am take calls, texts, and emails from their listeners. Every single day, they give testimonies, sage advice and prayers over the airwaves. Often, these DJs get the same in return. The music is a Ministry for Sonya Blakey and DeAndre Patterson. Whenever I travel back home to Cleveland, it's Haz Matthews chatting it up about the local scene. Staying home during this pandemic and political gridlock has become an exercise in isolation, depression, and hopelessness. People are reaching out to find some sort of comfort and community. Many DJs are putting their music,  merchandise and skills online and on social media. Whether you enter into the Magnificent House Party, Sunday sCQool, or Disco Sunday Fellowship, you're bound to chase your troubles away. I have seen the rise of House music with the Chosen Few DJs, the Hot Mix 5, and House Junkies sponsoring events like drive-ins, picnics and vacation destination packages for their loyal fans. I've even seen people who used to DJ dust off their equipment to see if they still got it. In fact, there are folks broadcasting from kitchens, basements, garages and other locales to their niche audiences. All of this proves that the human race starves and will search for connections and confirmation.  The ultimate goal is a sense of wellbeing and belonging. Many lessons are being taught about pivoting your talents into a livelihood. I implore you to follow your calling. Hone your craft so that you are ready to be the next "overnight sensation". Let's take our creativity to the limits in pursuit of the best life. The purple life. What's the name of your favorite DJ? What type of music do they play? Are you inspired to reach for your own success? Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

You Are Enough

Happy Wednesday Everyone. Did you make it over the hump today? Was it a mountain? Or a molehill? Some days it feels like you are giving life your best shot. You've won some battles and you ride an incredible high. Other days, you barely made it out of bed. You're going through the motions just to survive. Either way, you fake it until you make it. You repeat as necessary. You put it on autopilot and push through. Bottom line, you make it happen. You are doing the best you can with what you know. Do you ever take the time to celebrate you? I mean, to treat yourself for your existence in this world? Do you feel you're worthy to be celebrated? Most people are so humble and self deprecating, they rarely shine the light on themselves. I watched a show that talked about self sabotage and feeling less than because of sex, race, marital status or physical challenges. What's amazing is that we weren't born this way. Have you noticed small children have no problem expecting praise for what they've done. It's never much, but they seek encouragement from their family members. Toddlers always proclaim their birthday and will tell everyone they run into. We're about to enter Aquarius season with a wintery mix of snow and wind chills. But we water bearers will make the most of our special day regardless. Somewhere in life, most adults lost the spark that would be unstoppable, bold, and free to be. Kids focus on self and self care. They need and request nurturing. Who nurtures you? Who takes care of you? Who are you close to? If you have difficulty answering these questions, you need to believe in yourself. Revisit your goals and dreams. Adjust your priorities to include more opportunities to enjoy yourself. You are worth it. It's not hasty or boastful to affirm how awesome you are. Its self healing and affirming. So I encourage you to celebrate the small things. It will help you find your way to your best life. The purple life. Please  share  your comments below.  Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace.  Stay safe,  warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Stop Dreaming and Get To Work

Happy Tuesday? After any holiday, it feels like Monday part 2. The MLK Jr holiday has been watered down and reduced to having a dream... from 1963. All of the Kumbaya My Lord community service projects are done, and we're back to the rat race. The world takes a moment to reminisce,  then goes back to "normal". Times are definitely changing and at a rapid pace. Did you get a chance to truly remember the sacrifices made by the martyred civil rights leader? Can you recall any good work that he contributed to our society? 2022 has started as a rough patch in life's journey. The pandemic is out of control. Political in-fighting has all but ground our country to a halt. The fragile economy is suffering from shortages, unemployment and rising interest rates. Democrats are proclaiming things aren't all bad while Republicans are blocking all legislation. In celebrating the MLK Birthday weekend, more stories and images have been unearthed about the dire straits we're in. This picture struck me very hard. Dr King is always portrayed as a serious Civil Rights leader brooding over the seriousness of the cause. To see him swathed in brown hues vs black and white is shape shifting. The warmth of the image shows that there's some life left in the civil rights struggle. It also adds to Dr King humanity and his sense of balance and wellbeing. But we need to tell the whole story. The critical race theory debate is treating the truth as hidden figures whose revelation brings awareness and enlightenment to all. In reality, we are the sum of all experiences. Good vs bad and Happy vs sad. We must finish the work our forefathers started. We as a people must wake up. We can't afford to keep dreaming while our rights are in jeopardy of being taken away. Even with the violence reported in the news, there is work to do. Those celebrities we love and respect have touched us with their ability to champion righteous causes. Their display of openness, availability, and vulnerability has touched us in some way. Many organizations are available and looking for volunteers but the heart knows what causes it is attracted to. We need to move forward on the principles this country was founded on. We must come together and make things better for the next generation. We cannot continue to fight 60 year old battles while we're on the road to achieve our goals. Let's start today to live the MLK ideals that we posted this weekend for the other 364 days of the year. So are you happy with what your country is doing right now? Will you achieve success and joy while working towards the beloved community? Or is it time to adjust that 1963 dream into a 2022 reality? What would Dr King say about all of this? Please share your comments below. Thanks for reading this  article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

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The Beloved Community: MLK Day 2022

Happy Holiday Monday Everyone! January 17, 2022, will be celebrated as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The pandemic has forced many celebrations to scale down and  socially distance. However, virtual services were broadcast clearly without interference. I particularly enjoyed the remembrances at The King Center. The multicultural, multigenerational celebration crossed religious and political aisles. It was very inclusive and inspiring. 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 social media clips and headlines.  They come straight from those days gone by. My favorite DJ mixed historic MLK speeches with contemporary tracks to create a diversified experience for the audience. As those audio and videotapes are played, the storyline has not changed in almost 60 years. We had a black President who did twice as much and faced object racism and hatred. Meanwhile we now enable politics to reverse the gains made during the Civil Rights Era of these United States. Dr. King had a mantra of equality and justice that he was assassinated for. I want to continue the fight that has gone from overt to covert to overt 2.0. 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 of our ancestors with the murder and reduction of Dr King to a "dreamer" from the 60's. Let's show the "establishment" what the activists of 2022 can do to motivate change and spark innovation. What are you prepared to do? What part of history do you want to eradicate? What's worth maintaining? Where can we advance as a society? How do you plan to fulfill the Hope's and dreams of those generations gone by? Please share your comments below.  Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

MLK Sunday Sermons 2022

Happy Sunday Everyone. Some somber events marred this weekend but goes on from these tragedies.With tomorrow being the MLK holiday, many religious groups, charities  and civil rights organizations held services geared towards community assistance. Plenty of volunteer opportunities to put his words into actions. Reflections of MLK's acts of civil disobedience resonates loudly in today's political turmoil. Voting rights are still an issues 60 years since his "I Have A Dream" speech. Decades after the Civil Rights Era, we find those leaders dying without heir apparents. As we watch the fallout of the filibuster, we get a chance to review what's important in life. Looking at this artistic rendering of Martin Luther King Jr, you see humanity. You see love. You see pride. You see strength. And you see hope for the future. Almost every man I know wants the best for their children. They work their hardest to provide the base from which their families grow. Dr King was assassinated at the age of 39, but he imparted a legacy of civil rights and civil service for his family. His wife, children, and granddaughter have all taken their own path to honor him. Week-long seminars, programs and award shows give honor to MLK Jr decades after his murder. Although he was hated for his arduous work for equality and justice, he is remembered as one of the greatest leaders in history. Dr King's family also used their own gifts and talents to create entities that work to serve others. Dr King led the modern day Civil Rights Movement, but he also instilled the values in his family that outlived him. Isn't that the goal for us all? Don't you want to leave the world better for the next generation? Dont you want the world free of disease and disparities? Don't you want to live long enough to see your dreams come to fruition? Dr King gave his "Mountain Top" speech the night before he was killed. He knew he might not get there, but he had the faith that things would get better. It's sad that the pandemic and political wranglings have ripped the covers off of racist, institutionalized ideologies. But now is the time for change. If nothing else, stand in your truth. Don't let the lies win or fake news flood your inlets. Dr King's quote:

All we say to America is, ‘Be true to what you said on paper.’ If I lived in China or even Russia, or any totalitarian country, maybe I could understand the denial of certain basic First Amendment privileges, because they hadn’t committed themselves to that over there. But somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of the press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right.

So do something. Protect your rights. Move something. Vote. Organize. Take the time to tell your truth and live your life. Let's level up together as we continue on life's journey. So what are you prepared to do? What are the qualities you want to achieve in your existence on earth? Please share your comments below. Thanks for reading this  article  and supporting this blogspace.  Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Happy Born Day MLK Jr

Happy Saturday Everyone! Today is MLK Jr Born Day 2022. All day long I've listened to music celebrating his life and legacy.  Most pictures are clad in black and white with fading clarity. Often, Dr King is reduced to being a dreamer. He had a vision, but the story doesn't end there. He was an educated man who married young and started a family. During the time of his pastorate, the Civil Rights Movement took form. As a leader, Dr King saw a world he didn't like and he stepped up to the challenge. He along with many others organized protests to fight the good fight. Dr King stood on his principles and became synonymous with non-violence protests. To this day, The King Center serves as an international hub of non-violent teaching. They held a week-long celebration of his dreams, hopes and desires. The strength it took to fight abject racism is more than most could bear. Dr King and his family endured threats, arrests, investigations, societal backlash, and organizational strife. However, Dr King paid the ultimate price when he was murdered for his beliefs. The work that he did in 39 years of life will never be duplicated but will forever grow. He would have been 93 years old today. Most of his family has passed on, but the work remains. The fight is not over. 2020 and 2021 have shown us that the world can no longer hold the status quo of racism, sexism, and marginalization.  We must come together to fight a common enemy that poisoned the hearts of many still. Jesus walked this earth for 33 years and rules in perpetuity. Dr King followed the teachings of Jesus, and has left us the path to follow. Are you going down that road? Or will you watch from the sidelines of indifference, privilege and silence? Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Relax Your Mind

Happy Friday Everyone! It's the freaking weekend but half the country will be frozen. It's the perfect time to relax and unwind. The newest tradition for the MLK holiday is to do community service. In a way, it's the perfect bridge between the charity of Christmas, the community of Kwanzaa, and the importance of recognizing Black History Month. 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 getting all the vaccines and boosters 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. What I really find interesting is that it's life happening in front of our eyes. 

So really consider the thoughts to keep and the stressors to throw away. The weekends are great for relaxing your mind and taking care of your self. 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 for help and support. 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 city, state or federal agencies 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, you realize that some thoughts are too heavy to keep carrying. Relax your mind. Relate to your surroundings. Release your fears, tensions and traumas. What kind of mentality does it take to do this? What kind of resources are available?  Check your local listings or seek professional help if necessary. Please share your comments below. Thank you for your time in reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Do what needs to be done

Happy Thursday Everyone. Today was "meh" but got several appointments set. 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? Oftentimes, we push through drudgery to get a job done. Completing jobs or projects require discipline. Money is not the motivational factor that it used to be. Low skill employment is not attracting new resources or subsidies. Businesses are vanishing in this economic turbulence. Surviving in this pandemic has turned us into sheltered individuals who compartmentalized our priorities. This may be a hard pill to swallow, but if you don't care, should you be involved? If it doesn't move you closer to your goal, does it eliminate an obstacle. Spending time on something you aren't interested in can seem like a complete waste. It saps your limited energy and builds resentment. However, the discipline builds muscle. Increases endurance. Clarifies vision. Take the time assess your actions and options. Its best to live life on your terms. However, you want to ensure your formula for success is yielding results. You may need to persuade others to join you in your efforts. Endeavour to be inclusive but not obtrusive. People want to be around positivity and growth. They want to feel good about themselves and will try to assist in the pursuit of happiness. Even if it's for a moment, those are the times we cherish. Life is too short to stumble over your feelings. Applying discipline will carry you from where you are to where you want to be. Try to achieve balance as you move forward on your mission. You will enjoy moving in the right direction focused on your purpose. You'll also find that you have gone higher in living the blessed life. The purple life. How about it? How wisely are you spending your time? Are you disciplined? Or do you wander aimlessly trying to find something to get into? Are you fulfilled and content? Or are you searching for meaning? Please  share your comments below.  Thanks for reading this article  and supporting this blogspace.  Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Learn To Hear Silence

Happy Wednesday Everyone. Did you get over the hump? Did you have any WINS today? Actually had some productive meetings with several teams. Looking forward to what the future holds. The pandemic has raged on, but it looks like we're going to fight the ignorance with substance.  The years of 2020-2022 will definitely appear in the history books for the monumental shift changes and dynamic actions taken. Many lives lost due to lack of knowledge. Their hopes, dreams and desires buried with them. Many celebrities have passed on due to old age, health  conditions and other challenges. Most heartbreaking for me was Sidney Poitier. We are losing so many fighters and activists from the Civil Rights era. As I searched for motivational quotes, I came across his extraordinary statement:

I learned to hear silence. That's the kind of life I lived: simple. I learned to see things in people around me, in my mom, dad, brothers and sisters.

This was as A-HA moment. We rush through life without stopping to live. We don't or can't afford to take a break until we're hospitalized. I reflected on my family history to see what "The Jones's " are doing. Coming from Cleveland, our Christian work ethic is strong. We put our noses to the grindstone and work. No fanfare. No social media. No faking. No fronting. Always a helping hand and a resource to fall back on. Mom blessed us with her life spent in service, and her prayers still carry us through after her passing. Dad still holds us down while my siblings and I make our impact in this world. With this in mind, what are you working on? How is it going for you? The real question- are you ready for the change you're working towards? We must move forward with our desires, goals and dreams. Pass or fail, the only way to see what works is to test it out. No one needs to know what your results are 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 there. Everyone wants to win at something and tell that story. Learn to listen to silence. Embrace it and observe how much simpler your life will be. Let go and let God guide you to your destination.  Your success will scream out loud for you. 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 sharing my journey and I'm inviting you to come along.  Please share your comments below.  Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Live Free 999: In memory of Juice WRLD

Happy Tuesday. Got some tough news today but I'll manage. Between the bitter cold, lack of sunshine and increased coronavirus spread, the news outlook is not good. In North Chicago, a 6 year old boy was killed by his mother and two other siblings killed him. Absolutely heartbreaking. Do you know where your kids are? Do you care? I certainly do. As I stated before, I have no children. God did not bless me with that opportunity, but He gave me enough compassion to love them all. Our country is grappling with drug wars, school shootings, teen suicides and other issues on the news. Many times, families are very tight lipped about those who have passed on. Usually, you'll only find out about these issues after they create a foundation of some sort in the person's memory. I'm sure these survivors would want more preventative services so they could have avoided the tragedies. Today, I watched Carmela Wallace talk about her famous son Juice WRLD. He suffered from mental health issues and drug dependency. Unfortunately Juice WRLD died December 8, 2019 of a drug overdose. The pain in jher eyes struck me as most parents dont see stressors as the younger generations do. She recognized that his fans related to his difficulties and found healing in his music. She is continuing his cause by providing resources on three different but interconnected issues:

Anxiety

284 million people globally have some form of Anxiety Disorder at some point in their lives 

Depression

264 million people globally have suffered from Depression at some point in their lives

Substance Dependency

31 million people globally have some form of Drug Use Disorder

People perish for the lack of knowledge. My hope is that she extends his platform for his followers as well as multiply his impact on new converts like myself. Don't let your young people suffer due to rising COVID concerns or lack of mental health funding. My suggestion is that you talk to your children. It's never too late to start. Start small. Check in on your kids. See what's going on in their world. Get to know their habits. Get to know the changes in those habits. Get to know their friends. Get to know their schools. Get to know their world their environment and what they are going through. As adults, we sometimes concern ourselves with providing a roof over their heads, clothes on their back, shoes on their feet. Very classic parental things to do. However, I can say with certainty, children want more of your time and attention. They will appreciate the memories with those that they love. Mom provided that open environment for us because as a teacher she dealt with other kids all the time. In seeing what her students were doing, she would look at us to see what was going on. I want the same for these kids that are coming up now. These are different times we are in, but love is still love. Do you kids know you love them? Do they know that you care? If you aren't sure, ask. If you have difficulty asking, get professional help. You are worth it. Your kids are worth it. Now again, I don't have any children.  But I'm concerned about our current climate. I'm concerned about our future generations. I will do my part but parents please do yours. Our society will be a better place if you do. We all deserve to live our best life. The purple life, Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

You need to work on YOU

Happy Monday Everyone. We're 10 days into the new year. How's it going so far? Break your resolutions yet? Or are you motivated and moving forward? I will say, the thought of having a location independent entity has pushed my wanderlust to the edge. So many people have pivoted into new careers and been successful. Others have turned their hobbies into lifestyle must haves. 2020 taught us that time waits for no one. 2021 has cemented the fact that tomorrow is not promised so do it now before it's too late.  COVID-19 and its variants are ravaging our country, and we are being forced to change our work dynamic. More entrepreneurs are launching online products and services across social media and brick-and-mortar platforms.

All while we're in Quarantine due to the pandemic. Other business hopefuls have done nothing but dream of "some day". They've hidden their talents due to fear, past failures, and/or finances. 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 skills. Work on you. You are the greatest project that you can work on. 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. Dedicate some resources to self-development. Make your goals actionable and doable. 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 technology and equipment? 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. Many people died with their hopes and dreams locked deep within. The pandemic has done irreparable harm, but cleared the path to do a new thing. 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 supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

A Moment Like This

Happy Sunday Everyone. Such horrible news of death and destruction across the US. Times are definitely changing... and at a rapid pace. Do you get a chance to savor the moment? Can you recall any good experiences in your life? 2021 was a tough patch in life's journey, but it wasn't all bad. Participating in the ACOG CDM DEI2 Webinar Saturday, more stories and strategies were presented by the expert panel. Bishop TD Jakes preached a sermon today which he titled "A Moment Like This". He talked about the events of Palm Sunday. Bishop Jakes pointed out that Jesus wasn't brooding over the seriousness of His mission. He knew what was going on. He orchestrated His disciples on how and what to prepare. Jesus entered the city as King without news or social media. He stepped up to the plate and took his place in history. People often ask "What would Jesus do?". Well, He shows us that we must maintain composure when facing the best and worst of times. We want to project a sense of balance and wellbeing. Oftentimes, people display a hard facade of strength and steadfastness. In reality, we are the sum of all experiences. Good vs bad and Happy vs sad. Even with the violence reported in the news, there are sympathetic stories broadcast as well. Those celebrities we love and respect have touched us with their ability. Their display of openness, availability, and vulnerability has touched us in some way.  Many imitations are available but the heart knows what it is attracted to. We need to enjoy the moments of the journey while we're on the road to achieve our goals. So are you happy doing what you're doing now? Will you achieve success and joy while working towards the target? Or is it time to adjust? What would Jesus say? Please share your comments below. Thanks for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

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Ten Year Challenge 2022

Happy Saturday Everyone! I saw this 10 year challenge meme and it tickled me so. I had my eye surgery to reverse my declining diabetic retinopathy. I want to reclaim some clarity to see in the future. Think about it. What were we doing in 2012? Obama was President. The economy was stabilizing. Wars were raging yet tactfully fought. And there was a sense of normalcy. But now? Baby its COVID outside. People are catching germs like lottery tickets hoping they'll chance a win. Flurona is the new news term of catching both diseases at the same time? We still get images of turmoil and strife within minutes on the World Wide Web. And we are watching rival factions debating politics while their constituents suffer. Unfortunately this is becoming "the new norm" in the light of the coronavirus. Companies seek profits over people and have destroyed mandates in their way. They hoard health and wealth while the multitudes fight over the scraps. Group mentality fosters to make one feel superior over others to justify their ethical neglect and deplorable actions. Can you imagine that this is still happening in 2022? In this day and age of a 24 hour news reel? Sadly, things appear to be worse with the Omicron and Delta variants. There isn't much hope left.....or so others would want you to think. What do you feel when you think on these things? Can you empathize with those less fortunate and less educated than you? Do you have any compassion left? Or has COVID-19 forced you to only look out for you and yours? God blessed us with a moral compass to guide us through dark times. Our ancestors used these thoughts and prayers until freedom came. What will history say about us in ten more years? Let's embrace the past and move forward. Faith without works is naught. And He covers all in his love, grace, and mercy. We want to maintain the high road and live our best life. The purple life. Continue this journey with me as we reach for the mark of the high calling. Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this  article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

The wheels of justice turn slowly but grind exceedingly fine

Its Friday January 7, 2022. Sentences were handed down in the criminal case of the killers of Ahmaud Arbery. Life without possibility of parole for the racist father/son murderers. Life with parole possibility after 30 years for co-conspirator, racist, and video producing neighbor. Each of these convicts involved thought they were above the law due to their law enforcement status. Careful thought was given by the judge. Political leaders had made several exclamations about Ahmaud Arbery's murder and the continued quest for justice.  The world revolves around the universal concept of justice. Whether in Biblical times or today, deliberations are always made to determine the guilt or innocence of the parties involved. We must get out all possible outcomes to get to the truth of the matter. We must evaluate all evidence before reconciling the matter. And we must move forward to gain the rewards attached to ending the situation that has been thoroughly vetted. We have a long journey ahead in the United States. After 400 years of slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, segregation, and institutionalized racism, laws are being fought by those who are unwilling to change our society. We must remain diligent to create and sustain irrevocable rights and monumental policies for our future. So now that we have a verdict, what do we do next? Some suggestions are:

-Take a deep breath.

-Take care of yourself. Connect with your loved ones.

-Use your voice in ALL elections. Register to vote.

-Continue to #SayHisName.

I don't know what the future holds, but I do know who holds my future. I put my faith, trust, and hope in God as He navigates this thing called life. I aspire to live the best life....the purple life. I strive to be in God's will as He has a plan for my life. I often move as He would have me move deliberately and with purpose. He has the vision, and He's made it plain. The prayers of our ancestors came full circle. So what say ye about tomorrow? Have you aligned your will with His? Have you noticed the difference in your results? How are you doing on your journey? How do you intend to move forward in this historically charged moment? Please share your comments below.  Thanks for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Remembering The Anniversary Of The Insurrection

Happy Thursday Everyone. It's just 7 degrees in Chicago with a negative wind chill factor. However, that was not the top news story. One year ago today, it happened. December 37, 2020. The siege. The riot. The insurrection. The coup attempt. Now, it is the source of political wrangling. The US Capitol Bldg was under attack for several hours by armed anti-government militia. Not foreigners but home grown, white US citizens. Most "shocking", they were led into violence by the former leader and defeated incumbant. Multiple news agencies made numerous reports of this historic horror. History will bear the details of the truth and the web of lies concocted ever since. With the trials and convictions of 700 rioters, Congress is still investigating misconduct from the nation's highest office. I have been triggered by revisiting this display of white privilege and the rage that insued. As a black woman, I recall the peaceful BLM protesters who faced a militarized response. Have we learned nothing from the upheaval of the 1960s? Congress wants answers as to how could these armed insurgents got inside the building... and inside their offices. The non-existent cares of a cruel robberbarron who watched everything unfold in a dining room. A jilted, wounded miscreant who incited the mob with racist, violent epithets and bold faced lies. Even his crumbling inner circle warned him of the increased danger... but to mo avail. The security force is now granting interviews about that fateful day. PTSD. Lack of back up. Continued investigations. I remember the look on Officer Goodman's face as he and his nightstick attempted the impossible. He managed to mislead the throngs and save lives in the process. My mind takes me back to my ancestors who were enslaved, lynched, and murdered under similar moments of engagement. To this day, no black person or groups of people could express anger towards our government like these privileged thugs. Now that these same criminals are being convicted, fined and jailed, the propaganda continues. In all the years I've been on this earth, I have never seen such appalling, lawless and reckless behavior. This story is far from over. We have President Biden railing against the violence displayed. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke of the need to ensure voting rights. Democrats are blasting the trauma suffered that day. Meanwhile, reTHUGlicans act like nothing is wrong. These proceedings need to be completed before mid-term elections to be considered before potential loss of majority. This attempted overthrow of the government is one of the darkest days in history. I sat with the thought "What would Jesus do?" I can only hope and pray that the future holds a better plan for of our collective lives. We must rise from the shame of this small group of marauders and reclaim our power. How are you remembering this event? Are you affected still? Or just over it? What angle of this series of events stuck out for you? How are you coping with this neverending spectacle? Please  share your comments below.  Thank you for reading this  article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Evolve and become a better person

Happy Hump Day!!! This is a popular greeting made famous by a commercial with a "talking camel". It's surprising easy to say yet so hard to live. During this pandemic, the news and social media seems defeatist and depressing. Variants have taken over and now mutated with flu season. People drudge their way through life working at jobs that aren't fulfilling. Whether working remotely or in the public, folks are sheltering in place in positions of powerlessness. They travel to and fro either with masks or with wreckless abandon, shop at big box stores, and still live beyond their means.  Their children either attend failing schools in contaminated areas or socially distanced laptop lessons. The isolation and revised routine has added to family issues and dysfunction.  Yet, we aspire to do better. We want to evolve into a stronger, wider and prosperous human being. We want our lives to matter. I have been to several seminars which promise to unleash your true potential and unlock success. The bottom line always comes back to the same concept: do what you love to do and riches will come to you. Oprah has many famous quotes, but this one really struck me:

"Everything that is happening to you is being drawn into your life as a means to help you evolve into who you were really meant to be here on Earth. It's not the thing that matters, it's what that thing opens within you."

People spend millions on potions, potables, prescriptions, and physicians seeking some semblance of having a feel good moment. Billionaire goals spawned by lottery dreams and champagne wishes. Well I have some news for you. It is possible to be happy right where you are!!! Even when going through trying times like these, our attitude of faith can carry us through. We are able to receive a blessing in the midst of trouble. The joy we seek will come to us in ways we didn't expect or contemplate.  Our energy will attract the positive (or negative) things that we desired. Do you know how to change your mindset to see the positive? Pray. God gives knowledge freely if we ask.  I have chosen to look at things "half full", and envision the overflow of abundance to come.  That's why I created this blog. My Purple Life Blog is filled with posts to uplift and compel you to live your best life; like the Kings and Queens we were created to be. Are you willing to improve your life? Are you depending on external things for happiness? How is that working for you? Join me on this journey and rise to the occasion. Please share your comments below.  Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace.  Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

To Do Or Not To Do

Happy Tuesday Everyone. Its Choose Day. Time to prioritize the things we need to do for the new year. Work is busy especially for those deemed essential. Schools are wavering between in-person or remote learning. Variants are ravaging our world as people continue to fight the science with ignorance. This begs the question: What should we be doing? More important, what should we not be doing? New Years resolutions are an indication of areas we want to improve on. But they're usually broken with little follow through. So where do we begin? I mean, when you want to make a change how do you start? And what's the end goal? Sometimes we must put our noses to the grindstone and sort things out. We need to give serious consideration to the "why" we take action. Then we need to start and stop those actions accordingly. Often, we can learn valuable lessons from those who are already doing it. Having a chance to see their new direction can give us a chance to refocus...and save some headaches and heartaches along the way. We must get out all possible outcomes to get to the truth of the matter. We must evaluate all evidence before reconciling the matter. And we must execute to gain the rewards attached to ending the situation that has been thoroughly vetted. I don't know what the future holds, but I do know who holds my future. I put my faith, trust, and hope in God as He navigates this thing called life.  I aspire to live the best life....the purple life. I strive to be in God's will as He has a plan for my life. I often move as He would have me move deliberately and with purpose. He has the vision, and He's made it plain. Have you aligned your will with His? Have you noticed the difference in your results? How are you doing on achieving your goals? Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace.  Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Do it. With love.

Happy Monday Everyone. The holidays are over. The new year has begun. Work is work. Kids are back in school. Pandemonium has taken over in the skies, in the supply chain and fighting coronavirus. People are starting over, but confused about the process. We need God to right the wrongs and set us straight. His plan is simple: Do it. With love. God has placed everything we need within us. He's waiting for us to tap into His plan and follow through. God also wants us to do it with love. No complaining. No cheating. No jealousy. We are to reflect God's love and passion in everything we do. We've lost that perspective along the way... and it shows. Greed. Corruption. Morals. Ethics. We can turn things around and correct the course we"re on. What are you doing right now? Literally, what motivates you? Do you believe in anything anymore? 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 online. Celebrities have truly used their voices and their platforms to shine a spotlight on their concerns. Influencers have created many events speaking to the change agents on the ground making things happen. Millenials have shown us that you can start TODAY!!! Take the risk. Shoot your shot. Make it happen. 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 see is people doing it scared... but getting it done. Usually people find it's not 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. Thank you for reading this  article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy.  Take Care and God Bless!!!  

#ThankYouGA #LiveFromGA #HiFelicia #GeorgiaVote

Weathering The Storms Of Life

Happy Sunday Everyone! Are you still celebrating the new year? I am... since it finally snowed in Chicago❄❄❄ Half of the country is swamped under wild winter weather. Climate change? Probably but I'll save that for another day. Most of the world mourned the loss of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. His services were held yesterday after a week long remembrance. America lost their Golden Girls Sweerheart, Betty White. Tributes are still coming in on the news and social media. What else can you say about her? 99 years on this earth, just two weeks shy of her 100th born day.  A fact to be celebrated and cherished. I can't imagine the things she'd seen and the history she lived through. I saw this quote from her and it shook me to my core. 

Butterflies are like women - we may look pretty and delicate, but baby, we can fly through a hurricane.

I've found some much needed clarity and levity in this statement. We've made it through the pandemic and all of the chaos that ensued. Our collective goal is to survive and thrive in this environment. We could learn many things from the greatest generation of all time. I'm lucky to have my Dad still alive. He grounded us in a strong work ethic. Unlike everyone else, he never made much fuss about anything. He would just work. He would tell us not to lose focus. He would fly under the radar. Dad was always about his business. Dad 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 so we dont make the mistakes of the past. You see the dysfunction of repeat offenders daily. You can't ignore the rash of violence that has covered our country. Mass shootings from random gunmen. The anniversary of the Insurrection is coming up, and being investigated. These white nationalists are terrorists much like the KKK that preceded them. These fractured factions aim to alter the threads the fabric of American life. What's even more shocking is the "false news" that comes from those who pedal the stories from the previous Administration.  Lets do better in 2022. Let's acknowledge how tough life is and keep it moving. Let's give honor to whom honor is due, and shame the evil of the miscreants. How about you? What are you prepared to do? What did life teach you thus far? Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this  article and supporting this blogspace.  Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Becoming More Of You In 2022

HAPPY NEW YEAR🎊🎊🎊 NEW MONTH. NEW BEGINNING. NEW MINDSET. NEW FOCUS. NEW START. NEW INTENTIONS. NEW RESULTS. Happy Saturday Everyone! What a difference a day makes. 2022 is coming in like a hungry wintery lion. Weather woes. Flight cancellations. COVID-19 variants.

Mall shootings... since schools are closed. Truly makes sheltering in place optimal. So what did you do to ring in the new year? I had the pleasure of being inundated with virtual Watch Night Services. Watching Bishop TD Jake's preaching to an empty Potters House Church was absolutely inspirational. Then I watched local and national televised parties. I'm continuing my recovery by selectively cleaning 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". Pandemic patterns are making self care a top priority. 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 already getting better with each item I've repurposed or recycled. My goals for 2022 is to expand and upscale what I started in 2017. The process of becoming differs for everyone. Some are forced to grow before their time. Others get thrown off track, get distracted, or lost along the way. During today's prayer service, we talked about entering into God's rest and allowing His grace to take over. I've see many memes that ask God to make better decisions in life. You'll start to see more changes as I work with SMEs to make more adjustments. We're on this journey together striving to live our best life. The purple life. So where is 2022 taking you? What have you become? What are you becoming? Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading this  article  and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!