Resolution - Results - Resolve

I love this time of year! People gearing up for another year to do things "better", "right", "stronger", and "more lasting"! Man, it is a beautiful thing to observe. What would be equally or even more exceedingly beautiful is them acknowledging their need for help so they can really get to those new ways of life they have every intention to adopt.  However, sadly, those messages don't come nearly as often or forthright as the first.  I encourage you today to set goals, dream dreams, establish a set plan of action...and should you begin to fall off the wagon or feel yourself letting go of the once well - thought and felt enthusiam INBOX ME OR SOMEBODY WHO WILL REMIND you of your "why" in the first place or your once felt enthusiasm or just love you enough to speak truth to you, then I believe true resolve shall come forth. You are never alone and most of the time we can't do it alone. Peace, love & laughter!

God's Protection is Real!

Two days ago while coming home at a prominent traffic stop, I received the green light. Though other cars went through, it felt like my mind & body was out of sync because my foot hit the gas pedal very slowly even though I had the right of way. In the same instance, this big pickup truck dashed through the light stopping more than 3/4 through the intersection!  The elder man stopped and looked over at me as though I made the light be in my favor and not his.  After that heart jerker, realizing what had taken place and the profound calm...it felt that if I could really see in the spirit (I.e., the invisible) it would have exposed a sight that would have left me awestruck...Angels keeping harm from both of us. That intersection is right here by my home so, every time I pass through that area I am moved to thank God for protecting me. His word so reminds me that He fashioned my days (Ps. 139:16).  I am so thankful for God's protection.

12 Years A Slave...My Takeaway

I just finished seeing the movie, "12 Years A Slave". I am not interested in seeing anymore slave movies.  The injustice done to Solomon Northrup was an atrocity. Then to think no one reaped via the legal system for it though they were wrong. 

As I continue to reflect, I think of other things, such as...

1. How do we teach our children to know  who they are to the point it cannot be beaten out of them?

2. Teach my children how to be angry but not use it to justify wrong actions.

3.  Am I using my freedom to be all that I feel I am called to be?

4.  When is "I'm tired" truly a justification for not doing anything towards my goals and rest?

I am fueled to make the suffering of my ancestors and those that went before me COUNT by LIVING...not just surviving. That looks like something, such as pushing pass the injustices that still occur today because my conditions are nothing compared to what they endured. It looks like, not letting fear or my insecurities cause me to be silenced or incapacitated from taking the next step for permitting a natural/supernatural progression.  It's also evaluating some of my disciplines and responses and changing those things that no longer serve me or the work that I am to do.

Seeing a movie like this has the power to anger me to change what I hate about the things that I have accepted as true and acceptable, or simply be mad about what occurred in the movie and at times still do.  I choose the first.  I am angered to love even when loving seems like the weakest thing to do though it is the strongest of all. Then, act I  a manner that is honorable and honoring for both myself and the "great cloud of witnesses".

Self-Acceptance

Today, I completed a 10-day exercise on "Self-Acceptance"! What a difference a day makes, let alone 10 days! When I began, I wasn't expecting to get much out of it though I was determined to be committed to the process. Now, on the other side of 10 days, I love myself so much more. I know who I am and I realize I am evolving into who God has created me to be. My natural strengths and talents have been underutilized.   The things I had been putting off are part of me living utilizing my natural strengths, talents and abilities to the fullest. There is more than what I can post here on trusting myself and making decisions and the experience of writing yourself a love letter that would turn this day's blog into a book so I refrain for today.  Nonetheless, I encourage you as a cheerleader for your team of 1...get on your way to SELF ACCEPTANCE,  if you haven't already and watch the difference it will make in your life and those around you.  Be the change you want to see! In the end, as closing remarks here's what my take was:

"Thank you for this lesson on self acceptance! It seems that God has prescribed these various tools to bring me to a level of wholeness I have not experienced before now. Thank you for your contribution to my journey. The take aways are far greater than the time spent and I am so much further along than I ever imagined a little 10-day exercise could have ever yielded. I am here! I do matter; my presence matters. My voice matters. My vote matters. Somebody wants to hear what I have to say! No one is more important than me." Namaste

I Shall Have What I Decree!

There has been this song in my heart that I only knew 2 words...."I declare".  When was the last time you tried to find a song on YouTube or anywhere else with just 2 words?  Well, let me tell you, "It is not easy!"  My goodness, but TONIGHT I decided to take my time and look for it!  When I tell you I am overjoyed!!!!! That is putting it MILDLY!  I feel like yelling it from the ROOFTOPS, "I HAVE FOUND THE SONG I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!!" In response, I can see people looking at me like I am crazy and I have the audacity to say within myself, "SO WHAT!!"  I have played it I don't know how many times!  Its like finding a valuable piece of jewelry that you thought was lost and then it is found!  So, today's blog is simply to share the song that I am so glad to have the words to and now even a dance to also! ENJOY! The song is by Myron Butler.  The name of the song is, "Speak".

Go Be Who You Are...You Cannot Fly Until You Break the Shell

India Arie is one of my favorite artist, so seeing her on Super Soul Sunday made me smile!  So refreshing!

Enjoy her new song... "Break the Shell"!  The lyrics are beautiful!  Below are just some of them...

You cannot fly until you break the shell....

Courage is not being hard...its time to peel back all of the layers you put between who you were meant to be and who you are....and go be who you are....

So much disappointment to finally understand...there is no such thing as perfect...we are simply doing the best that we can...and we have the choice to truly be alive!

(Chorus) Child its time to break the shell
life is going to hurt but its meant to be felt
you cannot touch the sky from inside yourself
you cannot fly until you break the shell

You'll be stuck on the ground until...you finally break the shell!

You know before an EAGLE is full grown and gets to soar, it too was a baby eagle that had to break out of the shell...see yourself as the EAGLE who has broken out of the shell and on your way to learning how to fly...then soar!

The 2-Letter Word

Ahhhhhhh!  These days I am more in tune with my spirit.  I recognize when I am getting off of my "center" and it is displayed first as an uneasiness from within that at a glimpse is just a feeling of being "off".  With closer introspection, I recognized that I was going against a core belief or even just an action that I know was not in alignment with my true essence.  At first I didn't have words for this "feeling" or "experience" as much as I do today.  As a result of a breaking point I reached almost 3 weeks ago now, I am attuned to this part of me.  It literally seems before I make one step that I think I am sure about, I have to stop and make sure that I am sure.  God has a way of letting me know that "I know" and even when I "don't know" and He is teaching me in the process.  I realize that I am always going to be presented opportunities that are "good", "better" and "best".  While on some days, "good" is what I should do, "best" would be better.  Nonetheless, determining which one to say, "Yes" to requires making a decision from stillness because it's not like all of them ("good" , "better" and "best) are presented to me at one time.  

Today, I wanted to say, "Yes" to my new assistant to come in to get as much of the scanning done as possible.  However, with closer introspection, I recognized an uneasiness, a hurrying within and had to put the brakes on.  Of course getting the scanning done means us being closer to being a completely paperless office.  "Best", won out and I had to say, "No."  It is better that she completes her training.

In another instance, a hair client requested that I do her hair tomorrow.  I love connecting with this young lady.  Again, "best" won out...I had to tell her no in the nicest way I could because stopping to connect (though "good") was not "best" as that would mean some more meaningful things would get dropped.

In essence it seems like new boundaries are being hedged and preparation for the opportunities that I have been praying for is vastly at hand.  This must be what Nehemiah felt as he rebuilt the wall in the book of Nehemiah (in the Bible).  Sanballat and the others were constantly trying to get him off what he knew he was supposed to be doing, however Nehemiah stayed the course and finished the wall of Jerusalem. (I had to stop and read this scripture!)  When you get a chance read Neh 6: 12-7:3!  I encourage you today, to stay the course your Heavenly Father has marked out for you...Seek Him first and all the other things will be added! The 2-letter word is not a bad word, its just one that I had to get re-acquainted with and that is "No."  It can be said in number of ways and with sweetness yet it still means the same thing it did when I was 2..."No."

Tow Trucks & Chauffeurs

What a great weekend! I graduated from college, got to go Myrtle Beach, spend time with my Ma (Marie), Sis (Desney), nieces & nephews and soon to be additional family! I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day celebrating my son's 13th birthday and simply enjoying the love of those nearest and dearest to me, my Babe & Shontice.  What we didn't expect was for the "Mothership" we respectfully call our van to break down on the way returning home. Stopping off the highway to a filling station led us to McDonny's, an off the beating path automobile mechanic spot that had the likings of being in a movie.  It literally reminded me of the mechanic station in "Peaceful Warrior"! The people were the sweetest that one could ever experience in the midst of a crisis of your main source of transportation to get home which was 181.4 miles away. While we waited, we learned how to play darts, was offered beverages and opportunity to sit back and relax while Trish sought quotes for a transmission for our 1999 Conversion Van with 220,000 miles! In short, we decided on the van being towed home with us in tow. Yes, this option required us to pay more than we would've liked, however thankful at the same time for the provision via a combination of great insurance and money to pay the difference.  What this resulted in was being chauffeured home in the cleanest tow truck I could've asked for! It also meant my husband could relax before having to go to work and my children experiencing something new, me sharing my beautiful flowers with a lady (Trish) whom I could tell do not get them often and an chance to choose a different emotion & attitude than I would otherwise. When I say, "profound peace", that is what I had and have in the midst (as I am still enjoying the ride while typing this), even amid talking with the rental car people and waiting on pricing before solidifying the final option.

In conclusion, what I accept is that regardless of being chauffeured in a limousine or a tow truck, your attitude can make the experience a joy or a catastrophe.  In this instance, a "joy" it was for all parties and purposes involved.  You never know who you are going to meet and why paths must cross as they sometimes do, however when things are beyond your control, I hope you will stop and see them as "God moments" or your time to shine for Jesus or let Him shine on or in you. "I love you to pieces" is what a dear friend left on my voicemail and that's what living is all about.

BIG PROPS TO: C.M. Towing of Lexington, SC (Jeremie) the best tow truck and service all around & McDonny's Auto Mechanics, Lexington, SC! Thank you for great service!

You Are Mine!

I just love how God reminds me that I am His, particularly as He states in Isaiah 43. It makes me feel all good inside. In a world where people can and will write you off quicker than you can blink your eyes over some of the most trivial things, it is reassuring to know that God never disowns you:-) or I. Ponder that...sweet dreams!

Are You Living a Lie?

I'm sitting here in the comforts of my home, watching Oprah's Next Chapter (one of my favorite TV shows) interview with Jason Collins.  I am so proud of this family!  Their display of the how a well-to-do, educated, African-American family handles a matter such as this in a functional way is a great example for many others from all cultures & walks of life to see.  Also, witnessing the genuine support that they have and rally behind Jason in his decision is refreshing too.  I am happy for Jason! For me, its not so much of his "coming out" as it is that he doesn't have to live a lie anymore.  The burden, the hiding, the secret, the lie and having to live that way is no way for anyone to live.  Can you imagine how it could have affected his game and so much more?  Listening to Mr. Collins divulge how he came to his decision to tell the truth one could easily find fault, however I was moved with the question of, "how many others are living a lie?", not so much about their sexuality, rather in anything they are experiencing.  Of course, you cannot ponder that question without turning those reflections and that examination inward. One of my "aha"s is accepting that I have held back in the growth of my business, even though I display that I am giving it my all. That too is a lie.  To make it right, tonight I have decided to proceed with the things that have been in my heart to do from the classes, to the signage, to systems and take courage.  Also, accepting that I have a toxic relationship with my mother and sister that is healthier for me to keep my distance and love them from afar than to continuously subjecting  or leaving myself open to or for their unwelcomed verbal vomit rather than creating a facade which eats at my spirit.  To think, I previously felt that if I accepted this truth and lived in this space that I would not be allowed to do the other things that are in my heart.  It was as though my being in some sort of happy relations with them would in some way validate who I am or give me license for me to go forth. Thank  you Mr. Collins for coming out...in so doing I have chosen to come out in my own personal way that unleashed the mental depravity that I once found solace though it was a prison in and of its own making.

I am in a great place and look forward to more beautiful experiences & living life out loud! Thanks for reading and responding :-)

How Bad Do You Want to Succeed?

Oh, I loved this speech so much I am sharing the abbreviated version on here.  Visit youtube.com and see the longer version if you choose.  Take a look and you will understand why!

Watch "How Bad Do You Want Success" on YouTube

Recovery in Progress

Watch "Recovery in Motion" on YouTube

This being my 1st day out for a light walk was refreshing even though at times my mind was playing tricks on me and it felt my own insecurities were getting the best of me, especially when all sorts & sizes of people were passing me.  It was then that I had to see what I had to be thankful for! See last week I couldn't do this! I thank God even for the "I Am" Poem by Dr. Cindy Trimm.  God used that to get my perspective straight.  Yes, I am a runner, but perhaps God has me walking through these stages of recovery which are really stages of growth so that I can exercise some compassion and patience later with or for someone else or even with myself.  I accept that I am an overachiever, though with that comes a relentless pushing of myself and sometimes others that makes it hard to be creative and giving. I'm so glad God chose now to "slow my troll" :-) Rest truly is the best medicine. Living in His Joy and claiming the victory Jesus Christ has won for ME!

Brene Brown & Oprah Winfrey 6 People Who Do Not Deserve to Hear Your Shame Story

Listen to the 6 and see if it requires you to make any adjustments...

6 Types of People Who Do Not Deserve to Hear Your Shame Story

When something shameful happens in your life, shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brené Brown says, there are six types of people with whom you shouldn't share the story. Watch to find out who they are. Plus, hear why she says everyone needs just one "move-the-body friend."

Brene Brown & Oprah Winfrey - Knowing Who to Share Your Story With

"You share with people who have earned the right to hear your story." Ask yourself, "With whom am I in relationship with who can bear the weight of my story?"

6 Types of People Who Do Not Deserve to Hear Your Shame Story

When something shameful happens in your life, shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brené Brown says, there are six types of people with whom you shouldn't share the story. Watch to find out who they are. Plus, hear why she says everyone needs just one "move-the-body friend."

Brene Brown & Oprah Winfrey - Shame is Lethal!

"Shame need three things to grow secrecy, silence, and judgment and it will grow exponentially!" "The less you talk about it the more you have it." "Shame buys into the belief that I am alone."

Dr. Brené Brown: "Shame Is Lethal"

Shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brené Brown says shame is the intensely painful feeling that we are unworthy of love and belonging. It's the most primitive human emotion we all feel—and the one no one wants to talk about. If left to its own devices, Dr. Brown says, shame can destroy lives. Watch as she reveals the three things shame requires to grow—and the one thing that can stop shame in its tracks.

Brene Brown & Oprah Winfrey - Great (Self) & Parenting Tip!!

Dr. Brené Brown: Why Shame Is So Prevalent in Classrooms

Shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brené Brown says shame is the number one classroom management tool in schools of every kind in this country. Find out what Dr. Brown wants all parents to know about shame, humiliation and name-calling.

Brene Brown & Oprah Winfrey - Speaking Out About Your Shame

Dr. Brené Brown: Why Guilt Is Better Than Shame

Shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brené Brown says shame is highly correlated with addiction, depression, eating disorders, violence, bullying and aggression. Guilt, however, is not. Find out why she says there's such a big difference between shame and guilt. Plus, watch as she reveals how she talks to herself when feeling shame, and get the one surefire way to pull yourself out of a shame spiral.

"I Don't Feel Like It..."

Have you ever taken notice of how you feel when you know you have to do something that you could easily say, "I don't feel like it...", even though you know that it is important that it gets done?  For example, your taxes, balancing your checkbook, completing a paper/assignment. This is how I felt a few moments ago.  What I recognize is that lethargic feeling, maybe even laziness, procrastination disguised as something valuable or valuing are all masks of deception, denial, and a detrimental withholding of good from myself.  However, upon "biting the bullet" so-to-speak and putting in the timed required to complete the NECESSARY things, I felt at peace.  My lying down watching SuperSoul Sunday and the other inspirational things I enjoy, I felt so much better doing so.  Moreover, completing the necessary tasks also helped me stay on track for the things that I know that I want to occur in my life.  Truth be told, I know I am going to be faced with the decision to act or to talk myself out of several things this week as I prepare to launch a new coaching/training series and the steps necessary to make it do what it do.  SO, returning to this life lesson will be repeated!  Let me know about the hurdles you've decided to jump! The world is waiting for your gift!

:-) "Success is achieved step-by-step, not leap-by-leap!"

"Like" My Page, but Stay on Your Own

Being in the profession that I am, as a real estate broker, I am often presented with the invitation of well-meaning professionals and the likes of them with requests to "Like" their page.  For those of you that may not be familiar with the term, they are asking me (and you) to subscribe usually to their Facebook page or some other social media platform in which they pitch products, ideas, business centered language in hopes that I will utilize their services or buy their products, etc.  It has become conscious for me the amount of energy that businesses and people spend to get my attention.   Their hope is that they will get my attention, then keep it to the extent it profits them (i.e., improve their bottom lines).  To this, I encourage you to take an inventory of your life and to cut off the life's  blood supply that's going to external sources.  Take your attention back!  It is yours to direct, to scrutinize how you use it, reserve it, exploit it or to be a good steward over it.  Have you ever considered how your life would look if you detached from all your power centers that currently has you locked in as though it is your adult size umbilical cord?  Today, detach. Reclaim your power and use it to materialize your own vision, call or destiny for your own life.  So, yes, "Like" my page, but be sure stay on your own because one day you are going to have to give an account for how you lived the life that was lent to you for a purpose.

Inspired by SuperSoul Sunday (Ms. Winfrey's Interview on 3/17/13)

I truly enjoyed Brene's talk!  I learned of her via Oprah's Super Soul Sunday!  I paused the show because of my intrigue with the interview and I wanted to know Mrs. Brown's back story in order to fully understand her today... This is the TEDx Talk that caused her message to go viral.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, then endeavor to go forth living vulnerability.  ENJOY!

Restoration Has Finally Come

This is a great day! I just finished "The Princess Within" by Serita Ann Jakes ! It is a recommended read for any women's group, especially those trying to get to the root of their issues with the help of the Lord (touching the hem of His garment) and not alone or just with their "good" girlfriends. It is great for those really willing to remove the mask ("its not covering anything anyway"). I have learned where the root of what was my self-sabotaging ways and other matters. It is not enough to come to the Lord, we must drink of Him and partake of His ways which exposes the snake-a-docious ways within us. ;-) A new word that came to me as I journaled my experience and gratitude to my Heavenly Father. We have true freedom because of what God has done for us through HIS SON, while we were yet in sin!

"Go and sin no more!"

...is what I hear Jesus saying...

"I love you with an everlasting Love. It is not your fault that you were birthed into situations and families that caused you to experience a variation of life that you thought was not befitting for who you are or who you think you shall become, but I know the plans I have for you. My plans are to prosper you and to give you a future. It is all for My good purpose and nothing shall harm you. NOTHING! It is for My good pleasure and the perfect work that I began, I COMPLETE! I AM the PERFECT FINISHER. The enemy asked Me once, can I sift her as wheat? To that, My response was, "No!" There will always be those that desire to challenge your existence, your authority and My power within You. However, do not give into such idiocy. I AM your EXAMPLE, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." I didn't have to prove who I AM...and neither do you. Walk in faith and victory!"

OFFICIAL Isaac Carree - "Clean This House" (Audio Only)

Its a New Year!

Watch "Fred Hammond & RFC - When You Praise" on YouTube
For some, the realization of a new year is not a joyous, clarion call to come up higher, but I appreciate all that God has done, is doing and will do in my life.  I sense a breaking free of the things that has bound me for so long and pray your release also.  I know I haven't blogged in a long time.  I appreciate the silence also.  Yet, He still speaks.  Every revelation you get cannot be publicly shared, though it is treasured and held closely to your heart.