Everything Everywhere All At Once?

Reflecting on its application to life, can we do everything and be everywhere all at once?

I was in San Francisco with my girls celebrating my sister’s birthday when the movie everything everywhere all at once came out. We went to see it. The theater was filled mainly with college students and those in their late teens or early twenties. My own young adult college student loved it. The movie had a few walking out early. With it’s multiverse focus, it was long and seemed to end about three times with the theater dwindling as the movie progressed. We stayed to the very end. It’s emotional theme was filled with laughter, some crazies, and a few tears especially at the end. To this day my youngest still adored that movie.

Life’s Application

But as I reflect on its application to life, can we do everything and be everywhere all at once? Really hard, even tiring and strenuous. Sure grounds for emotional imbalance and high stress.

Business coaches will tell you to focus on one thing at a time. Being everywhere all at once depicts lack of focus and going nowhere. Apply this concept to your goals. Sometimes you may have to reflect on all your life experiences to get to where you want to go. If it’s studies, you have to choose a major. If it’s career, you have to choose one or one will choose you (if you’re to survive) and chances are you may end up miserable. Not to mention relationships. You have to choose. You have to decide who your friends will be. Who will you be with long term to start a family and build a life?

Our society today seems all over the place. Values have gone awol. Anything goes. You can do anything provided it makes you happy. But at the end of the day, are you really happy?

Something to think about.

Cheers!

It’s All Coming Back To Me Now…

Success Strategies

Don’t you just love it when things come together? Sure you do!

I recently came across my eVision board created 5 years ago. It was very satisfying to see that I had accomplished almost everything on the list. Some things included 2-4 year big and Micro goals for me and my girls.

As I reflected, it all came back to me. It was clear that dreams don’t come through unless we:

Write them down
Create a plan to achieve them
Work, work, work ’em Goals
Be resilient when the going gets tough
Devise ways to maintain your motivation. That’s a must
Reward yourself along the way as you progress
Learn to breathe, mediate, pray
Celebrate the final outcome

Years ago a Medical Director for a healthcare facility stressed that we must be sure to mark every milestone. I adopted that piece of advice and encourage you to do so too…

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Break The Routine. Take A Sabbatical…

Success Strategies

Tough Nickel

Only it seems to me that once in your life before you die you ought to see a country where they don’t talk in English and don’t even want to. ~Thornton Wilder
I ordered a coffee and a little something to eat and savored the warmth and dryness. Somewhere in the background Nat King Cole sang a perky tune. I watched the rain beat down on the road outside and told myself that one day this would be twenty years ago. ~Bill Bryson

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Trapped In Your Own Perception Of Where You Belong…

Some prisons don’t require bars to keep people locked inside. All it takes is their perception that they belong there.
~Lysa TerKeurst

Traveling To A Place I’ve Never Been…

Corona Air Travel to a place I have never been.

6 Feet apart on the ground.

Masks, face covering and all as orders came for businesses to reopen

Next day mandatory

Embarked on flight observing the usual.

Full flight. Clumped together

White paper bags distributed on entry with tiny pack of cookies and bottled water.

The usual. No changes there

I can see the signs

Less crew to come.

With safe distancing, there’s nothing they need to do besides the initial guidance in preparation for take off

And even then, that’s automated

Three hours later, the friendship State I arrived.

Big airport. Masks everywhere

Until I get to my mountainous destination

Scanty. A few masked ones. The rest on their own.

Free to wander. Free to decide.

Spread the germs

Get the germs

The virus

Will it ever end?

Second leg. Flight empty except for a few dozen passengers

I arrive at my seat.

Backpack in hand and rollercase

I was assigned to sit next to another passenger

I looked around. Why?

The flights empty for crying out loud!

Lovely lady. Kind. Helped me get ‘settled’ into my window seat

Except…. there’s no window.

Oh that’s weird.

A window seat with no window, hmm

Of course I couldn’t settle

One of my pastimes while traveling is to stare out the window

I read. I write. I plan. I stare. Eyes fixed until the earth beneath disappears behind the clouds

Then I gaze at the morning’s sunrise, midday sun or evening sunset

At nights I just stare at the lights until they are gone

Then I zoom into the plane’s flicker against the night sky.

Absolutely love

But then back to my story.

My kind neighbor who looks like a mayor’s wife who bakes cookies and welcomes all at Christmastime agree that I can make haste to the window behind.

No flight attendant in sight. I settle in.

Flight ready for takeoff they asked me to elevate the seat back

The sure demise of a previous passenger

I wiped the place clean … well as clean as I could without looking like a germaphobe

Settled in.

Look around at a passenger dressed in spacesuit

Extra precaution I’d say

Hungry …. had not eaten from morning and airport snack counters closed for obvious reason

I slaughtered a pack of biscuits brought from home

I usually sleep during take off but was too ravished to nap.

I dived in and ate and ate until the pack of biscuits disappeared

Now I await the 3 hour flight to a place I’ve never been

What’s Missing For You To Feel Less Stressed Now?

Culture Change Ethics Leader, Chris Bauer asked the question “what would be helpful for you to feel less stressed right now? Not what’s been helpful but what’s missing for you? Professional jumped in:

More crisis governing and less political posturing.
Seeing disenfranchised people and knowing how much they are going through.
As a parent to young adults it is very sad to see them being neglected by the system.
A hug. To hug loved ones . Miss physical connection with loved ones.
Being able to leave my house and feel comfortable not having to be 6 feet away from everyone. Hand sanitizing constantly. Washing my hands the minute I get home. Not seeing people in face masks, and touching my face without fear. Going to the grocery store these days is a rather stressful experience and I feel so much for our brave grocery cashiers, clerks, stockers and baggers not necessarily getting as much kudos as doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers… but heroes nonetheless.
I just want to hear “you are free to move around anywhere you want, and also that the world is safe now. Won’t happen for 12-18-24 months
The ability to meet with people in person both personally and professionally.
An end date. You can survive anything as long as you have the end date.
An Exit plan.
Staying in the day….always helps

So what about you? How are you feeling in the face of this worldwide Pandemic? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Cancer. My Sister’s Journey…

My sister’s Journey. We all know someone who has been affected. For me, it has personally been my grandma, my mom but most of all my little sister. Here I share her journey as a fighter. A leader extraordinaire. She never gave up and I hope her journey inspires someone who needs it.

Success Strategies

She’ll have my head if she knows I’m writing this but some stories must be told.

That was how I started this story four years ago but don’t think it was ever published. It was the spring of 2003, after experiencing discomfort and a series of medical tests, the news was relayed to my sister. Not only did they find a lump in her breast but it was also malignant. Visits to Specialists left her with two options; remove the breast, or embark on a series of chemo treatment. The option of removal was an uncommon feat at the time, so after engaging family, friends and mountains of prayers, she made the decision to save the breast and embrace the chemo treatment.

Past The Worst

Over 10 years later and different rounds of chemo treatment combined with the usual side effects of hair loss, nervous system changes such as numbness…

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My Sea Scape Getaway…

Getaway to the Sea, the sand, the beach

I decided to getaway to the sea…my favorite place. To stay on the beach. Ahhh yessss!

The day before was beautiful. Though a bit overcast after a week of rain, the sun shined through. I stayed . Relaxed and enjoyed…til sunset.

The next day was grand. A tanner’s dream. I sat birdwatching without a care. But the midday sun pelted my skin and I could hardly bear it.

The Hammock

Defeated …I headed for the rescue of the hammock in the shade. Crazy! It swung me 180 degrees and I toppled out and landed flat on my back. But it actually felt good lying there on the ground. So I stayed for around 20 mins. Beach Bag, phone, books scattered around me. Lying there, I read.

30 minutes later I retreated for a drink. Strawberry Daiquiri…non alcoholic. I sit contemplating as the clock ticked by. I didn’t have a plan. The goal was to simply relax and listen to the quiet inner voice.

Eyed the hammock again. Perhaps it will give me some insights. But scared I may topple over again, I stood staring.

Hmmm let’s see.

Wonder how the day is gonna end? Will I have the courage to get in and even more, will I get that coveted pic?

Hmmm … tried again. Second time. Yup! I did it again. Toppled over. Stayed right there on the ground again. Maybe it’s meant to be. Ground for me.

To the Rescue

Apparently my plight was seen by a groundskeeper who may have found my situation rather humorous (wonder if it happens all the time). Anyway, he came over.

Yep! I got in. Groundskeeper drove his grounds mobile like Batman to rescue the hilarious sight. With his help, I not only got into the hammock. I was able to get a pic for my girls. Evidence! I did it!

Careful not to swing too much, I chose land and safety. Decided after 15 minutes to get back on the beach to spend time with the birds. Time with the sea. Time listening to the sound of the waves. Time writing, and Time Reading.

Rejuvenated

Rejuvenated, inspired, refreshed. My 2-day Getaway was absolutely worth it!

Now it’s your turn. Try it. Getaway! You’ll love it!

Cheers!

My Alexander Terrible Horrible Bad Day…

So it was one of those Alexander Terrible Horrible bad day.

1.Disagreement with boss

2.Bigger boss got mad at other boss because of a crazy issue

3.Both upset so everything went wrong after that

4. Rushed out later to return my iPhone

5. Reached post office and iPhone wouldn’t delete my info, smh

6.Tried for over 45 mins (I never give up)! Oh silly me.

7.Rushed into post office continuing manual deletes

8.Did most of it after standing there for another 15 minutes (empty post office but don’t want it to close on me). Delete. Delete. Delete. Slowly but surely …delete.

9. Finally decided to approach the clerk who looked at the box because I asked. He replied “Sorry this is USPS. You need UPS”.

10.Heart failed! Shocked! But laughed out loud! Omgeee! What a crasses!! (Island peeps will understand)

11. My 5 min FB live for book promo done without a caption (important for me).

12. My Heart sank

13. Had to take it down even though it started getting attention

14.Went up to Walmart to pick up a quick item to exchange for another. They said they couldn’t do it at that location. Smh

16.Went home after a long day.

17. Still have iPhone. Gonna try to return another time.

18.Then first thing the next morning I heard of a family returning from Georgia. Parents, teenage twins and another child….drove into a truck. All died.

Then there’s Hurricanes and other natural disasters that create havoc for those in their path.

So today I thank God for my Alexander Terrible Horrible bad day.

May this encourage you that there’s always someone worse than whatever you’re going through.

Cheers!

The Thing About Depression And Suicide: The 10 Signs…

When all seems hopeless

In their careers my friend and her hubby deal with fatalities everyday. She shared an incident of a woman whose car was severely damaged when it crashed into a Guard rail. The woman reported that she was trying to commit Suicide. She survived.

On the other hand my friend’s hubby who is in law enforcement shared reports about a man who after investigation, authorities discovered it was attempted Suicide. He succumbed to his injuries and died.

A Pastor in his message recently shared statistics of the number of police officers who have committed suicide since 2019, in New York. An unbelievable rate of 24% as at mid-year.

Those Who Smile

I share this to ask prayers for those who SMILE or laugh out loud with us outwardly but deep down inside are hurting or depressed due to finances, job loss, relationships, or for one reason or another. Comedian Robin Williams is an example. Anthony Bourdain, celebrity author and travel documentarian is another. Not to mention the silent ones who go crazy with mass shootings of the innocent. All suicides. Sad indeed.

The Signs

WebMD shared these Behavioral warning signs. Read their complete article for further details.

Excessive sadness or moodiness
Hopelessness
Sleep problems
Sudden calmness
Withdrawal
Change in personality or appearance
Dangerous or self harmful behavior
Recent trauma
Making preparations
Threatening suicide

If you are among the depressed, please seek help. Using wisdom, if you recognize the signs in a Friend, relative, or co-worker, don’t wait. Do something. Get the person the professional help they need. Usually they can’t think clearly. Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK

When All Seems Helpless, Pray

And while you’re doing all of the above Pray. Pray, and pray even more. Prayer changes things. There’s no doubt about that.

Let’s together do what we can in our small corner. But above all, Keep the Faith.

For God has not given us a spirit of Fear but of Power, Love and a sound mind.

THE TREE OF LIFE: DRAWING YOUR STORY…

The Tree of Life.

Think about positive attributes, relationships, life experiences, and beliefs that have fostered contentment in your life (i.e. satisfaction, fulfillment, gratification) and create a metaphor of your life. This exercise was courtesy of Paula Hammond. Consider:

SYMBOLIZING YOUR LIFE AS A TREE

Roots

Write down where you come from. This can be your hometown, state, country, etc. You can also write down the culture you grew up in, traditions, a club or organization that shaped your youth, or a parent/guardian (i.e. neighborhood experiences, church involvement, baking with grandmother, summer vacations)

Ground

Write down the things you choose to do on a weekly basis. These should not be things you are forced to do, but rather things you have chosen to do for yourself (i.e. quiet time, exercise, reading, pampering, date night)

Trunk

Write your skills and values. Consider writing your values starting at the base of the trunk going up (i.e. dignity, respect, faith in God, wellness, family). Transition into skills and talents. Consider your spiritual gifts as well (i.e. administrator, teacher, hospitality, mercy, compassion, exhorter, evangelism, discerner). Indicate a natural progression from roots to values to skills.

Branches

Write down your hopes, dreams, and wishes. These can be personal, communal, or general to all of mankind. Think both long and short-term. Spread them around the various branches.

Leaves

Write down the names of those who are significant to you in a positive way. Your friends, family, pets, heroes, etc.

Fruit

Legacies that have been passed down to you. You can begin by looking at the names you just wrote on leaves and thinking about the impact they’ve given you over the years. This can be material, such as inheritance but most often this will be attributes such as courage, generosity, kindness, belief in God, etc.

Flowers and Seeds

Write down the legacies you wish to leave to others. What impact do you want to make?

So there you have it. Hate drawing myself since I am terrible at it. But as you can see, I did one and found it a solid exercise to reflect on moving ahead. Hope you will try it. No doubt I am sure you will value it.

Cheers!

A Look Back At 2018…

Whew, another year! It’s like it flew by in a flash! I’m a firm believer in looking back to get ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance for the year. Often it’s even mandated. I have always maintained that we apply the same principles to our own personal life. Some don’t like to look back because they believe, they must focus on the future. If you’re driving and need to change lanes it’s important to look back then make the change. Only then will we able to know when it’s safe to do so…. or face the consequences.

For me I believe it’s important to look back to give thanks. To look back to see what worked and what didn’t. If we don’t look back we won’t know where we excelled or where we need to improve. So, here I share a few of my major points in 2018.

South Florida Writers Of Color Recognition

I love to write and was thrilled to be recognized by the South Florida Writers of Color for my writings. If I can help someone through my writings, then my purpose is served.

Two New Books Released

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101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs

Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up. Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. Why Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs? Because Motivation is the key to Success. With over 25 Million Americans starting or running new businesses, entrepreneurship has become incredibly attractive, yet extremely difficult to sustain. Even with the traits of fearlessness, risk-taking, passion, resilience, and creativity, difficulties arise, and Entrepreneurs need to keep going. That’s where a boost of inspiration comes in. So, get this little book of Motivation. Offer it as a Corporate or personal Gift and sow seeds of encouragement today.

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GreenLight

GreenLight is a book of inspiration which we get step by step as we walk along the way. We cannot get green lights before we are on the road. At the lights, we are told what to do. When we get to life’s intersections whether it’s decision-making, career, business, or relationships, we find out what to do. In this book of Prayers, you will find: •Inspirational Short Stories and Exhortations to Uplift You •Prayers for Difficult Journeys •Devotions to Boost Your Prayer Life. So get your copy today

Pride in Other’s Publishing Achievement

I am pleased to have collaborated with others on their own publishing journey. Be intentional and Get a copy of these books for your own personal needs on Amazon.

Coming Soon

The Reggae Music Journey

The Reggae Music Journey which tells of the Iconic Patricia Chin’s contribution to the Globalization of Reggae Music.

I Speak. You Read.

Poetic words by Charmaine Allwood-Hanson

Community And Industry Work

Serving in Industry and the community is always a pleasure. Tons of hard work, but the results are satisfying.

Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, Florida (HHRABC)

30 Under 30 Millennials, Washington DC

It’s always a pleasure to serve as chief judge for the annual Ignite Caribbean’s 30 Under 30 Millenials making waves globally.

Book Signings and Interviews

Book signings and interviews remained a big part of my theme in 2018. Giving thanks for partnerships throughout South Florida’s libraries, Museums, and events. Deeper exploration continues in the New Year.

Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Senator the Hon Ruel Reid

The Best of the Best! Artist, Singer and Song-Writer Beres Hammond

Interviews

Helping others develop and achieve their best potential through career and new entrepreneurship is a passion. Listen to this interview on How To Evaluate Your Career… done with Kerry-Ann of Carryon Friends.

Dreams Come Through

Trip To Paris

As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was the surprise trip from my oldest of a Weekend in Paris. All the way to Paris for a weekend? I questioned. But it sure was a memorable event that has left me with the notion that our dreams can come sometimes in ways we think not.

The Journey Begins

The greatest joy a parent can have is seeing their child accomplish their own dreams. Congrats to my youngest on achieving her BSc Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice. Mom’s real proud.

Cheers to you!

Finally, looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2019, and beyond!

How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2018? Do share. We would love to hear!