Life is amazing! But sometimes it gets Messy with on-the-job demands , caring for family, life conquests, desires, dreams, and the pursuit of our goals become overwhelming. When they all come together to intertwine, it can get downright busy. ith little Courage, we feel unable to manage them all.
That’s when wisdom steps in and urges us to step back. To breathe. That’s when we receive that inner call for time-out so you can refresh, revive and rejuvenate. It would be great to get away on a vacation and take a trip to Europe… but hey though that’s ideal, it’s not always possible to do getaway that far on a whim. So here I share a few tips gleaned for a quick reboot.
What makes you happy? That’s the question that was asked. A state of well-being that most long for. To be at peace, free of lack, free of Lecture
Suspicious? The question was asked by the ‘Sharks’ of budding entrepreneurs to which responses came in various forms. Here I share exerpts as people chimed in.
You do not move ahead by constantly looking in the rear view mirror. The past is a rudder to guide you, not an anchor to drag you. We must learn from the past, but not live in the past. ~Warren W. Wiersbe
Stop looking in the rear view mirror. That’s what the instructor would Insist when I was learning to drive many years ago. My goal was to look back to ensure I’m prepared for those crazies when they get too close to avoid being rear-ended. Good thinking? Hmm… not sure.
But now as I get older, I apply the same principle to life. If we constantly look back at the past getting angry at those who did us wrong, or constantly remembering past mistakes, we will never be able to focus.
I am a firm believer in looking back periodically whether its monthly, quarterly, or annually to assess changes for goals and to keep track of plans ahead. However, it’s important to Simplify and focus. Only with focus and direct steps will we be able to achieve our goals, dreams, and aspirations.
Today, take the time to reflect on your life’s goals. Whether you are an entrepreneur, writer, career enthusiast, or other, reflect on how you deviated in the past. Then learn from it. Put it aside and steer towards the finish line. Be a distance runner. Pace yourself then head towards the finish line. You will make it at the right time with steady speed, resilience, and concentration.
You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.
“The whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.” Pi
Forrest Gump
The Help
127 Hours
Under The Tuscan Sun
Terrible Idea…Don’t you just love them?
Beautiful Mind
Schindler’s List
Eat Pray Love
There are many more movies that inspire us to believe in our dreams. Movies that encourage us not to give up when the going gets rough. Movies that move us beyond the Horizon into self-discovery… a place where the sky is the limit.
Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get, you’ve got to make yourself.” – Alice Walker
Reflection, Rest, Relaxation & Renewal
Self-care is important, and so is doing it alone ..yikes! But time alone is important. It Evokes reflection, rest, relaxation and renewal.
Here I share my own favorite list of 9 Things to do by yourself.
Self-Care
Give yourself a mini retreat weekend–eat healthy food, go for a massage, spoil yourself, and really relax!
Meditate. Sit. Be still and devote time to listen to your spiritual thoughts. Breathe.
Have dinner on your own in a nice restaurant… take time to really enjoy the food
Go somewhere in the city where you have never been
Study. Sign up for an online course in any topic you have an interest in and learn something new
Sip a cup of tea and look out the window
Spend a day at a museum or art gallery
Journal. Carve out the time to write up a list of things you would love to do. Declare your dreams and intentions or simply empty out all your thoughts into your notebook.
Travel on your own. Learn something new about yourself.
Whew, what a year! 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. Why not apply the same principles to your own personal life. So, here are a few of my major points in 2017.
Nova Southeastern University Recognition
Amazed but as always, all things work together for good. Met some great people as I did the research to help others learn the traits and strategies of how leaders achieved success, and how the ambitious can also become successful. Looking forward to helping youths, ethnic minorities and those in need in the new year.
Book Signings
Book signings, interviews, and giving back to our community were a big part of my theme in 2017. Giving thanks for partnership with Writers of Color, that paved the way to various community centers and libraries in South Florida. Other signings were held in New York, and Washington DC. Deeper exploration continues in the new year.
New Book – GreenLight
Stay tuned for my new book titled GreenLight, slated for early release in 2018. It will include inspirational writings, exhortations, prayers, and the confidence needed when individuals are confronted with changes and transitions along life’s journey.
Conducted a series of Live interviews with millennials and Entrepreneurs around the globe. They shared their stories on the steps they used to achieve success for the benefit of those who are afraid to make the leap to do what they have always wanted to do.
30 Under 30 Millennials
Always a pleasure to lead the panel of judges at the 30 Under 30 Millennials who are making distinctive leadership ventures across the United States and the Caribbean. Event is held by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Washington DC, hosted the event.
Inaugural Goal-Setting Retreat
Inaugural Retreat held at Captiva Island in South Florida. Participants engaged in creating goals for 2018, as well as strategies to help achieve them progressively in the months to come.
Time with My Girls
As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was that shared with my girls when we visited New Orleans. Just leave it to my oldest who is Almost an Extravagant lover of traveling and gaining new experiences. Tons of smiles as we went live at Essencefest with Queen Latifah and the Cozy cast of ‘Girl’s Trip‘, made the visit all the more fun. How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2017?
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 2018, and beyond.
Tis the Season. I hear the sounds of the waves A-Calling. It’s getting louder. Now shouting for some well needed time to relax. Time to rejuvenate. It’s time to listen to the waves. It’s Time for quiet, peace, and serenity. I hear Footsteps of the waves a-calling.
CNN Headline News revealed the list of the top 4 most annoying words from a study done.
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.
Remember the saying sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me? Not true. Words do hurt, sometimes even more than physical pain.
CNN Headline News revealed the list of the top 4 most annoying words from a study done.
Top 4 Most Annoying Words
1. Whatever
2. Fake news
3. No offense
4. Literally
5. You know what I mean
When someone says ‘whatever‘ it means they are dismissing you or whatever you have said, and they can’t be bothered.
Whenever they say “no offense” it means they are about to offend you.
It’s often said “don’t take this literally”. Chances are… it is literal (smile).
“You know what I mean”… most often we don’t know what they mean
So if you can Relate and find yourself saying these words or some others, remember they hurt. Resolve to think before you speak (you know what I mean, right)? Hey no pun intended (smile).
A Neophyte visit to the National WWII Museum with my girls humbled. To those who served, we honor and thank you for your sacrifices. To family members who held the fort in their absence, and to those who lost loved ones we say, Thank you. We honor and appreciate you.
