Category: writing

A Look Back On The Decade …

Wow what a decade! Amazing Achievements! Births, marriages, deaths, regrets. But that’s called life…right?

I’m a firm believer in looking back to forge ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance. Often it’s even mandated. Eons ago, I adopted the custom to apply the same principles to my own personal life. For that reason, as we approach the end of 2019, here are a few of my major points gleaned from the past decade.

Writings. Publishings.

Beyond beating the books I experienced a new phenomenon. A dream I never knew I had, but a dream that poof! became real! I published six books including an article in the JAABC Business Journal. My research on leadership and success paved the way to my journey. Success is a Phenomenon that has defied many. As I delved into the opportunity I had to explore a topic for my dissertation, I reflected on what I could research that would satisfy my desire to help others. And oops there it was!

I decided on leadership and success. Whether we like it or not, we all lead…if not others, we lead ourselves. I thought it fitting to use my research to publish books on Personal Development including Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs; Success Strategies which tell how to gain success in your Career, from preparing your own public profiles through acing those nerve-racking interviews, as well as what to do when you land that new job. All are points of focus.

Suffice it to say, it’s not enough to focus only on the tangibles. Our inner prowess is essential to our spiritual well-being. I concretized my thoughts in book GreenLight comprised of inspirational short stories and exhortations to drive your inner self-talk.

Over the years, I also chose to satisfy followers’ passion and post daily motivational Quotes on Instagram. Documentary video created on the campus of Nova Southeastern University is available on Facebook for engagement. It depicts the discussion on immigrant leaders sharing their views on Success and how they achieved it.

Accomplishments

I was almost floored when I learnt from an alumni (who I had never met), about the recognition I had received on Nova Southeastern’s website. The journey became real. A selfless person as I have been told, imagine my surprise when I clicked the link and saw my face. Wow! Satisfaction indeed.

Since then, I have coached many and helped doctoral candidates on their journey. Sharing how to publish their own research has been my joy. It’s also been a delight to have contributed to other authors realizing their own writing dream. Among them two famed figures including Reggae Music’s iconic founder, Pat Chin. Her book The Reggae Music Journey is set to be launched in 2020 memorializing her 40-year sojourn to the industry. Among labels she built are famed artists the likes of Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, and many others.

Recognition was also received from the South Florida Writers of Color for contribution to the community and organization.

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Community Service

It’s always a pleasure to lead the panel of judges at the annual 30 Under 30 Millennial leaders who are making distinct impact on leadership ventures across the United States and the Caribbean. Millennials are engaged in initiatives in film, engineering, educational development, farming, and more. The event is held annually by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Washington DC, hosts the event.

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Serving on the board of the Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, over the past few years has been meaningful. As I sought to identify talented keynote speakers for developmental offerings to HR industry leaders, it has fostered my own 20+ year growth in the profession.

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Giving thanks for partnership with Writers of Color, that paved the way to various  community centers and library presentations throughout South Florida. Stay tuned for continued signings and community presentations in 2020, especially through new book “Ditch it. Switch it“, to be launched early 2020. Other signings were held in New York and Washington DC. Listen out for book tour in the coming year.

On A Personal Note

As we all know, life happens. I lost my mom (one of society’s first female automobile mechanics) and my brother, a-day-apart. Then later I lost my sister due to the ravages of cancer. Nonetheless, I use their life’s journey as my motivation to climb to higher heights.

On a brighter note, I’ve experienced the delights of my daughter’s two lil ones during this decade. They’re now pushing me beyond my comfort zone with their quest for me to drive my YouTube presence (eyes rolled). One to never back down, I have accepted the challenge (though not for the reasons they assume ha ha).

As always the decade was filled with travels. My greatest personal memory was that shared with my girls when we visited New Orleans. Just leave it to my oldest who is a travel enthusiast with a thirst for new experiences. Tons of smiles as we went live at Essencefest with Queen Latifah and the cast of  ‘Girl’s Trip‘, which made the visit all the more fun. Oh and let me not forget my quick getaway weekend in Paris! Short but amazing time. Thanks girls!

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Paris

This proud mom also watched her younger daughter accept double degrees in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, while the older one continues to climb the corporate ladder. Yes my girls are growing …though I wish they’d stay my lil girls forever (smile).

Finally, looking back on the past decade, the memories made, the difficulties and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the Great expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and the hope that all will be well in 2020, and beyond.

Happy New Year to you!

Cheers!

 

Writing Woes. Writers Share 21…

Time. Overthinking. Distractions. Those were some of the thoughts from writers as they reflected on the issues encountered when they want to write. Here I share 21 as writers chimed in response to the forum question:

What do you struggle with the most when writing?

    1.Time
    2.Starting
    3.Grammar
    4.Self-doubt
    5.Ideas
    6.Focus on one topic / idea at a time
    7.Setting
    8,Remaining focused
    9,Getting paid
    10. Revising
    11. Knowing when to stop
    12. Taking what you’ve learned and start another book
    13, Marketing
    14, Losing traction
    15. Sitting down to actually write
    16. Starting but not completing a story
    17. Editing
    18. Writing
    19. Distractions
    20. Being left alone
    21. Overthinking

As a writer, can you identify with any of the above Struggles? Any missing? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

19 Things To Inspire Your Writing…

Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.
— Louis L’Amour

Success Strategies

I sat staring into the distance. Pondering. What to write? What to post? Haven’t we all been there at one time or other? Times when we don’t know what to write-be it social, blog, or book. Jen dePaula shared 40 Things to inspire your writing. I liked 19 and share these below.

  1. Share a motivational or inspiring quote
  2. Share a link to your new blog post.
  3. Highlight a fan with an @mention and thank them for their support.
  4. Share what you’re currently reading and tag the author.
  5. Do a #TBT (Throw Back Thursday) by sharing an old picture.
  6. Share one of your favorite writing tools (whether it be digital or a physical tool).
  7. Share an interesting article or blog post that someone else has written – be sure to tag them in the post.
  8. Share a picture that your child (niece, nephew, friend) drew.
  9. Share some of your favorite songs/albums you like…

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If You Could Read Only One Author For The Rest Of Your Life, Who Would It Be? 18 Writers Share…

Read. Write. Read. There’s no writing without reading.

Some thought it difficult to select but here I share as Writers chimed in to Penguin Publishers’ public forum question:

If you could read only one author for the rest of your life, who would it be?

  • Stephen King
  • Don DeLillo
  • J. K. Rowling
  • Jane Austen
  • Agatha Christie
  • Margate Atwood
  • William Shakespeare
  • J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Virginia Woolf
  • Toni Morrison
  • Paulo Coelho
  • The Bible
  • John Green
  • Alice Munro
  • C.S. Lewis
  • Ernest Hemmingway
  • James Baldwin
  • Dickens

If you had to choose, who would it be? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

New York Times New Books: My Top 5…

Reading. The Thrill. The New York Times released its list of 17 New Books To Watch For. From the list I like 5. Here I share:

  1. Coventry: Essays,’ by Rachel Cusk

 

Care to share those you like? Whichever you choose, Happy Reading!

Cheers!

Getaway To The Waves. The Sea. The Shore.

Waves splashing. Seas rough. Birds chirping. Softly. Quietly. Then louder as if composing a song. As if complaining … oh why so rough?

Now they fly. They soar. They meander. Still chirping high above beneath the sky. The white clouds embrace.

Waves calm down. Storm’s afloat. Passes by the outskirts as if to say, I’ll stop by next time…whenever that is. Behind it leaves weeds on the shore. Washed up. All aghast.

She Reads By The Sea

Book in hand she reads by the sea. Listening. Listening to the sounds of the waves. The birds. People shouting indistinctly in the distance. Soaking up the sun. Then softly covered by the clouds. Be still my soul.

Trees. Palm trees sway softly. Tenderly. Hear the birds call. The sun shines brightly against the afternoon’s wave.

The Right Time To Write

‘Tis the right time to write. To pray. To listen to the still small voice. Speak. Help me listen. Help me hear you. Don’t let me miss what you must say.

Peace.

17 Ways To Inspire Creativity…

Write. Create. Inspire to achieve.

Success Strategies

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Who would have thought a flock of birds would create such havoc? Yes indeed. Though extremely rare as one in a billion, it happens. The movie Sully shared the real life story of the pilot whose quick decision saved passengers on an aircraft he was flying. He landed in the Hudson River, and Miraculously saved over 150 lives. It’s a story of humility, bravery, admiration, fear, teamwork, leadership, and most of all calm in the midst of tragic circumstances. Doesn’t this story inspire you?

Who Inspires You?

Brian Tracy asked his audience “Who inspires you?” Many responded giving answers such as God, family including mom, dad, spouse, as well as leaders like Brian Tracy, Oprah, John Maxwell, mentor, teacher, coach, political leaders, and more. But surprisingly, one response stood out when a male said that he was not inspired by anyone or anything. Bewildered? Should this be reason for…

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15 Things To Do By Yourself…

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Spending time alone is one of my absolute pleasures. I’m sure I’m not alone. You may also like to do that as well.  A few years ago I shared that I had some planning to do and decided on a whim to jump into my car and drive to the beach. A few hours later, I had mapped out plans for my top goals for the rest of the year! yea! I left feeling totally satisfied to get things done! What seemed like an drilling exercise turned out to be quite productive, in a serene atmosphere.

Self-Care

Jo Chunyan shared a list of things do alone. I decided to pull my top 15 to share.

  1. Journal. 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.
  2. Spend a day at a museum or art gallery
  3. Meditate – sit. Be still and devote time to listen to your spiritual thoughts. Breathe.
  4. Have dinner on your own in a nice restaurant – take time to really enjoy the food
  5. Go for a walk and enjoy breathing the fresh air
  6. See a film at a cinema on your own
  7. Rearrange your wardrobe and discover old clothes again.
  8. Donate old clothes, books and furniture. Make room for the new by clearing out the old.
  9. Go somewhere in the city where you have never been
  10. Give yourself a mini retreat weekend…eat healthy food, go for a massage, spoil yourself and really relax!
  11. Sip a cup of tea and look out the window
  12. Be Athletic. Go for a jog or walk on the beach. Breathe in the salty sea breeze and watch the waves lick the shore.
  13. Study. Sign up for an online course in any topic you have an interest in and learn something new
  14. Take a photo to depict each hour of your day
  15. Travel on your own. Learn something new about yourself.

Can you add any? Do share!

Cheers!

Register now to attend Writers Retreat and boost your writing project

Why Writers Write…10 Reasons

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I write because there’s something in me that needs to come out.  I am at peace when I write. Writers write for many different reasons. Some personal, experiential, or environmental. Christine Caldalzo created a pictogram of 10 reasons writers write. Here I share 10:

10 Reasons Writers Write

  1. They love to write
  2. To express their thoughts
  3. To communicate
  4. To share experiences
  5. To tell about events
  6. To share their feelings
  7. To persuade
  8. To teach
  9. To Ask Questions
  10. They want something

Does any of the above resonate with your reason(s) to write? Any missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

 

Register Now to attend Writers Retreat

Write Not Under Stress Or Duress But From Inspiration…

Who are you fooling? Can you write a book in 2 days? Absolutely! But only if you are inspired with  the words just flowing like milk and honey from what’s deep down inside. It might be an experience that tugs at your heart through inspiration, trauma, dreams or more. No edits, just letting the words flow.

The Stress To Write

I was chatting with a fellow author at a recent book festival and he shared that he does not write under stress or duress but by inspiration. Me too! I write best from inspiration and not under the stress-to-write. I share that because at the upcoming 2 Days to Write Retreat, you will find the space to getaway! A mini retreat. This will be more about sharing your writing project with a group of like-minded writers where you can receive feedback on your writing project. After all, your work will be shared by the mass and not just for you only (though some choose to go the me-only route).

The Challenge

Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves to a writing project that can be shared at the event. It might be a cadre of poems, short-stories or excerpts of a longer writing book project. Share. Get critiqued. Append. Share again. It will be well worth your writing project as you push through your goal.

So Register now for early bird rates and book your place to join us on this 2 days to write small group retreat.

Cheers!