inspiration – Page 11 – Success Strategies

Is There A Place For Victory When Mental Issues Rears Its Ugly Head?

When is it okay to throw in the towel? To give up? Olympians have started doing it. Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka withdrew citing mental issues. For decades Olympians withdrew without choice due to physical injuries as was the recent case of Serena Williams. But what of psychological? Is there a place for commitment, dedication? Determination? Better yet, if you withdraw, does it mean that you’re not?

Olympic Woes Amidst Success

Let no one define what Success Means to you. Define it for yourself.
Dr. Shelly C

The Olympics has always been a love of mine. Personally, I did track most of my school years and was naturally good at it. Sadly, no one told me that my natural talents and discipline was worthy of pushing forward to compete at a higher level. So once I got to the nationals, that’s where it stayed. I didn’t rise to higher heights.

Questions arose in my mind as I thought of my early life’s athletic prowess amidst the current Olympics situation. Furthermore, my study and research of success made me even more curious. Leadership traits such as determination, discipline, resilience were all attributable to success… be it in sports, business or life in general. When there is a goal that drives, we do whatever it takes to achieve. But when the going gets tough and society takes over (your goal), as is the case when athletes compete on behalf of educational institutions, organizations, or globally as in the Olympics, we ponder where does it stop? Where do you draw the line? When the goal becomes not only that of the athlete’s personally but that of his/her team, state, country (not the world yet though space tourism has become an appetizing delectable), whose decision is it?

Oh What Peace We Often Forfeit

Indeed as a colleague shared, it has become a complex situation especially when the values and socialization of societies differ. One competitor may never give up. Another may say ” hey it’s okay”. Millennials and Generation Z (iGeneration) think survival. They’ll retort, “I don’t want this anymore no matter the consequences. I will do me. You do you. Keep your award, your attributes, your contracts, your medals and forgive me but I will keep my sanity. That means more to me.”

Mental Issues Are Real

I dare say, mental issues are real. It was previously thought of as taboo to share inner turmoil for fear of being seen as weak, but these days when the British Royalties have brought mental issues to light, it is now more recognized and many in fact do understand.

As society and individual goals evolves, where do we go next? Let’s be prepared to not only wait and see but to also get ready to do something about it. Check-in with a neighbor or friend going through stuff. Be mindful of the silent ones. Offer support. Refer them to get help. Let’s do what we can in our small corner.

Cheers!

Authors Share 13 Ways To Rid Writer’s Block…

Overcoming writer’s block isn’t always easy, but it helps to keep a pen and paper at the ready for when inspiration strikes.
Unknown

Many complain of experiencing writer’s block. It refers that time when writers attempt to write and nothing comes. Some complain that it last days, weeks, months. Others say it may even last years. The question came up in an authors’ forum. Here I share 13 tips recommended.

Take a day off from writing
Work on two different books at the same time. If you have trouble with one, move to the other. It helps with the creative process
If you don’t know what you’re going to write there’s no point in sitting down. What you can do is think during the day what the next few pages are going to be like (when writing fiction). So when you sit you know exactly what’s coming
One writer suggested that you leave the last sentence unfinished so you know what you are going to write when you next start writing.
If you have lost direction, print your book so far and re-read it. By reading the previous chapters (preferably in one sitting) it provides a run-up to the bit you are actually stuck with. Then you are able to put down your reading and start writing with a renewed sense of direction.
Read, watch a movie, play a game. Get your head back.
Give yourself permission to write badly. Tell yourself the story. Take a break and write something completely different. Read a lot.
It’s not a block but an opportunity. Time to edit and then later, see it with fresh eyes
Write, write, write…even if it’s not good or what you want. You can always cut it later or edit it into what you do want.
Disconnect and do something completely different.
Talk about the story’s events.
Take a walk.
Just keep writing. Don’t get discouraged. If one thing doesn’t work, try another.

Any thoughts missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear! By the way, if you are still dreaming of writing that book and don’t know where to start, let’s connect.

Cheers!

What’s Going On In Your Life That Feels Like A Giant?

Relatable, encouraging, inspiring are words that describes the book “My Safe Place is With You.
Amazon Reviews

Are you discouraged and feel like giving up? What is going on in your life that feels like a giant? Is it a career decision? A conflict on the job? Your health? A conflict at home? When you think about your future, does it look bleak? If so, be confident that it does not have to be.

In My Safe Place, Dr. Shelly Cameron talks about what to do when life’s tragedies hit, when you feel stuck, confused, and your life spirals out of control, where do you turn? How do you handle it? Where is your Refuge?

In this book you will find:

Inspirational Short Stories and Exhortations to Uplift you
Prayers and Encouragement for Difficult Journeys
Guidance to Identify God’s Purpose and Leading when you are Confused
What to do when Enemies Strike
What to do when Waiting on God

If you or a friend feel like giving up and do not know where to turn, then this book is for you.

We Are The Caribbean

As we commemorate National Caribbean American Heritage Month, the tribute written by talented Poet Charmaine Allwood-Hanson sums up the history and cultural perspective. Be intrigued as you read.

I Speak. You Read.

WE ARE THE CARIBBEAN
COUNTRIES AND ISLANDS
CONNECTED BY THIS VAST BLUE SEA
PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT RACES
RELIGIONS AND CREEDS

WE ARE THE CARIBBEAN
A GREAT MELTING POT
BRED FROM SLAVES, COLONIZERS
MERCHANTS, INDENTURED LABORERS
AND INDIGENOUS TRIBES
CULTURALLY WE ARE SO DIVERSIFIED

WE SPEAK ENGLISH, FRENCH
SPANISH AND DUTCH
PATOIS AND CREOLE
OUR LANGUAGES EMBODY
THE NEW AND THE OLD

WE ARE THE CARIBBEAN
OVER 26 NATIONS STRONG
LET ME NAME A FEW
AS THE LIST IS LONG

WE ARE GUYANESE, BARBADIAN
BELIZEANS AND JAMAICANS
PANAMANIANS, HAITIANS AND GRENADIANS
CUBANS, DOMINICANS, AND ANGUILLANS
WE ARE THE NATIONS OF ST. VINCENT
MONTSERRAT AND MARTINIQUE
WE ARE COUNTRIES, SMALL AND LARGE ISLANDS
WHICH MAKES OUR REGION UNIQUE

WE HAVE MOUNTAINS, VOLCANOES AND TOURIST RESORTS
WATERFALLS, HEALING AND HEALTH SPAS
TOP NOTCH SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
WE ARE KNOWN FOR OUR DIVERSITIES

WE HAVE MANY HISTORICAL SITES
WE TRADE TOBACCO, SUGAR AND BANANAS…

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Fatherhood On Father’s Day…

How Do Dads Do Things Differently?

CNN Headline news posed the question to fathers. Tune into my Conversation with Senior IT Expert Daveyton Blake who is a Father, Coach and Community young adult Mentor. Dads of all kinds will be intrigued by the intense truths explored in this interview.

Listen in now and share with a dad this Father’s Day.

Cheers!

42 Ways To Improve Yourself…

Success Strategies

Courtesy of Lifehack

Enamored

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7 Movies To Enjoy This Easter…

I love movies! Movies tell stories or teach us something. Most people watch movies for entertainment or to have fun. Movies make us laugh, cry, feel inspired or simply getaway from the here and now (Wikipedia). One of my favorite is Under The Tuscan Sun. That’s because I am a writer and it inspires my own personal growth to do something different. To explore, dream but most important to do something to make a difference. Here are 7 Easter Movies for your binging pleasure.

You may also like 9 Movies That Inspire Self-Discovery…

Movies That Move You

The Passion Of Christ
I Can Only Imagine
Risen
The Greatest Story Ever Told
The Dog Who Saved Easter
Steel Magnolias
Ben-Hur

Relax and indulge your movie pleasures with family and friends this Easter. Your favorite not on the list? Do share, we would love to hear!

Prefer to retreat to your favorite space and read? Here’s my newest book just released “My Safe Place”. Grab your copy and experience peace.

Cheers!

Stories, Flags, Anthems, And Meanings…

Nowhere is this felt than at events such as the Olympics. Countries gasped in awe when athletes step out flags in hand to represent

A Flag is a piece of cloth or similar material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope and used as the symbol or emblem of a country or institution or as a decoration during public festivities.

There is something special when you hear the national anthem being played with flags flying high. It speaks to unity, respect and achievement. Nowhere is this felt than at events such as the Olympics. Countries gasped in awe when athletes step out flags in hand to represent. I decided to share the original stories of those countries where I have lived. Learning more sparked my interest and I hope the direct extracts listed will cause you to reflect on your own homeland and countries where you too have lived, visited or your favorite writing place.

Canada

On February 15th, 1965, the modern Canadian flag, bearing its hallmark maple leaf, was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. Today, the maple leaf is a recognized symbol of Canada; it has also come to symbolize unity, tolerance, and peace.

Jamaica

The legislative committee responsible agreed that the flag should have the colours black, yellow, and green. … These stood for the difficulties faced by the nation (black), its natural wealth and the beauty of its sunlight (yellow), and agriculture and hope (green).

United States

What was the first state in the USA? | Travel Trivia

The flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the American flag or the U.S. flag, is the national flag of the United States. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the “union”) bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, where rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternate with rows of five stars. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the U.S.^[2] Nicknames for the flag include the Stars and Stripes,^[3][4]Old Glory,^[5] and the Star-Spangled Banner.

source: wikipedia

Writers Escape. The She-Shed Inspiration …

Writers desired escape seems far fetched. The longing to get away to a quiet place to write. It seems the more the writer seeks the faster it disappears. Yes that quiet space to retreat.

HGTV’s 16 She Shed ideas provides the perfect solace. Here I share my favorite two. Ohhh the dream to steal away to write, just write in an ideal writer’s space.

Take a peek and share your own fav.

Cheers!

People Who Found Success Despite Failure…

The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do. ~Unknown

Success Strategies

Stephen was blindsided. He lost his job. Had nothing to do with him. His employer decided to cut staff. Despite having a wife and two children to care for, he was sent home without notice to face his mortgage, bills, and cover life’s basic needs.

Maria left high school, got her first job and now after 3 years feels lost as she sets her eye on the supervisor position that just opened up. She asked herself should she apply? Would she qualify? Faced with the daunting fact that she has no certification or formal education, she felt depressed. She had delayed formal training after high school to make ’em dollars. Now what?

Lidia and Bill became engaged 2 years ago and want to take the next step to get married but feel scared to make the decision. Questions bothered them. Will they be able to afford a house? Should they…

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Happiness. Experience Joy…

If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap. If you want happiness for a day — go fishing. If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a life time — help someone else.
Chinese Proverb

Happiness is for a while but Joy is everlasting.

Experience Joy!

Cheers!

South Florida Writers Of Color Literary Magazine, 2nd Edition…

You can. You should and if you are brave enough to start, you will. Writing is magic as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free so drink. Drink and be filled. ~Stephen King

The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it. ~Dylan Thomas

The Ralph Hogges and Benjamin Cowins, South Florida Writers of Color Literary Magazine. An Online Literary Magazine. Read. Indulge your writing prowess in these editions:

South Florida Writers of Color Magazine 1st Edition

South Florida Writers of Color Magazine 2nd Edition

Hope you are inspired to write.

Cheers!