Tag: life

5 Tips for Finding Your Perfect Writing Retreat

The Writing Space

Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know no shortcuts. ~Larry L. King

Where do I write? In a quiet place. A place where I can hear my thoughts, the stirrings of my heart, my soul. I write whenever it hits. I must stop, record, write. If I do not do so immediately; in a flash, it’s gone. So I have learnt to capture the words as they come. Anywhere, anytime, anyhow.

Create the Mental Space To Write

Here are some thoughtful ways to create that mental space without spending money:

  1. Transform a familiar space into something new. Rearrange your bedroom or living room completely. Move furniture, change what’s on the walls, even face your bed a different direction. The psychological shift of being in a “new” environment can be surprisingly powerful for fresh thinking.

2. Create a personal retreat schedule at home. Pick a day where you treat your home like a retreat center; no work, no obligations, phone on airplane mode. Wake early.

  • Do some stretching or meditation,
  • Make yourself a special breakfast with what you have
  • Spend blocks of time journaling or thinking through your goals
  • Take a long walk,
  • Prepare meals mindfully.

The structure and intentionality matter more than the location.

3. Explore your area like a tourist. Walk or bike to neighborhoods you’ve never been to, even if they’re just a few miles away. Bring a journal and find a park bench, a library reading room or quiet corner in a coffee shop (you don’t have to buy anything). Simply find a place where you can sit and think. The act of physically moving through new spaces often helps mental clarity.

4. Do an overnight “camping” experience somewhere free. Your backyard, a friend’s yard, a balcony, or even just sleeping in a different room with the windows open (yikes)! The change in where you sleep and wake can genuinely shift your perspective.

5. Visit a place of worship or quiet public space. Many churches, temples, or meditation centers welcome people to sit quietly even if you’re not a member. Libraries, botanical gardens, or even certain hospital chapels can offer peaceful refuge for reflection.

The key is breaking your normal patterns (different sights, sounds, routines, even in the sky). This helps your brain step out of autopilot mode and think more expansively about your future.

Here’s hoping these tips will help you as they did me. Where’s your favorite space to write? Any missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

10 Side Hustles For Money Lovers

Making money is easy. It is. The difficult thing in life is not making it. It’s keeping it. ~Jim Rohn

Sophie reflected on the plans she desired to achieve. The challenge? Achieving them required money beyond her regular earnings to cover monthly expenses (mortgage, childcare, general living). But what about things like student loan debt, a special birthday getaway trip? Things that are not the norm but the exception? Things that your regular budget will not allow? Not to mention income diversification and financial independence. These are so important these days yet it seems out of reach for many. Here are 10 side hustles for the brave goal hustler:

  1. Financial Coaching or Career Coaching (High Demand). Perfect if you enjoy guiding people. You can specialize in:
  • Budgeting + debt payoff coaching
  • Career coaching for early professionals in finance
  • Money-mindset coaching
  • Financial wellness workshops for small businesses

Income Range: $75–$250/hour
Why it works: People need guidance but don’t always need a financial advisor.

  1. Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses. Many small entrepreneurs don’t need a full CFO, just someone to handle:
  • QuickBooks setup
  • Monthly bookkeeping
  • Payroll
  • Reconciliation

Income Range: $300–$2,500 per client monthly
Easy entry: QuickBooks and Xero both offer certifications.

  1. Freelance Financial Analyst. Offer your skills on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Build financial models:
  • Market analysis
  • Profitability reviews
  • Budget creation
  • Forecasting

Income Range: $30 – $150/hour
Why it works: High-demand specialized skillset.

  1. Tax Preparation (Seasonal but Lucrative). If you’re familiar with taxation, this is one of the most reliable recurring side hustles.
  • Individual tax returns
  • Small business tax support
  • Tax planning sessions

Income Range: $150–$1,500 per client
Bonus: High repeat business.

  1. Financial Content Creation. You can earn by creating:
  • YouTube videos
  • LinkedIn ghostwriting for finance CEOs
  • Personal finance blogs
  • Paid workshops or courses
  • Instagram carousels on money tips

Income Range: $500–$5,000/month (once consistent)
Your finance background makes your insight more credible.

  1. Build & Sell Financial Templates. If you like Excel or Google Sheets, create:
  • Budget spreadsheets
  • Loan calculators
  • Investment trackers
  • Business financial dashboards
  • Startup financial model templates

Sell on Etsy, Gumroad, or your website.
Income Range: $500–$7,000/month (passive once created)

  1. Virtual CFO or Fractional Finance Manager. For small and mid-sized businesses that can’t afford a full-time CFO. You help with:
  • Profit strategy
  • Cash flow improvement
  • Cost reduction
  • Financial decisions and KPIs

Income Range: $1,500–$10,000/month per client
Very strong for someone with corporate finance or HR background.

  1. Corporate Training & Workshops. As a finance professional, you can teach:
  • Financial literacy
  • Budgeting for non-financial managers
  • How to read financial statements
  • Cash-flow management for entrepreneurs

Income Range: $750–$5,000 per workshop
Perfect for in-person or online seminars.

  1. Real Estate Analysis or Consulting. You don’t need to be a realtor. You can help:
  • Investors analyze deals
  • Provide ROI calculations
  • Compare rental vs purchase
  • Run cash-flow models

Income Range: $150–$1,000+ per project.

  1. Grant Budget Preparation. Nonprofits often struggle with the financial portion of grants. You can prepare:
  • Grant budgets
  • Financial narratives
  • Cost allocation

Income Range: $300–$3,000 per grant
Very high need in small nonprofits.

There you have it. Ideas to start earning dollars on the side. Go ahead choose one or two if you dare. But remember, balance is key and maintaining your regular job obligations is important.

Any missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

10 Uplifting Ways to Embrace the Christmas Spirit

The Christmas Spirit is a feeling of joy, generosity, kindness, and goodwill toward others often evoked by holiday traditions like decorating, gift-giving, music and spending time with loved ones. It’s also associated with fostering a festive, charitable, and warm atmosphere, often seen in acts of service and connecting with family, friends and even strangers during the winter season. (wikiHow)

Depending on how your year has been, you may have come into contact with individuals who complain of not experiencing that Christmas feeling. It is that spirit associated with past customs. Many force themselves into that feeling or pretend to get into the Christmas spirit. Some don’t bother and succumb to being depressed after suffering the loss of a loved one, familiar surroundings, or even a job.

Here are some uplifting, practical, and non-financial ways to help you or a colleague, get into the Christmas spirit. The season may feel heavy, disappointing, or overwhelming. So let’s see what we can do to overcome that feeling.

Ways to Get into the Christmas Spirit (Even When Life Feels Heavy)

1. Create a Simple “Good Moments” Ritual

Even during a difficult season, one meaningful moment a day can shift your emotions. These cost nothing yet helps your mind anchor in peace.

  • Light a candle at sunset
  • Make a cup of peppermint tea
  • Play one Christmas song you love
  • Sit quietly for 3 minutes and breathe
2. Revisit a Favorite Memory

Nostalgia is scientifically calming. Take 5 minutes to try these simple tips which will reconnect you to joy without requiring money or big plans.

  • Write down your favorite Christmas memory
  • Look at an old holiday photo
  • Re-watch a childhood Christmas movie clip
  • Make a dish that reminds you of home
3. Serve or Encourage Someone

When life feels disappointing, purpose restores hope. Here are some non-financial ways to give back. Remember, helping someone else elevates your own spirit.

  • Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
  • Write a handwritten encouragement note
  • Volunteer for 1 hour at a community event
  • Help a neighbor carry groceries or decorate
  • Read a Christmas story to a child or senior
4. Declutter One Small Space

A clearer environment creates emotional room for joy. Try any of these which will give you a sense of renewal going into the new year.

  • Cleaning one drawer
  • Tidying your desk
  • Freshening your bedroom with a sheet change
  • Hanging a single string of lights or placing one ornament in a meaningful spot
5. Start a Personal Christmas Gratitude List

Write down 12 things you are grateful for this year, even if they are small. Focus areas could be:

  • Growth
  • Lessons Learned
  • People who supported you
  • Unexpected blessings
6. Create a New Tradition (Simple or Free)

Traditions don’t need to be expensive. New traditions can help you reclaim the season in a way that fits your life now. For example, my own tradition started with hosting Christmas morning breakfast with family and close friends. That way, family members were available for evening dinner with the in-laws. We exchange gifts and more. As the kids grew, budget became an issue (hint – teenagers). We then adopted a young adult gift exchange as is done in corporate jobs.

  • Eat by candlelight for the month of December
  • Go for a night walk or drive to look at neighborhood lights
  • Read one uplifting quote or scripture each morning
  • Bake something simple like Christmas cake or banana bread
  • Host a zoom or phone call “Christmas check-in” with a friend group
7. Limit the Noise and Protect Your Peace

Sometimes, the best way into the Christmas spirit is finding quiet. Give yourself permission to slow down without guilt.

  • Turn off the news for a day
  • Unfollow accounts that drain your emotions
  • Say “no” to events that overwhelm you
8. Play Christmas Music or Ambient Sounds

Music is emotionally powerful. Let sound create the atmosphere.

  • Free playlists on YouTube
  • Gospel Christmas songs
  • Instrumental Christmas Jazz
  • Nativity meditation music
  • Fireplace or snowy cabin ambience videos
9. Journal Your Feelings But End With Hope

Disappointment is real. Letting it out helps you move forward. Take a look at these prompts, then end with one hopeful expectation for 2026.

  • What has been hard for you this season?
  • What do you need emotionally right now?
  • Where have you seen God’s hand even in small ways?
  • What’s one hopeful expectation for 2026?
10. Connect Spiritually

The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with faith. Spiritual grounding brings meaning beyond the festivities.

  • Read a daily advent devotional
  • Join a free online Christmas service
  • Mediate on peace, hope, joy and renewal
  • Take a quiet prayer walk

These 10 tips were non-financial ways. With the commercialization of the season, Christmas can attract expenses. Here are a few that comes with financial input.

  • Buy one symbolic ornament that represents growth
  • Support a small business with a small purchase
  • Treat yourself to a cozy candle
  • Gift a coaching session or buy a session for someone in transition
  • Attend a low-cost community concert or holiday market

Essentially, getting into the Christmas spirit is not about perfection, money, or big celebrations. It’s about small, intentional choices that bring warmth, connection and hope back into your day.

Here’s hoping these tips will help boost your spirit this holiday. Now it’s your turn. Are there annual customs that you would like to add? Is any missing that you plan to implement as a new tradition? Please share. We would love to hear!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

Starting Over At 50. Finding Purpose Again

Midlife transitioners face feelings of sadness especially when work, independence and purpose feel out of reach. This is a common scenario I have found in my coaching practice amongst mature women. They complain, sulk and feel ‘why bother’ (as in the case of a recent discussion). For women experiencing these feelings, here are 7 thoughtful strategies of how 50+-year-old women in this situation can begin moving forward. Adopting these strategies can help them regain control of their life, emotionally, practically, and spiritually.

1.Start With Emotional Healing

Before any external progress, healing the inner voice is key.

  • Acknowledge your feelings; grief, frustration, even shame, as valid. You’re not alone; many older adults feel invisible or “left behind” as the four stages of elimination in life profess.
  • Seek emotional support: a counselor, therapist, or support group for midlife depression can help rebuild self-worth.
  • Practice daily motivation and affirmations: “My life still has purpose.” “I am capable of starting again.” Small mindset shifts add up.
  • Faith & reflection: If you’re spiritually inclined, journaling prayers or reading devotionals about renewal (e.g., Isaiah 43:19… “Behold, I am doing a new thing…”) can anchor your hope.

2.Rebuild Self-Worth and Confidence

Depression often comes from feeling “useless,” so rediscovering value is important.

  • Revisit strengths and experiences. Make a list of past achievements, career skills, and life lessons.
  • Volunteer or mentor. Helping others (e.g., tutoring, mentoring younger professionals, or supporting community causes) reminds her that her wisdom matters.
  • Refresh her image. A new hairstyle, headshot, or wardrobe doesn’t just change how others see her — it helps her feel renewed.

3.Redefine Purpose and Direction

You may be entering a new season, not the end of your working life. Shift from “job-seeking” to “value-offering.” Instead of asking “who will hire me?” you should ask, “where can my experience help someone solve a problem?”

Consider flexible or freelance work:

  • Virtual assistant or remote admin work
  • Customer service, tutoring, or caregiving
  • Consulting in your former field
  • Selling crafts, baked goods, or eBooks online
  • Take free online courses (Coursera, Google Digital Skills, LinkedIn Learning) to update your skillset and confidence.

4.Improve Her Job Search Strategy

Age can be an advantage when presented with confidence and skill.

  • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Focus on experience, reliability, and mentoring skills rather than long timelines.
  • Network quietly and personally. Reach out to old colleagues or community connections; many opportunities come through relationships, not job boards.
  • Target age-friendly employers (AARP’s “Employer Pledge Program” lists companies committed to older workers).

5.Stabilize Finances and Environment

Small changes can ease immediate stress.

  • Seek community or senior resources: local housing or utility assistance programs, food banks, or financial coaching through nonprofits.
  • Budget for empowerment, not punishment. Even small control (like managing one bill or goal) restores agency.
  • Explore part-time or gig work (e.g., Instacart, pet-sitting, or online micro-tasks) as temporary bridges.

6. Build a New Daily Routine

Structure gives life purpose.

  • Morning: prayer, gratitude, short walk
  • Midday: job search, learning, or volunteer time
  • Evening: journal one positive action from the day
    Even a simple daily rhythm can counter the “stuck” feeling.

7. Believe in Renewal


It’s never too late to rebuild. Many people in their 50’s and beyond start new careers, businesses, and callings. Your story isn’t over…it’s shifting.
Be encouraged. See yourself not as “unemployed,” but as “relaunching.”

Reflection:

“If I could start fresh today, what small step would make me feel proud by the end of this week?”

Hope these strategies help you overcome these feelings of apathy. If you’re not in that sphere and know someone who might be, please share with them. We are also here to help women regain confidence for their new chapter.

Cheers!

How Can A Business Owner Overcome Fear of Marketing? 4 Steps-To-Success

Overcome Marketing Fear

At a networking event, a bold Networker spoke about her reluctance to use social media. She was hesitant about using it. She asked herself “why not enroll into a social media class?

How can a business owner overcome this fear? This is a powerful and timely question especially as we get close to the peak of the biggest holiday season. Most business owners are confident in their work but hesitant about visibility.

4 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Marketing as a Business Owner

Many business owners love what they do but freeze when it’s time to promote their work. They fear sounding “salesy,” being judged, or stepping into the spotlight. Yet, marketing isn’t about ego, it’s about service and connection. Here are some tips to negate that fear.

  1. Reframe “marketing” as “helping.”

Marketing is simply communicating the value of what you offer to people who need it. When you shift from “selling” to “serving,” fear loses its grip.
Ask yourself: Who needs this solution? How can I make it easier for them to find me?

  1. Start with authenticity, not perfection.

You don’t need perfect videos, fancy funnels, or flawless captions. You just need a clear message and consistency. Share your why, your story, and the transformation you help others achieve. Authenticity builds trust faster than polished perfection.

  1. Use your strengths.

If writing comes naturally, blog or post.
If you’re a people person, go live or network.
If you’re visual, create short reels or carousel posts.
Play to your natural communication style instead of forcing what feels unnatural.

  1. Build confidence through small wins.

Set simple, repeatable goals, one post a week, one short video, one client testimonial shared. Every time you take action, your comfort zone expands.

  1. Get coached through the fear.

A leadership or business coach can help you uncover the root cause of your fear. Whether it’s fear of rejection, comparison, or visibility and replace it with confidence and clarity.

Coaching helps you align your mindset, message, and methods so you can show up as a confident leader of your brand.


Coaching helps you align your mindset, message, and methods so you can show up as a confident leader of your brand.

Remember:
As with the business owner we spoke about, she learnedd that she did not have to love marketing, she just needed to see it as part of her leadership. She did and was happy to shout the benefits.

Remember, your voice, your story, and your offer could be the answer someone is praying for. Don’t let fear keep you silent.

Have you been hesitant to step out and share your work? Do share. We would love to hear.

Need help to make the move? Attend GreenLight Leadership Coaching Workshop

Cheers!

South Florida Writers Of Color Online Literary Magazine…

I am Somebody. We are Somebody. ~ Dr. Ralph Hogges

Beyond the Bend of Trees Avenue

By Patricia Reid-Waugh

You would think that a street named ‘Trees Avenue’ would be lined with tall, manicured trees of exotic variety, standing like sentries on either side of the roadway. Strangers entering the L-shaped avenue might imagine that around the bend, leafy branches would shield them from the blistering sun, and a rustling chorus of leaves would welcome them. But such was not the street on which I lived.

My ‘Trees Avenue’ was no different from other residential roads nearby, paved in asphalt, with a strip of grass separating the roadway from the walls of each property. Neither my parents nor the other homeowners thought it important to give the street a personality matching its name. To the casual visitor, it looked tidy, pleasant, but rather ordinary.

The houses stood close to the front boundaries, verandahs stretching wide to court the evening breeze. These verandahs became living rooms in their own right, alive with laughter, morning greetings, neighborly gossip, and the occasional raised voice.

2025 The South Florida Writers of Color MagazineDownload

CHERISH

By S. Ettosi Brooks

I remember my people; like a piece of sweet, firm sugar cane spilling its juice over my tongue and lips; lips framing expressions of a language of thunder and soft rain. My roots – peopled with characters of such unassuming elegance I could not really see them until, exiled, I craved remembrances like sweet sugar cane. What sweeter dance than a handcart man, lithe, muscled – swinging and dipping, black sinews rippling their way down Orange Street.

Journey to Spiritual Growth: A Path Toward Lasting Transformation

By Dr. Delores Smiley

Journey to Spiritual Growth is a Christ-centered ministry designed to guide believers toward a deeper, more intentional walk with God. Rooted in the call to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength,” this ministry provides practical tools and clear teachings to help individuals grow in spiritual knowledge, examine their hearts, and live out the commandments of love – preparing for heaven as the ultimate home. It recognizes that faith is not a single event but a lifelong journey that calls us to grow in understanding, surrender our hearts, and live out the commandments of love.

When Leaders Face Dementia: How Do You Tell The World?

What happens when dementia touches the life of a leader? The impact reaches far beyond the individual. It affects families, caregivers, colleagues, and even public perception.

The Past Prime Minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson-Miller was diagnosed with Dementia. Actor and famed Die Hard acclaim, Bruce Willis was recently transferred for deeper care. I thought of these leaders and pondered. Then decided to host a conversation to bring light to this issue for those suffering the early stages and the impact on caregivers.

In this thought-provoking panel discussion, Rianna Patterson MBPS a PhD student and former caregiver, Dr. Romario R. Simpson, JP physician, Chris Daley, explores the complexities of communicating, coping, and caring when dementia enters the public eye.

Emotional Challenges

Together, we unpack important questions:

  • How should public figures communicate a diagnosis while maintaining dignity and legacy?
  • What emotional and professional challenges do caregivers face behind the scenes?
  • How can organizations protect an affected leader with empathy and integrity?

This conversation bridges leadership, ethics, and humanity, offering insights for:
•Healthcare and HR professionals
•Executives and communication leaders
•Caregivers and families
•Students and researchers in health and social sciences

Dementia is not just a medical condition, it’s a leadership, communication, and compassion challenge.

Time to Watch

Watch the full discussion on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eaahEeqc

Join the conversation. Share your thoughts if you or someone you know is struggling with dementia.

The Power of Paying It Forward in Leadership

Pay it Forward

If you can’t pay it back, pay it forward. ~Catherine Ryan Hyde

Standing in line at the cashier, I decided to pay with the cash I had on hand. The amount came to the exact dollar amount in my wallet, except it needed thirteen cents more. I rummaged through my handbag to cover the difference. The woman behind me said, “Hey, I’ll get it for you.”

Instead of accepting her offer, I searched frantically for the coins, only to remember that I keep my change in the car. She repeated gently, “I’ll get it.” I insisted that I would pay her back when we got outside. She simply replied, “Pay it forward.” Immediately, I understood and promised I would.

I left the store, found the coins in my car, and was about to give her a quarter as she exited. Then I was reminded of her words about paying it forward. I took a deep breath, sighed, and drove away.

How many times has this happened to me? I genuinely like to give but am always hesitant to receive. As I coach my clients, I recognize it’s important to do both—give generously and also be willing to accept graciously in return. One friend once countered my reluctance by saying, “Don’t stop my blessings.”

Leaders Struggle

This simple exchange reveals a profound leadership lesson about the grace of receiving. Many leaders struggle with accepting help, viewing it as weakness or loss of control. However, graceful receiving is actually a powerful leadership skill that creates deeper connections and empowers others.

When we refuse help, we inadvertently rob others of the joy of giving and contributing. We also model unhealthy self-reliance that can isolate us from our teams and communities. The most effective leaders understand that accepting assistance with gratitude creates a culture of mutual support and reciprocity.

Consider this: Every time someone offers to help you—whether it’s covering thirteen cents, sharing an idea, or taking on a task—they’re extending trust and care. Your gracious acceptance validates their value and strengthens the relationship.

Challenge yourself this week to practice receiving with the same intentionality you bring to giving. Say “thank you” instead of “you didn’t have to.” Accept compliments without deflecting. Allow others to contribute to your success. Remember, true leadership isn’t about having all the answers or resources—it’s about creating an environment where everyone can contribute their gifts, including to you.

Pay it forward, yes. But first, allow yourself to receive what’s being offered.

How to Answer ‘Why Did You Leave Your Previous Employer’?

“Change is not a threat, it’s an opportunity. Survival is not the goal,  transformative success is.” — Seth Godin 

I was asked the question how do I respond when asked “why did I leave my previous employer.” I decided to share the response through this scenario.

John’s longtime supervisor transferred to another region, leaving him under new management. Unfortunately, the transition wasn’t smooth—his new supervisor was inexperienced, and their working styles didn’t align. Before long, John was placed on a performance plan with reasons that weren’t clearly defined.

As the situation unfolded, John was given the option to either continue under the plan or move on. After thoughtful consideration and advice from trusted mentors, he chose to resign.

While the experience was challenging, John views it as a turning point. It clarified the kind of environment in which he does his best work—one with clear expectations, collaborative leadership, and mutual respect.

Why did you leave your previous employer?

In interviews, the inevitable “Why did you leave?” question can be answered truthfully yet professionally. In John’s case, he felt overwhelmed and contacted his coach to identify how to appropriately respond. The focus should be on what he learned and how he’s now positioned to contribute more effectively in a role that aligns with his strengths.

Stay Truthful Without Oversharing

How someone frames their exit can make a huge difference in how a future employer perceives them. If an employee was asked to resign, the goal is to stay truthful without oversharing, keep it professional, and pivot the conversation back to strengths and fit.

Here are some ways they can respond depending on the situation:

1. Frame It as a Mutual Decision

  • “The role turned out not to be the best fit for my strengths and career goals. After discussions with leadership, we mutually agreed it would be best for me to move on.”
    This works well if they don’t want to sound negative or defensive.

2. Emphasize Reorganization / Role Misalignment

  • “The company was restructuring, and my role was impacted. While I gained valuable experience, it was the right time to look for opportunities better aligned with my skills.”
    Neutralizes blame and shows adaptability.

3. Focus on Growth & Future

  • “I realized that the position wasn’t the right long-term fit. I decided to transition out so I could pursue opportunities where I can contribute at a higher level.”
    Reframes the resignation as intentional rather than forced.

4. Highlight Lessons Learned

  • “That experience taught me a lot about [communication, leadership, project management, etc.]. I’m now looking forward to applying those lessons in a new environment where I can thrive.”
    Shows maturity, resilience, and a forward-looking attitude.

5. Keep It Brief & Positive

If pressed further:

  • “I’d prefer to focus on the value I can bring to this role. I’m confident the skills I developed will be an asset here.”
    Avoids being dragged into negativity or long explanations.

Avoid:

  • Speaking negatively about the past employer.
  • Using words like “fired,” “forced,” or “terminated” unless directly asked (then explain calmly and factually).
  • Sounding evasive—short, honest, positive answers work best.

If you are in this situation, we hope this helps as a brief guide on how to handle the situation as you transition into new role.

On the other hand, have you ever experienced a case like this? How did you handle this rather sensitive career journey? Do share, we would love to hear.

Morning Rituals in Rural Mendez: Coffee and Nature

A walk in nature walks the soul back home. –Mary Davis

Meandering rural life—Mendez to be exact. All is quiet. Birds chirping as early morning risers stir. One waiting atop the yard’s fence. Scrolling, watching social media platforms, my guess. Others busy collecting water from tanks to prepare breakfast. Shower, get refreshed as each forge ahead getting ready for the day—whatever lies ahead.

Taxis, the main source of transportation, make haste on the soon to be busy road. They look, at times toot, to alert waiting passengers.

Coffee With a View

Coffee in hand, it was my chance to review the surroundings. The skeletons of a huge Mango tree await its next fruit-bearing season. Coconut tree sears high above the sky—as if saying to the others, “dare to rise above me.” Oh the power to see above and beyond everything. Banana leaves flicker against its stem. The Ackee tree buds promises of the country’s national dish and breakfast cravings. And Oh, the sways of the delicious avocado tree. A sure replica of island life in the land of wood and water–Jamaica to be exact.

I peer into the distance to see my grandpa’s grave—memories of decades gone by. I envision life as he too saw it.

Cheers as you too take time out to think about rural life.

August Birthday Celebration: Gifts of Personal Growth

Growth is the best gift you can give yourself

August birth month celebration because Growth is the best gift you can give yourself. August is my birth month – and that means YOU get the presents! Whether you’re a past client, a friend, or someone ready to take your next big step, here’s how you can join the celebration.

That Wretched Performance Improvement Plan As Leadership Changes

THAT WRETCHED PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

It’s a devil. I tell you it’s the devil! You work hard. Achieve great results and are applauded for your contribution.

Then a change in leadership! Things go haywire. Goals are thwarted. Messages are confusing. Leaders don’t explain. Midst the changes, the transition in process becomes the focus backed by mixed signals.

Then comes the inevitable performance drop. A lack of clarity, missed communication. Performance improvement plan rears its ugly head. A strong performer, an all star becomes the targeted.

Where did things go wrong?

Ever experienced it? Let’s talk.

Travel with Intent

A photographer's view of the world - words and images to inspire your travels and your dreams

Answering daily prompts

In this blog I'm attempting to answer wordpress daily prompts

Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin

Ellen Grace Olinger

Alex Tafur

Property Maintenance

Poesy Perspectives

embrace the magic

GREENLiGHT

When God Says Go

HEALTH | INSPIRATION

Mind • Body • Life

Amaring random facts and theories

Knowing every thing

My Sister My Friend

Family. Youth. Parenting

Kamileon Photography

Your Focus. Our Lens.