Tag: life

What Advice Would You Give To Your Younger Self? 17 Professionals Share…

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Life changes. We evolve, make decisions, choose careers, relationships, and enlarge our own space to embrace and create our own circle of influence including nuclear families. Recently I came across the common question about life and pondering the changes you would have made if you had the chance to advise your younger self. In deep thought I decided to ask professionals what their thoughts were. Most reflected. Here are excerpts of those who quickly chimed in:

  1. Stop and smell the roses. Life passes by in a flash. Children grow up. Relationships mature, evolve, change. Enjoy life. Appreciate the little things.
  2. Take more adventures. Let go of traditions.
  3. Enjoy life more along my journey. To be fearless and take more risks.
  4. Slow down, travel, start a business, invest, read more.
  5. Things don’t need to be perfect or need the approval of others. Dream big and go after your dream.
  6. Believe in Yourself
  7. Start walking with the Lord earlier
  8. Take great risks. Step out in faith. It has put me in a shrunken box…away from a life I was used to….but I am satisfied and firmly believe I will get to the dream I desire, despite the tough road I tarry. Perhaps I would not have known God the way I now do.
  9. Always have courage as life is not linear. Even if you don’t think it makes sense stop reflect and listen to the universe. The path is already defined
  10. Be bold
  11. Don’t give up and push for the reality of your dreams
  12. Be bolder in your steps. Everyone is trying to pave a path for themselves in life and are also facing their own doubts and struggles. They may act out in both love and hate so don’t react to either and never be discouraged when you don’t always hear what you want or allow naysayers to erode your confidence.
  13. You’ll get there. Everything doesn’t have to happen right away. Don’t dwell on the worst parts
  14. Pray more and listen to people less.
  15. Experience Peace and happiness always
  16. Be more patient. Do not feel so rushed all of the time. Give things a chance.
  17. Put your energy into things that can truly change or improve. Don’t spin your wheels on dead-end projects.

 

What about you? What advice would you give to your younger self? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

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!

Life. Stop Looking In The Rear View Mirror…

Life. Stop looking in the rear view mirror. Keep moving. Life goes on.

It’s Fall! Purge! Mindset Reset…

If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there

Nature. Life. The seasons. Don’t you just love them? Nature naturally brings change. We see them in the leaves. Animals hibernate. The weather brings warmth, cold, sunshine or rain.  As we start Fall, HGTV’s Joanna Gaines shared checklist to prepare for this season.

Like many of us, I just want to get to the good stuff. Joanna recommends for us to:

  1. Purge
  2. Organize
  3. Create Mental Shift
  4. Visually Reset

Of all the steps I hate purging. It’s annoying. It involves lots of work to get rid of my ‘good’ stuff! But purging is necessary. Because we hate doing it, we find it progressive to rent storage units to keep our stuff. Oh, what can I say?

The Good Stuff

On the other hand, my favorite is to get to the good stuff and start decorating! Just love that! But what’s more essential are the ways she recommends that we conduct what she refers to as a mental shift. For those who need a change…. my preference from her list are:

  • Start a Journal
  • Keep a calendar
  • Plan a Gathering
  • Set weekly or monthly intentions

Setting Goals

It’s important to set Goals. Like I have always said, if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. So consider where you are now. Are you where you wanted to be at the start of the year? If not, do a mental review and reset. Yes, you may be disappointed but don’t remain in that state too long. Push forward. Start working on your goals again. Let nothing stop you. Before you know it, you will be steps closer to your dreams.

As you reflect on Joanna’s list, what step do you enjoy the most? Do share. We would love to hear!

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!

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

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.

  1. Excessive sadness or moodiness
  2. Hopelessness
  3. Sleep problems
  4. Sudden calmness
  5. Withdrawal
  6. Change in personality or appearance
  7. Dangerous or self harmful behavior
  8. Recent trauma
  9. Making preparations
  10. 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.

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.

South Florida Book Festival Writers Event…

The 8th Annual South Florida Book Festival shined brightly as authors, writers and poets came together to share pieces of their work with readers and booklovers who came from all across the USA. Event was held at the African American Research Library.

I Am Meant To Do Something…

I know I am meant to something but what is it? What is it?

That statement from a young man whose heart stopped beating for over 20 minutes. He came back to life when doctors and neighbors gave him CPR after he was electrocuted.

Caused me to Reflect on how you can find your purpose. Many ask the popular question…. what am I here for? What is my purpose. Who knows? Only the almighty does. But you can read more from my past discussion on 13 Ways To Find Your Purpose. Here are a few more thoughts on the subject.

How To Find Your Purpose

  • Stop resisting the unknown.
  • Act. Try New things
  • Do what you love. Follow your passion
  • Visualize where you want to go. Jack Canfield says it very well,

Every time you express a preference for something, you are expressing an intention. A table by the window, front row seats at a conference, first-class tickets, a room with an ocean view, or a loving relationship. ~Jack Canfield

Have you found your purpose? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Your Vision, Brand And Growth…

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“That cross-trainer you’re wearing; one look at the distinctive swoosh on the side tells everyone who’s got you branded. That coffee travel mug you’re carrying…ah, you’re a Starbucks woman! Your T-shirt with the distinctive Champion “C” on the sleeve, the blue jeans with the prominent Levi’s rivets, your fountain pen with the maker’s symbol crafted into the end” … and we could go on, and on. So said Brand Guru, Tom Peters.

Branding

Branding is the experience that individuals have when they do business with other individuals. Now as I consider my own brand, my vision becomes clear. To motivate and inspire others to go after their dreams. The impetus is for them to believe; to achieve; and to succeed.

Even though I have studied leadership and success at the post graduate level, and subsequently published book on Success Strategies, there still needs to be beauty and style in the platform used to interact with others. That’s where my Blogging and use of social media comes to the rescue! The intention is use these medium (twitter, facebook, instagram) to fuel the traction to build trust and solidify the brand’s reputation. The goal is to enhance success to grow the following and reach those new entrepreneurs and individuals in transition.

It’s about all motivation, leadership, inspiration and success.

Cheers!