Beauty Is In The Stories We Carry …

The Stories We Carry

Aging is not for the weak. One day you wake up and realize that your youth is gone, but along with it, so go insecurity, haste, and the need to please… You learn to walk more slowly, but with greater certainty. You say goodbye without fear, and you cherish those who stay. Aging means letting go, it means accepting, it means discovering that beauty was never in our skin… but in the story we carry inside us.

Meryl Streep

Empowering Women’s Ascent

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We can endure much more than we think we can.

Frida Kahlo

Empowering Women’s Ascent. A great event for sisters, friends or colleagues to boost your self esteem, increase your knowledge, set goals, become assertive, practice self-care and more. The Writers Group of South Florida’s upcoming Women’s Empowerment event promises to be inspiring and an event not to be missed. It will be held at the West Regional Library Broward Boulevard, Plantation, Florida on Saturday, September 28.

Attendees will be inspired by thought provoking topics including:

  • Women in Leadership: Empowering Women to rise into leadership roles to reach their full potential
  • Learn the Challenges women face and the strategies to overcome
  • Breakthrough: Transitioning from Burnout to Balance helping driven women and busy moms transform their thinking and redefine balance in their lives
  • Achieving Financial Independence: Enabling women to gain control of their financial futures and becoming financially secure.

The event will be cemented by an exciting Panel Discussion with Founder, VP Records and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Patricia Chin (Miss Pat).

Other guest speakers include Dr. Susan Davis, Attorney Asiah Wolfolk Manning, The Sisters and yours truly, Dr. Shelly.

This empowerment event promises to be great. In South Florida? Plan to attend and if you’re not, we will revert with all the Deets post event.



Waiting For The Next

Some sit in silence

Waiting for death 

Then a day passes. 

Then a week, month, a year

And before we know it, 

A decade has passed by

In a flash

Young, old, sick, depressed

Sit silently, waiting

Time passes while we wait on life for the perfect life

Don’t wait I say. 

Get out there

 Do something 

No matter your age, status or health

Just do something 

Don’t wait

The perfect life doesn’t exist

12 Warning Signs You Might Need A Coach

The 12 warning signs you might need a coach a stellar Rachel Turner share. A list you would be mad to miss:

  1. You feel stuck.
    You feel stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to move forward.
  2. Lack of clarity.
    You’re unsure about your goals or next steps in life.
  3. Recurring negative patterns. 
    You notice repeating negative patterns in your behavior or relationships.
  4. Balance issues.
    You’re struggling to balance work, life, and personal commitments.
  5. Decision paralysis.
    Making decisions feels overwhelming or impossible.
  6. Low confidence.
    You often doubt yourself and your abilities.
  7. Communication challenges.
    You find it difficult to communicate effectively in personal or professional settings.
  8. Leadership struggles.
    You’re in a leadership role but feel out of your depth.
  9. Chronic stress.
    Managing stress has become increasingly challenging.
  10. Transitioning phases.
    You’re going through a significant life or career transition.
  11. Seeking growth.
    You’re eager for personal or professional growth but don’t know where to start.
  12. Lack of accountability.
    You find it hard to hold yourself accountable.

Here’s what a coach can do:

✨ Provide clarity in your chaos.
✨ Offer unbiased feedback.
✨ Help you identify and break negative patterns.
✨ Guide you through life’s transitions.
✨ Boost your decision-making skills.
✨ Elevate your leadership abilities.

Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your goals is you.

2023 South Florida Writers Of Color Online Literary Magazine

A collection of poems, writings and gleanings from South Florida Writers of Color.

By Dr. Ralph Hogges  

We Are The Others

By Dr. Ralph Hogges

Not only are the Powerful controlling and dictating the

Denials and Rejections of our quest for Freedom and Justice,

But are also adamantly opposed to Diversity, Unity, Inclusion and Equality.

Now is the Time.

This is our Moment,

For us, United, Organized, Energized and Mobilized,

To Confront and Defeat

Those who use their Power to Control and Dictate our Lives.

Let us remember the Biblical moment in the Bible wherein David stepped up and challenged the seemingly all powerful and invincible Philistine giant Goliath. There were those present who teased David and underestimated his courage and ability to defeat this giant that they all feared.

David was not a soldier.

He had no training in military weaponry.

He was not a boxer or wrestler.

He had neither a gun nor a sword.

He had only a sling and 5 stones.

Goliath had his armor and javelin.

As the battle of David and Goliath began,

David stepped up with Faith in the Power of God, and with a stone in his sling, he hurled it mightily to the center of Goliath’s head. Goliath fell to the ground, dead.

The Last Time I Cried

By Dr. Susan Lycett Davis

The last time I cried

It wasn’t this painful at all

The last time I cried

I sure wasn’t left folded in a ball!

But… Today I cried and it penetrated my soul

As the knee infiltrated the throat in the Fol’

… cause I mustered the courage to watch the tape

All sense of wonder and disbelief left me agape.

The thoughts that went through my head, where not Christian at all

So I feel for the masses who have no hope on which to fall.

Vengeance is mine says the Lord

But Father… I question real hard!

What about humanity, liberty and justice for all

Why are my black brothers taking he fall

People are people, good, bad or indifferent indeed

All genders, all colors, we are all from one ‘seed.’

Today I cried… no, I bawled for George Floyd,

And the ‘81 Black Men And Boys Killed By Police’, Lord!

For Trayvon, Ahmaud and others killed by racists beasts

For mother’s whose heart strings are torn in disbelief!

Black lives matter, All Lives matter

The pain is making me tatter.

Lord I know you are here… so hear my shout!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH… WE’RE ALL CRIED OUT!!

The last time I cried

It wasn’t this painful at all

I’m trusting you Lord to bring vengeance fi true

‘Cause Comeuppance is well overdue!

Found Poem’s Literary Success

Dr. Shelly's avatarSuccess Strategies

Delightful collection of excerpts of 2016 Success writings in Found Poetic form. This dissipates a Renewal of the writings on Success Strategies blog pulled from youmy readers… and my top favs. Your thoughts welcomed amdist.. Cheers!

The Find

The Road to Success

It Starts with a Dream

Coach me! Top Questions Asked

Definitely Maybe

To Wither. To Flourish. Your Choice

Confusion is nothing new

To Reach Goal, Rid But

What If

I write Because

I hope you Dance

-Dr. Shelly Cameron

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A Cup of Coffee

Dr. Shelly's avatarSuccess Strategies

coffeIf we were having coffee right now I’d tell you how much I still love my delicious black tea. It seems I am never able to quiet my desire for that soothing hot taste. The drive and energy it gives reinvigorates my day. Sometimes I sneak away for fear of those questioning eyes saying…”what’s up with her and her constant commute to the coffee machine”? Forget them I say! I work more assiduously when I’m fully dosed up!

If we were having coffee right now, I’d tell you that I’ve started this …well not really started but revamped my blog. That said, WordPress has this amazing Blogging University which is available for those who are interested in pushing their personal writing careers up a notch. So I decided to enroll and have been doing so for the past six months. The thought came to me after I published my book on

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New Year’s Wish…

Wishing you joy that springs from deep within Wishing you brave heart that’s infinite
Wishing you love beyond measure
Wishing you smiles that’s hard to dissolve
Wishing you peace even when things go wrong
Wishing you God’s divine direction in all you do

May God grant your heart’s desire, throughout the new year and beyond.

Cheers!

The Poet’s Plight…

I buried myself in my work
To forget my woes
Now I must fight to get back to me

The Spoken Word: Women’s History Month’s Exciting Event…

It was such a pleasure to moderate the Exciting Women’s History Month event exceptionally hosted by Finiana at the Island Space Museum in South Florida.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month CARAH Entrepreneurship Awardee Dr. Solanges Viven mesmerized the packed audience telling tales from her Best selling book, Girls Can Move Mountains

The event connotated Art in its various forms shown through dance, drums, youth authors, and The Spoken word. It was all included in a delightful and entertaining form.

Indeed a delightful evening. Thanks Calibe, David and the Museum’s team for being the perfect host. Support the Island Museum, a rich piece of Caribbean history located at the Broward Mall, Plantation, South Florida.

Lucky Attendees walked away with copies of my own Books, 101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs as well as the book, Your Career: Ditch It. Switch It.

A Late January Evening By The Seashore…

By the sea I couldn’t wait to be. To sit causally on the sand. Me, towel, book and birds all in one as the mighty waves thundered and splashed against the seashore. The weather forecasted it would be the coldest day of the season. Disappointment soared at the spoilt prospect yet still I was determined to chill (literally).

I sat still gazing in the distance. Cold yet relaxed. It was as if there was not a care in the world. I watched the little bird hunt its food fighting against the rushing waves as it eroded the shore. “Give up,” I shouted. But it didn’t as it tried again and again to grab another peck, and another peck. It’s little body was no match for the cold windy weather, but it was yet to give up.

That Smile

That smile… my smile, as usual with it’s pleasantries drew in passersby. Many waved hello and flashed smiles in turn. Then along came an aged one. She spilt her life story in 20 long minutes. Deflecting, I was pleased to have been there to allow her tales of melancholy. A journey of sickness, travel and friendships throughout the years. Amidst her quiet tears and outstretched arms, a flash hug ensued (but alas what of Covid?!) she eventually walked on.

As the sun set, what more could I ask for? A late January evening of peace and quiet. Distant laughter reigned from sultry beach lovers against the sounds as the mighty sunset waves splashed!

Do it again I mused. Tis pure bliss of memories made in tow.

Your Reader’s Gift …

Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up.


People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily. – Zig Ziglar

Motivation is important to success. Give a push start or a power boost to a struggling entrepreneur today. 101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs will ignite their new year with the desire to keep going when they feel like giving up.

Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. J. K. Rowling

The Meaningful Job Decision

Did I make the right choice when I was headhunted? Selena revealed that her 9-to-5 job was an exciting rollercoaster journey. Four years earlier, she was headhunted by a giant company to manage its flagship location. They had called her many times, but she avoided interview invites because of her job’s loyalty. She was not sure how to tell them that she had landed a new opportunity. As time progressed, she went away to a distant country then returned to her home country, hoping that the headhunter would have forgotten, but they had not. On arrival back home, she was invited to an interview. This time she went. Not surprisingly, she was offered the job at twice the salary.

Help someone you know move on from a difficult, stressful job. It might just be that they have been doing the job for 5, 10, 15 years and just want a change. With the book Ditch it, Switch it, you’re sure to give them the ignition to make the decision as they step into the new year.

Quiet Peace In The Midst of Life’s Storm

At three in the morning I received the most devastating news. My daughter’s Godmother had lost her 15-year-old granddaughter. She had died of a massive Asthma attack. I screamed—quietly. I asked the Lord why, why, why? I did not understand. As I sought answers, her aunt encouraged that she did not understand either, but she was safe in the Lord’s loving arms.

Months later as the still grieving mom received a copy of the book My Safe Place, she sat feeling comforted. It brought a sense of peace that quieted her heart. Consider those who mourn this holiday season. Give the gift of prayer and daily inspiration to those who are hurting from sickness, mental incarceration, and loss. GreenLight and My Safe place provides that comfort. Gift it now.

Poetry

A poet’s work … to name the unnamable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it from going to sleep

Salman Rushdie

Poems revive the soul and encourage the heart. Charmaine speaks these in her book I write. You Recite.

Purpose And Meaning

Nothing brings me more joy than a life dedicated to the personal growth and development of others. Life is about helping others along life’s way. Choose your book today and make a difference in the lives of your friends, family or foe.

Over To You

Which book has made an impact on your life? Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers

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

Alex Tafur

Property Maintenance

Poesy Perspectives

embrace the magic

GREENLiGHT

When God Says Go

HEALTH | INSPIRATION

Mind • Body • Life

My Sister My Friend

Family. Youth. Parenting

Kamileon Photography

Your Focus. Our Lens.