5 Once In A Lifetime Family Vacays To Plan …

Basking in the sun, sand and beach on an island in the sea. Hmm oh what fun it is to be. So sure I’m not alone in dreaming of those great vacation escapes! But while I am dreaming others are planning and experiencing the magic that it brings. From rejuvenation, peace of mind, laughter and squeals with kids, my oldest plans and puts it into action, then sends a link so the dream becomes real. She did it with my most memorable getaway for a weekend in Paris. A place I had dreamed of for years. A workaholic, she knew her mom would continue to procrastinate to find the right time for herself. So off she went and booked it for a birthday getaway. Yep, that dream became real.

So it was with anticipation that I gasped at Travel & Leisure’s article 7 Family Vacations that everyone should do at least once. I quickly indulged and was happy to note what my family and I (led by my oldest), have done. From the list, here are a few.

Cruise Away

The last time our family did this, it was January 2020 just before the pandemic. We set sail on a short weekend trip to the Bahamas for a kiddo’s birthday to swim with the dolphins. It was divine. The more lengthy trip to Greece took a combination of cruise and flights to the Turkish, Istanbul land. A must do at least once in a lifetime.

All Inclusive Resort Getaway

Being of the island of wood and water… yep Jamaica, this is a staple. But as I reflect, the Jewel runs-away with the mouth-dripping cocktail welcome. You are sure to never want to leave the staples of all you can eat island food with munches of worldwide delectable while basking in the sun, sand and sea in between. Not to mention the rooms, jacuzzi, and spa to massage away those tired work stressed muscles

The Slopes Is A Must Do

Breckenridge in Colorado never disappoints. My youngest asked after one Christmas family gathering to go on a road trip. She was too young to know that it takes planning. So I charged her to research where she wanted to go. She did and months later decided on a Colorado gem. This small town rates high during the holidays with its hidden Christmas town after gondola rides atop the mountains to slide down the slopes from skiing, snowboarding, or just angel-playing in the snow. A certain kids dream come through.

Road-Trip

Road-tripping causes you to trip when kids spill juices, food and candy wraps all over. Organized with trash bags does help but tell it to the little ones (ha ha). Our last road-trip took us to the Tennessee experience. We went through great landmarks with stops along the highways to rest, refuel and driver exchange. The tiredness you feel is nothing when compared to the lifetime memories.

Some Place New

So as the pandemic wears on, we dream of someplace new where we can just chill. For me as a writer, it will be a solo retreat to encounter that writing escape.

What About You?

What’s your dream for a place that you must visit at least once in a lifetime? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Goals. The Power Of The List…

Dr. Shelly's avatarSuccess Strategies

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.

Henry Ford

Goals, write them down. Then work them. In a recent post Yendi shared her 10 Goals.
Years ago when I was expecting, I went to Lamaze class where my only child at the time would play with the instructor’s teen, Yendi.

Big Goals

Recently Yendi reflected how she wrote down her 10-year goals. Many reveal that they cannot even think that far. In Yendi’s case her dream was to enter and win the Miss Jamaica World contest. She worked it and yep, she did it! From the entry to the steps to win it … and that she did.

So make sure that your goals are BIG so you can’t miss them when they come through!

How old are you now? What dreams are you carrying. Take the time to write them…

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Ring In The Cheer With These Holiday Games…

Dr. Shelly's avatarSuccess Strategies

To laugh and play is to Love during the Holidays

Want to spice up your holiday with friends, family or foe (yikes)? Here are two Holiday Games to help squeeze the giggles. Simple prizes make the laughs sweet. Can’t be together? Try it virtually. Be creative, change ideas to match your mood and enjoy!

What’s your favorite holiday game? Do share. We would love to hear.

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Avoid The Grinch Syndrome This Christmas…

Avoid The Grinch Syndrome

The president for one of the biggest and most successful companies called a zoom meeting and fired 900 staff all at once- just before Christmas. When the media asked why (he was so mean at Christmas) he said they all work 2-hour days and report 8. Hmmm… Yea, the boss may have a case but it’s in the how he did it and when he did it. No matter the logic, he will still be seen as a Grinch.

So who is a Grinch? A person who spoils the fun of others. A spoilsport. A drag. A party pooper. That’s the Miriam Dictionary’s meaning. So here are 7 Suggestions on what you can do to avoid being a Grinch this holiday season

7 Ways To Share Joy This Holiday

  1. Do something kind for someone you don’t know
  2. Watch your favorite holiday movie
  3. Get festive. Decorate your home
  4. Give a Gift to someone in need
  5. Get social. Hang out with friends and family
  6. Give of your time
  7. Volunteer for a good cause

Personally, I love the holidays and wouldn’t mind celebrating all year round. But yes there are always those who are sad and down at this time. Reach out and lend a hand. Give a word of encouragement. Try any of the 7 ways shared and give love this Christmas.

How do you combat the Grinch Sydrome during the holidays? Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

2021 Holiday Book Gift Guide…

Dr. Shelly's avatarSuccess Strategies

A Book is a Gift you can open again and again

Garrison Keillor

Gifts For Your Personal Growth

Ditch It. Switch It.

That Perfect Getaway Read

Gifts To Motivate, Encourage And Inspire

GreenLight: When God Says Go

Do you think ofretirementas a dead-end road to the Departure Lounge of life? Think again!Retirement, A New Adventureis full of ideas how to live an active, fun and enriching life inretirement. There are things to do, skills to learn, new technologies to embrace, people to meet, places to explore. What sets this book apart is the stories it provides from real life experiences of the author and others; stories that range from silly to serious, revealing how satisfying life inretirementcan be.

Books For The New Entrepreneur

Things…

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Dance Out There Without Fear. An Anthropologist Speaks…

The body says what words cannot

~Martha Graham

Joelle Powe was recognized as one of the Institute of CAribbean Studies, Washington DC, 30 Under 30 honoree in 2021. Take a look at her documentary on Jamaica’s Dance as she studies Anthropology at the University.

Seep in and prepare to be inspired.

Light At The Museum…

Book Signing event. What I learnt. What sparked the light. Music, food, culture and fun.

Island Space Museum welcomed Reggae Music Matriarch Miss Pat Chin when she shared the evolution of Reggae Music from Jamaica, the Caribbean to the United States and the world.

Pleased to have been invited to share my own book and Research on Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders in the United States.

This Museum is a must visit when in Florida. Plan your visit to Learn more about this innovative initiative and don’t hesitate to donate unique and historical Caribbean artifacts. The Museum’s hardworking team are happy to shed the light!

Winter Book Signing At The Museum…

Writers write. Readers Read. Together they are one.

Always a pleasure to be invited to participate in Book Signing events. The newly launched Island Space Museum, Florida, boasts artifacts from across the Caribbean.

As winter peeps in 84-year old Reggae music matriarch Patricia Chin kicks off her new found love of writing and sharing her craft. She will be joined by fellow authors David Muir, Hugh Sinclair “0Chef Irie”, Cynthia Verna “Chef Thia” and yours truly – Dr. Shelly C. We will share exciting stories of our author journey, the island way.

Join us.

Cheers!

The Biggest Enemies of Willpower…

The biggest enemies of willpower: temptation, self-criticism, and stress. These three skills —self-awareness, self-care, and remembering what matter most— are the foundation for self-control.

-Kelly McGonigal

Your Words Matter. Online Literary Magazine…

Your Words Matter- Your Words Have Power

Dr. Ralph Hogges

YOUR WORDS MATTER – WORDS HAVE POWER

Words can create the Power of Faith and Hope.

Words can create the Power of Love and Compassion.

Words can create the Power of Unity and Cooperation. 

Words can create the Power of Truth, Honesty and Fairness.

Words can create the Power of Freedom, Justice and Equality.

Embracing our Literary Voices,

The Enduring Power, Creative Joy,

And Beauty of Words,

We Unleash Our Infinite

Power of Imagination and Creativity.

— Ralph Hogges

Access the work of Literary Artist in the November, 2021 issue here

Poet’s Defining Moment. The Story Of A Mother As Told By A Daughter…

The Story of a Mother as told by a Daughter.
A Literary Conversation with Author & Poet Susan Lycett Davis (Dr Sue)

A Miami Book Fair annual Author Feature

Living a HIP Life is a Great inspirational stocking stuffer available from Dr Sue and on Amazon

Listen in https://bit.ly/3C1cQ76

GreenLight’s Trunk Or Treat Candy Squeals…

Try New Things

Try new things. That’s what I did. I tried something new. Never did a trunk or treat before. I’m not an artist unlike my daughter. I’m a creator of written work–books, poems, short stories, and an encourager through daily Motivational Quotes on instagram. But my desire to participate in the Calvary’s annual Trunk or Treat event caused me weeks of agony. As I prayed I needed help. I searched the net. The ideas gleaned were generic based on movie characters, celebrity look-alikes and such. As I agonized, I shared my concept with a friend who is a creator of art…of things unique. She joined me in the vision and it emerged into something concrete.

How I Did It

My vision was to share from my book GreenLight: When God Says Go. It’s from a series of writings and I wanted to bring it to life. I got boxes and art supplies from Michaels. Bought tap lights from Amazon to portray all green traffic lights. Painted them with green art paint. Cut holes in the boxes and glued the tap lights into the holes.

I learnt that it was important to make sure your trunk matches the trunk host so I duplicated the above and cut additional holes into the box for my arms. I added my name to a piece of art board and glued it onto a head band to wear as the name of a street, green wig in tow. Remember, I am not an artist but I was pleased with my creation and the kids seemed delighted by the tap lights. I got many kiddie ‘asks’ to tap the lights as I wore them while the adults looked on intrigued. Pictures always tell a story, so here are a few.

How did you spend your time trick or treating? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

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