Thriving In The Winter

Although we are in the second month of winter, spring is getting closer, and the anticipation of warmer weather is beckoning our senses. Nonetheless, winter is a beautiful time to slow down, reflect, and collect your thoughts.

Two years ago, I decided to stop running away from winter and embrace the lessons it was trying to teach me. And now winter has become one of my favorite seasons. Many of us dislike the cold, bitter, and uncomfortable season, but what if winter could be a time for you to thrive and grow into a better version of yourself?

Winter has been a time to let go of the past, press into the present, and get ecstatic about the future. When you welcome every season of life, it can take you on an exciting journey.

Below are a simple ways to thrive in the winter and let go of a survival mentality.

• Take time to rest.
• Make a list of goals that you want to accomplish for the winter season.
• Find time to implement things you like to do (reading, yoga, be in nature..)
• Build community (yoga classes, book clubs, therapy etc.), www.eventbrite.com (great website to look up events and connect with the community you are looking for)
• Create a winter playlist
• Take some college courses just for fun
• Connect with personal development tools (life coach, memberships, books..)
• Slowdown and be present (social media detox or spend a couple hours off your phone)
• Become a foodie (enjoy different local restaurants with good food and company)
• Book a staycation to reset you mind, body and soul
• Do a movie marathon (list your fav movies & schedule a date with yourself to watch them for a month)
• Schedule a Spa Night In (buy face masks, foot masks and enjoy the experience)
• Eat outside (winter is the perfect time to take your lunch break outdoors to admire the beauty of mother nature)
• Declutter your home
• Shop for new clothes/loungewear to prepare for Spring

New Book Project: 28 Days of Love…

What is self-love?

I believe self-love is not a fluffy concept to promote narcissistic or selfish behavior. However, self-love is the medicinal antidote to healing our feelings of low self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem. It allows us to dive into our internal wounds to bring ourselves back to wholeness.

My Journey…

In 2011, my life was at a crossroads. I found myself searching for worthiness, love, and confidence. After enduring multiple hardships and tragedies, I knew something needed to change. And the change that I needed was love. 

As I began this self-love journey, it became a sustaining root to heal my inner traumas and wounds. And now, I am sharing my journey in this 28-day transformative book.

What is the significance of the title?

28 Days of Love: A Self-Love Journey idea began in February 2011 when I celebrated love for the whole month instead of limiting it to one day. Now, this personal tradition is something I do for myself and my daughter every year. 

When will the book be available for purchase?

Available Now: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f956a

Where will I be able to buy it?

You will be able to purchase this book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and everywhere books are sold. You will also be able to purchase a copy on my blog and other personal sites.

Will you have any book signings and where?

At a later date this information will be announced.

Trust Your Dopeness

The essential thing I have learned in my life is when a person is insecure, they will use words of discouragement to tear down your confidence. When I wasn’t aware of my dopeness, I would minimize my greatness to make others feel more important, but deep inside, I was suffering. My suffering led to people-pleasing, self-sabotage, and not feeling worthy or enough.

When I began to cultivate self-worth, let go of self-sabotaging behaviors and flow into a self-confident version of myself, others became threatened. I was no longer dimming my light for them to feel better about themselves. I decided to love myself, face my inner issues and let go of my insecurities.  

However, I believe we all have to face the ugly mask of insecurity in our lives, but when these inner issues are unchecked, it creates self-misery. I have learned over the last year that insecure women are fixated on being accepted and validated by others. Their greatest fear is not being liked, so they migrate to the people-pleasing lane, and when another woman radiates confidence, she will spew words of hate to disempower another woman.

Although friendships have withered away, I understand that losing myself is no longer an option. Trusting your dopeness means walking in your confidence and being unapologetic about who you are.

Here are a couple ways you can embrace being “that girl” and exercise your dopeness.

1. Be Authentic: Know who you are, walk in your power and maximize your voice.
2. Be Unapologetic: God created you to be the best verison of yourself even when others don’t embrace you.
3.  Be Around People Who Want To See You Win: When you are around people who want to see you win then, the conversations are different. Make sure you let go of toxic connections in your life (heal from toxicity).

Choose Your Life….

You can listen to this episode here: https://youtu.be/ktXRiIM6EJI

A new year is upon us in three days, and some of us have various emotions going into 2021. The year 2020 has been sober for us, but we can decide how we want to feel, how we want to show up & what environment & people we choose to be around in the new year.

Last week I was confronted with different emotions about particular relationships & I realize my peace of mind is non-negotiable. I know I can’t change others but I do have a right to protect my peace & privacy.

In my new self-awareness journey, a thought appeared in my mind this morning, how do I want to feel, what type of people I want to be around & what environment do I want to cultivate going into 2021. I want my mindset for 2021 to emulate three words: joy, peace, and fun.

In the last two weeks, I decided to focus on peace & of course; this idea was a challenge. However, the lesson I learned was that we all have the power to choose the life we want to live.

Often, we let fear, people-pleasing & others’ controlling behavior stop us from living the life we desire. Then we go through life being a counterfeit version of ourselves. I believe it is time to be intentional about choosing your life for 2021 by the following three principles:

• Your peace is your priority. 
• You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone, validate your own feelings.
• Life is too expansive to waste it doing mediocre things, dealing with mediocre people, and wasting your precious time.

Life is to enjoy every single day, even through the challenges. But it is our duty and responsibility to make our life an organic version, not a processed version of what other people believe is best.

Five Ways To Finish 2020 Strong….

You can listen to this podcast episode here: https://youtu.be/Jb1vFmSiL1A

The year 2020 has been a long winding road for many of us, but you realize that the detours and pitstops are the highlights of your personal growth & evolution with any journey. We only have 73 days left before the New Year arrives, which is enough time to reevaluate how you will choose to complete 2020 on a high note.

However, we have learned lessons this year and are challenged to mix the bitter with the sweet not to repeat 2020. So, below are five ways to finish 2020 on a high note.

1.Gratitude. Find time to reflect on all the things you can be grateful for in this year.

2. Lessons. This is the best time to reassess the lessons learn and relish in the moment.

3. Stillness. During the pandemic being still has been a new ritual. In what ways has being still served your life?

4. Carpe Diem. Seizing every moment & opportunity is important, how have you made the most of the opportunities presented to you in this year?

5. Letting Go. It was necessary to let go of people, places, jobs & things to realize what was really important.

How Traveling Change My Life…

Click the link to listen to podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFbv3F0_WuM

My story….
I remember the first time I began to travel; it all started in 1998 when I joined the military. I was nineteen years old ready to leave Detroit and start a new adventure. I was working at Kids Foot Locker, but I knew it was more to life than what I was experiencing in Detroit’s inner city. I was ready to spread my wings and find new territory to explore.

My first job assignment was in the Nordic island nation of Keflavik, Iceland. A country known for its astonishing landscapes, hot springs, volcanoes and much more. When I was not working I would explore caves, go to the blue lagoon, hang out with my Icelandic friend, Gunna (who became a sister), party and eat the savoring pieces of lamb. Iceland was a place to explore the great outdoors. And when I think about this experience a smile erupts on my face because I had no idea this would be the beginning of more adventures.

Later on, in my military career, I lived in Sicily; it is a Mediterranean island just off the tip of Italy’s boot. I remember wandering around the island to neighboring cities such as Motta Sant’Anastasia, Catania, and Taormina’s charismatic island. Taormina was an island near the infamous Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. It was a touristy area filled with beautiful beaches, clean Mediterranean water, various shopping boutiques, and more. Every time I would escape to Taormina, I felt like I was in Venice. I also travel to Spain, Rome and England.

After completing my military career, I knew I fell in love with the wanderlust of traveling worldwide. And fast-forwarding to now, traveling has become a lifestyle for me. In 2014, I decided to travel to Paris, France, to participate in a writing workshop. Paris is not just a city to do touristy things, but it is a state of mind. It changed my life, writing, and how I viewed the world. I can go on and on about Paris, but I plan to visit Paris soon after the pandemic slows down, and international borders open again for Americans.

So, I want to discuss three ways traveling change my mindset and my life. Also, these three ways can help you gain a new perspective about the world around you.

1. I became a storyteller.

2. Learn about the importance of diversity.
Respecting other cultures attitudes, behaviors and way of live help me realize the power of diversity. Diversity is an important part of embracing new ideas, experiences and promotes creativity.

3. Open-minded.
My mind was transformed by my traveling experiences. I was open to understanding other people’s perspective and understand if we disagreed in our ideas it was okay. (I’m still learning this concept everyday).

How To Embrace Your Entrepreneur Spirit….

You can listen to this podcast episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qZ1cuf-S6c

My story….

In 2007, I started my journey into the entrepreneurial world when I self-published my first book entitled, Soulseeker. I had no idea what steps to take as a newly published author; however, I knew stepping out of my comfort zone was a start. I was nervous yet excited about this new journey. I made plenty of mistakes, but I learned some valuable lessons along the way.

As I went through the self-publishing journey, I realize the importance of branding your business/yourself, marketing, and building relationships. When social media began, I learn how to get my product in front of a virtual world. In 2009, I created my first business called The Writer’s Block, where I did copywriting, editing, and created content for other creative professionals. I traveled around the United States, getting paid to perform poetry at special events. I would make contracts with my clients explaining terms, conditions, and my fee.

Fast-forwarding to now, I can proudly say I have self-publish six paperbacks, one eBook and gain valuable knowledge on how to help new writers and authors avoid the pitfalls I made at the beginning of my journey. This year I launch my publishing company called Serenity Publishing LLC and working on other business ventures.

Serenity Publishing will provide e-courses for new writers & authors who need guidance on social media marketing, branding, and marketing.

Here are three ways to embrace your entrepreneurial journey & stop putting your dreams of owning your own business on hold:

1. Just Start. You will never be ready. Have faith let go of the fear & leap.

2. Let the fear of failure go.
The only failure you can endure is the failure of not living your dream.

3. Believe in yourself.
The best way to believe in yourself is invest in yourself whether it is an online course, business/life coach, webinar or seminar.

You can listen to this podcast episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qZ1cuf-S6c

The Beauty of Being Yourself

In 2003, I looked in the mirror and realized I didn’t like myself. I had to confront the fact that who I was pretending to be was making others happy but making me feel unhappy. My world was falling apart because I was collapsing on the inside. I had no clue to who I was because I spent too much time running from myself. If you ever felt like this it is time to face the inner turmoil and heal.

As an ex-people pleaser, I realize how saying yes was my favorite addiction. It was hard for me to say no to people because I desired to make other people like me. However, I realize making others happy cost me a peace of mind. It takes courage to step out of the crowd and be different. Our differences are what make us beautiful, flaws, and all.

Here is the link to listen to this episode on The Inspirational Corner Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WowJvLuKyuI

 

 

The Joy of Minding Your Own Business…

Have you ever found yourself helping everyone else, trying to fix everyone’s life, or obsessed with controlling what other people do? If so, you have a terrible case of minding other people’s business. There have been plenty of times I found myself trying to be a therapist, life coach, or psychologist to grown adults. My mission was to be the “fixer” in everyone else life instead of tending to my garden. However, I realize I needed to stop being a trash can for other people’s issues. In the end, I was creating codependent relationships.

In my journey of self-evolution and self-discovery, I have found it refreshing to stay focus on my own life. Staying focusing on my own life has helped me work on my relationship with myself. I have become more conscientious of the things that I can expand in my world. Learning to love my life and myself has given me the grace to let go of the thoughts or ideas of worrying about what other people think about me or what they may be doing. When you begin to mind your own business, you will feel lighter. It takes enough energy trying to cope with your life, adding other people’s issues to the equation causes chaos.

I am still on this journey of minding my own business and becoming the best version of myself. It is not an overnight process but a day to day evolution. Worrying about what others are doing, what people think about me, trying to gain people’s acceptance or validation is a waste of time. When you become connected to your inner world and start creating a life you love other people, life will no longer be a concern.

Below are three ways on how you can elegantly enjoy minding your own business:

1. Disconnect. Unplugging from social media or putting your phone on do not disturb is a great way to focus on the most important person which is…YOU!
2. Create a life you love. If you are proactive in producing a life you love, you will have less time being consume with other people’s life. You can find a hobby, write a list of all the things you are passionate about or the things you always desire to do.
3. Drown Out The Noise: Other people’s opinions about who you are, your life and what you do is not your concern. When you know who you are and what you do then other people’s perception is not relevant.

 

 

 

Why Being Basic Won’t Do…

The Corona Virus issue has made us feel so many emotions with the ebb and flow of uncertainty; staying at home has become the new normal. This new normal has caused America to put everything on pause where being still is the cure. Many schools have closed around the world, people are now working from home, and some people no longer have a job. Although it can seem to be an uncomfortable time for the world, confronted with the reality that this is the time to let go of things no longer serve our lives.

In America, we are taught that being busy and living life on auto-pilot is acceptable. We choose to operate in a world encumber with a fast-food mentality, a microwave vision for our lives. The self-quarantine gives everyone a chance to slow down, saunter, and come to a shimmer. We no longer can follow the crowd but is challenged to do something different. I believe in this time of  the shutdown, we will not go back to normal.

This transformation will cause us to become a better version of our self. We can start by self-reflecting in every area of our lives. For me, it has taught me the valuable lesson of living in the present moment.

People’s lives are being transformed because we are now finding our passion, spending time with family, connecting with friends, and doing things we were too busy to do. When the curtain rises off this center stage play we call COVID-19, how will we move forward? Will everyone go back to being “basic” or will we embrace our new normal?

Below are three ways we can release ourselves from the “basic life” to the “extraordinary life.”

1. Write The Vision. While being at home, this is a perfect time to write a plan for yourself to make some changes in your life. (Ex: If you decide to start your business now is the time to create your website, draft a business plan, etc.)

2. Execute. There is no time like the present to start being intention by putting action in your new life. Use this time to start capitalizing on not being at work. (Ex: If you are working from home, let your paycheck build up, so when all this comes to an end, you will have enough saved to live your job.)

3. Live. Before the Corona Virus, many of us were going through the motions of life; however, with the shutdown of social events and going out; we will be more present in our lives. We will have more fun living life versus existing in it.

In the end, I am optimistic the self-quarantine will bring out a better America, where we are healing, there is more joy, peace, kindness & love to spread!