Rock your OPTIONS!

In the words of Chris Rock, “Wealth is not about making money, but about having options.”   How true is that?!?  There are individuals with no money but wealthy in mind, heart, relationships and spirit.  Then there are those categorized as rich, but find themselves, lonely, empty, lost and in despair.  As long as you have choices you can re-write the ending of your life story.  With options there is something to hope for.  I think sometimes we forget how many options we have.  We often do not explore the alternatives when making decisions.  Sometimes we reject or accept without exercising the opportunity to choose.  For instance, Kim feels like she is in a dead end job.  Yet, if she could press pass her emotions she will realize the situation is not hopeless.  Kim can quit, stay, actively seek a new job, or transfer.  She is in control, and has the power to change her circumstances.  Kim has OPTIONS, and so do YOU.  Today, Chris Rock & I encourage you to explore your options.  Realize things are not always as they seem, and do not be afraid to make a new choice.  Tap into your wealthy place! 

The Thursday Morning Challenge

This morning I got to surprise one of my best friends for her birthday.  I arrived 6:10 a.m. at the Tri-rail with flowers, a card, and rousing words to shout her out.  Boy was she surprised and I felt so much joy to do this!  That joy overshadowed all the other stuff I was dealing with.  Previously, my car broke down, I got it fixed and it still has problems; Monday I was getting ready to post my new blog and my computer busted, with my blog in that computer!!!  One thing after another, everything to take my joy, yet I remained calm knowing God got this and will work everything out!  However to my surprise, my greatest release came, this morning, when I bought someone else joy!  We have to give what we need…  I know you understand when everything is a hot mess, and that last thing you want to do is give, but I challenge you this morning...  In fact, I double dare you!  GIVE WHAT YOU NEED and watch how it BOOMERANGS back in your life!  Share your experiences...

Breath... Breathe!

What a beautiful stilled shot Alvin Ailey captured of their powerful and eloquent dancer.  My initial impression was breath.  We are but a mere breath that was given by God.  Within that breath contains life, creativity, and purpose.  As well as, the ability to stand, be, and endure.  We tend to view our existence here as so long but within eternity our life on earth is only a moment in time.  What will you do with your moment; will your life add or take away?  Will your life enhance or destroy?  Let’s dig deeper, will you come into the full knowledge of who you were created to be?  Will the dash between your birth and death be meaningful or empty?  Only you can answer these questions. 

Ladies, at the end of the day, it does not matter the mountains you have had to climb or the dry valley moments; what really matters is what you decide as a result from those experiences.  Do you learn or do you blame?  Is gratefulness flowing from your heart or do you resent the process of life?  Will you allow your spirit to soar or will you sit closed in because of past hurts and pain?  Realize, every hurt allows you to bend deeper, grow stronger.  Are you flowing with the rhythm of life or will you fight the currents life is trying to bring you towards?  See, it’s your decision, it is your choice! 

Why not yield?  Yield to the Holy Spirit.  Yield to God’s greater vision.  Allow your breath (moment of life on earth) be something that makes a magnificent difference.  Let it be a refreshing breeze of love and gratitude.  I invite you to breathe my sistahs… Breathe!

Don't forget to leave your wisdom on our page...

My September 11th life lesson...

My greatest life lesson as a result of September 11th is all I really have is this moment in time. I lost some wonderful men and women that horrible day. I was in New York the previous week of the infamous September 11th and was supposed to meet up with my previous boss and friends for lunch before returning home. I was running behind for the lunch date, so I decided to cancel since I would be back for the holidays and we could do lunch then…. If I only knew there would not be a next time, nothing would have kept me from keeping that appointment. That hurt me to my heart. So often, we relax in thinking there would be a next time!

9/11 reminds me to live out every moment; stop reserving people for another time. If you are on my mind today… I am going to make the call. Life should not be so busy that I can’t make a call, visit, send a card, text or email. There are no excuses; the job, business venture, home, hobbies, internet, etc… are not more important than your loved ones! Please, be sure to make the time for others.

In memory of my dear friends, your death will never be in vain. Even though I missed that moment in time, you will stay in my heart until the end of time. I love you and will always remember.  Share your 9/11 life lesson...

What if you don't "Win"?

I watched the movie “The Longshots” starring Ice Cube and Keke Palmer.  I was taken by the end of the movie.  The football team did not win the game; right at the end their player missed the catch.  Yet, when they got back home from the game, to their surprise, a crowd was waiting for their return celebrating as if they won.  This crowd of celebrators was able see that a “win” was not solely based by the scoreboard, but the change the team bought to the town.  I began to see this as a transferable concept about life.  How many of us still celebrate despite not obtaining a win?  Your win may be a successful relationship, promotion on the job, positive doctor’s report or reaching success in business.  Regardless of what you envision as a win, the art of winning is appreciating the WHOLE picture. 

What does celebrating in spite of a “win” provide?  I’m glad you asked. 

·         It keeps you from giving up.

·         Creates momentum.

·         Causes you to apply the necessary learning curve.

·         Annihilates the negative mindset of failure.

Remember:  Wins come packaged in many different trappings, and there is always a part of the journey to celebrate.   The Word reminds us to celebrate NOW, praise NOW, shift NOW, give NOW, be NOW, exercise faith NOW; not after the win, not because of the win, but due to the fact you are still here, able to grow, learn and change, RIGHT NOW!

Why Not Celebrate?

I am so excited to publish my 1^st blog the day after my 42^nd birthday.  (I’m still in birthday mode, lol)  I find it interesting that certain individuals do not place any value on their special day…  "What's the big deal; it's just the day I was born!"  For real????  Well, let me break it down for you...  First, there is no mistake to the timing or details of your origin.   Despite the possible conditions of your birth, (rape, abandonment, and/or abuse) nothing can alter that right here, right now you are supposed to be here!  You were created with unique gifts, skills and a specific purpose.  Talk about being special… There is no two of you!  Your "birth"day is the day God graced the world with your presence, not because He needed to populate the earth…  Instead, it was time for what ONLY you can do.  Sounds like you have a reason to CELEBRATE!!!

Every year, I reflect over the past year (GRATEFUL), set new goals for my personal New Year (PLANNING) and do something special (CELEBRATE).   What is your birthday regimen?  And, when you reflect on the word "birthday" what comes to mind?

(NKJ - Ps. 119:73; Jer. 1:5; Ps. 139:13-18)