Beauty For Ashes!

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,3and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

                                                                         (Isaiah 61:2,3 NIV)

In the last eight years my life has been  filled with pain, loss and a lot of hellish moments. I went from living life like the Jeffersons to Good Times. I went from depending on the world as my source to understanding God is my source. I went from being religious to finding a deeper  spiritual connection with God. I went from pleasing everyone else to understanding the power of self-care. 

I had a lot of friends but, as I grew I began to downsize. I went from not recognizing my worth to knowing my worth. I went from undervaluing my gift to valuing my gift. I use to have low self-esteem now I am confident & realize what I deserve. I needed other people to validate my life now I live my life according to my own rules with God's approval. I found myself minding everyone else business until I learned the power in minding my own business. 

Recently, this year I went through the loss of a family member. I cannot say I am fully recovered but I gave myself time to step back & heal my way. I believe in the power of rising above challenges because what you go through grows you. 

 I strive to be my true self no longer rejecting parts of myself to make other people feel comfortable. In this time in my life I am okay with the woman I am becoming.  I decided to take control of my life, be happy and  make adjustments along the way.

There are six valuable lessons I learned in my life :

1) You cannot do anything without God. If you think you can I guarantee you will be miserable. I know because I tried this method already.

2) Stop comparing yourself to others because you are you. When you start focusing on your own life you become happier and realize how blessed you really are in life. 

3) Other opinions do not matter. People have the right to express themselves anyway they want but try not to take other people opinions personal. You do not need other people to validate you. 

4) Superhero Syndrome. I use to feel like I had to save everyone and go out of my way to make sure they were okay. However, I found out it is not meant for me to save everyone. The people the Lord put in my path are the ones I am assigned too. 

5) Heal Your Way. Do not let people tell you how to grieve. Give yourself time to heal properly. It is okay not to be okay.

6) Let God In. God is a gentleman if you want him to be apart of your life He will be. He is just waiting for you to invite him in.

My life is a constant journey but in my journey the Lord has constantly gave me beauty for my life ashes.

Until Next Time Live Bold. Live Loud. Live Authentically. 

Beauty For Ashes!

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,3and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

                                                                         (Isaiah 61:2,3 NIV)

In the last eight years my life has been  filled with pain, loss and a lot of hellish moments. I went from living life like the Jeffersons to Good Times. I went from depending on the world as my source to understanding God is my source. I went from being religious to finding a deeper  spiritual connection with God. I went from pleasing everyone else to understanding the power of self-care. 

I had a lot of friends but, as I grew I began to downsize. I went from not recognizing my worth to knowing my worth. I went from undervaluing my gift to valuing my gift. I use to have low self-esteem now I am confident & realize what I deserve. I needed other people to validate my life now I live my life according to my own rules with God's approval. I found myself minding everyone else business until I learned the power in minding my own business. 

Recently, this year I went through the loss of a family member. I cannot say I am fully recovered but I gave myself time to step back & heal my way. I believe in the power of rising above challenges because what you go through grows you. 

 I strive to be my true self no longer rejecting parts of myself to make other people feel comfortable. In this time in my life I am okay with the woman I am becoming.  I decided to take control of my life, be happy and  make adjustments along the way.

There are six valuable lessons I learned in my life :

1) You cannot do anything without God. If you think you can I guarantee you will be miserable. I know because I tried this method already.

2) Stop comparing yourself to others because you are you. When you start focusing on your own life you become happier and realize how blessed you really are in life. 

3) Other opinions do not matter. People have the right to express themselves anyway they want but try not to take other people opinions personal. You do not need other people to validate you. 

4) Superhero Syndrome. I use to feel like I had to save everyone and go out of my way to make sure they were okay. However, I found out it is not meant for me to save everyone. The people the Lord put in my path are the ones I am assigned too. 

5) Heal Your Way. Do not let people tell you how to grieve. Give yourself time to heal properly. It is okay not to be okay.

6) Let God In. God is a gentleman if you want him to be apart of your life He will be. He is just waiting for you to invite him in.

My life is a constant journey but in my journey the Lord has constantly gave me beauty for my life ashes.

Until Next Time Live Bold. Live Loud. Live Authentically. 

October Theme: Healing, wHoleness & Happiness!

The month of October has came in with a bang and so has our theme for this month. In this month our theme is Healing, wHoleness & Happiness. We will discuss the importance of taking your time to heal, how healing creates a sense of wholeness & why healing is connected to your life happiness.

October Theme: Healing, wHoleness & Happiness!

The month of October has came in with a bang and so has our theme for this month. In this month our theme is Healing, wHoleness & Happiness. We will discuss the importance of taking your time to heal, how healing creates a sense of wholeness & why healing is connected to your life happiness.

The Cinderella Effect!

She was humble even though she was the underdog she didn't complain. She dreamed, smiled & stayed sweet through it all. No one knew this handmaiden would become a princess. Her transformation changed everything. As she transformed she inspired women to rise up and reclaim their throne. This was her time to shine !

We all are familiar with the story of Cinderella and the life she had to endure before her happy ending. I believe one time or another we all have felt like Cinderella in our lives. Cinderella was mistreated and abused by people she called her family. However, they were jealous of her and tried to break her spirit. Cinderella stayed humble, kind and loving through all the things she experienced. In the end, Cinderella no longer was a handmaiden  but, she became the queen on the throne. 

I believe Cinderella was able to transform into this elegant princess because deep inside she was always a princess. Many women continue to hide in the shadows because they have believed the lies told to them. They had no clue that the  lies were rooted in envy. They were lies of not being smart enough, pretty enough or good enough to accomplish their heart's desire. I can relate to Cinderella because all my life I hid behind the mask of insecurity. In my  transformation journey I have learn to rise above criticism, stay humble and wait on my God appointed time to be at the front of the line. When it is your time of reciprocity nothing or no one can stop the blessings  that are due to you!

Below are  five tips on how to create your own Cinderella transformation.

1) Stay Humble. It is hard to stay meek during the times of hardship however, understand your time of testing is also a time of growth. God will bless you if you stay humble; even in the most uncomfortable seasons. 

2) Love Anyway. When you've been through things in your life it can be hard to love the people who treated you bad. However, Cinderella loved her stepmother and stepsisters in spite of how they treated her. Love is the answer.

3) Show Mercy. We all deserve a little mercy because we are imperfect people on this journey called life. Mercy allows us to forgive others and help us understand that everyone is at different levels in their life.

4) Be Confident. People may criticize you but do not allow that to stop you from being true to yourself. Sometimes we allow negative words to keep us from being our self. Those who judge, criticize or make you feel bad reveal their own self-hate. Hate produces more hate. 

5) Rise. Every underdog has a time where they are no longer a(n) underdog. They no longer are last in line because they have been ushered to the front. Do not let your  past keep you from reigning the throne. It is time to become the Queen of your life.

 In the end, it is your time and season to claim everything you deserve!

The Cinderella Effect!

She was humble even though she was the underdog she didn't complain. She dreamed, smiled & stayed sweet through it all. No one knew this handmaiden would become a princess. Her transformation changed everything. As she transformed she inspired women to rise up and reclaim their throne. This was her time to shine !

We all are familiar with the story of Cinderella and the life she had to endure before her happy ending. I believe one time or another we all have felt like Cinderella in our lives. Cinderella was mistreated and abused by people she called her family. However, they were jealous of her and tried to break her spirit. Cinderella stayed humble, kind and loving through all the things she experienced. In the end, Cinderella no longer was a handmaiden  but, she became the queen on the throne. 

I believe Cinderella was able to transform into this elegant princess because deep inside she was always a princess. Many women continue to hide in the shadows because they have believed the lies told to them. They had no clue that the  lies were rooted in envy. They were lies of not being smart enough, pretty enough or good enough to accomplish their heart's desire. I can relate to Cinderella because all my life I hid behind the mask of insecurity. In my  transformation journey I have learn to rise above criticism, stay humble and wait on my God appointed time to be at the front of the line. When it is your time of reciprocity nothing or no one can stop the blessings  that are due to you!

Below are  five tips on how to create your own Cinderella transformation.

1) Stay Humble. It is hard to stay meek during the times of hardship however, understand your time of testing is also a time of growth. God will bless you if you stay humble; even in the most uncomfortable seasons. 

2) Love Anyway. When you've been through things in your life it can be hard to love the people who treated you bad. However, Cinderella loved her stepmother and stepsisters in spite of how they treated her. Love is the answer.

3) Show Mercy. We all deserve a little mercy because we are imperfect people on this journey called life. Mercy allows us to forgive others and help us understand that everyone is at different levels in their life.

4) Be Confident. People may criticize you but do not allow that to stop you from being true to yourself. Sometimes we allow negative words to keep us from being our self. Those who judge, criticize or make you feel bad reveal their own self-hate. Hate produces more hate. 

5) Rise. Every underdog has a time where they are no longer a(n) underdog. They no longer are last in line because they have been ushered to the front. Do not let your  past keep you from reigning the throne. It is time to become the Queen of your life.

 In the end, it is your time and season to claim everything you deserve!

5 Tips To Making Life's Lemons Into Sweet Lemonade!

Sometimes when life throws lemons at you it is hard to  make lemonade. You try to keep a smile on your face while everything around you seems to crumble under your feet. I understand what it feels like to transition through the rough times in your life.

In the last eight years since I lived down south I have been doing my best to make lemonade out of the bitter lemons. However, this year has been another defining year of transitioning through traumatic events. When my father passed away this April unexpectedly I felt a sense of hopelessness. I wanted the storms of life to come to a screeching halt but they kept raging. I had to deal with other God forsaken events as the spring shifted into summer. However, in the month of July I had truly reached my breaking point and decided to get away from it all.

When I decided to take some time away I gained a sense of clarity. It help me come back with a sense of peace and direction for the next move I needed to take in my life. I started to understand rough times in life help you grow. However, you have to be willing to take the lemons and use them to gain a greater advantage in life. Lemons may be sour but the bitter moments make life a little bit sweeter.

You may wonder, how can you make lemonade out of the bitter lemons of life? Well below are a couple life tips I learn through my lemonade experience.

1. Breathe. When you go through rough times in your life take time to step back and just breathe.

2. Give Yourself The Time You Deserve. After my father passed I did not feel like I needed to rush through the grieving process. I am still taking the needed time to process through the pain. It is important to give yourself all the time and attention you need to get through the storm.

3. Be Alone. Sometimes you need to be alone to gain clarity so you can get direction on how to move through your rough patch. It is important to be alone to be honest with how you feel about all the things going on in your life.

4. Cry. Crying is a great sign of releasing the stress. Do not feel like you have to be stoic because God gave us emotions to express freely. So allow your self to be a human being.

5. Get Away From It All. Sometimes your environment can be to noisy for you to relax your mind so it is always good to take a mini-vacation or break away from it all. Vacations or getaways rejuvenates your mind, body and soul.

5 Tips To Making Life's Lemons Into Sweet Lemonade!

Sometimes when life throws lemons at you it is hard to  make lemonade. You try to keep a smile on your face while everything around you seems to crumble under your feet. I understand what it feels like to transition through the rough times in your life.

In the last eight years since I lived down south I have been doing my best to make lemonade out of the bitter lemons. However, this year has been another defining year of transitioning through traumatic events. When my father passed away this April unexpectedly I felt a sense of hopelessness. I wanted the storms of life to come to a screeching halt but they kept raging. I had to deal with other God forsaken events as the spring shifted into summer. However, in the month of July I had truly reached my breaking point and decided to get away from it all.

When I decided to take some time away I gained a sense of clarity. It help me come back with a sense of peace and direction for the next move I needed to take in my life. I started to understand rough times in life help you grow. However, you have to be willing to take the lemons and use them to gain a greater advantage in life. Lemons may be sour but the bitter moments make life a little bit sweeter.

You may wonder, how can you make lemonade out of the bitter lemons of life? Well below are a couple life tips I learn through my lemonade experience.

1. Breathe. When you go through rough times in your life take time to step back and just breathe.

2. Give Yourself The Time You Deserve. After my father passed I did not feel like I needed to rush through the grieving process. I am still taking the needed time to process through the pain. It is important to give yourself all the time and attention you need to get through the storm.

3. Be Alone. Sometimes you need to be alone to gain clarity so you can get direction on how to move through your rough patch. It is important to be alone to be honest with how you feel about all the things going on in your life.

4. Cry. Crying is a great sign of releasing the stress. Do not feel like you have to be stoic because God gave us emotions to express freely. So allow your self to be a human being.

5. Get Away From It All. Sometimes your environment can be to noisy for you to relax your mind so it is always good to take a mini-vacation or break away from it all. Vacations or getaways rejuvenates your mind, body and soul.

September Theme: Transition, Transformation & Transcend!

We are back from our illustrious break and now it's time to give you more power packed articles to keep you inspired to live a bold, loud and authentic life. This month is entitled Transition, Transformation & Transcend. In this series we will give you tips on how to transition through rough times in your life, how to allow your transition to be a time for wonderful transformations and rising above it all.

September Theme: Transition, Transformation & Transcend!

We are back from our illustrious break and now it's time to give you more power packed articles to keep you inspired to live a bold, loud and authentic life. This month is entitled Transition, Transformation & Transcend. In this series we will give you tips on how to transition through rough times in your life, how to allow your transition to be a time for wonderful transformations and rising above it all.

Announcement: Details On Inspire YoUniversity!

Inspire YoUniversity is an online atmosphere utilized to help women discover who they are and reconnect with their true identity. We will provide courses that will help women live bold, loud and authentic lives. 

These courses will help women:

• face their past issues
• create a plan to reconnect with the woman they lost in the storms of life
• teach them the importance of being honest and true to themselves without societal validation

Courses

The courses will be offered in a PDF format with provided materials and an audio introduction to the course. The first course package that will be available is our Art of Becoming Series. The Art of Becoming Series entails three classes: The Art of Becoming (Class 1), The Power of Becoming (Class 2) & Just Become (Class 3).

Each course can be purchased individually or as a package to get the benefit of the course in its entirety. Also the courses will be available for a limited time as we provide new courses twice a year. The Art of Becoming Series will be available this fall. 

More details will follow.......

Announcement: Details On Inspire YoUniversity!

Inspire YoUniversity is an online atmosphere utilized to help women discover who they are and reconnect with their true identity. We will provide courses that will help women live bold, loud and authentic lives. 

These courses will help women:

• face their past issues
• create a plan to reconnect with the woman they lost in the storms of life
• teach them the importance of being honest and true to themselves without societal validation

Courses

The courses will be offered in a PDF format with provided materials and an audio introduction to the course. The first course package that will be available is our Art of Becoming Series. The Art of Becoming Series entails three classes: The Art of Becoming (Class 1), The Power of Becoming (Class 2) & Just Become (Class 3).

Each course can be purchased individually or as a package to get the benefit of the course in its entirety. Also the courses will be available for a limited time as we provide new courses twice a year. The Art of Becoming Series will be available this fall. 

More details will follow.......

Announcement!

For the month of July The Ispirational Corner will not be creating any new blog post until September. We are taking time off to enjoy the summer, bask in the sun, refresh and rejuvenate. But in the meantime read our past blog series. We will be back soon with more inspiring, engaging and power pack blog post!

Announcement!

For the month of July The Ispirational Corner will not be creating any new blog post until September. We are taking time off to enjoy the summer, bask in the sun, refresh and rejuvenate. But in the meantime read our past blog series. We will be back soon with more inspiring, engaging and power pack blog post!

Be Brilliant.

She was radiant but others were jealous of her shine, so she tried to fit in but they constantly rejected her. She wanted to be apart of the crowd but she forgot one important thing....She was brilliant. She was a light; unique and appealing. While others blended in she was a colorful being; engaging and intense. She had an intensity that drove people mad because she was a genius in her own right. She was brilliant and forgot that she was the salt of the Earth!

As women we sometimes try to hide who we really are for the sake of fitting in the crowd. When we shrink to make others feel important then we are denying ourselves the right to shine. Once we embrace the fact that we are smart, witty and fun then we will never hide our brilliance. Below are 3 tips to help you to release your brilliance.


Release Your Brilliance

1) Embrace Your Intellectual Nature. Don't be scared to show your I.Q. Don't downplay your intelligence. If people are intimidated by your intelligence then eventually they will be compelled to raise the bar or walk away. If they walk let them walk.

2) Love What You Love. Never make excuses for what you love. The things you love make you who you are unapologetically.

3) Shine. Never lose your sparkle. Your sparkle is needed in a dark world so continue to shed light.

Be Brilliant.

She was radiant but others were jealous of her shine, so she tried to fit in but they constantly rejected her. She wanted to be apart of the crowd but she forgot one important thing....She was brilliant. She was a light; unique and appealing. While others blended in she was a colorful being; engaging and intense. She had an intensity that drove people mad because she was a genius in her own right. She was brilliant and forgot that she was the salt of the Earth!

As women we sometimes try to hide who we really are for the sake of fitting in the crowd. When we shrink to make others feel important then we are denying ourselves the right to shine. Once we embrace the fact that we are smart, witty and fun then we will never hide our brilliance. Below are 3 tips to help you to release your brilliance.


Release Your Brilliance

1) Embrace Your Intellectual Nature. Don't be scared to show your I.Q. Don't downplay your intelligence. If people are intimidated by your intelligence then eventually they will be compelled to raise the bar or walk away. If they walk let them walk.

2) Love What You Love. Never make excuses for what you love. The things you love make you who you are unapologetically.

3) Shine. Never lose your sparkle. Your sparkle is needed in a dark world so continue to shed light.

Be Bold.

In the rawest state I could finally see myself, my true self. No longer hiding behind weave extensions, braids or whatever I thought gave me beauty. I wanted to get back to the real me....the short hair me.

For as long as I known short hair has become a signature statement for me. I remember the first time the scissors hit my head at the young age of 15 in Detroit, where hair is a muse and a statement piece. I realized how much I identified with my short hair and how it gave me a boldness, sexiness and confidence to walk to the beat of my own drum.

Everytime I would try to grow my hair it really never worked out because I was always compelled to return to what really moved my soul...my short hair. I dated different guys who wanted me to grow my hair long and I attempted to do it; however, I never could fully commit to letting it grow. I found out that when you try to change the essence of who you are to please a man, society or whoever you lose your true identity.

So, again I found myself on this journey of growth, letting my hair grow back from an undercut hairstyle. This time I was seriously growing it back for myself because I wanted to have long hair. But I started to become tired of the weave extensions, weight being added to me. I did not want to hide anymore then there came an epiphany.

Guess what? Yep, I am sure you figured it out, I cut my hair again this year. I feel free, sexier, bolder and a little more confident to be me. I made a vow to myself to stop omitting pieces of myself, the things that make me who I am. I am proud to be a woman who can rock short hair. I believe short hair is beautiful and reveals the true beauty of a woman. Short hair is my natural state of being.

Recently, I read Alicia Key's open letter on Lenny Letter  it was very inspiring as she discussed how she went through an evolution of letting go of the stereotypical ideas of beauty. She no longer wanted to hide behind all the things that made her different yet beautiful. I loved the letter because it resounded with my soul. We live in a society where being different can sometimes be looked down upon because being different is viewed as abnormal.

As I grow I have become bold in my conviction of being true to myself and not fitting into the status quo. Even, in love relationships I refuse to shrink who I am to be with a man who doesn't love me for me. It has taken me a very long time to start loving myself and I can no longer comprise myself for the sake of others. I am aware that I matter; my happiness, peace of mind, my life and decisions matter. I can no longer settle for pieces of myself I need the whole version of me. When I show up whole then people are challenged to accept themselves too.

Tweet: Being bold is an act of bravery saying "this is who I am, take it or leave it"!


Reference: 
http://www.lennyletter.com/style/a410/alicia-keys-time-to-uncover/

Be Bold.

In the rawest state I could finally see myself, my true self. No longer hiding behind weave extensions, braids or whatever I thought gave me beauty. I wanted to get back to the real me....the short hair me.

For as long as I known short hair has become a signature statement for me. I remember the first time the scissors hit my head at the young age of 15 in Detroit, where hair is a muse and a statement piece. I realized how much I identified with my short hair and how it gave me a boldness, sexiness and confidence to walk to the beat of my own drum.

Everytime I would try to grow my hair it really never worked out because I was always compelled to return to what really moved my soul...my short hair. I dated different guys who wanted me to grow my hair long and I attempted to do it; however, I never could fully commit to letting it grow. I found out that when you try to change the essence of who you are to please a man, society or whoever you lose your true identity.

So, again I found myself on this journey of growth, letting my hair grow back from an undercut hairstyle. This time I was seriously growing it back for myself because I wanted to have long hair. But I started to become tired of the weave extensions, weight being added to me. I did not want to hide anymore then there came an epiphany.

Guess what? Yep, I am sure you figured it out, I cut my hair again this year. I feel free, sexier, bolder and a little more confident to be me. I made a vow to myself to stop omitting pieces of myself, the things that make me who I am. I am proud to be a woman who can rock short hair. I believe short hair is beautiful and reveals the true beauty of a woman. Short hair is my natural state of being.

Recently, I read Alicia Key's open letter on Lenny Letter  it was very inspiring as she discussed how she went through an evolution of letting go of the stereotypical ideas of beauty. She no longer wanted to hide behind all the things that made her different yet beautiful. I loved the letter because it resounded with my soul. We live in a society where being different can sometimes be looked down upon because being different is viewed as abnormal.

As I grow I have become bold in my conviction of being true to myself and not fitting into the status quo. Even, in love relationships I refuse to shrink who I am to be with a man who doesn't love me for me. It has taken me a very long time to start loving myself and I can no longer comprise myself for the sake of others. I am aware that I matter; my happiness, peace of mind, my life and decisions matter. I can no longer settle for pieces of myself I need the whole version of me. When I show up whole then people are challenged to accept themselves too.

Tweet: Being bold is an act of bravery saying "this is who I am, take it or leave it"!


Reference: 
http://www.lennyletter.com/style/a410/alicia-keys-time-to-uncover/

Be Brave.

Mediocrity does not fit you well. It is the enemy of your comfortable life and mind. You have gifts, skills and abilities to change the world but you fear rejection, lack of provision and wonder if you are good enough. While you allow mediocrity to keep you in your comfort zone you are missing out on how extraordinary your life can really be. So, it's time to let go of mediocrity and get out of your own way. It's time to become GREATNESS!

How often does being mediocre stop you from being the greatness you were born to be? I understand you wonder if what you really want to do can financially provide for all your human needs. You question yourself and wonder can you really be successful in following your passion and purpose. All, I can say is that I have recently been faced with these plaguing thoughts about being a full-time writer.

A couple of weeks ago I had one of my good friends tell me that I was in my own way of succeeding. She let me know that the gift I had was God sent and I needed to pursue it. She further explained how I was choosing what was easy due to fear of me being rejected and not believing in my own greatness. So, all I could do is listen to her and agree because her words were just the motivation I needed to believe in myself.

After leaving the military my career life took me down a path of self-discovery. I discovered that I wanted to get back to the love of writing and pursue it as a full-time career. I no longer wanted to dream about being a full-time writer but I wanted to live this dream. Since I was a child it was always my dream to write and travel around the world.

At a young age I wrote endless, short stories, poems, plays, songs and more. Writing is not only my passion but it is also my purpose. So, why was I not brave enough to do what I love? The answer was simple I was fearful of the opinions of others. Many times I have heard people say writing is not a real job. And I somewhat allowed this statement to resonate in my mind, playing over and over again like a scratched record.  

However, I fail to understand that the words we believe about our self shape our reality. The reality for me is, I am not a 9 to 5 Monday through Friday person. I am a creative soul who needs freedom, variety and flexibility. I understand I have to embrace my eccentricity. I can no longer reject pieces of myself to keep a mediocre life. I made the decision to put on my cape of bravery and pursue what I love.

The greatest lesson I am learning on this journey is no one will give you opportunities you have to be brave enough to create your own. And you have to believe in your greatness no matter how many opinions are stacked against you. In order to soar with eagles you have to be brave enough to leave the nest.

So, what you need to do to get out your own way, invest in your greatness and make the decision to be brave?

Being boring is a choice and being brave is an adventure choose wisely!

Picture Reference: Google Image Search

Be Brave.

Mediocrity does not fit you well. It is the enemy of your comfortable life and mind. You have gifts, skills and abilities to change the world but you fear rejection, lack of provision and wonder if you are good enough. While you allow mediocrity to keep you in your comfort zone you are missing out on how extraordinary your life can really be. So, it's time to let go of mediocrity and get out of your own way. It's time to become GREATNESS!

How often does being mediocre stop you from being the greatness you were born to be? I understand you wonder if what you really want to do can financially provide for all your human needs. You question yourself and wonder can you really be successful in following your passion and purpose. All, I can say is that I have recently been faced with these plaguing thoughts about being a full-time writer.

A couple of weeks ago I had one of my good friends tell me that I was in my own way of succeeding. She let me know that the gift I had was God sent and I needed to pursue it. She further explained how I was choosing what was easy due to fear of me being rejected and not believing in my own greatness. So, all I could do is listen to her and agree because her words were just the motivation I needed to believe in myself.

After leaving the military my career life took me down a path of self-discovery. I discovered that I wanted to get back to the love of writing and pursue it as a full-time career. I no longer wanted to dream about being a full-time writer but I wanted to live this dream. Since I was a child it was always my dream to write and travel around the world.

At a young age I wrote endless, short stories, poems, plays, songs and more. Writing is not only my passion but it is also my purpose. So, why was I not brave enough to do what I love? The answer was simple I was fearful of the opinions of others. Many times I have heard people say writing is not a real job. And I somewhat allowed this statement to resonate in my mind, playing over and over again like a scratched record.  

However, I fail to understand that the words we believe about our self shape our reality. The reality for me is, I am not a 9 to 5 Monday through Friday person. I am a creative soul who needs freedom, variety and flexibility. I understand I have to embrace my eccentricity. I can no longer reject pieces of myself to keep a mediocre life. I made the decision to put on my cape of bravery and pursue what I love.

The greatest lesson I am learning on this journey is no one will give you opportunities you have to be brave enough to create your own. And you have to believe in your greatness no matter how many opinions are stacked against you. In order to soar with eagles you have to be brave enough to leave the nest.

So, what you need to do to get out your own way, invest in your greatness and make the decision to be brave?

Being boring is a choice and being brave is an adventure choose wisely!

Picture Reference: Google Image Search

June Theme: Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brilliant.

The kids are beginning to get out of school and the smell of summer is right around the corner. As we invite the joys of summer we also welcome our series for this month. Our June series is entitled Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brilliant. In this series we will talk about how being brave can help you live the life you always dreamed of. We will discuss what it takes to be bold and let go of anything that weigh you down. And last but not least will talk about the importance of recognizing your brilliance and using it to create the life you desire.

June Theme: Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brilliant.

The kids are beginning to get out of school and the smell of summer is right around the corner. As we invite the joys of summer we also welcome our series for this month. Our June series is entitled Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brilliant. In this series we will talk about how being brave can help you live the life you always dreamed of. We will discuss what it takes to be bold and let go of anything that weigh you down. And last but not least will talk about the importance of recognizing your brilliance and using it to create the life you desire.

Recap of May Blog Post

As May begins to disappear we are recapping the things we discussed this month. Our May series was Loss, Live & Love where we discussed how losing something or someone gives us a better perspective on gaining a valuable lesson. We also discussed how important it is to find rekindle your passion and live in your purpose.

Below are the links to recap each article:

Lose To Win!
http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2016/05/lose-to-win.html 

Romancing The Stone of Your Life
http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2016/05/romancing-stone-of-your-life.html

Recap of May Blog Post

As May begins to disappear we are recapping the things we discussed this month. Our May series was Loss, Live & Love where we discussed how losing something or someone gives us a better perspective on gaining a valuable lesson. We also discussed how important it is to find rekindle your passion and live in your purpose.

Below are the links to recap each article:

Lose To Win!
http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2016/05/lose-to-win.html 

Romancing The Stone of Your Life
http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2016/05/romancing-stone-of-your-life.html

Romancing The Stone of Your Life

It was obvious I was lost in translation on this path of finding my purpose. I spent years trying to search for what fulfilled my soul but I was clueless. I needed something to reignite my fire. What was I missing? Uhm....it dawned on me, I was missing passion.

If I could retrace my steps, I lost my passion at the end of 2006 while stationed in South Carolina. A series of negative things kept happening in my life and consequently South Carolina became my arch nemesis. I truly wonder why I chose such an isolated place away from all the people & things I loved.

When I finally finished my 9yrs of military service I was left with the decision to leave or stay. Honestly, I wanted to run as far away from here as I could but I was hurting. I needed a fresh start but I didn't believe this would be the place of my new beginnings. However, God's plans for my life was greater than I could imagine.

So, the journey started as the walls came tumbling down brick by brick each layer exposed a deeper part of my pain. I was left naked with the pure ugliness of who I became over the last several years.

While I kicked and screamed my way through the journey I became tired of the misery. I was tired of the circle of insanity and often begged the Lord to let me leave South Carolina. I was angry; I wanted God to tell me why I was here. But I had no idea that all the misfortunes were just preparing me for my purpose. I was challenged to romance the stones in my life and change them into diamonds.

It's funny; as much as I wanted to leave God used this place of transition as a place for me to become whole. Whatever, I thought I was looking for found me. And as I continue to heal I am feeling more alive everyday embracing the passion that sets my soul on fire!

Romancing The Stone of Your Life

It was obvious I was lost in translation on this path of finding my purpose. I spent years trying to search for what fulfilled my soul but I was clueless. I needed something to reignite my fire. What was I missing? Uhm....it dawned on me, I was missing passion.

If I could retrace my steps, I lost my passion at the end of 2006 while stationed in South Carolina. A series of negative things kept happening in my life and consequently South Carolina became my arch nemesis. I truly wonder why I chose such an isolated place away from all the people & things I loved.

When I finally finished my 9yrs of military service I was left with the decision to leave or stay. Honestly, I wanted to run as far away from here as I could but I was hurting. I needed a fresh start but I didn't believe this would be the place of my new beginnings. However, God's plans for my life was greater than I could imagine.

So, the journey started as the walls came tumbling down brick by brick each layer exposed a deeper part of my pain. I was left naked with the pure ugliness of who I became over the last several years.

While I kicked and screamed my way through the journey I became tired of the misery. I was tired of the circle of insanity and often begged the Lord to let me leave South Carolina. I was angry; I wanted God to tell me why I was here. But I had no idea that all the misfortunes were just preparing me for my purpose. I was challenged to romance the stones in my life and change them into diamonds.

It's funny; as much as I wanted to leave God used this place of transition as a place for me to become whole. Whatever, I thought I was looking for found me. And as I continue to heal I am feeling more alive everyday embracing the passion that sets my soul on fire!

Lose To Win!

On April 9th, 2016 at 10:00am in the morning I was sleeping comfortably until I got a message from my family that altered my world......

On April 9th, 2016 I was confronted with reality when my oldest brother called to tell me about our dad. He spoke in a shaky tone telling me my beloved father was pronounced dead that morning at the hospital. My whole body went numb after hearing this news and I screamed throughout my house. This could not be real for me to fathom, I no longer would be able to see my dad or hear his voice. In some crazy way I thought is was surreal like a dream but, it was not a dream. It was an unexpected nightmare that now haunts me.

My mom was distraught, the man she was married to 42 years was now gone. I grieved for her and my entire family. The only question I wanted to ask myself was "how were we going to move on from this trauma ?". My brothers and I all shared a special bond with my father; he was truly the King of his castle. He taught us how to love unconditionally, live unapologetically and most of all how to have a relationship with the Lord.

The wound is fresh, the tears are new and the pain is relevant in our lives. However, through this abrupt interruption of my dad's departure we continue to carry on his legacy. Losing someone that you love is never easy but bittersweet. Yes, spiritually we know he is with God but we will always miss his physical absence.... his smile, laughter and joy it brought to our lives. After losing my youngest daughter nine years ago and now my dad it has taught me how precious life is now. I am no longer waiting on a special moment to do what I desire or live the life I want. Now, I have an urgency to live life to the fullest, experience every great undertaking and live it on my own terms.

The greatest things that I have won due to my loss of loved ones are courage to live my life on my own terms, do what is best for me, letting go of the need for permission and understanding I do not need validation to be who I am.

In some strange way I feel like this has helped me involve into a better version of me, living life unapologetically!




Picture Reference: Pinterest www.stevemaraboli.com 

Lose To Win!

On April 9th, 2016 at 10:00am in the morning I was sleeping comfortably until I got a message from my family that altered my world......

On April 9th, 2016 I was confronted with reality when my oldest brother called to tell me about our dad. He spoke in a shaky tone telling me my beloved father was pronounced dead that morning at the hospital. My whole body went numb after hearing this news and I screamed throughout my house. This could not be real for me to fathom, I no longer would be able to see my dad or hear his voice. In some crazy way I thought is was surreal like a dream but, it was not a dream. It was an unexpected nightmare that now haunts me.

My mom was distraught, the man she was married to 42 years was now gone. I grieved for her and my entire family. The only question I wanted to ask myself was "how were we going to move on from this trauma ?". My brothers and I all shared a special bond with my father; he was truly the King of his castle. He taught us how to love unconditionally, live unapologetically and most of all how to have a relationship with the Lord.

The wound is fresh, the tears are new and the pain is relevant in our lives. However, through this abrupt interruption of my dad's departure we continue to carry on his legacy. Losing someone that you love is never easy but bittersweet. Yes, spiritually we know he is with God but we will always miss his physical absence.... his smile, laughter and joy it brought to our lives. After losing my youngest daughter nine years ago and now my dad it has taught me how precious life is now. I am no longer waiting on a special moment to do what I desire or live the life I want. Now, I have an urgency to live life to the fullest, experience every great undertaking and live it on my own terms.

The greatest things that I have won due to my loss of loved ones are courage to live my life on my own terms, do what is best for me, letting go of the need for permission and understanding I do not need validation to be who I am.

In some strange way I feel like this has helped me involve into a better version of me, living life unapologetically!




Picture Reference: Pinterest www.stevemaraboli.com