Day 6: Just a Little Reminder...

This is just a check in. Here I'm drinking Chinese Flower Green Tea with cherry syrup. I really enjoyed it!!

Besides crunching numbers with my Sorors, I really don't have much to share...except MANNERS go a long way!! Say it with me: "Please", "Thank You" and "Excuse Me!!" I was at the coffee shop yesterday and being the people watcher that I am, I was reminded that people do not always use them. This actually gave me an idea about something, but I'll have to share it at a later date. Hopefully, it will be developed enough to share during this month's challenge.

That's all for now, sorry it's late. Stay tuned for today's blog...it's coming later on.

Day 5: The Bigger Picture: Preparation

The message I received today: You have to look at the big picture and start preparing.

Someone told me recently that I’ve outgrown this place…I’ve thought about it, but them speaking it to me, confirmed it for me.

Too many times I’ve noticed that I care…oftentimes too much. I look at people and groups and in general I see mediocrity. I’m not happy with ever just being the status quo. My true friend spoke this time me, and even though we don’t always hear what we want, I’ve realized that she’s right on. Those that live that way are content with living that way and we cannot count on them to do anything different. Sadly, this is truer than I ever imagined.

I know that I’ve personally tried to raise morale with progressive thoughts, but those who are not forward thinking are not going to grasp those concepts. It could be they don’t care or they don’t know. My personal thought…they don’t care to know. That’s okay…it’s fine. THAT’S OKAY!!

My job is not to change anyone’s thoughts or perceptions, but I will challenge them. My focus is to be all that I AM and move forward and upward in my life. The choices we make are for a purpose and it is up to us individually to determine and decide what that purpose is.

My challenge to both me and you: Look at the bigger picture. How does your life and what you’re doing right now fit in with your greater purpose? See the big picture and start preparing. Prepare your mind, your body, your heart for the next thing, for the best is yet to come. Let your focus be on what’s ahead of you and not what was, wasn’t or could have been.

Always let your light shine bright and do what’s right for you, no matter what others are doing. Don’t waste any more time worrying or getting upset because others don’t “get it”. I know we’d all like to take everyone along with us on our journeys, but the fact of the matter is, we’re just going to have to leave some folks behind. Know when you’ve outgrown something and PREPARE to move on. The time will come for us to pick up and go.

If you’re operating in a box, that’s too small for you, then bust out!! Get yourself in order and clear out some space!! I'm dusting and cleaning out my corners and challenge you to do the same!! Get ready, get prepared!! The world is waiting on you!!

Focused: Day 4

Today is a pretty quiet one...I found enough time to get cute, as I seem to be more productive that way, but it's been all work today!! Endless research, brainstorming and thinking, writing plans and arranging things to be set in motion.

Yesterday was a good reminder of where I need to be and after chatting with a friend, I know I'm on my way. I'm up for the challenge of wading through the nonsense of life and coming out smelling like a rose.

This was just a quick check in. Above is my focused look.

Oh, and wait, I'm getting in my water in too!!
<-----------------------------This is WATER!!

<-------------- This too!!









I'm on it!!

Reflection: Day 3

So, I’m having issues with my internet access at home. I’m very observant, so I have come to realize that this tends to happen when I need to be quiet and still. So, I took this opportunity to do some housework (my exercise today), cook (ensuring healthy eating with lots of veggies) and meditation.

Sometimes meditating makes me sleepy, so you can guess I had a pretty good nap today. Along with this, I had some good reflection time. I like when I get to do this, which isn’t often unfortunately. It allows me to quiet everything around me and that’s a task because there is always something going on in my life. I ignored the phone and just sat to think.

Today was about focus. We always have something to do, but without focus, I find that sometimes I do things in a very haphazard way. In some seasons, I’m okay with that, but right now, it’s not the best thing. I realized today that everything I do, in this particular season of my life, needs to be purposeful. It needs to mean something to me and be related to where I want to go next.

This prompted me to write some goals and make some decisions. I can no longer be concerned with what others think or say about my decisions. I’m doing it because it’s what I need to do, to be where I need to go. I listed my personal, professional and relationship goals down on paper. Now it’s time for me to take the advice I give others, a lesson I learned from author Henriette_Anne_Klauser. Since I wrote it down, it’s time to make it happen.

If you’re feeling lost or like your life is going every which way, take the time to relax, silence your thoughts (and others) and reflect. If you are seeking something, you are sure to find it. We already have it in us. It’s time to pull it out…Namaste.

 

Cute and Free: Checking In - Day 2

Well, it's Day 2 of THE CHALLENGES...at least I'm getting the blog in. Today has been such a whirlwind!!

Walking was abundant, today, but I slacked a bit on the water. Also, I didn't get in the veggie intake I desired, but lettuce and a few tomatoes made it to the palate.

On to some good stuff though. Today was a good day!! I spent some time with my parents and had a great meeting with my Sorority sisters. Throwing around ideas, along with an AWESOME writing class I had yesterday, is really putting me in a creative and positive mood!! The bonus, I looked cute today!! I was comfy in my maxi and wore my very own handcrafted jewelry. See for yourself!!



See told you!! Anyway, I'm signing off, but headed to get my water in...(my Soror just reminded me that she hasn't seen me drinking any during our meeting.) Time to get it in!! CHEERS!!

She's Awakened!! 30 Day Challenges - Day 1

Hello all!! It’s a new day and I’ve decided to participate in several 30 days challenges this month!!

On a personal note, I’m doing the 30 day photo journal. This will be letting you all know what I’m thinking, what’s going on and where I am!! This should be fun…well, at least interesting!! Shout out to Megan Yasu at thekitchensalon.com for the inspiration to do this one!! Check her out at: Thekitchensalon.com

On the Health scene, I’m participating in:

Veggie Challenge – a call out to myself to eat better, drink more water and frankly use up the millions of bags of frozen vegetables I have in my freezer!! Today, has been filled with carrots, corn, peas and even veggie chips!! Water has been plentiful!!

Exercise – this is self-explanatory and it’s the second time I’ve done this one this summer. Every day, I pledge to move my body for at least 30 minutes and report back on Facebook. Want to join in the fun, join here: Health_and_Wellness

This is just the jumpstart I need to get into the swing of things. July was full of ups and downs and unfortunately, so many downs, I couldn’t even bring myself to blog about it. Now, I’m reclaiming that zest for life and I want to share it with you, hopefully sparking something in someone else.

We’re here to live, so let’s do it!!

Here’s my Day #1 photo!! It’s August, I’m feeling free and it’s time to give all of me!! I’m smiling!! Hope you enjoy today!!

March Wrap Up...April Goals

So...March was my month to get my organizing on!! For the most part, I really got it together. I didn't complete all my organization tasks, but I did complete the huge project of paperwork and filing. Now I can find anything I need easily and quickly!! That was the REAL goal!!

Happy for the lil diva because she has a JOB!! She is making her own money (she's also paying rent and for her own car insurance)!!

March was also a great month because I not only got the debt monkey off my back, I also purchased my voice over equipment, so now I can do what I love, in my own home!! It was an investment and I used my credit card for some of it, but it was worth the investment. I plan on getting a great return!! Now, I just need to focus!! I'm thankful to God and looking forward to what's next!!

GOALS for April
- Complete my demo and build my voice over business
- Networking: obtain and participate in more contract jobs
- Get ready for daughter's' Prom and other senior activities
- Set aside funds for conference, graduation and family reunions
- Participate in Earth Month (I have a few bags and boxes ready to be recycled)

Check Up on M.O.M.: The Process of Progress

While looking through old files and shredding old documents, I literally see the growth in my life.

Some of this process was really fun. I enjoyed reminiscing over old pictures, business cards, my cute checks (Pink Panther, Retro), and both mine and my daughter’s achievements over the years. I couldn’t help but to feel proud of myself. Proud of the growth I attained spiritually, financially and emotionally. Looking back I can see just how much of an achiever I’ve always been. I found that I’m no longer a big competitor…my mindset now is that “the top” is for anyone and everyone who seeks it…not just for a few.

Some other realizations came up in these files. I used to be organized…LOL Also, I used to be frivolous and haphazard in the way I spent my time, my money and my resources. That realization helps me to see that I am changing…and change is good. Freedom is the current dominant emotion right now. I can now and have now released all limiting beliefs about myself, my life and my family’s lives.

Progress...This is good.

Check In on M.O.M.: Confessions of an Ex-Packrat

People change!! Thank God!! I've evolved into a frugal, but abundantly thinking person. I've also began to understand that I don't NEED everything. So cluttering our lives with endless things is just not helpful to a person that wants to succeed in life. We HAVE to leave the baggage behind. Close the door on some things...it's the only way to be open to the things we really want and need!!

In my quest to be M.O.M. (Motivated to Organize in March), I've been going through my old file cabinet and my old room at my parents house. YES, I'm spoiled and still have things at my parents house!! They are not bothering anybody...but ME!!

So anyway, I gathered file after file and folder after folder of papers, workbooks, receipts, mementos and envelopes. Seriously, why did I need to keep the envelopes for bills I either paid in person or online? Some of this junk even dates back to grade school. That is a shame!! So needless to say, I have been spending large portions of my days sorting, shredding and recycling mounds of paper waste.

As far as I can remember, I was a paper shuffler. I just couldn't throw anything away, just put it in a folder or tucked it in a binder. I remember once asking my cousin Angie to help me clean up. When she would ask me what to keep, it was always everything she picked up. Finally she stopped asking me and just started tossing things in the trash. All these years later...I finally get it. I didn't need it!! 

So now, that rule has now been adopted. I keep what means something to me and the rest gets shredded or recycled (see there's that evolution thing...before we just threw it all in the trash). If I need the information, we have this WONDERFUL place called Google, where I can most certainly retrieve it. No matter what, it gets out of my life, so I can clear space for something greater!! On a mission!! Who's with me?  

I will be M.O.M.

Motivated to Organize in March. I was the Domestic Diva of Frugal in February and I will keep that cooking thing going. In March, however, it’s about putting together the things that have fallen apart over the last couple of months. I have been helping a Soror declutter and she, in turn, has been assisting me with organizing my life.

She gave me the BEST GIFT EVER!! FileSolutions…The Home Filing System!! (http://www.filesolutions.com)

O-M-G!! It is the best system a disorganized slacker like me could EVER have!! It’s easy to use and color-coded. The makers of this product, thought of EVERYTHING!! My goal and intent for March is to file ALL my paperwork in this filing system and keep it together. I’ve already started and it’s really great!!

So, I’ve mapped out a couple of goals for the month:

1) File all the paperwork

2) Get storage tools for all my stuff

3) Finish DIY projects (hanging artwork, put together jewelry box)

4) Donate the items no longer needed or wanted

BONUS Goal: It’s important for to know is that everything has a place. This month, I will find out where those places are and put my items there!!

There are a lot of things forthcoming and I want to be prepared for them. There has to be space for them!! Many people, myself included, claim to be multi task oriented, but the fact is, multitasking in chaos is just not conducive to true productivity. When things are cluttered there’s an immobilizing and stagnant feeling that comes over me. When there is greatness to be achieved, the last thing we need to be is stuck.

So, I declare the way to unlock the key to the next phase in life is to organize and clear a path for it. Join me in being M.O.M…Motivated to Organize in March!!