Motivation Monday – Be Fearless – A grocery store experience

Browsing the book section at my local Meijer store, I noticed the headings above the display of books. The first one that caught my eye said Bestselling Authors. My inner child kicked in as I thought, they only have books by bestselling authors? Why not a section for new authors? I guess I’ll have to become a bestselling author.

I looked further down an aisle and a calming sensation washed over me. The heading above the books in this area said Inspiration, my favorite. The books displayed were also by bestselling authors. Surely my forthcoming book could fit somewhere on that shelf.

I looked around to see if anyone was watching. I slowly slid Joyce Meyer’s book to the left, moved T.D. Jakes to the right, and shifted Joel Osteen just a tad. Chicken Soup for the soul had too many books to relocate. Finally there was space for my book. The book that is sure to strike a chord of inspiration or birth a series of smiles.

It has been said that you have to visualize what you want. My grocery store experience was a visualization experiment. I thought about standing there with my eyes closed to lock the image in my mind. The image was replaced with one of store security carrying me away because they thought I was not stable. Instead, I pulled my phone from my purse and took pictures of the rows of books.

Fearless. You have to “be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” What is it that sets your soul on fire? The time is now to chase your fashion.

Fitness Friday – Do the work get the results – 3 Fitness tips

Day after day you drag yourself from the bed after hitting snooze on your alarm, more than one time. You ask yourself, why am I doing this? You have to put in the work if you want the results. No matter what you are pursuing – leadership goals, healthy eating, fitness, you must do the work to get the results.

As a reminder of why we do what we do, the fitness coach at the women’s fitness gym gave us a wristband with the aforementioned phrase. If you are beginning a fitness routine, take photos along your journey so that you can see your progress.

Below are three fitness to encourage you to do the work to get the results you want.

1.      Establish a workout routine and be consistent

2.      Set small goals that will help you develop healthy habits

3.      Get an accountability partner – share tips and encourage each other

The next time your alarm signals it’s time for a new day, hit snooze if you must, but remember your end results. 

A-Train's SuperFit Women's Gym

What would you add the list of fitness tips?

Tuesday Tips – 3 Reasons to create a success journal

I want financial freedom. I want to travel more. I want to write a book. Have you ever made a declarative statement of something you want to accomplish? What is stopping you from pursuing those things? Jump start your journey by creating a success journal.

Your success journal does not have to be extravagant. Think of the acronym K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Silly). Here are 3 reasons why you should keep a success journal.

1.      Keep you focused

2.      Celebrate your accomplishments along the way

3.      Helps you understand your why – better understanding of yourself and why you’re doing this thing you want to do

There are different ways to approach your success journal. You can grab a spiral notebook and get started or purchase a fancy journal. Chose a method that fits your personality. One approach is to create a goal at the beginning of the week. Each day write an entry that reflects one positive thing that you did toward your goal.

If your ultimate goal is financial freedom, perhaps your goal for the week is to cut back on mindless spending. If your goal is to write a book, set dedicated writing time each day, even if it is only 30 minutes. You decide you want to travel more. During week one, you could dedicate time to research places you want to go and identify the expenses.

If you prefer to have something more regimented, purchase Success Journal that gives you points to start with. There are journals that begin each page with an encouraging quote followed by space to write your vision, dream or accomplishment.

photo credit: My Success Journal by Frances Marx

What are you waiting for? Success is just around the corner.

Fun Friday – Back to school

It was a typical July day - exercise, work and coffee at my favorite lunchtime writing spot. As I sat, sipping coffee and working on a writing assignment, my phone buzzed. It was a text message from my teen son that read, “I’m getting ready to go.”

“Noooo, everybody didn’t get to say goodbye. I thought you were staying one more day.” I really meant I didn’t say goodbye.

My son was driving back to college that day. I thought I had convinced him to stay one more day. I rattled off a list of reasons to stay…

·         Your living quarters were not going to be ready for another day.

·         You’ll have to inconvenience your friend’s parents by staying with them.

·         You may forget items if I’m not there when you leave.

None of these reasons shook his resolve.

“Okay,” I said. “If I get home and you’ve left stuff everywhere, I’m charging you a $50 cleaning fee.”

My son met me at my lunch spot to take a few selfies before he headed off to school.

Later, I arrived home ready to put my feet up, sit outside in the warm breeze, and sip on a smoothie made with fresh berries. Instead, I had to navigate through a living room that looked like a shoe display at Foot Locker, Famous Footwear or some other popular shoe store.

There were empty boxes and other boxes filled with shoes waiting to be moved to a new location. Putting my sleuth skills to work, it wasn’t long before I realized my son packed hurriedly.

His George Foreman Grill still sat on the kitchen counter. There was a five pound bag of rice still in the cabinet, and the bedroom held a scattering of socks, a towel and other miscellaneous items.

Once my son arrived safely at his destination he texted me and said, “I made it. I just realized I forgot to grab my clothes hangers.”

“Yes buddy, you forgot more than that. And you do owe me a $50 cleaning fee.”

My son was anxious to get back to school, not for the exciting academic year, but for football training. Everybody has something different that drives them to succeed.

Sitting in a lawn chair sipping a Strawberry Banana Smoothie on a warm July day, does not seem the time to prepare for back to school. I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer, but, for everything there is a season.

How does your child prepare for back to school?

Words of Wisdom – Inspiration

photo credit: AvtiveRain

Be encouraged, stand strong and hold onto your faith.

Repeat these words…

I AM

I CAN

I WILL

I DO

Complete the above phrases with encouraging thoughts. As you stir up inspiration, share inspirational thoughts with someone else.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes by Zig Ziglar -

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”

Your charge for today is to reach out to at least one person with an inspirational thought.

Motivational Monday – The Message

Don’t push me ‘casue I’m close to the edge. I’m trying not to lose my head. It’s like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under. These are the lyrics to a rap song from the 1980’s titled The Message, by Grand Master Flash and Furious Five.

In The Message, the rapper is portraying his trials and tribulations as being like a jungle. In essence, he turned his mess into his message. We have all experienced situations where we didn’t know how we would overcome the obstacle. Through faith we overcome. These are times where our misery can become our ministry.

I’ve heard it said that sometimes we go through trials, not for ourselves, but for another person. The trial you experience may be for the purpose of you helping someone else. The story you share can help a friend see that there is hope for their situation. Share your message.

You don’t have to be a rap star, past or present to share your message. Lean on your faith and be true to yourself, completely honest with what you feel.

What is your message?

Feel Good Friday – Leadership

photo credit - DYM BLog - Download Youth Ministry

My teen son came home from his summer camp job and said, “Ma, I salute you. I don’t know how you worked eight hours a day, then came how to deal with us. Those kids are wearing me out.”

After I finished my deep belly laugh, I said, “You do what you need to do.” My son actually stood and saluted me in the middle of our living room. It felt good that he recognized that parenting or being an adult for that matter, takes effort.

I explained to my son that he experienced first-hand, the reason for training. If we are to grow and transform as leaders, training is beneficial. Ladies, you may have experienced moments where you felt like you had to go from bottles to the board room.

As my son alluded to, we go from parenting at home to a leadership role at work. I’ve always appreciated attending retreats as they help to motivate, encourage, and provide new resources for your journey.

I met Joscelyn this year and was impressed by her professionalism and accomplishments. Through her business, JADE Strategies, she is offering JADE Strategies’ Trailblazing Women’s Retreat. The information is below, but check out her website for more details. The event will be held in Auburn Hills, MI.

If you don’t live in Michigan, don’t let that stop you. Hope in a car or on a plane with a friend and get ready to “awaken your inner trailblazer” (Joscelyn Davis).

Greetings!

I’m looking forward to welcoming you and our very special guests* at

JADE Strategies’ Trailblazing Women’s Retreat

on Saturday, August 4^th at Baker College of Auburn Hills!

Join us by reserving your spot today!

Seats are limited, and registration ends in less than three weeks.

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 Click here for a photo gallery of past Trailblazing Workshops.

 *In addition to engaging in advanced leadership training, we’ll honor the first recipient of the Scorch Award℠, Chenita W. Gary, founder of a truly innovative company, which she developed after attending a trailblazing women’s workshop and which is now a thriving enterprise! We’ll also hear from a distinguished panel of professional women who will share their stories of triumph and challenge in blazing their career paths.

 Register today and prepare to train like a champion!

 What others are saying about Trailblazing Women’s Workshops:

"JADE Strategies' Trailblazer workshop was a refreshing take on women supporting women.... No matter what stage of trailblazing you're in,

there's something to be gained by everyone who participates in this forum."  Stefanie Worth, Nonprofit Executive Director

“...Training is inspiring, detailed, and extremely transformational for women who want to become effective leaders."

Marian McClellan, Mayor

Warm regards,

Joscelyn A. Davis

Founder, President and Chief Strategist

JADE Strategies, Inc.

Take time for personal improvement. Do it for you.

Wellness Wednesday – National Blueberry Muffin Day

photo credit: Yammie's Noshery

National Blueberry Muffin Day is recognized on July 11^th. Celebrate by baking blueberry muffins. Pick fresh berries or grab some from your local market. If muffins are not your favorite, use blueberries in a different recipe or to make a smoothie.

Blueberries are not just tasty, they have health benefits. Below are 5 health benefits of blueberries, as reported by healthline

1.      Blueberries are low in calories, but high in nutrients.

2.      Blueberries may lower blood pressure.

3.      Blueberries may help prevent heart disease.

4.      Blueberries can help maintain brain function and improve memory.

5.      Substances in blueberries may help fight urinary tract infections.

Do you have a favorite blueberry muffin recipe? Share it here.

Grab some blueberries and celebrate National Blueberry Muffin Day?

Motivational Monday – Family Reunion

Oldest relative - Aunt Josie (grandfather's sister)

“Cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey.” Jack Layton

Being a member of a sorority or fraternity is like having extended family. In the case of my nephew, he discovered that one of his fraternity brothers was actually his cousin. They hung out together, but neither of them knew the family lineage. There has not been a family reunion on my grandfather’s side of the family in over ten years.

My cousin came to visit from Kentucky, family gathered for a cook-out and an impromptu family reunion happened. Laughter, sharing stories, and lots of picture taking were part of the festivities. It was past time for a family reunion.

We’re in the midst of reunion season – high school reunions, college reunions and family reunions. A family reunion is about spending quality time together. It allows the younger generation who may not live near each other to bond. It’s also an opportunity to meet new babies, spouses and reconnect with other relatives.

When was the last time you got together with family? You may have a cousin nearby who you have yet to discover.  Reach out to a relative you haven’t talked to in a while and just say hi.

photo credit: Pinterest

Fun Friday – My son the aeronautical engineer

It’s summer camp season and my sons are at camp everyday…as camp counselors. Every day they have unique stories about their day. One day my son came home and said to his brother, “I made one paper airplane, then all the kids asked for one.”

I told my son, “You’re an aeronautical engineer.”

There was a sparkle in my other son’s eyes as he said, “I can use that on my resume, aeronautical engineer.”

The planes my son created were not passenger jets, nor were they space shuttles. The paper designs could be considered fighter planes. The kids became pilots, launching their planes through the air, some soaring, others spinning and a few needed tweaking. Laughter and screams filled the air.

Mission accomplished. Kids were entertained, had fun and went home tired. My son was an aeronautical engineer for one day, but in “real life” he’s majoring in business. The kids at camp look up to him, not just because he’s 6’3”, but because of the lessons they learn. One of those lessons being, it’s okay to have fun.

Both of my sons said, “Now I see how it was when the kids used to run up to you saying, Ms. Angie, Ms. Angie.” When the kids are excited, they leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling, knowing that you have touched them in some way.

My sons have unknowingly followed in my footsteps through their involvement with summer day camps. From camper to camp counselor and beyond, I encouraged my sons to grow where they are planted and enjoy the journey. Be an inspiration to someone who crosses your path.

No matter whether you’re an aeronautical engineer, college student, other laborer, you can be appositive influence in someone’s life. How will you encourage someone today?

Wellness Wednesday – 3 Tips for beautiful nails

Improve your appearance from head to toe. Be kind to your hands and feet. Well-manicured nails give you a neat appearance. Below are a few tips from experts (dermatologists) on how to take care of your nails.

1.      Moisturize the nail bed and cuticle – protects nails from breaking due to lack of moisture.  This also makes the cuticle look better.

2.      Avoid rough emery boards – One expert, Dr. Margaret Ravits, MD, says the old-fashioned orange emery boards are harsh for nails and cause cracks that lead to breakage. She recommends using a smooth, fine file. You should file your nails in one direction, not back and forth. Do it slowly to reduce risk of breakage.

3.      Don’t cut or manipulate the cuticles – the cuticle protects against bacteria and fungus.

The tips above also apply to your toe nails. Now that you have tips to make or keep your nails looking good, why not top them off a fabulous nail color. Have you heard of Color Street nail polish strips? It’s simple to apply and no need to wait for it to dry like traditional nail polish.

The Color Street brand has benefits. It’s not made with formaldehyde like some nail polishes. Check out the selection of styles at my website. You’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy – glitter colors, bright colors, and natural colors. Buy three, get one free and host your very own spa day.

Take care of your nails. Visit my Color Street website and let me know your favorite style. If you’d like to try a free sample leave your email address for more details.

Motivational Monday – Good Things

photo credit: Quote Ambition

“Good things are supposed to happen to me.” Do you believe this statement? We have to live a life of expectancy. Expecting that we are worthy of good things. I read a quote that said, “The moment you wake up is filled with possibilities. In what way will you grow better than you were?”

Take a few minutes today to think about a good thing that occurred from a situation that seemed bad. What will you do to encourage someone else to find the good in a situation? Help someone smile today.