FINDING YOUR VOICE

So in the beginning I told you about my alter ego “Anayah”. In my opinion she is the true personification of what I want to be when I reach the 2011 destination of my journey. Each day I discover that Anayah is more a part of me than I thought she was. She is me and I am her. It’s just a matter of allowing this part of myself to be. I realize that over the years I’ve hidden this side of myself. Why? Because Anayah is brassy, unconstrained and in your face. She says what she wants and means what she says. She is not a people pleaser; her pleasure derives from self and the ability to remain true and honest.


Lisa on the other hand is a people pleaser. I have taken biting your tongue and swallowing your words to a whole new level. I don’t like shaking things up and on most occasions take in more bulls**t than I put out. Usually to the point that I can’t take anymore and I snap. This is no way to live; this is without a shadow of doubt a weight in my life that has caused me to carry the weight on my body.

People take advantage of you when they don’t know your Voice. They place their demands and expectations upon you when you fail to be heard. When you stand by and allow the people in your life: your family, your friends, your lover, your co-workers etc., to wipe their feet on you, they get used to you being their door mat. You assume the posture of someone who is to be overlooked and discarded. Someone who can be used and misused.

There is something totally wonderful and phabolous about standing your ground and saying what’s on your mind. There is something freeing about NOT allowing the world to have its way with you. There is something completely Liberating about SCREAMING! Leave me alone! Don’t talk to me in that manner! You will Respect ME! Or my all time favorite, GO TO STRAIGHT TO HELL! Whatever the words are that you’ve been holding back in fear that you may offend someone or lose someone dear…..say them before you lose the one person you should hold dearest…YOURSELF!

The Power of Life and Death are on the tip of your Tongue. Give Voice to a New Life and A New Way of Living!

Affirm Daily: I am Wonderfully Phabolous, Beautiful and Strong. I am Successful and Powerful, Resilient and Full of Life…Because of this and so Much More, You will Honor and Respect Me or You will Remove Yourself from My Life!

Here We Go AGAIN

Here I am again. This is the way it goes down EVERY TIME. I start out the gate running full speed ahead, ready to conquer the world. I feel invincible, unstoppable and determined. This is it! This time around I’m going to show all the nay sayers and haters that didn’t believe in me that I could do it. I'm going to prove once and for all that once I set my mind to it I was able to achieve everything I said I would.
That’s in the beginning, when the fire is hot and my mind and will are aligned. That was back in January, when anger, hurt and passion were fueling my ambitions and I wanted more than anything to come out on top. That was before the work began. Once reality set in and I realized the amount of work that needed to be done in order for change to occur, the Old Lisa stepped in. And I have been in a mental fist fight with her ever since. I’m puzzled as to how this happens to me. Almost without warning, one morning I wake up and all the zest and zeal is gone. I am back in that place of self doubt and confusion. Asking why me Lord, why me? Why can’t I have success? Why does it come so easy for some yet so hard for me? Am I not worthy? What have they done that I am not doing? Why is life so easy for them? BLAH. BLAH! BLAH! You know….whoa is me! Whoa is ME!

The difference this time is that I recognize and am now confronting my biggest enemy, ME! I have allowed so many years to past me by. Years that could have been used productively. I’m pissed with myself for allowing the EXCUSES to get in the way. I have a thousand and one excuses as to why I haven’t done the things that I say I want to do. A thousand and one EXCUSES that amount to absolutely nothing.

I have been struggling with my weight for years; juggling the same 50 to 75 pounds. Losing it, gaining it…living with it. (SCREAMING!!!!!) I am so F**King tired of hearing my own sob story about the weight. Stop eating so damn much Lisa, workout….it’s not Rocket Science. Either lose it or accept it. But for the love of God please stop whinning about it! Then there’s school. LOL! I have been finishing school for 15 years. I should have a Double Doctrine by now. Again either finish or shut up about it. More importantly come to grips and realize that the level of my success is not determined by a Degree someone gives me but yet by the Degree of intensity I give to myself and my life. Ahhh HA!!!
And last but certainly not least is my writing, my book. This is by my biggest crime against myself. I have sat back and watched far LESS talented people publish books and achieve the very success I’ve envisioned for myself. What is that! It’s INSANITY that’s what it is! I must be out of my mind…to sit on God given talent and just allow it to waste away. I am doing myself a grave injustice.

I’ve got to get back on track. I’ve strayed away from the plan. I’ve lost sight of the vision. I’ve lost FOCUS. I thank God for allowing me to see it now instead of 3 or 4 months down the line. I refuse to bring in 2011 standing in the same spot I was in at the beginning of 2010; assuming the same position in the same posture. I promise you…NO I PROMISE MYSELF that when I toast the New Year in 2011 I will not be the same person. I will have to ID myself because I plan to be unrecognizable even to me!  Mentally, Physically and Spiritually Transformed. Phabolous beyond Recognition!

Makes Me Wanna Holler

Life is overwhelming when you're living. I've discovered that when you are truly trying to do everything you should be doing and everything you want to do, there are not enough hours in the day. Scheduling and planning are a must and even then sometimes you wanna just throw your hands in the air and holler.

 My day usually begins at 4:30am with a workout until 6:00am, rush home shower and get dressed. Start my blog, open my business and work until 1:00pm, when I normally get a break. Hopefully during this time if I'm lucky I'll get to finish my blog, post it; eat some lunch and maybe even relax. By 2:30pm I start back up again and I don't finish until around 6:00pm on a good day. At which time I try to find some dinner, work on my book and tidy my house. If I manage to stay awake, I catch up on a little television which doesn't last long before I am fast asleep. Mind you some days there are errands to run...the bank, drug store, groceries, and even a date here and there. WTH! And I can just forget about the weekends because Saturday is usually a marathon of running around! Sunday is a blurr and then it's Monday all over again!!
I'm saying all this to express a need to revamp my schedule and find some type of sensibility especially before  I add school to the equation. I've got to discover a life less complicated that allows me to accomplish my goals with minimum stress and maximum joy. Otherwise my journey will be derailed and I will return to my old routine of doing the bare minimum, just enough to get by.

Ah Haah Moment #10: Never be afraid to take a detour. It's better to take a different path that leads to the same destination than to give up and turn back.

Obligations

We are so many things to so many people that sometimes we forget to be ourselves. We spend so much time running through life trying to meet the expectations and obligations set for us by others that we lose ourselves and become titles... dedicated moms, devoted wifes, disciplined church members and indispensable employees. So many titles that the Tracys, Monicas and Nicoles get lost. We put so much effort into upholding an "Image" that eventually when we look in the mirror we don't recognize the image staring back at us.
When we strip away the titles imposed upon us by others, what are we left with? Why are we so quick to define ourselves by the deeds and work we do for others? Instead shouldn't the definition of who we are be the one that clearly affirms the Destiny we've set for ourselves? Should we not be so bold as to decide who we want to be? Why is saying "No" and doing for self so quickly associated with being selfish and therefore wrong?
I am so sick and tired of feeling guilty for not wanting to be everything to everybody. And even more tired of people trying to pimp my talents and my time. It seems no matter what, there will always be those that are more than willing to leech off the skills and efforts of others.

A great part of my journey is taking care of Self; putting me first. I will no longer feel obligated to comply, conform or commit myself to anything but Me and My God. Everyone and everything else is secondary and therefore must wait until I have the time and energy to give to their situation. I will no longer carry the weight of others, especially those who are not willing to carry mine. The weight of the world will no longer be placed upon my shoulders. I wanna be FREE! Free to be the Phabolous Woman I was Destine to BE!

This is my Emancipation Speech...

Support

I believe in order to truly be successful, one must surround themselves with family and friends that offer support. People that are familiar with your struggles and have a genuine vested interest in your success. I have often referred to them as passengers on the journey but in many ways they are conductors. The good ones, the ones that truly love and believe in you are essential. It is their guidance that will steer the way when you get off track. It is their words that will resonate in your heart and mind when you feel discouraged. It is their strength that will carry you when you feel like you can not go on.
I spend a lot of time looking for motivation and support to aid me on my journey. I find myself seeking songs that inspire me, quotes that lift me, television shows that inform me and online communities that offer support and encouragement. I am always amazed at the outpour of support and kindness of strangers. People struggling with the same issues and concerns; willing to share their stories and offer their support. People just like me.
One such community can be found at Sparkpeople.com. On this site you will find people of all ages and from all walks of life that are working towards losing weight. The site is free and offers countless tools that will aid you in your journey. Tools that allow you to track your daily caloric intake, as well as give you menus to follow according to your dietary needs. Tools that map out work out regiments and help you set fitness goals. I just joined yesterday and I love it. Simple to use and easy to apply.
If you just want to be inspired by other people's success, try "The Biggest Loser" at NBC.com. The tranformations are remarkable no matter how many times you watch them. This site also offers weight loss strategies, menu ideas and recipes; as well as workout routines. I start my morning by watching the videos and tracking the success stories of former contestants.
No matter who or where you draw your inspiration from, remember to feed your spirit daily with words and images that will encourage your success. What you take in is what you put out...Watch your thoughts, they become your words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become your habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. WATCH YOUR CHARACTER, IT BECOMES YOUR DESTINY. I am determined that my destiny is alined with Greatest and full of Phabolous living!

The Pressure

Things happen for a reason and all of it happens in due season. Sometimes the very thing you run from is the very thing you need. I am learning to embrace life just as it comes to me. Learning to change the things that I can and to accept the things that I have no control over. I'm learning to Stand still and Listen. Listening is so HARD. Going into that quiet place where only you and God dwell, silencing the noise of the world and following the lead of the One that already knows the plan. The One who the wrote the plan.
The arrogant part of me would like to believe that this journey was of my own choosing. But it was Time, I think the Creator got tired of watching me travel around in the same circle wasting the gifts He had given me. He created me to be Phabolous and to live a Phabolous life. That is His wish for all of us. I don't believe a person has to be holier than thou or walk around toting a bible to recognize when God is moving in their lives. Sometimes there is no other explanation.
Over the past 47 days I have been in a tug of war, fighting with great vigor the changes that are occuring in my life. This time I am not winning...God is standing His ground. He is deteremined that my life will be an example of how great He is.

Anyone who has been through a season of change knows that the hardest part is the Pressure. The pressure that must be applied in order to uncover the beauty that lies within. If you can withstand the pressure... Glory! I am learning that during this season of change everything has a purpose. Every triumph, every trail and every tribulation has a purpose. There is a reason why people seem to be turning their backs on you. There is a reason why you are always sick, always tired. There is a reason why you lost your job, there is a reason why the relationship ended. Even my insomnia has a purpose.There is no time for Sleep...Change is Coming! The pressure is changing my posture. I don't Stand the same therefore I won't Stand for the same. The pressure is making my heart Tougher, my mind Wiser and my shoulders Stronger. So the next time life throws me a punch I'll be Tough enough to withstand it or Wise enough to duck. The next time the weight of the world is on my shoulders I'll be able to stand a little taller, throw my shoulders back and Scream "Is that All you GOT!" The pressure... I Thank God for the Pressure. I'm thankful He chose me to apply pressure to. I know it is because He sees in me what I have yet to see in myself, A Diamond. And just as you must apply pressure to a lump of coal to produce a diamond, so must you apply pressure to your life to come out Shinning. Shinning Like the Beautiful, Brilliant, Phabolous Jewel you were meant to be.

She Needs A Spanxing

I have a confession...I have been out of order and sited for being in violation of a critical dress code:
"Every wardrobe must be Built Upon a Strong Foundation; Undergarments that Smooth, Support and Hold."

 I am so ashamed! SMH. I have always been an advocate for a good bra but have strayed away from the beckoning calls of girdles and spanx. Why? I hate to feel confined. Shame on me;  confinement is a small price to pay to hide the sins of age and gravity.
It seems that even skinny women can appreciate the value of a good body shaper. So I guess I need a Spanxing! Again I have always believed in investing in a good quality bra. And because I have been so heavily blessed I make it a point of getting properly fitted for my bras, spending as much as $50.00 for just one. To some this may seem a bit expensive but in my opinion you can not put a price on the unkeep of the 'Girls'.  There is nothing worst or more damaging than breast that hang low. Not a good look at all, regardless of the size.
Now as far as girdles or what I like to call under armor are concerned, I have never been  a fan. One, as I mentioned before I always feel so confined and restricted when wearing these garments and two which is the most important factor for me, it takes a minute to get out of these things and I don't have the strongest bladder in the world. WTH! I have always said I'd rather jiggle in my clothes than sprinkle on them. I know TMI (too much information). But as we all know it only takes a drop to ruin your entire day....been there done that. LOL 
Regardless of my reasons, it seems I need to get over it as my cousin Kay would say. Spanx are an essential part of a true Phat and Phabolous diva's wardrobe. She will not leave home without them. Whether she's rocking a sexy form fitting dress, some sleek leggings or a trendy jogging suit, spanx are MUST WEAR!! So it seems I have no choice but to invest in some fat stabilizers. This being established I've done some investigating and I find myself gravitating towards spanx. They come in wide variety of styles, sizes and colors. They appear to be less restricting and just as effective. Girdles are a bit much for me and body magic....WTH, can we say torture chamber. You might as well wear a corset, how Medieval. So unless anyone can suggest something more effective and less confining I'm going with spanx. Wow....all in the name of Phab. Again "To Thy Ownself Be True". You know who you are... only jello is meant to jiggle.

What Not To Wear

Over the past few weeks I find myself scouring through catalogs and department stores looking for a fresh new look. Clothes that are hot, trendy and classy; pieces that will further my transition from ordinary sista to extraordinary diva. But instead of satisfying my quest for a new look and a host of phab finds fit for a Plus Size Queen...I find myself trapped in an episode of "What Not To Wear".
It seems that the reoccuring theme amongst plus size fashion designers is to simply mimic the styles and designs of the designers of regular size clothing. Now to some this may not seem like such a bad idea. I for one believe in equal opportunity clothing. BUT just because it looks good in a size 10 does not mean it will look good in a size 26. So I guess it's up to us to know "What Not To Wear".
A true Diva knows herself and is very familiar with what works for her body and style. I always say "To Thy Own Self Be True". Meaning 9 times out of 10 we know off the rip whether or not a particular look works for us. And for those of us who don't, intervention is on the way.

 A prime example are Leggings. Leggings are making a comeback and women of all shapes and sizes are rocking them left and right. While a pair of leggings can add life to a drab essemble, there are certain rules that must be followed.

1) Unless you are a size 8 or smaller...please do not wear them without at least a hip length top. No one wants to see all that your mama gave you, especially when it takes on the shape of a triangle.

2) Go dark on stay home! As a friend of mine recently told me, no grown woman in her right mind should be out and about in lime green, hot pink or corvett red leggings. WTH! You are not Blossom or Punky Brewster!!

3) Last but certainly not least...leggings are very unforgiving. They reveal ever dent, bump, and dimple. And Lord knows that unless you are 18 and solid as a rock, you are going to jiggle. Either put on some spanx or put on some jeans.

Trend #2: Sleeveless, One Sleeve or Halter
 I know, I know...when it's hot you wanna feel free. This works for some. But for those of US that can't do it...leave it alone. There are so many other options. 4 Words: Stretch marks and Bat Wings...not gonna work. It's not even worth it; there are so many cute tops with short sleeves and 3/4 sleeves.

Finally my All time Favorite: Form Fitting or Tight!

Why? WTH are you thinking about!?? There are a lot of Fulfigured sisters out there with Coke bottle figures. They are shapely and well proportioned BUT there are alot of sisters that are not. It's Okay! It is what it is! I just can not understand buying a dress or outfit that does not compliment your silouhette. Why would you highlight you flaws?

At the end of the day...style is simple. Do what WORKS for you and if you don't know what works, ask a friend. Friends don't Let Friends Dress Drunk!! And if you wear clothes that don't work for you... that's exactly what people will think: "She must have been drunk when she put that on". I for one employ my sista friends to tackle my behind down at the door before they allow me to hit the streets WRONG and OUT OF ORDER!! Sometimes It Takes A Village to Raise A Phabolous Diva.

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

During an interview a couple years ago actor Will Smith said that he tries to make sure he surrounds himself with people that are above him. Men and women that are doing things and have made accomplishments that he has yet to achieve. By doing so he believes he puts himself in the mindset that there is always work to be done and therefore there are always new heights to ascend to.
Look around you....are the people in your life in the same situation you're in? Even worst are you doing better than everyone else in your circle? Perhaps this is why you are stuck in a rut...stagnate. How easy is it to become complacent when no one around you serves as an inspiration.

I realize I cling to the familiar, over the years change has been a source of discomfort. I also realize that some of the people in my life are depending on me not changing. Again I say look around you...there are people that feed off your energy whether it be negative or positive. When you are doing well and your light is shining too bright you will find they stear themselves in the opposite direction in fear that your rays will illuminate their dim existance. When you are down and in the dumps they cling to you because your dampened spirits make their situation seem brighter.
If you encapsulate yourself within a group of people that are at the top of their game, women that are well put together, well groomed and phabolous, business owners that are prosperous, intelligent and driven, men and women that are healthy and fit, spiritually grounded, financially secure and positive; your entire mindset will change. How can it not? You will either be inspired to change or you too will find reason to distance yourself. One thing is for sure negative people can not survive in an environment that has been set at a climate of  happiness, personal growth and success. A joyful existance is infectious. You stay around a joy filled, successful person long enough you will eventually begin to inquire about the source of their joy and the makings of their success. You will eventually find a need to elevate yourself  and ascend. You will no longer sit around complacent, waiting for something to happen. You will be inspired to change and motivated to succeed. You will be in Pursuit of Happyness.

Hoarders

One of my favorite shows is A&E's reality television show "Hoarders". The show follows the lives of people that have a complusive disorder that causes them to hold on to mounds of clutter and trash. Random items from their past that they no longer need. I am always amazed at how overwhelmed they become when faced with the possibility of  letting go of things that seem to me to be absolutely USELESS! They sit around for hours sifting through bags and boxes of stuff! Stuff that is weighing them down. Stuff that is weighing their lives down by creating environments that are unhealthy and unfit to live in.
Ah Ha Moment #5! I am a Hoarder. My house is clean....in fact I am constantly throwing stuff away to prevent clutter and chaos. I pride myself on being well organized. Instead I hoard emotions. Emotions that clutter my spirit and leave me with mounds of spiritual JUNK and a body that is unhealthy and unfit to live in. The manifestation of my hoardering is obesity and dreams deferred. Wow!
 I find myself spending hours sifting through emotional baggage. Memories of hurt feelings, disappoint and mistreatment. Memories that should remain where they happened, in the past. Hmmm...I wonder if people look at me with the same disgust that I view the people on the A&E special. I'm sure some do....how can you allow your body (your physical home) to get so out of control?  I can not imagine allowing my house to become so overwhelmed with trash and clutter that it is impossible for me to move around and function in it; yet I have allowed my Body to become overwhelmed to the point that I can not move around and fully function at the level that others can. Oh My God! Addiction is Addiction is Addiction....you truly have to view yourself with the same scrunity that you view others. When you do you reveal your truth and subsequently may not like what you uncover. I am a hoarder....my house is filthy. It's going to take a lot of hard work to clean up this mess, but I am rolling up my sleeves and pulling out the big green lawn bags. I refuse to take any more of this SHIT with me, excuse my language but I don't know any other way to say it. It is utterly impossible for me to come out on top and become the woman I want to be when I refuse to let go of the girl/woman I used to be. I have got to let her go. She is full of S.H.I.T: Shame, Hurt, Insults & Torment. She is a passenger no longer fit for the journey. Today I will pull her close to me, embracing her fully and then whisper in her ear a heartfelt Goodbye.

I Can't Complain

It is so easy to sit around and wallow in one's misery. But why? There is so much joy to be celebrated. Each morning brings new grace and new light. Light that shines through the darkness and reveals a whole new path for the journey. I woke up this morning with a song in my heart and a celebration on my mind. I want to celebrate my life; my yesterdays, my today and if God willing my tomorrows. I can't complain. I won't complain. I am on a journey that in the end will reveal to the world a Stronger, more successful, more self-assured woman.

 Everyday I learn something new about myself and I feel empowered and encouraged.

We live in a time where nothing can be taken for granted. Life is much too fragile to be taken for granted. Therefore we must live a in constant state of gratefulness. Monday mornings...back to work, I have no complaints. Instead I thank God that my Mondays are not spent in the unemployment office or in front of the computer searching. Bills and mortgages taking all my money...I can not complain. Instead I thank God for the Home that I am blessed with that requires me to pay a mortage. I could be Homeless. A love loss...I won't complain, instead I will celebrate the opportunity that has given to find new love, real love. 

I will remain in a constant state of Gratefulness...I will no longer complain about a life that is obviously Blessed and Phabolous. I will no longer Complain...I can't complain.  

Happy To Be Nappy

Over the last few years I've noticed that more and more sistas are shedding their chemically altered manes and opting to sport their natural roots. I love the fact that we are embracing our natural beauty and screaming to the world "We Are Happy To Be Nappy!" I for one have been sporting my curly coif for over 12 years, alternating between an ultra short, boy cut and a funky, little bushy fro.
 As much I love celebrating my natural essence I still admire the versitility that comes along with chemically processed hair. However what I've learned is that there is a way for me to have my cake and eat it too! I can still rock the stylish straight hairstyles I adore without giving in to the "Creamy Crack" addiction I fought so hard to kick.

Wigs, wigs and Weaves...Weaves and Wigs! You just gotta love the invention of both. You can pop on a wig and totally transform your look....Beyonce by day and Halle Berry by night. And for those who desire a more permenant change, you can always opt to glue or sew in new locks. The thing is everyone is doing it; so you don't have to worry about getting looks of awe and shock when your hair suddenly grows 6 inches over night. 

Regardless of whether your crown is naturally yours or silky straight, every sista can benefit from having a couple of Phab wigs in their game. Easy fix for a bad hair day or a quick switch from the everyday. Whatever the reason make sure you find a wig that fits your head and your look, and whatever you do please invest in a good one. Cheap hair is a NO NO!
 Divas are like magicians, they can pull a great look out of a hat in the blink of an eye. LOVE THEM...can't wait to become an official member of the exclusive club. I love this Journey...It's easy to be Phabolous once you know the tricks of the trade.

KEEPING IT REAL

This morning I woke up feeling like I'd hit a brick wall. I felt anxious and somewhat confused about the purpose of my journey. I really couldn't figure it out, but I felt like throwing my hands in the air and giving up.
 I know what it is...it's me. I always find an excuse to get in my own way. I knew when I started this journey that is wasn't going to be easy. In fact it is quite hard at times. I also knew that my biggest challenge would be conquering my own fears. Sometimes I believe I sabotage myself, because I fear my own success. Weird isn't it? But what happens if this actually works? I will truly be a different person. I will still be me but very different all the same. Wow! What is it when you fear your own success? What does it say about you when you are your biggest obstacle? I think it's time for some self-evaluation. It's time I got real honest with myself.

Number 1: I am where I am in life because of me. Because of the good and bad choices I've made, the people I've allowed in my life and the paths I've chosen to take. I have always been in control. I have always been the keeper of my own destiny. And as much as I want to cry Whoa is me....Me is the problem! I've chose to overeat and not exercise. I chose to buy fastfood that I didn't need instead of the Phabolous clothes and accessories I admired. I chose to give my time and energy to people and things that meant me no good. I CHOSE!

Number 2: I am a procrastinator. I am constantly saying I will do it tomorrow. I will start my diet fresh tomorrow. I will start back writing tomorrow...too much I'm going to do, instead of I am doing. Too many times opportunity has come knocking on my door and I have been too ill prepared to recieve it. And opportunity waits for no one.

Number 3: I am a complainer. I have way too many Whoa is me stories. WTH! I've come to realize everybody has a sad story. Some of us choose to sit around and reminisce about them while others choose to Win by turning their sad stories into Testimonies. You can not testify about your sad story until you've successfully turned it around. You know: "From Homeless to Harvard", "From Skid Row to CEO",  "From the Projects to the Penthouse".  I have got to speak my success into existance. Otherwise my life is going to be one sad LifeTime movie. "And the Oscar goes to.....Lisa Northington, the grief stricken, pitiful victim." Not the role I want to play and definitely not the part I want to be remembered for.
Some will say I shouldn't be so hard on myself. But if I'm not who will be? Success comes at a price. One of the prices I have to pay is truth and ownership. I can not Change my life until I step up and acknowledge what is wrong and the part I played in getting it that way.
There is so much good in me and it would be very easy to sit around and talk about all my great attributes and accolades but that's not what I'm here for. I'm here because I have acknowledged a need for change in my life. It would be very easy for me to highlight my strengths and pretend like I have already arrived. But Change can not happen until I expose my weaknesses.
My journey is about self-discovery, self evaluation, self- improvement and self- love. I love myself enough to admit I am not perfect...I am a perfect work in progress. And nothing is more Rewarding than the Truth....the Wonderful, Liberating, Phabolous TRUTH!

I Hope You Dance

Music has always been a point of inspiration for me. There is refuge in lyrics that are written from the heart. The right song can fill you with joy; causing you to laugh, sing or in the best cases make you wanna dance. One such song is by country singer Lee Ann Womack entitled "I Hope You Dance". Not the usual soulful sounds of R&B or Gospel but a Soul Filled song none the less. You have to listen to the lyrics. They speak so genuinely about life and living. It's about making the choice to live life instead of sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else live.

I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat

But always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small

When you stand by the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances

But they're worth taking

Lovin' might be a mistake

But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart

Leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out

Reconsider
Give the heavens above

More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I HOPE YOU DANCE

                                    I HOPE YOU
                                 DANCE

So many times in life we choose to be wallflowers...sitting around watching everyone else enjoying the party, enjoying life. Oh God I thank you for this opportunity to dance and when my spirits are low and dancing seems like that last thing I should do; I hope I find the music to dance even harder.

Dancing is Living...Living out Loud without fear. Being unafraid to kick off your shoes, let your hair down and throw caution to the wind. Dancing is traveling and seeing the world, experiencing life and all its glory. Dancing is laughing and loving. Dancing is embracing yourself and celebrating YOU! Oh how I Hope You Dance. Here's to finding your own music and dancing to the beat of your own drum. This year I Hope We All Choose to Dance.

Sticky Notes

I am a firm believer in the Power of Words. " The Power of Life and Death is in the Tongue". Lately I find myself seeking words of Affirmation and encouragement to help me through my days. The ones that impact and inspire me the most end up on Sticky Notes around my home. On my refrigerator: "I have It in Me to get it OFF of ME". On my bathroom mirror:  "I Am Not Beautiful Despite My Flaws, I am Beautiful Because of My Flaws". On the dashboard of my car: "Everyday Is a New Opportunity to Start Anew....Today is the First of My Life!"   "PUSH!"

Today I want to invite you to share your Inspiring Quotes and Words of Affirmation with me. I need to hear from you...I need your words to inspire me and lift me as I continue on this journey. We are in this together!

Passion

Yesterday someone very close to me told me I had changed. That I had lost the passion for life that I once had, the very passion that drew that person to me. Once I really sat down and thought about it I realized they were right. It hurts when you hear someone else say it, but the truth is the truth. And this Truth came as no surprise. The reason why I started this journey in the first place is because I knew something was missing in my life. I had lost the very thing that made me, Me....passion.
When you are passionate about something you approach it with a zest and joy that is undeniable. When you lose that passion you lose a piece of yourself, your joy. I am a passionate person. I used to be in love with life. In love with the idea of what life had in store for me. I was passionate about my business, my home, my family and friends...just passionate about living. However, somewhere along the way I became complacent in my relationship with life. I stopped working at it and stopped devoting my time and energy to the things that made my life good. I begin to take my life and the things that I loved for granted. And before I knew it the flames of passion that once pushed me, flickered away.

Passion is like fuel, it keeps you moving. It motivates you to seek more, do more, Be more. It's been proven a hundred times over that the most successful people in life, are those that are doing something they are passionate about. They are doing what they love; so much so that it doesn't feel like work. Life shouldn't feel like work.
The wonderful thing about passion is that it can easily be rekindled and restored. It's like falling in love all over again. So I'm dating life right now, trying to find the right fit before I commit myself to anything permanent.  I'm taking my time, no need to rush to second base. I'm in the holding hands stage of the relationship...I can feel the butterflies in my stomach. The passion is building...this time I won't let it die. This time I will continue to work and not become complacent with the loves of my life. Life deserves my undivided attention each and every day.
I want to thank my friend for loving me enough to tell me the truth, for loving me enough to want to see me at my best. Phabolously Passionate, wonderfully gifted and full of life.

Tweeking Your Attitude

Ahhh! Monday Mornings...the dreaded beginning of the week. We drag ourselves out of bed and begin the count down until Friday rolls around again. It's no wonder why so many of us have bad weeks. Perhaps our attitudes need some tweeking. 

This morning I woke up with a different attitude. Today signifies the Beginning, an opportunity to start anew. A fresh start, a chance to get it right. Everything I did wrong last week can be done right this week. In fact everything I did last week is in my past and soon to be forgotten. I can move forward completely restored, restructured and revitalized. Ready to conquer the world! Monday is a day to rejoice and thank God for new life and new grace. I'm not the person I was last week. My mission is to make sure I will never be that person again...I plan to be leaner, stronger, happier, more successful, more fulfilled...greater. Ahhhh....Hello Monday, I've been awaiting your arrival. Counting the days since Friday.