Book Review: Build Your Own House, Vol. 1 by Stephon Mactavious

Have you been thinking about building a home? What preparations have you made so far? I know you will ensure adequate space, a well-drawn plan, and a legitimate funding source before construction.

"Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success"
This ebook, "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success," is not about construction in the traditional sense. However, it is all about planning, construction, and enjoying the finished product. The author, Stephon Mactavious, created this inspirational book to assist readers in improving their outlook on life.

The first in a series, "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success," includes five chapters that lay the blueprint for helping you to achieve your goals:

1. Finding Your Inspiration
2. Making a Plan
3. Overcoming Challenges
4. Building Your House
5. Living in Your Dream House

This ebook contains valuable tools that you can use. Here are three quick takeaways:

Chapter 1 - "Don't be afraid to dream big, and to let your imagination run wild": I equate this to keeping your childlike tenacity and putting that energy into everything you do.

Chapter 3 - "I Got This" Motivation: Positively assure yourself that you can achieve your goals.
Chapter 4 - "Be flexible": We must adapt to this ever-changing world of surprises.

According to the Author
As a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and personal growth, I always gravitate to finding ways to help others achieve their full potential.

"Building a house" is a metaphor for building a foundation for one's life. Just as a house needs a solid foundation to withstand challenges, our lives also need a strong foundation to achieve success, love, and happiness. In my ebook, I provide practical tips and exercises to help readers build this foundation and create a life they love.

The inspiration for the ebook came from my own journey and the struggles I faced along the way. I realized that many people face similar challenges and often lack the motivation and direction to overcome them. I wanted to create a resource that would provide guidance and support to help people build the life they desire.

In short, my passion for personal growth and desire to help others inspired me to create this ebook. I believe everyone has the potential to build a fulfilling life, and I hope that "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success" will serve as a tool for those seeking to do just that.

Who is Stephon Mactavious
Stephon is a Virgin Islands author, entrepreneur, and Youth Parliamentarian, who is passionate about seeing positive change in the community. He is the CEO of Go Royal Events and Dream Big Group.

Did I mention that "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success" is free of cost? Follow the link and get your copy today!

POEM: Sides by Linette Rabsatt

This is my latest recorded piece. It was written in 2018. I sometimes feel more of a connection with the earlier pieces than those written in this decade. 

Poetry is important to me because I can exceed normal boundaries by playing with the creativity of words. I think I was all over the place in this piece but in the end, it is simply saying that we need to take care of our business.

Ribbon

Book Review: 99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures

I had the pleasure of reading "99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures" by Stephanie Bailey. I enjoyed reading about the 99 types of men shared in the book because it made me reminisce, laugh, and ponder. I have seen many of these guys as family members, work colleagues, and friends.

Here are 6 of the 99 types:

#5 HIMship: Stephanie describes HIMship as a gentleman who is into himself. After going to extremes to woo you, he will leave you hanging to focus on himself.

#19 In-Between: The In-between is the hook-up guy after a breakup, but never a serious relationship. I guess you can call him the "no-strings-attached boo." When you find someone new, you move on with no emotion.

#31 Holiday Saboteur: The Holiday Saboteur that I am familiar with is one who breaks up just before your birthday, Valentine's Day, or Christmas to avoid buying a gift. In this book, Stephanie refers to a man that will break up with you during the holidays, leaving you with that lasting memory.

#59 Health Care: Not all men are bad! Mr. Health Care is one who will take care of you when you are ill. Stephanie's advice is to thank him and be there for him when he is unwell.

#66 Vapid: Mr. Vapid is boring. He may have great looks and success but does not keep you entertained. Stephanie encourages women who meet Mr. Vapid to keep themselves entertained and engaged if they want to keep the relationship going.

#85 Guy's Guy: The Guy's Guy is what it sounds like. Sadly, you will be the second fiddle to him hanging with his boys. Stephanie suggests you must manage your expectations if you meet a Guy's Guy or walk away.

The title of the book states that the dating tips and mishaps are humorous, but I find them insightful. The author has chronicled an extensive and descriptive listing of personalities we know or have met. The advice is practical and common sense. I also got some laughs at a few of them because the recounts brought back memories.

I commend Stephanie for compiling this book and sharing her experiences, ideas, and understanding of navigating dating. Grab a printed copy or the Kindle version to read about the misadventures and dating tips.

Stephanie Bailey is the Chief Executive Officer of Miss-Adventures, LLC, and a seasoned writer, podcaster, and relationship coach. She also wrote, "Miss-Adventures Guide to Ultimate Empowerment for Women: Harness Your Power and Thrive in Every Area of Your Life".

POEM: Shock Therapy by Linette Rabsatt

Polka Dots inspired my first recorded poem for 2023. This poem is one of my earlier pieces, "Shock Therapy." Do share and give me your feedback in the comments section.

https://youtu.be/Tr7pM4exBg0

POEM: A Refugee Where I Pay Taxes

I am my ancestors' seed
I have DNA from a strong breed
I am a Black Diamond in the blood I bleed
I work hard to give my children all they need
yet I stand today
where millions chill and relax

as a refugee where I pay taxes
© Linette Rabsatt

As a poet and writer, I struggle with what I want to say (I can deliver what I need). Certain tenets dictate that I should remain quiet about things that concern me. However, I will never quiet my poetic voice.

This poem forms part of my 30 Second Inspiration shares that I post on Facebook. I wasn't trying to be creative or innovative with my words. It's all true. At another phase in life, I will have the opportunity to chronicle this story in plain words.

I work hard every day. I give it my best shot. I have felt like a martyr, refugee, and fool in 2022. However, I would not change anything I did. During those tough times, I would think of my grandmother/surrogate mother and the things she would say. She would speak about praying for people who did her bad things. She would use a lot of fables and local sayings to describe karma.

It's funny because I still think a green grasshopper means money is coming. I'm not superstitious, but if I see a black bee buzzing by, I look out for news from overseas. She was wise.

I continue to learn and grow from those wiser than I am. The tenets will dictate as they should. I will write and act as I should. Karma will evolve as it should. I'll keep my path positive to derive what I need for my family.

2022 Was Challenging and Yet Thrilling

I have had both ups and downs in 2022. I have cursed, cried, yelled, gotten fed up, and thrown tantrums. I got hit in the eye with a mango, and also damaged my foot. I have been bitten and stung by insects and people.

My social media pages were filled with harsh words, stinging memes, and direct criticism. My favorites were:

• "My ancestors rolling in their graves,"
• "A refugee where I pay taxes"
• "If you're going to be lionhearted, you can't hide, manipulate, dig holes for people, refuse to apologize, or use systems to hurt others. You are a coward!"

I feel like I was Sophia in "The Color Purple" - just fighting. I saw every deficiency in the systems around me. I complained and shared ideas and solutions. However, people have ignored me in most cases. I do not often ask for help, but in 2022, I asked and received no assistance.

I am undeterred. As Jougo sang in "Good Vibes," "they can't stop this shine." This song stayed on repeat this year.

Despite these challenges and situations, I have invested in what "grows my family and me." I even wrote a poem, "I Invest in What Grows Me." I look at all the ups and downs and hurtful situations and smile today. I am thankful for many things. I have put energy into my writing, garden, and other pursuits. Also, I have met some goals and influenced positive change. If we are not making a difference, then we serve no purpose. The difference you make does not have to be great. Start in small increments and help someone.

I decided a few weeks ago to also 'push for the positive' in all I do. I understand 'turning the other cheek.' For me, it is no longer about who is right or wrong; it is about doing the right thing. My actions should display that I am rational, trustworthy, hardworking, and decent.

In 2022, I wrote more and shared more poetry with a wider audience. I was published in Visual Verse and participated in several poetry competitions. Also, I have attended online poetry readings hosted by poets in the USA and UK.

I will continue to fight the battles that I need to. I struggle with my inconsistencies, bad habits, and temper. I am a "work in progress" and will continue working on myself daily. I do not make New Year's resolutions; instead, I adjust as I go along.

In parting, I encourage you to set goals and be ready to adjust them as needed. Life is not preset by dates and timelines. Remember, "you gotta know when to hold em, when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run...."

I wish you all the best for 2023!

POEM: Filled with Flaws

while dogs guffawed

and split their jaws

the cats cut their paws

because their catatonic laws

were filled with flaws

because no one saw

what was about to descend

the genus didn't know how to append

what a pen

couldn't see

couldn't be

wouldn't decree

and this oddball spree

was over before it started

because the cats

catapulted

to what suited

their strange needs

with their conscience freed

this was meant to be

it's one of those inevitabilities 

like the toes that bled

blue and yellow - not red

as some words

that may seem dry or dread

and lack substance 

like dried old bread

they serve better 

when left unsaid

© Linette Rabsatt