Thinking Forward - Checking and Improving Self

I'm embarking on an exciting journey - lots of reading and loads of writing. I'm expanding my thought process, my vocabulary and of course the way I deal with things professionally. I've always had my professional ethics and this journey sets me on a different path.

I encourage young people to seek ways to improve themselves. Somehow many think that someone will always be there to help them but you just have to be proactive. While attaining higher education is one step, you have to build your confidence and be self-motivated. Look at volunteerism as a way to build experience and learn new skills. Don't fuss about starting on the bottom - you have to start somewhere. I have had to file, provide basic customer service and photocopy documents - even with a degree; and I am happy to have done those tasks. Of course, I wasn't happy back then, but I appreciate it now.

There's a lot that we can do to move ourselves forward and improve ourselves. To take on a leadership role, we have to be groomed - whether it's in a community service organization, athletics, our churches or in our schools on the PTA. Take a positive step forward and try something new that will enhance you.

Ribbon

How Can We Have Balance in a Life Where We are Hustling

I have embarked on a new journey. This 2014 has had a lot of new things for me - professionally, academically and personally. I am grateful for everything that God has granted. It's now to find balance because naturally, I want to excel at everything, especially in raising my children.

There's no secret to finding balance. You just have to focus on the things that you need to and sometimes that means eliminating those things that cause distraction. For example, I'm right now listening to a local sports report and an event organizer expressed disappointment because enough children did not participate. It probably wasn't a priority for parents with school just opening.

Everyone is out there hustling - some people are working and studying, some people have children that require special attention, others are juggling two jobs. Of course, money is always a concern for many because even if an event is free, you still have to dress, find food etc.

There are times when we just need to decline and give regrets. I have a lot on my plate and I still want to write - that writing now will be going towards my Masters program. To anyone who has a lot on their plate, just as you eat your meal - take small bites one at a time and be sure to chew and digest. If the plate is too full, it's time to reduce the meal - the load.

Ribbon

Laugh Every Now and Then

I imagine what life would be like around a real life "Madea". Inspirational words would come but the jokes would for sure be there. We all have that someone that we can 'crack a joke' with or who can cheer us up. There are all sorts of studies done about laughter and how healthy it is for us. I love to laugh - I can't deal with monotony. Mind you - I am a 'house-mouse' so I don't go out liming. However, I have to find a sitcom or a comedy that can make me laugh especially when my children start to nag at each other like little mosquitoes.

Some days we need it more than others and I find that the laughter helps me to keep calm. Even at the office, it's good when we can relax and take a smile in between our work. Some days it can be really tense and stressful and getting a laugh can really lift the spirits.

So when you are having that rough day, find your 'Madea' or sitcom or internet joke and laugh. It's not just cliche but laughter really can be the best medicine.

Ribbon

My Thoughts During August Festival Holidays

I love long holidays. August presents  three days back to back that one can choose to lime, rest, play, travel or watch tv. I take the rest and tv route because I'm not so into the festivities. Of course, I have my best excuse and it's useful to get out of so many things. I don't use that excuse for church functions though.

Anyway, I wish every a safe and healthy Emancipation Celebration - 60 years of festival and 180 years of freedom! These are big milestones for a small territory. However, with all this being said and done, what have we done to secure the future for our children?

As the holidays ease off and we head back to work, we need to look at what we are doing individually and also what our leaders are doing collectively to improve this territory. It's not their job - it's our job and we can all make some positive impact.

ribbon

POEM: Not typical

In my spherical view
I realize that I'm not
the typical girl
so my smile is not artificial
although I may be trivial;
and I'm really not about
titles but I do like recitals
cause it's vital to share
talents while being
able to vent
about how I repented
despite the serpent's
bite, I won't stop
until I take flight
for my wrong can't be
right and in my sight
my fight won't be
quieted although
it may be night and
vision may be dark
without light

Ribbon

Personal Reflection

In a lot of things, I am literally out of it. I still like sitting at my computer and blogging and writing articles. I still enjoy just doing nothing. I'm happy to just sit at home and watch TV. I'm guessing as I grow older, the happenings don't catch me like they used to. I don't mind doing work while I am at home.

I am purpose driven and the fads and the fashions don't catch me  - and they never really did. I've just always been an odd one and I like that sometimes. There are days when I want to be deep and other days, I just want to watch cartoons. I guess that is one of the reasons that I have always wanted to be independent. Some people call is selfishness but I call it living in my individuality.

I always encourage people to be positive while being themselves. Don't be yourself if you have bad habits. No one wants to accept the sub-standard you - be the best you that you can be.

Ribbon

You Cannot Win Them All

I'm always trying to show my son that he needs to be disciplined - how he should take care of his things, pack his clothes neatly and take pride in any assignment that I give him. He doesn't seem to understand sometimes and I really hope that he will understand these basic things today because it's much harder to learn it later in life. Too many people have to learn the hard way and in some cases, it may have been their upbringing and in other cases, it is just their bad attitude that holds them back.

We can never get our own way. During my career, I have worked with an array of people from various upbringings and cultures. The one thing that has remained constant is that there will be people who do not want to follow rules. Some will find as many ways as possible to show their disagreement to the rules though obstinate behavior - which of course gets them no where but on everybody's nerves.

As I go through life, I have learned that rules are meant to be followed. Being a stubborn mule or a Moaning Myrtle won't fix anything. Instead, I look for solutions where there are problems and aim to address them. Sometimes, it's my own attitude that really is the problem. I have to look at me and the example I am setting. I can't want change and I myself are resistant to it.

As you go forth on your daily journey, you will not like every situation or person. Your purpose is not to like or agree with everything - fulfill your role and where you can make or impact change - go for it positively. If you can make it a win-win situation, that's great. If it's lose-win or win-lose, just keep the communication open and flowing where possible.

Ribbon