Archive for the 'Other Useful Articles' Category
by Rev. Lady Diannia Baty
When things in our life don’t go our way many of us begin to doubt ourselves, lose faith, give up or get depressed. Especially in an economy like the one we are in right now, it is important to remember that regardless of what unfolds before you that you will be ok. You will absolutely will be just fine.
The path my life has taken has proven to me that the things in our life we often see as obstacles or setbacks are really just the universe’s way of guiding us toward our highest fulfillment. Looking back on all of the frustrating and seemingly horrible things that have happened in my life, I wouldn’t trade an ounce of it because I know that it has brought me to where I am today. I can now stand in awe of how intelligent the whole process was, knowing that if things had always gone the way that I planned, hoped for or wanted that I would be nowhere near as happy or fulfilled as I am right now.
When things aren’t going your way remember that it is merely guidance. Trust that the universe has your best interest in mind and trust it to guide you and take care of all of your needs. When you open yourself to the universe’s wisdom and abundance you can achieve more spectacular things than you could ever imagine.
My faith that all will be well no matter how it may appear at the moment has carried me far in life. I trust God and God trusts me to understand the guidance I am being given. I am being offered a course correction at any given moment and through free will it is up to me as to what I do with it. No matter what choices I make I am always given knowledge from the event or situation if I look for it. The gift of experience always presents itself to me.
The Success Equation
We’ve heard it all a million times: the various secrets of how to manifest lives of abundance. Every “Guru” has their own angle; a singular approach to manifesting that we’ve all tried. And yet, in spite of the countless Gurus offering books, programs, products, etc that espouse the “secret to manifesting” we are in the biggest Global economic and well-being crisis since the Great Depression. What does that say? That somehow we, as brilliant and intelligent human beings have failed the “secrets” that have been taught to us? I know this is not true.
And yet, as a Life Success Coach, I have countless talented individuals come to me saying that there must be something seriously wrong with them because they have diligently applied the principles of affirmations, positive thinking, visualization and The Law of Attraction and yet they just can’t get the “truth in manifesting” to work for them. They come to me believing that they haven’t found a way to fix their character flaws or their lower selves in order to “allow” in abundance.
The truth is that everyone already has within them the ability to manifest lives of Sustainable Success. Sustainable Success is lasting and fulfilling abundance. “Sustainable Success” is created through applying an equation and not any one singular thing. There are three key factors that form the basis of the equation:
1. Defining what Abundance and Success is for you. Not adopting some outside opinion or value that isn’t consistent with the core of who you are, but identifying the definition that is representative of your own values.
2. Applying ALL aspects of yourself in the manifestation process that means accepting the TOTALITY of who you inherently are as a human being. Each of us is a perfect blend of ingredients that when used together create the perfect recipe for success. If we only use one or a few of the ingredients in the recipe, the dish doesn’t turn out successfully.
3. Understanding that you cannot have true success without spiritual well-being. One without the other will serve to prevent sustainability of any success that you may initially create for yourself.
The definition process in #1 is essential before you can successfully begin to create Sustainable Success. If you can’t define what success or abundance is, you won’t be able to achieve it. Too many people think that a definition is a desired tangible object. One must define success based upon the essence of the thing or things that you want to achieve for yourself.
Question: ‘HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?’
What is your definition? Take the time to develop your own definition. When using words like: Happiness, be sure to define what that means for you too. Too many of us are in the practice of using words that identify what we want to achieve and we don’t even have definitions for them.
All of us have within us emotional, rational, intellectual and creative bodies. And, we all seek to achieve security and recognition in our lives. Thus, to disown any one part or natural expression of ones self is literally to disconnect from ourselves. If we disconnect and identify any one part as “bad” we are not utilizing all of our divine natural gifts and talents. We all have areas that we feel we are strongest in; but we can strengthen those other areas with practice and by creating a community around us that supports our journey. To force ourselves not to have certain thoughts, or to think of any aspect of ourselves as “negative parts” that need to be gotten rid of is the ultimate act of self-injury and doesn’t provide the self acceptance that is necessary in manifesting the wealth and well-being that we all desire to achieve.
It is in the acceptance of ourselves as inherently whole and managing a balanced interplay between all components of ourselves that successfully achieves sustainable abundance. Balancing inspiration with perspiration; emotion with reason; being in the now while keeping an eye to the future and having the wisdom to reflect on the past but not dwell on it; dreaming up a dream and developing and implementing a plan to make that dream a reality; deciding what wealth and well-being is to you and knowing that wealth is not sustainable or fulfilling without well-being. This all equals utilizing the sum of all parts of yourself for the achievement of long-term successful and fulfilling outcomes.
The plan for life would seem so complicated but it is in truth simple if you examine it closely. If your life isn’t going the way you want it to then be honest with yourself and you will see how you believe in something that does not fit what the truth is. What is your truth, your authentic truth? Find your voice and celebrate the perfection that you are. God has your back and always has. This is a truth to put into your mental memory bank and keep it at the forefront of your daily life. God has and always will desire your greatest and highest good. This is just something to think about.
March 30 2010 | Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: April 2010 and Your Spiritual Self | 1 Comment »
I have a friend who we’ll call Shelly. She and I met while we were fledgling writers in Los Angeles. I moved on several years ago and now she’s getting ready to leave Los Angeles as well. Although Shelly’s excited about her transition, she’s also a little bit down. You see, she wasn’t able to ‘make it’ as a writer in L.A. and she feels as though she let herself down.
Do what you love.
Shelly loved to write but she wasn’t able to translate that into a career. So now what? Well, what I’m about to say might rub some people the wrong way, but I’ll say it anyway. Maybe you shouldn’t quit your day job.
Doing what you love doesn’t have to mean doing it professionally. Doing what you love doesn’t mean it has to be your career. There are a variety of ways to fuel your passions.
In talking to Shelly, she took the do what you love mantra literally. She loved to write. She felt should be writing all day and making a living from it. If she wasn’t, she wasn’t a success. Meanwhile, she’s an award-winning property manager who enjoys her work. She is a success. Yet, that didn’t even register for her because she was so consumed with her rigid definition of writing success.
Doing what you love can manifest itself in a number of ways. As a writer, Shelly can fuel her passions by writing a blog, keeping a journal, writing freelance articles, writing for her church magazine or bulletin, writing poetry or trying her hand at writing a novel. There are a number of viable outlets for her. Likewise, a singer doesn’t have to be the next American Idol or a Platinum-selling artist. He can join the church choir or other choral group, become a regular at the local karoake club. If the passion is singing, then the goal should be to sing.
Now, your day job should be something you enjoy; it should be something you have an affinity for. You spend too many hours at work to hate it. Your ‘day job’ shouldn’t be something you endure until you get your big break.
All of us have been blessed with gifts. Some of us can find ways to join our passions and purpose with our professions. For the rest of us, the challenge is to look more broadly and find other ways to satisfy our talents and creativity.
March 25 2010 | Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: April 2010 and Your Emotional Self | 3 Comments »
by Angela Harper
"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it."
-Marianne Williamson
Well, in this case, it’s not really a child; more of a young adult. In the Gate City of Greensboro, NC one young woman with the help of her peers is rejuvenating and preserving the 202 year old city. Zim Ugochukwu, a UNCG student, has been working diligently over the past two years at these endeavors. She is the creator of The Ignite Greensboro Project; an idea she conjured up during a 2008 conference with the intent to showcase Greensboro’s rich Civil Rights Movement history. During the Civil Rights Movement many college students in Greensboro were involved; from the sit-in of the Greensboro Four to the shootout with the National Guard. Though it’s been over 40 years since the movement there are still social issues that need addressing.
I chose to talk to Zim, because like myself; she sees the importance of college-age individuals being actively involved in their communities and if need be being the driving force of change. When she began the Ignite Greensboro Project she spoke with former mayor Yvonne Johnson about her idea to for the Civil Rights Museum and her other ideas. Mayor Johnson said to her, “Get $2 from every college student.” Genius! Greensboro is home to thousands of college students from various parts of the world! Zim instantly got to work; talking with coworkers on the Obama campaign and at the local colleges.
The fundraising was only a portion of the Ignite Greensboro Project. Educating students on the history of Greensboro and the importance of community involvement was the core of this movement. Students spent time in training sessions learning and even more time in the community putting to use what they’d learn. The Ignite Greensboro Project gained momentum and swept across the city!
As a result the Civil Rights Museum opened in Downtown Greensboro and the Ignite Greensboro Project donated a mosaic, video diaries, and $1,000. The museum celebrated its opening with grandeur and paid homage to those who involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Guests for the opening activities included Gospel music recording artist Yolanda Adams, activist Rev. Jessie Jackson, Miss North Carolina USA Nadia Moffett, a division of The Buffalo Soldiers, Greensboro Four members: Franklin McCain, David Richmond, Jr. (son of David Richmond), Joseph McNeil, and Jibreel Khazan, NC Senator Kay Hagen, Geneva Tisdale (who was a waitress at the Woolworth’s in 1960), countless students, countless Greensboro citizens, news cameras, and above all of that a spirit of unity and peace!
Zim’s efforts didn’t stop with the museum! She quickly began working on an energy conservation project, “Let’s Raise 1,000,000”. With the help of approximately 400 college students, Lowe’s, and other community organizers , the East White Oak community of Greensboro was provided with energy efficient light bulbs. A small change in their everyday lives resulted in a $60,000 decrease in the community’s overall energy bill. The community was grateful for and overjoyed.
Her achievements could fill an entire edition of The P3 Power Boost, but that isn’t why I wanted to interview her. While I am impressed with the outcomes of all her projects, I am more impressed with the work that goes into these projects. In today’s society our college aged citizens seem to be more concerned with what to wear and what’s on television than they are with anything else. Zim and I chatted for a bit about the difficulties she faced when working on these projects. During the Let’s Raise 1,000,000 project she acted as a liaison between…everyone involved! She told me that in 12 days she used 1,000 minutes on her cell phone and was even working while recovering from surgery! She had a moment of fear when she realized there may not be enough funding for the project, but that problem was fixed and the funding came through. She tapped into the power of “word of mouth” to spread the information and used social networking sites to reach even more people.
We wrapped up our dialogue by discussing the importance of our generation becoming more involved in their communities. Large populations of college students in Greensboro are not from there, but live there for college and for many post-graduation. She and I both feel that it is imperative to become involved in the community you’re living in; regardless if that is your hometown or not. The college experience is not solely about going to class, partying, and joining clubs. The college experience is four years (or more) of life experience. It is, for many, the foundation of self-discovery; moments that will shape them for the rest of their lives.
She and I both agreed that several people in our generation see social issues, but aren’t sure how to fix them, may not be in the position to fix them, or may not have the courage to start the process. Zim made it clear that if our generation steps outside of the box and becomes involved in the community just by doing the smallest things they will gain the knowledge, courage, and drive to make a difference. It starts with one person and then others will join. Zim’s projects started small, but through perseverance and consistency they grew into historical events that have inspired a generation and will be remembered for generations to come.
With her bright smile, contagious laugh, and beautiful spirit Zimuzor Ugochukwu may have a name that can twist your tongue, but will never be forgotten.
Angela Harper is a member of the P3 team and plays a vital role in getting the the P3 Power Boost out and into your inbox every month.
March 25 2010 | Inspiring Stories / Poetry and Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: April 2010 | 2 Comments »
by Brenda M. Hunter, M.A.
There is great joy in just being true to self- of not worrying about what someone will think of you as you express what you really feel, think, believe, treasure or hope for. How refreshing it would be if we could be who we are all the time. This new-age characteristic, referred to as your authentic self, represents the place where your truth lives. It reflects your heart and who you are as you seek to exist in the world of your current reality: your family, friends, job/career and home.
Authentic living is a worthwhile goal. It involves moving toward the powerful integration of your inner world with your outward relationships. When you are being your authentic self, you are not only content to just be, but you are also allowing others to know who you are and what you can offer them.
How often have you been tempted to cover up your true identity- to literally mask your existence as though it was not acceptable? How often have you given a response based on what you thought the hearer wanted to hear rather than on what was in your heart to say. How often have you withheld or denied true thoughts in deference to some prevailing notion? You may be rejected or it may pave the way for something else- an even greater contribution. Perhaps it will provide the light of guidance and encouragement for the coming generations and the welcomed difference needed for the greater good.
A few decades ago, I remember a Sesame Street/Kermit the Frog song, ‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’. The content of this song didn’t mean much then, but as I pull into the next station of my life, I understand that if green is the skin that you were born into then green is who you are. As the song further points out the wonderful attributes of green, it is ends with: “… I am green and it’ll do fine; it’s beautiful and I think it’s what I want to be.” Being your authentic self may not be easy initially, but like the lyrics of this song, it’s beautiful and right and who you’ll want to be.
As you embark on the next stage of the journey, commit to taking stock of your true feelings, your values and beliefs, your needs, passions and desires-exposing them and expressing them. Share them with your family, your friends and your colleagues. Let them shine as a beacon for the world so that the great qualities that they reflect will not be limited and withheld. Let others see and know the real you as you speak from your heart and from your authentic self. Let who you are be who you are being and help others do the same. Keep it real!
Brenda McCoy Hunter is a public speaker, trainer and the author of Answering the Call: Six Steps to Leadership and Service. Her flagship seminar, “Creative Horizons” focuses on succession leadership and offers an opportunity for pre-retirees to plan for success after their present job ends. She can be reached at 615-319-1223 www.BHunterassociates.com
March 25 2010 | Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: April 2010 and Your Emotional Self | 1 Comment »
By Lauren Wilder
“Change comes eventually.” If you don’t recognize this line then you’re obviously not a Lauryn Hill fan, no worries because you can relate to the quote without remainder of the chorus. It’s from her song “Everything is Everything” and that’s exactly how I feel right now. I’m coming out of my transition phase into a stage of understanding. My life since college has changed rapidly from day to week to month. In the past I had the tendency to dwell on the past, but life changes so quickly that I have to keep moving with it. As for the season changing, it’s much anticipated even though I’m hearing Chicago’s spring is a rainy season.
Back in the lovely state of North Carolina lays my buffer, 95% of the people I’m closest to reside there. I have adjusted not exactly gracefully, but I have found that I can manage. I slipped up and I tried to find that buffer concept here in one person. Let’s scratch that, I wasn’t looking, but I thought I found it in one person. It ended exactly how it started, rapidly like life.
I won’t delve into the juicy details because that’s not what my column is about. It is about my enlightenment from lessons I have learned. So my first epiphany of 2010 is that I am my own comfort zone, but even now I find it difficult to believe.
I hopped on a Southwest airplane last summer with the desire to learn and see new things. I came here to start my life. There are many young people my age with the same story, small town and move into the big city. Some have dreams and some want to escape the mundane lifestyle that consists of hanging out at Wal-Mart on the weekend.
I have been reminded constantly that I’m not in my town of 25,000, also that I’m not near the ones that know me the best. I have realized that I rely on them heavily even though I am miles away. Where ever I go now I know that I have to back myself, be my cheerleader, be my own shoulder and protector (for the most part). Also, no one can live my life except for me. There are people here who love me dearly and want the very best for me. I have to want it and do it.
My dear readers I have changed, as much as the weather has, tremendously since I’ve landed here and I have a long way to go.
Lauren Wilder is an up-and-coming journalist who recently moved to Chicago. She shares her adventures with P3 readers every month.
March 01 2010 | Inspiring Stories / Poetry and Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: March 2010 and Your Emotional Self | No Comments »
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