The holiday season can be a beautiful time, but very hard to navigate emotionally. We're surrounded by joy and celebration, yet if you've experienced loss this year whether a loved one, a friend, a job, or even a cherished relationship- you might find it difficult to find that same joy. 

There is something powerful about looking out for one another -especially in times like these. Have you heard the saying "I'm my sister's keeper"?  It's true.  In recent months,  many women have lost their jobs. For some,  their work was more than a paycheck -it was a part of their identity. When something so central to our lives is taken away, especially without warning, it can be devastating. Many  people live paycheck to paycheck, and when that income disappears they're thrust  into survival mode.

Have you ever waited for something that you believed should have happened long ago? Maybe it was a dream, a calling, a breakthrough. How did you navigate that waiting season? Did you grow discouraged- frustrated, or did you persevere? I believe when you have a desire placed in your heart, it will come to pass. But everything in life unfolds according to divine timing. You can't give up, or lose hope you must persevere and keep working toward your vision. For many years I had a deep  longing to work with women, or girls- a dream that lived in my heart over two decades. I remembered driving to work each morning  praying, and asking God to use me as an empty vessel. Then one day the moment arrived, it was time to step into what was stirring in me all along. God had already positioned the right people  to help me with every piece of the puzzle.  I could have never imagined my dream unfolding the way it did. So, if  God has placed a desire in your heart, and you've seen the smallest progress,  just keep going. Keep doing what you can and at the perfect time, God will give you the desire of your heart. 

There is something about a woman who knows who she is- she can't be taken lightly because her senses are keen. It doesn't matter if she is in the boardroom, in a relationship,  or holding down the strength of a family; she is in alignment with her spirit. You can't just manipulate her, you can't take her for granted, and you most certainly can't take her for a ride that she doesn't want to go on. I used to shrink back in many situations to make others feel good, or to avoid intimidating them.  As I grew older, I discovered the inner weakness behind that  behavior. I began to see my strength. I didn't become arrogant, or nasty toward others- I simply started speaking my truth.  I started allowing my "yes" to be a yes, and my "no" to be a no.  At first those who knew me didn't like it  they found themselves unable to manipulate me, take me for granted, or lead me where I didn't want to go. When I took a good look in the mirror, I realized I was beginning to love myself correctly- for the strength God had given me, the vision He had placed in my heart, and the voice to speak my truth.  There is a deep freedom in knowing who you are and loving yourself. If you are struggling with your identity, or loving yourself start looking for resources to help you see a brighter future.

I think it's time to think about the heart. It is the most important part of our being, it's who we are at the core, but we do not pay attention to the life of it. Why is it we can't  see the importance of the heart? Our hearts are sacred and everyone shouldn't have access to it. We should guard our hearts like our life depends on it, because it does. We have been given something so precious, and it is the center of our being, yet we pay little attention to it. Because of that, we find our hearts broken, locked to anyone who tries to get in, and at the same time, we hold ourselves hostage, and long for love. I read something in a book that made total sense to me. Our hearts are the executive center of our being, it's the place where decisions and choices are made. So, why do we pay little attention to the heart? Unless the heart is lonely, broken, sad, or  contrite?  Let  me attempt to give a little insight for the reason we pay little attention to the heart. It's because the enemy has come to take our heart, and if he can do that, he can take us, and his mission is accomplished, there is no momentum that he needs to block. God saw a world filled with love when He created it, and so He placed his heart into each person who believes, but as you can see by the state of the world, there has been a battle for each person who wants to follow God, the enemy wants to ensure they do not go with God. The enemy puts doubt, and logic in the heart and mind to keep it confused, and as they say,  "The enemy is the author of confusion, and God is the author of peace." When our hearts has been broken, betrayed against, or deceived we find it hard to let our guard down for just a moment, to allow ourselves to experience love again. So, what do we do? We start paying attention to the matter of the heart, we seek to guard it, and prepare to heal. We have to study, and research tools and resources that will help us to heal. We need to remember the heart is the center of our being, it is who we are, and out of it flows the issues of our lives. The state of your heart is the state of your life. Take time today, to focus on the matter of your heart, and begin to find healing where its' needed, and strength to live a life more abundantly. 

We all sow seeds daily,  and I thought about the seeds I believe I've planted. When I thought about it I came to the conclusion that I've planted seeds of  love, kindness, generosity, shelter, food, and money into the lives of many. One thing we can be sure of  whatever we plant. we can expect a harvest at some point. There is a time to plant and a time to reap a harvest, but it takes time for the harvest.  We have to be patient while waiting with  expectancy.  What are some seeds that you have planted in the lives of others, are you waiting patiently for a harvest?  Are you waiting for  love, finance, food, shelter, kindness? When you need anything you will receive it, It will not come from the same place you planted, it will come from somewhere else. Now in contrast to planting good seed, you can  plant bad seed of slander, hate, evil doings, and if you plant these seeds that's what you can expect reap.  Be careful what you are sowing, people are going through so much at this time.  There are wars that are getting more deadly and longer, we have not only a disconnection in the USA, but a division in the world. If you are already sowing good seed, keep up the good work! If you are having trouble being kind and loving to others, challenge yourself for a day to shift your thoughts and search yourself to find out why you are sowing seeds less loving. Remember, if you don't like what you see in yourself, you can always make a change any day. 

Loving yourself isn't just important-it's essential! If you don't know your worth  people will walk all over you.  You will wonder why you feel used.  If you are the type of person who is always doing something to let others feel you love them, but manage to neglect yourself,  you become a people pleaser, and people pleasers never see themselves.  There are probably things about yourself  you don't like so you over compensate by doing for others to feel accepted or loved.  Maybe you don't  feel like you fit in anywhere, and that causes you to give more of yourself away to perhaps people who really don't care about you the way they should.  I hope you know you deserve the same love you are giving to others. Have you ever taken time to see what you would feel like if you loved yourself the way you are loving others? It would amaze you to feel what others feel when you put them first instead of yourself. I did that one time, I challenged myself to love myself the way I was loving others. I said kind words to myself, I looked in the mirror and smiled back at me as I said to myself what I saw looking back at me. From that point on I started loving myself correctly, then it became easier and more genuine to love others correctly. You should try it! Self-love comes from inner healing seeing yourself correctly.  I always tell my clients to start at the beginning, the foundation, because deep down within you will discover why you are self-sabotaging. Think about who was a part of your life in the beginning, and how you felt around these people. Humanity is deep, and life is deeper.  Little nuggets have shaped your life on your journey through words or actions.  Reflect over your life to bring  awareness of what's  gotten you to the place you are at not loving yourself.  I suggest purchasing a journal if you don't have one, and write on the first page of your journal " My Beginning"  think back as far as you can remember and write down the names of  all the people you can remember in the first one to eight years of your life, write adjectives to describe each one. Try to remember their voices, something distinct about them, and for each person write down how you felt in their presence. This will help to get your thoughts flowing. Healing is a process, but the more you heal, the more you can see you! Loving yourself is vital because self-love is a superpower that  will energize you to live your best life! You only get one life to live, and if you don't love yourself right now, it's time to make a change!

I thought I would talk a little bit about love today. It appears we are lacking love in our lives, families, and communities, and that can be disheartening. Everyone needs love it provides hope, strength, and heals many illnesses. So what exactly is love? We hear the word often, and say the word but what is the true definition of love? Love is complex, it is a multifaceted human emotion that is characterized by strong feelings of affection, care, tenderness, and a deep attachment towards another person. It can be romantic, family bonds, and benevolence. If we look at our personal relationships and our communities,  country and world we can see the lack of love for one another, but what has taken us so far away from each other?  I think if we go back to the time when it appeared love was more prevalent in society, there was an order we lived by. Let's go back to the 60s and 70s, the order for families and communities were church, family, school, friends, and pop culture. In the 80s that order changed, it became family, school, church, and pop culture. Then, in the 2000s  we had friends, schools, pop culture and church and unfortunately church has become the  last on the list. That's how the change started, we started with church in the beginning, we had something that brought family and community together, we were taught love was important. But once the church started moving further down the list change was taking place rapidly. We started not standing for anything that would keep the love a part of our fabric, and if we  stand for nothing, we fall for anything.  If we fall for anything we are lead away from what is meaningful.  I think if we stay off social media, be more present with the people who are important to us, we can bring back some of the love we are missing. All we have to do is to make a decision that we want to be more connected in real time, to hear a voice, or feel a touch.  Prioritize a community with family and friends again,  I believe more people are missing love than we realize. We hear a lot about mental health these days, but is it really mental health or just a lack of love? We have to start somewhere we have to put our guard down, and while lowering our guard, lower the cell phones and other devices. Invest as much time with each other that we invest on social media, and I think what we've been looking for we'll find again. Let's bring love back into our lives, and let the healing begin!

It is easy to look at life situations and ask yourself, what do I have to be thankful for? But there is always something you can give thanks for. if you turn your focus away from what you might be going through you can look at life in a more positive manner. You have to be intentional about controlling the thoughts you have, because as they say, "Where's the scene of the crime? In your mind!"  When you wake up each morning, give thanks that you have  awakened to another opportunity do get it right. If you woke up with a roof over your head even if you are in deep debt, or have loss your job at least you didn't wake up on a sidewalk. You might not be able to get everything taken care of as you once did, but as you move forward you will get through the storm, and you will be able to look back once you get through and say, "Thank you!" If you have your health, food to eat even if it's not the food you might want to eat, you can be thankful because there are so many people in our world and country who don't have the necessities they need, or food to eat. Start a practice of thinking about one or two things to give thanks for when you wake up in the morning, and also before you close your eyes to rest at night,  think of one or two things from the day you can give thanks for. The wonderful thing about a grateful heart is that it change your perspective on life, and give you the strength to carry on!

Oh girl, these times are stressing me! I listen to the news, I hear conversations, I read everything on social media, and I swear I'm going to scream! I'm good, right? I mean, I'm really good! That's what we say when asked, we've learned how to perfectly wear our mask! So, how are you really navigating this climate. Are you really good? It is so easy to want to stay silent, and not let anyone know how you really feel. If you are one of the over two hundred thousand women who has lost their jobs since January, I don't know how you can be good unless you are one of those women who looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. Your perspective should be I can give myself the same thing I gave that job. What were your skills that helped that job make a decision that they wanted to hire you? Those same skills can be the gift that takes you in a different direction. The one thing you can look at  you learned something new while you were there that added to what you already possessed.  We can't let a little set back steal our joy, this isn't our first rodeo! Do you remember the pandemic, you got through it, do you remember that time you left job or were  let go after giving your all!  What did you do? You got over yourself, started thinking and that brought you all the way to the job you just loss. So get it together, know what you have to offer, think about how you might be able to use your skills to start your own source income. You can't live without income, and eventually people will get tired of trying to help you make it.  The reality is you are good, I mean good! You just have to change your thinking, let go of the woe is me attitude, and know that you got this!!  The next time someone ask you how are doing, say, "I'm good, I mean I'm really good!" and mean it! 

The scene of the crime is your mind, thoughts are always showing up trying to steal your joy! Our minds can cause us to overthink everything. It's that inner reasoning and deliberation with oneself, and the world in which you live. Change your thinking, and you can change the outcome of your fight. If you don't have a handle on your thoughts, you become enslaved to the mind. We wage war from within, and if we don't change our thinking it defeats us. So, how can we change our thinking? First, get out of yourself, the flesh takes you down a dark downward spiral that makes it hard to get out of. Think about what is positive in your life, where do you go to find strength, peace and harmony? I'm not here to promote any type of religion, but I am a spiritual being who believes there is someone greater than me, or my thoughts, and I tap into that resource by reading the bible, being able to pray, and talk to God, believing He is someone who listens to me. I usually feel better after getting quiet, I find more clarity in what I am going through, and best part about it is that I didn't have to find someone to talk to about my thoughts. So be victorious in the battle, and win the war!

The holiday season can be a beautiful time, but very hard to navigate emotionally. We're surrounded by joy and celebration, yet if you've experienced loss this year whether a loved one, a friend, a job, or even a cherished relationship- you might find it difficult to find that same joy. 

There is something powerful about looking out for one another -especially in times like these. Have you heard the saying "I'm my sister's keeper"?  It's true.  In recent months,  many women have lost their jobs. For some,  their work was more than a paycheck -it was a part of their identity. When something so central to our lives is taken away, especially without warning, it can be devastating. Many  people live paycheck to paycheck, and when that income disappears they're thrust  into survival mode.

Have you ever waited for something that you believed should have happened long ago? Maybe it was a dream, a calling, a breakthrough. How did you navigate that waiting season? Did you grow discouraged- frustrated, or did you persevere? I believe when you have a desire placed in your heart, it will come to pass. But everything in life unfolds according to divine timing. You can't give up, or lose hope you must persevere and keep working toward your vision. For many years I had a deep  longing to work with women, or girls- a dream that lived in my heart over two decades. I remembered driving to work each morning  praying, and asking God to use me as an empty vessel. Then one day the moment arrived, it was time to step into what was stirring in me all along. God had already positioned the right people  to help me with every piece of the puzzle.  I could have never imagined my dream unfolding the way it did. So, if  God has placed a desire in your heart, and you've seen the smallest progress,  just keep going. Keep doing what you can and at the perfect time, God will give you the desire of your heart. 

There is something about a woman who knows who she is- she can't be taken lightly because her senses are keen. It doesn't matter if she is in the boardroom, in a relationship,  or holding down the strength of a family; she is in alignment with her spirit. You can't just manipulate her, you can't take her for granted, and you most certainly can't take her for a ride that she doesn't want to go on. I used to shrink back in many situations to make others feel good, or to avoid intimidating them.  As I grew older, I discovered the inner weakness behind that  behavior. I began to see my strength. I didn't become arrogant, or nasty toward others- I simply started speaking my truth.  I started allowing my "yes" to be a yes, and my "no" to be a no.  At first those who knew me didn't like it  they found themselves unable to manipulate me, take me for granted, or lead me where I didn't want to go. When I took a good look in the mirror, I realized I was beginning to love myself correctly- for the strength God had given me, the vision He had placed in my heart, and the voice to speak my truth.  There is a deep freedom in knowing who you are and loving yourself. If you are struggling with your identity, or loving yourself start looking for resources to help you see a brighter future.

I think it's time to think about the heart. It is the most important part of our being, it's who we are at the core, but we do not pay attention to the life of it. Why is it we can't  see the importance of the heart? Our hearts are sacred and everyone shouldn't have access to it. We should guard our hearts like our life depends on it, because it does. We have been given something so precious, and it is the center of our being, yet we pay little attention to it. Because of that, we find our hearts broken, locked to anyone who tries to get in, and at the same time, we hold ourselves hostage, and long for love. I read something in a book that made total sense to me. Our hearts are the executive center of our being, it's the place where decisions and choices are made. So, why do we pay little attention to the heart? Unless the heart is lonely, broken, sad, or  contrite?  Let  me attempt to give a little insight for the reason we pay little attention to the heart. It's because the enemy has come to take our heart, and if he can do that, he can take us, and his mission is accomplished, there is no momentum that he needs to block. God saw a world filled with love when He created it, and so He placed his heart into each person who believes, but as you can see by the state of the world, there has been a battle for each person who wants to follow God, the enemy wants to ensure they do not go with God. The enemy puts doubt, and logic in the heart and mind to keep it confused, and as they say,  "The enemy is the author of confusion, and God is the author of peace." When our hearts has been broken, betrayed against, or deceived we find it hard to let our guard down for just a moment, to allow ourselves to experience love again. So, what do we do? We start paying attention to the matter of the heart, we seek to guard it, and prepare to heal. We have to study, and research tools and resources that will help us to heal. We need to remember the heart is the center of our being, it is who we are, and out of it flows the issues of our lives. The state of your heart is the state of your life. Take time today, to focus on the matter of your heart, and begin to find healing where its' needed, and strength to live a life more abundantly. 

We all sow seeds daily,  and I thought about the seeds I believe I've planted. When I thought about it I came to the conclusion that I've planted seeds of  love, kindness, generosity, shelter, food, and money into the lives of many. One thing we can be sure of  whatever we plant. we can expect a harvest at some point. There is a time to plant and a time to reap a harvest, but it takes time for the harvest.  We have to be patient while waiting with  expectancy.  What are some seeds that you have planted in the lives of others, are you waiting patiently for a harvest?  Are you waiting for  love, finance, food, shelter, kindness? When you need anything you will receive it, It will not come from the same place you planted, it will come from somewhere else. Now in contrast to planting good seed, you can  plant bad seed of slander, hate, evil doings, and if you plant these seeds that's what you can expect reap.  Be careful what you are sowing, people are going through so much at this time.  There are wars that are getting more deadly and longer, we have not only a disconnection in the USA, but a division in the world. If you are already sowing good seed, keep up the good work! If you are having trouble being kind and loving to others, challenge yourself for a day to shift your thoughts and search yourself to find out why you are sowing seeds less loving. Remember, if you don't like what you see in yourself, you can always make a change any day. 

Loving yourself isn't just important-it's essential! If you don't know your worth  people will walk all over you.  You will wonder why you feel used.  If you are the type of person who is always doing something to let others feel you love them, but manage to neglect yourself,  you become a people pleaser, and people pleasers never see themselves.  There are probably things about yourself  you don't like so you over compensate by doing for others to feel accepted or loved.  Maybe you don't  feel like you fit in anywhere, and that causes you to give more of yourself away to perhaps people who really don't care about you the way they should.  I hope you know you deserve the same love you are giving to others. Have you ever taken time to see what you would feel like if you loved yourself the way you are loving others? It would amaze you to feel what others feel when you put them first instead of yourself. I did that one time, I challenged myself to love myself the way I was loving others. I said kind words to myself, I looked in the mirror and smiled back at me as I said to myself what I saw looking back at me. From that point on I started loving myself correctly, then it became easier and more genuine to love others correctly. You should try it! Self-love comes from inner healing seeing yourself correctly.  I always tell my clients to start at the beginning, the foundation, because deep down within you will discover why you are self-sabotaging. Think about who was a part of your life in the beginning, and how you felt around these people. Humanity is deep, and life is deeper.  Little nuggets have shaped your life on your journey through words or actions.  Reflect over your life to bring  awareness of what's  gotten you to the place you are at not loving yourself.  I suggest purchasing a journal if you don't have one, and write on the first page of your journal " My Beginning"  think back as far as you can remember and write down the names of  all the people you can remember in the first one to eight years of your life, write adjectives to describe each one. Try to remember their voices, something distinct about them, and for each person write down how you felt in their presence. This will help to get your thoughts flowing. Healing is a process, but the more you heal, the more you can see you! Loving yourself is vital because self-love is a superpower that  will energize you to live your best life! You only get one life to live, and if you don't love yourself right now, it's time to make a change!

I thought I would talk a little bit about love today. It appears we are lacking love in our lives, families, and communities, and that can be disheartening. Everyone needs love it provides hope, strength, and heals many illnesses. So what exactly is love? We hear the word often, and say the word but what is the true definition of love? Love is complex, it is a multifaceted human emotion that is characterized by strong feelings of affection, care, tenderness, and a deep attachment towards another person. It can be romantic, family bonds, and benevolence. If we look at our personal relationships and our communities,  country and world we can see the lack of love for one another, but what has taken us so far away from each other?  I think if we go back to the time when it appeared love was more prevalent in society, there was an order we lived by. Let's go back to the 60s and 70s, the order for families and communities were church, family, school, friends, and pop culture. In the 80s that order changed, it became family, school, church, and pop culture. Then, in the 2000s  we had friends, schools, pop culture and church and unfortunately church has become the  last on the list. That's how the change started, we started with church in the beginning, we had something that brought family and community together, we were taught love was important. But once the church started moving further down the list change was taking place rapidly. We started not standing for anything that would keep the love a part of our fabric, and if we  stand for nothing, we fall for anything.  If we fall for anything we are lead away from what is meaningful.  I think if we stay off social media, be more present with the people who are important to us, we can bring back some of the love we are missing. All we have to do is to make a decision that we want to be more connected in real time, to hear a voice, or feel a touch.  Prioritize a community with family and friends again,  I believe more people are missing love than we realize. We hear a lot about mental health these days, but is it really mental health or just a lack of love? We have to start somewhere we have to put our guard down, and while lowering our guard, lower the cell phones and other devices. Invest as much time with each other that we invest on social media, and I think what we've been looking for we'll find again. Let's bring love back into our lives, and let the healing begin!

It is easy to look at life situations and ask yourself, what do I have to be thankful for? But there is always something you can give thanks for. if you turn your focus away from what you might be going through you can look at life in a more positive manner. You have to be intentional about controlling the thoughts you have, because as they say, "Where's the scene of the crime? In your mind!"  When you wake up each morning, give thanks that you have  awakened to another opportunity do get it right. If you woke up with a roof over your head even if you are in deep debt, or have loss your job at least you didn't wake up on a sidewalk. You might not be able to get everything taken care of as you once did, but as you move forward you will get through the storm, and you will be able to look back once you get through and say, "Thank you!" If you have your health, food to eat even if it's not the food you might want to eat, you can be thankful because there are so many people in our world and country who don't have the necessities they need, or food to eat. Start a practice of thinking about one or two things to give thanks for when you wake up in the morning, and also before you close your eyes to rest at night,  think of one or two things from the day you can give thanks for. The wonderful thing about a grateful heart is that it change your perspective on life, and give you the strength to carry on!

Oh girl, these times are stressing me! I listen to the news, I hear conversations, I read everything on social media, and I swear I'm going to scream! I'm good, right? I mean, I'm really good! That's what we say when asked, we've learned how to perfectly wear our mask! So, how are you really navigating this climate. Are you really good? It is so easy to want to stay silent, and not let anyone know how you really feel. If you are one of the over two hundred thousand women who has lost their jobs since January, I don't know how you can be good unless you are one of those women who looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. Your perspective should be I can give myself the same thing I gave that job. What were your skills that helped that job make a decision that they wanted to hire you? Those same skills can be the gift that takes you in a different direction. The one thing you can look at  you learned something new while you were there that added to what you already possessed.  We can't let a little set back steal our joy, this isn't our first rodeo! Do you remember the pandemic, you got through it, do you remember that time you left job or were  let go after giving your all!  What did you do? You got over yourself, started thinking and that brought you all the way to the job you just loss. So get it together, know what you have to offer, think about how you might be able to use your skills to start your own source income. You can't live without income, and eventually people will get tired of trying to help you make it.  The reality is you are good, I mean good! You just have to change your thinking, let go of the woe is me attitude, and know that you got this!!  The next time someone ask you how are doing, say, "I'm good, I mean I'm really good!" and mean it! 

The scene of the crime is your mind, thoughts are always showing up trying to steal your joy! Our minds can cause us to overthink everything. It's that inner reasoning and deliberation with oneself, and the world in which you live. Change your thinking, and you can change the outcome of your fight. If you don't have a handle on your thoughts, you become enslaved to the mind. We wage war from within, and if we don't change our thinking it defeats us. So, how can we change our thinking? First, get out of yourself, the flesh takes you down a dark downward spiral that makes it hard to get out of. Think about what is positive in your life, where do you go to find strength, peace and harmony? I'm not here to promote any type of religion, but I am a spiritual being who believes there is someone greater than me, or my thoughts, and I tap into that resource by reading the bible, being able to pray, and talk to God, believing He is someone who listens to me. I usually feel better after getting quiet, I find more clarity in what I am going through, and best part about it is that I didn't have to find someone to talk to about my thoughts. So be victorious in the battle, and win the war!

The holiday season can be a beautiful time, but very hard to navigate emotionally. We're surrounded by joy and celebration, yet if you've experienced loss this year whether a loved one, a friend, a job, or even a cherished relationship- you might find it difficult to find that same joy. 

There is something powerful about looking out for one another -especially in times like these. Have you heard the saying "I'm my sister's keeper"?  It's true.  In recent months,  many women have lost their jobs. For some,  their work was more than a paycheck -it was a part of their identity. When something so central to our lives is taken away, especially without warning, it can be devastating. Many  people live paycheck to paycheck, and when that income disappears they're thrust  into survival mode.

Have you ever waited for something that you believed should have happened long ago? Maybe it was a dream, a calling, a breakthrough. How did you navigate that waiting season? Did you grow discouraged- frustrated, or did you persevere? I believe when you have a desire placed in your heart, it will come to pass. But everything in life unfolds according to divine timing. You can't give up, or lose hope you must persevere and keep working toward your vision. For many years I had a deep  longing to work with women, or girls- a dream that lived in my heart over two decades. I remembered driving to work each morning  praying, and asking God to use me as an empty vessel. Then one day the moment arrived, it was time to step into what was stirring in me all along. God had already positioned the right people  to help me with every piece of the puzzle.  I could have never imagined my dream unfolding the way it did. So, if  God has placed a desire in your heart, and you've seen the smallest progress,  just keep going. Keep doing what you can and at the perfect time, God will give you the desire of your heart. 

There is something about a woman who knows who she is- she can't be taken lightly because her senses are keen. It doesn't matter if she is in the boardroom, in a relationship,  or holding down the strength of a family; she is in alignment with her spirit. You can't just manipulate her, you can't take her for granted, and you most certainly can't take her for a ride that she doesn't want to go on. I used to shrink back in many situations to make others feel good, or to avoid intimidating them.  As I grew older, I discovered the inner weakness behind that  behavior. I began to see my strength. I didn't become arrogant, or nasty toward others- I simply started speaking my truth.  I started allowing my "yes" to be a yes, and my "no" to be a no.  At first those who knew me didn't like it  they found themselves unable to manipulate me, take me for granted, or lead me where I didn't want to go. When I took a good look in the mirror, I realized I was beginning to love myself correctly- for the strength God had given me, the vision He had placed in my heart, and the voice to speak my truth.  There is a deep freedom in knowing who you are and loving yourself. If you are struggling with your identity, or loving yourself start looking for resources to help you see a brighter future.

I think it's time to think about the heart. It is the most important part of our being, it's who we are at the core, but we do not pay attention to the life of it. Why is it we can't  see the importance of the heart? Our hearts are sacred and everyone shouldn't have access to it. We should guard our hearts like our life depends on it, because it does. We have been given something so precious, and it is the center of our being, yet we pay little attention to it. Because of that, we find our hearts broken, locked to anyone who tries to get in, and at the same time, we hold ourselves hostage, and long for love. I read something in a book that made total sense to me. Our hearts are the executive center of our being, it's the place where decisions and choices are made. So, why do we pay little attention to the heart? Unless the heart is lonely, broken, sad, or  contrite?  Let  me attempt to give a little insight for the reason we pay little attention to the heart. It's because the enemy has come to take our heart, and if he can do that, he can take us, and his mission is accomplished, there is no momentum that he needs to block. God saw a world filled with love when He created it, and so He placed his heart into each person who believes, but as you can see by the state of the world, there has been a battle for each person who wants to follow God, the enemy wants to ensure they do not go with God. The enemy puts doubt, and logic in the heart and mind to keep it confused, and as they say,  "The enemy is the author of confusion, and God is the author of peace." When our hearts has been broken, betrayed against, or deceived we find it hard to let our guard down for just a moment, to allow ourselves to experience love again. So, what do we do? We start paying attention to the matter of the heart, we seek to guard it, and prepare to heal. We have to study, and research tools and resources that will help us to heal. We need to remember the heart is the center of our being, it is who we are, and out of it flows the issues of our lives. The state of your heart is the state of your life. Take time today, to focus on the matter of your heart, and begin to find healing where its' needed, and strength to live a life more abundantly. 

We all sow seeds daily,  and I thought about the seeds I believe I've planted. When I thought about it I came to the conclusion that I've planted seeds of  love, kindness, generosity, shelter, food, and money into the lives of many. One thing we can be sure of  whatever we plant. we can expect a harvest at some point. There is a time to plant and a time to reap a harvest, but it takes time for the harvest.  We have to be patient while waiting with  expectancy.  What are some seeds that you have planted in the lives of others, are you waiting patiently for a harvest?  Are you waiting for  love, finance, food, shelter, kindness? When you need anything you will receive it, It will not come from the same place you planted, it will come from somewhere else. Now in contrast to planting good seed, you can  plant bad seed of slander, hate, evil doings, and if you plant these seeds that's what you can expect reap.  Be careful what you are sowing, people are going through so much at this time.  There are wars that are getting more deadly and longer, we have not only a disconnection in the USA, but a division in the world. If you are already sowing good seed, keep up the good work! If you are having trouble being kind and loving to others, challenge yourself for a day to shift your thoughts and search yourself to find out why you are sowing seeds less loving. Remember, if you don't like what you see in yourself, you can always make a change any day. 

Loving yourself isn't just important-it's essential! If you don't know your worth  people will walk all over you.  You will wonder why you feel used.  If you are the type of person who is always doing something to let others feel you love them, but manage to neglect yourself,  you become a people pleaser, and people pleasers never see themselves.  There are probably things about yourself  you don't like so you over compensate by doing for others to feel accepted or loved.  Maybe you don't  feel like you fit in anywhere, and that causes you to give more of yourself away to perhaps people who really don't care about you the way they should.  I hope you know you deserve the same love you are giving to others. Have you ever taken time to see what you would feel like if you loved yourself the way you are loving others? It would amaze you to feel what others feel when you put them first instead of yourself. I did that one time, I challenged myself to love myself the way I was loving others. I said kind words to myself, I looked in the mirror and smiled back at me as I said to myself what I saw looking back at me. From that point on I started loving myself correctly, then it became easier and more genuine to love others correctly. You should try it! Self-love comes from inner healing seeing yourself correctly.  I always tell my clients to start at the beginning, the foundation, because deep down within you will discover why you are self-sabotaging. Think about who was a part of your life in the beginning, and how you felt around these people. Humanity is deep, and life is deeper.  Little nuggets have shaped your life on your journey through words or actions.  Reflect over your life to bring  awareness of what's  gotten you to the place you are at not loving yourself.  I suggest purchasing a journal if you don't have one, and write on the first page of your journal " My Beginning"  think back as far as you can remember and write down the names of  all the people you can remember in the first one to eight years of your life, write adjectives to describe each one. Try to remember their voices, something distinct about them, and for each person write down how you felt in their presence. This will help to get your thoughts flowing. Healing is a process, but the more you heal, the more you can see you! Loving yourself is vital because self-love is a superpower that  will energize you to live your best life! You only get one life to live, and if you don't love yourself right now, it's time to make a change!

I thought I would talk a little bit about love today. It appears we are lacking love in our lives, families, and communities, and that can be disheartening. Everyone needs love it provides hope, strength, and heals many illnesses. So what exactly is love? We hear the word often, and say the word but what is the true definition of love? Love is complex, it is a multifaceted human emotion that is characterized by strong feelings of affection, care, tenderness, and a deep attachment towards another person. It can be romantic, family bonds, and benevolence. If we look at our personal relationships and our communities,  country and world we can see the lack of love for one another, but what has taken us so far away from each other?  I think if we go back to the time when it appeared love was more prevalent in society, there was an order we lived by. Let's go back to the 60s and 70s, the order for families and communities were church, family, school, friends, and pop culture. In the 80s that order changed, it became family, school, church, and pop culture. Then, in the 2000s  we had friends, schools, pop culture and church and unfortunately church has become the  last on the list. That's how the change started, we started with church in the beginning, we had something that brought family and community together, we were taught love was important. But once the church started moving further down the list change was taking place rapidly. We started not standing for anything that would keep the love a part of our fabric, and if we  stand for nothing, we fall for anything.  If we fall for anything we are lead away from what is meaningful.  I think if we stay off social media, be more present with the people who are important to us, we can bring back some of the love we are missing. All we have to do is to make a decision that we want to be more connected in real time, to hear a voice, or feel a touch.  Prioritize a community with family and friends again,  I believe more people are missing love than we realize. We hear a lot about mental health these days, but is it really mental health or just a lack of love? We have to start somewhere we have to put our guard down, and while lowering our guard, lower the cell phones and other devices. Invest as much time with each other that we invest on social media, and I think what we've been looking for we'll find again. Let's bring love back into our lives, and let the healing begin!

It is easy to look at life situations and ask yourself, what do I have to be thankful for? But there is always something you can give thanks for. if you turn your focus away from what you might be going through you can look at life in a more positive manner. You have to be intentional about controlling the thoughts you have, because as they say, "Where's the scene of the crime? In your mind!"  When you wake up each morning, give thanks that you have  awakened to another opportunity do get it right. If you woke up with a roof over your head even if you are in deep debt, or have loss your job at least you didn't wake up on a sidewalk. You might not be able to get everything taken care of as you once did, but as you move forward you will get through the storm, and you will be able to look back once you get through and say, "Thank you!" If you have your health, food to eat even if it's not the food you might want to eat, you can be thankful because there are so many people in our world and country who don't have the necessities they need, or food to eat. Start a practice of thinking about one or two things to give thanks for when you wake up in the morning, and also before you close your eyes to rest at night,  think of one or two things from the day you can give thanks for. The wonderful thing about a grateful heart is that it change your perspective on life, and give you the strength to carry on!

Oh girl, these times are stressing me! I listen to the news, I hear conversations, I read everything on social media, and I swear I'm going to scream! I'm good, right? I mean, I'm really good! That's what we say when asked, we've learned how to perfectly wear our mask! So, how are you really navigating this climate. Are you really good? It is so easy to want to stay silent, and not let anyone know how you really feel. If you are one of the over two hundred thousand women who has lost their jobs since January, I don't know how you can be good unless you are one of those women who looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. Your perspective should be I can give myself the same thing I gave that job. What were your skills that helped that job make a decision that they wanted to hire you? Those same skills can be the gift that takes you in a different direction. The one thing you can look at  you learned something new while you were there that added to what you already possessed.  We can't let a little set back steal our joy, this isn't our first rodeo! Do you remember the pandemic, you got through it, do you remember that time you left job or were  let go after giving your all!  What did you do? You got over yourself, started thinking and that brought you all the way to the job you just loss. So get it together, know what you have to offer, think about how you might be able to use your skills to start your own source income. You can't live without income, and eventually people will get tired of trying to help you make it.  The reality is you are good, I mean good! You just have to change your thinking, let go of the woe is me attitude, and know that you got this!!  The next time someone ask you how are doing, say, "I'm good, I mean I'm really good!" and mean it! 

The scene of the crime is your mind, thoughts are always showing up trying to steal your joy! Our minds can cause us to overthink everything. It's that inner reasoning and deliberation with oneself, and the world in which you live. Change your thinking, and you can change the outcome of your fight. If you don't have a handle on your thoughts, you become enslaved to the mind. We wage war from within, and if we don't change our thinking it defeats us. So, how can we change our thinking? First, get out of yourself, the flesh takes you down a dark downward spiral that makes it hard to get out of. Think about what is positive in your life, where do you go to find strength, peace and harmony? I'm not here to promote any type of religion, but I am a spiritual being who believes there is someone greater than me, or my thoughts, and I tap into that resource by reading the bible, being able to pray, and talk to God, believing He is someone who listens to me. I usually feel better after getting quiet, I find more clarity in what I am going through, and best part about it is that I didn't have to find someone to talk to about my thoughts. So be victorious in the battle, and win the war!

The holiday season can be a beautiful time, but very hard to navigate emotionally. We're surrounded by joy and celebration, yet if you've experienced loss this year whether a loved one, a friend, a job, or even a cherished relationship- you might find it difficult to find that same joy. 

There is something powerful about looking out for one another -especially in times like these. Have you heard the saying "I'm my sister's keeper"?  It's true.  In recent months,  many women have lost their jobs. For some,  their work was more than a paycheck -it was a part of their identity. When something so central to our lives is taken away, especially without warning, it can be devastating. Many  people live paycheck to paycheck, and when that income disappears they're thrust  into survival mode.

Have you ever waited for something that you believed should have happened long ago? Maybe it was a dream, a calling, a breakthrough. How did you navigate that waiting season? Did you grow discouraged- frustrated, or did you persevere? I believe when you have a desire placed in your heart, it will come to pass. But everything in life unfolds according to divine timing. You can't give up, or lose hope you must persevere and keep working toward your vision. For many years I had a deep  longing to work with women, or girls- a dream that lived in my heart over two decades. I remembered driving to work each morning  praying, and asking God to use me as an empty vessel. Then one day the moment arrived, it was time to step into what was stirring in me all along. God had already positioned the right people  to help me with every piece of the puzzle.  I could have never imagined my dream unfolding the way it did. So, if  God has placed a desire in your heart, and you've seen the smallest progress,  just keep going. Keep doing what you can and at the perfect time, God will give you the desire of your heart. 

There is something about a woman who knows who she is- she can't be taken lightly because her senses are keen. It doesn't matter if she is in the boardroom, in a relationship,  or holding down the strength of a family; she is in alignment with her spirit. You can't just manipulate her, you can't take her for granted, and you most certainly can't take her for a ride that she doesn't want to go on. I used to shrink back in many situations to make others feel good, or to avoid intimidating them.  As I grew older, I discovered the inner weakness behind that  behavior. I began to see my strength. I didn't become arrogant, or nasty toward others- I simply started speaking my truth.  I started allowing my "yes" to be a yes, and my "no" to be a no.  At first those who knew me didn't like it  they found themselves unable to manipulate me, take me for granted, or lead me where I didn't want to go. When I took a good look in the mirror, I realized I was beginning to love myself correctly- for the strength God had given me, the vision He had placed in my heart, and the voice to speak my truth.  There is a deep freedom in knowing who you are and loving yourself. If you are struggling with your identity, or loving yourself start looking for resources to help you see a brighter future.

I think it's time to think about the heart. It is the most important part of our being, it's who we are at the core, but we do not pay attention to the life of it. Why is it we can't  see the importance of the heart? Our hearts are sacred and everyone shouldn't have access to it. We should guard our hearts like our life depends on it, because it does. We have been given something so precious, and it is the center of our being, yet we pay little attention to it. Because of that, we find our hearts broken, locked to anyone who tries to get in, and at the same time, we hold ourselves hostage, and long for love. I read something in a book that made total sense to me. Our hearts are the executive center of our being, it's the place where decisions and choices are made. So, why do we pay little attention to the heart? Unless the heart is lonely, broken, sad, or  contrite?  Let  me attempt to give a little insight for the reason we pay little attention to the heart. It's because the enemy has come to take our heart, and if he can do that, he can take us, and his mission is accomplished, there is no momentum that he needs to block. God saw a world filled with love when He created it, and so He placed his heart into each person who believes, but as you can see by the state of the world, there has been a battle for each person who wants to follow God, the enemy wants to ensure they do not go with God. The enemy puts doubt, and logic in the heart and mind to keep it confused, and as they say,  "The enemy is the author of confusion, and God is the author of peace." When our hearts has been broken, betrayed against, or deceived we find it hard to let our guard down for just a moment, to allow ourselves to experience love again. So, what do we do? We start paying attention to the matter of the heart, we seek to guard it, and prepare to heal. We have to study, and research tools and resources that will help us to heal. We need to remember the heart is the center of our being, it is who we are, and out of it flows the issues of our lives. The state of your heart is the state of your life. Take time today, to focus on the matter of your heart, and begin to find healing where its' needed, and strength to live a life more abundantly. 

We all sow seeds daily,  and I thought about the seeds I believe I've planted. When I thought about it I came to the conclusion that I've planted seeds of  love, kindness, generosity, shelter, food, and money into the lives of many. One thing we can be sure of  whatever we plant. we can expect a harvest at some point. There is a time to plant and a time to reap a harvest, but it takes time for the harvest.  We have to be patient while waiting with  expectancy.  What are some seeds that you have planted in the lives of others, are you waiting patiently for a harvest?  Are you waiting for  love, finance, food, shelter, kindness? When you need anything you will receive it, It will not come from the same place you planted, it will come from somewhere else. Now in contrast to planting good seed, you can  plant bad seed of slander, hate, evil doings, and if you plant these seeds that's what you can expect reap.  Be careful what you are sowing, people are going through so much at this time.  There are wars that are getting more deadly and longer, we have not only a disconnection in the USA, but a division in the world. If you are already sowing good seed, keep up the good work! If you are having trouble being kind and loving to others, challenge yourself for a day to shift your thoughts and search yourself to find out why you are sowing seeds less loving. Remember, if you don't like what you see in yourself, you can always make a change any day. 

Loving yourself isn't just important-it's essential! If you don't know your worth  people will walk all over you.  You will wonder why you feel used.  If you are the type of person who is always doing something to let others feel you love them, but manage to neglect yourself,  you become a people pleaser, and people pleasers never see themselves.  There are probably things about yourself  you don't like so you over compensate by doing for others to feel accepted or loved.  Maybe you don't  feel like you fit in anywhere, and that causes you to give more of yourself away to perhaps people who really don't care about you the way they should.  I hope you know you deserve the same love you are giving to others. Have you ever taken time to see what you would feel like if you loved yourself the way you are loving others? It would amaze you to feel what others feel when you put them first instead of yourself. I did that one time, I challenged myself to love myself the way I was loving others. I said kind words to myself, I looked in the mirror and smiled back at me as I said to myself what I saw looking back at me. From that point on I started loving myself correctly, then it became easier and more genuine to love others correctly. You should try it! Self-love comes from inner healing seeing yourself correctly.  I always tell my clients to start at the beginning, the foundation, because deep down within you will discover why you are self-sabotaging. Think about who was a part of your life in the beginning, and how you felt around these people. Humanity is deep, and life is deeper.  Little nuggets have shaped your life on your journey through words or actions.  Reflect over your life to bring  awareness of what's  gotten you to the place you are at not loving yourself.  I suggest purchasing a journal if you don't have one, and write on the first page of your journal " My Beginning"  think back as far as you can remember and write down the names of  all the people you can remember in the first one to eight years of your life, write adjectives to describe each one. Try to remember their voices, something distinct about them, and for each person write down how you felt in their presence. This will help to get your thoughts flowing. Healing is a process, but the more you heal, the more you can see you! Loving yourself is vital because self-love is a superpower that  will energize you to live your best life! You only get one life to live, and if you don't love yourself right now, it's time to make a change!

I thought I would talk a little bit about love today. It appears we are lacking love in our lives, families, and communities, and that can be disheartening. Everyone needs love it provides hope, strength, and heals many illnesses. So what exactly is love? We hear the word often, and say the word but what is the true definition of love? Love is complex, it is a multifaceted human emotion that is characterized by strong feelings of affection, care, tenderness, and a deep attachment towards another person. It can be romantic, family bonds, and benevolence. If we look at our personal relationships and our communities,  country and world we can see the lack of love for one another, but what has taken us so far away from each other?  I think if we go back to the time when it appeared love was more prevalent in society, there was an order we lived by. Let's go back to the 60s and 70s, the order for families and communities were church, family, school, friends, and pop culture. In the 80s that order changed, it became family, school, church, and pop culture. Then, in the 2000s  we had friends, schools, pop culture and church and unfortunately church has become the  last on the list. That's how the change started, we started with church in the beginning, we had something that brought family and community together, we were taught love was important. But once the church started moving further down the list change was taking place rapidly. We started not standing for anything that would keep the love a part of our fabric, and if we  stand for nothing, we fall for anything.  If we fall for anything we are lead away from what is meaningful.  I think if we stay off social media, be more present with the people who are important to us, we can bring back some of the love we are missing. All we have to do is to make a decision that we want to be more connected in real time, to hear a voice, or feel a touch.  Prioritize a community with family and friends again,  I believe more people are missing love than we realize. We hear a lot about mental health these days, but is it really mental health or just a lack of love? We have to start somewhere we have to put our guard down, and while lowering our guard, lower the cell phones and other devices. Invest as much time with each other that we invest on social media, and I think what we've been looking for we'll find again. Let's bring love back into our lives, and let the healing begin!

It is easy to look at life situations and ask yourself, what do I have to be thankful for? But there is always something you can give thanks for. if you turn your focus away from what you might be going through you can look at life in a more positive manner. You have to be intentional about controlling the thoughts you have, because as they say, "Where's the scene of the crime? In your mind!"  When you wake up each morning, give thanks that you have  awakened to another opportunity do get it right. If you woke up with a roof over your head even if you are in deep debt, or have loss your job at least you didn't wake up on a sidewalk. You might not be able to get everything taken care of as you once did, but as you move forward you will get through the storm, and you will be able to look back once you get through and say, "Thank you!" If you have your health, food to eat even if it's not the food you might want to eat, you can be thankful because there are so many people in our world and country who don't have the necessities they need, or food to eat. Start a practice of thinking about one or two things to give thanks for when you wake up in the morning, and also before you close your eyes to rest at night,  think of one or two things from the day you can give thanks for. The wonderful thing about a grateful heart is that it change your perspective on life, and give you the strength to carry on!

Oh girl, these times are stressing me! I listen to the news, I hear conversations, I read everything on social media, and I swear I'm going to scream! I'm good, right? I mean, I'm really good! That's what we say when asked, we've learned how to perfectly wear our mask! So, how are you really navigating this climate. Are you really good? It is so easy to want to stay silent, and not let anyone know how you really feel. If you are one of the over two hundred thousand women who has lost their jobs since January, I don't know how you can be good unless you are one of those women who looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. Your perspective should be I can give myself the same thing I gave that job. What were your skills that helped that job make a decision that they wanted to hire you? Those same skills can be the gift that takes you in a different direction. The one thing you can look at  you learned something new while you were there that added to what you already possessed.  We can't let a little set back steal our joy, this isn't our first rodeo! Do you remember the pandemic, you got through it, do you remember that time you left job or were  let go after giving your all!  What did you do? You got over yourself, started thinking and that brought you all the way to the job you just loss. So get it together, know what you have to offer, think about how you might be able to use your skills to start your own source income. You can't live without income, and eventually people will get tired of trying to help you make it.  The reality is you are good, I mean good! You just have to change your thinking, let go of the woe is me attitude, and know that you got this!!  The next time someone ask you how are doing, say, "I'm good, I mean I'm really good!" and mean it! 

The scene of the crime is your mind, thoughts are always showing up trying to steal your joy! Our minds can cause us to overthink everything. It's that inner reasoning and deliberation with oneself, and the world in which you live. Change your thinking, and you can change the outcome of your fight. If you don't have a handle on your thoughts, you become enslaved to the mind. We wage war from within, and if we don't change our thinking it defeats us. So, how can we change our thinking? First, get out of yourself, the flesh takes you down a dark downward spiral that makes it hard to get out of. Think about what is positive in your life, where do you go to find strength, peace and harmony? I'm not here to promote any type of religion, but I am a spiritual being who believes there is someone greater than me, or my thoughts, and I tap into that resource by reading the bible, being able to pray, and talk to God, believing He is someone who listens to me. I usually feel better after getting quiet, I find more clarity in what I am going through, and best part about it is that I didn't have to find someone to talk to about my thoughts. So be victorious in the battle, and win the war!

Ladies, let's face it we are experiencing a shift in the atmosphere! How are you handling this roller coaster we are on? I am talking with many people, and hearing the same story over and over again. If you still have a job, I would start living like you might get a pink slip. Only spend what you need to spend. Unfortunately, many of us have been living in the land of milk and honey, and enjoying life without thinking about it. Now, it's time to do something different. Start paying attention to the way you are living. I have found in these times if I don't go out to eat as often, stay out of my favorite retail store, at the end of one paycheck I have some money left. I then take that money, and move it to my savings, and start over with the next paycheck. By doing that, I am building my savings in the event of an emergency, like losing a job abruptly. You don't want to get caught off guard, and then have to try and figure out what to do. I have noticed an increase in my electric bill this past month, the food has gone up and if you aren't prepared for the shift, it's going to be hard to make it. I don't want to scare anyone, I just want you to be wise, if you make changes now, you will be ahead of the game. If you don't lose your job, at least you will feel good about seeing your savings grow. 

Has there been a time in your life, when you can't stop thinking about something you've always wanted to do. If there is a constant pressing, something is being stirred up within you that you have to offer the world. Don't be afraid to walk by faith not by sight, when you have these pressing thoughts, it could very well be your season.  Write down your thoughts,  the difference between a doer and a dreamer is that the doer will write down the vision so they can have clarity. A dreamer keeps it inside, and thinks about it because they don't know where to start. It is written in Habakkuk 2:2 in the bible to write the vision, and make it plain, that he may run who reads it. That means you can move forward with clarity, and your vision can unfold. This is your season to fulfill your passion, start that business, write the book you want the world to read. All you have to do is start, and write it down.

The holiday season can be a beautiful time, but very hard to navigate emotionally. We're surrounded by joy and celebration, yet if you've experienced loss this year whether a loved one, a friend, a job, or even a cherished relationship- you might find it difficult to find that same joy. 

There is something powerful about looking out for one another -especially in times like these. Have you heard the saying "I'm my sister's keeper"?  It's true.  In recent months,  many women have lost their jobs. For some,  their work was more than a paycheck -it was a part of their identity. When something so central to our lives is taken away, especially without warning, it can be devastating. Many  people live paycheck to paycheck, and when that income disappears they're thrust  into survival mode.

Have you ever waited for something that you believed should have happened long ago? Maybe it was a dream, a calling, a breakthrough. How did you navigate that waiting season? Did you grow discouraged- frustrated, or did you persevere? I believe when you have a desire placed in your heart, it will come to pass. But everything in life unfolds according to divine timing. You can't give up, or lose hope you must persevere and keep working toward your vision. For many years I had a deep  longing to work with women, or girls- a dream that lived in my heart over two decades. I remembered driving to work each morning  praying, and asking God to use me as an empty vessel. Then one day the moment arrived, it was time to step into what was stirring in me all along. God had already positioned the right people  to help me with every piece of the puzzle.  I could have never imagined my dream unfolding the way it did. So, if  God has placed a desire in your heart, and you've seen the smallest progress,  just keep going. Keep doing what you can and at the perfect time, God will give you the desire of your heart. 

There is something about a woman who knows who she is- she can't be taken lightly because her senses are keen. It doesn't matter if she is in the boardroom, in a relationship,  or holding down the strength of a family; she is in alignment with her spirit. You can't just manipulate her, you can't take her for granted, and you most certainly can't take her for a ride that she doesn't want to go on. I used to shrink back in many situations to make others feel good, or to avoid intimidating them.  As I grew older, I discovered the inner weakness behind that  behavior. I began to see my strength. I didn't become arrogant, or nasty toward others- I simply started speaking my truth.  I started allowing my "yes" to be a yes, and my "no" to be a no.  At first those who knew me didn't like it  they found themselves unable to manipulate me, take me for granted, or lead me where I didn't want to go. When I took a good look in the mirror, I realized I was beginning to love myself correctly- for the strength God had given me, the vision He had placed in my heart, and the voice to speak my truth.  There is a deep freedom in knowing who you are and loving yourself. If you are struggling with your identity, or loving yourself start looking for resources to help you see a brighter future.

I think it's time to think about the heart. It is the most important part of our being, it's who we are at the core, but we do not pay attention to the life of it. Why is it we can't  see the importance of the heart? Our hearts are sacred and everyone shouldn't have access to it. We should guard our hearts like our life depends on it, because it does. We have been given something so precious, and it is the center of our being, yet we pay little attention to it. Because of that, we find our hearts broken, locked to anyone who tries to get in, and at the same time, we hold ourselves hostage, and long for love. I read something in a book that made total sense to me. Our hearts are the executive center of our being, it's the place where decisions and choices are made. So, why do we pay little attention to the heart? Unless the heart is lonely, broken, sad, or  contrite?  Let  me attempt to give a little insight for the reason we pay little attention to the heart. It's because the enemy has come to take our heart, and if he can do that, he can take us, and his mission is accomplished, there is no momentum that he needs to block. God saw a world filled with love when He created it, and so He placed his heart into each person who believes, but as you can see by the state of the world, there has been a battle for each person who wants to follow God, the enemy wants to ensure they do not go with God. The enemy puts doubt, and logic in the heart and mind to keep it confused, and as they say,  "The enemy is the author of confusion, and God is the author of peace." When our hearts has been broken, betrayed against, or deceived we find it hard to let our guard down for just a moment, to allow ourselves to experience love again. So, what do we do? We start paying attention to the matter of the heart, we seek to guard it, and prepare to heal. We have to study, and research tools and resources that will help us to heal. We need to remember the heart is the center of our being, it is who we are, and out of it flows the issues of our lives. The state of your heart is the state of your life. Take time today, to focus on the matter of your heart, and begin to find healing where its' needed, and strength to live a life more abundantly. 

We all sow seeds daily,  and I thought about the seeds I believe I've planted. When I thought about it I came to the conclusion that I've planted seeds of  love, kindness, generosity, shelter, food, and money into the lives of many. One thing we can be sure of  whatever we plant. we can expect a harvest at some point. There is a time to plant and a time to reap a harvest, but it takes time for the harvest.  We have to be patient while waiting with  expectancy.  What are some seeds that you have planted in the lives of others, are you waiting patiently for a harvest?  Are you waiting for  love, finance, food, shelter, kindness? When you need anything you will receive it, It will not come from the same place you planted, it will come from somewhere else. Now in contrast to planting good seed, you can  plant bad seed of slander, hate, evil doings, and if you plant these seeds that's what you can expect reap.  Be careful what you are sowing, people are going through so much at this time.  There are wars that are getting more deadly and longer, we have not only a disconnection in the USA, but a division in the world. If you are already sowing good seed, keep up the good work! If you are having trouble being kind and loving to others, challenge yourself for a day to shift your thoughts and search yourself to find out why you are sowing seeds less loving. Remember, if you don't like what you see in yourself, you can always make a change any day. 

Loving yourself isn't just important-it's essential! If you don't know your worth  people will walk all over you.  You will wonder why you feel used.  If you are the type of person who is always doing something to let others feel you love them, but manage to neglect yourself,  you become a people pleaser, and people pleasers never see themselves.  There are probably things about yourself  you don't like so you over compensate by doing for others to feel accepted or loved.  Maybe you don't  feel like you fit in anywhere, and that causes you to give more of yourself away to perhaps people who really don't care about you the way they should.  I hope you know you deserve the same love you are giving to others. Have you ever taken time to see what you would feel like if you loved yourself the way you are loving others? It would amaze you to feel what others feel when you put them first instead of yourself. I did that one time, I challenged myself to love myself the way I was loving others. I said kind words to myself, I looked in the mirror and smiled back at me as I said to myself what I saw looking back at me. From that point on I started loving myself correctly, then it became easier and more genuine to love others correctly. You should try it! Self-love comes from inner healing seeing yourself correctly.  I always tell my clients to start at the beginning, the foundation, because deep down within you will discover why you are self-sabotaging. Think about who was a part of your life in the beginning, and how you felt around these people. Humanity is deep, and life is deeper.  Little nuggets have shaped your life on your journey through words or actions.  Reflect over your life to bring  awareness of what's  gotten you to the place you are at not loving yourself.  I suggest purchasing a journal if you don't have one, and write on the first page of your journal " My Beginning"  think back as far as you can remember and write down the names of  all the people you can remember in the first one to eight years of your life, write adjectives to describe each one. Try to remember their voices, something distinct about them, and for each person write down how you felt in their presence. This will help to get your thoughts flowing. Healing is a process, but the more you heal, the more you can see you! Loving yourself is vital because self-love is a superpower that  will energize you to live your best life! You only get one life to live, and if you don't love yourself right now, it's time to make a change!

I thought I would talk a little bit about love today. It appears we are lacking love in our lives, families, and communities, and that can be disheartening. Everyone needs love it provides hope, strength, and heals many illnesses. So what exactly is love? We hear the word often, and say the word but what is the true definition of love? Love is complex, it is a multifaceted human emotion that is characterized by strong feelings of affection, care, tenderness, and a deep attachment towards another person. It can be romantic, family bonds, and benevolence. If we look at our personal relationships and our communities,  country and world we can see the lack of love for one another, but what has taken us so far away from each other?  I think if we go back to the time when it appeared love was more prevalent in society, there was an order we lived by. Let's go back to the 60s and 70s, the order for families and communities were church, family, school, friends, and pop culture. In the 80s that order changed, it became family, school, church, and pop culture. Then, in the 2000s  we had friends, schools, pop culture and church and unfortunately church has become the  last on the list. That's how the change started, we started with church in the beginning, we had something that brought family and community together, we were taught love was important. But once the church started moving further down the list change was taking place rapidly. We started not standing for anything that would keep the love a part of our fabric, and if we  stand for nothing, we fall for anything.  If we fall for anything we are lead away from what is meaningful.  I think if we stay off social media, be more present with the people who are important to us, we can bring back some of the love we are missing. All we have to do is to make a decision that we want to be more connected in real time, to hear a voice, or feel a touch.  Prioritize a community with family and friends again,  I believe more people are missing love than we realize. We hear a lot about mental health these days, but is it really mental health or just a lack of love? We have to start somewhere we have to put our guard down, and while lowering our guard, lower the cell phones and other devices. Invest as much time with each other that we invest on social media, and I think what we've been looking for we'll find again. Let's bring love back into our lives, and let the healing begin!

It is easy to look at life situations and ask yourself, what do I have to be thankful for? But there is always something you can give thanks for. if you turn your focus away from what you might be going through you can look at life in a more positive manner. You have to be intentional about controlling the thoughts you have, because as they say, "Where's the scene of the crime? In your mind!"  When you wake up each morning, give thanks that you have  awakened to another opportunity do get it right. If you woke up with a roof over your head even if you are in deep debt, or have loss your job at least you didn't wake up on a sidewalk. You might not be able to get everything taken care of as you once did, but as you move forward you will get through the storm, and you will be able to look back once you get through and say, "Thank you!" If you have your health, food to eat even if it's not the food you might want to eat, you can be thankful because there are so many people in our world and country who don't have the necessities they need, or food to eat. Start a practice of thinking about one or two things to give thanks for when you wake up in the morning, and also before you close your eyes to rest at night,  think of one or two things from the day you can give thanks for. The wonderful thing about a grateful heart is that it change your perspective on life, and give you the strength to carry on!

Oh girl, these times are stressing me! I listen to the news, I hear conversations, I read everything on social media, and I swear I'm going to scream! I'm good, right? I mean, I'm really good! That's what we say when asked, we've learned how to perfectly wear our mask! So, how are you really navigating this climate. Are you really good? It is so easy to want to stay silent, and not let anyone know how you really feel. If you are one of the over two hundred thousand women who has lost their jobs since January, I don't know how you can be good unless you are one of those women who looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. Your perspective should be I can give myself the same thing I gave that job. What were your skills that helped that job make a decision that they wanted to hire you? Those same skills can be the gift that takes you in a different direction. The one thing you can look at  you learned something new while you were there that added to what you already possessed.  We can't let a little set back steal our joy, this isn't our first rodeo! Do you remember the pandemic, you got through it, do you remember that time you left job or were  let go after giving your all!  What did you do? You got over yourself, started thinking and that brought you all the way to the job you just loss. So get it together, know what you have to offer, think about how you might be able to use your skills to start your own source income. You can't live without income, and eventually people will get tired of trying to help you make it.  The reality is you are good, I mean good! You just have to change your thinking, let go of the woe is me attitude, and know that you got this!!  The next time someone ask you how are doing, say, "I'm good, I mean I'm really good!" and mean it! 

Ladies, let's face it we are experiencing a shift in the atmosphere! How are you handling this roller coaster we are on? I am talking with many people, and hearing the same story over and over again. If you still have a job, I would start living like you might get a pink slip. Only spend what you need to spend. Unfortunately, many of us have been living in the land of milk and honey, and enjoying life without thinking about it. Now, it's time to do something different. Start paying attention to the way you are living. I have found in these times if I don't go out to eat as often, stay out of my favorite retail store, at the end of one paycheck I have some money left. I then take that money, and move it to my savings, and start over with the next paycheck. By doing that, I am building my savings in the event of an emergency, like losing a job abruptly. You don't want to get caught off guard, and then have to try and figure out what to do. I have noticed an increase in my electric bill this past month, the food has gone up and if you aren't prepared for the shift, it's going to be hard to make it. I don't want to scare anyone, I just want you to be wise, if you make changes now, you will be ahead of the game. If you don't lose your job, at least you will feel good about seeing your savings grow. 

We are all in this same game of life, trying to win. It's hard, because while trying to win we lose connection with people. We have so many platforms to keep us disconnected from one another, and that is causing all kinds of issues. We all need someone to call on, that person that you just want to share something great that happened in a day with, or someone you can laugh with about the little things in life.  Let's be honest, with everything going on in our world, we need a little lightheartedness. We are a busy people these days with no time to slow down. But we have to find the time to connect, to slow down, and as they say, "smell the roses!" What can you do to find that friend, that person? First, you can't be afraid of rejection, as I said, "we are all looking for that friend." We have many opportunities to connect, but out of fear of rejection, we won't make it happen. Today, I thought about how many people I've met in the past month, and it was a lot. I'm kind of a people person, so it's not that hard for me to strike up a conversation. 

The holiday season can be a beautiful time, but very hard to navigate emotionally. We're surrounded by joy and celebration, yet if you've experienced loss this year whether a loved one, a friend, a job, or even a cherished relationship- you might find it difficult to find that same joy. 

There is something powerful about looking out for one another -especially in times like these. Have you heard the saying "I'm my sister's keeper"?  It's true.  In recent months,  many women have lost their jobs. For some,  their work was more than a paycheck -it was a part of their identity. When something so central to our lives is taken away, especially without warning, it can be devastating. Many  people live paycheck to paycheck, and when that income disappears they're thrust  into survival mode.

Have you ever waited for something that you believed should have happened long ago? Maybe it was a dream, a calling, a breakthrough. How did you navigate that waiting season? Did you grow discouraged- frustrated, or did you persevere? I believe when you have a desire placed in your heart, it will come to pass. But everything in life unfolds according to divine timing. You can't give up, or lose hope you must persevere and keep working toward your vision. For many years I had a deep  longing to work with women, or girls- a dream that lived in my heart over two decades. I remembered driving to work each morning  praying, and asking God to use me as an empty vessel. Then one day the moment arrived, it was time to step into what was stirring in me all along. God had already positioned the right people  to help me with every piece of the puzzle.  I could have never imagined my dream unfolding the way it did. So, if  God has placed a desire in your heart, and you've seen the smallest progress,  just keep going. Keep doing what you can and at the perfect time, God will give you the desire of your heart. 

There is something about a woman who knows who she is- she can't be taken lightly because her senses are keen. It doesn't matter if she is in the boardroom, in a relationship,  or holding down the strength of a family; she is in alignment with her spirit. You can't just manipulate her, you can't take her for granted, and you most certainly can't take her for a ride that she doesn't want to go on. I used to shrink back in many situations to make others feel good, or to avoid intimidating them.  As I grew older, I discovered the inner weakness behind that  behavior. I began to see my strength. I didn't become arrogant, or nasty toward others- I simply started speaking my truth.  I started allowing my "yes" to be a yes, and my "no" to be a no.  At first those who knew me didn't like it  they found themselves unable to manipulate me, take me for granted, or lead me where I didn't want to go. When I took a good look in the mirror, I realized I was beginning to love myself correctly- for the strength God had given me, the vision He had placed in my heart, and the voice to speak my truth.  There is a deep freedom in knowing who you are and loving yourself. If you are struggling with your identity, or loving yourself start looking for resources to help you see a brighter future.

I think it's time to think about the heart. It is the most important part of our being, it's who we are at the core, but we do not pay attention to the life of it. Why is it we can't  see the importance of the heart? Our hearts are sacred and everyone shouldn't have access to it. We should guard our hearts like our life depends on it, because it does. We have been given something so precious, and it is the center of our being, yet we pay little attention to it. Because of that, we find our hearts broken, locked to anyone who tries to get in, and at the same time, we hold ourselves hostage, and long for love. I read something in a book that made total sense to me. Our hearts are the executive center of our being, it's the place where decisions and choices are made. So, why do we pay little attention to the heart? Unless the heart is lonely, broken, sad, or  contrite?  Let  me attempt to give a little insight for the reason we pay little attention to the heart. It's because the enemy has come to take our heart, and if he can do that, he can take us, and his mission is accomplished, there is no momentum that he needs to block. God saw a world filled with love when He created it, and so He placed his heart into each person who believes, but as you can see by the state of the world, there has been a battle for each person who wants to follow God, the enemy wants to ensure they do not go with God. The enemy puts doubt, and logic in the heart and mind to keep it confused, and as they say,  "The enemy is the author of confusion, and God is the author of peace." When our hearts has been broken, betrayed against, or deceived we find it hard to let our guard down for just a moment, to allow ourselves to experience love again. So, what do we do? We start paying attention to the matter of the heart, we seek to guard it, and prepare to heal. We have to study, and research tools and resources that will help us to heal. We need to remember the heart is the center of our being, it is who we are, and out of it flows the issues of our lives. The state of your heart is the state of your life. Take time today, to focus on the matter of your heart, and begin to find healing where its' needed, and strength to live a life more abundantly. 

We all sow seeds daily,  and I thought about the seeds I believe I've planted. When I thought about it I came to the conclusion that I've planted seeds of  love, kindness, generosity, shelter, food, and money into the lives of many. One thing we can be sure of  whatever we plant. we can expect a harvest at some point. There is a time to plant and a time to reap a harvest, but it takes time for the harvest.  We have to be patient while waiting with  expectancy.  What are some seeds that you have planted in the lives of others, are you waiting patiently for a harvest?  Are you waiting for  love, finance, food, shelter, kindness? When you need anything you will receive it, It will not come from the same place you planted, it will come from somewhere else. Now in contrast to planting good seed, you can  plant bad seed of slander, hate, evil doings, and if you plant these seeds that's what you can expect reap.  Be careful what you are sowing, people are going through so much at this time.  There are wars that are getting more deadly and longer, we have not only a disconnection in the USA, but a division in the world. If you are already sowing good seed, keep up the good work! If you are having trouble being kind and loving to others, challenge yourself for a day to shift your thoughts and search yourself to find out why you are sowing seeds less loving. Remember, if you don't like what you see in yourself, you can always make a change any day. 

Loving yourself isn't just important-it's essential! If you don't know your worth  people will walk all over you.  You will wonder why you feel used.  If you are the type of person who is always doing something to let others feel you love them, but manage to neglect yourself,  you become a people pleaser, and people pleasers never see themselves.  There are probably things about yourself  you don't like so you over compensate by doing for others to feel accepted or loved.  Maybe you don't  feel like you fit in anywhere, and that causes you to give more of yourself away to perhaps people who really don't care about you the way they should.  I hope you know you deserve the same love you are giving to others. Have you ever taken time to see what you would feel like if you loved yourself the way you are loving others? It would amaze you to feel what others feel when you put them first instead of yourself. I did that one time, I challenged myself to love myself the way I was loving others. I said kind words to myself, I looked in the mirror and smiled back at me as I said to myself what I saw looking back at me. From that point on I started loving myself correctly, then it became easier and more genuine to love others correctly. You should try it! Self-love comes from inner healing seeing yourself correctly.  I always tell my clients to start at the beginning, the foundation, because deep down within you will discover why you are self-sabotaging. Think about who was a part of your life in the beginning, and how you felt around these people. Humanity is deep, and life is deeper.  Little nuggets have shaped your life on your journey through words or actions.  Reflect over your life to bring  awareness of what's  gotten you to the place you are at not loving yourself.  I suggest purchasing a journal if you don't have one, and write on the first page of your journal " My Beginning"  think back as far as you can remember and write down the names of  all the people you can remember in the first one to eight years of your life, write adjectives to describe each one. Try to remember their voices, something distinct about them, and for each person write down how you felt in their presence. This will help to get your thoughts flowing. Healing is a process, but the more you heal, the more you can see you! Loving yourself is vital because self-love is a superpower that  will energize you to live your best life! You only get one life to live, and if you don't love yourself right now, it's time to make a change!

I thought I would talk a little bit about love today. It appears we are lacking love in our lives, families, and communities, and that can be disheartening. Everyone needs love it provides hope, strength, and heals many illnesses. So what exactly is love? We hear the word often, and say the word but what is the true definition of love? Love is complex, it is a multifaceted human emotion that is characterized by strong feelings of affection, care, tenderness, and a deep attachment towards another person. It can be romantic, family bonds, and benevolence. If we look at our personal relationships and our communities,  country and world we can see the lack of love for one another, but what has taken us so far away from each other?  I think if we go back to the time when it appeared love was more prevalent in society, there was an order we lived by. Let's go back to the 60s and 70s, the order for families and communities were church, family, school, friends, and pop culture. In the 80s that order changed, it became family, school, church, and pop culture. Then, in the 2000s  we had friends, schools, pop culture and church and unfortunately church has become the  last on the list. That's how the change started, we started with church in the beginning, we had something that brought family and community together, we were taught love was important. But once the church started moving further down the list change was taking place rapidly. We started not standing for anything that would keep the love a part of our fabric, and if we  stand for nothing, we fall for anything.  If we fall for anything we are lead away from what is meaningful.  I think if we stay off social media, be more present with the people who are important to us, we can bring back some of the love we are missing. All we have to do is to make a decision that we want to be more connected in real time, to hear a voice, or feel a touch.  Prioritize a community with family and friends again,  I believe more people are missing love than we realize. We hear a lot about mental health these days, but is it really mental health or just a lack of love? We have to start somewhere we have to put our guard down, and while lowering our guard, lower the cell phones and other devices. Invest as much time with each other that we invest on social media, and I think what we've been looking for we'll find again. Let's bring love back into our lives, and let the healing begin!

It is easy to look at life situations and ask yourself, what do I have to be thankful for? But there is always something you can give thanks for. if you turn your focus away from what you might be going through you can look at life in a more positive manner. You have to be intentional about controlling the thoughts you have, because as they say, "Where's the scene of the crime? In your mind!"  When you wake up each morning, give thanks that you have  awakened to another opportunity do get it right. If you woke up with a roof over your head even if you are in deep debt, or have loss your job at least you didn't wake up on a sidewalk. You might not be able to get everything taken care of as you once did, but as you move forward you will get through the storm, and you will be able to look back once you get through and say, "Thank you!" If you have your health, food to eat even if it's not the food you might want to eat, you can be thankful because there are so many people in our world and country who don't have the necessities they need, or food to eat. Start a practice of thinking about one or two things to give thanks for when you wake up in the morning, and also before you close your eyes to rest at night,  think of one or two things from the day you can give thanks for. The wonderful thing about a grateful heart is that it change your perspective on life, and give you the strength to carry on!

Oh girl, these times are stressing me! I listen to the news, I hear conversations, I read everything on social media, and I swear I'm going to scream! I'm good, right? I mean, I'm really good! That's what we say when asked, we've learned how to perfectly wear our mask! So, how are you really navigating this climate. Are you really good? It is so easy to want to stay silent, and not let anyone know how you really feel. If you are one of the over two hundred thousand women who has lost their jobs since January, I don't know how you can be good unless you are one of those women who looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. Your perspective should be I can give myself the same thing I gave that job. What were your skills that helped that job make a decision that they wanted to hire you? Those same skills can be the gift that takes you in a different direction. The one thing you can look at  you learned something new while you were there that added to what you already possessed.  We can't let a little set back steal our joy, this isn't our first rodeo! Do you remember the pandemic, you got through it, do you remember that time you left job or were  let go after giving your all!  What did you do? You got over yourself, started thinking and that brought you all the way to the job you just loss. So get it together, know what you have to offer, think about how you might be able to use your skills to start your own source income. You can't live without income, and eventually people will get tired of trying to help you make it.  The reality is you are good, I mean good! You just have to change your thinking, let go of the woe is me attitude, and know that you got this!!  The next time someone ask you how are doing, say, "I'm good, I mean I'm really good!" and mean it! 

The scene of the crime is your mind, thoughts are always showing up trying to steal your joy! Our minds can cause us to overthink everything. It's that inner reasoning and deliberation with oneself, and the world in which you live. Change your thinking, and you can change the outcome of your fight. If you don't have a handle on your thoughts, you become enslaved to the mind. We wage war from within, and if we don't change our thinking it defeats us. So, how can we change our thinking? First, get out of yourself, the flesh takes you down a dark downward spiral that makes it hard to get out of. Think about what is positive in your life, where do you go to find strength, peace and harmony? I'm not here to promote any type of religion, but I am a spiritual being who believes there is someone greater than me, or my thoughts, and I tap into that resource by reading the bible, being able to pray, and talk to God, believing He is someone who listens to me. I usually feel better after getting quiet, I find more clarity in what I am going through, and best part about it is that I didn't have to find someone to talk to about my thoughts. So be victorious in the battle, and win the war!