What's Your Review?

Reviews are something that is so small, but can make a major impact.  Think about it.  Before you go see a movie, visit a city, or eat at a restaurant, you often check out the reviews, and based on the overall consensus, you indulge, or you don't.  Reviews aren't only for places and things; they're also for people.  Every action you take adds to your personal review.  How many stars do you think you have?   

There was someone I used to work with who redefined what an 'awful' co-worker was. This person was one of the rudest people I had ever met---to say the least.  The majority of co-workers didn't get along with this person either.  With little regard to the feelings of others, or dare I say, RESPECTING others, this person meandered around without a care in the world.   A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from a friend of mine.  Coincidentally, the miserable co-worker was applying for a new job and my friend was the one who was interviewing this person.  Small world!  Wanting to ensure that she made the right decision, my friend asked me to chime in on the real deal and let her know if it would be the right choice.  I really wished that I had something positive to say, but unfortunately, the negative came to my mind...and fast.  After, I shared my experience with this former co-worker, my friend politely stated "Okay.  I'll be moving the resume to the top of the trash when I get to the office on Monday morning."  Wow.  A few honest words from me and bam!....missed opportunity.  Little did this person know that I would oneday be the one person to vouch for their reputation and work ethic. 

I took this thought even further.  I have a strong work ethic and in building my personal brand, I understand what it takes to make myself known and reach my desires.  I do a lot.  I am editor for 2 magazines as well as a contributor for several others.  I'm a Certified Life Coach, a motivational speaker, and am currently co-authoring a book.  These are just a few of the things I'm working on.  When you enter a new industry in which you have no experience, you MUST be willing to sacrifice in order to build your resume.  What does that mean?  It means starting from the ground up and possibly taking advantage of opportunities that provide a wealth of experience that will generate income in the future.  In lamens terms, doing it for free now, lol.  I've had many people ask me how I can work so hard for certain things and not get paid for it.  After I explain that there are other ways of being compensated, especially when you have a long term goal, I also explain the importance of this: with every action you take, you are creating your very own review.  My work ethic is naturally who I am, but it is important to make sure that you are giving 100% in everything you do.  You see, my review, won't be "Stephanie is cool, but her work ethic sucks."  I can rest assured that all my hard work, my positive attitude, and my genuine desire to be of service to others, will always provide me with the best review possible from everyone I work with, every life I touch, and every word I write.  I can be confident that no matter who you ask, they'll have something positive to say.  My review will cause you to want to see me, meet me, talk to me, etc. 

I want to close with this: you never know who knows who.  Your big break may lie in the words of someone you didn't even know was connected to your opportunity.  Don't dismiss the things or people that you deem unimportant and uninfluential.  Allow your daily actions to create your best review and watch doors open up in your favor for your future!

Until next time...keep the forward movement....

Sweet Treat Friday!

What's better than a Friday?  A sweet treat to go along with the end of your week!  Some of you may or may not know, but I love to cook and bake.  I grew up watching my mother cook everything under the sun sprinkled with carribean flavor, so it was natural for me to pick up cooking.  I love trying new things and one of my favorite places to search for new recipes is The Food Network. Looking to give in to my sweet tooth, I searched for a good dessert recipe and stumbled on Paula Deen's Peach Cobbler.  I tried this a long time ago, but wanted to do my own thing in terms of the ingredients.  Two words: bad idea!  For those who don't really bake, know that baking is more of an exact science.  When cooking, you have more room to sprinkle a little bit of this and add a little bit of that, but when baking, every measurement needs to be exact.  The smallest change could ruin your recipe. 

This peach cobbler is perfect way to end your week, cozy up on the couch, and rest.  Now that the cold weather is upon us, it's the best time to warm up with this delicious dessert!

Paula Deen's Peach Cobbler

Ingredients

4 cups peeled, sliced peaches

2 cups sugar, divided

1/2 cup water

8 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 1/2 cups milk

Ground cinnamon, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Until next time...keep the forward movement....

The Light of the Dark.....

Darkness. When one thinks of the dark, you think of nothingness. The darkness is seen as cold, frightening, and eerily blinding. What can you see in the dark? Most would say 'nothing' but the darkness can show you more than you think. It's really up to what you're willing to see.

A few nights ago, my power went out. At first, I was startled. I grabbed my phone, feverishly dialed the electric company, and prepared to engage in a verbal war (dramatic, I know, lol). After much back and forth, and many promises that the problem is being worked on, I hung up and decided to accept my momentary fate. As I lay there in the stillness, I began to think. Everyday we are bombarded with the soundtrack of life. This playlist is filled with traffic noises, the humdrum beats of office machinery, the misery that lies in the news, and the negativity that spews from the mouth of so many people around you. The list goes on and on. If you notice, a lot of what surrounds us on a daily basis isn't the most positive and much of it you can't control. The only thing you can control is your reaction to it, but sometimes, the mere presence of the negative is exhausting. Couple those things with the ongoing issues in your personal life, and it can send your mind into overdrive. When you come home, there are another set of things that can trigger your thoughts. The tv, the radio, the phone, the computer...all of these things offer their two-cents on where your mind should be. And as much we may say that we need a mental time-out, we rarely get the chance to take one.

As I laid in the dark, I found no choice but to take my "time-out." In that time, I was forced to face my true thoughts. You know, the ones you run from throughout the day that always find a way to catch you at night; the ones that force you to face your truths. I had nowhere to run, so I didn't. In the dark, so much light was shed. It exposed the truly important things. It's difficult to see how trivial some things are until you have even less and with that realization, I became even more grateful. I began to thank God in the dark for the things He's done and given me, and for everything else that was on the way! Most importantly, I thanked Him that this was a momentary power lapse, versus some people who can only afford to live in the dark. The darkness for me that night became the light that exposed me to really see.

You may not have a power outage that forces you to be still, but it is in the quiet of those dark moments that you really see. In the upcoming week, I urge you to create your own make-shift blackout. Don't run from your thoughts...fall into the arms of them. Remember the important things and be grateful for everything, good and bad, for the experiences of the bad provides you with the empiricism that allows for a better experience in the future, void of the same mistakes. Lay in the dark...and let the light in.

Until next time...keep the forward movement... 

Creativity Works- Written for Kidmunicator

So you want to be an author. You’ve been writing for years and are constantly celebrated for your effortless, God-given talent. Well, there’s no time like the present to publish. If you want to become an author, but aren’t sure how, follow these few tips to turn your creative writing into your own book!

1. Compile Your Work: If you’re planning on authoring a book, chances are, you’ve already written a lot of pieces. Organize your narratives, articles, etc. and take note of your strengths. Consider publishing a compilation of your works as a book if they follow similar themes. If not, learn your writing strengths, and focus on topics and the style that would assist in producing your best work. By doing this, you’ll not only be able to learn the positives and negatives of your writing style, but it may jog up a great idea for a possible book.

2. Do Your Research: Nowadays, there are plenty of avenues when it comes to the world of self-publishing. With all the companies out, which do you choose? Be sure to research at least three different companies that you would consider. Weigh the pros and cons and compare different incentives, rights, and profit possibilities, prior to signing on the dotted line. Choosing the right company can be a major factor in the success of your career as an author.

3. Talk to Other Authors: Don’t re-invent the wheel! There’s no better source of advice than picking the brain of someone who has done it before you! They are filled with not only the knowledge you find online, but also the blind spots and pitfalls that you may not know until you experience them! Gathering information from others will allow you to be well-informed and ensure that you have a great experience!

For information on the Kidmunicator program, visit Kidmunicator

Watch Your Back....

Gossip. Slandering reputations. Name calling. Judgement. Nope...I'm not discussing the latest episode of your favorite soap opera.  Those are some of those words that embodied my week.  Worse off, those words were tossed around about me.  Go ahead and gasp...because that's exactly what I did. Oblivious to the thoughts of a particular person, I was taken a-back, but the way I bounced back let me know I've the strongest that I've ever been and my personal growth is as apparent as the sunlight.

Lately, I been privied to information about things that were being said about me by a particular individual.  Not one for throwing anyone under the bus, I decided to keep my mouth shut and be more aware of this miserable person.  I kept thinking to myself "if I could just hear her myself, I'd be able to address it without involving anyone else."  Well, God had it so that he set up a situation where I had to go look for something in a place that I usually never go into.  As I was rifling through papers, the individual walked into an office and proceeded to speak of every aspect of me from the way I did certain things, to the way I look, to my door being shut, to the clothes that I wear, to the heels that I click down the hallway in.  As I stood there aghast, I contemplated walking into the room and exercising my less "demure" side, but I soon realized that, that is probably what she'd want me to do, and it would also make me look bad and unprofessional.  

As I went throughout my day, I was so upset that I physically became warm and snapped at innocent bystanders all around.  The most upsetting part was the fact that I truly never spoke ill of her.  Why do some people feel the need to bring others down for no particular reason?  What is it that is so unhappy inside that leads one to feel that the only way to evoke some happiness is to belittle others?  At that moment, when I realized that it was more of a deficiency in her than anything that truly had to do with me, I felt sorry for her.  

As sorry as I felt, I wasn't about to let it go unnoticed, so I set some things into motion that allowed her to know that her behavior wasn't okay and I wasn't going to accept it.  People can only do the things that you allow, so I made a point to have the situation addressed and hopefully, for her own sake, she got the message.  After I did that, I decided to release it.  Holding on to anger and frustration, only holds you down.  

For a few days, I felt like I had to "watch my back" because when you are betrayed, your guards come up and your trust goes all the way down, but as the situation played out, it taught me a valuable lesson.  When you're being genuine and true, you don't have to watch your back because God will watch it for you.  Things will work out in a way that has the situation take care of itself and more fluidly than you ever could.  The struggle may be uneasy, but I always advice others and try to live by this quote: Don't get caught up in the struggle; get caught in the lesson.  Lesson Learned. 

Until next time...keep the forward movement...

Your Best Life...

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -Steve Jobs.  

This is one of the most profound quotes that I've ever heard.  In the wake of the untimely death of arguably the most brilliant innovator of our time, Steve Jobs, many have taken notice of all his achievements, thoughts, and unforgettable words.  Of his many words, this quotes represents the way I tend to live my life and advice others to do as well.  

Within the past five years, I, as well as some of the closests people around me, have experienced some truly trying times.  To say that we've been in our "rainy season" would be an understatement.  I used to live by the phrase "I'll do it tomorrow."  These last few years have taught me that there may not always be a tomorrow.  Your time is limited and God designed it in a such a way that you never know when it's up, so why not live it like each moment is your last?  Some may roll their eyes at the thought, but truth be told, the only time that belongs to you is the moment you're in.  Anything more is a gift from above.  

Spending time wishing to have another life is to waste the one you're living.  To live your life based on the thoughts of others, is to stifle the person you are and could become.  Years ago, I tailored a lot of what I did and what I looked like based on other people's opinions, especially in business.  Not until I truly listened to my own voice did I really begin to flourish and develop who I am and ultimately who I will become.  Following my heart and intuition has always been in my favor.  If you think about it, everyone can think of a situation where they failed to listen to their inner voice and ended up paying for it.  God gives us this natural gift of knowing when to do something, trust someone, make the right decision, etc.  He also gives us the ability to know when the opposite arises as well.  Don't ignore that voice no matter what.  It is your perfectly built-in compass.  

If his death has taught you nothing, consider this: death is inevitable.  Whether you're worth 8.3 billion dollars or $8.30, what's truly important is the impact that you make while you're living.  Each action, no matter how minute it may seem, is important.  When you look back on your life, what do you see?  If it's not what you want, then be grateful that you still have the time to make a difference, be the change that you wish to see, and live your best life possible.  

Until next time...keep the forward movement...

The Waiting Game

"Great things are going to happen."  "Just wait, and you'll see your amazing future unfold before your very eyes."  "Keep on working and everything will pay off."  No matter how many times you're told this, and how strongly you believe it, you sometimes can't help but have moments of frustration and scream out "wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen?!"  Even with the most positive and optimistic of attitudes, you run into moments of frustration that have you question the very things that you're waiting and believing for.  If you're anything like me (super analytical), your mind runs wild with made-up anecdotes that do nothing but push you into a deeper place of frustration.  How do you get out?  So often, people will say to continue to just believe, but sometimes that isn't enough.  Sometimes you need to be responsible for re-energizing your own self rather than relying on other things and people to do it for you.  Next time you're down in the dumps, try these 'sure-fire' ways to get your faith-driven blood pumping.

1. Revamp Your Goal List: Remember when you listed everything you wanted to accomplish?  As you were making that list, you couldn't help but be filled the hope of endless possibilities.  As you make that list, you truly believe that all the things you're putting down are possible and wonderful energy comes from you envisioning that it's already done.  When we get into a slump or become impatient, we are so far-removed from those "feel good" emotions.  Re-do the list.  Celebrate the things that you can cross off the old list and find solace in the renewed spirit that washes over you as you add new and wonderful things to accomplish.

2. Time Out: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing.  Take a break.  Even the most successful people know when to relax, and if you don't, life will find a way to put you in your very own time-out.  When you get into the rhythm of doing things, sometimes you fall away from the passion and fall into a routine.  Before you know it, you aren't progressing as much or things don't appear to be as fulfilling.  You might find yourself at place that feels more like a plateau than an upward climb.  This is the breeding ground for frustration.  In those moments, take the time to just "be."  Get lost in your good thoughts.  Do something that simply makes you happy and is purely recreational.  You are not a machine, so you can't operate successfully for long as one.  You may think that this time-out is a waste of time, but it actually will re-energize you and help put you in a better frame of mind. 

3. A Picture Says a Thousand Words: I've advised this before, but it works so well, I'll advise it again: create a visual aestethic that will remind you of the things you want.  Whether it be success, love, health, etc, seeing is believing.  Create a vision board or book.  If you're not the most creative, cut/rip out pictures and tape them up.  A lot of people run from this idea because they're not creative, but this project is for you, not to be put on display.  You can simply tape the photos to your bathroom mirror or your wall.  Just make sure that it's placed in a location that you see often.  By doing this, you will be reaffirming the positive things to come and it will help you through the tougher times. 

4. Talk about it: It's so easy to bury your feelings and just wish them away, but sometimes, simply venting can help eliminate them.  In verbalizing things out loud, you often get the chance to hear and see them in a new way.  Whoever you choose to speak to whether it be a family member, friend, or life coach, you open the door to receiving advice on ways to fix whatever issue you're going through.  Even better, the optimistic attitude and words of the person listening may give you hope and increase the chance of you resolving your problem.  

In life, we must wait and there's no way around that, but we do have the power to change the experience of the waiting game.  Whether it's for success, goals, or love, the wait time of the journey serves as preparation for the destination.    

Until next time...keep the forward movement....