Changes...

As the seasons change so shall I.  Have some huge decisions to make this week about my career.  Kind of scary but I am pressing through.  Going to meet with some key people this week and see if I can finally get this consulting thing off the ground. 

I have not given up on my "Inside-Out" makeover.  Most the making over has been internal as I get my mind right and figure out what I want out of this life I have been blessed with.  I have made small changes over the years but I still have a lot to go.  I figure by the time its all over I will have a book to share LOL!

My plan is to continue to keep up my little blog updates on a more regular basis.  I plan starting up with the videos again sometime in the next few months just in time for the new year!  :-)

TTYL <3 p="">

Multiple Streams of Income???

Thought I was going to hit that Powerball but no such luck LOL!  I did win $4 though (Yay!!!)  Oh well on to plan B!

I read somewhere not too long ago that most millionaires have at least 7-10 streams of income.  That's like what...1 full time job and 6 part time jobs???  Any who, so I have been researching business and money making ideas and found lot about small businesses working from home.  Well I already work from home as a social worker so I need some more ideas.  One business (I like to call them my side hustles) is my training and development company I started a few years ago.  In a way I consider that an extension of my social work practice.  So far that's 2 so I need at least 5 more!  I need some help!  In one of my google searches and strolling through Facebook groups I found out about this site where you can make money online: 



I also found that most people recommend multi-level marketing (MLM) companies like Avon and Mary Kay.  I have been looking into those but so far I haven't found a company I liked or that doesn't have a million sellers out there.  I want to find something that helps people and a hard sell for me.  Many of these companies sell items that are overpriced or not good quality.  I was in a MLM a couple of years ago that offered a variety of services that in the end I found the products and services to be higher in price than their competitors and not too great quality in the services.  Either way I am still looking and searching.  I will keep you posted!

Time REALLY Flies By in the Blink of an Eye!

Gosh I can not believe I have not posted in over a YEAR!!!  Its like 2014 didn't even happen LOL!  No such luck but its now 2015 and I am still making my lists and plans and goals and always reaching and looking toward the future!  Whew that was a mouthful!

Well I won't bore you with the details of last year because it is in the past but I have a lot to look forward to in 2015:

10 Years Post Grad School
20 Years a Soror of Delta Sigma Theta
25 Years Post High School Graduation

The business ideas are flowing and I am so excited about the things I have planned!  I promise to stay true to you my bloggies and post more this year!  I am even researching topics to discuss just for YOU! 

Stay tuned...

Time Flies...

Well, well, well...this year has flown by!  I have been reviewing my list plans that I made at the beginning of the year and although not all of my goals have not been completed they are in full motion.  As of now I am busy working toward my goals for 2014.  I am making my lists and checking it twice LOL! 

As I get older I see my focus and desires for my life have changed.  Or should I say evolved!  I am at a point in my life where I only want to focus on what's most important to me and I am definitely seeing the benefits of quality over quantity.  I see so many people working and sacrificing their time and health for things...THINGS!!!  Thinks that they can't take with them and trying to make an impression when the impression has already been made. 

I have gotten reflective in my old age LOL!  I prefer to look at how I can impact others rather that be led by ambition and status.  The only downfall about this revelation is that it has not been lucrative so far in my journey...but by faith I will survive.  I fully expect to THRIVE!

iPhone blog 2

Hello peeps!  September is here and I'm excitedly waiting for fall, football season, and the holidays. Still working on my inside out makeover and goals.  It's hard to stick to it but I'm still plugging along through mistakes and missteps.  So far I have lost 15 lbs and my waist is getting smaller.  Trying to get business back on track.  Planning has already started for 2014!  I'm so excited about what the new year has in store for me and my business.  Stay tuned and buckle up!!!  The Journey continues...

What is This Country Going to Do NOW!!! (My reflections on the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case)

Well I meant to post at the beginning of the month but time got away from me.  Just got finished watching the reading of the verdict in the Zimmerman/Martin case and I am shocked and saddened to say the least.  But this I know:  George Zimmerman has to live with what he did for the rest of his life.  This is a sad fact that some may not understand.  Just as many of us have stood in support of the Martin family there have been just as many supporters for Zimmerman and this so called "Stand Your Ground" law that ultimately lead to his release. 

In graduate school I learned a lot about the historical significance of laws and how they impact my work as a social worker from a macro (big picture) perspective.  As problems arose in our society the need for laws became necessary.  Laws are born out of social problems.  Point blank period!  Once a social problem is deemed big enough to impact the larger society, then there are processes set the path for it first becoming a Bill and then moving forward to become Law. 

As I think about Trayvon Martin and his family I look to the lesson that is in this.  We must look at this as a social issue - a universal issue - that needs to be addressed as such.  The events that led to this evening's decision bring light to the many social problems that this country obviously disagree on.  If we all agreed then George Zimmerman would be in jail.  It is time for society to redefine the values and issues that are important and then see to it that these things are addressed as a collective.

Instead of complaining about the injustice that was clearly displayed this evening, we must arm ourselves with the knowledge of how laws are formed and more importantly how laws are changed.  To learn more about this process check out How Laws Are Made.   The unique thing about our political system is that the same processes that led to Zimmerman's acquittal can also be used to stop this injustice from happening again.  It just takes some work from a few dedicated and motivated individuals that will be loud enough and diligent enough to see it through.  The question is:  Who's going to get started to bring the true change needed to ensure the safety and security of our children?

My passion...

My purpose and passion is helping, mentoring, and teaching people.  I guess that's why I became a social worker!  This profession is truly a journey with a lot of twists and turns.  I feel blessed that I know that I am doing what I was meant to do.  Not everyone can say that...

When I am sharing information that can help others get where they want to be I feel my best.  It is a unique feeling!  I love being able to point people in the right direction.  It really is about sharing and not looking for anything in return.  Sharing yourself and insight to be a blessing to others is a wonderful thing. 

No long post here just thought I would share ;-)

iPhone blog...

This is my first official iPhone blog post!  So with that in mind please forgive the typos LOL!

Anywho...just felt like checking in.  Feeling a little blah actually.  Have a lot of things I want and need to do but impatient about the time I have to wait to finally see things through.  Praying for patience and grace.  I'm shifting my focus and shaking off those things and people that are slowing me down.  I am recognizing that some people that I considered to be my close friends are not more of associates.  Still love them to life but our season has ended it seems.  Sometimes friendships are like that.  TRUE friends can go 10 years and then call you and the conversation picks up where you left off and it is as if you talked to them yesterday.  Seasonal friends are good too but they usually only call when they want something.  That's good though because you can always call them when you need something too!  Either way they will always have a purpose in your life and that can never be a bad thing.  Oh well that's enough rambling for one evening.  Until next time...Toodles!!!

Midlife Crisis???

Okay I know it has been a minute...

When I started this blog my goal was to share my thoughts and insights into my life as I continually grow and evolve as the woman I was created to be.  As you know, life is a series of twists and turns and although the decisions we make play a huge role in the path that lay before us we still are at the mercy of grace.  It is my belief that we are created to serve and to impact someone else.  No matter how short or how long a person's life is on this earth, God's plan is met.  We may not understand the message because more likely than not the message is not for us to learn.  I could say more but then I will be getting deep and totally off the intent of this post (ADD kicking in again LOL!).

Getting back on track!
Looking back over the last few years as I transitioned from being in my 30's and approached my 40's with anxious anticipation I have come to the conclusion that...I am in the throws of a midlife crisis!  I didn't see it coming at all!  What is a midlife crisis you ask?  Well for me it is discovering that the things that I worked so hard for in my 20's and 30's turned out to be so NOT what I wanted or needed to make me happy once I acquired them.  Then there are the things that I THOUGHT I would have by now that have not manifested...can you say panic attach waiting to happen?!?!  Panic attach has not happened yet because I refuse to let it but I find myself at a unique crossroads full of opportunities and possibilities.  The question is...which road do I take???  I need to make a new list of goals and pursue those things that make me happier, healthier, and a more well-rounded person.  I am making my list and checking it twice as I pursue my destiny of impacting others. 

I know this is not about me and I want to live everyday with that mindset:  My life is an example to others!  For so long I thought it was about being successful, getting married, having children, etc.  Time to refocus priorities...

Don't Be No (April) Fool!

April 1st...

My oh my has this year progressed.  March and my birthday have gone and Easter is now behind us and I are looking spring in the face.  I love this time of year...warmer days, wash and go's, and - my favorite - Maxi dresses! 

As always as the seasons change I reflect more and more on what really matters.  When I consider those things from my past that I held in high regard I realize now many are insignificant.  What I now see as important is this:  Love, Health, and being open to continually Learn are what I now focus my intentions on.  Serving and being good to yourself and others, enjoying life and not sweating the small stuff - THAT'S what is important!

It truly amazes me what I thought was important in my twenties and thirties has significantly changed in my 40's. It is really true that priorities and perspectives change as you get older. I can remember a time when I was young and needed a relaxer and I refused to go to the school once (or twice) because I needed a touch up and was having a bad hair day. Wow was I a FOOL...Oh to be young and dumb!!! Today...I don't think I will every return to relaxers. It continues to amaze what people connect to their self-esteem. I could go on but I will save that for part 2 of my "For Colored Girls..." series. 

But until then,

Love, Peace, and Hair Grease ;-)

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

This past weekend I celebrated the first anniversary of my 40s.  I can’t believe another year has passed!  It seems like we just got over Christmas and a quarter of the year is gone already.  Time surely flies the older you get…

I was sitting here thinking about my commitment to decrease negative thinking and I have realized that despite the ups and downs that I am currently experiencing, I am truly happy!  It occurred to me as I quietly celebrated my birthday while spending the day crocheting for a dear friend – Happiness is a decision.  Avoiding negativity has been a tough challenge and even when you are reframing your thoughts and actions others are constantly bringing their negative energy to you and if you are not careful they will take you out of your place of peace.  This has happened several times and let me tell you…the devil has been busy!  But nevertheless I am experiencing less stress and an old calm demeanor that I almost forgot I had.  I thank God for the wisdom that only time can give me.  

I can say that my pursuit of renewing my mind will continue far beyond this Lenten season.  I challenge everyone to try it.  It will change your life!!!

It's Fat Tuesday!!!

Okay so today is “Fat Tuesday” and the last day of Marti Gras.  Although I am not in New Orleans I am adopting this day as a day to eat as much and get as fat as I please for tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent.

 

Lent…for years I have given up various things as a reminder of what Christ sacrificed for us.  Even the small discomfort of giving up something for 40 days doesn’t compare to HIS sacrifice but when I observe this holiday I feel more connected to God.  I am committing to give up a lot this year:  Negativity and Bad Foods…everything from sugary goodies to fried foods.  Fried foods and sweet tea are my weaknesses so this is really gonna be HARD but I know it will be good for me in the long run.  I plan to start off with a cleanse and go from there.

 

The negative thinking is going to be tough too.  I was listening to The Secret and apparently my way of thinking positive was flawed.  I am going to have to incorporate my cognitive behavioral techniques to retrain my thought patterns and adopt positive confessions and speaking it as if it already is.  Ever hear the term “say it til you see it” then you know what I’m talking about.  Here are the some of the scriptures I will be focusing on during the season of Lent:

 

 

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NKJV)

The Just Live by Faith

Then the Lord answered me and said:  “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.   For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.  Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

 

Matthew 6:32-34 (NKJV)

For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

 

Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV)

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 

 

Mark 11:22-25 (NKJV)

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.  For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.  Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.  And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 

 

 

But until then I am going to enjoy my favs as I prepare to go cold turkey in the morning.  I am shaking my head as I type.  Although I don’t think I will be hauling off and being negative all day (not my style LOL).  Until next time...

Welcome 2013!!!

Happy Happy New Year!!!  I am so excited to what God has for me in this new year.  I have so much that I want to do and I have written all of my goals down along with an action plan as to how to pursue them!  Of course the makeover self challenge is in full effect.  I have started at the top and working my way down!  I am continually working toward renewing my mind and watching what I think about myself, situations, and others.  If you are reading this and you never thought of doing a mindset makeover I strongly suggest you do!  You are what you THINK and you have what you SAY!!!  For my mindset makeover I am being vigilant in catching when I have negative thoughts and shifting that thought into positive statements to speak life into my LIFE and the life of others. 

Continuing with the head to toe makeover theme, I have officially made over my hair routine and established a new regimen to follow to grow and nurture my hair.  As a recovering PJ (product junky) I had to really look at the necessity of all of the products that I was buying and decided that I really only need the basics and my hair is thanking me for it! 

Of course I have other plans in the making but I will save the details for later.  Stay tuned!!!

Just checking in!

Yes it has been a while and a lot has happened since my last post. I have relocated once again, changed jobs, changed relationships, started TWO businesses and made a whole lotta missteps in the mix! Even with everything going on I am still pushing and pressing toward a new improved me. The first part of my makeover is an internal one. Working in changing how I think and what I speak. I have been practicing watching my words for a while now but just recently began the process of watching my thoughts. It is so true that you can have what you say and you are what you think! I purpose to guard my thoughts and my tongue so that I always say things with purpose. I will be a success and have that Midas touch: EVERYTHING I TOUCH TURNS TO GOLD!!! Pray for me as I pray for you friends. Please and love! KikiS.

Lifestyle Makeover Self Challenge!

I posted a video on the YT a couple of weeks ago about my pursuit of being healthy called Weight Loss Self Challenge (08-08-2012). I have been doing my research and I have decided to take it to another level and make a total lifestyle makeover...on the inside and the outside. Starting with the way I think and what I put in my body, my appearance, my career and finances, and even my associations and who I allow in my space. I am doing a total overhaul!

For a while now I have had some things on my heart that I want to to do but I have not acted on them.  Its now time for me to GO GET IT! 

Oh I have been working on life all along (it's called living) but I really haven't pursued my desired with my all. So for the last month or so I have been praying and searching and researching and planning. I have been reading and watching videos and educating myself in preparation of this monumental task that I am working on.

Self-work is hard work! It takes something that I struggle with - DISCIPLINE! I know this is not going to happen overnight so I am making plans and setting goals to accomplish this makeover. 

I've Got a Feeling!

What's up peeps!  I'm chillin myself.  Relaxing at the end of a productive and not complaining one bit!  I have that feeling again...you know that feeling that you get when you know something is about to happen?  I've got a feeling that some things are going to change very soon.  FOR THE GOOD, BETTER, and FOR THE BEST!!! 

When you decide to let go and let GOD handle it - when you REALLY let go - you will find a peace.  You won't be able to explain it, people won't understand, and when you let go many will think you are crazy!  If you feel yourself under pressure and think there is no way out, ask yourself these:  Why don't I just let it go?  Why am I holding onto something that is bringing me so much stress?  What's the BEST that can happen if I do let go?  Then go on and pursue that BEST!  Many people find themselfs in that area of STUCK and they don't see a way around it but I am here to tell you:  LET IT GO!  I got a feeling that that someone reading this wants to!  I got a feeling that you need to!  And...I got a feeling that if you do you will have more joy and purpose than you ever thought possible. 

That's why I did!  You see since I turned 40 and think I'm grown now LOL!  It feels good to finally FEEL grown and to be able to make decisions without the guilt or anxiety of actually caring what other's think about what I do with my life.  I make decisions that please me and seek those things that make me happy. I decided that I will let no one or anything try to suck the joy from my life!  I am in hot pursuit of my dreams and trying to get my HUSTLE and FLOW on! :-)

Hustle and Flow with me!!!
TTFN

For Colored Girls Who Considered (or Reconsidered) the Creamy Crack When the Afro Wasn’t Enough…

This topic came to me a long time ago and I have been racking my brain ever since to figure out how to express it.  I had this idea to have a gathering about it or a workshop where I got a group of sisters together to discuss the title and what is says to them.  In my head the discussion would be more about hair and self esteem and our perception of the afro.  What is it with black girls and their hair anyway!?

I guess it all starts with my own natural hair story.  My transitioning process began long before I stopped relaxing my hair.  In fact it started back in 1996 when my sister met one of her best buds in college who happened to stop relaxing her hair in high school.  Her hair was long, healthy and beautiful.  A couple of years later in 1998 my sister decided to transition as well began bugging me about giving up the creamy crack!  I was like “Huh Uh!  I ain’t doin’ that!” but then somewhere along the way my mind changed.  I really can’t pinpoint what changed and how it changed but it just did.  I started thinking about how laborious it was to relax my hair and how expensive it was to go to the salon to have it done only to have to repeat the process of having to do it all over again 6 weeks later.  I began to resent the process and decided that as long as I can pull my hair back into a ponytail and smooth the edges that I was not going to relax it.  Now it is 3 years later and I still am able to smooth my edges.

I have nothing against relaxers.  I just don’t like the fact that it is temporary and high maintenance is expensive.  Don’t get me wrong, natural hair is VERY high maintenance and can be just as expensive if you become a product junky.  But I have learned how to manage my hair without all of those high cost products that only seem to clutter up my cabinets.  I am in PJ recovery LOL!  But with all the frustrations and ups and downs I have experienced I still have not gone back to the creamy crack.  Now I have thought about it…several times…but I am satisfied with my hair and the texture that it is.

But I do wonder when I hear about others that go back and their reasoning for why they do.  Why do people do it?  They begin or go through the transitioning process only to go back to relaxing their hair.  I know there are some of my sisters that like being versatile with their hair.  But what about the others, the ones that started the process with such determination only to return to relaxing their hair.  I can’t help to think about the social stigma that is associated to natural hair and how this somehow could be connected to self esteem.  Is our perception of who we are and how we look connected to how others see our hair?  Is it that we don’t feel pretty with natural hair?  This subject has me wanting to have an open dialog about this subject.  What do you think?

It is well...

I find myself at a crossroad once again.  In life we come to them often.  Sometimes the route to choose is easy and others are hard.  Well it looks like I am there again and once again I am scared to move.  Yes I admit it!  I am SCARED! 

Scared of making another wrong decision!
Scared of what others may think!
Scared to stay and scared to go!

I know what I want to do...but is it the right decision?  As will all other crossroad experiences all I can do is PRAY!  In past experiences I have let go and God has pointed me in the right direction.  Well I thought this was the direction he wanted me in but guess what I was wrong.  Sometimes the easy road is not God's answer.  Of course I should have known that but fear can cloud your judgment and clog the ears.  But my instincts kept telling me that something was not right.  I asked God to open my eyes to some things and show me some things.  What I didn't bargain for was that I would not be prepared for what I found out or the consequences of knowing...

The hardest thing to do is to trust God and your instincts.  After all I do believe it is the Holy Spirit that is guiding my instincts anyway.  The problem is I keep getting my will mixed up with what His.  Right now all I can do is ask for forgiveness and make it right somehow. 

Once again it is time to LET GO AND LET GOD! 

40 and Fabulous!!!

Yes I turned 40 this year...I don't feel like it though!  I don't know what I was expecting.  Once it hit me I was a little nervous then I came to the conclusion that I am officially grown.  I am more secure in who I am than I've ever been in my life.  My perspective on life has evolved.  I am able to take an objective view of things and how life can be...if you recognize and work at it!

I was thinking this morning about the current goals I want to work toward for the rest of the year.  After thinking about it I could only come with two:

1. Lose Weight/Feel Great!
2. Build Business/Pursue Self Employment.

I know as I move forward there will be more things to work on but I think this is plenty at the moment.  Looking forward to sharing my experiences along the way.  Stay tuned!

1 Month Down! 11 to go!!!

January has been an interesting month!  Had a good month at work and looking forward to turning the BIG FOUR OH in March.  Not much to report but just wanted to check in and post a couple of points I already see for 2012:

1. An increased need to PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens) while putting actions to words...
2. This spring is going to be a new beginning...
3. And starting this darn diet over is going to be a BEAST!

Wish me luck on all 3 ;-)