Girl! Power THE BOOK for women!

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Of all of the books that I could have written, some may ask Why Girl! Power?

As I searched my soul for what I really wanted to do with this life that God granted me, it occurred to me to do what I am best at and what I love most.  I am best when I am in service to women.  Nothing against men, its just that since I am a woman, it kind of makes me an expert!

 Also in my day to day role as a performance coach for a fortune 100 firm it is my job to help people be their best day after day.  It just so happens that 90% of the people I coach are women.  Because of this, I am able to leverage my own life experience as well as those of other women I know to help women sort through being better not only personally, but professionally as well.

As part of my legacy, and as an offering to the women of the world, my next step was to capture my experience (and advice) on paper.  Much of what I share is the learning’s of my Big Mama, Aunts, and other women I have been blessed to have touch my life. And of course my own struggles as I weave my way through this maze we call life.

I leave this legacy to my twin daughters, and to the other daughters, the mothers, the sisters, and the friends in the world who need someone to tell them how much they are loved, and how truly powerful they are when we unite!

Girl! Power is for women of all ages, races, and walks of life.  When we, as women, band together, there is not much that we can not accomplish.

Please tune in each month as I share with you steps to pursue your dreams and to live up to your true Girl! Power potential.  Until then, make sure you love, because I do.

Proverbs 31:30

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”

In Pursuit of your Purpose

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

I won’t lie.  I used to be jealous of women who worked from home, and those women who were doing what they loved to do!  Now I am on the other side of the river, doing what I love to do!  Please don’t be mad at me, I am here to help you get there too!

Don’t get me wrong…I still go to work at a 9 – 5 every day.  The only difference is that now I have uncovered my purpose and I am living it.  The 9 – 5 pays those bills that still exists in spite of being called to a purpose.

There are many reasons you should walk in your purpose.  There is a saying that when you love what you do; you never work a day in your life.  SO TRUE!  Besides, you can’t take your destiny with you.  Don’t be the person wishing you had did things differently when it is too late.  Act NOW!

Admittedly, getting started is the hardest part.  First you have to figure out WHAT your purpose is.  It should be a combination of what you are good at, what you like to do, and what people will pay you for.  (Just because it is your purpose doesn’t mean you work for free now, let’s keep it real).

Once you figure out your purpose GO.  Don’t wait for the wind to blow in a certain direction; don’t wait for the sun to set just right.  Don’t even tell a lot of people.  Actions speak MUCH louder than words.  GET GOING. Believe in yourself and your purpose, even as you believe in GOD’s ability to fulfill your destiny.

Finally look around you for the resources that you can use to be successful.  If you don’t have them, then start working to build them.

Sounds easy huh?  Well it is.  After all, fulfilling your purpose and walking on the path that God set out for you will make your journey a blessed one from the start.  When you are doing what you are meant to do you will find that doors open up for you, when once there were no doors.  God will bless your path and what you need will be presented to you.  But first you MUST SEEK YOUR purpose.  Your pursuit starts NOW!  Ask the LORD to guide your heart and your steps and it shall be done.

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Starting Fresh - At 40 (or whatever age)

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whoever cursed the forties and made me fear this coming of age should be ashamed.  As I approach my 41^st birthday I am more alive than ever.  The things that did not make sense to me before now make perfect sense.

What once seemed dark is now a tremendous beacon of light shining in my path.  I have learned to be still and allow the LORD to guide me and my hands in how he would have me work.  I still work for others, but even that work has taking on new meaning.

It seems as if the LORD is blessing my opportunity to start fresh.  He has removed all of the things, which I once viewed as obstacles, and replaced them with resources, strength, and stamina to push ahead.

He will also bless YOUR chance to start fresh as well.  Don’t wait until New Years, do it now.  Below are some steps to get you started, and once you are started, don’t you dare stop.  Move ahead and refuse to look back.  Forget the past and work to build the brightest future you can imagine.  Refuse to take your dreams and talents with you to the grave.  They won’t benefit the next generation there.  They won’t benefit you there!

• 1.        Pray and Meditate daily on your dream; allow God to bless your dream even as you give thanks for what he has already provided.
• 2.       Take steps daily towards your dream; step out on the faith of God and get moving.
• 3.       Tell others about your plan to start fresh and ask for help.
• 4.       Remove all doubt and past memories; push past those things that don’t seem possible.
• 5.       Love yourself and encourage YOU.  Don’t for a moment believe that what you have set out to do is not possible. 

Remember all things our possible through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ who strengthens us; and a little bit of Girl! Power on the side doesn’t hurt!

Girl! POWER for YOUR WORLD - Make your New Years Resolution Matter 2012, New Year, New YOU! Not so fast…

Girl! POWER for YOUR WORLD - Make your New Years Resolution Matter

2012, New Year, New YOU!  Not so fast…

Happy 2012!  If you are like most people you are approaching this New Year as an opportunity to make some changes.  You are excited and hopeful about your opportunity to “do some things over”; well me too.  This New Year symbolizes an opportunity for us to shamelessly pursue our own purpose and greatness.
The good news is that people who make a resolution are 10 times more likely to achieve their goal.  Well we want to improve your chances even further. Below are some tips and tricks for making sure your New Year’s Resolutions sticks with you throughout the year.

After all, KNOWLEDGE is POWER, right?

Realistic Resolutions

Keep your resolutions realistic both in number and in level of expected accomplishment.  For example, making a resolution to lose 30 pounds in January is unrealistic.  Perhaps making a goal to lose 5 – 10 pounds in January is more achievable and would allow you to feel more powerful when you accomplish the goal!  Also setting too many large resolutions at once could get in your way.  If you plan to lose weight, find another job, move to another neighborhood, all at once you may be overwhelming yourself.  Keep the focus on one or two key resolutions and feel free to add more quarterly as you make the resolutions a part of your life.

From Wish to Resolution

Once you have determined which resolutions will be your focus commit them to paper.  Thinking about them in passing is equivalent to making a wish.  Not saying that wishes don’t come true, but we know that hard work often yields results.  Committing the Resolution to paper makes it more than just a wish.  It becomes a promise to YOU.  You can’t break your own promise now can you?

Plan for Obstacles

Even the best laid plans will encounter obstacles.  Be ready for them and have a plan B as they arise.  For example, if you have committed to lose weight in January, but you know you have a special event (that involved food) in that same month, you may want to make that your reward day, or provide some other alternative for that day.  If you fail to plan, you definitely plan to fail.

Visualize Success

As you start your resolution spend at least 15 – 30 minutes a day thinking about the results of your success and encouraging yourself to keep going!  After all, if you say you CAN or you say you Can’t, either way you are RIGHT!

Spread the Word

Share your resolutions with those closest to you in order for them to provide the support you need.  If you tell your support circle that you have a resolution to lose weight, then perhaps they will invite you to more active outings, and help you to not plan outings around food; something I personally am very guilty of.

Fail Forward

Most importantly know this.  It is not that you fall that is important.  When we learned to walk we fell down many times.  We got up.  We tried again.  Eventually we got it right!  That is what resolutions are about.  It is not that you fail.  It is more important that you get up, learn what works, and keep trying.
Here’s a toast to a healthier, wealthier, and wiser YOU for the New Year!  I believe this is the year for you to accomplish greatness.  Please join ME in believing in YOU!