Respect

"You don't have to like me, but you will respect me!" We've all heard someone say this before at some point.  You may have even said it yourself. Respect is more than just biting our tongue so we don't say the wrong thing to an elder or being so afraid of someone's reaction that we can barely even express ourself. Respect is evident when we show regard for other's feelings and are considerate to others despite past circumstances.  Before we can ask someone to respect us, we must know what respect is.  There are times when I see young ladies yelling out that someone needs to respect them, yet they go out and do things that are disrespectful to their selves by acting out in foolish ways in public because someone said something slick. There are males who would rather fight as a way of gaining respect because they feel as though someone looked at them the wrong way. To be respected, you must be someone worthy of being respected. Respecting others is the first step, because how you respect others determines how respectful you are deeming you worthy of respect. What we must do before we can ask for someone to respect us is to analyze our own behaviors that are worthy of being respected and evaluate the characteristics we possess that are likely to be disrespected. If we find ourselves being disrespected for the same things, maybe it is time to think of ways to change those behaviors. I know when some people hear that they need to change something about their self, they begin the argument that people need to like them for who they are. However, we need to understand that there are behaviors that we inherit and learn from our environment that are unacceptable and unworthy of being respected. It is nearly impossible to grow and mature by doing the same things from childhood. At some point, we have to learn and change to mature into a person worthy of being respected. Changing learned behaviors is something that is easier said than done, but with persistence it can be done.

You Are Your Habit

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle

Who doesn't want to be remembered for all of the good??? Who doesn't want to be known as excellent??? I'm quite sure we all want to be known as a good contributor to some excellent cause or change of some sort no matter how big or small.  However, before we can put excellence into existence, we must first examine ourselves and our habits.  Ask yourself the following questions as a starting point of examination (and be honest with yourself):

Am I a good listener or would I rather command?
Do I share or hoard for myself to reap the benefits later by myself?
Do I plan and follow through or do I quit once I come to a stumbling block?
Are people attracted to me or repelled to be with me?
Do I uplift others or discourage?
Am I approachable?
Are people likely to approach me with problems or figure them out on their own with hesistance of how I may react?
What significant habits do I have?
Am I the person I want to be?

If you are not pleased with your responses, then it is time to start making some changes in your behavior in order to obtain better habits.

Take Time To Appreciate Your Child

After getting an upsetting message that my daughter misbehaved in school for the past two days, I became discouraged as an educator.  I gave her a scolding and let her know repeatedly how acting up in school is unacceptable.  After sitting back and reflecting on the second day, I came to the decision that maybe it was me who had to do something a bit different.  I began an initiative a couple of years ago that I would highlight my daughter's achievements and give her rewards for behaving the whole week of school.  Each weekend, we would do something special for her if she brought home an excellent report.  This method worked for quite some time.  However, the extrinsic awards may be running out for the same weekly task.  Maybe she needed something different.  Maybe I need to do something different. It is obvious that I wasn't highlighting her behaviors at home the same as I highlighted her school behavior.  So, she became the perfect child at home while misbehaving at school.  However, I still did not acknowledge the perfect home behavior. At the end of the day, I am responsible for my daughter's behavior as a minor.  I had to come to some realization about this.  And no, I am not making a big deal of a couple of days.  I just don't want to ignore an issue that could become worse.  I definitely don't want it to become habit.  Besides, when behaviors suddenly change, a red flag should go up...In this case it did.  Here is a bit of my reflection: 

 

Children have so many expectations to meet.  They have to worry about how they are perceived by their peers, they must make sure their parents approve of the decisions they make, and they even have to worry about how their teacher views their work ethic or character.  Sometimes we notice that our children are becoming a little lazy and not trying as hard as they once did.  The issue may not be that the child is lazy...The issue might stem from us, the adults.  Children can begin to feel overworked and misunderstood if their efforts are not seen after trying their hardest and doing their best.  Many times they feel like giving up.  At the end of the day, we have to understand that our child will still be our child.  We must remind ourselves that our children are the best and admire them for being unique rather than criticizing them for being different. Therefore, we must remind our children to be the best that they can be at all times.  Let them know that the people who care will stick around and will still love them for the person they are, because no matter what accomplishments they make or don't make they will still be the same person.  Children need to know that it is okay to make mistakes, but just do not become so discouraged that they give up on the person they were trying to become or the goals they were trying to reach.  Parents, let's take it a bit easier on our children and appreciate the good that they bring to our lives.  Let's set them up for success without tearing them down to the ground.  It is okay if they don't achieve what we want them to achieve as long as they are accomplishing goals that are meaningful to them in their journey of life. Don't become so busy trying to create a good child when you already have one. 

 

The one goal and message that we should send our children is:

Make sure you are being the best that you can possibly be.  The best you is all you can offer.  Therefore, the people around you must accept you for who you are.  Do not get confused and try to be like someone else, because that is when you lose the respect that others so dearly have for you.  Just remember to BE THE BEST YOU! Guess what...no one else can beat you at your own goal...

 



 

Who I Am Makes A Difference

I am afraid to show you who I really am, because if I show you who I really am, you might not like it--and that's all I got.
Sabrina Ward Harrison

Isn't it scary how we feel a certain way about certain things and we can't even expose our true feelings for fear of how others might view us from that moment on? After talking with a friend about past experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today, I reflected long and hard on my life and what I have to offer.  There were many times that I did not appreciate at the moment of adversity, but I have learned to appreciate in the present.  There were many battles in my life where I have had to lose friends, associates, or opportunities because I stood my ground on particular matters and did not want to contradict my morals, values, or beliefs for others.  I look back on those times and ask myself whether or not I regret those times...To this day, I can honestly say, "NO" loud and clear.  I am at a certain place in my life where the opportunities that I would have gotten five, six, even ten years ago may not even matter today.  Sure, those opportunities could have landed me in other areas but I will not live off of the could've, would've, should've moments.  I am only going to live in the now and prepare for the future.  I am proud of the person I have become and realize that if I did not have those moments of staying true to myself years ago, I would not be the person I am today. Besides, if I would have shifted my stance for others, I probably wouldn't even know who I am today. I would still be searching for the true me.  There are a lot of people struggling with finding their true self and figuring out their purpose in life at an adult age.  I am just glad that I don't have that problem and it is all because I was always me during times of popularity, injustice, unfairness, and spite.  It is always easier to get what you want by being who others think you should be, but I made the choice to do all the things that I wanted to do on my own time in my own way.  I will never apologize for who I am and I advise you to never apologize for the true you. Just remember: "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

Change You to Change Your Life

"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." -Jim Rohn

 

Change your mind; change your future.
Change your mind; work through fear.
Change your mind; change your path.
Change your mind; determine the outcome.
Change your actions; meet your goal.
Change your actions; change your health.
Change your heart; welcome your life.
Change your heart; accept your past.
Change your heart; live in happiness.
Change your heart; live in peace.

 

Make the changes that matter. Change things that hinder you in order to grow. If you have become stagnant in the way you live and move from day to day with mere routines, it may be time for some excitement and change in your life! Remember changing you begins with a change WITHIN you.

All Alone

I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone, it's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel all alone. -Robin Williams
 

This quote was speaking to me no more than 5 years ago.  I remember wanting to feel as though I had people in my corner ready and willing to support each of my heartfelt endeavors.  After broken promises, neglectful attitudes, missed appointments, and confusion, I reflected on what it really meant to be ALONE.  Being alone is more than just being by yourself.  It is about not feeling up to the job of entertaining and supporting yourself.  I had to realize that just because I had a dream, did not mean everyone else I simply spoke to on a daily basis would feel the desire in my dreams.  I have dealt with opinions, negative comments, and people who tried to change my dreams to match their interpretation of what my dreams and desires should be.  After ending up alone once the opinions were finished being stated, I had the job of reflecting on myself.  It is a realization that I do not need a million supporters to feel like a million bucks :-)  I had to find that happy spot in myself where I could be all by myself and still feel as though I had an entourage.  I now have that and it is important for everyone to have that feeling.  That lonely feeling is the reason why people end up being depressed, sick, and feel as though they need someone in order to feel loved, happy, and just to live.  That is not a good feeling! But, it can absolutely be changed with a change of your mind, thoughts, feelings, and heart.  Besides, you will always feel alone whether or not you have people with you if you never get to the point of fully accepting yourself and your own presence while alone. 

Pick up your phone and scroll through your contact list.  Now, look through your call log.  Are they consistent with one another? Do these contacts call only when they are ready to hang out or need something or someone? Do you have as many people who care about you, who will call you just to check up on you, call just to talk, or even just to say "Hi"? We tend to think that if we have a lot of people in our contact list, that we have "someone we can call on".  That may not be the case.  We unknowingly surround ourselves with many people to fill that empty hole we have.  But, with all the filling, the empty feeling never seems to fully go away.  It is time to work towards building relationships that go beyond the norm.  Grow more meaningful and deep relationships.  We sometimes sell ourselves short because we have spent so much time with a person, but is that enough to make us want to stick around to be taken advantage of? Know that you and your feelings matter as well. You may be so careful to not step on someone else's toes, but they step on yours all the time and show no regard or remorse for your feelings.  Well that is not fair to you. It is time to invest in your emotions and notice your worth. 

Teach Me To Think

What does it really mean to teach a child??? Does it mean to simply give a child a set of facts and quiz him on whether or not he remembers each fact? Does it mean to expect that child to make a 100% on every test, because you have taught him the skills necessary to pass a certain test? Does it even mean to help that child make it to graduation? What does it really mean to TEACH? The answer is very simple, yet the task is so complex. 

My philosophy is that every child should be taught how to think.  School is about more than just coming to get a 100 on the next test.  It is about overcoming obstacles, connecting concepts, using strategies, and learning to think through situations without being given a study guide.  Every child deserves the type of lessons that will go with them throughout life.  Is it enough to send a child into the real world without survival techniques, an understanding of economics, a lack of social skills, and no real mastery of mathematical or basic reading concepts??? Absolutely NOT!  It is unfair to the child who did not have a teacher or parents who would push him to the next point of understanding what life is all about.  Sometimes we get so hung up on what we are expected to teach our children that we forget about the real tools we need to teach our children.  The number one tool that we can give our children to help them survive is a sense of learning how to think on their own.  If we continue to give them all the answers and not require anything more than an answer to a test, then we have essentially failed our children.  We need to understand the importance of teaching our children to THINK.  It is only then that they can fully understand the importance of learning.

 

"As a teacher I feel I have a moral obligation to help the children in my classroom grow toward becoming full human beings and to feel successful.  Teaching cognitive skills is not enough..."  - Jean Medick

 

We must teach our kids to learn how to learn...Most importantly, we must teach them how to think.  

 

Tips To A Great School Year

Here are my tips for not only starting the school year off right, but also getting through the school year well! Know that you are at your best when you are less stressed. Don't worry, I will be reminding you of this very often.

1.       Go in with a positive, open mind.  Sure, you know a lot. You may even be a veteran.  But, it is always good to be able to sit back and listen to other people’s ideas. First year teachers tend to always have some really creative ideas.  Rather than doing all the talking, open your mind and listen to someone else’s ideas every once in a while regardless of how long you have been teaching.

2.       Set a schedule.  The inevitable is sure to occur.  Just don’t let it get you in a tizzy. Face it, things happen.  I have noticed that children behave so much better if they know what should happen in a normal day of work. Just beware; they will try to correct you if you veer away from the normal happenings.  Reassure them that things change and they are still expected to complete all activities regardless of the schedule shift.

3.       Set clear expectations…not just for students, but for everyone around you.  If you allow craziness, craziness will surely find you.  Let it be known in your expression, your appearance, choice of words, and actions that you are not going to put up with the foolishness.  Drama will try to come your way every once in a while to test your tolerance level, but keep a level head and remain positive throughout any situations that arise with colleagues, students, parents, guests, and even your boss.   You don’t have to be mean to keep the drama away.  Just don’t join it. Trust me, it is sure to come.

4.       Remain positive. No matter how hectic things may get and how unsure you might become about your job because something outrageous occurred on your watch, always keep a positive outlook.  Complaining and negativity will only make you feel worse about the situation and about yourself.  Don’t bring negativity into your space unless your goal is to feel bad. I doubt that any of us strive to feel bad…right? o_O

5.       Maximize your time.  My number one plea for teachers is to never make a habit of taking your work home.  If you do, your home life becomes your work life and you will lose a personal life.  Even if you do not have a family to take care of when you get home, you still have to take care of yourself. That’s even more important.  Rather than sitting around mingling and talking during your free time before school hours, after school hours, planning time, and lunch time I suggest that you get ahead of the tasks you know are required of you.  If you have to shut your lights off and hide in a corner to complete paperwork so no one can come to your room to bother you then so be it.  I’m not saying you should be a loner, but you need to take care of business before you play.  That is where so many teachers go wrong and end up paying for it later. Maximizing your time helps to keep you stress free!

Here are just 5 tips to help you get through the school year.  I hope they work for you! Just always remember to be consistent while implementing them.  Let me know how it goes.

Why I Teach

I decided to complete my own task...There were so many reasons why I am a part of the education field! Here are 11 reasons why I teach.  I hope you were able to complete your task as easily as I was able to complete mine!

1.       I am a lifelong learner, so what better place to be?  The classroom of course!

2.       I want to instill a love for learning in others.

3.       The younger generations will someday have to take care of me, so I would like to be a part of the process that helps to give the knowledge needed to successfully take care of the older generation.

4.       I had someone who took the time out for me…Why not do the same for someone else?

5.       I enjoy a challenge.  Teaching gives me that each day.

6.       There are always surprises.

7.       I want to be able to touch the children’s hearts that needed someone the most at what may seem like the worst time in their lives.

8.       Teaching helps me to understand others better.

9.       Teaching allows me to practice genuine empathy for others.  This is a skill which so many people lack.

10.   Teaching keeps me going each day.  Even if I don’t feel like getting up out of the bed, no matter how tired I am I will get up because I know there are lots of younger people waiting to see me and hear what I have to say each day. 

11.   Besides, I love what I do!

Why Teach?

Why Are You Here???

As educators, we have A LOT on our hands. We deal with so much on a daily basis. Repetitive paperwork, constant changes, different values and beliefs, inconsistent morals... These are just some of the things we have to deal with and acknowledge on a day-to-day basis with all of the different people we encounter each school year. Nothing stays the same! However, we get so bogged down in the negative that sometimes we can tend to forget the reasons WHY we started teaching in the first place. So, here is a task that we can all take a part in to help remind us of our reason for being in the education field.  It should help to bring us in to the new school year with some positivity and forget about what may have happened in the previous years.

Your task is to:

Write a list of AT LEAST 10 reasons why you wanted to become a teacher or be involved in the education field.  I'm sure that is an easy task! 

Whenever you begin to get discouraged about an event that did not go as intended, pull out that list and remind yourself of why you entered the field of education. I'm pretty sure you have some really good reasons...Because if you didn't, you would have never been in the education field to begin with.  As people always remind me, "It takes a special person to be an educator!" And, I truly do believe that!

School Is On The Way

Oh my! Where did the time go? It must have flown by with vacations, out of town trips, weekend getaways, sleepovers, sleep-ins, visits to family and friends, and just good ol' days of relaxation! Well, now it is time to start gearing up to get our minds ready to go BACK TO SHOOL!!! Some of us miss school days while others of us wish we could get just two more days. August will be dedicated to the teachers since we always have to go back before the students. As we prepare for the first days of school, let us keep in mind our purpose for teaching.

Strong Woman...Woman of Strength...Which are you?

Have you ever really thought about the difference of

being strong and being of strength???

 

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

 

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

 

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...

but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

 

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...

but a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

 

A strong woman walks sure footedly...

but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

 

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...

but a woman of strength wears grace.

 

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...

but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

 

-Author Unknown

Get A Vision

"But there is suffering in life, and there are defeats.  No one can avoid them.  But it's better to lose some of the battles in the struggles for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you're fighting for."    -Paulo Coelho

 

If you feel as though you have a purpose and you have created your vision, work towards achieving your goals.  If you don't succeed in the fight while working towards your goals, it is okay.  If you do not have a vision or an identified purpose in life, you have already been defeated because you are sitting idle rather than moving forward in life. If you are in the midst of figuring out your purpose in life, even that is a goal!  You will more than likely get redirected many times and at times may feel as though you don't really have a purpose.  Just do not allow yourself to get sidetracked. Keep your goal in mind.  Many times, we feel as though life is so hard.  But, what do we really have to compare life against? So, is life really hard, or are we just being hard on ourselves?  Get a plan. Work towards it.  If obstacles come, work through them.  If things do not go as planned, do not count it as a total loss. Make another path that will still lead you to the goal at hand.  Obstacles will undoubtedly come.  It is how we handle the obstacles that matter.  We can either allow it to make us wiser and stronger or make us feel weak and defeated.  It is your choice.  More importantly, it is all in how you view your situation. Just remember that your dreams are worth working for. Don't let anyone or anything persuade you differently.

She is Strong

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of becoming." -- Goethe


She is the girl who constantly hopes for a better day. The one that won't give up on someone despite all that people have put her through in different situations.  She is the girl who is unlike all the rest. She is definitely not one of the majority. She spends her days smiling and her nights crying alone.  Oh how much she would love to be loved.  She looks sooooo strong, yet feels so weak.  However, she manages to pick herself up every time that she falls.  She doesn't understand why people act towards her the way that they do...jealousy, hatred, animosity, is it something she did?  Whatever it is, it sure can't be because they love and admire her. She's the girl who believes that what comes around goes around.  And therefore, she will not seek revenge or let her pride get in the way.  She will just let her successes come and she will act with such humility... that is what will always keep people guessing about how she really did it and why she isn't down as they had hoped she would be.


She has made mistakes in her life and has let people take advantage of her.  She has accepted way less than what she deserves.  She has learned from all of the bad choices and has managed to get through the consequences that came with them.  She realizes that there are some moments that she would never get back. But it is okay, because she is content with where she is. She will know better for the next time, will know when people are taking advantage of her, and will not settle for anything less than what she deserves.  Because that is what happens when you are forced to be strong.  

Officially Certified Coach!!!

Well, you have probably noticed that I have been Missing In Action for quite some time now... I have a very very good reason for that! After noticing how much I enjoy writing inspiring words for the world to see and learn from and how much I actually talk to others about their issues, I decided that I wanted to do a bit more with it. Sooooooo, I went to get certified in life coaching!!!! It was such an enjoyable experience! I loved every minute of it and learned so much from it and the people in my training.  I met some amazing people who are just as driven, motivated, and passionate as I am about helping others.  It is always good to surround yourself with people most like you who have dreams and aspirations too.  I have also been working on my new website that will hopefully be launched within the next couple of weeks.  When I finally get it up and running, I will be sure to announce it.

So, a little bit about my new business endeavors...After realizing how much coaching I already do as an educator, I have a desire to work with parents and their children build stronger relationships with a focus on their future.  However, I didn't want to just limit myself to parent/child relationships.  I will be working with all types of relationships ranging from *parent/child *sibling *family *professional *friendship *self (Oh, you didn't know that you had a relationship with yourself? haha someone laughed at me when I said that during my coaching classes)  Let's just call the self relationship a part of life coaching to be on the safe side. I am offering Relationship Coaching, Life Coaching, Mentor, and Speaker services.  I will be available to speak at small events. I will eventually move on to bigger events in the future.  I will conduct workshops, seminars, and different events throughout the year.  Because I am working so much with relationships, I wanted to give my business a name that would stick out from the other coaching businesses that I see and have a deeper meaning. I finally came up with the name Inspire ABC: A Better Connection. 

Stay tuned for much much more and support me the whole way! You support me and I will support you! Sounds like a good deal? I am super excited if you can't tell and I hope that I can make a difference in lives and help create a positive shift in communities.  Keep checking back to hear about updates, events, and of course my website...I know it will all be awesome!

Thanks for the support,
Doneen Johnson, C.C.

Fine Print of Life...Restrictions DO apply!

Integrity...Just Do the Right Thing

No matter what the case may be, it is our burden to do the right thing...Sometimes, doing the right thing might give us more tasks to complete, but it beats the heck out of doing the wrong thing and having to cover up for the wrongdoing. That actually creates more chaos, because you are constantly trying to cover your tracks.  Just do the right thing...Good things will find you somehow, someday for all the right things you do. 

Success

If you randomly ask someone what success is, you would more than likely get an answer that deals with gaining a tangible result.  Society gets wrapped up in competitions to see who has the most, who can show it off better, and who can get more quicker. However, that is why so many people feel unhappy, unsuccessful, and feel as though  they need to continue working towards getting material items.  We are a materialistic society and that is why we have so much unnecessary issues and petty crimes being committed. We need to acknowledge that it is okay not to have the most money,  not to be best dressed, and not have the means to go anywhere in the world whenever we want. Besides, have you ever wondered why these millionaires constantly work? It isn't as though they will go poor if they stop working...  Maybe they have not reached their level of success. If they cannot feel successful enough to give it a break, why do we make ourselves feel so bad and try to follow in their footsteps? When is enough really enough?
 

A dictionary definition of success is:
suc·cess  /səkˈses/ Noun
1. The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
2. The attainment of popularity or profit.
Synonyms: hit - prosperity - luck - achievement - triumph - speed
 

Definition #1 focuses on a purpose while #2 focuses on a profit. Figure out what is more important-everlasting success or temporary success. If you want the type of success that can be easily taken away, work towards materialistic gains. However, if you want the type of success that cannot be destroyed, work towards making your mark within your community and on the world.  We need to realize that success begins within ourselves. Once we feel a sense of success, we need to help others get that same sense of success. Realize what is really important before you chase a dream and end up running for the rest of your life.  Don't be blinded by the glitz and the glamour.  Stay true to yourself, make an honest effort to make a good change, help others, and you will gain respect regardless of how much money you have, how you look, or what your title is.  That is true success.  The words as written best by Ralph Waldo Emerson sums it all up.


 

Inspire Someone

Have you done anything lately to inspire someone?  If not, what are you waiting for?!?! Inspiration comes in various forms.  My main forms of inspiration may come through music, reading, dance, and obviously through writing.  While I am writing to help others, I am also using writing as an outlet to help inspire my own progress as an uplifting individual. There are also people who could be inspirational forms to others and not even realize it.  Just giving positive comments or compliments, being a positive role model, participating in activities with someone, or even just giving someone a hug can change a person's life! Little things can be so powerful and we don't notice those little things, because as human beings we typically take things for granted.  So, go out and inspire someone today.  Who knows-you might just save someone's life in ways you could never imagine... (things that make you think).

15 Things to Give Up

You First

Take care of yourself first. I usually think of the oxygen mask theory when I remind people to take care of themselves first. On an airplane, you are told to place your oxygen mask on your face first before helping others. This includes your children! As a parent, we know how hard it is to save ourselves before saving our children. But think about it... if we save others first, who will save us? We will be around longer to help longer if we are safe. The whole point is to take care of yourself before stressing about taking care of everyone else. It is okay to take a reasonable step back from life's demands to make sure you are okay. It is necessary to put yourself first.

The Key to Effective Change

So many times we hear people who want to make a change say, "I want to..."  Very seldom do we actually see the actions necessary to make the change follow their statement.  Therefore, in order to make a change we have to WORK for that change. 

George Bernard Shaw
playwright

The first step in making a change is to MAKE A CHOICE.  It is not enough to just want to change.  You must choose to make the change occur.  Dreams are worthless unless you wake up and do it.  Quit feeling stuck in a rut.  Get out of mere tradition. Many times we continue to live a certain way because it is simply what we are used to doing.  However, tradition can be one of the major obstacles holding us back from doing what we want to do and being the person we desperately want to be.  Once you have your mind set on the change you want to make, figure out how you will make that change.

The second step is to WORK FOR THE CHANGE. We need to understand that we did not develop habits overnight. Habits take time to fester in our everyday routines.  So, it is unreasonable to think that we can get rid of unwanted habits in one night.  Change requires effort, planning, hard work, thought, and determination.  Habits seem to call our name at the most inopportune times.  We just have to stand our ground and work for a consistent change.  We cannot be weak once we start working to make a change.

The major step to making a change is to KEEP AN HONEST COMMUNITY. We all have people who are either working for us or against us.  We need to figure out the difference amongst the group of people we are associated with.  We need to distance ourselves from the people who seem to be holding us back from what we truly need to be doing to better ourselves.  We need people who will support us in spite of our wrongdoings, love us, tell us the truth, and break things down to us to help us understand.  We need people to tell us as it is with LOVE.  We don't need someone who is going to make everything an argument.  We need someone who is willing to go the distance with us and not help us go back down that old path. There are times that we try to make it seem as though we are always okay even at our lowest times and front to make it seem that we are strong.  However, we all need someone who we can trust to be confidential, non-judgmental, truthful, and love us for who we are despite our downfalls.  If you can find one person who can strengthen and support you throughout the process of change, that is good.  If you can find even two people, that is awesome.  Just be wise of who you call your "crew".

Pray for Boston

Inspired Clipboards

I am super excited about the crafting journey that I am embarking on! All my life,  I have been bored by the thought of creating, coloring, designing, or decorating anything until recently. Back in October,  I wanted to support a small business. I ordered a product online and anxiously waited for it to arrive so I could wear my product. When I received the product, it did not resemble the picture very much. I was so upset. I called my sister to vent, and she insisted that I call the vendor and request an exchange since small business owners will work with their customers to make them happy. I thought about it and said I would simply try to recreate it. I did it successfully!  I even thought about selling the same products. However, I did not keep up with the creating process, because it was not really a passion of mine. I then began my journey of crafts. I have dabbled in multiple arts-some not as successful as others. 

 

To make a long, drawn-out story sweet and simple... I have found a craft that I can stick with! I have begun decorating those brown, ugly clipboards to make them look more presentable.  They were all rather girly, so I decided to create a manly one for my husband.  I even took it a step further to coincide with my inspirational blog. I am now adding messages to the back of the clipboard and designing the front. Isn't this cool?! To check out some of the clipboards or even BUY one, click the link below or see the Inspire Store tab at the top. I'm excited about this and hope that it can grow into something greater soon. :-) smiling from ear to ear

Click the link to visit the Inspire Shop!... http://inspire2beinspired.storenvy.com/

Beware of Germs

http://www.wellnessrevolutiononline.com
 

I have been out of commission for a whole month! I have neglected my blog, because sickness got the best of me. To make matters worse, my daughter could not give me my space as I recuperated, and ended up sick too.  I hardly ever get sick (especially for an extended period of time) and I have never missed so many days from work since I started working in high school. Needless to say,  my daughter and I are both doing much better and I'm back to blog. There were a lot of topics that I wanted to touch on while I was sick, but didn't have the energy.  Hopefully, the ideas can come back naturally so I can write about the happenings of life freely.

 

Note to readers:

• Sanitize your work areas frequently.
• Wash your hands often.
• Sneeze and cough in your shirt, NOT your hands. Teach your children this technique or any adults who lack this common courtesy for others in the vicinity.
• Carry hand sanitizer for those moments that you can't make it to a sink (like after shaking someone's hand).
• Be careful not to rub your hands across your face without washing them first.
• Wash your hands before eating... especially after touching those disgusting menus at the restaurant. 
• Be mindful of your cleanliness at all times.
• I could go on forever about staying away from the disgusting things that surround us, but I think this is enough to cover the basics haha... Stay well!

 

If I Could

As I was listening to the R&B Oldies station, Regina Belle's 1993 song, "If I Could " came on.  I instantly began thinking about all the obstacles children are forced to go through. Regardless of how much parents want to shield their children from everything, it is not possible. We can only help them grow to be able to handle things on their own. Besides, they are adults much longer than they are children. So, why would we take all of their learning blocks from them if the experiences are meant to mold them and help them learn to deal with life??? 
Here are the lyrics to the song:

If I could I'd protect you from the sadness in your eyes
Give you courage in a world of compromise
Yes, I would

If I could I would teach you all the things I've never learned
And I'd help you cross the bridges that I've burned
Yes, I would

If I could I would try to shield your innocence from time
But the part of life I gave you isn't mine
I'll watch you grow so I can let you go
If I could I would help you make it through the hungry years
But I know that I can never cry your tears
But I would if I could

If I could in a time and place where you don't wanna be
You don't have to walk along this road with me
My yesterday won't have to be your way
If I knew I'd tryTo change the world I brought you to
Now there isn't much more that I can do
But I would if I could

Everything that I do, I do it because I remember my little butterfly is always watching. This song is dedicated to her...If I could, I certainly would.

Conflict Management

A poem about resolving conflict was found in Poetry Speaks Who I Am. Often times we forget who's watching and who matters most.

MEDIATION
By: Kim Stafford

At the dinner table, before the thrown
plate, but after the bitter claim,
in the one beat of silence
before the parents declare war

their child, who had been temporarily
invisible, but who had from school
a catechism, speaks: "Would you like me
to help solve the conflict?"  Silence.

They can't look at each other.  A glance
would sear the soul.  A wall of fire seethes,
Maginot line through the butter plate,
split salt from pepper, him from her.  Silence.

So the child speaks: "Three rules, then:
One--you have to let each other finish.
Two--you have to tell the truth. Three--
you have to want to solve the conflict.

If you say yes, we will solve it.
I love you.  What do you say?"

What's Your Fight?

http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_aahm/

 There are so many conflicts going on in the world each day. Some of these conflicts tend to last for months and years. Many become so brutal and inhumane that we forget what the purpose of the conflict. Just go and search for conflicts of today. There are tons that I did not know about and I ask myself, Why? What's the purpose? Of course conflicts are bound to happen when differences come in to any situation. But killing innocent children,  involving bystanders minding their own business, shooting a person due to an argument, and harming helpless people is by far not the right way to go about handling any situation. We need to learn coping strategies and  appropriate ways to handle situations, because too many people are suffering for fights so many of us know little to nothing about. Its time we practice civil solutions and find a way to get along regardless of differences. Let's not forget the most civil fight to gain freedom to even be able to coexist without discrimination.  We are bringing the same qualities and limitations that activists fought to get rid of back into our daily lives without even realizing it.  They fought for equality and freedom...and how are we repaying them? Rather than using all of our opportunities to our advantage, we have more people dying over petty crimes,  going to jail only for a modern-day enslavement,  and rejecting the chances to rise up in society along with our well-off counterparts.  Whatever your fight is, fight it the right and noble way and quit blaming others for shortcomings.

" In America, we share a dream that lies at the heart of our founding: that no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter how modest your beginnings or the circumstances of your birth, you can make it if you try."
- President Barack Obama, Jan. 31, 2013 -Presidential Proclamation

Be Informed to Transform

We are mostly familiar with the repetitive facts that:

Ø  On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man which led to the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott and the end of segregation on Montgomery buses.

Ø  Martin Luther King was a Civil Rights activist.

Ø  The Underground Railroad was the name of the escape system used by slaves to find safety in the North.

Ø  New Orleans, Louisiana is known as the birthplace of jazz.

Ø  Malcolm X was the first who taught the principle that “black is beautiful” and believed that self-reliance is the means to success.

Ø  Vanessa Williams was the first Black American chosen as Miss America.

But, do we really think about:

v  Why did Carter Woodson choose February as the month to celebrate black history?

v  Before it became Black History Month, what was the observance of Black History called?

v  What was the first year that Martin Luther King Day was observed?

v  Where did the first “sit-in” at a segregated lunch counter take place?

v  Why was there only one African American among the original NAACP executives?

v  Which constitutional amendment abolished slavery throughout the United States?

v  Which U.S. Supreme Court decision declared school segregation unconstitutional?

And that’s only to name a small amount of the knowledge that we as a nation lack.  We, as parents, have the obligation of educating our children.  It is obvious that we are failing that task as we see and speak to our children on a daily basis and realize that they don’t even know the basis on which the United States was founded.  Many people think about slavery and automatically get upset with white people.  However, if it were not for white people, slavery would probably still be going on today.  White people alongside phenomenal black people have led the United States beyond our wildest dreams.  In order to understand that, we would have to extensively gain knowledge on the topic.  It is nice to believe that the United States was always a place of freedom, but it is not reality.  Is there a reason why we are shielding our children from the truth? Are we afraid our children will take us back to the past? Do we think our children will become scornful from what they hear? Or do we not have enough knowledge on the topic of history to adequately educate our children? Whatever the case may be, we owe it to our children to teach them about the happenings of the past and help them understand that there is no reason to be upset.  Have we ever thought about how much stronger and wiser our children would be if we educated not only our children, but ourselves, on the topic of history??? We, as a nation, as a people, would have soooo much more power! However, we can never achieve greatness if we don’t even acknowledge our past.  We have to put more than just the future in perspective. We need to know where we came from in order to know where we don’t want to go. In honor of Black History Month, I challenge everyone to become a bit more educated on the topic of Black History and learn the whens, whats, whys, hows, and whos of Black History.   

LET'S BE INFORMED OF THE PAST IN ORDER TO TRANSFORM TO THE FUTURE!!!

New Year Resolu-WHAT?!

Okay...So, we have now made it to the end of the first week of 2013. My question to you is "Have you stayed true to your new year resolution or are you finding yourself falling short already???" Hence the title of this post, many people begin a resolution but don't carry it out long enough to make it a solid solution to any issues. If you are already questioning how you are going to keep up with your resolution, it is okay. That's normal! Besides, you didn't really think you would automatically become this new and improved person at the strike of midnight on December 31, did you???

One thing that we must remember is that change isn't something that just occurs overnight. It is something that we must constantly work at on a daily basis. Change is the only thing that remains constant, so we can't expect to reach our moving targets while standing in the same place doing all the same things. With that being said, our resolution should be something that we can monitor and adjust as the years go on. As I walk through the stores, I see all of the exercise equipment out in plain view, multiple weight-loss commercials are being aired back-to-back, and even the gyms have significantly lowered their registration prices for the month of January. That's because the most popular new year's resolution is to lose weight. How many people say they are going to lose weight each year, but fall short when they can't make it to the gym as promised or can't resist their favorite restaurant-TONS!!!

Lebel, Annie Taylor. “Angus and Phil” Cartoon. 4 Jan 2012

Rather than momentarily working towards weight loss, try working towards being HEALTHY. Being healthy takes more effort and requires dedication. Don't fall into the trap of quick resolutions...get a resolution that requires you to mentally prepare yourself to be a better you. If you choose a resolution and expect to accomplish it immediately, then it is not a resolution-it is a task.  Choose your resolutions wisely.

Whatever resolutions you have set up for yourself, you should make sure it is an obtainable goal over a reasonable amount of time. Any resolution that you think of should also be a solution to any obstacles in your life at the time.  Before acting on the resolution, get the right mindset and be ready for changes that should occur over a long period of time. Know that it is absolutely fine to revise your resolution plans. And oh yeah, you don't have to wait until the new year to make a resolution. Becoming a better you should occur more than just once a year...it should happen daily. No matter how good you of a person you might be, there is always room for improvement somewhere in your life.  I mean, who wouldn't want to be even better?

You are never great until your greatest you has become greater. -D. Johnson


Images: bing images