Instead of saying or believing,
“I can’t do it.”
Try saying, “I can’t do it yet!“
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Tag: inspiration
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Quote of the Day-Change
“In the waves of change, we find our true direction.”
— Author Unknown
The one thing that we can always count on in life is change. It is inevitable. No way to escape or ignore it. Opportunity presents itself in those waves of change. We can adapt to it and make the best of it, or we can use it to find a new direction. Unfolding discoveries about life and ourselves will afford us the chance to learn what we may not have otherwise known.
Image credit: Pexels on Pixabay.
Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15
Late September into early October is the time of year for recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latino and Hispanic American community has made many contributions for the betterment of America. Originally, it started out as a week-long celebration in 1968. Two decades later it became a month-long celebration, declared by President Ronald Reagan.
The reason Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September, is because it coincides with independence of countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and others.
We can see the added value in education, music, food, and the entertainment industry. The contributions by the Hispanic and Latino culture go hand-in-hand with the success of America.
This post was originally published in September 2022 on Inspire By O’Nika
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World Afro Day
September 15th is World Afro Day. Embrace those curls and natural hair. Let your coils, twists, braids, locks and afro shine. Wear your style proudly. Natural hair has a story and it is not just about the aesthetics. Although, it doesn’t hurt. It’s about much more. Think culture and history.
Black people and some people of mixed-race who wear their natural hair have faced discrimination because of their hair texture. Michelle De Leon started World Afro Day back in 2017. It is a cause to raise awareness and to educate about afro-centric hair. Society has instilled shame on people who have kinky or tight curly hair. It has long been a thing that if you had “textured” hair that you should implement some kind of straightening. Methods such as using a hot comb to straighten hair, or applying chemicals like Vigorol liquid, and relaxers are used.
These methods are harmful because there is risk of burning the scalp and skin. Not to mention, the long-term effects of the chemicals in these straightening products. Some people felt like they had to conform to societal pressures in order to get hired for a job. Also, to feel accepted.
Women from some Hispanic cultures, like the Dominican Republic also are stigmatized for having curly hair. They have faced pressures to have bone straight hair; hence the blow out styles. These blow outs use excessive heat which can have lasting damage to hair.
On World Afro Day, show your pride for afro hair. Post pictures on social media or share your hair experiences with others. The more people who understand about the afro hair culture the more will accept and embrace it. Rock those afro puffs, cornrows, box braids, afro or whatever style you wish! Because you can!
Running behind in the morning?
- Iron or steam clothes for work the night before. Include shoes and any accessories. Getting out the door will be much easier when you already have these simple steps done. You don’t have to waste time looking for anything, it is already laid out.
- Prepare your lunch the night before. Put your lunch in the bowl with anything else you need in the fridge overnight. In the morning just grab the already prepared portion and add anything else you want and go. Easy right?!
Feeling tired after work?
- When you get home, before starting your home job, take a quick shower. You will get a burst of energy and be better equipped to handle your home obligations. You will have a refreshed mind to check homework, cook, and/or whatever other chores need to be done.
Need more time during the weekends?
- Break up laundry duty by doing a load or two midweek. This way, when the weekend is here you will have some laundry done and have extra time to spare for more fun activities. If you are feeling really industrious, do one load a day and you may be finished with laundry by the time the weekend is here.
- Going to the supermarket? Prepare a list before walking out the door. (I know this is old school). It is very helpful because you don’t forget to pick up certain items and you only get what you need. It saves time also from walking down each single aisle looking for items. On the other hand, order your groceries online. All you do is submit the order and drive to the store and have the items loaded in your vehicle. No fuss.
I hope these simple time saving tips can make your life easier. If you have some tips that you use, please share.
Thanks again for stopping by.
The Door is Open. Why Don’t You Come?
Sunday; a day of rest Come dressed in your Sunday best The doors of the church are open Walking through the door, appreciation of token Monday, starts the work week Get your body and mind in gear Walk through the door smiling Awaiting life lessons are near Tuesday, one workday down Come to yoga class or meditation The exercise will release any trepidation about the upcoming week ahead Wednesday, mid-week is here Unload your cares on me Free your body and mind Come and talk it out Thursday, one day away from the weekend Tidy up any closet clutter Bag up those old clothes Take them to the donation center Friday, well what else is there to say The weekend has arrived Come over for cocktails We can talk and just vibe Saturday. Thought you would never show up Come in, take a minute to reflect Spiritual, work, body and mental health Aspects of cleansing and socialization Just remember, the door is open. Why don't you come? The door is open. Why don't you come was first published on Inspire By O'Nika and written in response to Sadje's prompt. https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2023/08/14/what-do-you-see-199-august-14-2023/
Image credit; Simon Berger @ Unsplash
How do you pick between two things you want equally?
Hmm, decisions, decisions. Well, you are faced with the difficult choice of deciding which of two things you can have. Why not have them both? Sure, that’s the easy choice. But let’s consider, for a moment, that you can only have one of the two. Do you meditate on it, compare the two with pros and cons? Maybe you think of which one would last the longest or bring you more happiness. Do you take a practical stance, or do you decide to just wing it?
What method do you use to make a decision?
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Compassion
COMPASSION
Compassion outweighs malice plus A simple smile infuses our nation
Black Business Month
Black business month happens in August. Let your entrepreneurial spirit shine. Support Black businesses. Research some of your favorite black owned brands and spread the word. Some businesses to check out are:
Buy From a Black Woman
This organization helps black women start and/or build their brands. They accomplish this by hosting workshops, providing videos and webinars. This company is an inspiration to help current business owners to keep their businesses afloat as well as expand. Check out their website below for more information. Looking for a Black owned business, check out their directory. Buy From a Black Woman also has merchandise, which helps to promote their company. Empowerment is another way they are helping the community through their grant program. Check it out.
Clothing company that uses recycled material. Check it out.
par Bronté Laurent – Bronté Laurent (parbrontelaurent.com
Need Notary Services
If you are in the New Jersey area and need notary services, look no further. Contact Carla Atkins-Bland for your document needs.
Carla Atkins-Bland, Notary Public in Willingboro, NJ 08046 (snapdocs.com)
Business Resources
Thinking of starting a new business? Maybe you are already a business owner and are looking for resources. Check out score.org to help with increasing your business success or aid with any challenges you may be facing. Take some online classes, watch webinars or check for upcoming events in your local area.
Clothing company for men and women. Joggers, short and long-sleeved tee shirts, hoodies and caps made to order. Check out the website to choose your logo, size and color.
Check out Home | LHJR (square.site)
Women owned clothing and accessories company. Check out the website to see what kind of petty fits you. Have fun.
Check out God Ain’t Petty, but I Am®️. The Best Petty Tees in the World. (godaintpetty.com)
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Kinesics: Tells of Your Emotions
Kinesics or better known as non-verbal communication. This includes facial expressions, body language, and posture. Whether we know it or not we communicate in many ways. It may just be habit and it can also be intentional. Let’s look at some ways that we communicate without saying a word. Tone of voice is another way to express our emotions.
Kinesics Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
Folded Arms
Folded arms can be interpreted as being close minded, or anti-social, disinterested or aloof. When we see people with their arms folded, we view them as unhappy or defensive. In reality, that person may just be cold and are folding their arms trying to stay warm. Are you buying it? Well, it could be true. Since we are not mind readers, we will never know.
Smiling
A smile tells a lot. If you see someone with a smile on their face it would indicate that the person is happy. They do not have to say a word. It is all over their face. You can even also read a smile in a telephone conversation. Smiling is seen as a positive gesture and would indicate that someone is approachable, happy, open and nice.
Did you know? Smiling relieves stress and elevates mood.
Eyes looking downward
In conversation, a person who avoids eye contact and looks down may be deceitful. They are hiding something. If their eyes shift downward when asked about something or talking about something uncomfortable, watch the eyes. Downward eyes can also indicate someone who is embarrassed or ashamed.
Standing up straight
Good posture, such as sitting or standing up straight shows confidence. You are occupying space in a positive way. Slouching, on the contrary may show boredom or disinterest. It can also indicate that one who is slouching is tired.
Hand on the hip
Gesturing with hands on the hip can be seen as a challenge. The person showing this sign may be upset or defiant. This is usually not a positive non-verbal gesture. However, depending on the context, using both hands on the hip may be showing power or assertion.
Leaning in and/or tilting head to one side
This gesture can show that you are interested in what others are saying. Leaning in should not be to the extent of invading the other person’s space. Just enough to show that you are paying attention. In addition, tilting the head to one side shows that you are concentrating and are genuinely interested in what the person is saying.
Frowning
One of the most used and most obvious, is frowning. When you see someone frowning, you can imagine that the person is not happy. They are showing their displeasure by frowning. To the ladies out there who walk around frowning, be aware that this makes you unapproachable. No one wants to speak to you or approach you with a scrunched up or frowning face. Just be conscious of this and correct it when you feel yourself doing this. You would be surprised what a difference it makes in your interactions, mood and experiences with others.
Kinesics: Tells of Your Emotions
As you can see, we communicate both verbally and non-verbally. It is important to be aware of this, so not to unintentionally present with the wrong idea. Of course, we cannot control how others perceive us. We can control how we present ourselves in the most flattering light. A simple facial expression can change the trajectory of an otherwise, healthy and positive interaction.
Tone of voice is also important. If we speak to people in a disrespectful way or with arrogance, people will perceive us in that way. If you speak in an even tone and unassuming manner, we will be perceived as open and easy to talk to. How do you communicate?
Image credits:
- Jackson David on Pixabay
- Engin Akyurt on Unsplash
- Etty Fidele on Unsplash
- Robin Higgins on Pixabay
- Sewupari Studio on Pixabay
- Yvette W on Pixabay
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What Color is Your Wardrobe?
Wardrobe, clothing, attire, outfit, duds whichever name you want to give it; what color is yours? When it comes to clothing, we have many options. Some of us are drawn to bright colors like, yellow, orange, and reds. Others like darker hues like black, gray and navy blue.
Why do you think that is? Do you think it has to do with our personality? There does seem to be a connection to this. Depending on who you ask, if you wear a lot of black clothing you are seen as depressed, introverted, shy. On the other hand, black clothing is seen as a power color. It says that you are elegant and bold, confident too.
Considering your choice of color comes into play when attending certain functions. Also, your mood may dictate the color of your outfit. People wear certain colors for various reasons. Wearing black has the slimming effect, so some people wear it for that reason. Others avoid it because it makes them feel down or depressed. White is another color some like to wear, and others avoid it because it makes them feel like they look heavier. Some people wear clothes that complement their complexion.
Color Palette for Occasion
- Blending in- to blend in you may pick gray or black. These colors are neutral and do not draw attention, like its brighter counterparts.
- Standing out- Red is bold and an attention grabber. If you are trying to be noticed red is the way to go. It is also the color of romance. If you are on a romantic date, you might wear a red dress or the LBD. Little black dress is a good choice too.
- About business- if you are attending a business function or interview, try blue or black. Blue portrays security and shows that you mean business. Black is another power color to wear to a business meeting. It shows authority.
- Being playful-this calls for colors like pink, yellow or even orange. Yellow is a color that brings out happy vibes, brightness, and positivity. Pink is a softer color which shows openness and friendliness. Orange, although bright can be a cheerful color too.
What Color to Choose?
No matter which color you choose to wear, do it with confidence. How the color makes you feel and how others see it will not always align. So, it is important, to wear what makes you feel good. It is all a personal choice. What color is your wardrobe?
Snapshots Out in the Pasture
Photographic shots of life, just lying in the pasture. Life’s moments just abandoned and left for the taking. Who would do this? Who would leave those captured beautiful moments. These are the events of life that are one of a kind, never to be duplicated.
Baby pictures, pictures of grandma. Captured moments at the beach or the park. Candid shots just doing nothing. Pictures of you in your best outfit. Vacation pictures.
Milestones captured of your first car, first house. Pictures of those sweet moments with your man or woman. Graduation day, that proud moment of holding your degree.
You can call this the basket of memory lane. A basket that is priceless. When you look at the images captured you know why you saved all of them. What the photos meant to you and how you felt at that moment. Nostalgia, no? Perhaps. But how can you stroll down memory lane, when the snapshots are left out in the pasture?
Snapshots that contain a lifetime of memories. Of childhood dreams, triumphs and disappointments. Moments that made you laugh and cry. Proud moments and times of regret.
Think back on your life. Now, would you leave your snapshots out in the pasture? Of course not! Reclaim your best and worst accomplishments and own every single one of them. After all, they are your snapshots.
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Snapshots Out in the Pasture was written in response to Sadje’s prompt:
What do you see # 191- June 19, 2023
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Father’s Day- Two Thousand Twenty Three
June 18, 2023-Father’s Day
Fathers are such an integral part of the family. We look to them to be the providers and to be the strength as protectors. Besides that, they are people too and as such need to feel appreciated and loved. We often place more emphasis on Mother’s Day, but fathers are important too. On Sunday, let your dad know just how special he is to you.
For years fathers have been caretakers of the family and have really stepped into and embraced this role. Some fathers do not get the recognition they deserve. On Father’s Day, which is usually the 3rd Sunday in June, call your father and all the fathers you know. Wish them blessings for a happy Father’s Day. It will lift them up and make them feel good about their role.
Depending on where you live in the world, there are a myriad of ways to celebrate. Some people give gift cards or buy gifts. Some popular gifts are work tools, ties, car accessories, or grooming products. For the Dads who love to grill out, you can gift some items for the “grill master”.
Another way to celebrate your father or father figure is to spend time with him. Time is something precious that we can never get back and what better way to show your love than to spend some time with Dad.
If it is not physically possible to see your Dad; talk to him in prayer. Remember those favorite things about him that make you smile. Play his favorite song, wear his favorite color, make him a greeting card and keep it in remembrance of him. Whatever you choose to do, make it special.
Image credit: Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay
What is it?
A canopy of protection is a place that most are familiar with and frequent very often. If you don’t recognize it, then you may want to make some adjustments. The canopy of protection is not a place that you invite everyone. It takes special and select people to be allowed to enter. This is a place that you create and set the tone. If anyone dares to defile it, then they must be escorted out. Do not allow anyone to darken, your canopy of protection or cause it to collapse. It is one of the few places where you can truly be you and not have to make any apologies. Be your true self and make it as loud or as peaceful as you want.
Where is your canopy?
Your canopy of protection is anywhere you want it to be. It can be physical or mental. What do I mean? A physical canopy of protection can be a place like your home, the park, a restaurant. The place you sleep at night. Also, it can be a she-shed/man cave. Make it a special place that you go when you want some peace and quiet. A place to be alone with your thoughts.
A mental canopy of protection is when you go to a place; metaphorically, in your mind when things are in chaos. It is when you think of certain things or places in your mind and you stay there for as long as you need or want to. It’s your place of protection from outside forces and elements. To counteract stress, picture or think about more pleasant things, and you are left feeling unbothered.
Who is Allowed?
The answer to this is truly a personal choice. You can let people who are close to you under your canopy. You may only let your family and/or pets in. Some people may be allowed to enter for a short time. Some may be allowed permanent access. Maybe no one is allowed. We all process the elements of life differently and may want the solitude. So, in this case the canopy of protection is a place to be solo. No exceptions.
Why is it needed?
The canopy of protection is necessary for many reasons. The whys will vary from person to person. It is a tool to use when you may feel overwhelmed, sad, stressed, depressed or just in a funk. The canopy of protection is there too because of the times we are faced with a difficult decision.
When do you go there?
During those times of uncertainty, ambiguity, confusion and chaos. Those are the essential times when you go to your canopy of protection. Doing so will usually provide some clarity and/or answers to those daunting questions. You will find that taking a step back and going to your canopy will bring you out in a much healthier and happier state of mind.
Even when you do not come out with a solution, you will be much more peaceful for it. You can come back to a situation with a clear mind and a new, more positive outlook.