Tag: empowerment

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Info Topic

Fall Leaves Bring in October

It’s October 2023. Time for the trees to shed its leaves. October is also the season of Pumpkin flavors. Cooler days are ahead, grab those jackets. Fall leaves bring in October, but what else is in store? Read on to see more about October.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Photo by Angiola Harry on Unsplash

Breast Cancer affects many people. Men and women, alike. The month of October give us the chance to support those with breast cancer. We can use this time to educate ourselves about this medical condition, learn about prevention and screening. Share with our loved ones what we know and have learned. Display a pink ribbon to show your solidarity and support for breast cancer survivors and their families.

October 6- National Plus Size Appreciation Day

Does size really matter? People are people and on October 6, every year we celebrate plus size. If you wear a plus size, you need to know that you are still beautiful and just as valuable. Feel confident in your skin. The size you wear does not dictate who you are and how far you can go in life. All body types are beautiful. Today and every day, embrace your body type and smile. Look at yourself and take a moment to admire and love your body and all its curves. Love on yourself and give yourself a hug. You deserve it!

October 17 Black Poetry Day

This day is all about literature written by black people and about black culture. Discover the works of black authors by reading literature or poems by an author that you have not heard of. Different points of view will help you decide on the style of poem, stories and/or literature that speaks most to you. If you are not into reading, spoken word is another form to explore. No matter what race you are there are stories and experiences that you will love, can relate to or learn from.

Did you know? Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Annie Allen.

October 18- World Menopause Day/World Menopause Month

Every woman will reach this monumental stage of life called menopause. The experience will not be the same for every woman but there are some changes that happen. A woman who is menopausal will undergo both mental and physical changes. See, It’s Hot in Here for more insight. If you are lucky, these changes will be mild. Some of the common bodily changes you will experience can include hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain and sleep disturbance. Mood swings may also occur. Please seek help from your medical doctor for any concerning and/or severe changes. There are options to help alleviate symptoms. Check out the International Menopause Society on the web, the site has useful information.

October 28 -National Chocolate Day

Image by Nawal Escape from Pixabay

Excite your taste buds with some chocolate. Make a Chocolate cake or have some candy bars. Whatever your flavor; enjoy! Try a new Chocolate dessert or try a new homemade recipe. You can’t go wrong with Chocolate. You can add it to ice cream, make S’mores, dip your Strawberries in it, drizzle it on your milk shake. The possibilities are endless.

Oct 16-20- National School Bus Safety Week

Keep children safe. When a school bus is stopped, with red lights flashing and the stop sign open, stop your car! It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus! Children are either exiting or boarding the bus at this time. They may be on the opposite side of the street and need to cross in front of your car. Get off your phones, stop looking in the mirror, put the breakfast biscuit away, put down the coffee and whatever else you are doing.

October 31- H🎃lloween

The last day of the month is Halloween. If you celebrate this day, remember to be safe. If you are trick or treating, go in a group. Wear some light or reflective clothing, to easily be seen when it gets dark. Check the treat bags before letting kids have any of the goodies. Don’t forget to wear your favorite Halloween costume. You can dress up and be whoever you want to be for the day. Have fun with it.

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Words of Wisdom

Message of Motivation

Instead of saying or believing,

“I can’t do it.”

Try saying, “I can’t do it yet!“

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Topic Words of Wisdom

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.

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Quote of the Day -Think Positive

Image by ShonEjai from Pixabay

“Look at people for an example, but then make sure to do things your way. Surround yourself with positive people.”

Queen Latifah

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Canopy of Protection. Where Do You Find Peace?

Peaceful place, Image by Alex Ru 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.

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Poetry Topic

Have I Told You Lately?

Image credit; Alisa Dyson @ Pixaby

Have I Told You Lately?

You are my mom, tried and true
You cheer me up, when I am blue
When I need a hug, you are there
I can turn to you, when it’s too much to bear

You take me to the park
I can see the dogs play and bark
You make me laugh and smile
You wear motherhood with much style

Thank you for being my mother
Your role, invaluable, like no other
Have I told you lately?
You are loved by me, greatly

---O'Nika McGill---

Have I Told You Lately? is written in response to prompt by Sadje, http://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2023/05/15/what-do-you-see-186-may-15-2023-mothers-day/

Have I Told You Lately? first appeared on Inspire By O’Nika.

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Topic Words of Wisdom

7 Days to Inspire, Part 7, Embrace Your Passion

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Welcome to 7 days to inspire. I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 7 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 7 is the letter “E” for embrace your passion.

I N S P I R E

Embrace your passion video

Embrace your Passion

Whatever you feel strong about, do it! Don’t wait. Embrace your passion and see where it takes you. Even if people try to discourage you and advise you otherwise, just go for what you know! At least if you try, you will never wonder, “what if?”. If you want to be a photographer, do it. If you want to open a food truck, do it. You cannot live life worrying about what others think. You are living and embracing your passion not theirs. 

I-Infuse Good Vibes
N- Never Say Never
S- Shoot the Gift
P- Practice Patience
I- Indulge the Senses
R- Remember the Essence of Who You Are
E- Embrace Your Passion

I hope you enjoyed my mini-message series. Thank you for stopping by.

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

7 Days to Inspire, Part 6, Remember the Essence of Who You Are

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Welcome to 7 days to inspire. I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 6 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 6 is the letter “R” for remember the essence of who you are.

I N S P I R E

Remember the Essence of Who You Are

It can be tempting to lose ourselves in the busyness of work, home and family obligations. We must remember the essence of who we are. After all, if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of anyone else.

If you find yourself going off course, just begin again. If you have missed a few days of exercise. Start again. If you have gone off your diet, start again. Don’t feel guilty, we are only human. Give yourself a break.

People can be critical of others. So, my suggestion is not to let judgements and criticism bring you down. It is paramount that we find those things that keep us grounded and centered at our true essence. Surround yourself with people and things that inspire and not hinder or discourage. Go on an exploration and do new things that make you feel happy.

If you have a fighting spirit, don’t give up. Remember the soldier that you are. If you are a gentle, kind spirit. Remember the sweetheart that you are. Make no apologies for the person you are.

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

7 Days to Inspire, Part 5, Indulge the Senses

Image by John Hain from Pixabay

Welcome to 7 days to inspire. I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 5 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 5 is the letter “I” for indulge the senses.

I N S P I R E

Indulge the Senses

Take in everything around you. Draw out the positive and use it for guidance during those difficult moments.

Indulge the senses, take in your surroundings with your eyes. Watch how things move. The trees in the wind, the clouds in the sky, the sun and the moon. Watch the birds and squirrels. Watch people. Look at the beautiful brownstones.

Indulge the senses, take in the aromas. Smell that herbal tea or flavored coffee. Smell the outside air and the grass. What memories do those smells evoke? Does the grass make you think of camp as a kid growing up. Does the coffee make you feel happy, de-stressed?

Indulge the senses, hear the sounds. When you wake and hear the birds do they make you happy or are you annoyed? Those friends in flight can be noisy at times, I have to admit. 🙂 Listen to the traffic going by. Thinking about all the people moving about. Where are they going, where are they coming from? Listen to your favorite music. Where does it take you?

Indulge the senses, taste the sweetness. How sweet is a Macintosh Apple or the taste of Red Moscato? When that hot tea with lemon and honey hits the taste buds, so soothing to the throat. How about that Welch’s Grape Soda with the Sabrett Hot Dog.

Indulge the senses, feel the relaxation of a massage. Relax in a warm bath and feel the water wrap you in its warmth. Feel the softness of a throw blanket. If you are a pet owner, give them a belly or head rub. Take a walk on the beach, feel the sand. Give your loved ones a big squeeze.

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Topic Words of Wisdom

7 Days to Inspire, Part 4, Practice Patience

Image by bknis from Pixabay

Welcome to 7 days to inspire. I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 4 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 4 is the letter “P” for practice patience.

I N S P I R E

Patience is a virtue right? Lets try practicing patience with ourselves and others. It can be easy to demonstrate patience with others but be so hard on ourselves, at times. We are all in this world trying to navigate and we are learning every day. That is the beauty of life.

If you make a mistake, forgive yourself. It’s not the end of the world. The easier we become at forgiving ourselves, the more we can open our hearts to forgive others. When we are sitting in traffic, have patience. Just think about arriving safely. If the barista is really slow at serving up your drink order, have patience. Maybe he/she is new and trying to learn the job. We all had a first day somewhere, right?

Patience affords us the ability to keep stress away or at least lessen the effects of it. If someone accidentally steps on your sneakers, there is no reason to bring violence into it. Let’s remember to be slow to anger and quick to forgive.

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Topic Words of Wisdom

7 Days to Inspire, Part 3, Shoot the Gift

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Welcome to 7 days to inspire. I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 3 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 3 is the letter “S” for shoot the gift.

I N S P I R E

Shoot the Gift

If you have the gift of gab, use it. Let your natural talent be heard. Being lyrically inclined does not come easily to everyone. If you can come up with rhymes off the top of your head, show your skills. Write your poems and do not be shy about it. If you are too shy to perform your lyrical gifts in public. Do it at home, in the shower or in the mirror. Demonstrate your gift in verbal, written or both ways. Try practicing by recording your lyricism or post on your social media platform. The more you practice the more you will perfect your craft. There is so much power in words. If you possess the ability to flow with your words, consider yourself lucky. Speaking through your life helps to change lives.

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Topic Words of Wisdom

7 Days to Inspire, Part 2, Never Say Never

Image by Kati from Pixabay

Welcome to 7 days to inspire. Each day I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 2 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 2 is the letter “N” for never say never.

I N S P I R E

Never Say Never

It’s never too late to pursue your dream. No matter how big or small. The key is to start. You don’t have to figure out all the details in a day. Just start. Never think you will get your dream home? Start saving and researching programs for homebuyers. Never think you will find love? It will come your way when you least expect it. That job promotion is in reach. You will make your weight loss goal. Just keep working for it and stay focused. Speak what you want into existence. Put it out there in the universe. Believe it will happen.

Believe that you can and you will!

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Topic Words of Wisdom

7 Days to Inspire, Part 1, Infuse Good Vibes

Photo by Graphe Tween on Unsplash

Welcome to 7 days to inspire. For the next seven days I will be sending a daily message. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 1 of the mini-message series of inspiration. We will start with the letter “I” for infuse good vibes.

I N S P I R E

Watch video below and enjoy.

Infuse Good Vibes

Video- Infuse Good Vibes

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Diversity Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

What’s On the Exterior

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

What’s on the exterior is not a reflection of the whole person. This message is to young girls and anyone who feels like they do not measure up. Society has women in this cookie-cutter image. Just know that we are versatile. Inner beauty, self-love and confidence is what we are made of. Do not let other people define who you are.

The world we live in today is very shallow and based on outer looks. People sometimes only look at the exterior with no further thought about the entire person. There is nothing wrong with being beautiful. After you get past the beauty what is inside? Do you want to be judged only by how you look? In some industries, beauty is paramount in your success in that particular field. But make sure you are being true to yourself.

Self-love is very important. If people gravitate to you because you look a certain way, but you feel like you are less than. Ask yourself, “what is wrong with this picture?”. Just remember that no one is perfect. At the end of the day, we are all human. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel like you do not “fit the mold” of what society says you should look like. Love the skin you are in.

If you have big thighs, so what. Embrace it and make it your strength. If your lips are fuller than the masses. Guess what; God made you that way for a reason. Love those lips, they are uniquely yours. It does not matter what your nose looks like or your feet. Have compassion and love for yourself. Accept yourself how you are. If anyone does not recognize the beauty you are inside, love yourself anyway!

“You can‘t rely on how you look to sustain you, what sustains us, what is fundamentally beautiful is compassion; for yourself and for those around you.”

Lupita Nyong’o

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Diversity Info Topic Words of Wisdom

Focus on Finance for Women’s History Month

Focus on Finance for Women’s History Month

Homeownership is one of the staples of the American dream. You work hard, you save money and pay bills on time. So, why is the purchase of a home out of reach for some people? It is partly due to the banking industry and unfair lending practices. Also, this is attributed to bad consumer credit and lack of funds.

We are living in times of inflation; again. It makes it hard to stay on top of basic living expenses and amenities. However, in spite of inflation homeownership is achievable. So is good credit. We can start by trying to reduce our debt-to-income ratio. This is one of the factors banks use in the application approval process. Lowering debt-to-income ratio means to have more money coming in than going out. Many times we spend more and save and/or invest less.

Paying bills on time also boosts credit scores. If you are in the market to make a home purchase, you may want to pull your credit report. By doing so, you have the opportunity to check for accuracy and any errors that may be preventing you from obtaining a loan. Also, you can assess what accounts you need to pay off. Correcting errors on your credit report takes a little effort, but it is within your power to change it in the best interest of your financial future.

Did you know? It wasn’t until the early 70s that women were allowed to purchase property in their own name. In years before that, a women could not own property without her husband co-signing.

Homeownership is lacking within minority communities. That brings me to the Focus on Finance for Women’s History Month. Benaisha Poole-Watson fits the theme of ‘Women Telling Our Stories’. She is a catalyst in the real estate market and understands the challenges. Being the owner of Prime One Home Loans, she not only owns the bank but helps to educate about building wealth. She has created solutions for people who are having hardship with obtaining a home loan.

To add to that, she is also a military veteran. She has served in the United States Air Force. Mrs. Poole-Watson, among many other African American women, have broken down the barrier of women serving in the military. Let’s salute Benaisha Poole-Watson for her contribution to the country through her military service. Also, for opening doors and creating change and help in obtaining real estate.

Did you know? At one time, women were not allowed to serve in the military outside of kitchen and domestic duties.

Focus on finance for women’s history month and learn more about the inspiration of Benaisha Poole-Watson at Home – Benaisha Poole Watson