Tag: inspiration

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Snapshots Out in the Pasture

Credit: Kaboompics @ pexels

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

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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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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.

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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.

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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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Topic Words of Wisdom

Love Is in the Air for Couple Appreciation Month

Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay

April is Couple Appreciation Month. What a better time of year to let love blossom. After all, April is the month when the flowers bloom and so can the love a couple shares with each other. Not to say that when April is over you go back to being “extra” or whatever version of yourself you were all year long. Just joking, just joking. It’s ok to smile. But, you get my meaning.

Being coupled up is a beautiful thing and has its advantages. You get to share a part of your life with someone. All the moments that make you smile, laugh, cry. You get to celebrate each other. Be it for business successes or other personal milestones in life. When you had a not so nice day, you get to be hugged and comforted by your loved one. You get to create memories together.

April is halfway over so if you haven’t been showing appreciation for your “better half”, there is still time left. I would like to think that when the first of May comes, you continue on. Let the appreciation and love flow throughout the year.

Why is showing appreciation important or even necessary?

  • Appreciation is a form of love
  • It does not cost anything to show it
  • Simple gestures are sometimes, the things that keeps couples together
  • Showing appreciation is unique to each couple
  • It opens doors to more possiblilities and growth in the relationship

Just think about how you felt the last time your partner showed appreciation to you. How did it make you feel? I bet it made you smile and feel loved. Appreciation for your mate is just another extension of your love for that person. Think about something that your partner likes to do or something they enjoy. Make it possible for him/her. Just because. It does not have to be for a special occasion. And do it, without them asking.

Do those things that you haven’t done for a while. Even the ones you can’t talk about out loud; you know those intimate secrets. Go back to your first date or a first for your relationship. Remind your partner of those things that make you smile and the things that you love about them.

Appreciation is in everyone’s budget. There is no excuse. I hear some of you trying to talk yourselves out of this. Just get out of your comfort zone and take the time, take the time; I’ll say again. Take the time. You won’t regret it. Life is short. Enjoy each other.

Here is a list to get you started

  • Make a homemade romantic dinner
  • If you can’t cook, go out to a nice restaurant. Get dressed up and make a night of it.
  • Re-create the most enjoyable date you had in the beginning of the relationship. You know the one where you had “butterflies” in your stomach.
  • Gift your partner their favorite flowers, perfume/cologne
  • Give a sensual massage. Fill in the blanks.
  • Put your dancing shoes on and go out for some dancing and music
  • Go away for a weekend trip, if this is in the budget
  • Take your partner out for a surprise lunch
  • Recite an original poem or spoken word piece about your special someone
  • Remind him/her of all the reasons you fell in love
  • Create a new memory to show your appreciation for the relationship

Hopefully, these items can get you off to a good start. Whatever you do, make it special. Love should be celebrated not just for birthdays, anniversaries, Black Love Day, Valentine’s Day and the like. Every human on this earth needs love. So, show yours in your own unique way and I wish you all a wonderful Couple Appreciation Month.

4 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong

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Pleasure Furlough


Image by Melk Hagelslag from Pixabay

Deep breaths well needed
Respite from a busy life
Take in sights and sounds

—O’Nika McGill—

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Diversity Info Topic Words of Wisdom

What Brings You Here April?

Image by Alexa from Pixabay

April is the 4th Month of the year. It is also the beginning of the Spring season. April brings showers to nourish the land for the flowers to bloom and the trees to grow. The zodiac signs, Aries and Taurus fall in the month of April too. Let’s see what else April brings.

Good Friday is April 7th this year. Also known as Easter Friday. This is the day that Christian’s commemorate the day Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. On this holy day, some Christian’s will have special prayer services. People will participate in fasting on Good Friday. Other’s may avoid eating meat. It sounds ironic that a day of death is called good. The name Good Friday was, at one time, called God’s Friday.

Easter Sunday is on April 9th. The day Jesus Christ was resurrected is called Easter. This is one of the most celebrated and observed days of the year. The Christian community holds this day as very important. And with good reason. Church service, meals, prayers and moments of silence are just a few ways that people observe Easter. Coloring of eggs and Easter egg hunts are some events that families indulge in with their children for Easter.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

April 11th is National Eight Track Tape Day. What is an eight track you ask? Well…it is what we used to play music before days of cassette tapes and CDs. You have to be “seasoned” to know what an eight track is. Ford was the first car company to make factory and dealership-installation available in their automobiles. Eight track tapes were popular during the years spanning from the 60-80s. If you are feeling nostalgic, take today to dust off those old eight tracks (if you can find any of them). Take a stroll down memory lane. The days of the eight track tapes may be long gone but they do hold many fond memories during those eras of music.

Image by wongpear from Pixabay

April 17- Haiku Poetry Day. Exhibit your writing skills with a Haiku poem. This style of poetry was started in Japan. A Haiku typically consists of 17 syllables and has three lines. The rules of proper format of a Haiku have changed over time. Have fun with it and write your own Haiku.

Tax Day is April 18th.

National Piñata Day– April 18- National Piñata Day has been around since as early as the 13th century. It has been a tradition in the Chinese, European and Mexican cultures. As you can see, non-Hispanic people participate in Piñata Day too. The bright colored candy containers can be filled with small party favors, candy, gifts and whatever your imagination will allow. A lot of these paper mâché sculptures are in the form of animals, various shapes and some are in the form of faces. While Piñata’s are typically associated with children and parties, they are used for other reasons. Some countries have used them in protest of local politicians and/or causes. I like to associate Piñata’s in a fun way. Even though you have to hit them to get the prizes out, you can make fun games of it. Make your own Piñata. You can find online videos on how to do this.

Photo by santiago filio on Unsplash

Stop Food Waste Day– April 26 Ever wonder how many people can be fed and not go hungry? Many more, if we stopped wasting food. One way to do just that is to only buy as much food as you can use. Bring leftovers the next day for lunch or have it for dinner. Store food in a way so that it does not go bad. The food industry plays a major part and can help to stop the wasting of food. Some restaurants throw the food away at the end of closing. Local shelters could benefit from this food to feed those that are homeless and do not have access to meals.

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Nice To See You Again. The Age Of Unmasking

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Masking mandates for Covid-19 have lifted in many places and some are still in the process of slowly easing the use of masks. It is like a ‘coming out’ of the world. We get to see everyone’s entire faces. We have been so used to keeping our nose and mouths covered, now it’s a whole new ball game. Since our whole face is out there for all to see, we have to be mindful of certain things.

I realize that it is still too soon for many people. Some are just not quite ready to take the mask off. That is understandable and a totally personal choice. There may be a time in the near future when masking will become a national mandate again. In the meantime, for those who have chosen to free their face take a look below for some friendly reminders. A few tidbits to help guide you through the day.

Image by Hank Williams from Pixabay
  • Number one. After lunchtime, take a look in the mirror and check your teeth. You don’t want to be smiling at everyone and you have a piece of green salad or a piece of burger stuck in between your teeth. This is not cute.
  • A very important thing to remember is to be mindful of our facial expression. At one time, hiding under the mask were our smiles, frowns, grimacing, chewing and possibly mumbling under our breath. People can see all of that now. Take a moment to remember that your emotions are on front street. People can see you. Some people can also read lips.
  • Another thing to think about is keeping lips moisturized. Now, I know that since we’ve been wearing our masks, we don’t really think about this as much. Because let’s face it, no one can see our lips with a mask on. Now that lips have made their debut in the world again it is a good idea to keep lips moist. We don’t want any chapped and cracked lips out there.
  • Mandates have been lifted but social distancing may still be a good idea, for a while. Err on the side of caution. It might be too soon to start shaking hands, social hugging and group gatherings.
  • Ladies, this one is especially for you. The days are gone when we had to hide behind a mask. What a better time to try a new lipstick shade. Look through your cosmetic case and dust off your glosses, lip sticks, and moisturizers. Better yet, buy some new ones. Whatever floats your boat.
  • Also, you might want to add some eyeshadow, or just foundation. On the other hand, some women have really embraced the natural look, and they’re not concerned with wearing makeup at all. And let’s face it, it’s better for the skin. If you can pull it off, then I say more power to you. Let your true self shine. But for those of us who have skin challenges, then there’s no shame in a little help. Do what you have to do.

It is so liberating and such a great feeling to be free of the mask. Wearing masks for 2, almost three years now has taken a toll on everyone. It feels very strange to actually see who people are again. Wearing masks was like a guessing game, wondering if you knew the person under the mask. It is not until they start speaking that we recognize a familiar voice, at times.

Nice to see you again.