The Season of Thanks

The older I get the more I realize the value of intangible gifts. This year I'm thankful for so very much and have decided to participate in the 22 days of thankfulness:

Day 1: I’m thankful for LIFE

Day 2: I’m thankful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams.

Day 3: I’m thankful for my parents

Day 4: I’m thankful for my siblings, both blood and adopted

Day 5: I’m thankful for Fisk University and the spirit of togetherness.

Day 6: I’m thankful for understanding the importance of serving others

Day 7: I’m thankful for the Chester Community and the children that I serve

Day 8: I’m thankful for my beautiful niece and nephews

Day 9: I’m thankful for my job as it funds my dream

Day 10: I’m thankful for my health

Day 11: I’m thankful for my friends

Day 12: I’m thankful for my support system……always there

Day 13: I’m thankful for laughter---it eases pain

Day 14: I’m thankful for spiritual wealth- the amount of knowledge in the good book (BIBLE)

Day 15: I’m thankful for social media—it’s an opportunity to stay connected to friends near and far

Day 16: I’m thankful for peace- NO drama here

Day 17: I’m thankful for honest individuals- we need more of these individuals

Day 18: I’m thankful for the gift of discernment- for being able to recognize genuine individuals

Day 19: I’m thankful for the Board of Directors for Zipporah’s Angels, Inc.----Together we encourage young girls to become young women

Day 20: I’m thankful for KNOWLEDGE---Knowledge is power

Day 21: I’m thankful for the opportunity to travel…..there’s so much to see in this big little world

Day 22: I’m thankful for the individuals that follow my blog :) 

It's always important to reflect and be grateful of the things we have and don't have. During this season of gratitude, pay it forward to another individual or organization and watch how invigorated you feel afterwards.

50K Coaches

Hello there!!

The movie Akeelah & the Bee (2006) provided insight for everyday trials that still provide key words of wisdom for me in 2012. One of my favorite lines is "50,000 coaches". Akeelah says this as she thinks about all the people that will help her succeed in the national spelling bee.  As an entrepreneur I often reflect on my own 50K coaches.

Each time I'm faced with a challenge there's someone around to offer words of encouragement or an ear to listen. There's someone there to fill the gap and provide a alternative to the impeding problem. I'm sure that as I grow I'll still be able to gain wisdom from my 50K coaches. I'm reminded that I'm not in this race alone and that there are several people rooting for my success. Even the ones that doubt my ingenuity and perseverance are, in their own way, rooting for my success. It may be ironic but those that question or doubt me push me that much harder to succeed and accomplish my goal.

Think about your 50K coaches and how each one has individually impacted your life. I think you'll be surprised at the amount of wisdom that has been imparted upon you by family, friends, acquaintances, and mere strangers. Don't take your coaches for granted.

Reflection Time

So.....August has flown as has the rest of this year! I try to determine how much progression I've had. So far, this year has been filled with many many lessons. I've learned so very much about myself. I'm one that always said " I don't care how anyone 'sees' me as long as I'm being true to myself". However, I've recently accepted that YES! I do care about how people see me. Because of my role in people's life I always want to be seen as a positive person that carries herself with dignity and respect. I'm doing a phenomenal job of that. However, I've had to also accept that my candidness isn't understood by some. I'm working on growing professionally so that I can continue to help make Zipporah's Angels, Inc. successful while making more money on my 9-5.

Successful individuals have tenacity, strength, and courage to follow their dreams. So today, make a vow to yourself to be tenacious and become a better you.

Growing Pains

It's hard to believe that I'm 25 years old for I've always had an old soul (check out the rhyme game). Each year that passes I make some of the same goals and at the end of the year I wonder "Now, why didn't I accomplish that?" The answer is simple: I didn't want it bad enough. See, when there's something/ someone you want badly enough a person makes the sacrifices to have those things. I have been on a weight loss rollercoaster since I finished my freshman year at Fisk. (Yikes!)

One of the major things that I've learned is how to adapt, hence my growing pains. While I am a people person I rarely start conversations with individuals and tend to like to be alone. See being alone ensures that I don't say something that can offend someone, be in an uncomfortable environment, and ultimately all of my needs and wants are met. While riding down 77S on Saturday I thought just how much I prefer to do things alone. After having so many letdowns I simply find it best.  Here's my biggest growing pain:

Learning to let go: What all does this entail, you ask. Let me explain. I learned to let go of the hurt and frustration associated with past relationships. Ultimately, my holding on to these issues prevents me from being truly free. I learned to let go of those that didn't want to help themselves. This was primarily for my family. I used to wonder " o, why don't they do this and o goodness they have so much potential? Blah blah blah. I never had a problem not helping non family members that hindered their own successes but I have always wanted the best for my family. However, I realize now that my standard of success doesn't always, if ever, match the success that the individual has. So I'm done helping people that choose to not help themselves. I've let it go.

Remember, growing pains are essential to the maturation of successful and happy individuals.

Peace,
Ri

Thankful Thursday

So....Happy Thankful Thursday!!

Oftentimes we are too busy to stop and reflect on accomplishments and joyous occasions. Our minds are filled with "what's next?", "what else do I have to do?", or we're too busy satisfying the needs of others to fulfill our own dreams. Wednesday August, 15, 2012 marked the one year anniversary of my non-profit organization, Zipporah's Angels, Inc.  The anniversary made me slow down and simply reflect. One year ago I received the articles of incorporation declaring Zipporah's Angels, Inc. a 'C' Corporation for the state of SC. May 17, 2012 of this year I received our 501(c)3 tax exemption letter. Throughout the year, I often found myself momentarily praising the girls for their accomplishments while still organizing and planning more events. For me, there's so much work to be done and although the girls have accomplished a great deal, I still found myself saying...."yea that's great but we need to do more etiquette training or yay! we completed one phase of community service but there are other phases that need to be completed as well".

It wasn't until I truly reflected that I acknowledged the girls accomplishments for the depth that they are. Since inception, the girls have visited nursing homes, hosted a canned and clothing drive, had a bake sale, hot dog/ fish sale, presented research on notable African Americans, planted seeds, participated in a breast cancer walk, picked vegetables, and they have continuously worked at a local cemetery. Needless to say, I am very proud of the girls and their accomplishments. I often become physically tires but their smiles and maturation stimulates me to give them my all whether its simply me spending time with them every Saturday for hours on end.

Today, I challenge each of you to sit back and reflect on your accomplishments. Write down a list of goals and make preparations to achieve them! We live once and are a true reflection of our character.

One Love,
Ri