Gratitude is the best attitude

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. ~G.B. Stern

This year, instead of coming up with resolutions I have decided to begin a new tradition in my family.  I will be choosing a word to focus on - think of it as my theme for the year.  After much thought, I decided that gratitude would be my theme for 2011.

I want to become better at expressing thanks and letting those around me know how much I appreciate them being in my corner.  I want to instill in my children the power of "thank you" and being grateful for the little things in life.  My 9 year old and I will each be keeping a gratitude journal where we list at least 5 things we are thankful for each day.  When I first told him about my idea, his response was "I know what will be first on my list every day - my family!!!"  (I just love that kid!)

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward



Sometimes we get so bogged down in what we don't have and what problems we do have, that we forget to focus on what we do have and what we have come through.  I try my hardest to keep a positive and upbeat spirit, but I want to focus more on showing God how grateful I am to Him for all that He has provided for me and my family.  I want to let Him know that I am standing on His Word and know that the promises that He has made to me will come to fruition, but in the meantime, I am just thankful and blessed for the place He has me at now.

Praise the bridge that carried you over. ~George Colman

So, Divas, my challenge to you is to come up with a word for 2011 to embrace.  Yes, it is good to make resolutions (goals) but that is something we should all be doing on a constant basis.  Reflect on where you are right now and where you would like to be 365 days from now and see what God whispers into your spirit.

Be blessed, Divas!!!

Principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is celebrated annually from December 26th through January 1st.  While it is typically an African-American celebration, the principles that it focuses on are definitely multi-cultural and things we should all focus on year-long:

* Umoja (Unity): This principle states that success begins with the unity of families, communities, nations and races. 



* Kujichagulia (Self-determination): We all need to be responsible for ourselves. We have a part in creating our own destinies.


* Ujima (Collective work and responsibility): We must build and maintain our communities together.

* Ujamaa (Cooperative economics): We must build, maintain, and support our own stores, businesses and establishments.


* Nia (Purpose): To be responsible for those who came before (our ancestors) and to those who will follow (our descendants).


* Kuumba (Creativity): Using creativity and imagination to make our communities better.


* Imani (Faith): Believing in ourselves, our families, our educators, our leaders and, most importantly, God.

Be blessed Divas!!!

Soulful Sunday: You are one blessed somebody!!!

Oh my goodness!!! This morning's worship service was absolutely awesome!!! I was definitely in the right place at the right time for the right message.

I just love when I hear an inspiring message because it motivates me to make changes and opens up my mind to ways to move to the next level in my prayers, praise and purpose.

Those that know me know that I try my hardest to think in a positive fashion.  I don't like negativity and try not to dwell on the negative aspects of things going on in my world and the world around me.  I, also, do not like to associate with negative people because it has a way of bringing me down.  I DON'T like to be down because I have so many reasons to be UP!!!

Positive thinking leads to positive living which leads to positive results.  Many successful people attribute their success to their positive thinking.  Harriet Tubman never considered herself a slave - hence the reason she kept running away.  Michael Jordan did not consider himself a loser and would not entertain the thought of losing.  Bill Gates did not entertain thoughts of failure - even before launching Microsoft he did not have a plan B because he knew he was going to be successful.

I leave with you these thoughts, Divas, from my pastor's sermon this morning:

You are what God says you are - not what those around you say you are.
You can do what God says you can do - don't fall prey to the naysayers in your life.
You are the head and not the tail - do not be content with being a follower or coming in last place.
Your circumstances do not define who you are destined to be - You are one blessed somebody!!!

My pastor challenged us to fast from negativity for the remainder of the year.  I encourage you to look at the positive side of the challenges you face in the coming weeks.

Have a blessed and purposeful week, Divas!!!

DWP - Rosalyn's Scent

This weeks Diva With A Purpose, Cassandra Stewart, is definitely an inspiration to me. When I think of entrepreneurship, dedication and compassion - her name is one of the first one's to come to mind. Cassandra is the owner of Rosalyn's Scent – all natural bath and body products that she creates herself!!! All it takes is one use and you are absolutely hooked!

What impresses me the most about Cassandra's drive and dream is that she truly does put a part herself into the products she creates. Her business is a tribute to her mother, the Rosalyn in Rosalyn’s Scent. Cassandra took her mother’s dream and made it a reality – combining her passion for “scentology” and her devotion to finishing what her mother started but was unable to complete. The end result - Madam Mixtress, the creator of superb products!!!

Drive, determination and dreams often go hand and hand. Anyone can have dreams, but it takes a very special person to take those dreams and make them a reality. There are so many forces that seem to be against you when you are starting out, but with determination and hard work you can succeed. Ms. Sandii can definitely give testament to that!


I am so glad that our paths crossed and have enjoyed watching her business grow over the past few years. She has taught me so much without even realizing it and inspires me to continue working towards my dreams.


I encourage everyone I know to give her products a try – you will definitely fall in love!!! Now that the winter months are upon us, her body butters are a staple in my household for my boys, myself and even my husband!!!

In Her Own Words:

I've worked so hard to build my business and it means the world to me. I have a lot of haters trying to bring me down but guess what its not working and it never will! I had jobs and I got to the point where I was tired of working for someone and working just to make ends meet. Being my own boss is a wonderful feeling! My home life is better, I feel better...its just wonderful!



I build my business not only to make money but to give back and celebrate others. Before leaving NYC I donated products to a womens shelter and I told them my life story. They were amazed and touched because here I am a business woman that went through the same struggle that they're going through. I wanted them to have hope of one day living a better life and that sometimes we hit rockbottom but if you're strong enough to hold on to faith that you'll rise to the top in no time!
 
Some thoughts to ponder:

• What is it that you want to accomplish?
• What motivates you to succeed?
• What resources do you need to move to the next level?
• Are you ready to dedicate your time, finances, and talents to your dream?

"Bear in mind, if you are going to amount to anything, that your success does not depend upon the brilliancy and the impetuosity with which you take hold, but upon the ever lasting and sanctified buldoggedness with which you hang on after you have taken hold."  - Dr. A. B. Meldrum



Introducing the first Divas With A Purpose Blog Game…YAY!!!

2 lucky readers will win a $15 gift certificate to Rosalyn's Scent. Here are the rules:


**You must leave a comment below that includes the following:  What/who inspires you? You must, also, comment on which product or products from Rosalyn’s Scent you would like to try for yourself. Or, if you have purchased from her before – what your favorite product is.***
 

Good luck Divas!!!  This contest ends at 8 pm EST on Friday, December 18th.  The winners will be announced on Saturday, December 19th.  Winners will be selected using Random.org.

Sometimes one is enough...

Just One
Unknown

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true,

One life can make a difference,
You see, it's up to you!

Today's one of those days where I have so much to say but very little energy to say it.  Just know that sometimes you are all a person needs to know they can make that next step.  Be careful of the words that you speak - whether in anger or in jest - because you never know what affect they will have on a person.

Be Blessed, Divas! But, more importantly, be a blessing to others!!!

After awareness comes action...

I've seen friends and friends of friends changing their status and profile pictures on Facebook all week long to raise awareness of child abuse. A REAL problem in our communities that many choose to ignore - even when it's right next door.  It's wonderful to raise awareness and Facebook has the ability to reach so many people - so why not use it for some positive and spread awareness.  However, in spreading the awareness, I hope there is a call to action to help in some real and tangible fashion.  Research different organizations in your community and volunteer to help or donate what you can to help them with their cause.

Prevent Child Abuse America is an organization that I have worked with before.  Check out their website or contact your local United Way chapter to see how you can help.

Also, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction! Please research the newest post stating this is something started by pedophiles.  I, personally, have not found anything to support this.  I'm not saying it's false but I'm not saying it's true.  As a parent, my child is not allowed on a social networking site without me monitoring it 100% - meaning no one could add him as a friend and vice versa without my knowledge.  I encourage all parents and caregivers to do the same.  This will help to ensure that an unknown pedophile is unable to communicate with your child without your knowledge.  My son has an email address.  I have the password and all incoming and outgoing messages are copied to my personal email address so that I am aware of all communication that he has.  As a parent, I have that right and responsibility.

I'm done with my rant for the evening.

Be Blessed Divas!!!