Celebrating....YOU!

I can honestly say ... I love me some me!

I'm not being self-centered or cocky...I'm being real.

There was a time that I couldn't say that. I let the words and actions of others impact what I saw in the mirror.

I know I'm not alone.

February is typically a month to celebrate love - couples, Valentine's Day, chocolate, hearts, all that jazz plus some.

This February I would like for us all to celebrate the wonderful diva that you see in the mirror each day.

You've noticed this year I'm focused on specific actions. It's easy to make plans and have goals - but without a plan of action and accountability it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, lose focus and get let those goals slip by.

This year, I'm excited to be a Love Ambassador! Throughout the year, I'll be highlighting different projects, events and articles that promote self-love. Let's be honest, divas - if we can't truly love and accept ourselves, then we can't fully love and accept others.

I'm looking forward to some great guest posts and activities here on the blog as we celebrate YOU and the love and appreciation we should have for ourselves.

If you're in the Columbia, SC area be on the look out for a special event later this month - feel free to reach out to me for specific details and to be added to the email distribution list for local events and activities.

How do you celebrate you?

January 2013 Recap

Hard to believe it's already the end of January!

Many started off the month with goals and resolutions - a renewed resolve to do more and be more. Where are we now? Are you still focused and energized? I truly hope so.  Did you slack off some? Get a little discouraged or face disappointments? I know I did and have - but use those moments to keep pressing forward and motivation to succeed.

January has been quite busy and fulfilling:

We kicked off 2013 introducing The Divatude Challenge - an opportunity to connect with one another, learn from one another and grow together throughout 2013.  I'm still taking volunteers in this challenge, if you'd like additional information, please fill out the form found here.

We met, Britney - the first participant in our challenge and a graduate with a purpose whose goals this year are to be accepted in pharmacy school, have a healthier lifestyle and to create a budget and focus on savings. Can't wait for our April check-in to share how she's coming along with her goals!

Many thanks to the divas who shared their divatude with us this past month:

~ Kita - editor of Kokoa Magazine

~ Joyce Brewer - author of Use What You Know: A Business Guide for Moms

~ Shannon Peterson - author of Love's Memory 

January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month and I shared The End Trafficking Project - the US Fund for UNICEF's efforts to raise awareness and mobilize communities to help protect our children.

Did the events at Sandybrook Elementary inspire you to participate in the #26Acts of Kindness movement? One reader chimed in on that she "love[d] the 26 Acts of kindness idea, but [she] want[ed] to strive to promote kindness on a daily basis, too". A sentiment I've heard express numerous times while bringing attention to #26Acts and one I definitely agree with.  However, not everyone feels that way or has that pressing desire to go above and beyond for others.  It's events and movements like this that may be the catalyst for change in their lives and thought process.

The tributes to Grace McDonnell and Jessica Rekos were not to bring anyone down but to remember these young lives and remind us to treasure the moments with the young people in our lives. 

Are you on Google+? If so, I'd love if you'd connect with the DWP community - another forum to inspire, motivate and support one another.

Have a fantastic evening, Divas! 

Looking forward to the wonderful things in store for February!

Blessings to you all!

~Michelle

Focus on Divatude - Week 3

When you begin holding yourself accountable (especially in a public forum) it makes you really evaluate what you do and how your actions impact your goals - both long and short-term.  My intent with these weekly check-ins is to keep my goals front and center within my daily tasks and encourage and motivate myself and others along the way.

What was my driving force this week?
Another busy week of rushing, zipping and zooming. My lack of energy has become somewhat of an issue and I need to focus more on my diet and exercise.  By Friday evening, my kids were literally running circles around me as I tried not to crash out on the couch by 7 PM.  I wasn't too successful.

This week my personal focus was finalizing the plans for my community-based sorority's networking event and celebrating five years of work and sisterhood.  Look for an interview and recap of that event in the coming weeks!

What/who inspired me? Who did I inspire?My daughter basically says one word "Mama".  It's the first word I hear each morning as her "Good Morning".  She says it as she reaches for me to pick her up.  She says it when she's frustrated and needs me to come to her rescue.  It's a humbling reminder of the role I play in my children's lives as their protector, nurturer, and care-taker.

Did I walk in victory?
Sigh! This question right here! It's a doozy. My faith and personal beliefs play a huge role in my life.  To me walking in victory means that I keep my head up and a positive attitude throughout the storms I may encounter in my daily walk. I don 't know about y'all but that is HARD to do sometimes.  There are times when it seems the more I focus on the positive, the more negativity is thrown at me.  My goal is to continue to encourage myself and others by focusing on the blessings I have.  When I think of how others are suffering and grieving, the "problems" I may have don't seem that bad.

What specifically did I do that impacted my goals for 2013? What did I do to help someone else?
Honestly, overall, this was not a good week for me when I reflect on what I did to impact my goals for this year.  I did well with my spending (or lack of spending) but still need to finalize a budget. I have tested a few apps on my phone to track my spending and balance my accounts and came to the conclusion that I'm an old-fashioned diva when it comes to my finances - I prefer to right out my daily expenditures and budget in a ledger book.  I do, however, track my debt balances with an Excel spreadsheet. There's something about seeing that figure auto-calculate that brings out my inner-nerd :)

What aspects of DIVATUDE did you focus on this week?

Focus on DIVATUDE - Week 2

Heeeyyyy Divas :) 

I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend! Time for my weekly check-in and reflections...accountability can be a beast at times, but it keeps me focuses and balanced.

What was my driving force this week?
If you can't fix it, let it go and keep pressing forward.  With my focus on "focusing" this year, I'm learning to become more aware of those things that I have no control over and acknowledging what will be will be.  

What/who inspired me? Who did I inspire?
The friends who coordinated their schedules to help me with getting back and forth to work this week (yes, still just one car!). I'm not used to asking for help and having people in your life who selflessly step up to go out of there way to help my family and I is priceless.  


I would hope that inspired you all to keep the #26Acts of Kindness Movement alive and well within your lives and communities with my dedication to Grace McDonnell, a victim of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary.


 Did I walk in victory?
I most certainly did. I was disappointed in myself last week when I really started to reflect on my attitude and conversation. I let my frustrations over petty items cause me to become despondent and frustrated.  This past week I was committed to keeping an upbeat attitude and to focus on the positive things around me. Yes, of course, I had my moments where frustrations kicked in and I wanted to just gripe and complain.  There were a few times when I let myself just release. We all need times like that and I'm thankful to have people in my life that will let me vent and understand I just need someone to listen.



What specifically did I do that impacted my goals for 2013? What did I do to help someone else? 
I'm still on target with the 52 Week Money Challenge (up through week 4) and have finalized my savings goals for the year. My final step will be to do a look at my outstanding debt and re-vamping my monthly budget to work in my debt payoff schedule. (Yes, I've been procrastinating on that one.)

This morning I had the chance to work alongside some fellow divas with a purpose to help the Columbia (SC) Muscular Dystrophy Association pack boxes for their annual shamrock drive.  If you're in the Columbia or Augusta, GA area and purchase one in the coming months - know that you're donation is helping to impact the lives of children right here in the state of South Carolina and one of these divas below helped to pack those shamrocks. It was a morning full of laughter, love and labor:

How was your week?

What aspects of DIVATUDE did you focus on this week?

Love's Memory - Review and Interview

Hi Divas! Love's Memory by Shannon Peterson debuted today. It’s an inspirational novel about a woman who has an accident that causes her to lose her memory and forget her family.

I've only communicated with Shannon via email, but her kind and warm spirit were evident from our first communication. Many thanks to her for taking the time to answer a few questions for the DWP Community! Her take on embracing DIVATUDE really inspired me!

When you hear the word DIVATUDE what immediately comes to mind?

When I hear the word Divatude the word that immediately comes to mind is confidence--Phil 1:6 Being assured of this very thing, that He which began this good work in you will bring it to pass. Because He has confidence in us--He knows what He's put in us, He knows what we are capable of--we can have confidence in ourselves. We can walk with our heads held high.We can have a bounce in our step and a smile on our face. We can approach any situation with poise and assurance. He's with us! We are daughters of the King! 

How do you embrace DIVATUDE in your daily walk?

I'm a believer in Job 22:28. "Decree a thing and it shall come to pass."  I've learned that if I want every day to count, if I want any  joy, peace, contentment, strength, etc in my life- this is the way to get it. The enemy stalks around like a roaring lion---and sometimes all we can hear are his roars! "you've failed again" "you're not smart enough" "you can't do that" "no one likes you" etc....But one word from God's mouth and he shuts up. I wake up in the morning and immediately start decreeing "I'm blessed!"  "I'm smart!" "I'm loved!" etc it's a great way to begin your day!

What inspires your DIVATUDE? 

I listen to great preachers and teachers regularly. I have a great prayer time with the Lord daily. I walk through my house praising Him, thanking Him, talking to Him. And I also try to be still and listen and let Him speak to me. He loves to do that. He has wonderful things to say to us if we give Him the chance. I have people in my life that I regularly share with and pray with. I'm also trying to get in the habit of reaching out to people in servitude. Serving increases joy and I can never get enough joy in my life! lol

 
To celebrate the launch of Love's Memory, we're all invited to a VIRTUAL PARTY at Shannon's website! Love's Memory has been called "soul-stirring"; "an inspiring story"; "compelling, enthralling"; "wonderfully suspenseful" and "a true page turner".

Head over to the party and see all the free party favors, prizes, and tips from wonderful writers all joining efforts to support the launch of Love's Memory!

See you there, Divas! 

Focus on DIVATUDE - Week 1

Happy Friday!!!! Crossing my fingers, but I think this is a weekend that I'll finally get a chance to just "be". Nothing very pressing that I have to attend or prepare for. No visitors/guests expected. Just some much-needed and well-deserved time at home with my family on the horizon for the next 48 hours.

This year I want to try something different and have a weekly recap focused on the DIVATUDE theme. This is a way to help keep me accountable and focused on the personal and professional goals I set up for myself for 2013.

What was my driving force this week?
Honestly, this week was a blur. It seemed that my family spent most of our time zipping, zooming and just missing one another.  My days started way earlier than normal as we're a one car family unexpectedly until who knows when.  So my husband and I were playing rocks, paper, scissors each morning to decide who was getting car privileges for the day.  Usually I let him win, because taking him to work and back-tracking to our side of town was just a bit much and a waste of gas and precious moments.

My promotion at work was announced (yay!!!) and I've been doing a mixture of my old and new job so it's been a game of "keep up if you can" on both the personal and professional level this week.

My goal is to sit down on Sunday and create a game plan for the week so I don't feel so rushed and hurried. I, also, need to get better at preparing for the day the night before.

What/who inspired me? Who did I inspire?
I received the sweetest thank you card from a cousin who recently graduated from college.  (Yes, I cried when reading it!) She talked about how much she appreciated me being there for her  over the years and little does she know that she's been such an inspiration to me over the years. Her dedication and maturity despite the many obstacles thrown her way made her big cousin super proud!

Did I walk in victory?
Perhaps 55% of the time. I must admit, I let feelings of self-doubt and frustration creep in and take over my emotions and self-talk. Knowing that I'm holding myself accountable will definitely help me do better.

What specifically did I do that impacted my goals? What did I do to help someone else?
I signed up to attend a blogger meet-up next weekend in my hometown. I'll, also, be attending a training session for my Thirty One Gifts business that morning. One of my personal goals is to become debt-free within the next five years so increasing my personal income helps me work towards that goal. I'm, also, taking part in the 52 Week Money Challenge and made my first transfer to my savings account this week.

I'm doing quite a bit of training this week so I'm hoping I was able to impart some useful knowledge on those I crossed paths with.

What aspects of DIVATUDE did you focus on this week?

The Divatude Challenge 2013

I started Divas With A Purpose a little over 4 years ago with absolutely no idea what I was getting into.  As I've grown and changed, the direction and flow of the blog has done the same.  One thing that has remained constant, however, is the focus on motivating, inspiring and empowering one another.

I would like to introduce to you all The Divatude Challenge 2013!

For 2013, I will be taking that focus to another level and would like your help.  I'm looking for 10 divas to commit to sharing their growth and focus for the upcoming year.  We'll touch bases with you once a quarter to see how you're embracing the DIVATUDE in your daily walk.  If you're interested in participating, you can sign up here and I will be contacting you very soon with additional information.

Want to share your story and passion but unable to commit to the entire year? No worries, at all! I'm looking for divas to share their motivation and inspiration and will be spotlighting at least one person per week.  Some of us are still working to get there, many of us have overcome trials and tribulations, but we all embody DIVATUDE - being driven, inspiring, victorious and called to action - in some shape, form or fashion.  Let's focus on building one another up this year.

Happy New Year to you all! I'm excited about the wonderful things planned for the upcoming year. Here's to another year of growing together and moving upwards and onwards!

If you're interested in participating in The Divatude Challenge or the weekly spotlight - please complete the form found here

#MotivationalMonday - Excellence

One of my favorite poems is by Langston Hughes and  encourages us to...

"Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow."

Sometimes our dreams may have to be delayed or deterred,  but with perseverance we can and will make those dreams a reality.  Don't let anyone or anything keep you from what you believe is truly yours.

Happy Monday Divas!

Make the most of today and every day!

Burning Bridges

I came across something recently that said sometimes burning bridges isn't a bad thing if it prevents you from going back to a place you shouldn't have been in the first place.  Interesting thought process.

Now I'm in no means justifying maliciously hurting someone or damaging your reputation with others.

I am justifying closing doors and cutting ties with relationships and people that are not positive and bring you down.

Sometimes we are hesitant to leave behind people, patterns, habits that we're accustomed to because of comfort, security and complacency. Let them go, Divas, Let them go!

Holding on to something past it's expiration date will only cause you and them/it harm.  Not everyone or thing we come into contact with is supposed to be with us forever and a day.  Sometimes it's teach us a life lesson and have us move on - stronger, wiser and all-around better for having encountered it.

Are there some "bridges" you've had to burn in order to move forward in life? Did you learn any valuable lessons to take with you and grow from?

#NaBloPoMo : Walking the Talk

Speak It!

Live It!

Be It!

Those words came to me one day while writing a post on walking in one's purpose and making a positive impact on those around you and it just clicked.  Those 6 simple words have become my daily mantra and the essence of what I want Divas With A Purpose to stand for.

Speak It!
I truly believe that there is power in our words. By speaking aloud what we want, the impact we'd like to make, the changes that need to be made - we can set so much in motion.  I stress positivity, especially when speaking to and about children.  We have the power to crush spirits and dreams with our speech.  I've seen so many people (and I have been guilty of it, too!) speak negativity into a situation or a person's life.  Many of us were taught as children, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Many of us (yes, I'm including myself) need to start living by that rule again as adults.  It's not always easy, but by speaking positivity on a regular basis, it allows us to...

Live It!
Don't just speak the words but live the words.  I strive to truly live and enjoy life.  It's not easy to be positive all the time and, believe me, I most definitely am not.  However, I would like to think for the most part I have a very positive outlook and demeanor.  It's just depressing to always be mad and upset and holding on to things.  I strive to enjoy life and make the most out of the smallest and most insignificant moments.  There's a lot I don't have, but by focusing on what I do have and giving thanks on a regular basis I feel that I'm a better person overall than I was 5-10 years ago when I was constantly stressed out and just "blah" lots of the time.

Be It!
Be wonderful! Be motivated! Be daring! Be driven! Be inspirational! Be victorious! But most of all just be you!

Happy November Divas! Enjoy this day and make the most of it!






Throughout the month of November, I will be linking up with BlogHer's National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo). My goal going into 2013 is not to just blog on a more regular and consistent basis, but to, also, focus more on the PURPOSE within Divas With A Purpose.  I began blogging almost 3 years ago and had no idea what I was getting into! I've come across some of the most caring and wonderful group of people through the blogging community. Definitely a journey I've enjoyed and look forward to the doors that are opening for Divas With A Purpose and the women that have supported it from day one! You divas ROCK!

SOCS: Continuing to Grow and Learn

The purpose of Stream of Consciousness writing is to do just that - write. Whatever comes to mind on a particular topic or what's in your thoughts and perhaps needs to just get out of of you.

Today’s (totally and completely optional) prompt:
What new tricks would you like to learn or have you learned?

I wouldn't call it a trick, but I'm definitely working more on streamlining my endeavors and focusing on those things that truly bring me joy.  I've been blogging for almost 3 years now and it's brought me in contact with so many wonderful, giving and caring people.  It's, also, expanded my horizons and exposed me to organizations and opportunities that I'd never considered I'd be associated with.  

Over the next year I would like to expand my marketing contacts and make more of a direct impact in communities and with women's organizations dedicated to empowering and motivating women (the whole premise of Divas With A Purpose).  

I'd, also, like to focus more on my personal finance posts - with today's economy there are so many that are struggling financially and I believe that by collaborating with others we can come up with solutions that can be implemented within our personal lives to help with cutting back, creating budgets, saving on necessities and being able to splurge from time to time.

 ~~~~

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post hosted by jana's thinking place 

It is 5 minutes of your time and a brain dump. If you'd like to try it...here are the rules:

~Set a timer and write for 5 minutes

~Write an intro if you'd like but don't edit the post. No spellchecking. No proofreading. Just raw writing.

~Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. Your back door to your blog, if you'd like, but make it accessible.

~Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post

~Link up your post at jana's thinking place

~Visit your fellow bloggers and show them some love

No Regrets

Ever had one of those moments that seemed to be a life-changer or shifter? An event in your life you can pinpoint as the moment your life's direction shifted courses? If you'd made just one different move or decision, it would have totally altered where you're at right now?

It seems like I have a few of those moments in my life. A question I often here people ask is "what would you change in your life". Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. Not saying that I'm in that perfect place and my course has been all sunshine and berries. Far, far, far from it. However, I am who I am because of what I've experienced. I've made some stupid choices but the results have shaped my personality and life.

SOCS: I Am...

The purpose of Stream of Consciousness writing is to do just that - write. Whatever comes to mind on a particular topic or what's in your thoughts and perhaps needs to just get out of of you.

Usually I link up with the Stream of Consciousness Sunday crew over at jana's thinking place and I even attempted to write yesterday and just couldn't stick with it.

Why?

The prompt for this week was "I am..."

Sounds simple enough, right? Well, as I began typing I became overwhelmed because instead of focusing on what I am...I kept thinking about what I wasn't.  All those goals and dreams I had (have???) that seem to be slipping through my fingers moment by moment.

Lately it seems like each step forward I take causes something to knock me back ten steps backwards.  I know this too shall pass and I try my hardest to keep pressing forward.

BUT I AM FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY AND DISAPPOINTED WITH MYSELF.

I'm finally getting this out because I know I'm not the only one.  Perhaps this will help someone who is struggling too.  Perhaps someone will inspire me - which my readers do on a regular basis.

Writing has always been a release for me - so this alone has helped to release some of those feelings of overwhelming blahness that's been dragging me along for some time now.

My time is almost up...I am pressing forward despite it all. I am driven. I am inspired. I am victorious. I am called to action. I am embracing the DIVATUDE.

 ~~~~

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post hosted by jana's thinking place 

It is 5 minutes of your time and a brain dump. If you'd like to try it...here are the rules:

~Set a timer and write for 5 minutes

~Write an intro if you'd like but don't edit the post. No spellchecking. No proofreading. Just raw writing.

~Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. Your back door to your blog, if you'd like, but make it accessible.

~Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post

~Link up your post at jana's thinking place

~Visit your fellow bloggers and show them some love

Recap of a Role Model

Over the past few days I've been writing a post in my head in regards to the social media foolishness surrounding Gabrielle Douglas' phenomenal performance at the Olympics and the well-deserved honors bestowed on her.

The Pro Diva over at The Martini Chronicles summed up all I wanted to say and more. I encourage you all to check out her blog post, About Role Models and chime in with your opinions and thoughts.

The real unfortunate thing is that many young women do not, cannot, and will not recognize or identify Gabby as a role model. They've been programmed for so long to spot faux role models that the real thing has gotten lost. Case and point: instead of focusing on the monumental accomplishment that Gabby achieved this evening, these "lost ones" chose to focus on her hair, her skin color, and her makeup. ~ The Pro Diva

Having a daughter almost 10 months ago truly changed my perspective on lots of things.  Who she'll look up to pattern her lady-like behaviors and life patterns is something I think about a lot. Yes, I know I will be the main role model and am and will do all I can to live up to the expectations that I'll have of her.  I, also, know realistically there will be other women that shape her views on divatude and womanhood. I'm careful even now about who I let in her world as an influence.

As adults we need to do better.  We need to provide better examples for our children. We need to stop being so fascinated with the foolishness of reality television and embrace real life success stories and heroes.

Let's Stop the Un-Diva-like Behavior

Not the first time...definitely won't be the last time. But why, oh why, does it seem that there are some divas out there that enjoy finding fault in anything and everything others attempt to do?

Unleash the Diva in You!

Exactly what is a diva? For different people it brings up different connotations - positive and not-so-positive.

For me, being a diva is not about dressing in the newest styles or being flashy or sassy.  For me being a diva has nothing to do with my external appearances.  My "divatude" is an attitude. A way of living, thinking and being.

Driven.

My divatude starts with me being strongly motivated to succeed in my personal, professional, and spiritual endeavors.  To want to be better then I was the day before. To learn from and build upon the mistakes I've made in my past. To be a role-model for those around me by sharing my experiences and knowledge when possible.

Inspired.

To be inspired is to become passionate about something. To truly care about a group, an ideal, a cause, etc.  Helping and empowering others is what inspires me.  I am who I am because someone cared enough to sprinkle wisdom and love on me - many times not even realizing they were offering me a life line. 

Inside Out Beauty

 You've got that divatude from the inside out...not the outside in...the wonderful beautiful person that you are on the inside is what enhances the outer beauty you have! Embrace it!!!

I wrote those words to a fellow diva this past week who was struggling with some changes she'd made to her appearance.  I read on another blogger's site this weekend on how we program ourselves and our children from birth as to what is considered "beautiful" or "pretty".  It hurts my heart when I see young children who lack self-confidence.  At a young age, the only way they can NOT have it is because the adults around them are not promoting.  Think about it, who first told you how beautiful and smart you were? If you struggle with low self-esteem and self-image, where did you first get the ideals as to what was and was not "pretty"?

Break-Up Letter

I'm extremely tired.  I keep telling myself  it's only a test. To keep a smile on my face and joy in my heart.  We've all been there at some time - you take one step forward and something comes along to knock you 3 steps back....these words came to me this morning as I reflected on where I am, where I've been and where I know I'm going to get to...perhaps someone else out there needs to see this, too.

 

 To all the emotions, people, thoughts, and attitudes that want me to keep floundering - that don't support the vision that's been given to me, that would rather be invited to a pity party instead of celebrating our successes (no matter how minute or insignificant they may appear):

It's over. I've given you way too much time. Invested way too much energy and sweat and tears into trying.  It's taking too much out of me to keep scrambling upwards only to have you and your negativity bring me crashing down.  I don't know which is worse the belittling words, the condescending attitude or the silence, the lack of acknowledgement.

Life Changes

Yesterday I went to register my 4 year old for kindergarten. Where, oh where, has the time gone? I can't believe that in the fall my precious baby boy will begin his educational journey. 

My oldest son is preparing to leave elementary school and enter, gasp!, middle school. Orchestra, JV sports, school dances...will I be able to survive???

My sweet little diva is still at that wonderful stage where Mommy is received with toothless grins and giggles. Surely, she will let me savor these last set of memories before sprouting up before my eyes.  Yeah, right! Teething and learning to babble she's quickly grasping on to new tasks - calling out DaDa, sitting up unassisted, attempting to hold her bottle, teething....