Unexpected Blessings

I received a very unexpected and welcomed surprise earlier this week.  A good friend blessed my family by paying for us to go get a family portrait taken.  This was wonderful in a few ways - mainly, since the last family portrait we had taken was when my almost 3 year old was 8 months old. I'm pretty sure it's time for us to take another one :)

This gift came at a time when I was feeling a little down.  Sometimes we give and give and give, but it seems as though it's for nothing and unappreciated.  My feelings were hurt by some recent turn of events and her gift reminded me that it wasn't all for nothing.  It reminded me that when we give to someone - it is not just about the physical gift, but the sowing into someone's life in their time of need.  There were so many times when I was in need and someone stepped in with no questions asked and pulled me up.  This gift reminded me that giving to others was a part of the circle of giving, getting and returning the favor.

So, thank you, dear friend, your gift meant so much more than you probably ever thought it would.

So, Divas, what unexpected blessings have you received in the past? What have you done to pay it forward and sow into someone's life?

Keep on Moving

"There are no failures - just experiences and your reactions to them"

I stumbled across this quote and it really spoke volumes to me.  Very often do I admit at failing at a task.  If I'm unsuccessful, I look at what I was able to accomplish and learn from the experience.  As long as we keep moving and aspiring, then we're on the road to success.  Yes, they'll be detours and pit stops, but in the end all of those experiences will help to make you a better person - a stronger person - a wiser person.


Once you come up with a game plan, there will quite often be something (or someone) that tries to get in the way of your success - sometimes intentionally and maliciously.  Instead of lashing out and stooping to their level, use that as extra motivation to move forward and move ahead.  Striving for your goal - your purpose - should be your personal goal that brings you satisfaction.


So, Divas, what motivates you? What is it that keeps you moving towards the finish line?  Keep that motivation in mind when life throws you hurdles.


Be Blessed!
Michelle


2/19/11 Gratitude List

1. Second, third, fourth, etc chances
2. Quality time with my family
3. A sense of purpose
4. Laughter
5. This nice warm weather we are having

Loving Life

Happy Valentine's Day!

That greeting is either going to be met with returned happiness or complete disdain.  Is it just me or does it seem like Valentine's Day is getting a lot of hate this year?!?

I know of some people that are in such a deep depression and view this day with so much anxiety, that  - they are barely able to function - they call in sick, increase their drinking, etc - all over a single day!

Here's my take on Valentine's Day.  It is a wonderful day to show those that you care about a little extra love - no need to go overboard or do anything super extravagant.  Don't have a special, significant other in your life? Then do something nice for yourself or, even better, someone else that may not have someone in their lives that will think of them - it could be a co-worker, a neighbor, or a friend going through a rough time.

Once today is over, continue doing something nice for yourself and others on a regular basis.  It is such a warm and fuzzy feeling to make others feel good for no special reason at all.  The key to Valentine's Day is that it should not be the only big shabang throughout the entire year.  Christmas is not the only day we should celebrate the birth of Christ.  We don't give thanks only on Thanksgiving.  So, why should Valentine's Day be the only day that we show those around us how much we care about them or expect others to do the same for us?

I hope you all had a wonderful day and if you didn't...vow to make today 100 times better, do something special for yourself and even better do something special for someone you encounter.

Be Blessed, Divas, and remember to be a blessing to others!!!
Michelle

The Beginning

I don't believe I've been able to keep it under wraps this long...LOL...well, I must admit that I have alluded to what was to come over the past few months, but I have been able to keep the majority of it to myself while I finalized my plans.

Divas with A Purpose, Incorporated is in it's final plans of being 100% functional!!! I'm so psyched about what is coming together and the wonderful people that are being brought into my life during this time.

Last week, I was given the opportunity by Coffee-Mate to host a Classic Game Night in conjunction with the Free Flavor Friday.  They provided an awesome kit with games, samples, and COUPONS!!! I invited my sorority sisters over to have a relaxing night of laughter and games together.  During the game night, I was able to talk to them and gauge their reaction to Divas With A Purpose and it was awesome!!! It feels so good when those that care about you stand behind you 100% and offer their time and efforts to help you succeed.  I am so thankful for the wonderful ladies of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Beta Xi!!!

My favorite part of the night was my line sister having her first real cup of coffee - complete with some delicious Italian Sweet Creme creamer and topped with some whipped cream!!! Now that's how you drink coffee...LOL

To all that have supported me and given me feedback on this journey, thank you!  I look forward to what the future brings and I know there is a reason you have all been brought into my world.

Be Blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!!!

GIVE AWAY - I have 3 coupons for free Coffee-Mate creamer to give away courtesy of my Free Flavor Friday kit.  In order to enter, leave a comment telling your favorite way to drink coffee, favorite creamer flavor and your favorite way to spend time with girlfriends.

Good luck Divas!!!  This contest ends at 8 pm EST on Tuesday, February 15th.  The winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 16th.  Winners will be selected using Random.org.

Michelle
Driven. Inspired. Victorious. Action.

February Love Drop

Last month, I brought you information on a new organization that I have mucho respect for and am glad to be a part of:

Love Drop is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to help one person or family a month. By subscribing to the team for as low as $1, they make it easy for their members to change lives in a fun and tangible way. Each month Love Drop delivers a unique combination of unexpected financial gifts, personal encouragement and the support of local and online communities.

Every month the Love Drop community comes together to raise as much support and awareness as we possibly can. It starts on the website – LoveDrop.us, gets spread across our entire network of blogs, continues through the forums where all our members are brainstorming, and finally lands on the front steps of our recipients. Literally.

Last month the Love Drop Team raised over $2,500 and boxes after boxes of goods and items to help Jill and her family get through a hard time in their lives (homelessness & financial worries). We did this in 1 month. All 400+ people came together and gave a few bucks each to impact one family's life. If you participated in this, THANK YOU. The final presentation can be seen here. (It's pretty cool!)

This month we start all over again and circle around 2 beautiful kids with severe autism -- Ethan & Alex.

Autism awareness is near and dear to this diva's heart.  I have a younger cousin who was diagnosed with autism almost 8 years ago.  He and my oldest son are the same age and while there are times it gets frustrating to see the vast differences in their abilities, my cousin is one of the most caring and courageous individuals that I know.  Our family has struggled to find the right balance for him and to create an environment where he can grow, thrive and live the most productive life possible.  I am so proud of the strides that he has made over the past few years.  By working with him, my family has grown and learned so much about ourselves as individuals and as a whole.  With that said, I'm geared up to helping Ethan & Alex this month:

Our goal is to raise $13,000 so we can get them a highly trained service dog. And if possible, two iPads so they can speak again (they can't even say "I love you" to their mom -- these iPads allow them to get their voice back).

Here are 3 ways you can help:

Join the team - This is the best way to help out, and all it takes is $1.00.

Join our blogger network - Blog about our Love Drops each month like I am :) It's easy, it's rewarding, and it REALLY helps spread the word (which in turn helps our families). Love Drop will give you all the content you need.

Give a gift or provide a service - Gift cards (iTunes would be great!), two iPads (so we can help the boys speak again!), and anything else you think could help out.

Divas, even if you aren’t able to help out personally, please do me a favor and share this blog entry.  You can share it via Facebook, Twitter and email.  

Be blessed and be a blessing to others!!!