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New Me in '23

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We have said, goodbye, adios, au revoir, and arrivederci to the year 2022. In 2023, we made our declarations, resolutions, and vision boards. We have proclaimed to protect our peace, prepare for our prosperity, and pass on the pasta! Where I have participated in most of these activities, what I am most proud of is the fact that I can look at "the me" I am and smile. Are there more wrinkles around your eyes, possibly but I am sure there is also more wisdom in your head. There is so much that both you and I would do, could do, and may wish to do to change something about ourselves. That is just something that we women do. But I ask, take a few minutes and celebrate the woman you have become. Years of trials, tribulations and have forged you into the woman you are. You are stronger, kinder, and more hopeful than you give yourself credit for. Don’t get me wrong, no one is to stay the same. But as we often tell our children, if you want more, you must learn to be grateful for what...
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Reflections: Turning 60

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Whew, 60!  60 - Threescore (3 x 20 = 60). The number 6 represents "man, Satan, and rebellion.  The number 10 represents "perfection or completeness in divine order" (6 x 10 = 60). All this indicates that the number 60 represents human strength and pride as well as divine glory and intervention.  Hmmm. Jose bring me another ... Puerta Vallarta Mexico, my birthday gift from my daughter Erica N Smith was just the right place for me to rest, reset and reflect! I reflected on the griefs and joy, the test, trials, temptations, and triumphs that made up my 50s.    Reflection: I unexpectedly lost a much-loved career as an executive assistant. Yet I began a non-profit, wrote a book, started a blog, founded a publishing company, and became certified as a life coach.  So, I guess I lost a job and learned to walk on purpose.   Reflection:  In my 40’s I unexpectedly separated from my husband of 15 years. In my 50’s I took ownership of my part of the loss....
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WHO IS IN YOUR CIRCLE?

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  “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”  H ave you heard this before? If you want to level up in life, business, and relationships, you have to look at your circle. Some of the most brutal sacrifices that I have had to make have been in assessing my circles. Now, I am ABSOLUTELY NOT part of this “cancel culture.”  Nope! But when speaking of circles, it is all the areas of access and all forms of access.   Circle :  "TV and media."  What we consume is what we become. Have you assessed the TV shows, streaming shows, or other forms of media you consume? Does it leave you feeling drained, defeated, or defensive?  Here is an unintentional defense for most social media apps. You can ‘unfollow’ a person without unfriending them.  Yet I have noticed another form of the “cancel culture.” “I’m coming off Facebook because there is nothing but junk on it.” Really, have you gotten rid of your TV, Netflix or Hulu because of ...
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An Open Letter to My Mother - Revised 2021

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  Mom, it has been 15 years since you passed on to glory, and this year it feels like yesterday.  I still reach for the phone to call you about a new restaurant, a new outfit, and your new great-granddaughters. This world is so different now.   Of the many things I miss,  your counsel is at the top of my list.  There is so much rage in the hearts of people. As a nurse, you worked for over 30 years in the mental health profession.  I remember you often said that if the government did not address mental health in America, we would be looking at a total breakdown of society.  Mom, we have mass killings in movie theaters, nightclubs, and even elementary schools.  The first question asked, “Was it a hate crime?” Well, it sure wasn't love! This world is so different now.   There is this thing the young women are always talking about: Haters/Hating.  I don't understand it; I didn't grow up seeing this.  I remember Aunt Martha, Mr...
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She needed a NAP!

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Meet Lindsey Segal.  She is beautiful, accomplished, charismatic, and my cousin.  "Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area (California, USA), diversity and disruptive innovation entertained my worldview. My family and community, critical-race and power theory, team sports, open-world gaming, and science fiction informed my core values of integrity, creativity, and community. With a lifetime of experience interacting with people and technology, I facilitate cultural transformation by auditing, redesigning, and empowering systems to move towards an anti-oppressive and more humane model." A true BOSS WOMAN in every sense of the word.  But she needed a NAP!  (Article shared with Lindsey's permission. I pray this helps you the way it helped me.) ***************   Starting in mid-February, I took 3 weeks off of work due to burnout. I was on a call with a trusted SVP who held up a mirror and granted me the permission I needed to nap. I’m forever grateful for thi...
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How Can You Be 40!?!

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Daughter, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD ’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to GOD! Run from evil!  Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!   Honor GOD with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.  But don’t, daughter, resent GOD ’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that GOD corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.   You’ll take afternoon ...
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The Emergence Returns

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2021 is the year we Emerge! This is the year of our Execution! New businesses are prospering, old companies are redefining and optimizing, and ministries have a refreshed focus.   Are you ready? Really ready. You know it is your time!!! Yet, there are still those situations in life that have you tethered to your past, hindering your future. This is where I can help—introducing "The Emergence. A series of practical life application classes designed for those who realized they have now entered their season of purpose execution! Yet, you know, there are areas of your character that still needs to be confronted.   "Breaking Free - The Mind" is the first in a series of classes designed to help you identified those mental models of your past life that have held you captive.   "The Emergence" life classes are not counseling or therapy classes. These classes are designed for ordinary people who have an extraordinary purpose to fulfill! Far too many of us have allow...
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