From The Desk Of A Female With A Mission

Introvert or Extrovert: Do You Straddle The Fence?

2012-02-20T17:32:00.000-05:00

I participate in several activities. Surprisingly enough, one thing that I find about myself is that sometimes I can be an introvert and sometimes I can be an extrovert! I don't think this is a bad thing. I believe that everyone should adapt to their surroundings accordingly, and I discovered that I am versatile enough to handle the change.
You see, on a Kickball team, such as the one pictured here, I understand my role and can respond to the needs created for me by my team. However, as an entrepreneur, I can adapt to the needs of my business and yet, still conform to the demand to network and build successful business relationships whenever necessary.
So, if you find that you walk the fine line, like me, don't worry. Consider yourself blessed with a priceless gift!

Your Mission Assistant,
Andrea

It's All About Building Relationships - This post is short but sweet!

2012-02-16T12:42:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I took the time to show support to someone whom I'd featured on my show. I think it's very important to support one another. The only down side of it is that sometimes it's not always reciprocated, but that's o.k. You see, I want my reputation to be built on a firm foundation. And I refuse to allow it to be ruined because of what someone else thinks I should or should not do

Sometimes you have to go above and beyond what others think to really be a Woman of Integrity. People will always say and do things that may not be in your best interest, but the KEY to the PUZZLE is how you will react to it. If you want my advice, I say just: BE YOU!

I want to say Congratulations to Rhonda McKnight on her new book, What Kind Of Fool . She took a chance on me when I first started Females With A Mission Radio. Check out Rhonda's interview with me on 12/4/2009 on www.blogtalkradio.com/fwm and find out more about her book at www.rhondamcknight.net

Your Mission Assistant,
Andrea

Remembering........

2012-02-13T14:13:00.000-05:00

I got the news via text late Saturday night around 8:30 p.m. I had a busy day and decided to finally take out my cell phone and return some calls when I noticed a text from a friend. I really thought what the message said was all a joke so I ignored it. Two seconds later, I thought about the text message again and decided to call that person first. She confirmed what I did not believe to be true. Whitney Houston was pronounced dead earlier that day. My heart sank. I immediately thought of her daughter and family members who would be devastated.

I remember coming home from school and putting the cassette into the stereo and playing it over and over again until my parents got home from work. I loved that album. I thought Whitney Houston looked so beautiful on the cover. To me, she represented a new era of music. Her voice was strong, beautiful, and powerful all rolled up into one.

There's a new angel singing in the choir............. R.I.P. Whitney Houston!

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

B.U.S.Y.

2012-02-08T08:28:00.001-05:00

Are you so busy that you can't think straight? Do you find yourself doing so many things to help others that your own "business" is going down the drain because you can't keep up? This all comes to mind for me after last week's Show where we spoke of business and finances. I began to wonder about those business women who are trying to do it all and are getting discouraged. Some of them are just not aware of B.U.S.Y.? Are you? Business Utilization Strategies for Yourself is very important! You have to learn a balance and find what strategies work for you, but the main thing is to have them in place.

I have a few friends that write some great articles and I want to share them with you. Hopefully, you'll gain more knowledge about B.U.S.Y. and continue getting this year off to a great start.

Happy Wednesday!

http://youtu.be/UFPsGPNrpS0

//kimgarst.com/ with 5 Social Media Power tips

http://www.thebossnetwork.org/profiles/blog/show?id=4058436%3ABlogPost%3A73974&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

From The Desk Of A Female With A Mission: Will You Be Counted In Or Out?

2012-02-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

From The Desk Of A Female With A Mission: Will You Be Counted In Or Out?: This came across my desk and I wanted to share it with you. I will say, however, that I do not know if Mr. Tom Joyner wrote this or not. Th...

Will You Be Counted In Or Out?

2012-02-03T09:54:00.000-05:00

This came across my desk and I wanted to share it with you. I will say, however, that I do not know if Mr. Tom Joyner wrote this or not. There are some many things that come across the internet that are not true. But, if we just take Mr. Joyner's name off of it and read what is said, Is there any truth to it all? I wonder who will be bold enough to comment.
I never get comments on this blog anyway!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: TOM JOYNER'S BLOG ON PRESIDENT OBAMA

We've all expressed our opinions, vented, aired it out, and in my heart of
hearts, no matter how we got to this point, I believe most of us share a
common goal - to re-elect President Obama. That can only happen if we take
all the time and energy we've been using to debate, defend - and yes,
digress (Tavis didn't patent that word, did he?) and move forward. Like the
mamas on my staff tell their little boys when they're distracted by
whatever is on the PSP, DS or Wii screen, "Let's focus."

If we can learn anything from Republicans, it is that they have the ability
to not just rally together, but to grab onto a single candidate, issue,
piece of propaganda, whatever, and clamp down like a pit bull. Once they
make a decision, they will not be swayed. How many times have you listened
to one of them recite the party line, and you think to yourself, I KNOW
they don't really believe that? Maybe not, but by being consistent and
steady until the end, they come out victorious - or, at the least, united.
That's what we need to do more.

Of course, we are not all "like-minded" across the board, and no one is
expected to believe that every single thing that President Obama says or
does is perfect and beyond reproach. But, let's look at the big picture
and remember that if he's going to win, he needs all of our votes - every
last one of them.

At one time, I didn't see the harm in the public criticisms from black
leaders, but a conversation I had with a friend and colleague who voted for
Obama last time around made me think differently. This guy is black, high
school educated and gets most of his news from our show, CNN, MSNBC and
C-SPAN. A few weeks ago, when Tavis Smiley and Cornel West began to make
the rounds on the cable networks, he started to have second thoughts about
Obama. He actually began to let the negativity seep into his brain and
said, "What IS Obama doing for Black people? Look at how many of us are unemployed; he's not doing nothing about that."

That's when I knew that more harm was being done than some people realize.
Keep in mind, that was just one person who happened to express his opinion
to me. How many more black people will stay home from the polls this
November because they think the Prez is turning his back on black people?
Forget that! That's a lie. He has done plenty for African-Americans
and will do more if he gets the chance to serve another term. Did they forget that
Bin Laden was captured and killed under his watch. Let's not even deal with
the facts right now. Let's deal with just our blackness and pride - and
loyalty. We have the chance to re-elect the first African-American
president, and that's what we ought to be doing. I'm not afraid or
ashamed to say that as black people, we should do it because he's a black
man. There are a great number of people who are against him because he's a
black man. That should be enough motivation for us to band together and get
it done.

I'll be making an announcement soon about voter registration and what we'll
do on the TJMS to make sure that everybody is ready come November. In the
meantime, we need to start showing the same kind of enthusiasm as we did
when we were electing the president the first time. Please don't think it's
going to be any easier because we made it happen before. In fact, this time it will be harder.

For years, I've heard people who weren't around during the civil rights
movement say that they wished they had been there. They have a deep need to
be a part of some great historic moment that will make a difference, not
just to us but to future generations as well. Well, this is our moment. And
before I hear the haters say President Obama is no Dr. Martin Luther King,
of course he isn't. There will never be another Dr. King, Malcolm X, JFK
and there doesn't need to be.

We're not dwelling on the past - not 50 years ago, not even 50 days ago.
Whether you're in a race to the finish line, the goal post or to making
history, you've got to keep your eye on the prize if you're going to win.
The naysayers have a vested interest in chunking rocks. We can't stop that.
What's our interest? What are we willing to stand up for, fight for, make
a sacrifice for?

When is the last time we did more than talk about how much we support the
president? When is the last time you mailed a check to his campaign? When
you hear people who claim to represent you and black America saying things
you don't believe or support, you ought to light up the phones, send
emails, tweets, write blogs, fax. Every litt le bit helps. Don't let hate,
pettiness, jealousy, whatever, overshadow truth.

We're on a mission, and a mission isn't always fun, sexy or comfortable.
When you step out there and believe in what you say and what you do, you've
got to take the heat and keep it moving.

In the words of that great philosopher Jay-Z, on to the next.
Focus on November. We're moving forward. Can we do it together? That's the
only way we will be victorious.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now, I have never gotten comments on this blog before. Let's see what happens now?

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

Those Three Words

2012-01-30T09:35:00.001-05:00

We always hear them, but I really believe we never take heed to them. oftentimes people say it to us in different situations, but what does it truly mean. I believe we never listen to the whole concept of the words. I mean, it's so simple, but yet so hard. These words have inspired many to help them achieve the ultimate level of success, but if they had not been spoken, all would have been lost. I can think of movies like, Rudy, Save The Last Dance, August Rush, and Rocky. It all came about eventually and the same can happen for you.

So.....DON'T GIVE UP!

Be dedicated. If something's truly worth your dedication, you won't regret spending your time and energy on it. Remember, every step you take either brings you closer to your goals/dreams or farther away from them.

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

The Right Direction

2012-01-25T09:38:00.000-05:00

‎
Have you ever found yourself going in the wrong direction? And, once you finally got to your destination, did you realize you were just going in circles. Or, maybe you found out that the place you were looking for was right in front of you! Life can be very much like that experience. Sometimes we can't find our way. Nowadays we can use man-made devices, like navigational systems, to help guide us on our journeys. However, sometimes we learn that even they have flaws with their directions. So is there a thing as a "perfect path"?

Absolutely.

What if we approached our paths a little differently - with patience and planning? In planning our paths, maybe we can include a little space in there where we could plan for the "mishaps" or the "wrong turns" that often happen on our journey in life. Someone once said, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Now, I'm not saying planning is the foul-proof way to go, but it does help to know what direction you plan to go in, and it helps you become more focused and aware of your tasks to accomplish.

‎"You need a plan to find success. Wanting success isn't sufficient enough to get it." ~Max Steingart

Here's to successful planning!

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

REST IN PEACE

2012-01-20T14:14:00.001-05:00

Today I heard that legendary singer, Etta James, passed away. So often we get news that we really don't expect or we hear that a situation has taken a turn for the worst as in the situation of Sarah Burke. Later, through the stories people tell, we hear of what kind of person they were. This week began with a day of service recognizing the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As the week draws to a close, we learn of the lives of two big dreaming females, Etta James (73) & Sarah Burke (29). And, lastly, this weekend, opens up a window of opportunity for a movie that took 20 years to make it to Hollywood - REDTAILS. Whoever said life has its twists and turns knew exactly what they were talking about!

Here's my all-time favorite song by Ms. Etta James. Click the link to enjoy!

http://youtu.be/ADDigK8LwyE

Have a great weekend and I'll catch you on this journey next week.

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

What Words Do You Speak?

2012-01-16T15:51:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had the pleasure of someone saying something bad about you? We tend to like it a lot better when someone speaks very highly of us, but sometimes that is not always the case. When I think about words and how people use them to destroy or tear down another human being, I really get disgusted. However, on this day, I'd like to remember the words that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke and remember how his eloquent words helped change and shape a nation.

Happy King Day!

"Our lives begin to end on the day we become silent on the things that matter." ~MLK Jr.

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

THERE IS NO FORMULA FOR SUCCESS!

2012-01-13T10:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I must admit it: I MADE A MISTAKE! That mistake cost me BIG TIME! It's hard to come back from a huge mistake, but it is possible. Here's the thing to remember: Failure is along the road to success. It may come by once or twice or twenty times, but you must remember to take it all in and learn from the mistake. That's the huge lesson to learn! Instead of beating yourself down because of the mistake you made, dust yourself off, weigh the pros and cons, and keep it moving! Don't get stuck. Get out of the rut as quickly as you can and just keep your mind on learning the lesson. Then, try your best to NOT let it happen again. Most importantly, you're human and you are allowed to learn a lesson every now and then. There is no formula for success, so create your own formula and perfect it daily! Here's to a mistake-free Friday!

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

P.s. Don't forget to check out the 1st show of 2012 on Females With A Mission Radio.

A Reason To Celebrate

2012-01-11T09:01:00.001-05:00

Most people are overwhelmed at the sight of them. Some people scream, some people cry, and some people faint. I may have wanted to scream, but I have never experienced wanting to cry or faint. You may be wondering what I am referring to. I am talking about celebrities or stars, if you will.

Recently, I had the pleasure of assisting a celebrity at a yearly Awards show, and I must say, after the day was over, I was pleasantly surprised to finally realize that celebrities are just ordinary people like you and me. Yeah, of course more people are familiar with who they are, but other than that, they are still ordinary people. We may love them because of their talent or because of the things that they have accomplished, but at the end of the day, they are still ordinary people. They have family, friends, enemies, careers, likes and dislikes just like you and me.

That brings me to a few questions: Aren't we all celebrities? Don't we all have talents that people love us for? Haven't YOU accomplished great things in your life?

Now I know what you are thinking, but "no" I am not HATING on celebrities. I love them, too! I just want to remind you of the fact that your life has value also. So often we get caught up wanting to be like other people instead of enjoying who we are, and remembering to aspire to let our beautiful selves shine!

Repeat after me: "I AM reason enough to CELEBRATE every day! I am a CELEBRITY. People celebrate the power of ME! "

Happy Wednesday!

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

Important Jobs

2012-01-04T14:51:00.001-05:00

I remember the days when I would wear suits and heels to work. Every strand of my hair would be in place, and my trusty briefcase would have everything I needed in it to aid me in having a successful day. When I think back, I realize that now those suits have changed. They have changed because my assignment has changed. Instead of stylish suits, I now wear jogging suits. Instead of high heels, I wear more casual shoes to match my outfit to stay "ready" to tackle any task at any given time.

I've come to realize that much has not changed, though. I still get up early. I go to bed around the same time. I even get up the next morning and start my day all over again like most people. I still carry a "Things To Do" list, and I still have a bag with everything in it that aids me in having a successful day.

Throughout this change, I have concluded that my job description has changed, but the importance of the things that I do has not. You see everyone has a job to do that is important or needed by someone else. So whatever job you have, explore all of your wonderful gifts and talents. You'll be amazed at how GREAT you are! And remember, all of your gifts and talents are important because they were made just for you.

"You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. That's what makes you a winner." - Venus Williams

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

THE THREE P's

2012-01-02T09:07:00.002-05:00

Has the new year come and you're still thinking about what took place in 2011? Really? Well, if you answered "yes" to that question, I have the right thing for you!

Here are some things that I suggest you take with you into the new year. Remember, these are only suggestions, so move forward and launch into a new year, a new YOU!

IN 2012, TAKE WITH YOU:

1. LOVE

2. RESPECT

3. FAITH

4. PERSERVERANCE

5. DREAMS

6. DETERMINATION

7. OPEN-MIND

8. CREATIVITY

9. CONFIDENCE

10.POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Here's to a New Year and a blessing that 2012 is filled with PEACE, PROSPERITY, & PURPOSE.

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

Don't Quit!!!!!

2011-12-30T09:23:00.000-05:00

O.k. so there have not been any posts like I planned this week. "What happenend?" I thought. "I am sure I did everything right." WRONG! Despite all the "little hiccups" I would like to encourage you and myself ---- DON"T QUIT! Winston Churchhill said, "Never give up! Never, Never give up." I believe he knew there would be problems to arise and from experience he spoke the words that he knew best to pass on. If you still need a little help, it's put plain and simple below:

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG AS THEY SOMETIMES WILL,
WHEN THE ROAD YOU'RE TRUDGING SEEMS ALL UP HILL,
WHEN THE FUNDS ARE LOW AND THE DEBTS ARE HIGH
AND YOU WANT TO SMILE BUT YOU HAVE TO SIGH,
WHEN CARES IS PRESSING YOU DOWN A BIT,
REST IF YOU MUST BUT DON'T YOU QUIT.

LIFE IS QUEER WITH ITS TWISTS AND TURNS,
AS EVERYONE OF US SOMETIMES LEARNS, AND MANY A
FAILURE TURNS ABOUT WHEN HE MIGHT HAVE WON
HAD HE STUCK IT OUT; DON'T GIVE UP THOUGH THE PACE SEEMS SLOW -
YOU MAY SUCCEED WITH ANOTHER BLOW.

SUCCESS IS FAILURE TURNED INSIDE OUT -
THE SILVER TINT OF THE CLOUDS OF DOUBT,
AND YOU NEVER CAN TELL HOW CLOSE YOU ARE,
IT MAY BE NEAR WHEN IT SEEMS SO FAR;
SO STICK TO THE FIGHT WHEN YOU'RE
HARDEST HIT - IT'S WHEN THINGS SEEM
WORST THAT YOU MUST NOT QUIT.

December's Impression

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Almost a week ago, A dear friend of mine buried her daughter. Two years ago, that same friend buried her mother and niece two weeks apart. Seven years ago, she also buried her husband. Despite all the sadness that the month of December brings, she celebrates a birthday during the month, too. When her birthday came, however, she wasn't happy or ecstatic about it at all. You see, her heart was heavy, and for the first time in her life she realized that she has never grieved for her loved ones, and concluded that she is suffering from depression.
For some people the holidays are really tough. They bring back memories of people gone whom we miss and love so much. There are so many things that we can do to help our friends during this time of year. So if you have friends who need you during the holidays, please think of them. Do something special for them, and most importantly, show them a little extra love and care.

Happy Holidays!

Your Mission Assistant,

Andrea

What Are You Cultivating?

2011-12-21T09:52:00.001-05:00

Have you ever seen the scrolling bar on Facebook? You know, the one that shows you what all your friends are doing minute by minute. Now don't get me wrong, I am not bashing the site, I love it, but it makes me wonder if our automation has become a quick fix to the way things use to be. For instance, we use to reach out to our friends and loved ones by calling them on the phone or writing them a letter. Now we say, "Happy Birthday!" at the click of a button and our work is done. We didn't take the time to go to the store to find a birthday card that said exactly how we felt for that person. We can even get our gifts at the click of a button! Have we let society create an automatic way for us to handle everything?

I had the distinct please of being a co-host on a talk show last night, and surprising enough the guest on the show was saying that we don't cultivate our relationships anymore. He went on to say also, that this is the reason why so many marriage are failing and the institute of marriage is no longer valued.

So I ask you, have you cleared away the weeds in your garden? Have you created an environment for growth or have you left an automated watering system in your garden to do all the things you don't want to do? Marriage is a tough job. There is no boss, only a team. The team has to learn to work together in order for the RELATIONSHIP to flourish. Have you spent quality time this year? Do you plan to spend quality time or will you just send a general wish via the internet?

In all your relationships, personal or professional, think of GROWTH. Take the time to work as a team player and see what buds begin to form and bloom.

As John D. Marshall puts it:
Cultivating requires thought, work, and patience. For example, a gardener has to think about what to plant, when to plant it and how to nourish the seed. The ground must be prepared, weeds pulled and tenderness offered to yield growth. Marriage is the same way. There are not easy fixes, but growth can happen with a commitment to follow through.

Happy Cultivating!

So You Didn't Get It All Done

2011-12-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

So the year is coming to an end and all you can think about are the things that you didn't get done. I know you were supposed to get it done, but things just got in the way. Oftentimes, we put too much pressure on ourselves. We want to be PERFECT. There, I said it. You should say it too because you know it's true. The important thing that I want you to remember is that it's o.k. Stop overwhelming yourself unnecessarily. Enjoy life, and remember that we get the blessing of a new day to start all over.
I know what you're thinking. It's the end of the year and I am going into the new year with the same mess I had in 2011? Well, that my dear is completely up to you. What are you going to do about it? You don't have to wait until the new year to have a new year's resolution that you won't keep. You don't have to wait for the right situation before you pursue your dreams. Don't declare that your dreams are dead! Understand that they are just sleep, and the next steps are simply up to Y-O-U! In life, we all have to go through stages: infant, toddler, kid, young teen, teenager, young adult, adulthood. The fulfillment of your dreams are only a process, and like it was so elegantly said on our fan page:
Don't feel pressured to compete with anyone else. Run your own race.~T.Henry

Happy Journeys!

Your Mission Assistant,
Andrea