The Heart and Soul of Woman

KnowEm.Com I just love FREE

2011-11-07T09:27:00.001-05:00

KnowEm.com I just love FREE and this site did not let me down.

Not long ago I went to register the username “Lydia Brown” on Godaddy.com and was disappointed to discover it had been registered.

If only I had registered my name a few years ago on Godaddy when I first started out as a network marketer I would have secured my name.

Luckily I was able to use LydiaJBrown.com which happened to match my Facebook and Twitter accounts. During this small crisis I found a new tool I would like to share with you.

By using an online free service called KnowEm.com, I was able to find out which other sites had my name available.

Having learned my lesson after reviewing the results from KnowEm I went and registered my name on a few sites that I had been contemplating for a while but had not taken action.

KnowEm as I said is a free site that tells you if your name is being used on over 550 social networks and over 40 domains. All you need to do is enter your name, your business or brand name and the results, the results show up, almost instantly. KnowEm will give you a quick overview of where you can still grab your name on various sites.

There is a premium package if you want the site to do everything for you, but if you are like me you will LOVE FREE. Sign up and add all your information to as many of the social sites you want!

If you have any free sites you would like to add please share.

Where Were You September 11th, 2001?

2011-09-11T09:21:00.001-04:00

9/11 Gallery @ Newseum
Originally uploaded by Sherrinemae
The September 11th, 2001 acts of terrorism have been prevalent in the news and have brought back some painful memories. It has been difficult to look at the pictures and videos again and listen to the newscasters review the events. The past week I have been going over in my head what I was doing the day America was attacked by terrorist. I can recall every detail.

Living in Peekskill, NY about 45 minutes from New York City as I sat in my bedroom preparing for work the phone rang. This phone call and what I heard and saw next would change the way I thought about people and taught me something about myself. A girlfriend Barbara asked, “Are you watching the news, a plane crashed into the Twin Towers.” I responded, “No” and immediately turned the channel on the television. What I saw made my jaw drop. One of the Twin Towers had smoke coming out of part of the building. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed that a plane was flying closer to the buildings. I remember thinking, “my goodness what are those people on the flight going to think as they ride by the Twin Towers seeing it up close in this condition.” Then as I watched the television the plane crashed into the other tower. I could not believe it! Part of my brain was telling me this is not happening, this is no accident. It took a few minutes to tune into the news commentator’s remarks that this was an attack and that two planes had purposely flown into the Twin Towers. With eyes filling up with tears I became tense and fearful. I immediately started calling family that lived close to the city to inquire of their whereabouts. Everyone was overwhelmed with emotion but all were safe.

Eventually made it to work plagued with what was going on in New York City. Needless to say the Twin Towers was the main topic of the day and for weeks to come. One of my co-workers lost his son in the Twin Towers we found out a few days later. Then as the days went by almost everyone I encountered either lost a friend or family member in the towers or knew someone who had lost someone on 9/11.

Psychological Effect

For a long time what happened to the Twin Towers changed my thinking in a way that I was disappointed in. The next time I flew on a plane I focused on people who looked Middle Eastern. I was nervous on my flight when I saw that two men who sat a few seats in front me favored that culture in looks. I began to pray that we would be safe and I prayed to God that I would not become someone I do not respect a “prejudiced person.” It took a while to remove the fear and not judge and to recall what I had learned about the Islamic faith. I reminded my self that the religion Islam does not support such terrorist acts. I had discussions with others about how all through history men and woman have committed horrendous crimes against others in the name of religion. As painful as it is to remember 9/11 it is with respect and honor that I do not allow myself to forget those who died that day and years later as America went to war as well as the suffering of the families that have been left behind.

Where were you doing September 11th, 2001? Please share here.

Working From Home Part I

2011-09-09T10:08:00.000-04:00

I have been seeing several request online reqarding work at home options which included online jobs and home based businesses. I decided to spend sometime researching what is available online. As I joined a variety of forums and networks that provide some advise about working at home I noticed that many people still believe that there is actually a work at home opportunity that requires no money being paid up front that will make a person rich fast. People, people no such thing. Also the question to ask is are you looking for a job or a home business. Online/offline a business is a business and you will be required to invest in that business. Yes there are businesses you can get involved with that have a low cost start up but still that is not free. With the economy as it is several companies have implemented low start up programs. Over the next few weeks I will blog about what I find regarding working at home some of the topics will be (Not necessarily in this order)

1) Blogging for an income
2) Affiliate Marketing
3) Paid Surveys and studies
4) Free lance writing positions
5) Data Entry from home positions
6) Scams I find
7) Work at Home Jobs or Business

and much more so stay tuned. In the mean time do your own due diligence and by all means come back and share what you find.

Do you work from home? How is that working for you?

To Your Success!

Senior on Senior Scams

2011-09-09T09:51:00.003-04:00

Elderly couple
Originally uploaded by Wanderer and Wonderer
An article in AARP’s September/October magazine discussed the rise of aging scammers targeting other seniors. The article states that seniors appear to be more trusting of senior scammers who present to identify with the financial concerns of older people. Jenni Bergal author of the article stated that a popular fraud targeting senior citizens is the Ponzi schme. The Ponzi scam was named after Charles Ponzi a notorious scammer in 1920, and who could forget Bernie Madoff who in 2008 swindled millions from trusting investors.

How the Ponzi scheme works is that potential investors are guaranteed high returns on his/her funds and assured that there are no risks. The scammer then pays off investors with money received from new investors while living off the bulk of the money received. While the scammer continues to recruit new investors the well can run dry. When not enough investors come on board to keep the scammers lifestyle and provide money to give out to some investors the scammer usually disappears if not caught by the law.

Suggestions:

1) If it sounds too good to be true walk away
2) Do your research don’t let greed or false hope make the decision for you. Contact your state securities
agency for further information about any person or company that presents investment opportunities to you.
3) Take your time don’t allow yourself to be rushed. Being impulsive can cost you your life savings like it has
so many.

Not too long ago I watched a report on television about a man who scammed a few church pastors and their congregations out of thousands of dollars. No one is off limit. Our present economic climate has made many afraid of the future. This fear is resulting in poor decision-making. We must all educate ourselves when presented with information and request for our assets.

Have you or someone you know been approached with a too good to be true offer? If so please comment here and help others.

Breaking News - Earthquake!

2011-08-25T13:07:00.004-04:00

Breaking News - Earthquake!
Originally uploaded by Piedmont Fossil

August 23, 2011 5.9 Earthquake where were you? I was visiting my mom. Unfortunately my stomach was hurting all morning and I was just about to resolve the problem, "you know what I mean" when all of a sudden the house began to shake. I knew almost immediately that we were experiencing an earthquake having felt one in New York over thirty years ago. It was scary! By the time we got out of the house all of our neighbors were outside looking as perplexed as I felt.

Here are some tips on what the experts say to do when caught in an earthquake:

1) Stay away from glass and hanging objects
2) Try to get under a heavy piece of furniture
3) Shield your face and head from falling debris
4) Don't use candles use a flashlight

For more tips go to the Center for Disease Control website

Emergency preparedness is important so visit the CDC website and bring your awareness up.

Where were you and what were you doing when the earthquake hit your area on August 23rd?

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2011-08-19T10:23:00.002-04:00

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Problems in relationship?

2011-08-18T16:28:00.006-04:00

Problems in relationship
Originally uploaded by alexey05

A friend shared this with me. I like to give credit where it is due but all I see at the bottom of the page is "Wellness Reproductions, 1994"

Characteristics of Healthy Relationships

1.Communication is open and spontaneous (including listening)
2.Rules/boundaries ae clear and explicit, yet allows flexibility
3.Individuality, freedom and personal identity is enhanced
4.Each enjoys doing things for self, as well as for the other
5.Play, humor, and having fun together is commonplace
6.Each does not attempt to "fix" or control the other
7.Acceptance of self and other (for real selves)
8.Assertiveness; feelings and needs are expressed
9.Humility: able to let go of need to "be right"
10.Self-confidence and security in own worth
11.conflict is faced directly and resolved
12.openness to constructive feedback
13.Each is trustful of the other
14.balance of giving and receiving
15.Negotiations are fair and democratic
16.tolerance:forgiveness of self and other
17.Mistakes ae accepted and learned from
18.Willingness to take risks and be vulnerable
19.other meaningful relationships and interests exist
20.Each can enjoy being alone and privacy is respected
21.Personal growth, change and exploration is encouraged
22.Continuity and consistency is present in the commitment
23.Balance of oneness (closeness) and separation from each other
24.responsibility for own behaviors and happiness (not blaming other)

How many on this list are present in your relationships? Can you anything to this list?

To Your Success!

Are You Solution Oriented?

2011-08-05T09:37:00.001-04:00

Every time I see this video I laugh so hard like I am seeing it for the first time. I mean really at first it appears to be ridiculous that anyone let alone two people would just stand there on the escalator and holler for help vs. start walking off of the escalator. Then I thought about the times I could not immediately find the remote control so I sat there and watched a show for about twenty minutes that I had no interest in. It was not that I did not want to get up and use the button to turn the channel. The reality is that for a few minutes I felt hopeless and helpless without the remote and the thought had not as yet crossed my mind that there was another way.

This also brought back a funny memory for me from childhood. Truthfully it wasn't so funny then. Did anyone of you ever experience being the remote control for your parents? Thank goodness we did not have a very large house so I did not have to walk so far to come change the channel for my dad.

The main thing this video reminded me is to not allow myself to be "stuck on stupid", not to get so complacent with the same old things that I forget to be creative and to think outside of the box. If something that used to work stops working it is not the end of the world. It just means it is time for newer things, some progressive ideas and I have been chosen at that time to develop and implement a new concept, process, method, etc.

I would love to hear about your thoughts on this video. How do you get into the solution when you are stuck?

Motivation- Kelly Rowland

2011-08-02T10:01:00.001-04:00

As graphic as it is this is my favorite video today. Kelly Rowlands of course has been around a long time but I was never a fan. In my opinion this is the best solo song she has made. the beat, the words it all grabs me. If you are like me it makes me think about my sweety. I would also like to mention that the word, "motivation" is right at the top of my list daily. Sometimes you have to motivate yourself. Life would be a slow drag if you had to wait for others to motivate you. Congrats Kelly Rowland you go girl!

Medicaid and the Elderly

2011-07-29T08:01:00.002-04:00

Elderly People sign
Originally uploaded by Nathan Hyde
I read an interesting and helpful article written by Betty Booker in BOOMER Magazine. BOOMER magazine is one of my favorite local publications. Resourceful and identifies who, what and where to go when you need help. Ms. Booker’s article did not disappoint. Having an elderly mother who is practically home bound due to severe pain this article helped me figure some things that have been bothering me regarding the best way to help my mom.
My mother talks about Medicare being an unfair system. As well as how frustrating it is to get clarity when there are changes to policy. She shares all the time that what is clear is that Medicare consistently cuts benefits. After reading this article I learned that the elderly experience similar complications with Medicaid.
What I learned from Ms. Booker’s article:
1)Medicare pays for at-home insurance for some over the age of 65 for up to 100 days post hospitalization rehabilitation and skilled nursing care
2)Medicaid pays for at-home care if the individual cannot perform two-six activities of daily living.
3)The laws and regulations for Medicaid are complex and Ms. Booker suggest that people consult with an elder law attorney and plan ahead for these types of assistance eligibility
It is a shame that our country does not take better care of our elderly. If you would like to get more information on this topic, you can contact Ms. Booker at Betty@theboomermagazine.com

Do have an elderly person in your life that is struggling with medical assistance? If so, please share

My Get Paid Blogging Journey

2011-07-27T18:16:00.001-04:00

Clenches onto any surface with a tight unremovable grip

Well I have been researching new and interesting ways to make money online and an associate sent me the link to PayPerPost.com I blog often so this seemed like a great idea. So far the task it takes to get started are not challenging or frustrating. In fact you are part of my first task after I signed up by simply entering my email address, setting up a password and then entering my blog link. So here I am do you see the first sentence on this post. That is my first task proving that this blog belongs to me. Stay tuned I will get back to you with what was next.

1st Steps To Success

2011-05-14T10:37:00.003-04:00

In March, I attend my first “1^st Steps to Success” conference with Dani Johnson. I had been listening to Dani Johnson on her Monday night teleconference calls for a couple of months and I knew that seeing her in person was what I needed to do. Just as I thought, I was not disappointed. Dani Johnson shares with you the tools to start improving your personal and professional skills.

After two all day sessions I left Dallas, Texas eager to try out the new techniques I learned. I was introduced to the War on Debt program and was amazed to see how much money I was wasting monthly. I purchased the War on Debt program and have been sharing the information for free in my community. My husband and I have immediately taken action to decrease our unnecessary spending and using that money referred to as “fat” to pay down debt. For more info about War on Debt CLICK HERE

Using one of Dani’s suggestions I wear a button asking, “do you want to be debt free, ask me how.” Out of curiosity people stop and ask me, “How.” At that point, I ask them a few questions about themselves to qualify him/her to see if an introduction to my home business would be beneficial.

I have benefited from taking several of Dani Johnson’s conference and the cd’s I have ordered. I listen to the cd’s in my car daily. Repetition pays off the more I listen and implement the new skill the more comfortable I get.

In the picture that is me furiously taking notes trying not to miss any of the golden nuggets Dani gave the participants. I hope you get to attend one of Dan’s 1^st Steps to Success conferences. I know I have not attended my last and maybe we will meet up at one. CLICK THIS LINK to find out more about Dani Johnson. Male or female if you are seeking personal and/or professional growth Dani Johnson is a good resource. To Your Success!

I believe in the War on Debt

Thirty-One Days of Power

2011-05-13T13:52:00.001-04:00

I do not believe in coincidences. This book came to me during a time in my life that I was having a difficult time Letting Go Let God. On a daily basis each day the message was appropriate, fitting, right on time and powerful. Making a commitment to discipline myself to read the messaged daily was at first hard but with each message I realized that each morning my first step of the day needed to be turning the pages of this book. A must have, "Thirty-One Days" of Amazing Grace!

~I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Love at Last Sight-Book Review

2011-03-31T09:48:00.001-04:00

This is the first time in several years that a book grabbed a hold of me the first three pages and would not let me go. I identified with the authors right out the gate. What you think you may know about relationships is nothing compared to how you are enlightened page after page.

Thought provoking to say the least. This book encouraged me to reach out to someone I missed for a long time. It also helped me let go of a friendship that was just not healthy for me. It also confirmed the benefits of keeping the relationships we have alive and to value them on a daily basis. Highly recommend. Maybe not intend to be but for me this is a love story like no other.
To read an exerpt of this book To read an exerpt of the book

I Found Women of Facebook and So Much More!

2011-03-02T17:59:00.004-05:00

I joined an awesome webinar last week that was hosted by Nathalie Villeneue who is the woman behind The Women of Facebook group. When I joined this group I was greeted almost immediately by the members so it was comfortable to just jump in and start sharing. I joined at the right time let me tell you.

Anyone who has known me for a long time knows that it was a crisis that taught me the power of female friendships. Amazingly it was the behavior of a few women in my life that contributed to the crisis I found myself in about eight years ago. So, it was with complete understanding that I identified with Nancy Shields who was the presenter on the webinar that Nathalie had invited me to. Nancy Shield was awesome she spoke about the qualities in women that lead to genuine relationships. You can visit Nancy's blog Make Girlfriends.com and read her post about how honesty factors into having that ultimate female relationship.

What qualities do you think are important for relationships between females to be successful?

A Crime or A Business You Decide

2011-02-24T17:41:00.007-05:00

Prostitution Poster on the Tube
Originally uploaded by Jeremy Waite

Chocolate’s Story

When I first met Chocolate, she was crossing the street in a section of Queens, NY walking with crutches. Unbelievably Chocolate had just turned a trick and had scored one of her daily fixes of crack cocaine. Chocolate was a funny sight to see in sexy lingerie mid-day walking with crotches.

She told me about how a man she had been in love with turned her out at the age of 16. At the age of 20, she started working for herself but was addicted to drugs so the original plan to save money literally went up in smoke.

Chocolate felt fortunate that most of her clients were regulars and helped her feel safe on the streets. The particular house she was partaking in one of her daily crack hits as I interviewed her belonged to a friend she had grown up with. The house was easy access to use to get high at between tricks since her main corner of employment was right up the street. Educated but misfortunate she described herself as a good “hoe” with many talents, “just running my business.”

Entrepreneur what do think?

Book Review: Life In Spite of Me

2011-02-21T21:48:00.003-05:00

Overview: Kristen at a young age experienced tragic events that caused her to become depressed and emotionally unstable. Not knowing how to process her grief Kristen chose a path that was extreme and for many would have been fatal. Kristen attempted to kill herself by lying on the train tracks near her home. Losing both her legs might have pushed Kristen further into depression; however, on her journey to healing Kristen began to realize that her life has purpose with God’s Grace. Painful as the journey was Kristen began to pray to God for guidance on how she could use her experience to help others.

My Thoughts: When I read the jacket of the book tears came to my eyes. I immediately felt compassion for what Kristen must have gone through. I had no idea that what was about to be revealed to me was faith on a level that most may not understand unless he/she has experienced a tragedy. Kristen’s story was a constant reminder to me to be grateful and that when faced with adversity God is with me. This amazing and inspiring book takes you through the Kristen’s process to get to the other side of her sorrow and obtain the strength to share with others without shame. Kristen’s special messages throughout the book encourage and empower people of all ages.

Book provided free for review by the Waterbrookmultnomah

All That Glitters Ain't Gold

2011-02-15T22:22:00.002-05:00

GOLD!
Originally uploaded by Birdman of El Paso
Well fortunately there are many things that are GOLD.
I would like for you to take a look at an opportunity that may lead to financial freedom for you or perhaps someone you know.

The Gold Refinery is a family run business that has more than one way for you to earn cash be it full time or part time.

We purchase Gold, Silver and Platinum via home parties, business functions, and fundraisers. Take a look at this business if you like what you see complete the online form and I will get back to you within 24 hrs.

To Your Success!
Lydia Brown
Here's the link again

Soldiers Don't Cry

2011-02-15T22:12:00.001-05:00

Female flag officers honor first woman four-star
Originally uploaded by The U.S. Army

I was watching the news last night and was so stunned to hear that in the year 2009 more than 3,000 women in the military had been sexually assaulted. It was disheartening to hear the women discuss how those who do report these incidents usually go without any justice taking place.

Most women it is suspected do not report sexual assault fearing reprisal from their male peers. We must as USA citizen care about the safety of all of our members of the military.

What do you think would be the best way to support the women in our military service?

Can A Peach be a Blessing?

2011-02-09T19:16:00.003-05:00

Peach
Originally uploaded by Quem é o Pêra?
"Life is better than death, I believe, if only that it is less boring, and because it has fresh peaches in it." ~Alice Walker

I woke up this morning feeling real funky. Made a mistake the night before. I went to sleep without praying and reading my motivational book. A big set up I admit that. The devil fed on my worries all through the night. Without my foundation I worried in my sleep about things that I know full well are out of my hands.

Tired and moving slow I went about the next day for about four hours when I remembered a support group message I received years ago, "I can start my day all over again at any time." So first I prayed and then I went through one of my favorite empowerment books, "Ebony Power Thoughts" and found the above quote by Alice Walker. The question that followed the quote was: What are some of the greatest gifts in my life right now?

I then thought peaches most be real special to Alice Walker for her to include them in her message about life and death. So I thought, "I love peaches so let me start there." See sometimes you have to let someone feed you some information when you are down and need a jump start. There are times when you have to keep it real simple to get back on track. You know one step at a time or one minute at a time. I would never have thought about the simple joy I get out of eating a juicy peach lifting my spirits. Or how the smile I get on my face when I try to keep the tasty juice from spilling on my clothes. To tell you the truth I am not a neat freak I just want to savor every morsel for my tongue where taste buds are having a field day.

By the time I finished thinking about how simple an act of eating a peach could provide such pleasure by God's grace to someone who may not have anything else to hold onto on a low spirited day. I knew I needed to make my gratitude list. Grateful for the peaches in my life that God has blessed me with.

So I ask you this:

1) When the going gets tough what gets you going?
2) Whats on your gratitude list? Have you included the small joys of life?

While you are thinking about it I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter to the right of this page.

#1 Killer of American Women

2011-02-01T16:59:00.007-05:00

Heart Disease is the #1 Killer of American Women!

February 1st - February 7th is Womens Heart Week. February 4th is the official "Wear Red Day." Show your support by wearing something red that day.

You can help fight heart disease in women by motivating others and yourself to take the right steps to live a healthier life by educating yourself about this disease.

If you want to know more about this disease go to this site sponsored by the American Heart Disease Association

ABANDONED BY LANE BRYANT

2009-09-27T11:53:00.001-04:00

ABANDONED BY LANE BRYANT

Yes, I think I have been abandoned by Lane Bryant. After giving the store 34 years of faithful business Lane Bryant has left me hanging. It all started when Lane Bryant started using color coded labels and letters in place of numbered sizes on their pants. I tried hard to figure it out and at one point had to walk out of the store and regroup. Not wanting to feel defeated I reentered the store and asked for help from one of the sales representatives. After all I learned a long time ago I don’t have to have all the answers that I can ask for help today.

Okay, so the expert sales representative broke it down to me and it turned out I was definitely a size yellow label A. So I happily went to the dressing room confused but happy the “expert” knew what size I was. With my brain yelling, “In coming” as the six hot flash of the day came on I attempted to try on the beautiful black pants. Well they got up my thighs and around my hips but they were miles away from reaching around my stomach. So, with smoke coming out my ears I walked by the “expert” as she said, “are you sure they don’t fit.” As I walked to my car I thought why had Lane Bryant invented a new size system that was more confusing than the last algebra test I took, but wait it gets better, or I should say worst.

Slowly but surely I had noticed that there were less and less styles of pants in the Lane Bryant store near my home in Richmond, Virginia particularly in the big and tall sizes. Plenty of average length pants on the rack. I just thought I was probably getting to the store on the wrong days. Well I went to New York to visit my daughter and figured I would go to my favorite Lane Bryant which happened to be any Lane Bryant in the five boroughs of New York City. To my surprise there weren’t any I mean not one pair of tall pants. I am a tall, big, beautiful woman who has loved shopping at Lane Bryant since I was a tall, slim, beautiful woman. Something is wrong I told my daughter this just can’t be. I asked the representative in the New York Lane Bryant store what was going on and she said, “Customers have to order the tall sizes online”, I inquired as to why and was told, “Corporate wanted to have more room for other items.” I was sure the woman was mistaken so I asked the same question when I got back home of the Lane Bryant representatives near my home and received the same response.

Wow the tall plus size woman no longer has the option of trying on pants in the Lane Bryant stores. Left with the only option of ordering online or having the store representative order for her. Therefore, having to wait for the order to come in the mail then try the pants on and if they don’t fit have to send them back or take the order to the store to process a refund.
Now do you understand why I feel abandoned by Lane Bryant. Can you see why I think the clear message is “tall plus size women you are no longer important to us.” So my question Lane Bryant is how many blouses do you actually have to have in the store that you could not reserve a little space for tall length plus size pants? Oh and by the way what happens next year will the “Real Woman Dollars” be called the “Average Woman Dollars”

Norine's Valentine Day Story

2009-02-24T00:27:00.005-05:00

Norine, a dear friend gave me permission to post her story about Valentine's Day. I love her honest sharing about how happy she was for a neighbor who was experiencing the joy of sharing Valentine's Day with a loved one and her hopes for herself in the future. I love when as women we can be happy for each other as we find joy with a mate. Those who sit in envy and do not share joys of others are missing out.

Norine's Story

My emotions have evolved during Valentine's Day in these last sevens years. Being single for about that long, those years were saturated with mixed emotions evolving from frustration, sadness and/or depression to indifference and disregard, to simply a day to enjoy with family and friends... and sometimes it was simply just another day for me.

This time, I saw Valentine's Day as just another day and only felt an inkling of sadness... And as the day wore on, I was busy with things to do and places to go, and then suddenly without realizing it, I had completely forgotten it was Valentine's day... until I received a surprise knock at my door.

My neighbor, Janaia, delightfully surprised me with the biggest and prettiest heart shaped and flower shaped balloons... To hear a knock at my door (I rarely ever have guests) and to be presented with a set of large pretty, red balloons definitely widened my smile and accented my day!

After saying one thousand and seven thank you's I asked my neighbor who else did she think of on this Valentine's Day. I knew her hubby and she would do something special. But, I was sure she thought of other people besides me, as well. To my surprise, she said she just thought of me on this day and commenced to wishing me a Happy Valentine's Day. I really felt special! She gave me a quick hug and hurried away to get ready for her date with her hubby. She is no longer my neighbor. I now consider her a dear friend.

Though there's no love of my life or males vying for my attention, it's nice to know that I was on someone's mind and a kind thought was expressed.

As she hurried away, I wished her a wonderful evening with her anticipated 'special' date and whispered to myself that maybe it will be me one day going on a date with my own hubby. But, while I'm waiting, I'll share some love and some of my time with others. Because it's not about me. It's about love.

Happy Valentine's Day!
Though I don't know you, I love you...

Promise Yourself

2009-01-24T01:31:00.002-05:00

I have had this for a long time and every time I read it I feel empowered. It has also been a great topic in group sessions I have facilitated with adolescent, adult male and females. I hope you enjoy it.

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can

disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity

to every person you meet.

to make all your friends feel that

there is something in them.

to look at the sunny side of everything

and to make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work

only for the best and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about

the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past

and press on to the greater

achievements of the future.

to wear a cheerful countenance at all times

and give every living creature you meet a smile.

to give so much time to the improvement of yourself

that you have no time to critizie others.

to be too lare for worry, too noble for anger,

too strong for fear, and too happy

to permit the presence of trouble.

Author Unknown

Loving Yourself

2009-01-16T21:56:00.008-05:00

CARESS: Keys to nurturing Yourself

COMPASSION: Having compassion is a healing method that is a link to the place where you hurt

ACCEPTANCE: Is aligned with compassion. When you respond to yourself with compassion, you are accepting your imperfections. No matter what be there for yourself, don't beat yourself up.

RESPECT: Is the way you treat yourself and are treated by other people determined by your perceived value of yourself. When you feel worthy of respect you get it.

ENCOURAGEMENT: Helps you set goals, values, and beliefs that you can attain. Affirmations are a great way to validate yourself and your efforts, and your self worth.

SUPPORT: You cannot rely on others to give you support. When there is no one else there you must know that when things get bad you are at the root of the love and support you need.

STROKING: Allow yourself to be receptive to all the wonderful things available to you and relish the moment.

Your objective is to produce personal and professional growth. Negative self talk diminishes your self esteem and results in feelings of failure.

Source: Carolynn Hillmann