Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, I hope the day as well as this past weekend, has been one of positive experiences, good times, rest, relaxation and reflection. I created a newsletter to include some special offers in recognition of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday. I ask that you read it, share it and take advantage of the available offerings. Thank you for the continued support of all I continue to do in business and advocacy.
I’m pleased to share I launched a new book entitled “You Need It, I Got It!” and it made the Best Seller’s List. I am over the moon with excitement as I am now a 2x Best Selling Author. I am one of sixteen co-authors for this amazing book. I’d love to have you purchase it by using my special link here: http://bit.ly/igotit-joyce
Here’s a brief description of the book:
With almost 30 million entrepreneurs in the United States alone, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle, causing you to be overlooked, overworked, and overwhelmed in your business. To stand out, it is imperative for you as a business owner to foster brand sensibility and effectively market, and most importantly, follow through with the unique solutions you can offer to your ideal audience.
Compiled by Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Tieshena Davis, You Need It, I Got It spotlights sixteen trusted coaches, consultants, and advisors who share industry-specific lessons and strategies to teach you how to conquer common entrepreneurial challenges, tailor your passions to guarantee the betterment of your business, and dominate in your niche. Through transparent advice on tried-and-tested practices for success, this book provides an invaluable space for you to connect with global leaders in entrepreneurship and use their expertise to build on your own, making it possible for you to grow your audience, increase your visibility, and expand your influence.
Last week, I had the pleasure of spending time with Mildred Muhammad. While many around the globe know her as the ex-wife of the DC Sniper and being an amazing speaker and author, I am pleased to say that I have a different type of relationship with her.
I am proud to call her my sister, friend, colleague and fellow warrior in bringing education, awareness and overall change regarding issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault. When I first reached out to her, it was to be a guest on our nonprofit’s radio show, Boots on the Ground. Keep in mind, I’ve been following her for years. But, because of her celebrity, I was actually afraid to reach out to her, fearing that we were too small and she would not have time. But, because I do not believe that we should live or operate in the spirit of fear, I decided to go ahead and contact her. She was soooooo easy going and personable. I felt a real sense of conviction come over me. She was quite humble and graciously accepted the invitation to be our special guest.
But, it is what happened afterwards that makes knowing her more meaningful for me. She made me feel comfortable to share things I hadn’t shared with others. There are times when you just feel the need to keep your thoughts guarded, even when you need to share them. She advised me. She encouraged me. She corrected me. She reminded me. She made time for me. I knew from that moment on, I had a genuine connection with her. It wasn’t about social media likes or bragging about ‘who you know’. I know if I need her or just want to catch up, laugh or vent, I can do it. And, I believe she knows the same is true for her with me.
So, even though she was busy with speaking, workshops, book signings and radio interviews last week, she made certain we spent time together. It was not advertised. No selfies were taken to be posted.lol Just two sisters who share a foundation of faith and like minded spirits chatting. And, if you’re reading this and have not yet ordered the book, you can do so using this link: http://www.mildredmuhammad.com/publications.html
I had the absolute pleasure of being the Keynote speaker for this year’s Project STAND event. Project STAND is an annual fundraising event designed to provide awareness and resources to victims/survivors of domestic violence and the community at large. I’ve been fortunate to attend almost every year. And, our nonprofit organization, Walking Into A New Life, Inc., has benefited from the proceeds of the event. This year, I was privileged with the task of being the Keynote speaker.
In my address, I wanted to make sure attendees understood the importance of giving, being a good servant leader and being mindful of the language they use when addressing victims of abuse. I also stressed the importance of seeking help, counseling and trusting the judicial system. Among other things, talked about not simply encouraging survivors to just leave an abusive relationship without a plan, as that plan will help to determine when and how they can do it safely.
As always, we had a great time! Food, fun, fellowship and outstanding entertainment. If you didn’t attend this year, I suggest you make plans to come out NEXT year.
This weekend, I had the privilege of receiving an award from the House of Mtenzi who sponsors The Stone Awards. This was their 22nd year hosting the event. Local community leaders and those who have national ties but local roots are honored in a number of categories. The award I received is called the C.U.R.E.S. Eben Shero Award. CURES stands for Colors Uniting Representing Every Stone. I dedicated the award to my Dad & Paternal Grandmother, both of whom raised me, and my children. My grandmother believed in order to be a good leader, you have to be committed to being a good servant. My father used to say it’s hard by the yard, but a cinch by the inch. My children have been part of my healing and community process since I made the decision to speak up and out regarding abuse and assault. In order to start addressing the community, I had to start at home and begin to present a sense of awareness and accountability with my own family. I am dedicated to bringing hope, awareness, education and action to issues surrounding domestic violence and its many intersections.
Today is National Day on Writing. To know me is to know I love speaking and presenting. But, writing is the foundation for which I’ve relied on to get me through some of the best and worst times of my life. I absolutely love writing and what it has done for me. It’s an honor to say I’m a published author who has made Amazon’s Best Seller’s List. So, how did I get my start?
My 3rd grade teacher, always encouraged us to write. She often spoke to us about black writers and poets. She told me I was a good writer and encouraged me to keep writing. She said it was a good way to express my thoughts and feelings. She entered my work in the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Contest, an annual event hosted in Chicago. I didn’t win, but just knowing that she thought enough of my work to enter it meant the world to me!
I’ve been writing ever since. Short stories, poems, journals. I created a business centered around content writing. I’ve always wanted to be an attorney and writer. Being an attorney would give the me opportunity to present, which I enjoy. Writing would give me a voice in print. It would help me to connect with others who share my point of view and/or have an open dialogue with those of varying opinions. I wanted to be able to teach others how to use writing in their persona and professional lives. Well, as life would have it, I did not become an attorney. However, I am a speaker and presenter. And, I am still writing. I continue to seek out opportunities for my passions.
Are you a writer? If so, why do you write? Today’s a great day to reflect on your why. Or, if you’ve been thinking about doing it, now’s a great day to start. #WhyIWrite
