It was my honor to serve as the keynote speaker for Fresh Touch Publicity’s Annual HERoine Awards. The theme was Walking the Paved Road. Seven women were honored who have successfully overcome obstacles from all walks of life. For some, it was abuse. For others, it was health and wellness issues. For all, it was an opportunity for them to be honored for not only overcoming, but serving in the community and paying it forward to help others to do the same.
The program also served as a way to pay homage to women who’ve paved the way before us. Without their sacrifices, we would not be able to enjoy many of the rights and freedoms that we now experience. There was a magazine reveal, delicious brunch and tons of celebration and reflection.
TeeJay Jefferson, owner of Fresh Touch Publicity is a wonderful young woman whose vision, spirit and desire to uplift women goes far beyond her years. I am happy to have served in this capacity and given the chance to share my insights in such an honorable way.
I was honored to be a guest presenter for the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Economic Justice Summit. It was held in Detroit, MI. The two day summit featured approximately 540 organizations from around the country who shared a passion for helping victims and survivors of abuse to establish and successfully maintain financial stability. Per the NCADV, approximately 98% of victims of domestic violence have dealt with financial abuse in some form.
I am one of those 98%. I was able to share my experiences and how I used microenterprise development to provide an income for my family. In addition, it provided me with a sense of ownership, stability and self worth. As I began my grassroots efforts with Walking Into A New Life, Inc., I made sure that I explained the importance of either having a job or finding a way to use your own skill sets and create employment for yourself. Survivors of abuse often have skill sets that can be formed into a stable source of income. They just need the opportunity and resources to do so.
My insights were well received. It is my hope that others will appreciate the beauty and importance of self employment and encourage survivors to explore it as a viable source of income. It is not an easy road, but with the right resources and holistic encouragement, it can be profitable and rewarding.
About three weeks ago, I purchased this awesome shirt from a young lady named Angie Steele. I saw a young lady wearing it on Facebook. I have a lot of respect for this young lady and wanted to know more about where she purchased the shirt. Long story short, I was able to connect with Angie, and I must say, I am pleased with my purchase and the kind spirit that came with it. I think it’s simple, yet powerful. Go Be Great. I’ve had the shirt for some time now, but I’m just now wearing it. Why? I kept waiting for the perfect time and conditions. Great weather. Perfect hair day. Life to slow down. It just never seemed to be the right time. Then, it hit me. Just put the shirt on, snap a photo and do as the shirt says-Go. Be. Great!
What’s my point? At some point and time in our lives we have to quit waiting on the right conditions, the perfect hair day or the day our lives slow down. Let’s be honest. That may never happen. At least, not all at once. This shirt has different meanings for different people. For me, it’s about being great in the place and space I’m in. I can have a bad hair day and still be great. Let me say though, my hair in this picture is to my liking, as it was a change from my regular natural coils (a blog for another time). I am constantly on the move. Slowing down for me comes in the form of going to bed and sleeping. Just go be great. Do what’s best for you and do it in a special, meaningful way. Being great isn’t about being boastful. It’s about being reaching goals, dreams and aspirations. It’s about making the most of what you have where you are and creating something bigger, bolder and brighter than you could have imagined.
With that, I encourage you to go be great. Be you. Be true.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a contributing writer for Megan Mottley’s Vision for Daily Devotionals. I’m one of 12 women who share insights on everything from business to health and wellness! Here’s an except from my latest posting.
“Bruises can often heal and possibly fade to the point of not being noticeable or even remembered. But, our words have power. If said in a way to belittle or terrorize a person, it can cause extreme distress, depression and obliterate self esteem.”
Happy New Year! We’re into the first week of 2017. Many people have established their resolutions. For some, it’s eating better and exercising. For others, it’s starting a new business or becoming debt free. Whatever it is, it takes a certain degree of courage to admit that you have something in your personal and/or professional life that needs to change.
Have the courage to dedicate your steps with discipline and consistency. The sky is truly the limit. For those of us who have come out of abuse, it took courage to say that we were in trouble. It took courage to admit to ourselves that we wanted and needed change. The first step is the hardest and most courageous. It’s the courage to face ourselves in the mirror. We had to do that before we could take the next step of reaching out to others for assistance.
My courage has created a life for me that I NEVER thought possible. I’m a national speaker, trainer, Amazon best selling author, and I’m happily remarried. Had I not taken that first step of courage, I would not be experiencing the positive changes I’m experiencing in my life. And, by faith, humbleness and transparency, I’ve helped other women to do the same.
I had a mentoring session with a young lady yesterday who is a survivor. The things she’s doing with her life are phenomenal, and I’m honored that she feels that I have talents and areas of expertise that are beneficial to her holistic journey. I do not take that for granted. I’m happy that my courage has assisted others in some way to create the changes they want/need in their lives.
