Tag: life

It’s ok!

Have you encountered a road block to your business progress

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Hi friend! How was your week? Did it go well?

My week was not that bad. It went as expected. Lol.

I could not wait for the week to finish, I experienced circumstances that were not planned, and I pressed out another week of four to five good physical fitness workouts.

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There was nothing drastic about it but I did receive inspiration on a concern that I periodically encounter throughout the year as well as others.

Let me explain!

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Although you have a plan to reach a goal, do you sometimes feel like the wheels are spinning and no progress is being made? Or do you feel like you are expending plenty of energy but not going anywhere? Yes, you know the feeling. Don’t be alarmed!

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This experience is all too common and affects many. It is the feeling of hitting a brick wall with no inspiration and not progressing toward your goal.

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If you have encountered this I offer a few tips to help you get rejuvenated toward achieving your goal.

  1. It’s normal– Do not panic and get flustered. The experience happens to everyone from corporations, groups, organizations, and individuals. This may show itself when you see businesses revamp their business plans. Sometimes it could be offering a new menu item or possibly a refacing of a company’s image.
  2. Embrace it– The feeling one experiences could be a subtle sign to make one aware that what’s been working is getting outdated and needs revamping. Embracing the experience could almost be a matter of life and death for a business. Just think of a business you support continuing to promote the same marketing style that worked for them ten years ago trying to utilize the same promotional techniques years later. I am not sure if that product would sell so well.
  3. city-1868530_1920 Reassess– The experience is a time to reassess what strategy that is currently in place. Over time the strategy may prove to be less effective as before and therefore needs tweaking. This could mean making the product or service more robust, less complicated, sleeker, user-friendly, or more colorful. Whatever the strategy change, a bit of research will be needed to ensure the change has the most “bang for the buck” in order to reach the goal.
  4. Document– When you encounter what feels like a brick wall, it is good to track and document the changes so you have a record of what has worked in the past. Record keeping helps to show how long what worked lasted and gives a snapshot of the business environment at that time. This is extremely important when working toward your goal because it highlights the economic and social climate of the time. What consumers buying habits are like shows in this data.

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So, if your passion is in fitness, blogging, or another business you most certainly have encountered times that feel like your not making any progress. I implore you to use these tips to your advantage as they are effective in any business model. If I have missed any that you have used to keep your passion on track, please leave in the comments below.

Are we connected on the Instagram platform? If not, connect here. I would love to follow and support you! There you will find highlights on fellow bloggers, fitness tips, and of course daily motivation. See ya there.

 

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The Resilient Woman series

Courage Tenacity Persistence

Welcome back friend to this weeks guest interview. Hope all is well.

If not caught up, click here to get the why behind “The Resilient Woman Series”.

This weeks guest is putting her money where her passion is. She is literally a walking example of one who has endured a common struggle. Overcoming anxiety and depression has fueled her to establish a portal designed to encourage, infuse, and ultimately transform the mind toward positive growth.  Read on as she shares her passion.

Meet Seppy.

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My name is Seppy and I’m a personal development blogger from Elle is for Love, where I share action-based inspired tools and resources to help women slay their goals and live their dream life.

For years, I struggled with depression and anxiety. I felt lost and hopeless; I didn’t have direction or purpose and every day was a struggle to get out of bed. Until I turned things around and transformed my life, my mind and my body. I started implementing goal-slaying strategies to slowly but surely build a life that I love.

I wake up almost every day feeling excited and motivated. I’ve seen firsthand the transformation that happens when you apply the right tools and strategies to transform yourself and your life. And I want to share that with other women so that they can feel empowered to take control of their destiny and live a life that they LOVE.

That is awesome Seppy. Your efforts will certainly energize and motivate others.

TWH- What is your definition of a strong woman?

A strong woman has the strength and wisdom to get through anything. She is able to find the resources and help she needs to solve any problem and has the patience and desire to learn and grow.

A strong woman is someone who is able to recognize her strengths and weaknesses, that has the courage to admit when they are wrong or don’t know something. She is able to balance her emotional and intellectual side. She is not embarrassed to be in touch with her emotions and recognizes the value it can bring.

A strong woman doesn’t need the validation of others but recognizes her own value and what she has to offer in the world. She isn’t afraid to share her true self, while also being respectful of others and understanding of differences that might arise.

She is able to take constructive criticism and is constantly working on herself to become better and stronger every day. She doesn’t shy away from challenging situations but welcomes it because she knows that it’s an opportunity to grow even stronger.

TWH- A resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain.

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A resilient woman is insightful, strong, and compassionate.

She has insight into herself, her capacities and her weaknesses, which allows her to reach out for help when she needs it. She also has the insight and wisdom to recognize that everything happens for a reason and that if she is able to understand and appreciate the lesson in any situation, then it won’t be as hard to bare.

A resilient woman is strong – strong enough to know that she is able to get through it and strong-willed to not let things get her down. She is able to pick herself back up, dust herself off and keep going.

A resilient woman is so strong that she keeps a brave face so that others can feel courageous and at ease. But a resilient woman is also able to be vulnerable and let her emotions show, without letting them take over and paralyze her.

She is compassionate because she recognizes that everyone has their own journey and their own struggles and that we all need to be more kind towards each other. She is compassionate towards herself as well, to give herself the time and space needed to process her emotions and feelings, and then be able to get back on her feet and continue.

TWH- Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase The Resilient Women in action?

My mother is a resilient woman. My family and I lived in Guinea, Africa for 6 years. At the time, Guinea was one of the poorest countries of the world. Access to resources was very limited – we often didn’t have power or access to clean water, and the variety of food was limited. Even though we were obviously better off than most, it was still a challenging and unpredictable lifestyle, especially with the added political instability.

But my mother always kept a smile on her face, never complained and always made things fun for my sisters and I. Bath time became fun because we would bathe in a big bucket outside in the yard. Dinner time was fun because it often became a romantic candlelight dinner. She always managed to come up with fun adventures and activities for us so that my sisters and I did not feel the challenges of life that we faced in Guinea.

My mom was resilient because she faced a lot of obstacles to be able to fulfill her role as a mother (at least in the ‘traditional’ sense of the term), but she rose above the challenges, never let them bring her down. She always made the best of it so that her family felt inspired and happy because she created a fun and positive environment.

TWH- What barriers if any may The Resilient Women encounter?

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The biggest barrier a resilient woman might encounter is herself: her mindset, thoughts, and interpretation when facing a challenging situation. Anyone can feel discouraged or disheartened.

But that’s a mindset where you believe that life is happening TO you rather than for you. It’s an opportunity to change your perspective to see what you can learn, rather than focusing on the lack or how you wish something was different. Everything happens for a reason and a resilient woman recognizes that.

A resilient woman has the insight and wisdom to recognize that her emotions are valid at the moment, but that feeling discouraged won’t help her. She is able to overcome those limiting beliefs and empower herself to face the challenge head first and deal with it.

TWH- Is society recognizing the resilient women today and if so how?

There has been a growing movement recently, recognizing the strength and resilience of women. Women have a tendency not to speak up or to show their strength, but with different stories emerging of the extreme challenges faced by women around the world, there is a growing recognition of the strength and resilience of women.

For example, as women, we face a lot of expectations for our careers to our looks and our behavior. But there’s growing awareness that these are false expectations that are being imposed on us and that we should each carve out our own expectations for ourselves and follow our own paths.

TWH- Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too.

I think that all women have the strength within them, but it’s a matter of uncovering and unleashing their full potential. All the women around me, my sisters, my mother, my cousins, my aunts, my friends…they all have strengths in some areas and weaknesses and others. But they are not defined by their weaknesses but by their strengths and capacities.

If I had to give an example of a strong woman that is known around the world, I think of Michelle Obama. She is able to be vulnerable and share a softer side while being outspoken and an advocate for subjects that are important to her. She is strong because she knows her worth and her value, while also recognizing her role as a mother, a wife, and a human being.

Another strong woman that I know is my aunt. She went through a lot in her life and instead of letting her life experiences get her down and make her disheartened and frustrated, she continues to keep a smile on her face and is always trying to help others. Her life circumstances haven’t brought her down but have rather made her stronger and more resilient. She is able to handle any situation, with her head held high.

TWH- Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman?

The only limit to a strong woman is herself and her beliefs of what she is and isn’t capable of doing.

We all have unlimited capacities to accomplish whatever we set our minds to. It’s only our mindset and our limiting beliefs that hold us back from fulfilling our full potential.

Like I mentioned before, every woman is inherently strong. We were built to be mothers and to raise children, which is physically, emotionally and spiritually a really demanding role. So our genetics make us strong, regardless of our life experiences. But I think that all women need to be given the opportunity to uncover their strength that lies within them.

TWH- If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them?

I think that the moment a woman recognizes her worth, what she has to offer, and understands that her unique voice and journey is inspiring, she will become an unstoppable force.

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Women need to feel empowered to use their voice and their stories to connect with others and to make a difference. Once they recognize that their voice matters, that their story is unique and valuable and that someone needs to hear their stories, they will feel compelled to use their voice. And then it becomes a positive reinforcing and unstoppable cycle where the more she uses her voice and is inspired to speak up, the stronger and more powerful she will feel.

Well said Seppy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and being a positive role model for ladies everywhere.

Well folks, here we have another example of courage, tenacity, and persistence in action. Seppy has certainly shown that although challenges are encountered one has by default the makeup to accept those challenges and be successful.

Thanks again Seppy for taking the time to share your experiences.

Seppy shares her passion on other social media networks listed below.

Twitter https://twitter.com/SeppyforLove

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seppyforlove/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/SeppyForLove/

Blog/website http://elleisforlove.com

Whoa! I made it! 1 Year Blogging Anniversary

Blogging can be a scary venture. With the right connections tho’ it can be a delightful learning experience.

Wow! I made it! Never thought I would make the one year mark of blogging, but I did. Why I did not think so, you ask?

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Well, it seemed pretty scary. Writing and publishing before the world was not quite what I envisioned but after reading a few other posts I was encouraged. I thought if they could do it, then I can.

So what did I get out of blogging this past year? Well, I

  1. Met new friends– this was an exciting part for me as I have been told in the past that  “I have never met a stranger”. This is certainly true as I have connected with many across the globe. Such a joy to meet others.startup-593341__480
  2. Increased in knowledge– This one is a favorite of mine because I believe life, in general, is a learning platform. Because of this, I know I do not know everything so it stands to reason, I must be open minded if I want to grow in knowledge. Blogging has most certainly been a platform to learn. I love reading others passion and life experiences for they by default cause my spirit to be encouraged, motivated, empathetic, sad and excited. I have gained knowledge tips from financial, travel,   parenting, entrepreneur, fitness, mental health, education, photography, and vlogging bloggers.
  3. Become a better writer– I can definitely see the difference in my writing. I don’t think I was that bad of a writer in the beginning but I know with the constant writing, I have fine-tuned my writing skills to get better. I must say I love Grammarly. It is definitely a writing tool one must download and have at their disposal. Reading others blog post also has helped to train my mind to good writing practices.
  4. Open-minded – Blogging has opened my mind up to inspiration. I was inspired before but now,  blogging has stirred up the inner thoughts of inspiration by helping me to think outside the box. Things I never thought I would engage in seem very capable to do now.

These are just a few highlights of what I have gained over the past year. I am sure I will forever continue to grow and learn more as I progress through my blogging experience.

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Stay tuned for my upcoming thanks and appreciation post. My experience has been fun and not without inspiration so I want to highlight those who have impacted me along the way.  It will include shoutouts and how I have influenced along the way.

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By the way, have you connected with me on the Instagram platform? If you have not, please do. There, you can view a few of the topics I write about in video. There on IGTv. Also, view daily fitness and life tips.

Thanks for the read! See ya next time.

 

Courtesy: Pixabay photos

The Resilient Woman series

Courage Tenacity Persistence

Hello friend! Welcome back to the Resilient Woman series. If this is your first time tuning in, then you are in for a treat. The guests have been simply magnificent!. Thier candid thoughts reveal the reality of today’s challenges and the mindset needed to address them head-on.

If you find yourself here, Yay! I would suggest preparing your mind to be energized and motivated. If you felt you were alone, think again. The series is designed to enlighten you to the fact that we all encounter some of the same challenges and are not isolated.

My next guest is quite talented and experienced. Being a graphic designer with over 10yrs experience she knows what business challenges to overcome and how to translate them into positive business experiences. She is a mom with wit and a direct sense of humor. Take a listen as she shares her thoughts.

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So Ashley, can you share a bit about yourself?

Hello, my name is Ashley. I am a stay-at-home mom who also happens to be a Freelance Graphic Designer, Etsy Shop Owner, and Blogger.I’m a small town girl with big dreams. I would describe myself as extremely driven, competitive by nature, and very much an introvert, although, outspoken when it comes to things, I’m passionate about. I am honored to have been asked to be a part of The Resilient Woman series.

Thanks, Ashley! I am glad you decided to be apart of the series. Thank you!

So,

TWH-What is your definition of a strong woman?
My definition of a strong woman is a woman who is confident in her own skin. Someone who is driven and resilient. A woman who, no matter what life throws at her, picks herself up over and over and finds hope and strength at the other end. A strong woman, to me, stands up for what she believes in, chases her dreams fearlessly, and empowers those around her passionately.
TWH-A resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain.
I believe a resilient woman processes many unique qualities, such as; courage, tough-mindedness, confidence, persistence. A resilient woman is a problem solver with an open mind and a creative perspective on life and all it has to offer. She believes in herself and trusts she has the strength to overcome any obstacle. She has faith in the fact that while life doesn’t always go her way, she will always rise in her tenacity.
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TWH-Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase the resilient women in action?
To me, motherhood showcases the overwhelming resilience of women the best. Not to take away from dads, because dads are just as important as moms… but, especially these days, moms are somewhat expected to hold their own careers while managing so many different aspects of the household. In many ways, while we’ve been empowered to more easily contribute to our families financially, we also haven’t relinquished the long-standing expectations to be homemakers. I, personally, don’t think this is a bad thing… simply a testament to what women are capable of. Motherhood requires a lot of persistence, determination, and resilience.
TWH-What barriers if any may a resilient woman encounter?
The only two common barriers I think resilient women encounter would be, perhaps, being misjudged and taken advantage of at times. I have witnessed strong women be categorized as “bitchy” or “stuck up” or “full of themselves” when in fact, they’re just out here doing their very best and owning whatever it is they have to work with. I’ve also seen resilient women be taken advantage of due to the assumption that “they can handle it” or the fact that typically resilient women don’t shy away from obstacles or problems so others find it easy to dump the load on them.
TWH- Is society recognizing the resilient women today and if so how?
I think society recognizes the resilient woman today, more than ever before, but I also think, in our society as a whole, we need to continue to build each other up, appreciate our differences and varying “strengths” rather than tear each other down or constantly try to convince ourselves that everyone is the same. While we are all equals as far as our basic human rights go, we are also all very unique. I think we should find a way to treat each other with respect but also rejoice in the fact that we each have something different to offer. That being said, I appreciate the newfound “girl power” movement, if you will. I think it’s beautiful to see women feeling confident in using their voice and also seeing not only other women build each other up, but seeing men build powerful women up as well.
TWH- Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too.
Personally, my biggest example of a strong woman is my mother. She has been through so many things in her life; a less than desirable childhood being raised by a single mother with four kids, she lost one of her brothers at a young age and her other two siblings to addictions later in life. Then my dad passed away when my parents were in their 30’s leaving her with four kids to raise herself. And, more recently, went through a very toxic divorce leaving her to essentially start all over in her late 50’s. But, despite all of those things, and more, she has always risen. She amazes me with her ability to still see the good in people and the world as a whole. She is optimistic almost to an annoying degree (hehe) and one of the most reliable people I know. She consistently puts herself in other’s shoes and finds understanding in nearly every situation. My mother is courageous, hardworking, resilient and persistent. She is strong.
TWH- Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman?
I don’t believe there are limits to being a strong woman. I think that’s one of the things that makes them strong. A strong woman sees no limits. She faces obstacles and challenges head-on without hesitation. Even with butterflies in her stomach, a strong woman will stand tall and push through things other’s may consider being limitations or may accept as impossible feats.
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TWH- If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them?
If someone were to ask me how they could become a strong woman, I would say, first and foremost… fake it til ya make it 😉 I’m a firm believer in the power of mind over matter. Building a tough mind, for me, is key to being a strong woman. If you can learn to trust in your ability to remain mentally tough, you can do anything. Women are powerful beings by nature, it’s only a matter of believing in ourselves and proving to ourselves over and over that we can do anything we set our minds to.
Yes, yes. Your last point is so true.
“Women are powerful beings by nature, it’s only a matter of believing in ourselves and proving to ourselves over and over that we can do anything we set our minds to.”
I truly respect the built-in nature and recognize the power of the mind.
Well folks, hope you have been inspired from another Resilient Woman perspective. Thank you, Ashley, for being real and enlightening our minds once again.
To keep up with Ashley, follow her on the other social media connects listed below.
Twitter: @GGraphicsInc
Instagram: @GarrettGraphicsInc
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleygirres
Etsy: Etsy.com/shop/garrettgraphics

The truth about being Consistent

An important character trait with benefits

Hello Friends! How are you? I hope well. This weeks post is about being consistent.

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After an interesting week full of inspiration, I thought it might be a good idea to share what I learned.

You know as we journey through this life we may face a few highs and lows. Regardless, the aim should always be on the prize…whatever that is. Once we reach it, only then can we enjoy the fullness of the journey, whether easy or tough.

That being said, I had a bit of revelation as to how important it is to be consistent no matter what obstacles we face. When one is consistent in pursuing their goal a few attributes are developed along the way that makes reaching the goal less of a chore and more desirable.

These attributes can vary from person to person but at the core, there are a few key qualities that all who attain their dreams possess.

One who is Consistent will…

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Develop Discipline – There is no doubt this life quality varies from person to person. It almost seems to be quite allusive too when you look out over the vast majority of folks across all job fields. The thing is, as with most life lessons it has to be learned. That may take time depending on the individual. Some learn quickly! Adapting to whatever sacrifices are necessary to achieve a dream. Others seem to toil with it from day to day, week to week, and year to year only to find out that time has slipped them by. For the one who accepts this character trait, there is an understanding there will be times of sacrifice and gut-wrenching determination to complete whatever task is necessary for achieving the goal. Sometimes sleep is compromised, early attendance is expected and/or unwanted participation is the norm.

Build Trust – If you are into social media then this is a definite quality one must accept. Trust in any relationship is important. When developed it can create a bond that no-one outside the sphere could easily break. So how is this built? I am so glad you ask. Through consistency of course. When a consistent stream of reliable information mingled with a relatable personality is shared a platform of trust is built. From there and over time will trust be given a chance to grow.

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Promote a Standard – At the core of being consistent develops a Standard! This Standard is a core character trait that shows up anytime that particular person shows up. Like trust, it is established within early and then developed over time. As engagements are met, clients are mentally engaged and physically motivated a Standard begins to be made. Over time and with successes others will begin to expect value from the connection made. The value accepted will equate to a Standard of quality expected anytime information is shared.

So there you have it. These are just a few highlights on what I believe are important takeaways to being consistent. I am sure there are more. If you have additional character points please share them. I would be delighted to hear them.

To hear me share these points, connect with me on IGTV.

To Sacrifice means to Plant Seeds​

Sacrificing is not only apart of life but yields benefits too.

Hello friends! Whew! What a week! How was your week? Mine was not too bad.

I endured the heat and humidity, completed two 2-a day workout sessions, and shared quality time with a few of my employees.

This kinda exemplifies a typical day and week for me. I would like to say the highlight would be the workouts but of course, life is much more than that. Which is why I want to share how important it is to sacrifice.

As I go through each day, I realize we sacrifice more than we know. Think about it? From the time we rise and go on our way, there is some sort of sacrifice made.

If employed, one has to sacrifice their personal time for the entity that has hired them. If you have a family, then a sacrifice of time and money is expected. With all the sacrificing one may tend to lose sight that it is a good thing.

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So, to put sacrifice in the right perspective I have highlighted a few guide points.

Sacrificing…

  1. Is Apart of life-There is no easy way to break this to ya. Sacrifice is here to stay and the sooner it is accepted the better off one is. As mentioned earlier, to sacrifice is to understand that if there is anything worth having one will sacrifice something at some point.  Just think about what you have now that’s worth keeping.
  2. May not feel good at times-To put it bluntly,  going for anything worth having may not feel the best while going through. For example, I have mentioned at times enduring a physical fitness workout. I enjoy workouts and what the end result can bring but the day to day and week to week routines are a sacrifice. I would love to wish for perfect health and body but reality says I have to physically put forth a sacrifice to achieve the health results desired. The sacrifice will include foregoing certain foods and snacks for a time. It may mean completing workout assignments at times when I feel lazy and unmotivated. Regardless, if I want to achieve the health results I must endure.
  3. Sacrifice brings benefits-This is my point! HANG IN THERE! NO matter what the goal, if it is worth reaching stay in the day to day and week to week sacrifice. Sacrifices are seeds planted at some point then over time yield positive results. These could be good health numbers, an increase in pay from your employer(subscribers), a student’s success based on your tutelage, a progressively healthy patient, or even a changed-heart spouse. These are just a few examples. The point is that sacrifice does not have to be looked at in a negative sense. When viewed from this perspective one knows it is just a matter of time before a circumstance, situation, or condition changes.

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There ya go! Just a few tips on sacrifice that hopefully help you make it through to your goal(s).

Of course, this is not a complete list so feel free to share your points in the comments. I would love to hear them.

To hear me chat more about this topic connect with me on Instagram. Select the IGTV menu button. Much love and success to you!

The Resilient Woman series

Courage Tenacity Persistence

Hello, again my friends! Welcome back to The Resilient Woman series. If you need to be filled in click here.

If you are reading this then you’re certainly at the right place. Here you will find encouragement to press on no matter what the circumstance. This weeks guest possesses a unique artistic flava. One that peaks your curiosity yet is quite pleasing to the eye.

Meet Lena Dee

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Growing up in the Carribean, Lena comes from a small family. She has learned to face her challenges head-on and grow from them. Like many who experience life’s ups and downs, she has developed a resiliency that others will definitely relate to. Barely missing out on attending The University abroad might have opened a door to anxiety attacks and depression, but courage and a never stop pressing mindset encouraged her otherwise.
As a millennial, today she participates in life as we all do showing her might through word and her determination by accepting the challenges along the way to a Masters Degree. Read on as she shares her candid thoughts.
So Lenna…
TWH- What is your definition of a strong woman?
 
My idea of a strong woman is one that knows no bounds. She doesn’t take no for an answer and no matter what comes her way she does NOT give up. She possesses patience and endurance because no matter what comes her way, she doesn’t take a stumbling fall to mean she’s shattered and cannot rebuild herself. She finds strengths in her weaknesses and learns from experiences to grow. 
 
TWH- A resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain.
 
(I hope I answer this correctly from my understanding of the question)
 
I think there is no one set of qualities a strong woman possesses but several, each varying from woman to woman. Few qualities may overlap between women but in looking at a female’s strength holistically, I do not believe you can isolate qualities to say that any as a singularity defines strength. Strength is a collection of qualities that change from woman to woman. One woman’s form of strength may not be found in another. The key goal, however, is striving to succeed in life, regardless of what that means to you. 
 
 
TWH-  Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase the resilient women in action?
 
One I would say is the situation of single mothers. To the world, this is one person but to her child/children, she is the world. The odds aren’t always in the favor of single moms and to many, systems of society try to exploit their state of being alone or a sole parent as a weakness. Many times over, these moms are faced with obstacles that test their strength and capability to provide and nurture another individual. There’s no book telling you what to do but many people like to interject and tell them they’re doing it wrong. I think any single mom that puts her child or children at the top of her hierarchy and has the determination to keep pushing through for her little family is not just a resilient woman but a superhero. 
 
 
TWH- What barriers if any may a resilient woman encounter?
 
There are so many barriers resilient women face. From men telling them, they can’t perform their roles efficiently to other women judging them for their choices. Being resilient is not for the weak at heart. It doesn’t mean you will always come out on top for every battle but that you have the perseverance to keep fighting for an outcome that can lead you in the right direction to succeed. In life, there will ALWAYS be people and more “powerful” forces trying to deter you from your path to success. At the end of it all, it is your choice and willpower to generate a strong state of mind that will keep driving you forward. It is not easy, especially for those who may not have as much support as others, but where there is a will, there is a way.
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TWH- Is society recognizing the resilient women today and if so how?
 
Is society trying? Yes! Can more be done? Most definitely!
I feel like to some extent society recognizes a resilient woman but there is most certainly more to be done. I mean, look at the way we’ve been taught to socialize and have a majority of social institutions not built in the favor of women isn’t helping. There is still a lot of gender bias. Many eras have passed women fighting their hearts out and dying for equality but we will never be equal to men, nor should we want to be. I think females NEED to see themselves more as the forces to be reckoned with that they really are. I think we’ve lost many battles wanting equality instead of fairness. Fairness in a society that is very in the middle about the topic of females and our resilience. Society wants change to occur for females but still isn’t fully inclined to let it happen or to provide the building blocks for the change. Right now, females have fought to the point where the conversation is changing. More of our voices are being heard, especially on social media platforms, more movements are being recognized and are more inclusive of women from different socio-economic backgrounds and religions. I think the varying concepts of what a society is, can still create a division for women. I believe unity is the key across borders but obviously, that’s easier said than done. There are still many places around the world that aren’t as mainstream as certain parts of the Western Hemisphere (i.e USA, Canada, UK etc.) where there is still a very strong patriarchy that opposes women. Where young girls are indoctrinated to feel powerless and like the inferior being. In those types of places, I think females who are brave enough to endure those constraints, build a certain resilience that isn’t recognized enough by societies. We are more powerful than we think and the day more of us can access this power mentally and internalize it, we will be unstoppable.
Lol sorry, it’s so lengthy!
TWH, not a problem at all. Your thoughts are most welcomed.
TWH-  Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too.
I don’t necessarily have one person in mind but several. I think women from all backgrounds who have the strength to get up daily and face this world and to continue to claw their way through whatever comes at them, are magnificently strong. Strength can’t be accredited to one or a few but to many. Many women who get knocked down ten times over continuously but get back up eleven. Not every woman has the strength to keep fighting, many lose the battle daily and eventually the war. They may not be deceased but they become mental slaves to their circumstances or the oppression they face. The day you become mentally enslaved to someone’s false perception of you can be your darkest day yet. Until you redeem the strength to someday claw your way to the light, those shackles will not break free. With that being said, my example of strong women are the women who provide for and raise their families, the everyday woman that keeps going after what she needs to succeed and survive, the women who have been abused and tortured but fight to survive, the women that speak up on the goodness of change,  and most importantly ALL females who get up daily and try. 
 
 
TWH-  Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman?
 
In life, everything has its form of kryptonite. Everything and everyone has a breaking point but it is whether you can recover from it or not. There exist certain weaknesses that can exhaust you but nothing lasts forever right? Exactly! There comes a moment where you find your strength in that weakness that can give you the sight you need to change courses and move forward. A strong woman may encounter several breaking points in her life that eventually builds her tolerance and propels her in her journey. Some obstacles force us to see things we don’t always want to accept but eventually learn to in order to grow as a person. Sometimes you have to lose a few battles before you can win the war. A strong woman is unstoppable but does not possess perpetual invincibility. 
 
TWH- If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them?
I’d help them by sharing my experiences, I believe you should always want to be a student in the way of life but that doesn’t mean you can’t pass on the knowledge you’ve gathered. Every individual can go through different struggles but be observant and willing to learn from others can definitely help in most aspects. Your stories may differ but there should always be one vital commonality, never giving up. My best form of guidance is the advice to learn to love and believe in yourself. Self-love is not selfishness and it is more important than we think. Understanding that no one can give you strength but yourself and unlocking that power is the biggest form of personal development that will help you persevere.

Wow!  Thanks, Lena for sharing your thoughts.  I can see that you are definitely on a mission. Appreciate your input as always.

Thank you so much for this interview Al and having a chance to voice my opinion on such a subject matter. 

Well friends, Can you feel it? Can you feel the passion within to motivate? I did! If you desire to share her passion below is where you can connect. She has a unique presence on social media in which one must definitely connect with and have in life’s tool bag of empowerment and courage.

PR email: info@lenadeexo.com

Twitter @lenadeexo​

Instagram @_lenadee

Pinterest @lena_dee

Blog/website https://lenadeexo.com

Thanks so much for the read! My hope is that you have been educated and encouraged to go on. Stay tuned for the next weeks guest.

Do you set Goals?

Past, Present, and Future Strategies help to reinforce

How important are Goals!

Hi friends! Whats up? Hope your week has gone smooth. I cannot complain.

The first of July kinda had me thinking. This is a good time to assess how important goals are and the need to have one. See, they are very much like a mission statement for a company. In the mission statement, the company shares what its overall intentions are with respect to providing its service or product.

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It does not provide many details as to how the mission will be carried out. It is designed to be a clear and concise message to all, of the company’s goal within the industry or market.  Also, all departments, regions, districts, and employees develop strategies to reinforce the mission.

So, one’s business goal(s) should mimic the same dynamics. Sure, you might not be as large as other companies but the principle of setting goals is universal for the progressive, goal-oriented, and task-completing entity.

Today, I will share some tips on why setting goals are important to have if you intend to progress in business or anything worth evolving.

Why are goals important?

  1. Point out how far you have come-Goals highlight just how far you have come from the start. Depending on what strategies employed you may or may not have sold or provided much from your initial launch of the service or product. A progress report of just how far and how well your business is doing helps. When I started blogging(last Jul/August) I did not know what to expect. I just love to write and saw a platform to share thoughts. I did set a goal though to engage with 3-4 blogs weekly and to write at least a post a week. If on track, I would at least submit by the 6-month mark 26 posts and hopefully engage a following of about the same. To my surprise, I actually made both goals. So looking back, I was motivated to continue.stairway-828883__480
  2. Establish a current position-Understanding your business’s current position is important too. Current position establishes a reference dollar or quantity amount to help set a goal. With this, one can make a sensible goal to achieve. So as mentioned in the previous point, when I started I had no previous data to build from. Actually, zero blogs with zero traffic and zero followers were the data. Lol. Using this as a launching pad was all I needed. From here I made a few initial assumptions to establish a goal.
  3. Where to go-After a goal has been set, it has to either be met, not met, or exceeded. If it has not been met, then it must be reassessed and evaluated so a determination of what strategies can still be used or removed. So a year into my blogging experience has revealed 90 followers and 40 published post. For me, this is good but when I assess the reality of it I missed my mark by 12 on the blog post submissions but exceeded the number of followers. The data reveals to me that work still needs to be done but is certainly encouraging regardless.

My GOAL nuggets:

  • Don’t get confused by another’s progress and business successes
  • Your goals are YOUR goals. Own them and learn from them
  • Learn from others successes don’t be discouraged
  • Remember Goals equal Past Strategy, Present Strategy, Future Strategy
  • Seek and learn from others. (Eg. Blogging Community)
  • Make realistic goals

Hope this helps. Are you meeting your goals? Have you been setting goals? What golden nuggets do you suggest? I share a bit on Instagram TV too. See ya there.

Much love to you friend!  Are we connected through other social media outlets? If not, I would love to connect with ya!  Till next post!

The Resilient Woman series

Courage Tenacity Persistence

Hello and welcome back to this week’s posts on the Resilient Woman. I hope you have enjoyed the candid responses from the ladies who so graciously accepted doing the interview.

This weeks guest can be described in a word; Determined.

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Growing up, Teika Towns was exposed to much; love, separation, trust, alcoholism, partying, and determination. Although this was the case, faith helped her to overcome paths to destruction and guide her to where she is today. Her story, for many, is a common one and another great example of an individual not allowing circumstances to defeat them in life. She has developed a caring for others approach in this life that she undoubtedly has learned from past experiences.

Take a listen as she shares a few personal points that will be sure to hit home with others.

So Teika, welcome! What are your initial thoughts?

First off, I want to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate and thank you for thinking of me!  When you first asked me to be involved, I wasn’t really sure of what I was going to say or even, really, what it means to be a strong or resilient woman. Most of my experience has just been based on survival. But as I had time to think and reflect, please see my answers below.

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TWH-What is your definition of a strong woman?

My definition of a strong woman is a woman that is not defined by the strength of the man she may be with. A strong woman knows how to carry herself, take care of her family and take care of others. A strong woman may not always have her looks together or her appearance together, which can be misconstrued as a weakened state, however, to me, it just means that she is taking care of business and will do what is necessary to make sure the needs of her family and others are met.

TWH- A resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain. 

A resilient woman possesses the following qualities: loyalty: loyal to her family, loyal to her job, her church, and most of all, loyal to GOD. GOD most certainly needs to play the role in a resilient woman because He is where her strength comes from.

Trust: A resilient woman can be trusted.  When she displays her loyalty, those who spend any time around her can be assured that trust is the basis of her very foundation.

Bounce back: A resilient woman bounces back.  I have been in a few situations where I felt like I was going to be taken down by the situation. I was married to a man for almost 4 years and we were only together for 19 months of those 4 years. Long enough to have 2 children. I felt like he thought I was young and could run my life, and I let him do it for a while to keep what I thought was “peace”. During that time period, I let myself go for a while, but I always made sure my daughter was well dressed (I didn’t have my son until after we parted ways). My mom would always notice that my clothes would be a little tattered or I may have had stains from carrying for my daughter on them. At the time, I just didn’t care; any chance I could get, I wanted to get out of the house and away from him. But the LORD dealt kindly with me and gave me my Bounce Back! I can remember when I first left him, one of the sister’s at the church said to me, in my face, “When the LORD delivers you from Egypt, you don’t go back!” I truly believe GOD used her to tell me to only look forward!!

TWH- Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase the resilient women in action? 

My experience is being a single mother. I had the best example of my own mother though. I would always say that if I could be half the woman and mother that she was and is, I would be all the better for it! I waited until my kids were almost out of high school to go to college. In all honesty, the only reason why I went back to school was because in 2007, when my manager, Pat Kendrick (MeeMaw), put in my review that I should go to school, I wanted to meet that goal and challenge for my job, and at the time that was the only reason. I started school in January 2008, and finished with my MBA in May 2014; all while working full-time, taking care of my kids and home, and meeting my responsibilities at church and for the LORD. I finally had to realize that was a door HE opened! My GPA ended up being nearly a 3.7 all while maintaining life! I’d have to say that was one of my most greatest showcases of being a resilient woman. I wanted to also be an example to my kids, and other young men and women at church that they can do ANYTHING!! I also re-married during that six-year period, which was a HUGE adjustment for me and my children, because up until my husband came along, we were all we had so to speak. Sure my parents and family and church family were there, but when it came down to the nitty-gritty, it was just me and my kids!

TWH- What barriers if any may the resilient women encounter? 

Some barriers a resilient woman may face could be social and economic limits. But I believe this to be from man’s point of view. Those barriers are there, but it only goes to show that we must rely on GOD through those barriers. That’s also what makes us resilient, facing those barriers, but still believing we can succeed.

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TWH- Is society recognizing the resilient women today and if so how? 

I would have to say that society is starting to recognize the resilient woman! Look at Michelle Obama. She had to endure much in her role as FLOTUS. With all she and POTUS had to face during their tenure in the White House, I can remember in one of her speeches when she said: “When they go low, we go high!” That spoke volumes! A simple statement that poignantly says that society will try and pull a person (in many instances, women) down. And some will succumb to society, but then for the rest of us, no matter what we face, always go high!

TWH- Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too. 

My example of a strong woman, is without a doubt, my MAMA!! She is the strongest woman I know! My life sorta puddled in her footsteps with raising two children, working a full-time job, AND going to school full-time, as a single mom. If she struggled, and I know she did, she never let my sister and me see it! She was and is still my hero! If I could choose another, it would be my godmother, Tracey Posey! She too has endured so much. Not always with grace, but because of the mercy of the LORD and her persistence to want to do right by GOD. She is still a work in progress, but I appreciate the LORD for her being so candid with anyone she talks to!

TWH- Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman? 

I do not feel there are any limits to being a strong woman. It is a personal choice. I will say that strength does lie in numbers.  We must surround ourselves with other strong women, but at the same time, be there for that young woman, and even older women, who are struggling. We need to use our strength to build each other up. Most times, it isn’t a man who is belittling a woman, but it is other women, belittling other women!

TWH- If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them? 

I would have to say the same as #7.

Quite truthful and gut-wrenching responses Teika. Thanks so much for participating and sharing your thoughts.

Well everyone, again we have another courageous lady that quite frankly is and has handled business. Hopefully, you have not only been educated in some way but encouraged to press on. Thanks for the read!

Stay tuned for next weeks guest.

 

 

 

The Resilient Woman series

Courage, Tenacity, Persistence

Hi friends! Welcome back to the “Resilient Woman” series. Glad you stopped by.

This weeks guest is Andrea Joy and boy is she an extension of her name. Andrea is such a delight to converse with that one must definitely have her in their tool bag of life. Her passion revolves around finances so who isn’t affected here. I am so grateful she participated in the series. Read on as she shares her candid thoughts on the Resilient Woman.

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Andrea, tell us about yourself.

My name is Andrea Joy, and my goal with my blog www.savingjoyfully.com is to help you make more and save more money every month. My website shares some of the ways I have learned over the years to stretch my budget every month. My biggest interests are saving money, being more frugal, and learning new ways to make extra money on the side.

That is awesome! Well said. Everyone is impacted by money so it only stands to reason the need to be wise and frugal with it.

So Andrea, in today’s society when it is mentioned concerning the resilient or strong woman, to you…

TWH- What is your definition of a strong woman?

A strong woman is a woman that no matter what life throws at her she is able to rise above it. A strong woman may go through an abusive relationship, custody battle, divorce, loss of a child or spouse, loss of a job and still give it all she has each time. A strong woman must learn to recognize her feelings and accept them, but also learn to think and make choices based on what is best for her life not just based on her feelings.

TWH- A resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain. 

Hard working, she is willing to work through all that life throws at her and yet never give up. She is always determined to make it no matter what situation she is dealing with and is always choosing to rise above the hard times. She is honest about her feelings and about where she has come from throughout every area of her life and her relationships. She displays courage as she accepts what she has been through and often deals with the hardest things a person can ever have to deal with. Despite everything she goes through she does all of this in a way that she can share her triumphs and inspire others.

TWH- Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase the resilient women in action?

Having a family situation with my siblings who had been removed from their home and the opportunity for me to decide whether to step in and become their caregivers. I knew the girls, who were both teenagers at that time, needed my help and support. At that time there was no question in my mind what had to be done, I had to let them live with me. The situation was very hard and despite the emotional roller coaster and the family that would choose to turn on me for my choices, I knew what I had to do. I will never regret this even though it changed my own life entirely and broke all of our hearts at times throughout the process.

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TWH- What barriers if any may the resilient women encounter?

People who do not understand her choices, and her struggles. Many people will hurt her along the way and yet she will always find a way to rise above the challenges and pain life throws her way. The resilient woman will have to be strong in situations that hurt very badly and often make her question her own strength. This same woman will discover what she is really made of through these choices and will continue to pursue the right path for her life with dignity and persistence.

TWH- Is society recognizing the resilient women today and if so how?

Society does not always recognize the resilient woman because we look just like any other woman. Women are not always seen as strong and capable of great things. Depending on the strength and courage a woman possesses in the difficult times in her life she can stand out and shine in her life as she lives this life of courage. This is how you can recognize a resilient woman, she will be the one that despite everything life throws at her she is still working towards her goals and inspiring others.

TWH- Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, it’s ok to share that too.

My Grandmother was always my best example of a resilient woman. She changed my entire view of women and made me the woman that I am today. She was a child who watched her mother die of a terrible illness while her father left her and her brother to raise themselves. She then moved in with her aunt and uncle who raised her and her brother until she graduated. She married young and married an abusive man and then was forced to raise her own 4 children alone for years until she met her second husband. My Grandmother was the most kind and caring woman that anyone would ever meet. My family used to say that she would give you the shirt off her back and they honestly were right. She was so loving and cared so much about others and if it were not for my Grandmother’s love in my life I would have been a very different woman today.

TWH- Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman?

Everyone has their limits and the strongest women usually have someone that they can talk to and confide in. They recognize that they cannot always do everything alone and they need the love and support of others in their lives. A strong woman will ask someone she can trust for help when necessary.

TWH- If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them?

I would say recognize that you are strong and capable because of who you are not because of anything else. I would tell her that whatever you put your mind to, and work hard towards is possible. I would encourage her to keep believing and working towards her dreams. We all need the help of others along the way in our lives so I would encourage her to surround herself with others who support and inspire her to be the best version of herself.

Thanks so much, Andrea for participating and sharing your thoughts. It has been my pleasure to provide a platform for us all to be enlightened as to today’s strong and woman.

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Well, there you have it, folks. I told you she was a delight. Stay connected with her on these social media outlets. Till next post, stay upbeat and encouraged!

Twitter https://twitter.com/savingjoyfully

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-joy-6271b115b

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/savingjoyfully/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/savingjoyfullycom-973149492832126/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/savingjoyfully/overview/

Blog/website http://savingjoyfully.com/