Thank you for a new day. As I start my work week, I want to first give you all the glory for keeping me and continuously blessing me. This week as I take on new challenges I ask for a boost of self-discipline. Help me to do the necessary work to stay on task, follow the process and stick to the plan. With your help, I will not veer to the left or right, but I will have complete faith in my ability to reach my goals. No distractions, no procrastination, just discipline.
This is my prayer in the name of your loving son Jesus. Amen.
Hey Hey! You are tuned in to the first Episode of Timeout!
Today I’m talking about Daily Devotionals. As a woman who decided to take a Timeout from the constant chaos, and the daily duties of life in order to focus more on things that add peace, joy & delight to my existence, please accept this as your personal invitation to join me in my quest.
I hope you will listen in and gain inspiration on how to jazz up your reflective time.
When you’re finished, leave me a comment and let me know if this Episode has been helpful for you.
I recently read a post on BET.com that really got under my skin. The article is entitled “Cancer Survivor Featured in Beyonce’s Lemonade Faces Backlash After Details of Her Medical History Don’t Add Up.” (horrible title)
The article is about Paulette Leaphart from Biloxi, Mississippi. Ms. Leaphart was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and underwent a double Mastectomy to rid her of the terrible disease.
Ms. Leaphart had a 0.7 centimeter cancerous tumor in her right breast and one of six sentinel lymph nodes removed tested positive for cancer.
The article (click here to read) insinuates that a double mastectomy wasn’t needed because Ms. Leaphart only had cancer in one breast. As a survivor, I have a problem with this assumption. Cancer is cancer, no matter the size of the tumor. Once a lymph node is affected, there’s a strong probability that the disease will spread to other areas of your body.
I applaud Ms. Leaphart for taking such an aggressive approach. My largest tumor was a little bigger than hers but my lymph nodes weren’t involved so I chose a less invasive option. I am constantly nagged by the worry of reoccurrence but I trust God with my life.
When I first found out that I had cancer, I immediately thought of my daughter and I’m sure Ms. Leaphart did too.
If you’ve never been faced with choosing between a lumpectomy, mastectomy or double mastectomy, your voice should remain silent about the choices that someone else chooses to fight for their life.
As a Peace Coach, I’m often asked why I choose to pursue Peace and what kind of things bring me Peace. In all honesty, I choose Peace because it wasn’t present in my life for a very long time. In my early years I had to deal with a lot of stuff. One of the most memorable is a relationship in my mid-twenties that made me question who I was and what I stood for. I wish that I could say I made all the right choices in handling my hurt, but I can’t.
Today I’m a completely different person. I made a lot of selfish choices that have had lasting affects in my life. What I know now is that I forgive myself for not taking the time to properly grieve the loss of the relationship and for not allowing myself sufficient time to heal.
As a commitment to my peace and mental health, I surround myself with people and things that bring me Peace and provide opportunities to release tension.
I created my first Peace Map several years ago to intentionally call Peace into my life. My Peace Map has evolved over the years but I can truly say the things that are on it now, bring me unspeakable Peace.
Did you notice A Different World seasons 2-6 on my Peace Map? I am absolutely in love with the evolution of Dwayne and Whitley’s love story on the show. I’m also captivated by the quality and substance of the show. It really details some serious life lessons and cultural awareness. A piece of my heart has been broken since Netflix removed the show from their catalog on March 15th. If anyone reading this has any influence at Netflix, please tell them to add it back.
Another one of my peace providers is Brussels Sprouts. Yes, I said Brussels Sprouts. No matter how you cook them, I will eat them. I’ve even chopped them up and added them in my green smoothie recipes.
If you haven’t already, take a few minutes to consider those things that accentuate Peace in your life and create a Peace Map!
Thank you for restoring those things that were once lost. I appreciate your willingness to restore them better than they previously were. Its been said that time heals all wounds but I’m a firm believer that you make things right in your time and then you redeem the time that was lost. You are amazing. Always watching over us and guiding us through life. I pray to trust you more. I pray for a better understanding of your love for us. I thank you for blessing us according to your love and I am thankful that in you all is well.
We are exactly three months into the new year and it’s time for a quick check-in to see how you’re doing on your goals and if it’s time for some re-adjustments.
I pray that things are going well for you and that Peace is still your top priority.
At the top of the year I set some pretty lofty goals for myself. I am on a mission to achieve Peace in several areas of my life. My strategy plan includes goals for my health, my career, my spirituality and my relationships.
I am happy to report that I am making strides in all areas. So far I’m down 12 lbs. I’m gaining clients in my business, my prayer life is terrific and best of all, I’m getting gold stars for being the “coolest ex ever!” I’m happy to report that I’ve let go of some grudges and sprinkled some forgiveness on a few situations!
So how’s it going for you. Are you making strides and working toward your goals or are you at a stand still.
If you’re stuck, let me help you get back on track. If you’re really ready to start crushing goals peacefully, contact me today.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I am spotlighting the Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network (CVAN) for their work in helping battered women and their children find safety and peace during troubling times.
I first learned about CVAN as a Girl Scout Leader searching for a community service opportunity for my girls. I found a cute little boutique full of women’s clothing and toys that accepted donations from the community. Upon researching this store I discovered their mission. The store was just a means of support for the many programs that CVAN provides and the shelter that it operates.
CVAN has been in operation since 1982. They provide services such as: a 24-hour hotline, housing, peer counseling, children’s program, formerly battered woman’s advocacy, woman’s jail program, teen program, court advocacy, community education and support groups.
I’ve been connected with CVAN in various capacities for more than 10 years. CVAN is an integral part of Cabarrus County but that reach is nationwide. CVAN has successfully assisted women throughout the United States in finding safety from their abuser.
The following is a list of patterns and behaviors to look for in an abusive mate:
Safety Planning
Signs to look for in your partner:
Quick involvement with you
Isolates you from others
Blames others for their problems
Gets upset easily
Controlling behavior
Explains how you are always wrong
Speaks disrespectfully of women
Says hurtful things to you
Expects you to be perfect
Threatens you
Hits, chokes or shoves you
Cruel to children and/or animals
Inappropriate sexual requests
In the United States a woman is abused every 15 seconds.
If you or someone that you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, there is confidential help for you. You can speak with a representative at the following number: (704) 788-2826.
Please check out CVAN’s website at:www.cvan.org for more information.
When it comes to achieving goals, the first 21 days are vital. It’s in this 3 week time period that you create a routine, adjust to the new self-imposed requirements and train your mind to accept this new behavior. Studies show that if you can make it through this introductory period, you have a better chance of reaching the finish line.
One way of holding yourself accountable is to create a Circle of Admiration. This can be done by studying the lives and accomplishments of various people in history and using their stories as a way of motivating you to reach those goals that you set for yourself.
Think of it as research.
Whether you’re a student, a corporate climber or an entrepreneur, it’s important to pay attention to those who have taken similar paths as yours.
The intention is not to copy what they’ve done but to make you more aware that there is more than one way to reach a goal.
The following techniques can be used to create your personal Circle of Admiration:
Research top influencers in your areas of interest. Priscilla Shirer is a great friend of mine, in my mind. I love her books and bible studies. I admire the way that she boldly teaches the word of God in a relatable and easy to follow format. Her life and commitment to live out her dreams is a big motivator for me.
Turn to your community. Role Models and Mentors can be found in your church, at work or in community groups. Some of the greatest community activists are found in local barber and beauty shops. It’s okay to strike up a conversation and get to know who’s next to you in the shopping aisle.
If all else fails virtual is an option. With the popularity of social media, you can take advantage of virtual mentorship. LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram can give you insight into the professions, academics and hobbies of highly accomplished people.
As always, SUGA Wellness Boutique, LLC is here to give you tips and advice for living a Peaceful and more fulfilled life.
If you would like to talk one on one, contact me for a complimentary discovery call at: sugawellnessboutique@gmail.com
SUGA Wellness Boutique, LLC is currently accepting resumes for a Marketing AnalystIntern. Please see the job description at:www.sugawellnessboutique.com and send us your resume if interested!
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