Your superpower, continued...

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Click on the below article links to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I enjoyed doing the research for this article. First, I got the idea from a teenager who mentioned a superhero trait during a brief discussion and it triggered some deep thought for me. Did you ever ask yourself what hero ability you would like to have if you could pick a super human trait? For me, I think I would like the ability to fly. It must be extremely freeing to just step up and be air born.

If you didn’t yet, I encourage you to look at the link I attached in the examiner article. It links to the article, 15 People With Real Life Superpowers. These are really crazy traits but found to be true. It’s really interesting.

All of the superhuman traits I listed in the article, I actually believe I have and I am in the process of fine-tuning such celestial birthrights.

What gifts do you hold? I challenge you to look deep within and surface such powers. We all need to engage these profound powers to not only empower ourselves but to light the world along the way.  

Claim your space, continued...

Own you; don't distort your vision by living life apologetically.  Lifetime Art impressions, LLC photo

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I used to be a person who apologized for everything. If someone bumped me, I would say, “I’m sorry!” Timidly I found my way into the world. Today, I still have my shy and timid demeanor but I learned, as a young adult, that my apologetic approach was not serving me well.  This stance does not open doors and gift opportunities instead it fuels weakness.

I have to admit, it still surfaces but, because I have self-awareness about this concern, I am able to quickly reassess and gain my composure.

I remember in my early volunteer years within my community (at the hospital or a shelter) I made an effort to remain low-key and out of the way. Instead of being proud of my contribution, I was cowardly in my approach, downgrading myself.  If someone asked who I was or what I was doing in the organization, I would say, “I’m just a volunteer.” I now see that a volunteer is never “just a volunteer” these individuals are special. I am not paid for the time I contribute as apposed to the workers, I am there intentionally with a purpose to serve and because of this, I am special; I am a blessing and you, my friend, are too!

Expert advice, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information about this blog post:

Examiner article

At first, when I was presented with the challenge of "owning my expertise" I was taken back and struggled with the task. I thought, "How can I be pompous and make such a list?" But, then after thinking about if for awhile, it made me realize that there isn't anything wrong with owning our experience and knowledge. As a matter of fact, it is wrong not to share this earthly wisdom! I am a natural leader. Regardless of where I focus my attention, I gravitate to the top. I am a compassionate person with a big heart and because of this, I can read other people's state of mind really good. This is because I'm comfortable in my own skin and I'm in tune with my company. I am creative, intelligent and a top of the line artist (in most every media I've tried). I am inspirational and I'm a protector of those who surround me. I help people find their way to their best self and for this I am very proud!

Leave me a list of your areas of expertise, who knows, we might be able to help one another!

Inner greatness, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article link

Tonight's article is really about the magic of you. You encompass the ability to be successful. You were born with all of the tools to become your best self and to make the world a better place as you grow. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish everything you put your mind to and more. Yes, metaphorically, you can even move mountains. If you do not agree with me, you have work to do but with perseverance, you will gain this necessary confidence.

Your life is a miracle in itself. You came into this world pure and authentic. Perhaps you've been tainted by the challenges in your world; intimidated by bullies. But, you can come through the hardship and embrace your livelihood, believe in your abilities. As you harness this sensation, it will fill your heart and manifest greatness, reflective of you.

You are in the driver's seat and you can turn your life around if it isn't working out currently. Don't ever give up!

Do you believe this is the key to success? Leave me a comment with your thoughts!

Priceless Self Worth

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As a Mother I really believe my boys learn more from my actions or non-verbal approaches as apposed to learning from my words (which is good more times than not)! I've always tried to be fair with them and, if I mess up, I've learned to recognize it and apologize just as I would expect them to do for me when tables are turned. Through the good times and bad, I've somehow been able to hold my head high and keep my ethics in check knowing these young pupils of life we're absorbing all of my reactions along the way. One of my biggest fears has been the disabling thought of either of them not possessing healthy self-worth. I'm really proud of both of them and I'm so grateful they've found their way and, in their young teen lives, they are both exuding priceless self-worth. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and I'm praying a lot along the way to help us all stay on course, taking it and enjoying one day at a time! This is what inspired my article below, which was posted on the Examiner prior to them closing their online doors and removing the content.

Priceless self worth

What is the value of your self-worth? Self-worth comes from within each of us although this perception is very apparent to others. How you think of yourself is projected into the world like an imaginary price tag floating over your head. Are you projecting a priceless self worth or are you red tagged and targeted for the clearance rack? 

Most people will spend hours in the kitchen preparing wonderful meals for their loved ones but when it comes to making their own food, a five minute meal is customary or perhaps there isn't any meal prepared.  Why is it we can justify spending our time on someone else’s needs but not on our own? Perhaps we’re people pleasers and we crave praise from others to validate our own existence; someone needs you, therefore you must be valuable!? 

Your self-worth doesn’t increase from external praise although in the moment it may feel like it. It can be improved, fundamentally, by embracing spirituality inclusive of mindfulness. Learn to appreciate the wonder of you and how to manifest a healthy life and when you do this, you'll find miracles within the most ordinary places. Practice letting go of preconceived notions such as self-centeredness or selfishness. Fill your spirit with self-love. Set aside time prioritizing your own needs; this refueling will help you better serve others in your life. 

Allow this self-love to clear the distortion from your mirror image and let this new found confidence radiate self-esteem and reflect your priceless value to the world!  

 Click here to read more about self-worth.

Are you comfortable in your skin

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Love who you are!

For the most part I have been comfortable in my skin and confident in my abilities but it hasn't always been this way. And, my confidence continues to grow as I continue to appreciate who I have become. I really do believe I am a survivor; I'm a successful person who can handle just about anything that comes my way although maybe not in the most appropriate way at times. It doesn't mean I don't react or struggle before I find and navigate my path forward, it just means I recognize the challenge and figure out a solution before it gets the best of me! Really, if we can't count on ourselves, who can we really count on?

Below is the article I wrote in November of 2009, before the Examiner closed its doors and took the content down.

Are you comfortable in your own skin

Regardless of the class you fit into, your age, gender, color, shape or size, the way you carry yourself as you maneuver through your life impacts your success.  Are you comfortable in your own skin?  Your thoughts about you, even if you are not verbalizing them, affect your body; how one feels and acts.  Do you have a presence that commands positive attention or does your demeanor influence people negatively?  Every person you know is flawed, the difference is most people do not become disempowered by their imperfections instead, they figure out how to accept them so they are perceived favorably by the world, which is empowering! 

Learn to love your flawed self and offer this authentic being to the rest of the world!  You’ll find, after a little practice, it is easier than you would think and you’ll realize how draining self doubt and negativity is, once you are able to free it.  

Start by countering any damaging thought with an encouraging one. Any time you speak negatively about yourself, add the word "but" to it and reframe it positively with a countering statement. Maybe you are overweight but you are healthier than you used to be. Your health can be the foundation to facilitate a new commitment to walk daily enabling you to slim down. Harshness isn't going to motivate long-term change but self compassion will encourage this.

Look into the mirror and force yourself to find a compliment. This might feel conceited and seem really hard at first but it is a worthwhile venture!   Work on your posture; someone slumped over might suggest laziness even if you are a very active person. Finally, smile. You’ll be surprised how contagious it is; people will reciprocate your cheerful gesture. 

Regardless if you are teaching a class, meeting for a first date or interviewing for a new job, it is critical to remember, you are your best investment.  Let your comfort emanate through your pores and present a confident, cool self to enable success by attracting positivity into your life!