We Can Fly

Flying with Marianne Williamson

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

For some reason I needed to 'hear' this poem today. It is titled A Return to Love written by Marianne Williamson. Be blessed.

A Return to Love

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Flying in the present

2012-01-27T05:00:00.001-05:00

Even when things get bad, it is important to live in the present moment. It is important to take it all in because the tide will turn. It always does. And when you get to the other side you must remember how you got there, what you went through, the choices you made, even the ones that you promised that you will never make again.

Being in the present does not require you to do anything grand. It just means that you must be awake to taste, smell, feel, see, and hear what is going on around you.

It is not necessary that you leave the house. Remain at your table and listen. Do not even listen, only wait. Do not even wait, be wholly still and alone. The world will present itself to you for its unmasking, it can do no other, in ecstasy it will writhe at your feet.

Franz Kafka

Flying in hope

2012-01-26T05:00:00.001-05:00

There are times when the best we can do is hold on to hope. The hope that there is something amazing waiting for us. The hope that we are doing the right things, saying the right things, being the right things, while still breathing. We hope that when we open the door it is the right door.

We hope a lot and we should. One should never give up hope regardless of the situation. The sun will arise again.

Hope is a renewable option: If you run out of it at the end of the day, you get to start over in the morning.

Barbara Kingsolver

Flying still in uncertainty

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

My life is still exactly where I want it to be. In the meantime I am sending out resumes, listening to the Universe, taking risks, and being present in the moment. It isn't easy. I love what Phylicia Rashad said about the next thing, I am paraphrasing, but basically she said that she did not know what the next thing would be for her but she knows it will be amazing! She said that God works things out so there is no need to worry about anything.

I really like that. It takes the pressure off of me to figure it all out right now. However, I also cognizant that I need to keep moving, taking risks, and above all else praying and believing. That is difficult right now. My mind keeps going to the dark side forcing me to think about losing my house and things like that.

I know God has a plan for me. And in the midst of all this, I was given a terrific opportunity. I was interviewed by Suzanne Goldenberg of the Guardian and who knows what may happen next. I am doing just what my dad told me "keep on keeping on".

Me in a live interview.

Flying with Cookie and her adventure at the Stephen Colbert Rally

2012-01-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

Friday I went to the Stephen Colbert Rally at the College of Charleston. It was a beautiful day and I managed to get really close to the stage.

I ending up standing next to a reporter from the Washington Post...

Also standing in the same area was a nicely dressed older white guy wearing a polo shirt with the name of a sailing company logo on it.

He leaned over and asked me, ...if I was with the choir?

Really?!? I would love to believe that I look much younger than my 52 years, but even I am not so deluded or vain to believe I look as young as I did in college.

He then said, "..Well I bet you are a great Gospel singer, and you could be up there."

The poor reporter lady looked shocked. I just shook my head and said, "No I do not sing, even in church."

He moved off and said, "see you at the polls in the morning!"

The reporter said, "You must be so insulted!"

I said, " I live in South Carolina, people say stupid crap like this to me all the time."

Moments later an older white woman came up to me and asked me, (still in front of this reporter, Thank GOD, because many of my friends here, do not believe that this kind of thing gets said to me...) "Excuse me, honey, we came down from Greenville, where can we get some good soul food and fried chicken?'

Ok forgive me God for lying, but I said,

" I have no earthly idea, I am a vegan."

The poor reporter almost dropped her note pad... She said she would not have believed it, if she had not been standing here.

Please NOTE: This is how I know there is a God and that Jesus lives Big in me... I prayed, "Lord, if you love me shut my mouth..." I did not rip either of these dumb-bunnies a new one.

Other than that, it was great seeing Stephen Colbert. He really has a lovely singing voice. And it was very sad/funny seeing Herman Cain... who does not have a great singing voice.

It was clear to Ms Henneberger that lots of people at this rally did not get the joke...

Cookie quoted in The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/stephen-colbert-herman-cain-turn-spotlight-on-super-pacs-in-south-carolina/2012/01/20/gIQAOARtEQ_story.html

Cookie quoted in the Toronto Star

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1119043--stephen-colbert-and-herman-cain-hold-rally-in-south-carolina

Flying the day before I defend my dissertation

2012-01-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is the day that I end my journey for the elusive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). It has been a long hard road where I learned a lot of lessons, not all of them good. I have had lots of support from friends, family, and strangers. I am humbled by it all.

I love this quote because although it talks about gold medals, any prize can be inserted and the meaning remains the same.

Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.

Dan Gable

Flying when you don't want to

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

There will be times, there will be plenty of times when the obstacles around you loom larger than life. Some of these obstacles will be imaginary and others will be quite real. There will be people who appear to have nothing better to do than hurt you. There will be trying times ahead for you. Nevertheless, you must 'keep on keeping on' as my father always says.

Don't let anything stop you. There will be times when you'll be disappointed, but you can't stop. Make yourself the very best that you can make of what you are. The very best.
~ Sadie T. Alexander

Flying while getting up

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

I don't think I know anyone who hasn't failed at something. Most people I know have failed more times than they can remember or are willing to admit. Failure is what happens to those who take risks. Success is what happens afterwards. It rare to have one without plenty of the other. It is how you recover that determines your next step.

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.

George S. Patton

Flying while flying

2012-01-18T05:00:00.001-05:00

Do not wait for someone to hand you an award or to pat you on the back. It may not ever happen. Perhaps you deserve the accolades, but do not stop and wait for them. Continue to strive towards your goals and let others catch up with you later.

I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it.

Jonathan Winters

Flying heading for my PhD

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a long time coming. Now the date is set, I defend my dissertation on January 24th at 5pm. It has not been an easy run, but I know the light at the end of the tunnel is not a freight train heading in my direction. Not this time anyway. There have been many bumps along this road. I will rest on my laurels just for a bit as I know more challenges await me ahead.

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.

Dale Carnegie

Flying while finding a way

2012-01-16T05:00:00.013-05:00

What is keeping you from being what you want to be? From where you want to go? Please do not say someone else or something else. Yes, there are times when we must go through a process to get the desired result, but it can be done. It has been done by many people many times. Of course there is no one's story exactly like yours, but many have been victorious in challenges. You can, too.

I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.

Langston Hughes

Flying with the Charleston half marathon

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow thousands of people including me will be running the Charleston half marathon. I think I am ready, but I am not a good racer. I get out there and forget that it is my race and my pace. I will try harder this time and the next and the next.

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
--John Bingham

Flying getting ready for the Charleston half marathon

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of getting ready to run the Charleston half marathon. I ran 12 miles on Saturday and now I am running just enough to keep my legs loose. We should look at life the same way, there are times when we need to work hard for something and times when our preparation takes over.

"Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best."
--Michael Johnson

Flying with the miles

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday I ran my last long training run in preparation for this Saturday's half marathon. There were several runners out there with us. Eventually they turned from the main road and went their own ways. We saw only a couple at the end. That is what it takes sometimes, going a bit further to get the job done. This is true in running and in life, some of us just have to work harder.

“There are no traffic jams on the extra mile.”

Zig Ziglar

Flying while hot

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

I have started doing hot yoga. It is intense, it is tough, it is hard, and it is hot. The room is at 105 degrees and an accomplishment is staying in the room the first day. I did that the first day and the second day.

Yet I keep going back. I keep going back because I promised a friend that I would do a 60 day challenge with her. I also keep going back because at some point it should feel better and I should see the results that I keep hearing about. Plus they say that the third day gets easier.

I found this quote on Facebook from I ♥ to run:

Keep going. That pain you feel? That's fear melting away. Like wax off a candle. That's weakness washing out of your pores like a monsoon. That's the old you being shed away like dead skin. That's the new you, rising out of the ashes of your former self.

Dare to face your fears!

Flying with coconut water

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

I have added coconut water to my fitness regime. At first I did not like it at all. Then I embarked on a research project with a new sistergirlfriend to sample all of the types of coconut water we could find.

Why? Research has shown that it has more potassium than a banana, contains natural electrolytes, and depending on the brand, tastes great. Since I have at least 4 half marathons on my calendar this year, I will need all of the help I can get.

Click to learn more about coconut water

Flying on an anniversary

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my parents' anniversary. No, I am not sure how many years they have been married, it must be at least 53. Happy Anniversary mom and dad!

The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a growing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is sort of divine accident, and the most wonderful of all things in life.

Hugh Walpole, Sr.

Flying without landing

2012-01-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

Since I have a lot of time on my hands, I find myself waiting until the latest possible moment to get things done. And sometimes, things do not get done and eventually I forget about them. I made a list this morning and promise to to do better.

The two rules of procrastination: 1) Do it today. 2) Tomorrow will be today tomorrow.

~Author Unknown

Flying in uncertainties

2012-01-04T05:00:00.021-05:00

At the moment my life is full of uncertainties, much more than what usually faces me at the start of a new year. I am trying not to panic, to let go and let God, to relax in anticipation of the reward, and act and separate from the outcome. Whew! That is a mouthful and that is a huge task ahead of me, that I will admit that I am not doing effortlessly. One step at time with some dancing along the way!

“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.
Delicious Ambiguity.”

Gilda Radner

Flying with new stuff

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

It is the new year and I have decided to join my brother in his quest to be sweet-free for the month. Yes, I am forsaking all desserts including butter cream for an entire month. Why? Simply because I feel the need to do something different. Something that I have never tried before. So each month, I will be embarking on a new something. I have not figured out exactly what form these new activities will take, but I promise to keep you posted. I do know that I want to add yoga at some point during the year. I am also entered into a challenge to run 1,212 miles this year.

Hopefully, I will also be announcing the completion of my PhD this month. So lace up your shoe laces and take this journey with me with your own new monthly additions.

Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.

~Arnold H. Glasow

Flying in celebration (re-post, sort of)

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

On this day Monday of the new year, look forward to making your life just a little bit better.

When is the last time you celebrated yourself and your accomplishments big or small? Last night I was very fortunate to celebrate me with a very dear friend. We sat in her kitchen drinking champagne (which we both love and usually have a bottle in the refrigerator for such occasions). She was gracious enough to let those couple of hours be all about me (which is why I love her dearly). Of course I do the same thing for her. Celebration is essential to flying. I mean, what is the point of succeeding if you cannot scream Hallelujah, Roll Tide, Go Gators, You Go Girlfriend or something else in complete and utter delight? No point in all, but of course that is my opinion.

I challenge you to at least once a month, pour yourself a drink (iced tea, Coke, Pepsi, or the beverage of your choice) and toast yourself. It does not matter if you are alone and have no one to share that moment with. It is all about you. You can write your celebrations here and I will gladly raise a glass with you. Also, if you are alone, you don't have to get dressed. You can toast yourself naked or in that bikini that will never see the outside of your bedroom! The important thing is that you celebrate you for a few moments. Celebrating yourself is the best way to prepare yourself to spread your wings and continue to fly.

Flying with other people's words in your head (re-post)

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Lately several people have been giving me unsolicited advice. They are talking to me as if they know exactly what I should be doing, how I should be doing it, etc. etc. I am sure those people really think they are helping me, when in fact they are not. Are you one of those people or do you have those people in your head? Neither is acceptable, tolerable maybe.

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who matter don't mind, and those that mind, don't matter.

Dr. Seuss

Flying with a simple flight plan by Cookie (re-post)

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Ones,
When we have a fear of flying or we do not have a good flight plan, take a moment and review these steps.
Work on your situation... The skies above will be clear again in no time...
Try this mantra...
Aim high,
Cookie

I will work on my situation, step-by-step, consistently, until I have fully overcome it. I have the power to overcome it.
I will replace it with self-esteem and glowing confidence. My success is absolutely assured. I can visualize my victory now. I will enjoy the challenge every step of the way, and when I get there, I will celebrate the glory of my victory, and of my freedom. The change in me has already begun.
Everything that man has created in this world is preceded first by a thought of that creation. Saying, thinking high, loving words or thoughts over and over raises the mind's vibration. It may be we have tended to focus on the negative side: criticizing ourselves and others, feeling guilty, finding fault, etc. Each time you succeed in focusing on higher ideals and thoughts for even a moment or two, congratulate yourself. Whenever, you think of it, remember to turn your attention to higher thoughts. Look for words that make you feel go when you say them to yourself. If you notice yourself feeling anxious or depressed, use positive, uplifting words to raise your energy. Such words as love, clarity, will, intent. Say I am strong, giving, caring, committed, abundant, radiant, light, enthusiastic, peaceful, tranquil, relaxed, serene. Just such inspiring words are sufficient. It is not necessary to make them into sentences or statements. When you think of the word peace, you connect with that natural peaceful vibration in the minds of millions in the world.

I am full of understanding and respect for all humanity.

When you feel yourself starting to beat yourself up about something, there’s a very simple technique that can help ease it. Pretend you are your best friend. How would you talk to your friend? You would never tell your best friend the things you tell yourself. You‘d never treat anybody the way you treat yourself. You wouldn‘t talk to somebody you love that way, would you? Give yourself the compassion, friendship, and support you would to anyone you care about.

Write or call someone who has helped you and express your appreciation. The more you express outwardly your gratitude and thankfulness for what you have, the more you change your molecular vibration away from the dense energy into finer levels. You may notice that highly evolved souls and great teachers spend much of their time appreciating and thanking the universe. In their meditation they feel true humility and gratitude for every thing they are given.

Flying with a lot (re-post)

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

There are days that seem longer than they really are. Those days seem to never end. On those days I must pray at least 30 times a day. Even though I know the end of the day will come, it just does not seem to come quick enough. And sometimes, the day spills over to the next and often the next. Yikes! I am happy that those days do not come on a regular basis.

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.

Mother Theresa

Flying with discernment (re-post)

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who matter don't mind, and those that mind, don't matter.

Dr. Seuss

Flying on the last Monday of the year (re-post)

2011-12-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

Today is the lat Monday of the year. Set yourself up to become more success next year. Make a list of what you hope to obtain.

"The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for."

~Maureen Dowd

Flying goal-less (re-post)

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

I recently reached one of my goals. Now I have to decide what to do next. One option was to continue doing what I am doing now until the end of the year and decide then. That sounds appealing because that means that I can coast along not thinking about doing anything. That is not practical because I always have goals. I always know what I want to do next. I am not sure I can allow myself to have a goal of not having a goal. But isn't that a goal? Couldn't I spin it and say that I am taking a break and will let things marinate in my head until the first of the year? That sounds like a very long time not to do anything.

But is it really not doing anything? I will maintain my current level and maybe surpass my goal. I just won't make any final decisions until later. I don't know. I spent most of my seven mile run on Sunday trying to figure out how make a goal of not having a goal work. Yes, the diversion was great, but I still have not figured it out yet.

I recently wrote about committing to the process, not the outcome. I agree with that, but I think I am still supposed to have a desired outcome. I am supposed to strive to reach it while enjoying the journey. Isn't that what I said?

Even high achievers are allowed to take a break every once in a while, right? I am giving myself permission to flounder. Not endlessly, just for a few more hours. I will have a conversation later this afternoon with a professional to help me decide what my next goal with be. I will remain temporarily goal-less until then. That is my short term goal. See? I knew I could not be without a goal for long!

You have to know what you want to get.

Gertrude Stein

You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there.

Yogi Berra

Flying with chocolate (re-post)

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

Tis the season to eat more chocolate!

I find that no matter how bad my day is, chocolate always tastes good. My mother sent this to me. May your day be filled with chocolate.

The Rules of Chocolate

If you get melted chocolate all over your hands,

you're eating it too slowly.

Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices

and strawberries all count as fruit,

so eat as many as you want.

The problem:

How to get two pounds of chocolate home

from the store in a hot car.

The solution: Eat it in the parking lot.

Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal.

It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.

A nice box of chocolates can provide your total

daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?

If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in

the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate,

what's wrong with you?

If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top

of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they

will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.

Money talks. Chocolate sings.

Chocolate has many preservatives.

Preservatives make you look younger.

Why is there no such organization as

Chocoholics Anonymous?

Because no one wants to quit.

Put eat chocolate at the top of your list of things to do today.

That way, at least you'll get one thing done.

Flying with soul shine from Pam (re-post)

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

I was heading to the gym yesterday, fairly reluctantly I might add, when on the radio I heard a song by Gov’t Mule with the refrain:

Let your soul shine
Its better than sunshine
Its better than moonshine
Damn sure better than rain.
Lord knows people don’t mind
We all get this way sometimes
Got to let your soul shine
Shine till the break of day

Well, those words broke me out of my funk….you know, that self-pitying internal dialog, “why do I have to drag my sorry butt to the gym and sweat and hurt….why did I have to be born with fat genes…why can’t I just go home and relax…why, why, why???” Yeah, I had some pathetic and unproductive head spam going on.

I heard those words on the radio and it occurred to me that I was about to gain some soul shine by doing something good for myself. I was on my way to a serious workout, sweating out the toxins and pushing my heart to the limit. And I realized how lucky I am to have the luxury of gym time and the good health to be able to perform normal exercises! No more negative workout talk for me.

I am going to strive this next week to improve my spiritual and physical fitness and enjoy the soul shining results. Happy Friday the 13th, and may your soul shine bright!

-Pam

Flying away from a cold (re-post)

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

As much as I tried, I could not outrun a cold this year. I woke up in the morning with a scratching throat. That was the first sign. Later I developed chills, fever, and aches all over. I decided to try natural remedies, but in the end surrendered to Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Daytime. Maybe I did not try hard enough, but I feel much better now. Here are natural remedies for a cold.

Click here to read more

Natural remedies for the common cold

a. Cayenne(Capsicum sp):
Chilies, especially Jalapeno, are proven antiviral and most effective against cold. However, your stomach needs to tolerate the chilies to treat your virus infection! So, get into the habit of eating more chilies to develop better tolerance.

b. Echinacea (Echinacea sp):
This is the best herb to take during the early stages of cold. Although, it’s not an antibiotic and doesn’t kill germs, it stimulates the production of white blood cells, which fight off the virus. (This has actually worked for me in the past. I buy the tablets with goldenseal added.)

c. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra):
Elderberry has been used for centuries as a (natural remedy for cold and flu). It de-activates cold and flu viruses by preventing them from replicating. It’s best taken at the first signs of a cold.

d. Garlic (Allium sativum):
This truly natural antibiotic destroys foreign bacteria with the help of a substance called allicin. Garlic is best when fresh.

e. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis):
Ginger, either freshly grated or powdered, taken as a tea induces sweating and elimination. It boosts the immune system and respiration. It provides relief for virtually all cold symptoms, like fever, sinus congestion, sore throat, stomachache and nausea.

f. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis):
Hyssop has some properties that make it valuable in treating colds.

g. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis):
Lemon Balm is often found in cold formulas for feverish conditions. It’s an excellent remedy to take in the wake of a cold to nurture the nervous system and to expel feelings of lethargy. It’s best used when fresh. (I grow this in my herb garden.)

h. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita):
Peppermint is most effective for colds and flu. It should preferably be used fresh. (I grow this in my herb garden, as well.)

i. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):
Yarrow is one of the best herbs for dealing with fevers. For colds, it is best combined with other herbs, such as peppermint and elderberry. Yarrow is easy to grow and plants are freely available.

Here is some more advice taken from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/08/health/webmd/main4509439.shtml:

1. Zinc: The mineral zinc, available in over-the-counter lozenges, nasal sprays, and gels, may work by preventing the formation of proteins needed by a cold virus to reproduce. Despite the hoopla about zinc for treatment of colds, scientific studies are scarce, says Jack M. Gwaltney, MD, professor emeritus of internal medicine at the University of Virginia and a longtime cold researcher. Zinc lozenges, they conclude, have no effect. One well-designed study reported a positive effect on treating a cold with zinc nasal gel. But the study results have not yet been replicated, Gwaltney says.

2. Vitamin C: For decades, believers in vitamin C have said taking this vitamin supplement can nip a cold in the bud. The claim is partially triggered by lab studies that find vitamin C affects resistance to virus in animal studies. But in people? Experts disagree on this slightly, but lean toward the negative. But when it is taken daily as a preventive treatment - not just after that first sniffle - it can very slightly shorten cold duration, by about 8 percent in adults and by about 14 percent in children.

3. Echinacea: The herbal supplement Echinacea, like Vitamin C, sparks controversy among cold experts. Advocates say it's an immune booster with antiviral properties and other benefits, so it's good at preventing colds. However, two recent studies on the natural remedy have yielded conflicting conclusions. In one 2007 study, concluded that Echinacea decreases the odds of developing a cold by 58 percent and reduces its duration by 1.4 days. But a previous study, showed no benefit from the herb in either reducing the severity of a cold infection or preventing a cold.

4. Chicken Soup: Advocates of hot chicken soup, long offered as a cold remedy, say it may help soothe inflammation that can make the symptoms worse. The problem with proving scientifically that chicken soup works, says Gwaltney, is finding a legitimate placebo food to study against it in a scientific way. Checken soup may have an anti-inflammatory effect on easing symptoms of upper respiratory infections. But the report doesn't prove chicken soup does anything for cold symptoms. Although chicken soup may not actively fight a cold, it can help fight dehydration that can occur when you have a cold or the flu.

Happy Monday, it's about joy (re-post, sort of)

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is not exactly the same post that ran a few years ago.

Monday, the start of a new work week for so many is a great time to write about JOY!
Remember; what we think about we bring about...
Look around you.... There is so much to be joyful for. You can read this email, Your coffee was just right, the shower temp was excellent, you will connect this week with new friends and experiences. And you, just YOU have the power to manifest all these opportunities in magnificent and joy filled ways. Winter really is arriving here in Charleston is such a glorious, showy, lovely way, and the weather has been so nice. We can take joy and comfort in knowing that our own path to joy is just that- OURS.

Do you remember the song that said; "...nobody can tell ya' there's only one song worth singing... they may try and sell ya' 'cause it hangs them up to see someone like you. You gotta make your own kind of music, sing your own special song even if nobody else sings along..."
Great advice and this advice below from Abraham equally as good...
Have an awesome joy filled day.
Much love,

We say to our physical friends, the purpose of your life is joy. And they
say, "Yeah, but for what? Toward what end? What will that get me?" And we
say, really, the purpose of your life is joy. The basis of it is absolute
freedom to choose. And the result of it will be growth. So then they say,
"Oh, then the real purpose is growth because the joy gets us to our
growth -- and so the real thing we are after is growth." And we say, well,
you cannot help but have expansion. Your purpose really is joy, because if
your purpose is anything other than joy, you won't be able to find the
vibration that allows the Energy which is the reason for growth. And they
say, "Oh, so the real purpose is growth after all." And we say, "The purpose
is joy. The purpose is joy!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can then become your blessings.

Such is human psychology that if we don't express our joy, we soon cease to feel it. (Lin Yutang)
Every man, when he comes to be sensible of his natural rights, and to feel his own importance, will consider himself as fully equal to any other person. (Joseph Priestley, English Scientist, Theologian and Philosopher, 1732-1804)

Fortification for flying (re-post, sort of)

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

Today is about fortification for flying. We need nourishment. That can come in many forms. For me it has come in the form of great friends. Other times we need encouragement and sometimes we just need to be reminded not to be less than who we truly are. We were made for flying!

Marianne Williamson

A Return to Love

Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Our deepest fear is not that we are

inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful

beyond measure.

It is our light, not our dark, that most

frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,

gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn't serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking

So that other people won't feel insecure

around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God

that is within us.

It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we

unconsciously give other people the permission

to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.

Flying away from fear (re-post)

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is a re-post, but so appropriate now.

One night a dear sistergirlfriend met me for dinner and poured over my bloody paper with me. I truly did not have the courage to read it alone. Interesting enough, most of my instructor's comments were related to style (use this word, not this one and your sentences are too short and choppy). I can fix that. She did ask some thought provoking questions and made some valid suggestions. If I lock myself away this weekend, I can have a very high quality paper. As a side note: I am waiting to defend my dissertation which is the result of working on that dreaded paper.

So, I will admit, I wigged out for nothing! I know that I am not alone in this feat. I found this quote that I will tape to my bathroom mirror:

"Trust your hopes, not your fears " by David Mahoney. Another good one is For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 2:7). I did not have a sound mind on Monday. I let my fear get in the way. I am not sure reading or hearing these quotes would have made a difference, but now that I am on the other side, I feel much better. I am no longer dreading my 10 o'clock phone conference with my instructor. Fear is a powerful thing.

Flying with Black Girls Run Charleston

2011-12-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

I am fortunate to be involved in a group called Black Girls Run Charleston. It is part of a national movement that encourages African American women to run. This is an excerpt from www.blackgirlsrun.com

Black girls run? Of course we do. In 2009, Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks created Black Girls RUN! in an effort to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African-American community and provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners. The mission of Black Girls RUN! is to encourage African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of African-American women are overweight. BGR! wants to create a movement to lower that percentage and subsequently, lower the number of women with chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

The article written about the Charleston group was equally inspiring. I think the personal stories show the public how encouraging we are to get women healthy, so check us out. Whether you run, walk, or skip get moving and get healthy.

Flying with the 5th of 5 lessons (re-post)

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is appropriate for the final lesson. How many times have we misunderstood something?

Giving When it Counts...

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Flying with the 4th of 5 lessons (re-post)

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is probably my favorite because I have many challenges!

Fourth Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path...

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a Roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if Anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by And simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did Anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of Vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

Flying with the 3rd of 5 lessons (re-post)

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Are you a fair tipper?

Third Lesson - Always remember those Who serve.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, A 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and Sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in Front of him.

"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and Studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the Waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said... The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on The table and walked away The boy finished the ice Cream, paid the cashier and left.. When the waitress Came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the Table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had To have enough left to leave her a tip.

Flying with the 2nd of 5 lessons (re-post)

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

I wish I could have seen the look on his face!

Second Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 P.M., an older African American Woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway Trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had Broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.

A young white man stopped to help her, generally Unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man Took her to safety, helped her get assistance and Put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his Address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a Knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a Giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.

It read:

"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway The other night. The rain drenched not only my Clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying Husband's' bedside just before he passed away... God Bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."

Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

Flying with the 1st of five lessons (re-post)

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

A very dear sistergirlfriend send me an email with five lessons. I have heard many of them before, but they are worth reading again and definitely fit for sharing. I will share one lesson a day this week. Enjoy!

First Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:

"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the Cleaning woman several times. She was tall, Dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question Blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if The last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, You will meet many people. All are significant... They Deserve your attention and care, even if all you do Is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson.. I also learned her Name was Dorothy.

Flying with a head trip, re-post

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been disappointed by someone or something? How do deal with that? Do you confront that person? Do you pretend it never happened? Do you live with regrets? Do you cut them off? Do you change course? Do you simply stop and stare?

I am learning to handle disappointments much better. I am learning the art of forgiveness. I am learning to release some of the baggage I carry around.

One of my favorite sayings comes from another discontinued Philosophy product. It is a hair conditioner called Head Trip. The bottle said:
The ultimate trip is the head trip. We believe in something or someone only to later discover it all an illusion. We trip, we fall, and sometimes we shatter. What we lose is the time invested, what we gain is a great awakening.

So the next time something or someone disappoints you, look at it as an opportunity. Maybe it was bad timing, bad choices, bad planning or whatever. Learn from it. Whatever you do, however long it takes, just keep flying.

Flying before the Reindeer Run

2011-12-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is the first official Black Girls Run Charleston race. We are running the Reindeer Run. Most of us will be dressed up. Yes, I agreed to wear the lighted Santa hat, sparkly t-shirt, and tutu. I drew the line at getting my face painted, but who knows what will happen when I get there. I am excited that many members of Black Girls Run Charleston will be joining me. It will be the first race for many and a time for collective encouragement and accomplishment for us all.

So, I applaud each woman in advance because it has been a journey. For some the journey was more difficult, but for all of us it is one step closer to a goal.

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham

Flying in celebration of you, again

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

I just had to re-post because I have not been doing too good of a job with this lately. I needed to be reminded and I figured others did as well.

When is the last time you celebrated yourself and your accomplishments big or small? Last night I was very fortunate to celebrate me with a very dear friend. We sat in her kitchen drinking champagne (which we both love and usually have a bottle in the refrigerator for such occasions). She was gracious enough to let those couple of hours be all about me (which is why I love her dearly). Of course I do the same thing for her. Celebration is essential to flying. I mean, what is the point of succeeding if you cannot scream Hallelujah, Roll Tide, Go Gators, You Go Girlfriend or something else in complete and utter delight? No point in all, but of course that is my opinion.

I challenge you to at least once a month, pour yourself a drink (iced tea, Coke, Pepsi, or the beverage of your choice) and toast yourself. It does not matter if you are alone and have no one to share that moment with. It is all about you. You can write your celebrations here and I will gladly raise a glass with you. Also, if you are alone, you don't have to get dressed. You can toast yourself naked or in that bikini that will never see the outside of your bedroom! The important thing is that you celebrate you for a few moments. Celebrating yourself is the best way to prepare yourself to spread your wings and continue to fly.

Flying in pink pearls, re-post

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

I wear pink pearls. I wear them all of the time except when I am running or in the pool. I wear them even when I wear red shoes. I wear them because my great aunt Corinne gave them to me. She is 91 years old. She bought them a very long time ago from a department store that I never heard of and that no longer exists. One day she simply went into the store and bought them with her very own money. End of story, she proudly says.

No man bought them for her. Not her brother, father, husband, or secret lover. I don’t know if she ever had a secret lover. I can imagine her having one after her last husband died, but she never said. I never asked. She tells me that it isn’t too late for her to get married again. She could if she wanted to. She is still breathtakingly beautiful. In fact we made a pact to stand up for each other when we decided to get married. She said we should get married this year. I am not so sure about me, but I can see it happening to her, if she wanted it. I don’t think she does, but one never knows.

Back to the pearls, she wanted them and she bought them. And now they are mine. I wear them proudly as a symbol of her passing the torch of empowerment in flight to me. That is a small measure of my inheritance from her. The rest is too numerous to describe. I am truly grateful for her courage to fly and for her continued flight at a different altitude, but just as sassy, just as proud, just as beautiful, and just as free. Exactly how I want to be.

Another great day for flying, re-post

2011-11-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

This my inspirational thought for the day. "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered with failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -- Theodore Roosevelt

Try something daring this week and share it. To date my most daring event was running my second marathon. I was riddled with doubt and allowed unrealistic expectations to cloud my head. In the end I prevailed. Part of the marathon was along the trails of the Underground railroad. I was running 26.2 miles by choice. By choice because those who had come before me ran for their lives and the lives of those who came later. That is my inheritance, the ability to choose. I strive to choose wisely, but I know there have been many times when I do not. My triumphs and failures are a part of what I am leaving in my wake as I travel on.

Flying through challenges

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

There are times when life gets really hard. It is in those times that it seems easier to give up than press forward. There is no shame is stepping back, taking a deep breath, asking for help, evaluating the situation, and return better and stronger.

“Everybody has barriers and obstacles. If you look at them as containing fences that don’t allow you to advance, then you’re going to be a failure. If you look at them as hurdles that strengthen you each time you go over one, then you’re going to be a success.”

-Benjamin Carson

Flying in today

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Start your day fresh with the promise of today. Take the lessons from the yesterdays and move forward. Do not allow them to tarnish the bright new day.

Life is too short to start your day with broken pieces of yesterday, it will definitely destroy your wonderful today and ruin your great tomorrow.

Unknown

Flying with Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T05:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world.

~Terri Guillemets

Flying without excuses

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Never rest on the power of an excuse. It will not provide you with happiness, wealth, or health. Do your best at all times.

“Make no excuses. You don’t have time, because if you use energy that way, you won’t have any energy to deal with what you need to deal with, which is overcoming obstacles and obtaining goals.”
-Frances Williams

Flying while waiting

2011-11-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

I always hear people saying that they will do something when something else happens. I understand that certain things must happen in a specific order, but there is no reason to stop everything in the meantime.

“Instead of waiting for things to get better, make a list of all the things you can do until your situation improves.”
-Danielle Kennedy

Flying without Naomi

2011-11-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday a very dear friend died. Thinking back, all of my memories are of her laughing and making me laugh. I think about how she promised to make me an apron long ago and then one day gave me SEVEN. Yes, seven handmade aprons all different, all beautiful, and all mine. And every year after that she would ask me if I wanted another apron! AS IF!

I will forever miss her laughter and her unique way of looking at things. My prayers go out to her daughter and the grandchildren she leaves behind. I also say a little prayer for me, selfish as it may seem, because now I will never hear her laugh again. And that is tragic.

So my dear, friend, rest easy, laugh hardy and know that you are missed and loved.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.

~Flavia Weedn, Forever, © Flavia.com

Flying with God winks, again

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

This was posted a while back by Pam.

I love unexpected surprises in life, those small God winks in our lives. This morning on my way to work, I wasn’t far from my house when I noticed to my right in a wooded area there was a large patch of blooming white crocuses! It was a beautiful sight and I skidded to a stop to look at them closer. Never fear, I live in the country so I wasn’t a threat to other drivers. So I wondered, how did these beautiful flowers get planted because I don’t think they are natural to the area? I don’t know, maybe the new neighbors on the street planted a mess of them because I spied another large patch a bit further up the road. If so, I silently thanked them for this gift. Signs of spring and new life!

The big smile on my face grew even larger a few minutes later as I was surfing the air waves and heard the beginning of Johnny Cash’ “Boy Named Sue” song. When I was growing up, this was one of my father’s favorite songs and he would belt it out, if just a bit off-key! I was laughing along with the background laughter in the song at Johnny’s folksy lyrics. The memories of Dad poured forth and I laughed and cried for a few minutes this morning, loving life and my memories of Dad. Second God wink for me for the day, what a joy my morning was!

I was looking hard for my third God wink during the remainder of my commute but it didn’t happen or more likely, I failed to recognize it. You know, good things come in threes and I’m sometimes a bit superstitious when it’s fun to do so.

My third special moment came unexpectedly, but of course. I was delivering lunch for Meals on Wheels as I do every other week to some wonderful folks on James Island. I had a lovely, short visit with Mr. H and left uplifted as we hugged and he told me he loved me. These folks are so affectionate and appreciative and I love them back! At my next stop I was greeted by a young girl, around 4 years old and most likely the granddaughter of the couple living there. She asked me to hand her the meals, which was a bit bulky for her small size, but she very capably took them. Then she said “give me a hug” and that totally surprised me but I bent down to hug her and the meals she was holding. She next leaned forward to kiss me and I was bowled over by this most affectionate, loving child that helped me score the trifecta of God wink days!

Keep your eyes, ears and mostly, your hearts open to God winks. Share God’s blessings and winks with others...the good news is contagious!

Flying handling your overwhelming situation, part 4 (repost)

2011-11-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

Just to recap, we have prayed for deliverance, prayed for the Will of God, and asked friends to intercede on our behalf. The final step (and the most difficult for me) is to simply trust God. No matter what circumstance you face, despite how heavy, how difficult, how painful, in the end you must trust God. He has a plan for your life. According to Psalm 37:23-24, "the steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord...though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with His Hand".

There you have it, the 4 steps. Read more

Flying handling your overwhelming situation, part 3 (repost)

2011-11-16T05:00:00.004-05:00

LaVondilyn again! I am so glad she is my friend.

Okay, so now we have prayed for deliverance and prayed for the Will of God. Now we should ask friends to intercede on our behalf. Jesus had the right idea when His heavy situation became overwhelming; He asked His friends to pray with Him. James 5:14 says if someone is sick, sh should allow the elders of the church to pray for him. And in the next verse, the Word says to "pray one for another...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

So, in your overwhelming situation, call on your friends who are righteous (and well rested) to pray for you and with you. This is my favorite part: BE SPECIFIC, tell them to pray for healing, for deliverance, for a breakthrough. Don't be vague, ask for what you want. Hebrews 4:16 says to 'come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need".

More

Flying handling your overwhelming situation, part 2 (repost)

2011-11-15T05:00:00.003-05:00

More words of wisdom from LaVondilyn:

Did you ask for complete deliverance yesterday? I did. Now for the second step.

Pray for the Will of God. You must seek the will of God in your heavy situations. Perhaps there is a lesson in your affliction. Perhaps the purpose is the glory on the other side of your pain. Paul tells us in Romans 5:3 that we glory in tribulations. He also says a few chapters later (8:18) that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. So, suffering is a part of life. But, there is good on the other side of your suffering.

Flying handling your overwhelming situation, part 1 (repost)

2011-11-14T05:00:00.003-05:00

I felt the need to repost this series written by LaVondilyn Watson.

A dear sistergirlfriend of mine wrote a wonderful article called 4 Steps to Handling Your Overwhelming Situation. I decided to put them in a 4 part series so that we will be well equipped EARLY in the new year to deal with upcoming challenges. I am not copying her entire message, to read more, click here

Step #1 Pray for deliverance "O my Father, if it be possible, let his cup pass from me...

Jesus pleaded in prayer, completely overwhelmed by the weight of His crucifixion. It is normal to feel fear and anxiety in dire times. But when you do, go to the Lord in prayer, ask Him for help.

In James 4:2, it says "you want, and have not...because you ask not." And John 4:13 says, "...whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." In other words...ask!

This is my favorite part: Don't simply pray for help in your situation, pray for complete deliverance. For example, don't pray for emotional relief today, pray for your burden to be permanently lifted. Don't pray for the pain to lessen, pray for complete physical healing!

Flying in honor of all veterans, again

2011-11-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

Today is Veterans Day. Veterans Day was called "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926 Congress passed a resolution to annually celebrate this day. November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars.

Today is the only day that I put aside my adversarial joking relationships with the Marines, Air Force, and Navy. Today, I will not call one of my favorite people a Jarhead. I will call him that at least twice tomorrow! Today is the day that I salute all members of the Armed Forces past and present including my dad (he retired as an Infantry Sergeant Major after 30 years) and myself (I was an Army officer for 11 years). There are 23.6 million veterans, 1.8 million of them are women. I could not find any specific data on African American women veterans, but there are 2.4 million African American veterans. Regardless of race, gender, or branch of service: THANK A VETERAN TODAY!

Unfortunately it is not a Hallmark holiday, but all veterans deserve our respect and most of all our gratitude. Shaking a hand, picking up the phone, sending an email, or giving flowers is the least we can do. It is also the very least we SHOULD do.

Flying with faith in myself, again

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

More times than I am willing to admit a loud, I find myself doubting me. There is usually no rhyme or reason to my doubts. Well, maybe this time I think I have more reasons. I probably have more, but that does not mean that I should be doubting myself. I mean, there is certainly no documented evidence that what I am doing will end in disaster.

Something just happens and I decide that there is a problem. And of course I am the only one who sees it. Then there are the few times when others take up the task and start creating excuses for me. Regardless of the reasons, usually it is because I have not made the progress that I felt I should have made on my doctorate. I still need to have faith in myself. This is definitely going on my bathroom mirror!

Faith In Myself

by
Marjorie Holmes

God gave me faith in myself,

not only on days when I'm going great and winning

and nothing seems impossible

but on days when the whole world looks lousy

and I'm losing and the road ahead seems too

hard.

When I wonder if I'm brave enough, smart

enough

and I must be crazy to try,

don't let me quit Lord, not ever.

Let me keep the faith in myself.

No matter how many people

discourage me…

doubt me…

laugh at me…

warn me…

think me a fool…

Don't let me listen.

Let me hear another voice telling me,

"You can do it and you will!

"If nobody else in this world gives a darn or

believes in me,

let me believe in myself.

I know there'll be times when I will doubt my

own abilities,

when I'll be discouraged and on the verge of

despair,

don't let me give up,

hang onto me.

Fan the fires so that I'll try even harder.

Give me more faith in myself.

Dear Lord, you are the source of life and power.

You are the source of my abilities and my faith.

Thank you for reinforcements.

I know that you will give me for what I ask…

Faith in myself.

Flying with faith

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

Lately life has been testing my faith in ways that I could not imagine. I know that God has a plan for me and just because I do not see it, does not mean that it does not exist. I am holding on to my faith even though the light at the end of the tunnel is not visible at this moment. I will continue to walk with my head held high.

"It's faith that really takes the courage. The belief in things unseen."
---The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Flying not comparing yourself to others

2011-11-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

Spending time with the amazing women this past weekend, had me comparing myself to the others. Plenty of the time, I felt that I came up short. Then I was reminded of a blog that I written years ago for one of my friends. It is still very timely, but this time it applies to me.

A very, very dear sistergirlfriend and I had a spirited discussion the other day because she was comparing herself to a group of young women who were running. I reminded her that she was an exceptional woman and should take comfort in that fact instead of comparing herself to others and at times allowing that comparison to bring her down.

Here are a few tips to help us to stop obsessing over comparing ourselves to others taken from Read more click here. (For the record, my sistergirlfriend was not obsessing)

Count your blessings. A better focus is on what you do have, on what you are already blessed with. Count what you have, not what you don’t. Think about how lucky you are to have what you have, to have the people in your life who care about you, to be alive at all.

Focus on your strengths. Instead of looking at your weaknesses, ask yourself what your strengths are. Celebrate them! Be proud of them. Don’t brag, but feel good about them and work on using them to your best advantage.

Be OK with imperfection. No one is perfect — intellectually, we all know that, but emotionally we seem to feel bad when we don’t reach perfection. You aren’t perfect and you never will be. I certainly am not, and I’ve learned to be OK with that. Sure, keep trying to improve, but don’t think you’ll ever be the “perfect person”. If you look at it in a different way, that imperfection is what makes you who you are, you already are perfect.

Focus on the journey. Don’t focus on how you rank in comparison to others — life is not a competition. It’s a journey. We are all on a journey, to find something, to become something, to learn, to create. That journey has nothing to do with how well other people are doing, or what they have. It has everything to do with what we want to do, and where we want to go. That’s all you need to worry about.

Learn to love enough. If you always want what others have, you will never have enough. You will always want more. That’s an endless cycle, and it will never lead to happiness. No matter how many clothes you buy, no matter how many houses you own (seven, in the case of one famous candidate), no matter how many fancy cars you acquire … you’ll never have enough. Instead, learn to realize that what you have is already enough. If you have shelter over your head, food on the table, clothes on your back, and people who love you, you are blessed. You have enough. Anything you have over and above that — and let’s admit that all of us reading this blog have more than that — is more than enough. Be good with that, and you’ll find contentment.

Flying AFTER the Savannah Half

2011-11-07T05:00:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of me and my new bling. I earned it running the Savannah Half marathon. I have run many halves before, but this one was different. It was different because I connected with some of the most talented, fit, and fabulous women in, dare I say it? Yes, I connected with some of the most talented, fit, and fabulous women in the world! Women of all ages, shapes, and sizes with one goal in mind: to conquer the Savannah half and marathon. And we did. Some of the women set personal records, some set personal distances, and the rest of us ran the best races we could.

We all came together thanks to a wonderful group called Race & Relax which rolled out the red carpet for us. We were wined and dined. We bonded, swapped our funniest stories, and got our sweat on by running the race. And then we all got trophies, t-shirts, and other goodies. We even met John Bingham (The Penguin) the author of The Penguin articles in Runner's World magazine.

It was an amazing weekend in an amazing city. All along the route people were sitting in their front yards smiling, shouting "Good morning" and waving.

This weekend was more than about running. It was about women encouraging women, pushing through fear, celebrating victories, and making new friends especially in the line for the last bathroom visit just before the race! We all left there changed forever, some in small ways, others in major ways, but we all are better for this experience. We are what I call sistergirlfriends (trademark pending).

Thank you Black Girls Run (www.blackgirlsrun.com) for connecting me with Race and Relax. Thank you Race and Relax (read more about the founder at http://runwifeyrun.blogspot.com) for spoiling us rotten with the assistance of the American Cancer Society and everyone who played a part.

It was indeed the perfect weekend until Alabama lost to LSU, but what can you do? Roll Tide anyway.

Flying to the Savannah half marathon

2011-11-04T05:00:00.001-04:00

Today my running partner and I are heading to Savannah, GA to participate in the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon. We are both excited and I am a bit nervous. I am not a fast runner, but I have put in the miles and have run several halves before and a couple of fulls. I will try to keep this quote in my head while I run:

"The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self improvement, about being better than you were the day before."
-Steve Young

Flying with The Walker Phenomenal Award on television

2011-11-03T05:00:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to talk about the Walker Phenomenal Spirit award on television. That was a huge deal to me. I welcome any opportunity to tell women that there is help out there to make their dreams come true.

Here is a snippet of the article:

Doretha Walker is a woman on a mission. Not only is she a marathon runner, but she says she wants to see women succeed; especially those that work hard and deserve to see their dreams become reality.

That said, Doretha started her Walker Phenomenal Spirit Award. Its an annual award that she has been giving out, with the help of the Center 4 Women for five years now. It offers recognition to a deserving woman an a $1,000 one-time grant to a woman 35 or older

Read more at http://www.abcnews4.com/story/15935029/2011/11/02/walker-phenomenal-spirit-award

Click here for an application!

Flying in your own mind, again

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

I felt the need to re-post this because I found myself falling into this trap!

Do you ever wonder why you are not getting more blessings? Do you always say "I will never win" or "I can't do that" or "He won't pick me". If so, you are claiming misfortune. You have to be positive. You have to banish negative thoughts about yourself. You have to remain positive even in the face of despair.

You have to change your mind before anything else in your life will change.

Joyce Meyer

Flying with attitude, yet again

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

Having attitude is not necessarily a bad thing. We must have attitude to survive in life. Our attitudes should reflect how we feel about ourselves and they should be positive.

Some people say I have attitude - maybe I do...but I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does - that makes you a winner right there.
Venus Williams

Flying with vampires on Halloween and other days

2011-10-31T05:00:00.002-04:00

It is Halloween, so I felt the need to talk about vampires, the psychic kind that we are more likely to encounter in our daily lives.

I just had to write about psychic vampires. I never even heard of the term until a dear sistergirlfriend explained it. We all know psychic vampires and at times we may even be one. A psychic vampire is a person who sucks the energy out of you if you are around her for any period of time. You know, the person who whines and complains about EVERYTHING ALL OF THE TIME. The person who NEVER HAS ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT ANYONE OR ANYTHING.

The psychic vampire is not a bad person, maybe she is just unhappy with her life right now. She usually needy, is never content, has many feelings of abandonment or rejection , and needs a lot of validation and confirmation. Yes, we all go through periods like that. Most of us snap out of them when circumstances and situations change, but not her. Her life never seems to shift gears. She appears to be stuck and unwilling or unable to make a change for the better.

The best thing you can for yourself when a psychic vampire comes around is limit your exposure. She is your friend and you want the best for her, but DO NOT spend another Friday night listening to her mope. Meet her for a drink and call it a night. DO NOT stay for dinner! The best thing you can do for her is pray. If she has been like this for a while, she needs more help than you can give her.

Just for fun, I took the Energy Junkie Quiz: Are You A Psychic Vampire? It was 20 questions and my score indicates that I am not an energy sucker! I am not a psychic vampire. Take the quiz yourself at http://healing.about.com/library/quiz/vampire/blvampirequiz.htm

Click to get more info

Flying through fear, again

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

Do not allow fear to stop you from doing anything! It should propel you to get to the other side because the prize is waiting there.

Everything we want is on the other side of fear!
Farrah Gray

Flying with a lot

2011-10-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.

Mother Theresa

Flying while tired of waiting on God

2011-10-26T05:00:00.001-04:00

Lately, I have been waiting on God to show me something. Something to get me to the next place. So when I saw the Proverbs 31 post titled Tired of waiting on God I immediately went to it. It is by Tracie Miles and it is wonderful. I just had to share...

Do you ever get tired of waiting on God to answer your prayers? Recently, I began to feel a sense of frustration with the wait, and also a little bit tired.

Click here to read more

Flying with power with Jane Perdue!

2011-10-25T05:00:00.002-04:00

Today at 6pm, my dear sistergirlfriend, Jane Perdue will be speaking about women and power. We all have it, but few of us really step in and claim it. If you need some tips or just encouragement check her out! Here is the information:

Be a Woman of Power: Take Care and Take Charge

Women in business face a cocktail of cultural, organizational and personal impediments which hinder their progress up the career ladder. Yet there’s both hope and a way to overcome those obstacles!

Get more information

The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.

Roseanne Barr

Flying with the best intentions, re-post

2011-10-24T05:00:00.001-04:00

Lately, I find myself apologizing on a regular basis to people for the way my life is at this moment, as if I have to justify my daily actions or often non-actions. I walk around all day doing that. Crazy and so unnecessary so if you see me and I start to apologize, please slap me! Okay, maybe just shake me until I come to my senses or tell me to stop!

Stop apologizing for everything you think you are doing wrong. More importantly, stop apologizing for things other people think you are doing wrong. Stand up for yourself. Do not beat yourself up for things that happen or do not happen.

You do the best that you can do, and when you can't do it, you can't do it.

Delilah Rene

Flying through obstacles

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

There are times that things just do not seem to go they way we imagine. There are times when it takes extraordinary amount of strength just to get out of bed. Times when one day at a time is much too much. There will be those days. It is on those days that it is important not to stay in bed.

Don't give up! Stay up! Don't stop! Keep moving! Don't cry! Rejoice. Possibilities exist in the toughest problems.
Author Unknown

Flying flying flying

2011-10-20T05:00:00.001-04:00

If you are doing your best, never worry about those who are doubting you. Continue on your path. Surround yourself with people who will love and support you, not tear you down. Accept constructive criticism with grace and dignity.

Remember:

The higher you soar, the smaller you appear to those who cannot fly.
Author Unknown

Flying with your right to choose

2011-10-19T05:00:00.001-04:00

You are empowered to make decisions every day. Some may be as simple as which clothes to wear, what to eat for dinner, or which lipstick to put on. Others are more monumental such as what career to pursue, what to name your child, and ending/starting a relationship. The point is that you get to choose. Do not give that power to others who may not have your best interests at heart. Life your life your way.

Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in the possibility.
Oprah Winfrey

Flying in spite of being grounded

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-04:00

Do you have what you need? Are you where you think you should be? Have you been grounded whether it is your fault or not? How are you coping? Are you sitting on the sidelines waiting for something to happen or are you trying to carve a new path for yourself? Can you at least laugh a little or are you crying a lot? Walk towards your goal, crawl if you have to, just keep moving.

Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it.

Langston Hughes

Flying with balance-a repost

2011-10-17T05:00:00.001-04:00

Last year, I was asked to write about how successfully or unsuccessfully balance my life. Interestingly, despite not having a full time job has not changed my thoughts so this bears repeating.

I think I am the most highly productive unbalanced person I know. Maybe I take living in the now too literally. I mutli-task so well that I can usually get most of my tasks done well before the deadlines. After completing the tasks, I am completely drained. Yes, I am working part time as an adjunct instructor, pursuing a PhD, and training for a half marathon. Eating and sleeping find their way into my life at some point. Playing usually does not.

My excuse for not being balanced is that I do not know what will happen tomorrow so I need to finish everything today. I set priorities, but have a need to fill my empty time with stuff, so I do more stuff. I can manage to accomplish a lot of stuff except cleaning my house. I just cannot seem to find the energy to accomplish that. It is my crash pad. The funny thing is that I look balanced, at least most of the time. If anyone has any tips on balancing, kindly share them with me. Thanks in advance.

Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Robert Fulghum

Flying into the cave

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

What are you afraid of today? What is keeping your from moving forward to your goal? Get off of the bench and stick your toe into the water even if it is cold. Nothing will be revealed if you do not open your eyes or begin your journey.

The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.
- Joseph Campbell

Flying with chocolate, again

2011-10-13T05:00:00.004-04:00

I just had to re-post this. I find that no matter how bad my day is, chocolate always tastes good. My mother sent this to me. May your day be filled with chocolate.

The Rules of Chocolate

If you get melted chocolate all over your hands,

you're eating it too slowly.

Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices

and strawberries all count as fruit,

so eat as many as you want.

The problem:

How to get two pounds of chocolate home

from the store in a hot car.

The solution: Eat it in the parking lot.

Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal.

It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.

A nice box of chocolates can provide your total

daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?

If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in

the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate,

what's wrong with you?

If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top

of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they

will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.

Money talks. Chocolate sings.

Chocolate has many preservatives.

Preservatives make you look younger.

Why is there no such organization as

Chocoholics Anonymous?

Because no one wants to quit.

Put eat chocolate at the top of your list of things to do today.

That way, at least you'll get one thing done.

Flying while trying to fly

2011-10-12T05:00:00.003-04:00

Life is a work in progress. We do not always get instantaneous results despite our best efforts. There are times when the path we are walking down is not the right path and we get re-routed or even derailed during our journey. There are times when we have to sit down for a few to catch our breath and that is okay. There is no rule that says you have to succeed in one day.

“The road to success is always under construction.”

-- Lilly Tomlin

Flying with my story

2011-10-11T05:00:00.004-04:00

It is time for the Walker Phenomenal Spirit award again. This time my dear sistergirlfriend Jane Perdue featured my story in her blog (Get Your Leadership BIG On). I am very appreciative. Again, the Walker Phenomenal Spirit award funds women's dreams. All Phenomenal women NEED apply! I have a board, so knowing me does not disqualify you! Donors are welcome as well!

Flying out of control

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

One of the hardest things for me to admit is that I am not in control of much, if anything. I want to know the answers and skip the waiting. I know that is not how God works, but it is what I want. Or least it is what I think I want. My life would be less stressful if I just believed that God will work things out and the road maybe a bit bumpy, but there is something worth waiting for in the end.

"One of the most arduous spritual tasks is that of giving up control and allowing the Spirit of God to lead our lives."

Henri Nouwen

Flying in your own way

2011-10-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

There are times when the biggest obstacle to your success is you. You are the one who keeps stopping the success. Oftentimes I am not even aware of my self sabotage other times I think I do it because I am too afraid to move forward or maybe I am just a little bit lazy.

You are the handicap you must face.
You are the one who must choose your place.
James Lane Allen

Flying while different

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

Are you struggling to fit in? Are you struggling to fit into a group that does not share your values or goals? Are you hiding the real you in order to fit in? Why not be yourself and find the people who appreciate you for you? The people who will lift you up and support you, that allow you to truly shine in your differentness?

I was motivated to be different in part because I was different.

Donna Brazile

Flying with the day

2011-10-05T05:00:00.009-04:00

We have all had one of those days. The type when nothing goes right. Pray before each day starts it will make whatever you face easier to bear.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

John Rohn

Flying halfway

2011-10-04T05:00:00.013-04:00

It generally takes the same amount of time to do something halfway as it does to complete the task right the first time. We should always strive to do our best because there is hardly enough time to do it over. And what happens if someone sees the mess you made before you had time to make it right? What would that say about you?

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.

Og Mandino

Flying with tips from the Braithwaite Innovation Group

2011-10-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

I borrowed this from my dear sistergirlfriend Jane Perdue's enewsletter from the Braithwaite Innovation Group. Trust me, this is good stuff.

How many new year's resolutions did you make? How many did you keep? Although 2011 is almost over, there's plenty of time for you to make a difference! Pick one of the items on your list and make it happen before the end of the year!

For instructions click here...

Flying taking constructive criticism

2011-09-30T05:00:00.001-04:00

There will be times when you don't get it right and in order to succeed we must listen to someone tell us how to improve. I now look at it that way, how I can improve. That takes the sting out of it and I can turn the experience into a learning moment. It does not always work, but I try!

Here is a website that provides good advice on handling negative criticism written by Ken Blumberg. I think that is easier said than done because emotions and pride are involved.

The article advises to do the following:

1. Listen carefully and make sure you understand the feedback.
2. Be thankful for the feedback.
3. Remove yourself from the situation and think about what was said.
4. Tell the person who provided the feedback your plan of action.
5. Realize what you learned and how it can better impact your next action.

Click here to read more

Also understand that there is a responsibility for the messenger to be thoughtful and considerate when providing negative criticism, but that is a topic for another day.

Flying beyond the closed door

2011-09-29T05:00:00.001-04:00

I think that the economy has forced many of us to have doors closed in our faces. For many this is a new and very humbling experience. Keep the faith, your life is not over. Your life has just changed. Embrace the change, walk away from the closed door into the new light.

Revelations

3:8

When God leads you to the edge of the

cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2

things will happen, either He'll catch you when

you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! 'The

power of one sentence! God is going to shift

things around for you today and let things work

in your favor. If you believe, send it. If you

don't believe, delete it. God closes doors no

man can open & God opens doors no man can

close...

Flying with the right attitude, again

2011-09-28T05:00:00.002-04:00

I needed to remind myself AGAIN that this year I have decided not to allow someone to control my attitude. So I am re-posting this. That power belongs to me. I have heard people (myself included) say "She made me so mad I could scream". The truth is that no one should make us feel anything. It is our choice what we feel and how we respond to things.

Jim Rohn wrote in Attitude is Everything at http://www.appleseeds.org/rohn-attitude.htm

If we want to receive the rewards the future holds in trust for us, then we must exercise the most important choice given to us as members of the human race by maintaining total dominion over our attitude. Our attitude is an asset, a treasure of great value, which must be protected accordingly. Beware of the vandals and thieves among us who would injure our positive attitude or seek to steal it away.

Having the right attitude is one of the basics that success requires. The combination of a sound personal philosophy and a positive attitude about ourselves and the world around us gives us an inner strength and a firm resolve that influences all the other areas of our existence.
From now on, I am going to try very, very hard to choose a healthy and positive attitude. I hope you do, too.

Flying with an ugly eight miler

2011-09-27T05:00:00.001-04:00

My running partner and I are training for the Savannah half marathon. Sunday we ran eight miles and for me it was ugly. The week before we ran seven miles and I promise you that I could have run at least a couple more, but Sunday was a different story.

I spent much too much time beating myself up about my lackluster performance that I lost the meaning of the run. Yes, even I forget that not every run will be a great run. I did complete the eight miles.

I found this on Facebook posted by I ♥ to run.

Whether it's a 14 minute mile or a 6 minute mile,
IT IS STILL A MILE.

Plus in the big scheme of things, I got a good workout.

Flying with Diana Nyad

2011-09-26T05:00:00.010-04:00

In case you missed it, 62 year old Diana Nyad began the 103 mile swim from Cuba to Florida last Friday. This was her third attempt. I am amazed by this woman. She was victorious just by her attempts, by her courage, and by her ambitious. While her third attempt did not take her to the shores of Florida, she spent more than 40 hours in the shark-filled waters. In the end she held her head high and gave this statement:

“The medical team said I should not go another two nights in the water and risk additional likely Man-of-War stings which could have a long term cumulative effect on my body. But for each of us, isn’t life about determining your own finish line? This journey has always been about reaching your own other shore no matter what it is, and that dream continues.” - Diana Nyad

We should all be so bold as to determine our own finish line and continue our dreams regardless of the opinions of others.

Click here to read more

Flying along the road we all travel

2011-09-23T05:00:00.001-04:00

Again, my sistergirlfriend Jacqueline has been reading my thoughts. I just had to feature her words again this week. It is great to have others speak/write the words that are deep in my heart. I love sharing the experience even when it gets rough. Okay, especially when it gets rough, but it is nice when they bring you champagne after a victory!

Click below to read about the road we all travel.

Flying through fear

2011-09-22T05:00:00.003-04:00

I have been writing about fear many times these past few months. This is because I have encountered many women who are sitting on the sidelines waiting to take their next step. Many of them just do not know to proceed and do not have a 'kitchen cabinet' as one of my friends calls it (a group of close sistergirlfriends who listen, inspire, and push when necessary).

My newest sistergirlfriend Jacqueline wrote this blog post and it fits my message very well. So please click below and enjoy. Also, follow her blog if it moves you!

What are you afraid of?

Flying with social media

2011-09-21T05:00:00.003-04:00

I am a self professed social media specialist. I love finding new ways to enhance my presence online. If you do, too, check out this seminar which starts at 1pm EST! I know, late notice, but better late than never!

Click below for the details.

Embracing online media with Amy Bayliss

Flying when you're not flying

2011-09-20T05:00:00.002-04:00

When things are not going well we should still love ourselves. In fact those are the times when we should love ourselves even more because that is the time when we need it the most. We are deserving of love all of the time.

It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you're not a winner.
Vince Lombardi

Flying with happiness

2011-09-19T05:00:00.001-04:00

What do you do when you are happy? Do you rub in other people's faces or do you smile and share your joy with others in a way that does not make them feel inferior?

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Buddha

Flying with my sistergirlfriends

2011-09-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

As I mature (as opposed to getting older) I am very careful about the people I allow into my inner circle. I also find that my circle is getting smaller and tighter. I don't mind that at all, because my dear sistergirlfriends are the people I rely on especially when I am flying high. They also know that as high as I fly, I crash and burn equally as low. They understand and appreciate me as I do with them. It is a give and take with no one keeping score.

Friends are the pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up, sometimes they lean on you, and sometimes it's just enough to know that they are standing by.

Unknown

Flying from the mountain top

2011-09-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

There are times when all we need to succeed is a little help. Move around those people who not only do not understand your journey, but do their best to hinder your progress. those who do not appreciate the time, sweat, and effort that we put forward to reach our goals will never feel the thrill of our successes.

The steeper the mountain the harder the climb the better the view from the finishing line.

Anonymous

Flying without a blog yesterday

2011-09-14T05:00:00.003-04:00

I did not write or post a blog yesterday. I had it on my to-do-list, but something happened and it just did not get done. I was a bit worried about it at first and then I realized that there are worse things and no one died from my omission. So instead of frantically trying to shove a half-baked blog out yesterday, I decided to just accept what happened and move on to the next thing with a smile without fear of reprisal.

There are many things in life like that. There are times when we take things a bit too seriously and that destroys the joy.

I quit being afraid when my first venture failed and the sky didn't fall down.
Allen H. Neuharth

Flying with Martin Luther King, Jr.

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

The Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial dedication in Washington, DC was cancelled due to Hurricane Irene. The memorial is in place and it is open to the public. What a legacy he has left behind for all of us. What are you doing to better the world you live in?

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Read about the memorial...

Flying where you want to go

2011-09-09T05:00:00.011-04:00

Are you on the road to where you want to go? Are you getting closer step by step? What is holding you back from reaching your goal? Are you getting in your own way? Is someone telling you no, that you aren't good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or too much of something? Do not listen. Go forward, seize your victory.

I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.

Langston Hughes