The Life You Want Tour Nuggets

Our team was blessed to participate in the DC Oprah’s the Life You Want tour which had so many aha moments. 

Here are some amazing quotable nuggets. The first section is from Oprah and then we share some nuggets from Mark Nepo, Rob Bell and  Iyanla Vanzant.

You must have sunrise faith. The sun will always rise no matter how dark it gets.- Oprah

With the rising of the sun, you ask, “What will make of this NEW day?”

I want us all to fulfill our greatest potential. To find one calling, and summon the courage to live it.

Turn up the volume on your life, you are co-creating it.

What have you been called to do?

Your job, if you are here is to honor your calling.

Create the highest, grandest vision for your life. Then let every step move you in that direction.

Your life is constantly speaking to you.  It always comes in a whisper. Pay attention to the whispers.

The ordinary moments of your life are creating the extraordinary of your life.

With every experience, you alone are painting your own canvas — thought by thought, choice by choice.

Nothing you were meant to have was meant to stay with you.

The only courage you ever need is the courage to live the life of your dreams.

Ask yourself what does YES feel like. Energy is everything. Be responsible for the energy you bring into this room. 

Together, we rise. After you’ve done all you can do surrender. Whatever you are going through is to get you through. Make a shift and be grateful for it instead of complaining about it.  You are living the reality if your beliefs right now.

Every one of us is looking for the same thing — we want to know we matter. We want to know we were heard.

Strive to be full of yourself, a cup running over so you can give to others.

With the setting of the sun, my heart I filled with gratitude for yet another day to live on purpose.

The longest journey of your life is from your head to your heart. – Mark Nepo

Two key lessons:  No one can live your life for you. No one can do it alone.

Our light is revealed as our gift strikes against the needs of the world.

The life you want begins by embracing the life you have. -Rob Bell

Excessive pain will render you unconscious. – Iyanla Vanzant

Life is really on your side.  Life talks you must learn to listen. If you made it through you past, you passed. Life always tells you the truth your job is to recognize and accept it.

Expect to Win and B.O.L.T.

Usain Bolt is described as the fastest man alive! I was recently watching the documentary on his extraordinary Olympic wins and track career. In the film, Bolt describes what happens on the track and how he wins his race. As he described it, I was hit by how much it really describes life and business for those of us entrepreneurs. Here are the 8 phases of the B.O.L.T.! 

 

The Start- Bolt describes himself as a poor starter...WHAT!!! The fastest man in the world a poor starter. Get out of here! We all know we need a good start to win, right? How you start isn't the final outcome.  If you keep moving and get yourself in a good position with the right steps, you can still win. How? It's what happens along the way. It's what you do after the start and that's the drive.  

No matter how you start, once you begin you have to keep your head down (focused), body forward and drive, drive, drive. How often do we have a bad start to our day and run up against obstacles? The way out of it is to DRIVE, feed your mind and actions with positive energy and keep moving forward. During your drive phase is not the time to stop and worry about what anyone else is doing, if you're comparing your start to others, then you're out of focus. Your check-in comes later.  

Now, GET TALL! Coming out of your drive phase is when you get tall. It's time to own your power. You can begin to pick up your pace, increase your speed. Your eyes are on the ultimate goal but you know you have a ways to go. This is where you are following your plan. Believe that you can accomplish the goal.... Yes, your product stands head and shoulders above the rest. Yes, you deserve the healthiest body. Yes, your unique gift is needed in the marketplace.  Can you pick up momentum?   

Well, believe it or not, you're half way there!!! Now, it's time to CHECK your position. Where are you in the race? Where are your colleagues (not just competitors)? This is where you find you might need encouragement, because you haven't met your goal yet but you need the cheers of your supporters to keep you fueled and in the race. Allow family... friends... clients... HWHN... to be your cheering squad and know we want you to succeed.  

Up next is your BEAST phase! Dominate your race, know that you've come a long way and you are winning. Others have started and stopped. Many never entered the race. Not only are you here, this is the strongest and most difficult part of your journey. Know that you are in it to win it and we're almost to the finish line.

As you get within arms reach of the finish line, CHECK... again. Many of us look around and say "Can I stop running?" You might be able too, except there is someone or something coming around the bend trying to catch up with you. Don't stop because the next phase is the glory.

You did it! Break the ribbon, draw that breath and do your VICTORY DANCE. You've won! Enjoy the moment and celebrate your win. Yet, here is the thing....there is always another race. Another audacious goal, a new challenge which will be met by a new victory. The last phase is to REPEAT. Bolt, raced again and beat the world record in each division! You have some records to shatter in your own life.   

So let's recap.... 

Eight phases of B.O.L.T...

Start

Drive

Check

Beast

Check, again

Victory Dance 

Repeat  

Each race, each goal begins with the start. Remember this isn't just about competing against others, your best opponent is yourself. Strive to be better than you were yesterday. What have you begun, but not finished? Do you have your cheering squad? Are you expecting to win? My challenge to you is to expect your greatness. B.O.L.T.! Believe in Opportunities to Leverage your Talent!

About the author: Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic lives. Sister Mothyna is the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living and is currently working on her forth coming book Engage.Inspire. Prevent. Educating Teens on Sexual Violence. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna

5 Ways Blogging Can Help You Build Your Brand, Grow Your Business and Advance Your Career

Now that social media has fully infiltrated every industry in the world, blogging has finally started to be seen as more than a fun hobby for moms and college students. We now know that blogging is a useful professional tool for learning, networking, job-seeking, personal branding, business-building and leadership. 

Have you been hesitant to jump on the blogging train or maybe inconsistent in your blogging efforts thus far? Chances are, you could be passing up opportunities for greater visibility and success online.

Here are five ways that blogging can enhance your brand, business and career.

1. Blogging can help you become a better writer. 
Blogging is great writing practice, especially if you commit to doing it at least once a week! Knowing that you have an audience (no matter how small) pushes you to bring your "A" game in how you express your thoughts and ideas. Getting better at the craft can definitely help if you aspire to publish a book or do any freelance writing work.

2. Blogging can help you get found easily when people search your name in Google. 
Have you Googled yourself yet? If not, go ahead and do it now. I’ll wait. Chances are, if you have a blog, it’s very likely to come up in the first page of results when you search for your name. Because Google ranks blogs pretty highly in their search engine, having a blog makes it easier for potential clients and employers to find you and see how awesome you are.

3. Your blog can get you noticed by traditional media outlets. 
Because of the knowledge I share on my blogs, I’ve been featured in many press outlets such as JET Magazine, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, BBC London and The Washington Post. The side effect of this is that the more people see you in the media, the more they perceive you as an expert!

4. Blogging can get you invited to speak to groups about issues you care about. 
Since blogging shows people that you have something meaningful to say, it's a natural fit for event organizers looking for speakers. Since 2007, I’ve been invited to participate in almost 100 speaking opportunities – mostly through people who read my blogs!

5. Blogging can help you make extra money. 
If you're a good writer with good ideas, companies may be interested in having you write for them. I took advantage of this possibility a few years ago when I got paid to write a career advice column for Change.org. Besides freelance writing, you also have the option of advertising on your blog to earn extra income.

The best thing about blogging is that the possibilities are endless once you start putting yourself out there. Women’s voices need to be heard online and with today’s technology, you’re just a click away from becoming a part of the blogosphere! 

About Rosetta Thurman:
Rosetta Thurman is the founder and CEO of Happy Black Woman, a supportive community that empowers black women to create their ideal lives. She is also the creator of The Blogging School, a 4-week online course that helps you create a professional blog, build your personal brand online and become known as a leader in your industry. When she’s not writing or teaching, Rosetta enjoys good food, good drinks and good music. Preferably all at the same time. Rosetta will be joining us for 2014 HWHN Conference. Grab your seat here!

Success Isn't for the Weak

Whether you have owned a business for years, just starting one, or a leader in some way, we all have strengths and weaknesses.  As I described in my book, Max Out I Want It All, strengths are the traits that help you excel in your talents and weaknesses are the traits that hinder your progress with your talents. One way in planning for success in the gifted area you lead is getting to know you. Until you are real with yourself, you are unable to help and lead others. When you can identify your weaknesses you will no longer be blind to the things that hinder you from your business goals. The reason these traits are so important with identifying yourself as a person and a leader is because are key elements in the outlook of your success.

Two ways you can minimize your weaknesses are:

1. Act on your Gift - How do you act on your talent? Acting on your gifts with your strengths is what will bring you the desired success. Operating through your weaknesses is a door opener for a weight to hold you back. Weaknesses build obstacles that keep you from your potential! Acting with your strengths will make the process to a maxed out life less tedious.

2. Set Goals - Setting goals is so important because that is a great way to act on your gift! Doing this, you are able to see the areas where you are weak. What is that is keeping you from maxing out your life? Are you great at what you do, but find yourself having trouble getting customers because you are advertising? Everyone specializes in something! This will help you identify what you are spending so much time in that it is actually keeping you from reaching your goals.

Your time is so precious. People are waiting for YOU to change their lives! You will not be heard if you are letting your weaknesses waste your time. Focusing on your strengths will keep you positive and confident. Your weaknesses are signs of struggle that open a gate for fear. So, use your strengths as stepping stones to MaxOUT your life! This is your season to go BIG! I would love to help you Maxout your life and business!

Author: Zenovia is a highly sought after Speaker, Author, Business Development Strategist and TV/Radio Personality.  She is the Founder and CEO of Max Out, Inc., a successful company committed to empowering, and revitalize women to discover their purpose and walk in their divine destiny in Life while radically “Maxing Out” their unparalleled potential regardless of the obstacles or challenges in their way. Zenovia will be joining us as a presenter for the 2014 Unlimited U Conference, April 12, 2014.

5 Proven Strategies to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Do you know what 40% of Americans DREAD about the holidays?

Gift shopping? Nope.

Traveling? Nope.

Seeing certain relatives? Well, maybe, but that’s not it either.

What 40% of Americans dread most about the holidays: WEIGHT GAIN.

Why? Because the weight gained during the holidays often becomes the unwanted, un-returnable gift that unfortunately kept on giving! Not losing the weight gained each holiday season and post-holiday period could result in steady weight gain year after year.

And I know that feeling of dread! A few years ago I gained 20 pounds because binged and ate to my heart’s content. I filled myself with too much eggnog, pies, cakes, nuts, and other calorie rich holiday foods.

Since then, I’ve learned to be a more mindful holiday eater.

Here are 5 simple, but proven, tips to help you avoid holiday weight gain:

Tip 1: Be Conscious of Calories. Compared to other times of the year, the amount of calories consumed during the winter holidays increases dramatically. Make no mistake about it, calories can add up unsuspectingly fast. Be mindful of what you drink too. There are lots of calories in eggnog and alcoholic drinks. Think about whether you would prefer to eat or drink your calories.

Tip 2: Plan and Scan at Holiday Parties. Be picky, picky, picky. Scan the buffet and fill your plate with foods that are simply prepared. If possible, sit down and take the time to taste and savor every bite. Resist the urge to go back for more by waiting at least 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are comfortably full. If you are still hungry, eat more vegetables and drink water.
If you must have dessert, practice the three-bite rule to keep your sweet tooth in check. Take a first taste, a satisfying middle one, and then a lingering third bite.

Tip 3: Manage Stress. You may find aspects of the holiday season hectic and stressful for any number of reasons. If someone is stressing you out, remove yourself from that individual and take deep breaths. Also, this may sound simple, but be sure to get 8 hours of sleep each night.

Tip 4: Keep Your Body Moving. Do not abandon your regular exercise routine during the holidays. Concentrate on consistently doing simple workouts. So what if you can’t get to your favorite yoga class or find time for the treadmill? Even just 15 minutes can help you maintain your fitness level and/or fight the extra indulgent treats you enjoyed. For example, jumping rope for 15 minutes torches about 190 calories and a quick yoga sequence at home can help you stay flexible.

Tip 5: Eat More Veggies & Fruits Everyday. Play with your food and look for ways to incorporate more veggies into your breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals! Eating low-energy dense foods such as veggies and fruit during the holidays (and beyond) will help create a sense of fullness, so you consume less calorie rich foods.

Research shows the feeling of fullness people experience after eating is more a function of the amount or volume of food consumed rather than the number of calories or grams of fat, carbohydrate or protein consumed. So you could eat a volume of calorie rich foods that don’t make you feel full, whereas eating a large volume of nutrient rich whole foods would make you feel satisfied. That is why you should use veggies and fruit to create a feeling of fullness or satiety at holiday parties.
This season you will ward off unwanted, unhealthy, un-returnable weight gain using these proven strategies. And, if you do splurge, don’t beat yourself up…just get right back to normal eating and exercising, and do a better job at the next party. Keep these tips in mind to make it through the holidays with ease.

About the Author:
Despite excelling professionally, Tosh struggled with being overweight and  was nearly 300 pounds. She is now know as The Healthinista, not because she's a size 4, but because she has lost 70 pounds and continues to strive forward. In addition to speaking engagements, Tosh facilitates corporate wellness workshops, business retreats, and individual coaching. Learn more about +Tosh Patterson at www.toshpatterson.com. Tosh will be joining us as a presenter for the 2014 Whole Woman Expo, April 13, 2014.

What's in a Name

I am amazed at the number of people I come across who are unaware of the meaning of their names!  Why would you not want to know what people are calling you every day?  I mean sure, you’ve heard it all of your life, but like any other word that has ever been sent or received, your name is spoken with purpose.  There is so much substance that can be discovered about who you are and what you’ve come here to do, just by knowing your name. 

This afternoon I was at the supermarket, and I started to go to the self -checkout lanes where no one was, but for me that isn’t always such an exciting or advantageous thing.  That’s because I enjoy connecting with people and experiencing their presence, no matter where I am or what I’m doing.  Miracles happen in the moments, and I was led to reroute my direction into the nearest check lane with a live person.  The woman working the register barely looked up to greet me, but I noticed her.  Her aloofness was attractive; people with closed doors inspire me to inquire within, they get me curious. 

My eyes were suddenly drawn to her name tag.  I smiled at our commonality, and said, “That’s my middle name, Nicole.”  She responded, “Yeah, it’s common.”  I proceeded to ask her if she knew what it meant, and that it meant “Victory.”  Suddenly she perked up a bit, seeming a little more interested in what for her was just another mundane moment on the job.  I went on to explain that someone once further edified me that it specifically meant “Victory for the People.”  She said she knew it meant “something” about “the people,” but not the “Victory” part.  I could tell right there that the smiles we wore mirrored a sense of pride.  As I gathered my bags, her demeanor was changed, and as I prepared to continue my day’s journey, she said, “Ok, have a good night and thanks for telling me that!”  Smiling still. 

It’s so exhilarating for me as a Restorative Life Coach to witness people shift into their higher selves.  In that brief but poignant interaction, an exchange was made in our words spoken, and I’m sure that conversation served a purpose.  I marveled at the possibilities catalyzed in the exchange.  Could her knowing inspire her to think differently about herself and her circumstances like it did for me?  Could it have given her greater insight on how she’s being called to serve in the earth?  I mean sure, Nicole is a common name.  She’s right.  But when you think of it, victory is often won with an army, even if that army is of one, the victory comes with a strength beyond your own which some would identify as the Spirit of God.  So though Nicole is a name often heard, it’s power is far from mediocre. 

Coming to truly know my name gave my sense of purpose depth.  Once I found out its meaning, it resonated with me and helps to make sense and give confirmation of what I feel in my belly that I am being called to do.  Even if you have an uncommon name, you can feel out the meaning by trying to find its root, or make up your own meaning by creating an acrostic poem which is when you take the letters of a word and attach your own representation.

For example, it was hard for me to find the meaning of Jonae, but I did find that its root is “John” which means “one especially loved by God.”  …I’ll take it!  J  I also did an acrostic poem for “Jonae”:

J-  Joyful

O- Overcomer

N- Negating the impossible

A-     All together

E- Excellent!

See?  Even if you can’t find or don’t like the meaning of your name, you have the power to give it meaning! 

Don’t stop there!  This can be a really empowering and fun exercise.  Make it speak to your spirit and embody who you already know who you are at your core.  I invite you to journey into your last name as well.  This is where you may really discover some interesting things, like your ancestry.  I don’t know the ancestral roots of the “Potter’s,” but I know that God is beheld as “The Potter.”  So, for that I envisioned and embodied me being shaped and molded into a beautiful vessel by the God of my understanding.  Now when I researched “Gill,” a surname inherited from my father who’s Trinidadian, that’s where it got really interesting for me because I for a long time didn’t know my family from his side.  I found that the “Gill’s” were an ancient Indian Jaat Punjabi tribe of warriors in India, somewhere I’m longing to go for some reason I’ve yet to discover.  But knowing my name, I mean really knowing, has helped me to take back my power and walk with a stride of strength in knowing because I made myself aware on divine Purpose!

Still don’t buy it?  Well what is the purpose of a fish “gill?” The gills of a fish allow it to breath, or experience respiratory exchange, under water…that’s what I do!  My chief calling is to breathe into spirits under water in need of life giving oxygen exchange so that together we can work to catalyze the manifestation of your optimal potential! 

Remember, I am here to serve you with triumphant encouragement so that you too may experience “VICTORY” in your life!

Author: Jonae N. Potter-Gill is a Restorative Life Coach and prolific Inspirational Communicator.   In addition to her profession as a nurse, she works with individuals as a spiritual midwife, nurturing them through the process of giving birth to their personal healing and transformation using a holistic touch and approach.  She is passionate about helping women and communities as a whole become empowered and achieve overall wellness through vision, creativity, and love! You can visit her blog at www.victoriousexhortations.wordpress.com to experience more of her messages of inspiration and encouragement.