10 Things Every Unlimited Absolutely Knows

There are many roles and attributes that describe the unlimited woman. She wears many hats and sometimes finds herself being as much as she can be to everyone. Yes, she is strong, sometimes weak, she is hopeful, sometimes a little unsure, and yes she is fearless but at times she lacks a little courage. Regardless, of the  emotions she experiences in life, the unlimited woman is sure of the greatness that she possesses.
She's unlimited not because of her titles, but because of the greatness that she is and is destined for. The unlimited woman is unlimited because she has developed and maintains a mindset and a spirit about herself that carries her gracefully through her journey.
There are specific truths that the Unlimited woman is absolutely sure of as she maneuvers through her journey in life and business.
Her purpose, gifts, and mission in life are non-negotiables because she knows how impactful they are to her family and community.
Here are 10 Truths the Unlimited woman believes:
1) She is purposed to lead, nurture, build, and heal others as she is empowered and healed.
2) Despite loss, brokenness, or tragedy, the unlimited woman knows she can overcome and is not designed to be a loss. She recognizes that oftentimes pain from these experiences can produce purpose and give way to healing that is greater than the hurt.
3) The unlimited woman recognizes that her greatness is within her, so is her gift, and that she is greatness.
4) She knows that her mission is not only for her but for others to assist her in moving her mission forward.

5) The unlimited woman knows that she must be aligned with like-minded, forward thinking, mission driven, community-conscious individuals.
6) She knows that she must balance her hard work and commitment with rest, retreat, & restoration.
7) The unlimited woman knows that her actions, requires goals, which require a plan, which requires accountability, intention, and partners who support her in reaching those goals.
8) She knows that her personal and professional development are ever evolving and that growth is always essential.
9) The unlimited woman doesn't stop at "NO" and doesn't use "I Can't", but she uses challenges as an opportunity to evaluate her strategy, for improvement, and to forge ahead. Purpose is a driving force in her life.
10) The unlimited woman does NOT believe that other women are her enemies, in fact, she embraces the uniqueness and strengths of other women.
The unlimited woman ultimately embraces all of who she is and the gifts she is blessed with to use in the world. This woman whether she realizes it yet or not is the woman deep down inside of all of us.  She not limited by any thing that seeks to disturb her from her highest level of greatness. The unlimited woman has replaced the the "I Can't" mindset with a "I Can & I Will" mindset. Everything that the unlimited woman sets out to do will teach her something of value. Are you ready to take the limits off of your life?!

If you are looking to align with other unlimited women and continue to evolve personally, professionally, & take your actions to another level --- Join Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation.
About the Author: Cassandra N. Vincent is the creator of The Cassie Brown Project and loves to inspire women to live their most liberated lives. Connect with Cassie at Unlimited You Weekend April 10- 12, 2015 www.unlimitedactions.com for more.

The Major Mistake You’re Making with Personal and Business Money

If you have a business or a side hustle you want to turn into a business, then let’s talk about a major money mistake that happens often and how to avoid it. Revenue from a business is a great way to rake in more income or the path to living life on your own terms. Perhaps you’re selling a product or offering services. It’s been hard work, many sleepless nights, and skipped outing with friends, but now you’re bringing in revenue. Great! Here is where many start to make this major yet common mistake with their money.

Whether you started the business to supplement income from your primary job or you’re full-time working your business, you may be using some money from your personal account to purchase things for the business and using business funds to handle personal expenses. You’re likely using personal money or income to fund the business anyway right, especially as a new entrepreneur. You’re the first investor. I know I was my first investor. I started my business with personal savings, but I avoided a major mistake when doing this and I want you to avoid it too or correct it if you’re already doing it.The major mistake is mixing your personal money with your business money. Here is why this is a big mistake and can cost you money later.

1) You can’t show positive cash flow. If you’re consistently mixing your personal funds with your business income to make business and personal purchases, it’s hard to show positive cash flow into your business. You won’t be able to properly assess the health of your business and adjust your strategy to ensure continuous revenue and growth. This looks very sloppy and high risk to investors, so they’ll want no part of it. You have to be able to see exactly how much revenue is coming in and the amount of expenses the business has. You should know the exact dollar amount of how much it takes to run your business every month. Are you making that? What’s your profit margin? Will you have enough floater money for your slow months?

2) You’ll pay more in taxes. The IRS will think you have a hobby not a business that means money lost as they deny legitimate deductions. They will only allow deductions if you can clearly show that the expenses were for business. You don’t want the nightmare at tax time of sorting through old receipts and combing through bank statements trying to determine if something was a real business or a personal expense. Definitely not.

How to AVOID this:
1) Have separate bank accounts. You should have separate savings and checking accounts for your business. Only use the business account for business expenses and only use your personal account for personal expenses. It looks more professional, you will look like a real business owner if the business name is on the check or debit card. The money can be clearly tracked and the IRS is less likely to audit you or deny deductions. One of the first things I did after officially filing my paperwork was to go to a bank and start a business checking account. I felt so official once I got the debit card. I kept looking at my business name on it and smiling.

2) Pay yourself a salary. If you’re thinking but the whole reason I started this business is to supplement my income, no worries. You will be cutting yourself a check like an employee. You own the business so simply write yourself a check or transfer the money from your business checking account to your personal checking account. Start off with however much you need $25, $300, $3,000. Just be sure not to go overboard. Leave funds in the business to cover operating costs at minimum.

3) Create separate budgets.  Design a personal budget that is completely separate from your business budget. Of course include your salary line item and if you give funds to your business every month include a business line item as well. Also, account for the salary and income in your business budget. Budgets will help you see what your operating costs are for the business and operating costs for your household. You can then make sure those aforementioned line items make sense.

4) Use separate tracking software. You know I’m a big proponent of tracking your money. Track your personal and business income and spending, just don’t use the same account or system. You can use something like Excel and have separate files and folders for the business vs. personal funds. Or use accounting software such as Mint or Quicken for personal and Quickbooks or Xero for business funds. I like Mint for personal and Quickbooks for business.

About Dr. Maria James
Dr. James, The Money Scientist, has expertise with designing income management, debt management, and wealth strategies to help you live your best life. She is the founder of Pocket of Money, LLC and the creator of The Wealth Protocol™. Dr. James has also been a guest financial expert on ESSENCE, WEAA, Madame Noire and more. Connect with Dr. James in Baltimore, MD at the Unlimited You Weekend, April 10-12, 2015. Visit www.unlimitedactions.com for more details.

Making Old Love New: Revitalizing Your Sacred Connections

The Purpose of Relationships

You may have heard the saying "people come into your life for a reason, season or lifetime".   

What does that really mean?  

When I look at my relationships, I realize they're simultaneously a "reason, season AND lifetime".    

How about you?  Don’t you still feel the presence of your earliest relationships?  Think about it...  Isn't it true that your impressions of intimate love as a child affect the way you date, court or marry?  Your earliest friendships set the tone for what you value and expect in companionship?  Your mother and father (even in absence) affect your parenting style?

The purpose of any relationship, from the seemingly insignificant to the most intimate, is to perfect your own character.  It is through our relationships that our values and beliefs are challenged and rewarded.  Our relationships hold us accountable to our word and constantly bring the opportunities we need to elevate our thinking, sharpen our skills, or reaffirm our beliefs.  

What's the REASON? 

There's always an empowering reason if you decide there is!  There's no meaning to the events in our relationship until WE assign it.  Decide today to create the most empowering meanings for the events that occur in your life and your relationships will flourish.

When's the SEASON? 

All existence is in a constant state of impermanence.  The only constant is change.  Accept the inescapable truth that control and permanence is an illusion.  Enjoy the seasons of your relationships the way you do the changes in weather.  Appreciate the growth of your children, sisters and mates with full presence knowing this "season" will never come around again.

Why a LIFETIME? 

Our relationships become a part of us forever.  Embody more of your greatest examples and let go of what doesn't serve you!  Let only the lesson stay.  Your relationships work!  They're always working to make you stronger, better and wiser.  It's not a matter of convincing yourself.  Tell yourself daily, "My relationships work!" and you will enhance any connection.

Our relationships are sacred tools of service.  Know that you are always a co-creator and have the power to transform any relationship!  When you embody (through your thoughts and deeds) that your relationship is a reflection of something within yourself, you understand change can be instant... and that it always starts with you.  Start your reason, season and lifetime of love now! 

About the Author: 

Nwasha Edu founded Akoma House Initiative, a culturally-based counseling and consulting firm, with her husband after their own experiences with marriage counseling.  She coaches individuals, couples, families and professionals using real-life strategies that enhance any relationship through ritual and cultural understanding.  Nwasha guides couples and singles through the Sacred Science of SoulMating and is the co-creator of a cultural alternative to Valentine’s Day, called Akoma Day, currently celebrated in 11 countries.  She believes "All Success is the Result of Successful Relationships" and uses her skills in strategic intervention to encourage the elevation of all relationships.  Her mission is to help transform any connection, from the most casual to the most intimate, into one of growth, contribution and love.  www.akomahouseinitiative.com

Meet Nwasha at the 12th Annual Unlimited You Weekend, April 10- 12, 2015 in Baltimore, MD. www.unlimited15.com

How to Reclaim Your Throne with Purpose

Queen,

If you go against yourself, you cannot win.  If you are not in alignment and harmony with your true essence you cannot thrive.  I learned this lesson the hard way years ago as I strived for success outside of myself.  Over and over again, I found myself at rock bottom; and each time it drove me into a deeper depression.

I was tired of the struggle, tired of running, tired of pretending and wearing the mask, tired of the depression and anxiety, tired of the broken promises to myself, tired of not having, tired of not being who I knew I could be.

All I could think was: How did I get here?  How did I end up like this?  I spent most of my life trying to be different, trying to be better, and trying to rise above limitations and obstacles.  I wondered if I was crazy for thinking that I could have a brilliant, abundant life.  I was so tempted to abandon my dreams and just settle for less.

I finally realized that the secret to my heart’s desire was hidden deep within me, and in order to manifest my dreams, I would have to embrace the core of who I am… unapologetically.  I surrendered to the journey of finding myself; having no idea where it would lead but trusting it had to be better than my current situation.  The more I honored my truth, the more I overcame my obstacles.  Little did I know, I was on the path of reclaiming my throne and reigning as Queen in my life.  

Reigning as Queen means living a life of purpose, deep fulfillment, abundance, passion, influence, freedom and wealth on every level.  It’s an elevated way of living that brings peace, ease, flow, prosperity, blessings, affluence, opulence, simplicity, love, expansion and cooperation.  A life where nothing is impossible to you… A life that every woman deserves.   

Queen, it’s time to return to your throne.  If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, or stressed and depressed, or feeling stuck, not knowing where to start to elevate your life, know that the journey begins within.  Brilliantly awakening to your potential and reclaiming your power is always an inside job.  

About the Author: Molesey Crawford

In 2010, with over a decade of experience in public speaking and community outreach, Molesey became a published author with her first book: From Good to G.R.E.A.T: 33 Days to Unlocking Your Greatest Potential & Living the Life of Your Dreams. As Molesey continued to connect the dots in her own life, she started the The Queen Code™ movement for women of great potential searching for their destiny. She called them “Queens searching for their thrones”. Dubbed the “21st Century Harriet Tubman”, Molesey’s mission became freeing the hearts and minds of women to find their passion, pursue their destiny and step into their feminine power. Through her seminars, coaching programs, and countless newspaper, radio and television interviews, Molesey passionately teaches the keys to unlocking the Queen Code™. Join Molesey, The Queen Mentor, April 10, 2015 at the Unlimited You Weekend, Baltimore, MD. www.unlimitedactions.com 

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.

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!