5 things I think you MUST teach kids

It's Child Month in Jamaica and a lot of attention is being given to child related and even some parenting related issues. Children getting attention is surely not a bad thing, especially since many children in Jamaica face neglect and miss out on all the love they deserve.

I'll add too how glad I am to see that there is some attention being given to reminding parents of their responsibilities as parents; especially since children are often called 'sponges' (figuratively of course) based on the fact that they absorb information like a sponge absorbs water.

There are many behaviours that kids 'suck up' from their environments and when these behaviours are negative or blatantly anti-social, I often have no qualms about blaming the parents who seem to have their kids living a 'free-for-all' life, and not teaching them what I believe are important that should be taught and embraced from an early age.

Since I have no kids now some parents may read this and say that I can say whatever I want because I don't understand, there are five things I believe every child MUST be taught/understand early, so as to ensure that the positive behaviours continue with them throughout their lives.

Here's my take (feel free to agree or disagree): 

1. Money management: 
From early ages, children should have an understanding and appreciation for saving and spending money. Nobody is expecting a child to fill a piggy bank in a week! But at least get them into the habit of putting even a few cents into a saving tin when they get money. It would also be a good idea to never tell them 'I don't have the money right now' but then you go buying some random thing for yourself....that would definitely send the wrong message.

2. Gender equality: 
Yes, I went there. I'm honestly over this talk about 'boy and girl colours' and 'boy and girl tasks'.....and I'm surely not about nasty kids who don't clean up after themselves. So instead of making a girl do this and a boy do that, how about having all your kids doing every task. Regardless of gender all children (by the time they are 17) should be able to cook and clean for themselves....regardless of gender! It's not about child labour, but instead it's about giving them manageable takes for their age. If not, how will they survive when they go off to college or leave the house (because they will leave...unless you had plans to baby someone until you die).

3. Punishment: 
Each child is different and that's how punishment should be....unless you have somewhat of a Brady Bunch, in which a situation of group punishment is probably your best option lol. Seriously though, kids need to understand from an early age that every action causes a reaction and that they are expected to be more responsible for their actions as they get older. Of course for any system of punishment to be balanced, the parents and caregivers must work together, and they must also ensure that children are praised when praise is due.

4. Giving back and civic pride: 
Charity and civic pride should be a part of any home. With charity, nobody expects that you will give up your all and everything but at least ensure that some aspect of social responsibility With civic pride, there are just some things that your child should know about the country they live in and where they were born. Not to mention the fact that both giving back and civic pride can teach respect for self, for the environment and for their country. 

5. Skills, talents and an education:
In my family, parents do their best to ensure that their children get an education while also honing individual talents and skills. Holistic development is obviously the best choice for all children and by mixing their natural talents with the opportunities for a good education the child gets the chance to be the best they possibly can be. This mix gives the child the chance to learn how to balance their live...which is something that will do wonders for them as they get older!


So there goes that...my top 5 things I believe each child must learn/understand. There are many other things I believe that kids need to get into their brains from early....but that's another post.

Come to think of it, I think I have a few more posts about 21stCenturyKids up my sleeve!

here's to turning 23

 
In a matter of days I'll be turning 23.

That's a mere two years away from being a quarter of a century....which could or could not be a bad thing. I'll say it's definitely not a bad thing, because each birthday is a celebration of life....and that's something that's taken from many each day.

After a particular conversation with my Grandma about celebrating another birthday and being grateful for the lessons learnt; I actually started looking back at the year's I've had, and thinking about what I've learnt. Here's more or less what I realised:

1. Money isn't the root of all evil....greed is!

2. In this the 21st century, it's better for you to know a little about 100 things than everything about one thing. This doesn't mean you need to be a 'jack of all trades' it really just means you need to open your mind to appreciating other things that may not be your norm.

3. The siblings you thought were the most annoying folks when you were a child, they will never not be annoying....but you'll appreciate them for their every ounce of annoyance as you get older.

4. Being your own 'biggest fan' is very important because not one soul will appreciate your accomplishments, goals, and dreams more than you....fortunately the real people in your life will support you anyway.

5. Many people will be 'there for you' until they really have to be there for you. Know who to trust and who you can really depend on.

6. No matter how much you 'break the mold' and counter a stereotype, there's going to be those one or two folks who believe so strongly in that stereotype that you don't phase them....don't let them bring you down, just prove them wrong.

7. Good relationships are 60% give and 40% get. That's where both persons are giving 60% and expecting only 40% in return (if you did the math then you get that it means both partners are benefiting)....if it's otherwise, just forget it.

8. There's nothing wrong with being a little bit selfish....if you overextend yourself for everyone else, then you wont have much use to yourself cause you'll be all burnt out.

9. The arts will by far be the best means of expression...there's a dance, song, piece of art or piece of writing that will perfectly describe how you feel all the time.

10. School does not teach you everything you need to know....and it's quite likely that it never will. Some things you will just have to learn yourself.

11. Do what you love...because having a career you love (with decent pay) is much more fulfilling than having a job you hate (but it pays your bills)....unless you can get the best of both worlds...and in that case: carry on!

12. Yes companies expect you to have experience, and yes you need a job to gain experience...but there's a way around that...it's called volunteering....you know that thing people seem to not be too interested in these days.

13. For many, charity isn't sexy (thanks to the bar set by most ad campaigns and music videos)....at least not unless there's a bikini or seductive voice involved....and that would kinda just be weird.

14. More often than not, there is someone out there who is less fortunate than you are. It doesn't mean you need to try and swap lives with them, but at least lend a helping hand.

15. Self assessment is necessary. Every couple months or once a year look at where you are in life and where you want to go, as well as the decisions you've made and the result of those decisions. It should help to give you a little direction and help you somewhat track your accomplishments.

16. Laughing is really the best medicine for every situation. Whether you're laughing at yourself, your friends, random folks or whatever...just don't be mean....that ain't cute.

17. Misery LOVES company...but don't try to make other persons miserable because you're feeling crappy. It's also a good idea to avoid the company of miserable people. Try to help them feel better, and if it doesn't work then move away until the person actually wants/needs you.

18. TEDtalks are the perfect source of motivation! There are hundreds of talks about so many different things across the globe. When you have no motivation to do work...spend it wisely watching some TEDtalks.

19. Take risks and grab opportunities as they come...even if they all don't pay. Who knows which opportunities will get you to exactly where you want to be. Just be sure to check it all out before you dive head first.

20. Social media is one of the greatest 21st century 'inventions' ever....but if not used correctly and in somewhat of moderation, this collection of tools can waste all your 'dream chasing' time and possibly get you into serious issues...just remember that your virtual impressions are lasting.

21. Believe in someone/something greater than yourself. My beliefs are based on Christianity, but in respecting and appreciating other views, I'm not gonna say you MUST choose to believe in God....but I will say, sort out your spirituality! 

22. Someone out there will love you, and someone out there will hate you (these folks may be different from the ones who stereotype you). Never allow the persons who hate you to determine how you live your life and whether or not you achieve your goals.

23. Stop trying to make lemonade when life gives you lemons! You're way too unique for that...make something unexpected instead.

no giving in

Having a rough week....sigh

My solution?

MUSIC

Reggae to be exact.

Here's one of my favourites from a young reggae act who's been putting in lots of work - Chronixx

Hope it gives a little motivation for a rough week.

the year I wandered....

The first time I heard/saw this statement I don't think I saw what it could really mean. For most persons I believe it's safe to say that the quote makes them think of a traveler who although not in one place for long (like a nomad), he/she isn't lost because that is exactly what they want...to be wandering.

....at least that was my initial thought. 

Now, it's different. 

I don't think of a nomadic traveler, instead I think of someone going through a transitional phase...'wandering' from one stage in life to another; where the in between stage carries minimal structure and is more or less a situation where one is going through the motions of life.

I spent 2012 in this 'wandering stage.' I finished college in 2011 and like many other college graduates my dream job wasn't at my fingertips, nor was the opportunity to go straight to graduate school. Throughout the year although I wandered, it wasn't that I didn't know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go; instead it was a situation where these things just needed more time before they would/could manifest, for whatever reason.

Although I had my part-time jobs and personal projects to keep me busy, of course there were days where I felt annoyed that I was just wandering and seemingly not getting where I wanted to go. What made it even more frustrating sometimes was the fact that I had friends and peers who were not wandering, and instead were having the time of their life with their jobs/opportunities/situations/etc...many of whom loved it all.

But it wasn't as if I was the only one who wasn't, dare I say 'living it up'. There were those persons I knew who were wandering just like me, and for some of them this was completely okay and their year of transition never bothered them one bit. For me though, it sometimes drove me half crazy knowing that there was almost never a schedule of things to be done!

But the year wasn't all bad....

My year of wandering taught me to relax and step back from the chaotic lifestyle I had gotten used to over the years. Of course this wasn't always as amazingly relaxing as one may think. If I spent one third of my year asking myself 'what am I really doing with my life?', I got to spend the remaining two thirds answering the question.

The increase in free time gave me the chance to try new projects including an ungraded online course, a short course in event planning and even the development of my non-profit organisation - Bloom Foundation for Education. I took time to research the colleges I would apply to for graduate school, and even gave myself the chance to think through some of the goals I had for my life...reassessing where necessary and making whatever changes I thought would make the realisation of my goals easier.

With 2012 in the past and 2013 now very much here, I've decided to re-do my dream book and vision board with the adjusted goals I now have.

Does this imply that my wandering is done?

Probably not. I still don't have the dream job, nor have I started the masters program I long to be in....yet!...

The adjusted goals are really more or less the same goals taken from a different angle and that new angle is the direction I'll be working in for 2013. It does call for changes from the way things were done last year, but these will happen overtime throughout the year....surely not all at once.

So I guess I'll be wandering in some areas of my life and not in others.... I believe that now that I have a better appreciation for a 'wanderer' who isn't at all lost, 2013 will be an amazing year with goal setting, self improvement and whatever other great learning opportunity I wander into!

how do you know if you've found 'the one'?

Quite a few persons seem to think my boyfriend and I are just the bees-knees (which of course we are lol). Of course with that belief, every now and again I get a question which usually comes in one of two situations:
1. Single girl who is looking for that companion they can grow with and feels that her 'prince charming' isn't coming around...ever
2. Guy (sometimes single...other times in a relationship) who either honestly trust my advice or have some interest in me (more often than not, it's the latter...which while it is flattering, it's also a bit annoying).

What's the question you ask:  

How do you know he's the one?

The last time I was asked this question was by a number of high school students who after seeing my laptop wallpaper (I forgot to make it generic before going into that session) got into a series of questions about my life. I'm a proud and happy wifey, and since my session was to be a relaxed heart to heart with them, I didn't see anything wrong with me sharing even a little bit of relationship advice.
 
On a serious note though; I'm honestly usually a bit taken aback by the question because I really have no amazing fairytale answer to give (which can be quite a bummer for someone who's hoping for it)....but there is that princess part of me that kinda wishes I could formulate a fabulous fairytale answer even just for my own sake.

In answering I tend to look back at where my hunny and I are coming from, how our relationship started out and the journey we've had together so far. I usually smile (at least in my head) when I talk about this stuff, because there is comfort in knowing that we have grown...individually and together, and that there is a love and friendship that we share. 

Then usually after getting out all the cute stuff, there's the follow-up questions:  

1. But don't you ever wish you were still single?

2. Aren't there stuff that he does that bugs you? 

And my responses: 'no not really' to the first question...and 'yea' to the second. 

Unlike some people, I don't find my relationship to be a 'tie down' and that's probably because my boyfriend and I were friends before it got serious. And yes there are some things that he does that kinda annoy me...but I'm pretty darn sure there are stuff I do that annoy him. 

After that experience though I really started looking into this whole idea of 'is he the one.' Not because I don't imagine that there is a future for us together (preferably with the nice wedding, good kids, picket fence etc etc), but more so that I'll be better able to answer the question when asked again (particularly by teens who really are hopeful for a fairytale scenario). 

Then I found this video:

I think honestly that it's a good way to look at the situation (regardless of your religious standpoint). Instead of trying to find the perfectly amazing spouse...be the perfect spouse. And how do you do that? Be the best you that you can be. 

As he mentions in the video, you may be searching far and wide for that perfect person that fits your fairytale standard; but then you walk pass/overlook the real perfect person who you see ever so often. This person may not be a knight on a white horse/the perfect homemaker, but he/she may have all the qualities you need to sync with your qualities, so that together you can help each other realise your full potential both together and individually.

So instead of wondering whether or not you have found 'the one', ask yourself if you've found someone who will help you realise your full potential; just as you will help them realise theirs. 

You'll be surprised to know what you'll find hidden in a relationship you have with a friend/acquaintance. =]

Z: zip it!

AlphabetChallenge

Here we have it; the end of the challenge road....well the end of the road of this challenge. (it's about time)


For the last letter I decided I'd go into a topic/area I think is worth discussing (pretty much like the rest of this blog but you know what I mean)....the art of shutting up when it's the better solution.

It may sound mean, but it does make sense....

In times when your emotions are not high, and your mood is possibly a bit crazy (particularly sad, frustrated and so on):

don't make a decision

don't make a promise

don't rule an option out

...and most importantly....

don't say too much!

The fact is, you say things you don't mean, or things that aren't necessarily best, when you aren't at the best place in your mind.

Give yourself time to think and rethink when you're back at a state of 'normal' or when a particular situation is no longer immediately in front of you.

Based on my experiences..this could work wonders in making life a little better.

hold the faith....you determined woman you

Feeling a bit defeated this weekend because there is so much that didn't get done last week and so much to do this week (even without considering the things to be finished from last week).

So yes, my things to do list is very long (got a new program that I'll review for you soon) and my brain keeps ticking trying to figure out how to balance it all.

Of course in the mix I'm getting flustered because somethings that I know can be done with just a little help....aren't getting the little help it needs. That would I believe fluster anyone, but when I think it through I amd reminded of the saying 'if you need something done right then do it yourself' ...and in fine print....this is of course unless it is something that requires technical assistance from an individual with knowledge in a specific field.

..............and just my luck.....one of the things I needed to get done was of the 'technical' nature. sigh

Fortunately for me help was available and now it's back to sorting everything else out.

What made me perk up was when a friend of mine reminded me that all the frustration and the desire to get things done is not necessarily bad....and its all signs of a determined woman.

She did make me feel better because I guess it reminded me that all the worry and stress is within good reason.

It also reminded me that I need to fine tune some other aspects of my life and make sure I find some me-time. I honestly have no problem with that plan.....a work in progress I believe, and there's 100% no reason why I can start now.

Until then I'll be doing me with my usual determined little self.

On another note! Remember to check in with my non-profit foundation on Facebook and Twitter!

T: think big

AlphabetChallenge

This week's AlphabetChallenge post is merely in photo.

I was browsing the net and found a few photo quotes, and these two stood out to me. So here are my WordsOfWisdom that I think are just perfect to share with you.

They actually fit in perfectly with the situations happening today, so this may just have been the subtle way of God telling me to not stress with the not so positive factors.

I did find some comfort in these words....even if I found them online (you can see the credit at the bottom-centre of each photo)....hope they help motivate you too!

...working better?

After posting about how I manage working from home, I saw this pic online that spoke about how persons can work better.

Although they have a question mark in the heading, I do think that these 10 tips are some simple ways that can help you to work better. =]

What do you think?

O: opportunities abound

AlphabetChallenge

 oh lookie here...my post is early this week (thanks to a long weekend) =] 

Instead of looking at the stress, complications and possible hiccups...focus on the opportunities that will come during and after the experience. -Kim 

It's been a rough couple of weeks!

I've been just about swamped with work as I try to get everything together for my foundation to launch at the end of April; plus I've got work and work and freelancing and my life (including sleeping, blogging and spending time with my bebe) to balance.

I think it's fair to say though that I am surviving and doing a decent job at it. Of course with all this work there must be some benefit to be derived and I'll just look at it as 'opening the doors for more opportunities.'

My various hats and the experiences that come from each one, have allowed me to meet new and interesting people who open doors and make other experiences possible.

I'll admit that my biggest fear is failing, but I guess that just makes me a normal human being. I don't necessarily worry that things won't work out, but I honestly worry that things won't work out the way I want them to. Again I guess that makes me normal.....but this fear becomes more forward in my mind as I plan events, meetings, campaigns and complete sponsorship contracts.


Even now, as I put everything together for a campaign with D'Events, I am a bit concerned that my over the top ideas will be a bit too much for a first try; but I've been lucky enough to already see the opportunity for new connections to be made and new doors to open. It's a whole lot of work especially since I'm balancing it and the other things I need to get done.

 You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. -Eleanor Roosevelt 

I guess in order for me to keep surviving...besides having faith that it'll all work out, I'll be keeping the thought in mind as I work on my Bloom Foundation for Education, get my work done with HYPE Tv and TEENage Observer, as I continue my graduate school hunt and in between my freelance work!

Consider it a tip from Kim!

L: living by the rules of the Dalai Lama

AlphabetChallenge

Motivation is a big part of my life and more often than not, it's me motivating myself. I do have the support of others to help me feel better about some stuff, but self-motivation has become a part of me (probably because I'm a middle child and used to having to do things on my own).

Anywho...

It's been a hectic last few weeks and over the last few months there have been a number of decisions I've had to make regarding 'what happens next' now that I'm done with university. I'll admit that at times I feel like giving up is easiest, but I think with such an unsure path I've been learning a lot about life, about myself and about dealing with different people and situations.

I've grown to better understand and appreciate the 18 rules of living (as quotes by the Dalai Lama) and at times it's little things like this that pump me with motivation and help me come back to terms with some of the things I honestly can't change (but of course wish I could).

The Dalai Lama's 18 rules of living 

01. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

02. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

03. Follow the three R's: respect for self, respect for others and respect for all your actions.

04. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

05. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

06. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

07. When you realise you have made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

08. Spend some time alone every day.

09. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go somewhere you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is the one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

So these are now my day to day reminders during my hectic schedule that help me feel more motivated, have a little more faith and believe more in myself and my abilities.

K: keep moving

AlphabetChallenge

On rainy days like today when I have a number of things all planned to do, I remember a bit from a book I read (then wrote it down and placed it in the drawer of my night stand):

There's always going to be some person or reason for you to think you're unable or it's okay for you to stop what you're doing. 

If you allow that thing to stop you once, it opens the door for other things to stop you at another time. 

Don't allow anything to stop you from finishing your tasks or reaching your goal. 

As long as you're able, keep going!

It's true....


Some days you wake up and a random headache stops you from getting stuff done. The following day the rain falls and you decide to sleep in or simply stay off the road. Maybe the next day a bad mood slows you down....but if you allow those thing to stop your progress then you've wasted just about three days.

Three days that could have been used for business calls, email responses, finishing that paper or starting that research.



More often than not it's consider procrastination, but sometimes it's as if things just are working against the progress. In my opinion, all the things that try to steer you away from getting things done, are mini-tests or challenges God sends you to see if you're going to keep going.

They all present the chance for you to prove your strength and keep working for what you want. All giving you the chance to overcome minor obstacles, and to make you more prepared to overcome the bigger ones that tend to come with success.

Each challenge no matter how small, is aimed at making you stronger. Whether it's the hater who says you can't do it, shouldn't do it or don't deserve it; or the course of events that all seem to be making the final product further out of reach......keep going!

I'll admit, maybe the challenges keep coming because God's trying to tell you 'not yet'....but the only way you'll know for sure if that's the case is if you have faith!

Otherwise, keep moving, because you really don't know how close you are to the end when you decide to quit!

that one person

Having a great day with all going well? Ok, maybe it's not the best most exciting day...but it's a good one.

Then there's that one person you interact with that seems to just pop your bubble with a single word, phrase or conversation. 

DON'T LET THAT HAPPEN!

Sometimes you really can't avoid someone....and maybe even the convo you have with them just changes your mood a bit....but don't allow it to takeover your mood for the whole day.

Find the happy music, remember that motivational quote, think about that hilarious moment with a friend or in an extreme case, call someone to blow off the steam.

Each day is a blessing so it isn't worth spending your day miserable or stressed over one person (or even a few).

Make the best of each day....don't let negatives bring you down!

motivation from the naysayers

I've had an interesting day.....

To start, I woke up early (in comparison to my norm), and in a good mood! I was so pumped that I did a little mini-workout (aka ran up and down the stairs while listening to music) just for the sake of my 'good mood.'

While sipping on my coffee, I went through some emails and had a great business call that I think added to the goodness of my day and excitement about my charity work. Anywho, I got my little body to work where I just so happened to have a convo with a co-worker about almost the same thing I focused this week's AlphabetChallenge post on.

It was pretty much about the fact that persons are so selfish and unwilling to lend a helping hand, even when it'll take just about nothing from them to do it.

From there I really started to see things manifest....

I saw a few persons I had gone to school with. As usual there was that 'what are you up to now' conversation and after hearing about my interests in charity work and my foundation, they seemed a bit confused and I could tell they were questioning why I would work on giving to others instead of trying to get my own dough.

I smiled it off as usual and explained that I want to help because I see a genuine need. This didn't get much of anything more than a slightly condescending 'good luck with that.'

They say God connects you to the right people at the right time...I believe it.

Little after all that happened, I saw an email from someone applauding my plans and projects and wanting to know more about what they could do to help. This really made me smile and reminded me about the good morning I had, and the fact that a few naysayers really shouldn't deter a person and their dreams.

Based on that one afternoon email, I now have even more planning to get done! This means more proposals, more emails and calls and more organising.....but most importantly....it means more opportunities for my charity and myself.

So while I do my thing, and the naysayers keep talking...feel free to watch me.

G: give and you shall receive

AlphabetChallenge

Another late AlphabetChallenge post...but I've been so busy that Monday seems to just come and go. (sorry guys)

So we'll start it here:

The degree of loving is measured by the degree of giving.

               - Edwin Louis Cole

I've always found it a bit interesting how willing persons are to promote and support a for-profit endeavour...but not a philanthropic endeavour.

It's honestly something I noticed ages ago, but as I get more involved in charity projects I unfortunately get to experience it even more often. While I can understand that some projects ask for large sums of money that you really may not have, I'm still taken aback by the fact that some persons are not even willing to give even a dollar or two minutes of their time.....

Now don't get me wrong....

I appreciate the fact that many persons have to work very hard in order to provide for their family's and/or their own basic needs. But that doesn't change the fact that many persons who have an overflowing cup, are unwilling to give even a minuscule portion of what they have to someone who needs so much.

...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48)

I've been working alongside the Jamaica Association for the Deaf and I have had the chance to see first hand some of the many challenges that the Deaf schools have to face day to day. Although not in a position to give them all that they need, I have helped them to solicit sponsors for school projects and I have been working with them to organise awareness programmes.

Currently my projects include the BH Paints Give Back Competition where Danny Williams School for the Deaf can win a paint makeover from the company. The catch: persons on Facebook have to vote for the school and the school must be in the top 14 voted projects in order to win.

Outside of Danny Williams and the JAD, there are many associations, projects and persons who need assistance. In many cases all they need is a small donation from a lot of people. Whether it is your contacts, your talents and abilities, a small contribution, help with promotion or even your ideas.

With 365 days in a year, I know that giving back even once a quarter won't be that taxing on your finances/schedule....

I urge you all to give back to your community, to associations and service groups that work for good causes. Look for a cause related to the field you're in or an issue you want to advocate for. Make that call or send that email to find out how you can help them by giving just a little of what you have to those who have very little.

Feel free to ask me about my charity and how you can be a part of a programme that raises funds and advocates for special needs students in Jamaica.

F: figuring it out

AlphabetChallenge

Sorry guys! I know I'm late with this week's AlphabetChallenge but here goes.......

No matter how old you are, there is always that sense of accomplishment when you figure something out.

After the trial and error phase, the bouts of frustration and the consideration to just give up.....there is that final exclamation of achievement when things go right....and it usually comes with great pride.

I've been working on some legal documents for my charity and I can surely say that it's been a bit of a journey trying to figure out some of these legal terms and other little particulars. While I could easily get help from someone to get it all done, I prefer to work on it on my own first and then, when I know I can't manage anything else, then I get help.

Without a doubt, there is still a whole lot for me to figure out, but the more I read and Google and all that jazz is the more I seem to be picking out stuff that make sense.

While working out some particulars yesterday for the charity registration, I noticed that in my life I'm at a similar phase. To be honest I think it may be a general phase that comes after graduation and before the big shot job you've always dreamed of.

The trial and error as it relates to job applications, the frustration that comes with wanting to progress but not being able to do it either financially or otherwise, and the consideration to just give up with pushing and to instead just work with things as they are (even if it means being totally miserable day in n day out).

I'm glad I haven't gotten to the give up stage....because I think for me that would be a sign of extreme weakness.........and I refuse to get there!

My method is to do things my way on my time! Instead of making things stress me out because they aren't as perfect as I hoped for, I instead give thanks for the small mercies and little blessings that come through the opportunities I have now.

With planning and patience, the right things will come.

I remember my Grandma telling me that after my graduation last November. We were talking about all the big plans I have, and all the little particulars holding me back from getting those big plans done.

I can 100% agree with her statement though...

I've been patient (for the most part) and been planning little by little.....and slowly I'm figuring it all out....so the right things will soon come. =]

ABC's of life

Little after posting my AlphabetChallenge post this week, a friend sent me this picture depicting the ABC's of Life by Jerry Criss aka Mr Positive who posts daily motivation bits on his Facebook page.

I particularly love 'Z - Zealously support a worthy cause' especially since I wholeheartedly believe in philanthropy (vote here for my charity to win a paint makeover) and have plans in motion to start my own philanthropic organization.

On another note....maybe for my next AlphabetChallenge I'll use these phrases instead. =]

D: dreaming for success

AlphabetChallenge

I think it's fair to say that the average persons has dreams for themselves. Logically one would believe that based on these dreams each individual determines for themselves what it means to be successful.

For me, success is based on whether or not I achieve my dreams. Of course some dreams are basic things that (God's willing) will come in time like a good marriage and a happy family [yes....that is a dream of mine because many persons don't have these things and they really don't come that easy]. I also have other dreams that I know will take a lot of work, dedication and quite possibly take a number of fails; like starting my own educational technology company which I hope will become THE place for educational multimedia in Jamaica [maybe even the Caribbean].

After sharing this life dream with some, I get the response 'wow you want a lot out of life huh.' For me that's usually seen as a means of motivation because yes....I do want a lot out of life and there really is no reason why I can't!

But like I said, it definitely will take a lot of work out of me and there are those times when I see that list of things to do and I become a little distressed at the fact that there is sooooooo much to get done. Usually at that time I look for a song or video that gives me a bit of a mood boost reminding me that I can do it and like Grandma says: the best things in life usually don't come easy.

This past week I found myself in that little rut, and I decided to search for some motivational speech online. I stumbled upon a speech by Arnold Schwarzenegger where he spoke about his six secrets to success. Although I couldn't find where exactly the speech was presented, I made the general assumption that it was at a graduation ceremony in the US (quite possibly California...for obvious reasons).

You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket.       -Arnold Schwarzenegger

In a nutshell here are his 6 secrets to success:
          1.  Trust yourself (no matter what anyone else thinks)
          2.  Break the rules (not the law)
          3.  Don't be afraid to fail (you can't always win)
          4.  Don't listen to the naysayers (let them motivate you)
          5.  Work like hell (no pain no gain)
          6.  Give something back (to your community or your country)


But if you're interested in taking in the whole speech, here are the videos (yes sadly it's in 2 parts)

Part 1

Part 2

Of course you know I did try to download them and put them together into one video....but the program I have refused to work with me....so ya.

Well loves I hope it gave you even a little motivation to go for whatever you want in life. For me at this point in my life it did help me get that boost I needed to have me take 2012 by storm!

You can't be paralysed by fear of failure of you will never push yourself. You keep pushing because you believe in yourself and your vision....success will come!        -Arnold Schwarzenegger

B: bucket list

AlphabetChallenge

It's not the length of life, but the depth of life. 

             -Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't think many of us take into consideration how short life can be, until someone we know passes. At that time we think about all the things that the person did and sometimes we highlight the fact that we believe they enjoyed life to the fullest.

But then for me...thinking about the life of someone else, makes me think about whether or not I have been living my life to the fullest. I question whether or not I have been using my God-given talents to the best of my ability, and if I have been laying the foundation for me to live my life to the fullest in the years to come. It also makes me think about all the things I'd love to do before I die.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say: 'I used everything you gave me!'

             -Erma Bombeck

One may see it as me being 'overly zealous about life' but I do believe that there is more to life than just living day to day. I believe that as individuals there should be those 'once in a lifetime opportunities' that we would love to get a hold of and those dreams that seem way out there, but for them we are hopeful.

It then begs the question: What are these dreams and once in a lifetime opportunities that I have? This 'things to do before I die' or 'dreams and once in a lifetime opportunities' list is known by some as a bucket list.

Pretty much it's a list of things you want to do in this one life you've got. I started my dream book (a version of the bucket list) round about when I turned 18. It's seen as more of a dream book than a bucket list because thinking about all the things you want to do before you die can be a bit morbid.....Instead, think about all the dreams you want to achieve as you go through life.

At first I simply listed everything that came to mind; from finishing my first degree to travelling to Australia, and just about all things in between. I tried to imagine: What do I want to do in a year/2years/5years/10years and so on? This honestly opens your mind to a lot...especially when you start thinking about age and all that jazz.

For a bucket list you don't necessarily need to be specific as to when and how and where (unless there is an obvious connection with a place of course), but with a dream book you'll need the who, what, where, when and why so that you can have a clear idea of what you want to do.

Every man dies. Not every man really lives.

             -William Wallace

Maybe because I'm all organized, my bucket list and dream book have been fused together so there is somewhat of a timeline and full plan of all the things I really want to do. I'll explain the dream book in another post though because I've got all sorts of particulars in it.

But if you're not the type to have everything organised to a T, just get a sheet of paper and jot down everything you want to do before you die. Be sure to note the places you want to travel to, the people you want to meet, the foods you'd love to indulge in and the totally out of the box experiences you want to have.

After that, all you have to do is get to it!

Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't.

             -Richard Bach

Remember that life is promised to none and you never know which day will be your last.

the panda speaks

Browsing the web today ans saw this pic.

My initial response was to giggle because it's a bear and he's all cute...but then I really took into consideration the comment there and thought about how true it is.

Racism is an issue that many persons face around the world; and ever so often, the persons who you least expect is the victim. I'm sure many persons wouldn't even believe if I told them I've had issues with racism before.

What's interesting too is that sometimes we make a comment and without intention, it comes off as racist or offensive to a culture/belief.

Whether in jest or seriously lets try and be more careful with what we say and how we act.

Out of many, One people