Have You Counted Your Blessings Lately?

I love this time of the year! When Thanksgiving comes around the mood changes and love is in the air. People travel to spend time with their loved ones or open up their homes to friends who maybe far from their families. Great stories are shared around tables and you are guaranteed that turkey this and turkey that will be the meal for the next many days! Homes get decorated in preparation for Christmas. Radios start blasting Christmas songs everywhere. The festive season is here. 

In a world where virtually every holiday has been commercialized, “Black Friday & Cyber Monday” used to be a day but now they are a week long! I watched in amazement as people trip over one another to get the “deal of day.” Holiday sales now month long and folks are busy buying stuff they don’t need unaware that they are laying a foundation of going into the next year in more debt! 

Could we have lost the essence of gratitude in the pursuit of more? I think we have. We have become a society with so much yet we experience so little joy in our lives. We casually say, “thank you” out of tradition and not from the depth of conviction. Have we become so entitled and become blinded to the most important things in our lives? Have you counted your blessings lately? 

I want to share with you my life lessons about gratitude or being thankful and I hope that it gives you a different lens through which you can count some your blessings. 

My grandmother always told me - “Son, in life there will always be people with more than you have and there will be those with less than you have. The key to being fulfilled is to always be thankful for what you have now.” Melody Beattie say, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home and a stranger into a friend.” How so very true! Gratitude turns what we have into more than enough.

Gratitude gives us strength to go through adversity in our lives. It gives us the strength to stand up again. It gives us the hope for the future, empowering us to keep moving for a better tomorrow. Be thankful for the tough lessons of 2014 and stand up with a refreshed hope and excitement for the coming year.

Gratitude gives us a renewed purpose for our lives. Sometimes we are faced by life altering realities in our lives that shake the very core of our being and gratitude gives meaning to the meaningless as long as we choose to see the best in all things. Gratitude allows us to mine the gold from every circumstance.

Gratitude is the cure for the destination disease. The someday disease-when I get a better job, when I get a better spouse, when I start a new business, when I retire! Quit postponing your joy! I love what Robert J. Hastings says: “Sooner or later we must realize there is no ideal destination, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life outdistances us. So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more and cry less.Life must be lived as we go along. Relish the moment is a good motto.”  I say, all we have is this moment - NOW live like you are grateful to be alive.

Gratitude opens the doors of opportunity and blessings to flow your way when we become intentionally grateful to those around us. We all need someone to believe in us,to build us, to guide us or support us on our life’s quest to fulfill on our purpose. Be thankful for your family, friends, mentors or the relationships you have right now. They are your blessings on the journey.

In conclusion, gratitude gives you perspective, gratitude gives you strength in times of adversity, gratitude gives purpose, gratitude gives you joy and fulfillment right now and finally gratitude opens the doors of blessings to flow your way. Count your blessings daily and always be a blessing to others around you. 

I thank you for your time. I thank you Lolade Onashile for the opportunity to serve you and your readers. Wishing you all a very blessed and wonderful holiday season my friends.

What are you most grateful for? Please share below.

 Live, Love and Share,

Guest Blogger: Njeru is a Co-Author with Brian Tracy of the bestselling book “Change Agents”. Certified Speaker, Coach & Trainer with the John Maxwell Team. Founder of The Leaders University. Njeru Nthigah is passionate about educating, empowering and equipping leaders. He also works with individuals to help them find, develop and live out their unique purpose. He currently lives in New Jersey. You may connect with his via social media:

www.linkedin.com/in/njerunthigah 

www.facebook.com/njerunthigahspeaker

www.twitter.com/njerunthigah

A Place to Give Thanks!

With Thanksgiving a few days away.  I have put together a really simple, easy, and fun DIY for you. Here is a little token to get your family and guest involved in thinking about what they are thankful for at the dinner table!

Collect all your supplies and available to use.

Measure and cut out your kraft paper

Use a window for tracing or a flat surface.  

Finally, you have a ready to use placemat. 

What you'll need:

1. As many 20" x12" (roughly) pieces if kraft paper as you have people  at your table 

2. White paint pen (used the Recollection brand at  Michaels)

3. This printable template that reads "I am thankful for.." to trace on the kraft paper

4. Use window or other surface that can be used to trace on

When you complete your own DIY project for you and your family tag me on Instagram @loladenotes.  Remember to live, love & share!


Happy Thanksgiving!

It only gets better when you get better!

Hey Good People!

I hope you are having a great week and gearing up for turkey day next week!  This year has really flown by fast.  I am reflecting on how much has changed.  

I have to say that I have grown so much as a woman.  I am feeling more comfortable in my skin.  I am learning to embrace failure by failing forward.  It is okay to ask for help and it is okay to step into the unknown.  The truth is if your life is not evolving then you are not growing.  How do you know if you are growing?  

1. You experience discomfort.

2. The things that interested you yesterday no longer interest you today.  That can be things or people.

3. Your focus is peeked toward where you want to go vs. where you currently are.

I want to encourage you to intentionally keep growing and be present while on your journey.  I want you to enjoy the moment.  It might be easier said then done, but life is worth living, loving and sharing. 

Check out the new banner on the blog!  Also I have a fun blog post to share with you on Tuesday.  Make sure to come back now!

LO

4 days / 13 moments

Hey Everyone! It has been a while since I have been on the scene.  I have been busy with travel, work, and  love.  These photos of our trip to Tenn. is long over due.  I can now cross the Smoky Mts. off my bucket list.  The trip was over Columbus weekend (how ironic considering we went to an Indian Reservation).  Enjoy your week and see you again on Thursday!  Remember to live love share.

Left this at home for a weekend with nature

Relax Reset Revive!

Going to the reservation was interesting need less to say.
 I think I was expecting more. This picture and costume was more
for the tourist.

just in case you needed to be reminded...

Till next week....

Remember to live.love & share 

LO -- 

Happy New Year!!

Thank you everyone who have been supporting the blog and providing great feedback.  Please do not forget to tell friends about the blog and leave me a message.  

I have been really present and reflecting on the fact that this year is almost over.  I almost feel like if you have not gotten in that trip you wanted to go on, finish that project you half completed or start that 2014 New Year's Resolution you might be somewhat behind.  Instead of waiting for January 1st to reflect on the year and plant new seeds for the new year; why not start now? Why not make your goals count now? Stop waiting to live your goals in January and start living today.  

Here is how I plan to start/continue living...

1. I want to go on more road trips 

2. Balance my check book and save 

3. Take my first cruise some where warm

4. Find more DIY projects to complete and share with friends

5. Bake a cake from scratch 

6. Have friends over to celebrate a new season 

7. Write thank you cards or just thinking about you note cards to friends and love ones

8. Get a bike and ride 

How are you planning on living your life now?

Remember to live, love, and share.

See you again on Thursday!

LO 

Who is that on the other line...?

Morning loves!  I hope everyone is having a great week  I am looking forward to spending  my weekend relaxing, refueling and renewing.  I wanted to get your opinion on something again.  Do you mind if your significant other talks on the phone with the opposite sex?  I noticed that my man (who I blush over) has more female friends then male.  It does not bother me that his contact list is filled with name after name of females.  But I am curious who out there would have a problem with their significant other sharing conversation after work with the opposite sex.

I trust that  my relationship is based on integrity and I know that we are both pretty independent people that see the value of building friendships with individuals.   We both came to the table with our own set of friends and we continue to build a network of friends together.  I do think that there has to be a mutual respect and boundaries.  Is respect not enough?  Do you require more?

What you say!?

xo,

LO

balance Vs. completion

I was talking with 2 women.  One that is a mother, wife, and holds a leadership position at her job.  The other woman who is a wife and holds a leadership position at her job.  We were all having a casual conversation about the topic of work-life balance. This was a passionate discussion on what balance is and how to achieve it with the many hat we wear daily.  I have always chased balance but the way it looked was like a dog chasing it's tail. Does balance really exist?  Can you have it all and maintain your shit, zen, or equilibrium?

I am coming to peace with who I am in the world.  I am learning what I will accept as my truth.  I am learning to love the entire me.  I am learning that it's not about wearing 50 different hats at the same time and being great at everything, at the same time.  Balance is about completion.  I want to live knowing that I am activity engaged with completing my purpose in life. Balance for me is knowing what is important.  When I distinguish what is important and set forth finishing WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT I am left complete and whole.  Balance is dictated by where you are in life.  Distinguish what is MOST IMPORTANT to you. Set expectations and boundaries.   In the conversation with these 2 women we have similar concerns with different perspectives.

What is balance to you?

See you again on Thursday!  Remember to live. love. share. 

Book Club 2.0

Look and see what my lady book club is reading next!

I will keep you posted.  Please pray for me that I do well during the 21 day financial fast and finish the book! Also read along with us and share your experience.  

Till next Thursday.  Remember to live, love, share.

LO --

xo

Tuesday Talk -- Attitude

Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are.

Norman Vincent Peale

Can people change?

I need your help in answering these questions.  Can people change?  Do you think after bad habits and mistakes, can people change?  The question is not will you forgive or give a person a second chance; but can someone change their ways for the better?

We all make mistake.  We all have gotten into some shit!  We all wish we did not say or do something.  Can we make a turn for the better?  Can we change?  Old habits are hard to break.  I heard somewhere it takes 30 days to make something a new habit.  So, if someone was a cheater, can they change?  If someone is consistently late for appointments can they change?  

I would like know from you what you think.  Please share with me what you know to be the truth.

Looking forward to reading your answers.  

LO,

Ps. Remember to live, love, share  

Don't Give Up!

Am Baaaack!!!   Since I have started my new job and position this summer I have defiantly been on my grind.  This summer has been one of new adventures needless to say.  I made a lot of time for friends, family, the beach,  good food and laughs.

Have you ever started something new and was like "heck nawh" this is too damn hard? Well, I felt like that with my new job.  The more I tried the more I felt overwhelmed.

Here is what I have learned:

1. Anything new is going to be challenging.  You have to give yourself the space and time to make mistakes and learn.  Anything worth doing is worth doing badly first.  What I mean by this is that you never start at your best.

2. You are going to make multiple mistakes. What are you doing to learn from your mistakes?  Confucius said it well, "Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall".

3. Failure teaches you patience.

4. Perseverance has to kick in!  You can not give up.  It is going to be hard.  You are going to be tired but you will make it. If you persist you will win.

5. You have to make sure you are putting good energy in the Universe.  Only speak positive words about yourself, the situation and others ( I am working on this one!).  Your words create your reality.

6. Be kind and show gratitude.  My family has been so supportive, they have been my sounding board  since my transition.  Words cannot say enough.

7. Pray!

A month in, I am not feeling the same as I did the first week.  Don't get me wrong there are still challenges and I am still making mistakes but I have not quit and I  don't plan too.  I hope what I have learned will help you press on.  Remember to live, love and share. What is your recipe for getting through new experiences?

See you again on Thursday!

xo

Might not be my grandma's kitchen but defiantly came close!  If you want a fun and new way to spend your weekends then you must check out Sur La Table.  They offer many different classes which are approximately 2 hours long.   The classes are taught by professional chefs and you do the cooking and tasting. This is a wonderful way to learn a new recipe and laugh while completing your meal.  When I arrived they gave me an apron, the recipes for the meals that we were going to cook, and a 10% off coupon (I used my coupon and signed up for another class!).

Anyone can do this, even if you are not a pro in the kitchen!  Great for girls night out, date night, birthday celebration, or just for a good time!  When you go make sure to let me know and take lot of picture!

New chapter!

The students got a chance to slim me for the science fair!

Life is ever evolving and I believe that I was created to create.  I have been teaching for 7 years and I began teaching after graduate school.  I was really looking forward to working in a museum, because I wanted to be around curators, and artists.  Despite my efforts, I had a really difficult time breaking into that industry. 

 I was approached by a family friend to be a substitute teacher and I quickly took on this challenge. Teaching now became my love and passion. Even though I was a sub, I had my own subject, roster of students, classroom, and full-time duties of a teacher.  That first year of teaching, my idea of teaching changed needless to say.  I had imagined that I was going to wear a dashiki, read Malcolm X, and go to museums once a month.  Reality quickly set in.  I had to change my attitude and approach to teaching quickly.  

One day my principal came to me and asked how comfortable I would feel to teach science in addition to me already teaching history.  I remember in college struggling with basic biology.  I asked her if I could think about it, and her reply was a sharp, “no”.  I smiled and humbly said, “okay”.  That night I went to Barnes and Noble to pick up every science book that  was ever written to brush up on middle school science.  My family thought I was crazy for teaching in the hood and on top of the stories that I came home with about parents, children, and adults, now I wanted to teach science!?  

I made it through my first year with a great teacher mentor, a couple of mental bruises about teaching, and physical bruises for breaking up fights in the classroom between students,  and this new passion to be a great teacher!  Anytime I told someone where I taught you would have thoughtI was a saint or wore a wonder woman belt. The reactions of me teaching in an urban area (I am going to keep it real -- the hood) was interesting.  It was as if education should look different there, or only the brave and crazy taught in the hood.  I did not have the "lets save the black children" mentality or feel like I wore the “S” on my shirt. I did, however, feel like the black children that looked like me desired a world class education.  I also understood that I needed to build trust between the community (group of kids and parents) I was teaching in and to trust that I could do this job.  

Over the years I learned to trust myself more and more in the classroom.  I left the school I started at to literally teach across the street at a charter school.  Now, many people have strong opinions about charter vs. public and I am here to set the record STRAIGHT. We don't kick out irate students, we don't select only the smart kids, we don't reject kids with I.E.P. (individualized education program), and we are not taking kids away from public schools. The kids in charter schools are no different from the kids at my first school (public school).  I learned so much from this charter school about what extraordinary teaching looked like.  I also challenged myself in the classroom and as a leader.  At this new school, I led  the vision for what 7th grade should look like and taught a full load.  As a teacher, you sacrifice a lot of your life, with the long hours at school, challenging students and parents, working relentlessly to teach and motivate students and teachers.  This is definitely not a one woman’s show!  I have worked beside an extraordinary group of educators and staff throughout my 7 years of teaching.  

Since I turned 31, life has a way of starting to look different (well for me at least). I started to reflect more, and ask myself questions like: Am I living my purpose? Do I react accordingly to whatever conflict?  Where do I see myself 5 years from now?  I started to feel like I was waking up to make it through another day and not really living life!  I wanted much more out of my own life.  I wanted to start to answer these questions.  I also for a period of time felt guilty about life because I felt like, I was so blessed why did I want more from life (that's a whole other blog post).  I realized that it was not my job that was the problem but it was that God was preparing me!  For what, I am not quit sure yet.  I truly believe that nothing happens by mistake.  For so long I have been in a place of running, going, trying to get through another day and week and I forgot to listen to God.  I needed to start to slow down and be one with my Creator so I can create.  I am working on that.  Lo’s Notes is one result out of listening and speaking to God.  

I have been going through a transformation, and it has not been an easy transformation.  I have been pushing myself to really seek and grow.  I have learned that a positive attitude, prayer, surrounding yourself with good people, crying a little followed by lots of laughs are important.  I am leaving my current job to have more time to LIVE my purpose. For the past year and half I was wondering what the hell was wrong with me?  It was not only the fact that I was getting older, it was the fact that I was shifting and becoming more clear on what was important, what I was going to tolerate, and who I want to be in the world.  

After 7 years of teaching in the classroom, I  begin this new chapter in my life.  I know that I will encounter challenges, love, fear, and new perspective.  I also bring with me on this new journey God, love, friendships, family, and a peace of mind.

I pray this post leaves you to live, love and share.

Till next time,

LO —

Remembering when.....

Hey Good People.... I have not forgotten about you.  I want to share a little of how the summer started.  Cali love.

1. 

Remember to live. love. share this summer.  See everyone again on Thursday!

LO  xo