while i have been away...

Hey Y'all!  I know that I have been M.I.A!  I have been going through life and needed to get a grip on it.  I have to say that I have been getting clarity around somethings and will be posting more notes about those thing (so stay tuned).

On Lo's Notes, I always want to leave you inspired and wanting you to live, love & share more.  Over the past couple of weeks I have come to the conclusion that life is going to happen regardless of what we think and others think as well.

I have been starting to pray more which as help a whole lot.  A co worker put me on to the New Women's Devotional Bible (it is a most have ladies). There is a printed copy in a men's version as well.  Another friend put me on to something that they try to do frequently and that is write down 5 things they are grateful for.  The things can be as small as, the cup of coffee you enjoyed this morning, or the phone call from a friend you received.  The purpose of the journal is to reflect.  I have made this a point.

Let me see...I also am looking forward to meeting up with my book club next month!  I love these ladies and the book we are currently reading is called,  Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Abichie.

Please let me know what you have been up to while I have been chasing life (or has it been chasing me?).  I look forward to hearing all about it.  See you again on Thursday!  Remember to live. love & share.

"So many people (over) emphasize a strong start.  I'm talking about a strong finish.  Do that well" +My Vicarious Life

Quit Worrying...

I am a worrier.  I don't necessarily worry about every thing but I do worry about my insecurities.  The truth of the matter is that worrying depletes you instead of empowering you.  It does not give you added value and it does not change your current situation.  Worrying also is a failure to trust God's Word for your life.

After, reading this article I realized that I need to focus on the things I can change.  I am also present to the fact that a positive attitude will manufest clear expectations.

This is going to really challenge me!  I understand that I am going to have to transform my thinking, language and attitude.  Please share with me your habits to never worrying. 

Remember to live love & share,

LO --

Rebooting

I am coming off a long week from vacation.  Everyone needs a break even my students.  Since I was able to relax and take care of self I was able to respond to B.S. calmer, I smiled more, and I stopped to listen.  I need more breaks ( said in my sarcastic voice)!

When I am able to take a break or a step back, I reflect more,  I am more creative, and I tend to focus on what is important (my goals/purpose).

We need to learn how to rest.  I believe that
we fall victim to over extending ourselves when we have a break with long to-do list, and we feel the need to always be on the run.  Rebooting should be an opportunity for you to spend quiet time with yourself, reflecting, and planing.

Here are some ideas while you reboot:

1. journal
2. listen to your favorite playlist
3. dinner with friends
4. quiet time at home (doing little as possible)
5. thinking of you or thank you cards (this shows gratitude)
6. picking up the phone and calling a friend
7. NO technology
8. a retreat
9. spa
10. pray/meditate

When is the last time you rebooted?

I challenge you to be present in the moment and  recognize the value of silence and being with yourself.  Rebooting  is taking the time for yourself so you can learn how to create balance in your life.  Allowing you, when you are at work,  thinking about work and when you are at home you are thinking about home.  You don't want to fall in the trap that so many do-- when at work you are thinking about home and when you are home you are thinking about work.  I want to always be present for life's treasures and if I am not fully charged I will miss those moments.


Remember to live love & share.

LO --

reevaluating your current situation

Weekend Notes...

Hope the week treated everyone well.  I had the opportunity to have
Spring Break and did a lot of relaxing, caught up up on TV, and read for my book club.  I also had the opportunity to continue to work on my purpose.  By the end of the week I was fatigued and overwhelmed.  I started to question the process and
polluted my mind with doubt.  That is the easy way-out!

So I leave you were I am currently sitting! "Don't stop because your dream doesn't match your present reality.  Dreams tend to be future oriented".

I will keep you posted!  Until then...

Remember to live. love & share.

LO --

Your Highest Calling

It has been a while since I have been posting.  Life has been happening; I am sure you can relate.  I turned a year older (wiser)... I really don't mind and have found a couple of gray hairs.

This is what I know for sure...

I have heard the saying that, "Life is what you make it", well it is true!  I have been on this quest for living my true purpose.  I use to say I was on a quest to find my true purpose.  Then, I realized after I find it...then what!? In the mist of searching I have discovered that we really can have what we aspire and desire.  It might look differently for all of us.  We need to learn to never compare our journey  with others.  It leads to disappointment.  Each of us has a different purpose and journey.  

If you take your time to figure out what your passion is it will lead you to your life's  purpose.  It takes TIME.  It is a journey.  Remember that  it is a marathon and not a sprint.  

One of the things that I realized is that you have to take the time to listen to your heart, and start making choices that are moving you closer to your passion.  Everyday you are making a "passion sacrifice".  

Since I started this journey, I have gotten something so beautiful out of it. I have learned who I want to be!  I am becoming more  and more clear who I want to be in this world. I am pushing myself from "doing" to "being".  What I mean by this -- is I want to live a life with no regrets, enjoying the process, encourage others that it is never too late to live your life's purpose, celebrate others, and live with clarity and intention. 

The doing is thinking that I was put on earth to be a good teacher, raise children, and get married.  Many of us fall into this trap.  Instead, the being is that I want to live my highest calling and contribution to this world.  My being is empowering women through the conversation of beauty and health.  

What is your highest calling? 

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

LO --

The Roller Coaster

Chasing your purpose is not always easy (I know from experience).  There are going to be times that you are faced with challenges that are not foreseen, emotional highs and lows, and sometimes disappointments.  One thing I know for sure is that you:

1. You need to write down your purpose and goals-  This is because you don't want to get distracted from what keeps you dreaming and working relentlessly.  When you are faced with life's challenges take out the paper you wrote down your goals and look at it, then use that to motivate/encourage  you to continue your journey.

2. Surround yourself around people that can help encourage you.  Someone you can confide in. This persons is someone who is going to tell you the truth.  You should be able to find solutions with this individual.

What I am learning is that I want to know that everyday I am working towards something that is going to make a difference and celebrates my passion.

Remember to live, love & share

LO  xo

And the best speech goes to...

I don't have cable but when I heard about Lupita wining the Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars I was excited!  Social media quickly started to quote her and I quickly  jumped on my computer and You tube the video (love me some Youtube).  I also have Matthew McConaughey's speech which,  I LOVVVVED.  It was so inspiring and true!  Enoy!

This speech was the TRUTH!

Remember to live love & share

LO --