Own Your Power

Can You Connect Again Like the Good Old Days?

Or are you stuck in the “Jetson’s Age” forever?

The other day my car had to be serviced due to a leaky part. While seated in the waiting room, I was told that the computers were down and it would be a little longer wait than they expected. The mechanics had to check on my part in their intranet, but of course, they couldn’t find out what parts were available, since the system was down.

The waiting room was peaceful with an imaginary aquarium full of colorful fish, floating high above our heads on the 60 inch screen TV. The soothing sounds of classical music playing in the background relaxed me. Who needs real fish? LOL (Gotta love technology eh?)

Which brings me to my point. The only other person in the room with me flipped through a magazine and looked up to say, “Isn’t it a shame how much we rely on technology? How we can’t do much without it?”

Joseph (I’d soon find out) was waiting for the computers to come back on so he could resume his work in the finance department of the Acura Dealership. We discussed how far we’ve come as a society with technology, yet thought about how much better off we might be without it. It’s one of those Catch 22 situations. Even though technology has made life quicker and easier for us, in many ways it hinders quality communication and building solid relationships from forming.

“We probably would not have even met if weren’t for the computers shutting off”, Joseph joked.

We thought back to the days way before the early 90’s when we were probably just a tad smarter as a society. Well, dare say a lot smarter.

Ponder this for a moment…

• How many people’s phone numbers do you actually know by heart as compared to before cell phones invaded our lives? (Or for those born before the 80’s…back to when we had to use payphones. ~Yuck, shivers at the thought.~ LOL)

• Or how about when spell check was something you did with a real live dictionary. Yes, the ones with pages.
I remember saying, “Mom, how do you spell…”
Even if she knew the answer, “Get the dictionary, Simone!,” she’d yell back.

I’d say, “Awh Ma, how can I look it up if I don’t know how to spell it?” …And that my friends made us smarter. We learned a lot from searching didn’t we? ☺

Come on, we must have used just a bit more brain power back then. Have we become lazy, because of technology? Today we’re living the push-button-and-go lifestyle. Are we the JETSONS OR WHAT? Aside from the flying cars, we pretty much have almost all the bells and whistles the cartoonists dreamed about when they created that cartoon from microwaves to video phones.

I Remember When…

• Remember when people took the time to write a heart-felt letter instead of a forwarded chain letter to tell you they loved you as a true friend?
• Or when you could drive on the road and the person next to you would be doing just that..DRIVING. Not obsessed multitasking mania: text messaging, putting on mascara, looking at their GPS or yapping on the phone!

• Remember when you would call around to a few friends to find a long lost buddy, instead of going to facebook or myspace. (Okay, okay… this one I gotta admit is a keeper. Found some college and elementary school friends this way! BTW…Add me as a friend! lol)

• Or get this, when you actually KNEW the people that lived next to you. I mean not just a wave, a head nod, but they might even come over for dinner once in a while.

Sorry to say, that gone are the days of quality connections…unless maybe you live in a small town that is. However, there’s still hope. There are a few folks out there holding on and trying to keep real communication going. Folks trying to inspire community in all that they do.

My hats off to you all who take the time to send a hand-written thank you card, who stop and talk to a neighbor for even five minutes. Those who actually call someone back when they call you instead of replying with a rushed text message. To those who call up family members to check up on them instead of waiting until they are on their death bed to pay a visit. ~Ouch! Yes, I went there!~ Hey..you know it’s true!

Sooooo, Mr. Buzzin’ BlackBerry and Ms. I’msoDarnBusy…I got a little test for you. Are you up for The Flintstone Challenge?

Try to take it back to the past. You might feel like you’re in the stone ages, but so what. It’s time to connect on a deeper level with your fellow man.
~ Sappy violin music starts.~ Awh man, somebody get me a Kleenex!

TRY FLINTSTONE CHALLENGE!

PICK AT LEAST ONE THING TO DO IN THE NEXT WEEK AND SEE HOW YOU FEEL!

1. Write a REAL letter (with a pen). Remember the ones that have stamps and envelopes? Let an old friend or significant other know how much you miss them. Give them an update on what’s need and exciting in your life. If you really want to take it back, throw in an old photo of you two together.
2. Be alone with yourself and really enjoy Numero Uno. Spend quiet time on a park bench, in the library, a museum, etc. Journal, read a good book, meditate. Enjoy being in the moment with your thoughts. (No cell phones or T.V. aloud)
3. Try a Mind Cleanse…No TV at ALL. See how long you can do. If you don’t have the shakes after day one, be a big shot and shoot for three. Lol In exchange…write more and read more. See how much you can actually learn without the boob tube on.
4. Here’s a big one…stop by and visit a neighbor or if you don’t know the neighbor’s name….say, “It’s a shame, we haven’t formally introduced ourselves. My name is Mr. BlackBerry, so good to meet you!”
5. Oh boy, I Iied,THIS is the big one especially for BlackBerry addicts. DON’T CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR ……………………wait for it…………..
an ENTIRE DAY! I know, devastating for some of you guys. I actually feel like I’m on vacation when I don’t check my email. LOL It’s great, try it!
6. Be a Goodie Two Shoes and help save the world! Volunteer to teach a class at a local community, help out at an animal shelter, assist the homeless, work in a domestic violence shelter, or help out at a church after school program.

Can you do it? Try and slow down for a few and reconnect with what’s truly important. ~Sappy violin music ends~

Come back here and post your results or your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you!

Own Your Power! Yabba Dabba Doooooo!!!!

(Okay that was a bit much, but I couldn’t help myself!)
Simone

A job is suppose to be boring, hard, and a chore that just pays the bills … well, that’s what most of society thinks about their 9-5. I never agreed with that gloomy point of view. I remember when I worked for Corporate America seven years ago; I used to have a painful feeling of being dragged to the office each morning. It was like a ton of bricks on my shoulders weighing me down. It didn’t matter how high my position was or how much money I was raking in. I just didn’t feel right.

Even though I’ve had some pretty cool jobs in the past, I still dreaded the office environment, the politics, the commute, and being stifled from using my creativity. I’m a big believer in owning your own business. However, let’s face it — it’s not for everyone. And it surely isn’t as easy as you might think.

Joe Nunziata and I go several years back. I met him at one of his events and we did several events together since then and he always has a sold-out crowd. A best-selling author and a speaker who is in high demand, Joe is definitely one to watch!

He’s inspiring, funny, and he gives it to you straight. His advice ranges from small business to even spiritual. His strategies will help you boost your business and focus on your own energy as well. Find out why he loves what he does and why Own Your Power loves us some Joe

What’s your main service/product?:

My business is called; Top Notch Training and we focus on spiritual principles in business, training, programs, and products.

What does your business do?
Teaches people how to integrate spiritual energy principles in business and life.

Any interesting facts you can share about your industry?

This is a new wave of consciousness that will transform the world of business as we know it.

Most popular problem you help people solve?

Identify and clear the unconscious negative blocks that are holding them back.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?

In 2001. Corporate America was a very important part of my training for this work. I had to understand what people were experiencing to help them move forward. I never look back, I strive to live in the moment.

How do you stay motivated? What drives you?

My higher-self and soul always kept me motivated on the bigger picture. My mission is to heal as many people as I can … that really drives me.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?

I went from a traditional business/sales trainer to a spiritual teacher and connected the two in business. This move completely shifted all of my energy and focus.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around?

I don’t see things as mistakes, only lessons. Everything I learned as the result of a so-called mistake has been much more valuable than anything I learned from success.

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?

I have been on many TV and radio shows, but nothing lights me up like a live audience. Every live event is a blessing.

Contact him directly:

joe@jnunziata.com or call 516-616-3914.

I hope these Love What You Do spotlights will serve up a big scoop of inspiration and a dash of reality to see if this is really what you want. Loving what you do is definitely a gift!

Own Your Power,

Simone

Takeyah is one of Own Your Power’s favorite lifestyle coaches. Take in these key tips to learn how to be more balanced during this Fall.

5 Steps to Fall Fulfillment  by Takeyah A. Young

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, autumn marks the transition between summer and winter.  The temperature drops.  Trees shed their leaves.  Crops are harvested.  Seasonal transformation doesn’t only happen with the change in temperature, the trees, and the flowers. There is a transformation within us, even if we do not realize it.  Like all of the seasons, this is a great time to honor and embrace this transition.

Traditionally, in the fall, we would harvest our food to serve us through the winter.  So many may ask, “Does this have to be yet another “gloomy, unfulfilling winter”?  The answer is, “Of course not!”  This is a time of harvest, happiness, realization, and implementation.  Now is a great time to gather your tools to infuse your life with renewed health and wellness.

This time around, you can welcome the transition and spend more time and energy on creating balance in your life.  Here are six strategies you can use to build serenity into your wintery days.

1.    Slow down.  We often spend our days going from one thing to the next and we rarely take the time to enjoy ourselves.  Allowing one or two extra seconds can bring more awareness to our actions and help us great each moment with gratitude.

TIP: Set aside 5 minutes each day to remember the things you are grateful for.

2.    Unleash your creative spirit.  Take the scenic route as opposed to the usual way home.  Use the recipe that you cut out months ago and make a delicious meal.  Create a space in your home for relaxation.  Start a journal and let your wild and crazy thoughts pass through you onto the paper.

3.    Make time to connect with loved ones.  Cultivate relationships with family, friends and others around you.  Think about what you want and how you can connect to or build your well of support.  Find creative ways to strengthen the flow of energy between you and your loved one(s).

TIP: Send a card to that old friend who crossed your mind several times last month.

4.    Eat.  Eat.  Eat!  As the season transitions from autumn to winter, so must our bodies and eating habits.  During this time of harvest, embrace the opportunity to look closer at the energy sources for our bodies.   Eating warming foods from local farmers will give you the opportunity to try new food and recipes.

TIP: Eat foods like potatoes, cabbage, winter squash, and beets, as well as less familiar vegetables such as burdock, rutabagas, and Jerusalem artichokes.

5.    Remember to do the things that bring you joy!  Schedule time to do the activities that you love.  Listen to the messages that your body sends to you.

Takeyah A. Young is the Founder and Director of Core Connection Lifestyle, a company dedicated to providing life essentials for well-being and tools for balanced living.  Takeyah’s mission is to empower people to live their dreams in balance; connect the actions in their lives to their dreams; and inspire them to take living personally. To learn more about Core Connection Lifestyle, please visit www.core-connection.org

The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

History Was Made Last Night!

Own Your Power Communications would like to send out a huge heart-felt congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!Last night was a true example of our own mantra that ANYTHING YOU WANT IS ATTAINABLE. Whether you voted for him or not, this feeling is UNDENIABLE and a true example of what AMERICA is suppose to be about. UNITY!! CELEBRATE AMERICA. You are Not Dreaming! YES WE CAN!

I met Angela a few years ago while waiting in line for a women’s event and we have been friends ever since. Instantly, I connected with her and when I found out what she did, I was even more intrigued. Helping breast cancer survivors is her mission and at the time I met her, my mother was still with us and battling breast cancer. She began to offer free advice and great health information to my mother. I saw first-hand how she helps women in the community and vowed to support her business even more. Please take a look at what Angela Darling is doing to empower others and learn why she loves what she does!

What’s your business name?
I must explain how my business name came into fruition. Following my breast cancer diagnosis in 1999, and undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I had quiet time to think. The divine spirit and still small voice within each of us guided me to generate an educational newsletter. I was then told to entitle the newsletter, “Love Your Breasts” which was received positively in the community. It was launched October 2000. Friends and family encouraged me to do more. Therefore, Love Your Breasts, Inc. (LYBI) was incorporated in 2002 and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2003. Because breast cancer is the most feared cancer this is related to the fact it affects body image. Therefore, God chose the name for me in order to encourage women to love themselves first, love their breasts and perform monthly breast self exam, annual clinical exam and never ever skip your yearly mammogram.

2. What’s your main service?
Our main service is educating the community to heighten and increase awareness of breast cancer and other cancers with emphasis on minorities. To provide overall wellness guidelines and support services i.e., monthly cancer support group and bi-monthly Look Good Feel Better program for women experiencing the negative side effects of cancer treatment.

3. What are some things that you do for women?
We attend health/street fairs, organize wellness seminars and healthy breast workshops, accept invitations for speaking engagements to places of worship, community groups, etc. At these events uninsured/underinsured women are identified and referred for free or low cost mammograms. We support cancer survivors and their family during the cancer journey via support services mentioned above, via telephone, email, inspirational cards, birthday cards, etc. We also refer women who did not have breast reconstruction to be fitted for breast prosthesis. A strong and caring support system is crucial.

4. Any interesting fact you can share about your industry?
LYBI is located in the Bronx and has a myriad of community partners. We are listed in Cancer Care, (ACS) The American Cancer Society’s database and clients are referred to LYBI. We also receive referrals from friends, multiple doctors and survivors in the support group, etc. Breast cancer can be a daunting and devastating diagnosis, but in the end these women come through it stronger than they ever were before. They realize there is an inner strength that comes forth and they in turn can support others. There is so much to be learned during the breast cancer journey with a myriad of winning successful personal stories.

5. What’s the most popular problem you help people solve?
The negativity and fear of recurrence. We work to keep the women focused on positive thoughts. Guiding them that when fears are creeping in to divert thoughts to a prayer (if one has a belief in a higher power), meditate, carry out deep breathing exercises, yoga, call a non-toxic individual, write in your daily journal and identify blessings. Reinforcing regardless of what is going on negative there is a blessing in the storm. Reminding the newly diagnosed I myself is still here nine years later following a stage 2 diagnosis because I adhere to the following tips noted above.

6. What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?
For over 27 years I worked in the hospital setting. I worked staff level approximately 3 years and then promoted to assistant nurse manager and then the remaining years to manager/supervisor. The job was extremely stressful. During my illness God did speak to me to make the transition into the community. My outreach into the community is desperately needed. I meet individuals still working at the hospital and they tell me Angie we miss you and would I ever reconsider and come back. My response is always no because God has reassigned me.

7. How do you stay motivated? What keeps me motivated is: 1) The sincere appreciation from the ladies we support through a cancer diagnosis journey. 2) When in the community at health fairs, speaking engagements and individuals thank me and express the presentation was so informative and they learned so much. Giving back and being of service drives me in addition to the admiration for my mission of love from my daughter, sister and grandkids.

8. What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?
Being bold enough to approach important people and express my request. For example, asking the community relations manager at Barnes & Noble bookstore to allow me to do presentations two years in a row during breast cancer awareness month. 2001 and 2002. He said yes each time and that led me to request launching a cancer support group there in 2003. Next request in 2004 was boldly asking for room rental at The Negro Women Council building to launch our Look Good Feel Better program. To date LYBI is a multiple award winning organization and recipient of 12 distinguished awards.

9. Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?
I have truly been blessed in this area. LYBI support services were featured 2003 and 2004 in the local papers. Myself personally on multiple radio interviews the most outstanding with Michael Baisden radio personality. One hour personal interview on Cablevision channel 68 and 70 in 2006. For October 2007, The New York Amsterdam News featured me in a full page story in Black New Yorkers article that is published monthly.

Want to connect with Angela or learn more about her organization? You can also make a donation via her website!
Email: aloveyourbreasts@aol.com
Phone: 718-231-5746
Website: www.lybi.org