As my fifth anniversary of being a published author approaches (which coincides with my 14th wedding anniversary), I have begun reflecting on my first release more. Reflections of Promises was released June 28, 2012.

I have learned so much since those earlier days and I still have such a long way to go. My writing style has changed, as well as my opinions on a variety of topics. I initially pulled the novel from the shelves in 2015, but since then I've sent it to my Betas, and I'm preparing to send it to my editor. The cover design has completely changed, and I can't wait for its re-release in a couple of months.

I'm sharing a special piece from the novel today on #WriterWednesday. Check it out...

Patricia realized she had let one of her secrets slip. She looked up at Terrence with tear filled eyes. “Please…don’t ask me that. I don’t want to lie to you, but I’m not ready to reveal my lies,” she stated.
 
He nodded his head encouraging her to go on. She found comfort in knowing he would respect her wishes.
 
 “One day I realized I would be throwing everything away, if I didn’t get up and handle my business and get my degree like I’d planned. I mean if I kept going at that rate, I was going to fail school. Then I would have thrown our relationship down the toilet, and still not have an education to show for it.” 
 
“You are one amazing woman. I think that I do owe it to you to admit that you were right. I truly don’t think that I could’ve remained faithful all those years, but I also don’t believe that you could have either,” Terrence confirmed. 
 
“Looking back now you’re right. But you couldn’t have told me that then,” she replied with a smile.
 
Terrence turned to the back door to go back inside the house, as the music once again became loud. The upbeat tempo of “Back that Thang Up” started playing out of the speakers and the teenagers began bumping and grinding. 
 
“Come on, let’s freshen our drinks. We can finish the conversation in the living room where it’s a little quieter,” Terrence invited. 
 
“Sure,” Patricia replied, following Terrance inside. 
 
Time seemed to fly by as they sat in the living room and caught up on old times over a couple of glasses of wine. They laughed and giggled as they reminisced on how silly they had been as teenagers.
 
Their relationship had spanned a time period of two years. Terrence had been Patricia’s only friend, during a very difficult and depressing time in her life. After she had gone through a rough patch he had been the one to inspire her to move forward and believe in herself.
 
He encouraged her to give her best even when she didn’t feel like it. He had even been the one to help her to apply for college and make out her five year plan at that time. So, it was no wonder that both of their worlds had been rocked when she left him without a word.  
 
“Terry, I knew that if I had kept in touch with you, the changes that I made to that five year plan wouldn’t have occurred. I know you,” she shared.
 
“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You would’ve made me remain true to myself. That wasn’t an option at the time. We’d known each other since third grade, and although we didn’t become romantically involved until sixteen, no one knew me like you did. Being back here with you talking like this is like being at home again,” she confided.
 
“You are home, girl,” he teased, lightening up the moment.
 
“No, Terry, you’re home for me. You wouldn’t have approved of my need to change. You knew me in ways that no one else ever did or would. I’ve missed that, and I didn’t realize how desperately until tonight,” Patricia revealed.
 
“Wow.” He cleared his throat and rubbed his hand over his head, clear signs to Patricia that he was feeling discomfort.
 
Changing the subject, she asked “So your…wife what’s she like?”
 
“She’s…I don’t know. She’s…my wife. Umm,” he cleared his throat again. “She’s very intelligent, beautiful, inside and out, and very hot tempered.  Did you ever consider getting married?” Terrance asked.
 
“How do you know I’m not married?” Patricia bristled.
 
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to assume that you weren’t. I just noticed that you weren’t wearing a wedding ring.”  
 
Patricia absently looked down at her finger. She had left it packed in her suitcase, until she had a chance to tell her mother. She laughed to throw off the tension. 
 
“Actually, you’re right, I’m not. I guess I just don’t have time with my career and all.”
 
She ran her fingers through her hair and looked back up into his face.  Terrance had always been on the lean side. But over the years he had put a little meat on his bones, she noticed not without appreciation. He still had those dark brooding eyes, the cleft in his chin and that crooked grin that was so sexy, it could make a woman lose her mind. 
 
She ran a hand through her hair again to clear those thoughts, because she was a married woman whether he knew it or not. And he was definitely a married man, with a ring to prove it. Although Jared had probably run back into Lauren’s arms by now, she refused to stoop to that point. No matter how tempting the eye candy. Besides, what they had was something between two foolish kids. Yes, he had been a true friend to her as well, but they were two full grown adults now. 
 
“Is your wife a jealous girl, Terry?” Patricia asked, as she pulled her legs up on the couch underneath her. Terrance watched as her dress slid up just a little, exposing her thighs.   
 
“Normally, no, but she might be under these circumstances,” he confessed.
 
“Why?” Patricia asked, as she began rubbing his arm tenderly and staring into his eyes.
 
“Because you’re a very beautiful, tempting woman. A woman who…a woman who was my first love.”

He ran his hands down his face and kept his face hidden for a moment. Sighing loudly, he turned his head sideways, allowing his eyes to caress her.
 
“There’s more. Shawn, I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” Terrance held his head down in his hands and then looked up at Patricia with a sad look in his eyes. 
 
She reached out to rub him on the shoulder to offer him comfort. She was startled when he jumped back, almost as though her touch was venomous.
 
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you or offend you by—” 
 
“No, stop, Shawn. You didn’t offend or upset me in any way. Girl, I’m just having a hard time keeping my head clear around you,” he began. His voice lowered to a whisper as he continued to scoot closer to her.
 
“I mean, coming here today I didn’t expect to see you. Hell, Shawn, I didn’t even know you were back in town. When I stepped out on the deck this afternoon, you were the last face I expected to see. But…as soon as I saw your profile, I knew it was you. You’ve changed a lot, yet, the way that you sat and held your head was Shawn from way back. It’s like you being back has me questioning my life now,” he admitted.
 
Terrance distractedly began tracing a finger down her jaw line. As Patricia kept staring into his eyes, she found herself getting lost in the memory. Her heart began thrumming as she anticipated a kiss between the two of them. As their lips touched, she instantly drew back with a questioning look in her eyes. It wasn’t the fact that they were both married that had Pat’s head reeling. 
 
That little niggling thought that had been bothering her since he arrived, came back stronger. And she had to clear it out of her mind, and him out of her system. She stood up and walked to the other side of the living room to place distance between them. 

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday where today's Featured author is T. M. Brown. Take a look around as you sample her inspirational stories, and find entertainment along the way. She's new to The Beautifully Inspired Blog, so please make her feel welcome. Read on...

This is the Part 2 of Struggles of the Women Folk. Angel is Georgie's daughter who explains to you what occurs before, during and after her abduction. The story takes place during the turbulent 1950s.
Accompany Angel as she travels the world with Miss Emily Barker and her mother's husband Ricky, as her challenges are compounded by her coming of age experiences:

 "The silence of the house and the solitude of my secret were such a treat. I felt my body easily reaching climax and knew that at any moment I would be there. My mind filled with dreams of the day when someone, anyone, would be pleasing me and there would be no need for this substitution for affection. How I prayed for the day when a man would make me feel like this. I could only imagine how much more satisfying that would be." 

You can purchase this novel on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2k5jrGc

In A Life Not My Own, Tina shares her personal experiences of child abuse and neglect, her struggles as a teenager and in her young adult life.

The book started as a journal and was her attempt to address many of the secrets she had pushed to the back in her mind. As the memories continued to resurface, she was forced to address the issues that ultimately led to her sharing her past with readers around the world as a powerful force of inspiration. 
You can purchase this memoir on Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2jDKsna

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It's a Writer Wednesday and today I'm sharing a new release from fellow author, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku. Her characters are always hot, her novels are spicy, and her book covers bring the heat. Well today is no exception, so please join me in welcoming her back and helping her to celebrate her new release, Enticed Forever...

Middle of the night at 3 a.m.
 
Bang! Bang!
 
The crashing sound and Aize’s howling sent Theo racing down several flights of stairs, half-naked. His feet thudded across the carpeted hallway all the way to the guest room.
 
Out of his mind with fear, he pushed the door open.
 
The room was bathed in absolute darkness, so he stabbed on the wall switch. On the bed, Aize shielded her eyes with her right hand from the sudden glare of light.
 
Near the bed, one of the bedside teal-coloured table lamps was broken to pieces. ‘Jeez!’ he exclaimed. The table lamp must have received a hard knock.
 
As Theo stepped forward, his heart broke when he saw Aize’s face awash with tears. Getting into bed beside her, he crooned, ‘My God! Shish baby, I’m here. Don’t cry, you’ll be alright.’
 
Cradling her head on his bare chest, he ran his fingers through her thick, wavy hair, careful not to touch her plastered temple. ‘Calm down, baby,’ he soothed when her breathing remained rapid and shallow.
 
Her distress, quelled the tension in his groin.
 
‘I had a nightmare,’ Aize whimpered when she could speak. ‘It was terrifying.’
 
‘I’m here, okay?’ he assured her.
 
Suddenly, she scowled at the room and turned up her eyes to glare at him. ‘Where am I?’ she wailed, fright oozing from her voice.
 
‘You’re in my home and you’re safe. Calm down baby, I’ve got you in my arms. No one is going to hurt you.’
 
Aize pushed away from him and jumped from his lap, moving to sit at the other end of the double bed.
 
‘In your house? How did I get here?’ she asked, narrowing her eyes. ‘Why didn’t you take me to my own home?’

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06Y1QBTJR/
 
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B06Y1QBTJR/
 
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/717887
 
Okada Books: http://okadabooks.com/book/about/enticed_forever__a_bad_boy_romance/13744
 
Amazon US Paperback: http://amzn.to/2pnsCp1
 
Amazon UK Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enticed-Forever-Bad-Boy-Romance/dp/1543203175/
 
Createspace Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/6945767

I'm Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, the author of several toe-curling & heart-fluttering Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels consisting of Contemporary/Interracial and Historical & Paranormal Romance. There are 17 published books so far.
Just so you know, I'm a romantic freak, mother of two fun - loving teenagers, married to my gorgeous husband and we live in London, UK. If my teens had their way, they would fill our home with a dozen pets. Swimming on my back like a star-fish is one of my skills.
 
My stories are dotted with unexpected twists and are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe and enchanting America. An emotional spin is what you get when you read my books. Please write or connect with me on social media. I love reading from you. https://www.amazon.com/Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku/e/B004LXE09E/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4538936.Stella_Eromonsere_Ajanaku
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flirtyandfeistyromancenovels?v=wall&ref=pdem
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106790524289597144280/posts
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eromonsereajana/
Blog: http://flirtyandfeistyromance.blogspot.co.uk/ 

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There is beauty in being a woman. It doesn't exist in the way that we dress, the curves of our body, the makeup applied to our face, or the styling of our hair. The beauty of being a woman exists within our hearts, our souls, the power that we hold in being the best that we can be for someone else, and our gift of being nurturers and sometimes creators.

Children and men alike listen to hear what we have to say. They look to us for guidance within the family, and knowing what's necessary for living our best lives. We hold the power to encourage our sisters, our girlfriends, and our daughters. We are empowered to strengthen our men, our sons, and our brothers.

We have been beautifully molded and shaped in the image of Christ, and we are spiritual beings who show our love through our actions, words, and our ability to just be there when needed. Let your beauty from within shine today, and transform a world. We are the creators and nurturers, and the power to revolutionize our small circle lies within our hearts and souls.

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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Please leave a comment below. LaToya would love to hear from you!

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Lately, I've been working on several projects at once. One of these projects happens to be my first published book. Written in 2004 and published in 2012, I allowed this book to remain on the bookshelves for two years before pulling it.

Although the core of the story remains the same, I realized my writing style had changed quite a bit since those early years. I also knew that this story needed to be edited, something that I did not do when I first came out. It's currently in the hands of one of my Beta readers, and then it will go to my editor.

Sometimes the people that we're dealing with are not exactly who we think they are. Sometimes, the person we're looking at in the mirror is a different one that we present to the world. When we cannot accept our own deception, we create alternate realities, living two different lives. Here's a snippet of Reflections of Promises...I hope you enjoy this #writerwednesday with me. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Time seemed to fly by as they sat in the living room and caught up on old times over a couple of glasses of wine. They laughed and giggled as they reminisced on how silly they had been as teenagers.
 
Their relationship had spanned a time period of two years. Terrence had been Patricia’s only friend, during a very difficult and depressing time in her life. After she had gone through a rough patch he had been the one to inspire her to move forward and believe in herself.
 
He encouraged her to give her best even when she didn’t feel like it. He had even been the one to help her to apply for college and make out her five year plan at that time. So, it was no wonder that both of their worlds had been rocked when she left him without a word.  
 
“Terry, I knew that if I had kept in touch with you, the changes that I made to that five year plan wouldn’t have occurred. I know you,” she shared.
 
“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You would’ve made me remain true to myself. That wasn’t an option at the time. We’d known each other since third grade, and although we didn’t become romantically involved until sixteen, no one knew me like you did. Being back here with you talking like this is like being at home again,” she confided.
 
“You are home, girl,” he teased, lightening up the moment.
 
“No, Terry, you’re home for me. You wouldn’t have approved of my need to change. You knew me in ways that no one else ever did or would. I’ve missed that, and I didn’t realize how desperately until tonight,” Patricia revealed.
 
“Wow.” He cleared his throat and rubbed his hand over his head, clear signs to Patricia that he was feeling discomfort.
 
Changing the subject, she asked “So your…wife what’s she like?”
 
“She’s…I don’t know. She’s…my wife. Umm,” he cleared his throat again. “She’s very intelligent, beautiful, inside and out, and very hot tempered.  Did you ever consider getting married?” Terrance asked.
 
“How do you know I’m not married?” Patricia bristled.
 
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to assume that you weren’t. I just noticed that you weren’t wearing a wedding ring.”  
 
Patricia absently looked down at her finger. She had left it packed in her suitcase, until she had a chance to tell her mother. She laughed to throw off the tension. 
 
“Actually, you’re right, I’m not. I guess I just don’t have time with my career and all.”
 
She ran her fingers through her hair and looked back up into his face.  Terrance had always been on the lean side. But over the years he had put a little meat on his bones, she noticed not without appreciation. He still had those dark brooding eyes, the cleft in his chin and that crooked grin that was so sexy, it could make a woman lose her mind. 
 
She ran a hand through her hair again to clear those thoughts, because she was a married woman whether he knew it or not. And he was definitely a married man, with a ring to prove it. Although Jared had probably run back into Lauren’s arms by now, she refused to stoop to that point. No matter how tempting the eye candy. Besides, what they had was something between two foolish kids. Yes, he had been a true friend to her as well, but they were two full grown adults now. 
 
“Is your wife a jealous girl, Terry?” Patricia asked, as she pulled her legs up on the couch underneath her. Terrance watched as her dress slid up just a little, exposing her thighs.   
 
“Normally, no, but she might be under these circumstances,” he confessed.
 
“Why?” Patricia asked, as she began rubbing his arm tenderly and staring into his eyes.
 
“Because you’re a very beautiful, tempting woman. A woman who…a woman who was my first love.”

He ran his hands down his face and kept his face hidden for a moment. Sighing loudly, he turned his head sideways, allowing his eyes to caress her.
 
“There’s more. Shawn, I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” Terrance held his head down in his hands and then looked up at Patricia with a sad look in his eyes. 
 
She reached out to rub him on the shoulder to offer him comfort. She was startled when he jumped back, almost as though her touch was venomous.
 
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you or offend you by—” 
 
“No, stop, Shawn. You didn’t offend or upset me in any way. Girl, I’m just having a hard time keeping my head clear around you,” he began. His voice lowered to a whisper as he continued to scoot closer to her.
 
“I mean, coming here today I didn’t expect to see you. Hell, Shawn, I didn’t even know you were back in town. When I stepped out on the deck this afternoon, you were the last face I expected to see. But…as soon as I saw your profile, I knew it was you. You’ve changed a lot, yet, the way that you sat and held your head was Shawn from way back. It’s like you being back has me questioning my life now,” he admitted.
 
Terrance distractedly began tracing a finger down her jaw line. As Patricia kept staring into his eyes, she found herself getting lost in the memory. Her heart began thrumming as she anticipated a kiss between the two of them. As their lips touched, she instantly drew back with a questioning look in her eyes. It wasn’t the fact that they were both married that had Pat’s head reeling. 
 
That little niggling thought that had been bothering her since he arrived, came back stronger. And she had to clear it out of her mind, and him out of her system. She stood up and walked to the other side of the living room to place distance between them. 
 
“Terry, if you didn’t come over because you’d heard that I was in town, why did you come? Mama, didn’t tell me that she had maintained a relationship with you all this time. Hell, she didn’t even tell me that she had invited you.” 
 
“It’s not that. I mean yeah, your mom and I still have a relationship, but that’s not why I came today. I mean that’s not the only reason why,” he confessed.  

Thanks for joining me this #writerwednesday. Share your comments with me below. I love talking to you.

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There have been many challenges and changes that have occurred on my job over the last several weeks. As the changes were nearing I realized that I had two options...1.) Embrace the change and flow with the state of things, or 2.) Resist the change and get run over by it.

A logical, sound person would easily say number one. However, I am anything but. What I understood was that if I chose to go with the state of things, I would abide in peace regardless to if I liked or disliked the changes. I knew that at some point, I would get used to the way things were being done and I would adapt. That's not a problem in and of itself, unless of course you don't want to adapt.

I did not want to adapt, I wanted to be transformed by the renewing of my thinking and not conform to the ways of my environment. That is what I set out to do and purposed in my heart; however, my attitude did not undergo the transformation necessary to accomplish that.

Determined in my mind that I would let certain people know that I did not agree with the changes and that there had to be a better way, I chose to become obstinate and withdrawn. What did this do for my state of mind? It robbed me of my peace, joy, and happiness because I allowed it to. I embraced a bitter and negative attitude that was contrary to my normal disposition. Worse still, I proved nothing of essence to anyone.

I have had the opportunity this weekend, especially Sunday to reflect on my attitude. I had begun thinking about it over the last week and a half, but throughout the weekend, the Lord really ministered to me about it.

You know that thing...the one where the Pastor begins to check you, boo, telling you all about everything that you've done and what all you gotta step up and bring your A game on. Yeah, that one. The one that has you peeking around wondering who went back and told Pastor all your business, or better yet, who was hiding in your closet since you hadn't told anyone.

Well, that's the little thing that I know is none other than Holy Spirit doing the checking. I can't even form my lips to began to say "Don't come for me unless I send for you." Yes, I can get that off with mere mortal, but when He comes...oh yes, your girl knows she has to get things in order. There's no time for laughing or joking when he pulls your card. Simply get it straight.

There is a humbling going on in my spirit right now and I welcome it with open arms. See, there's something else that I understand. The something else is when I follow His leading, He won't steer me wrong. Even if I don't understand, I know He's got me. With Him having my back...I know that I'll have peace. So no matter what rises up, or no matter what worries my coworkers and I have going on at work, when the Lord is on our side, we know He's going to work all things together for our good.

Regardless of what challenges and obstacles you face on this week, no matter how confusing or scary, know that the Lord has your back and you can't go wrong. Once you know that...then you'll have perfect peace that alludes you during the storms that you try to navigate on your own.

Push out all of the negative and resentful thoughts that you harbor towards situations and others. Move aside that pride, allow love to rejuvenate, restore, and replenish your spirit. Replace negative attitudes, with compassionate and positive ones. Then watch as the Son shines in your heart and brings great peace within.

Thanks for hanging out with me for this Motivational Monday Moment. Please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you!

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Southern gal, Germaine Landry wants to become a writer in the big city of Washington, DC. She meets a privileged heartthrob, Angelo Pearson, who is used to having anything, and every girl he wants. A loner by nature, Germaine is not easily impressed with Angelo's bravado, but he eventually charms his way into her heart. This pair of opposites develops a friendship that catches fire. Their love is seemingly shatterproof until a malicious scheme leads them down a dark path that could end tragically.

Twenty years later, thoughts of yesterday still haunt Germaine until an unexpected encounter leads her to the pearls of truth. Germaine just may have a second chance at love or finally free herself from the memories of a long time ago.

Selena is a native Washingtonian who enjoys music, spirituality, basketball, and spending quality time with her family. As a young girl, Selena always had a vivid imagination, and would tell make-believe stories to her friends. As a teenager, Selena begin to journal her personal thoughts, and write poetry. Before long, her talent for writing was recognized by her high school English teacher, who encouraged her to write articles for the school newspaper. The articles motivated Selena to write many stories and essays, mostly as a hobby. After completing high school, Selena would major in English at Johnson C. Smith University, and the University of the District of Columbia.

Although Selena would ultimately end up working in the legal and financial fields, her love for writing never stopped. She continued to participate in many local writing workshops and community outreach groups, where poetry, short stories, and other creative pieces were read as public expressions, and as a way to bring hope to the disenfranchised.

In 2013, in between working full-time, Selena completed one of her life's goals by publishing her first novel, A River Moves Forward. In her debut novel, Selena tackles issues of poverty, race, abuse, and the family dynamics. She also infuses messages of hope, love, and forgiveness, which she believes are the qualities of true humanity.

The reception of A River Moves Forward continues to be favorable, earning 5-star reviews on Amazon, and progressively gaining favor of those in her community. The enthusiastic response has motivated Selena to write a sequel, Riding the Waves, scheduled for release in 2014.

AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO

Follow Selena on: Facebook  Twitter and Goodreads

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There were many graduations celebrated this weekend, tearful and joyful goodbyes, as the school year came to an end, and many face the fact they won't see some faces again, while others know they'll meet up again next school year.

Today is the unofficial start of summer, as families plan vacations, reunions, cookouts, and fun activities for the families to engage in. I pause to reflect on Memorial Day holidays when I grew up. My mother would buy new outfits for my brothers and I, and she and my father would pack us up and head to Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Stone Mountain.

We would anxiously await our cousins' arrival, as we planned what our first activity would be. Now that my husband and I have children of our own, we create new and beautiful memories with our own family. Just like other families, we're planning what our summer season will look like, as well.

In many ways some things remain the same as they did in childhood. We run to the grocery store picking up last minute items for our cookout, we look forward to connecting with friends and families, and we search for places to enjoy the fireworks displays.

The greatest difference in Memorial Days then versus now, is that my thoughts often venture towards our service men and women. Why? My aunt and uncle are both retired military and I also have a nephew who served in the military. When I was younger both my aunt and uncle served in the military, and at that time it meant nothing more than that I just missed them a lot.

I now understand that they were making extreme sacrifices to defend and protect what we oftentimes take for granted. Our Freedom. They were willing to risk their lives, be away from their children, experience and witness events they would not wish on their worst enemy, all so that we can enjoy what we believe is a basic right. So many men and women each day in the states and abroad, are taking a risk that we cannot begin to imagine, just so that we can have our freedom. This day and every day I salute them.

Enjoy your cookouts, your fireworks, your family, and your friends. Yet, don't forget to stop and remember those who have and are currently serving to protect this country. Keep them and their families lifted in prayer, and love freely with an open heart.

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Happy Memorial Day!

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Philonda Johnson is the dynamic combination of successful entrepreneur and engaging speaker with valuable insight to share. Her mission is to help others fight for their MasterPurpose by empowering them to realize their Divine value and need for faith-fueled courage.

She is the Founder and CEO of The Leadership Playground, a development company that focuses on kick-starting the growth of a leader by focusing on the power of play, creativity and wholehearted living. She often draws from her background in Psychology and a decade of experience as an urban educator to inspire her coaching and leadership work. Philonda’s employment expertise is derived from serving 9 years as the Founding Principal of a successful charter school in Washington, DC. Philonda has a deep heart for and is dedicated to advancing women of color leaders, spirit-led entrepreneurs, and school administrators.

Philonda hosts her own motivational online radio show and podcast, The Audacity to Shine with Coach Philonda, and Every Place on her newly launched Network, the Brave Entrepreneur Radio Network. She is excited for the release her first major book, Every Place: When our intimacy with God transforms how we experience fear and launch our MasterPurpose Business. Philonda’s book will be released March 31st, 2017.

She incorporates her professional expertise, personal trials and life triumphs into every presentation and conversation to have a transformational impact. She can connect with and inspire her audience. Philonda can weave her training goals into a beautiful story that makes key concepts sticky and actionable. Her energetic and audacious approach is refreshing, honest and leaves the audience ready to achieve their goals. Her mission is to help others fight for their MasterPurpose by empowering them to realize their Divine value and need for faith-fueled courage.

Social Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/P.Chivon
Website http://www.philondajohnson.com
Buy Link: https://everyplace.selz.com/item/pre-order-every-place
Tour hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com

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It's a wonderful #writerwednesday and I'm sharing a snippet of book 2 in A Woman's Design series. In Book 1, A Woman's Design: Afflictions, Naomi has sacrificed her personal life to raise her daughter. As a single mother, her love life was always pushed to the back burner, but with Sasha off at college, she's ready to stir things up a bit. She's got a new attitude!

In this excerpt, she's at a sports bar and she's approached by a good-looking brother, who...well read on...

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 Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
~Robert Breault

Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can. ~ Danny Kaye

Live your life and thrive! It's the only chance you have. Be blessed and have a motivated week. Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment.

Have you ever found yourself in a place that it felt as if you were being punished for actions you knew you shouldn't have engaged in? Have you ever wished you could turn back the hands of time and undo what you had done? Or perhaps, your regrets did not go that far, but you struggled with trying to understand what lesson you were supposed to gain in the midst of the challenge?

That's what my character Ambiance Caldwell is facing. Ambiance's life has reached a turning point, and she has decisions to make. Along with those decisions come confusion and regret. It's a #writerwednesday as we take a glimpse of A Woman's Design: Afflictions. Read on...

I pulled the chair out and wondered why she was grinning like the Cheshire cat.

“Well, first I want to thank you for connecting me with your friend, Sonya Pierce. The numbers are unbelievable,” she said, pushing some reports across her desk to me. “Her designs have been such a hit here. There have been requests for different articles of clothing for her to design, too. So, we have come up with another concept. She and I have had several meetings, and I have decided for a time that part of the shop will be dedicated solely to her designs.”

“That’s fabulous, Angelique!” I shouted, clapping my hands.

“Yes, it is! And because you were the reason behind the success, I want you to manage it. I would like for you to pair up with her and create a sample of designs to be showcased in our fall catalogue. Is that something you would be interested in?” Angelique held a mischievous grin on her face. She knew that I would love to work on that project with Sonya.

“I would be honored, Angelique. I would truly be honored,” I shared.

“Okay, so here’s what I have in mind…” She began to state numerous little ideas that I recorded on my notepad. I became enraptured by her enthusiasm, prattling off more details to take the concept to a higher level.

There was a knock at the door, and Angelique mumbled for them to come in. It was Ms. Peggy, and she wore a grim look on her face.

“Yes, Ms. Peggy?” Angelique asked.

“There was a call for Ambiance,” she noted.

“I thought I asked you to hold all of our calls?” Angelique probed.

“I was, but then…there’s been an accident,” she stated, with a serious look of worry on her face as she wrung her hands.

I grabbed the arms of my chair, sitting forward in it. “What is it, Peggy? Is it my husband?” I immediately sensed in my spirit that something was wrong and it had to be him.

Peggy nodded her head yes and was having a hard time getting her voice together.

“Damn it, Peggy, what is it?” Angelique demanded.

“He was in a bad car accident. They air-lifted him to Atlanta Allied Health Center, and he’s there now. His brother called and said he was going into surgery and they needed you to get there as soon as possible.”

I jumped up out of my chair, heading for my office to grab my keys and purse.

“Wait, Ambiance!” Angelique called after me. “I’m driving you over,” she said.

Everything from that moment on was a blur. It seemed as if it were taking forever to get to where I needed to be. All thoughts of everything else had left me, and I could only focus on Eric. I knew this was God’s way of punishing me for the wrong I had done. No, I had not slept with Nick, and I had not even kissed him, not a real kiss. But I was spending time with a man who wasn’t my husband, and I was having feelings for him that were not right.

“You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness.”
— Julia Roberts

I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run towards it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your foot. -Nadia Comaneci

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Today's Fab Friday guest discusses a subject near and dear to my heart. I believe we have all been endowed with gifts unique to us from on High. Some of us are operating in those gifts and walking in the path the Lord has set before us, using those gifts to glorify Him and bless others. Some of us have no idea what those gifts are.

Yet, still others are aware of their gifts, but choose not to operate in them. Today, Shaniece gives us a peek into her novel, unstoppABLE! The name alone pulls me in. Read on...

Three Reasons Why People Do Not Give Birth to Their Gifts
When you think about a mother giving birth to her child and the process it takes for the child to be delivered, it can be a rough, long and drawn-out process. She has to go through nine months of walking around carrying a small little person inside of her stomach that is constantly growing and developing.

The mother’s body goes through many different changes and many different emotions. The baby’s development goes through different stages; three trimesters of growth and development. For some people, it becomes unbearable, frustrating, fearful, long, and downright irritating. During her pregnancy, a female can go through swelling, fatigue, dizziness, heartburn and constipation. If you really think about this process and everything a mother has to go through, who wouldn’t give up and throw in the towel? Think about how many women endure this process multiple times to see their baby or babies be birthed. Was their gift worth it? Of course, it was.

Just like the delivery of a natural baby is worth going through the emotions, frustrations, and irritations to get the final results of a beautiful baby boy or girl, isn’t your God given gift worth it? The gift that you were birthed with that you can use to serve the world? The gift that could possibly bring you multiple sources of income? The gift of teaching, helping, serving, creating; is it worth identifying and giving birth to?

I find there are so many people that have beautiful gifts that are waiting to be birthed, but they are afraid to birth them. They are afraid to give birth to their gifts for so many different reasons. In the book I wrote titled Activating Your Gifts, I talk about “Stepping Out on Faith.” Here is an excerpt:

Transformation . . .
I want to challenge you to take a look at yourself and identify what is keeping you from reaching your highest destination. What is hindering the gift that is inside of you from being ignited and birthed? I want to see you transform from the inner to the outer. The definition of “transform” is to make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. Let’s choose today to begin transforming your thoughts, views, and actions, so that you can begin to identify, activate, and maximize the gifts that have been lying dormant.
I have observed many entrepreneurs who start businesses and have great success . . . until life throws them a curveball. When entrepreneurs fail to deal with the personal issues that seem to be holding them down, it is possible that they will fall and never get up. These issues, situations, and relationships are like road blocks hindering them from truly activating the gifts that are stored inside of them. We must learn how to personally develop, declutter, and grow to change our situation and create a life of abundance. My goal is for you to activate your gift and become the 360 degree person that I know you can be. Your gift is waiting patiently to be ignited, birthed, and developed.

“Stepping out on faith and taking a risk can be fearful and it can be scary. But FEAR just stands for FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL. Sometimes you just have to JUMP (words from Steve Harvey). Sometimes you have to just do it anyway. What happens if you never JUMP? What happens if you go to your grave not following your dreams? I am not telling you to quit your job. I am simply saying that you have to start somewhere, and please do not take a lifetime to do what you can do today.”
The top three reasons I have found why people do not give birth to their gifts:

1. They have no idea what their gifts are because they have not taken time to really see what makes them happy and what brings them joy
2. Fear of the unknown; not knowing what will happen if they really take the time to develop their gifts, what will be required of them, and what will be needed for them to take their gifts to the next level
3. Belief that there is nothing special about them; that God has not equipped them with anything special or worth developing

Are you ready to give birth to your gifts? Are you tired of being in the same place? Do you want something more? Do you desire something more? If you answered yes, let's schedule your Discovery Session today. You can schedule your session by clicking here: Discovery Session

You can find out more about Activating Your Gifts and Shaniece M. Wise by Clicking Here: Activating Your Gifts -Workbook

Social Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShanieceMWise
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaniecemwise/
Website: http://www.shaniecemwise.com
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/shaniecemwise
Facebook Group: Unstoppable Community TN https://www.facebook.com/groups/678741998956643/
Instagram: unstoppableone1
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaniecemwise

Trailer:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OlnisrdKGpR3_uf6Xtisw
Trailer code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Kw1ungEE6Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Purchase link:
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/kfgznkv
Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours

Write Now Literary Book Tours is pleased to announce Activating Your Gifts, by Shaniece M. Wise Virtual Book Tour, May 1-12, 2017.  Author will be giving away 5 Free Books, the way you enter the contest is by following the tour and commenting on the different posts.
Genre: Business Owners, Aspiring Business Owners, Professionals, Inspiration, Growth, Development.
ISBN-10: 0997576006
ISBN-13: 978-0997576009
ASIN: B01K6PELIA

Please leave a comment below for Shaniece and don't forget to enter the giveaway. She'd love to hear from you!

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It's a Motivational Monday Moment. We all face adversity in life and troubles are going to come your way. We can allow those moments to break us, or build us stronger. Recalling the Word of God in times of adversity and speaking positive affirmations over your life will strengthen you and lift you up to face your next storm. Here are just a few positive thoughts to meditate on this week...

“Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.” --Susan Gale

“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” --Audrey Hepburn

“Make up your mind that no matter what comes your way, no matter how difficult, no matter how unfair, you will do more than simply survive. You will thrive in spite of it.” --Joel Osteen

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It's another Fab Friday and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate it than to bring you some of the hottest and inspiring new releases on the market. Join me as I spotlight the works of four authors today. Get ready to one-click now as you add to your TBR list, and don't forget to show our friends some love by leaving a comment...

Noelle Harrison is a hard-working wife and loving mother to two young sons. Although supportive of her husband Wayne's professional pursuits, she rails at his constant out-of-town travel to conferences and seminars. What about her needs and wants? Then one day on her way home from church... There are two sides to every story. Or maybe three.

Are you depressed? Feeling more than sad? Hopeless and helpless? Struggling to get through the day; thinking no one understands how you feel? Well, the good news is that you are not alone. Not at all. As many as 350 million people worldwide are affected by what the World Health Organization calls “the leading cause of disability worldwide,” and “a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.”

A lifelong struggle
Clearly, this is not an uncommon condition, and Depression Blues author John Henry Clark wants you to know that no matter how bleak things appear to be, there is hope. Clark writes openly and honestly – in sometimes gut-wrenching detail – about his life and his experiences with depression and anxiety, beginning with his childhood growing up in a blue-collar neighborhood in Houston, Texas. His upbringing was fairly normal from all outside appearances, but a family history of depression, including a severely depressed father, began to take its toll during his adolescent years.

There is hope
Clark tried self-medicating for a long time, nearly destroying his life and himself at one point, before finally seeking medical help in his early 40s. Attempts at counseling and treatment with various medications provided little to no relief, and so Clark – a tireless researcher and information-seeker – set out on his own to find ways to help himself. Read his story and be inspired by his relentless search for answers, never giving up, and his discoveries of how to feel better, and most importantly, how to live a happy life. You can help yourself feel better!

With her Creole roots and southern attitude, Trutheana is a true New Orleans woman. After moving from New York City, she's back in her old neighborhood, doing everything she can to further her independence. But between her weakness for men and a series of strange events, things go bad fast.

With three men in the wings, each having their own agenda, Truth insists on making her own rules. Street savvy and strong-willed, she has to choose wisely the path she takes. But when she finally gets a place of her own, her past reappears in a violent way. Death and murder seem to be all around, so it's time to get out of town again.

Truth hightails it back to the Big Apple, taking her new love, Kenneth, her best friend, Kaya, and sister Franky along with her. After a personal betrayal, Truth realizes she might have just made the biggest mistake of her life.

In order for Truth to make it out of this situation alive she will have to trust the one person whom she thinks will have her back….But will they?

Ray and Mary Ann Lewis are a young couple who have been married since they were juniors in college. As it nears their seventh anniversary their marriage is reaching a tumultuous level and both are tempted by exes, who seem to come from out of nowhere. Will one of them yield to and scratch a seven year itch?

Carrie and Jordan Barrett-Bennett are a happily married, black, urban, professional couple who've known one another since they were first graders. When Carrie was a child her mother, Loraine, put her through a traumatizing ordeal that resulted in them becoming more estranged from one another as the years passed. Loraine even refused to attend Carrie's wedding. When fatal illness strikes will one of them step up and let bygones be bygones before it's too late?

It's been another Fabulous Friday. Fill up your Kindle or reading devices with the books above. Drop a comment below for the authors.

Hello, beautiful readers! Today's another #writerwednesday and I have a sweet treat for you. Or should I say sassy? Anyway, I'm bringing back one of our favorite people and it gets nothing but real around here today. Check it out...

CHELLE: Welcome back Ty, I’m so excited to have you here at the blog today, it’s been a while.

TYRONE: Thanks so much, Chelle, I’m glad to be back and can’t wait to dish on today’s topic, cuz you know I got some things to say, diva!

CHELLE: (Laughs out loud). I know you, do, Ty, I know you do, but before we jump over there, what’s been going on in your world?

TYRONE: Honey, still making these ratchet chicks gorgeous, and the natural divas even more beautiful. I’m getting ready to start my own reality show and it’ll be filmed at the salon up close and personal with your favorite characters!

CHELLE: That’s amazing, Tyrone! I’m so excited for you. How can people follow you?

TYRONE: Girl, I’m still on facing book at Divalicious Ty and they can find out more about the show by copying and pasting https://www.amazon.com/BeJeweled-Standing-Strong-House-Book-ebook/dp/B01NANQEGE or the short link at bit.ly/THOBJ4. And honey, if they haven’t read any of the books in the series, and don’t know who I am, then boo, they’re lost and need to visit bit.ly/ChellesBookCafe.

CHELLE: Well, thanks, Ty. Straight to the point, that’s what we love about you.

TYRONE: Ain’t no other way, boo.

CHELLE: So, I bought you here to discuss my latest work A Woman’s Design: Afflictions. In a nutshell give it to me in one word, Ty, you’ve read it, what are your thoughts?

TYRONE: Cray-cray! Girl, what the hell was you thinking when you bought them women to life, especially that Paige!

CHELLE: Well, Ty, they actually represent women everywhere and bits and pieces of them live in us now.

TYRONE: Them chicks is too much, and they’re ‘sposed to be educated, professional women!

CHELLE: Even so-called educated and professional women have issues, too, Ty. I mean…I never proclaimed to have it all together, I’m the least one.

TYRONE: Hell, girlfriend, we know that. All we have to do is read one of your books or meet one of your characters, and we know you have some deep-rooted issues.

CHELLE: Okay, Ty, thanks a lot (said with sarcasm). Let’s move on…your thoughts on Naomi.

TYRONE: Honey, I’m all for a chick being about her business and her family, but girlfriend needs a chimney sweep. She ain’t—”

CHELLE: (Cuts him off) Tyrone! Please don’t ruin the story for the readers who haven’t read it yet.

TYRONE: I won’t, but I just think that although she comes off like she’s got it together because she’s got her mind on the right things, she’s been cut off for far too long and she needs some interaction. She needs a little Black in her life, he don’t mind sharing his goods. She has spent so much of her life surrounding that child of hers that she don’t know up from down. And her daughter, Sasha??? Honey, that fast-tailed thing needs to give her mama a clue, and then she needs to sit down.

CHELLE: What do you think about her father returning in her life after all this time.

TYRONE: Baby, all I got to say is leave the check at the door! You’re almost eighteen years too late, so pay up, boo.

CHELLE: Ty, you know it wasn’t that cut and dried.

TYRONE: Hmmph, you asked my opinion and I gave it.

CHELLE: I did. And you did. Okay, Ambiance?

TYRONE: Honey, she’s another Angel in the making. Sweet as she can be, but I tell women all the time, don’t be no fool over no man. She ain’t got nothing tying her to that man but some vows that even he don’t respect. Now…that friend of hers on the other hand? He got me panting for more, and that’s what she need to step to. I say get those divorce papers and keep it moving.

CHELLE: Okay…I guess I can see your perspective. Yet, there again…not so simple. That brings us to our friend Paige.

TYRONE: Yo’ friend…she ain’t no friend of mine. She’s living her life too loose and reckless and Miss Kianna didn’t even have nothing on her. What was that name they called her?

CHELLE: A pot-a-let.

TYRONE: (Laughs really loudly and slaps his hand on his knee). Girl, I swear your husband Marvin’s a fool for coming up with that one, but I couldn’t agree with him more. All I’ll say about Miss Paige is, it’s no wonder she finds herself in the situation she does. The way she rolls she puts everyone in danger, and I can’t see how those other two put up with her for so long.

CHELLE: Everyone needs a friend and someone to believe in and pray for them, Ty.

TYRONE: Mm-hmm, well they say God takes care of old folks, babies, and fools. Now she ain’t old enough to be old, she damned sho’ aint’ no baby pulling tricks like that, so that leaves only one thing. My advice…Ambiance and Naomi need to run for the hills and leave that silly rabbit with her tricks.

CHELLE: (Laughs and shake my head). Well, as always we can trust Ty to dish it up like it is. Thanks so much for stopping by, and please don’t be a stranger. Your fans miss you.

TYRONE: I know, boo. Divas y’all know y’all can find me downtown at The House of BeJeweled. Check us out online at bit.ly/ChellesBookCafe. I love y’all, but I gots to get back to clockin’ dollars, doin’ the do, and until next time…TaTa for Now!

CHELLE: Thanks Tyrone and readers for sharing another Writers Wednesday with me. Love you much!

Thanks for joining me for #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below for me or Tyrone. We'd love to hear from you!

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There truly is no such thing as perfection...my husband made this statement to me a long time ago. It seems that so many of us are running around trying to be better, do better, and comparing ourselves to someone else that we haven't learned to love ourselves and accept ourselves for who we are.

I have made many mistakes in life and I am convinced that I will continue to do so until I expire. There are some mistakes that I truly wish I could undo, but wasting time regretting them gets me nowhere. My husband also expressed to me that I should learn from my mistakes, rather than spend time worrying about them, because those mistakes are what made me the woman I am today.

You may think "Chelle, that's easier said than done," or "You don't know my past, Chelle," and while all this may be true, I know that we serve a God who forgives us of our sins. He wants us to draw nearer to Him, and stop raking ourselves over the coals for what we have done in the past. A lesson that I have learned, is that the Lord has forgiven me of my sins, but I had to also learn to forgive myself. That continued flood of guilt that tends to permeate our soul stems from the enemy's plan to destroy our future and the confidence we should have within ourselves.

When we allow him to hold that much sway and power over our attitudes, behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, he wins. That's not the Lord's plan for our lives. We were destined to live victorious according to 1 John 5:4 "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." You simply have to believe and let go of the recriminations of the enemy, start thinking confidently, boldly, and step into the life of victory the Lord God Almighty has predestined for you.

Once you move beyond the allegations and reproach of the enemy, you find that you will get out of your own way. You're no longer blaming yourself, expecting to fail, or believing you deserve every bad thing that comes your way. Instead, you began to recount what the Word of God says about you, and you speak life over your life.

So, yes, you are unworthy, and so am I, but to God be the glory, because He has redeemed us and justified us because of His grace. He simply is waiting for you to get out of your own way, accept your flaws and all, love Him, and learn to love yourself. Then you can begin to propel forward, walk in righteousness, and live victoriously on purpose!

Thanks for hanging out with me for another Motivational Monday Moment. Drop me a line so that I can know your thoughts.

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It's #writerwednesday and I'm sharing a scene from the final novel in The House of BeJeweled series, BeJeweled: Standing Strong. Our hearts often desire something more, but it's not always in our best interest. What does a woman do when the man she loves want more than she can give? Read on...

Thanks for joining me for #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below.

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I believe people enter our life for a reason, and we are to learn from them. Even if it appears that they have little to offer and to pour into your life, don't take them for granted and be quick to judge. The one person who seems to have little to offer, may be the one you learn the most from. If you look closely, pay attention, and respect them, it allows your heart to be open to learn from that person.

Sometimes, we take our friends for granted and do not honor their place in our lives. Take time to nurture the friendships that are in your life today. Every encounter and interaction you have with your friends are to be treated as building blocks. Take away nuggets of information, hope, and love that they offer and build on them to strengthen the relationship, and yourself as an individual. Use opportunities that come your way to build, encourage, and strengthen the other person, as well.

Alternatively, pour into the other person the best you have to offer them. Don't let the friendship be one-sided where you're taking and taking, and not giving anything back. Ensure there is reciprocity in the relationship, where you're both giving and no one is coming up short, or doing more than the relationship calls for. Balance is the greatest thing you both can bring to the friendship, and never take one another for granted.

As the quote indicates, no friendship occurs by accident. It was always predestined and there is a specific purpose for every friendship in your life. Nurture and foster the relationship, and allow it to flourish into the beautiful creation it was designed to be.

It's another Fab Friday and today we're checking out M.C. Walker's novel, One More Thing. This sassy, sweet romance definitely has it's share of drama the way we love. Don't miss your chance to check it out...

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#Writerwednesday is upon us again, and as I write this post it occurred to me that more often than not the women characters I write about are often plagued by some great circumstance that seems to have come about by their own hand. Many people are plagued with issues that life brings about, yet, more often than not my characters create their issues.

Most are on the road to self-destruction, while some err on the path of self-discovery. Whatever their issue may be, they all find deep within the power to get off the pity party boat, and began to carve out their destiny and take the course of their lives back into their own hands.

This past Sunday my pastor stated that "Pain is part of the process." That's true in life, and it's true in my books. To get to the healing and the growing and the restoration, you have to go through the pain. That's the only way you'll appreciate the greatness He has placed within you, is when you've gone through the test. Today's character, Naomi, is definitely going through her own test. Read on...

Convincing Sasha to give her father half a chance was not easy. She wanted no parts of it and let me know she felt betrayed by the fact that I was even speaking to Jaime, let alone wanting her to spend time with him.

“Maybe you fell for his story, Mom, but I didn’t!”

“Sasha Kennedy Blankenship, get back down these stairs, now!” I was standing at the island chopping vegetables for the grilled steak burritos I was making for our dinner. My tempestuous daughter had stomped up the stairs at our latest disagreement about her at least calling her father. This had been going on for almost two weeks now. I was getting worn down and ready to give up. Jaime had called again this morning asking if I had made any progress. It took everything in me not to get angry with him.

Here I was picking up the pieces once again where he had failed his daughter. It seemed as if I had been doing that ever since the day he walked out. I was tired, but I had to know that I had given it my all before I gave up.

She marched back down the steps with her arms crossed over her chest and her lips poked out.

“You know, you look like you did when you were four and I told you that you couldn’t wear your tutu and ballerina slippers to school.”

Sasha didn’t so much as crack a smile. I blew out a breath and set my knife down. I walked to the sink and washed my hands, dried them on a paper towel, and walked over to where my daughter stood. I pulled her into my arms.

“What are you scared of, baby? All these years you wished you had gotten to know him. All these years you visualized him in your head, and now that he’s here, you won’t give him half a chance. Are you worried that he’s going to take you from me?”

Sasha shook her head no, not saying a word. I felt her shoulders shake and knew that she was crying.

“Then, baby, what are you afraid of?”

She still refused to say a word, and then it began to dawn on me. I don’t know how I didn’t see it before. Sasha was so much like her father in so many ways. I had told her that throughout the years, and in her head, she had made him up to be fabulous and convinced herself he had died. Now it had to be a blow to her knowing he was alive and not as fabulous as she first thought. I realized my daughter was projecting Jaime’s failings onto herself, and it was impacting how she felt about herself. She was worried that getting to know him would reveal all of his flaws. And if they were revealed, she would be disappointed. That was scary to her, because to her, she was him.

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Being great and being successful starts within. When you stop looking all around you at what other people are doing and what they have, and when you stop making excuses for why you can't achieve something, then you're on your way to great!

Oftentimes people get in their own way, because they're too busy comparing themselves to others. That's the first step to setting yourself up for failure. We were individually created to be unique, designed in such a way that we could never replicate what another person is doing or is becoming in the same exact way. Their flaws, failings, imperfections, successes, victories, and wins are their own. Enjoy your own personal journey to greatness.

Tapping deep within you can discover what your gifts are and where your challenge areas lie. Embrace who you are, and love yourself for the good and the bad. Find ways to enhance your strengths and gifts, and diminish your weaknesses. That's when you take the limits off and discover just how great you are within. The more you focus on your attributes, the greater your strengths will become. The greater your strength becomes, then you began to realize just how great you are.