Archive | July 2016

Don’t Give Up on Your Faith 💜

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Love can ofttimes appear to be an elusive concept. Despite being provided water, food, shelter, and the air with which to breath, without love or humanity, our lives become hollow.

Inspired by a wonderful friend who’s been feeling the grip of loneliness, I heard this Celine Dion song the other day, which I hadn’t heard in a long while and thought sharing this video would be a big hug and a splendid tribute to love, faith, and friendship.

Keep the faith!

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Life Reimagined – Purpose Checkup🙄

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Being a colon and breast cancer survivor I’ve had to embrace my faith and continued belief that anything is possible like never before. Coming face to face with the reality that tomorrow is not promised and as a part of my personal growth, I’m diving headlong into the investigation of the possibilities of what my life may hold.

Life Reimagined is a resource that I discovered last year and have used as an impetus into the further understanding of myself. As stated in my previous post, I’ve also decided to share this journey of introspection and discovery as I take more classes and reflect on ways to live my life on purpose.

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This is the 2nd lesson in the course, Discover What’s Next: Living Life on Purpose and focuses on being reflective and motivated by Purpose. Richard Lieder (creator of course) interviewed seniors (65 years plus) for this teaching moment in the class and asked their thoughts on the 3 things they would change about their lives. The response was enlightening.

•Take more chances

•Be more reflective

•Understand Purpose earlier

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By taking on this challenge and actively seeking greater insight into what drives and motivates, we are understanding our Purpose earlier which gives us the ability to use that knowledge toward living a more rewarding experience.

The Lesson Activity – “Purpose Checkup”

The Purpose Checkup is a series of probing questions to make you think about your involvement in your community, life/work balance, and optimism. My Purpose Score was 77 (my competitive side kicked in, so not making 100 made me shutter:) but, that just gives me a goal to work on.😊

The overall statement read:

“You are living purposefully! You’re clear about what truly matters to you and you’re mattering in the world. To help keep purpose a key focus of your life, keep going with the course.”

“Home is knowing. Knowing your mind, heart, courage. If we know ourselves, we’re always home, anywhere.”

I’m not sure why now, but, for whatever reason, the summary rang true. It might seem odd but I felt emotional as I read the review of my score. I felt a sense of validation and that reaction really hit me. I was blessed with the ability to write and thereby share my belief in the possibilities, my strength of faith, and seeing the beauty in life. Suddenly, I felt like Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz” when Glenda tells her she had the power all along, she just had to go thru these trials to realize that truth.  Maybe like Dorothy it was just my time. Perhaps this is the plan my friend predicted God had for me. 

Reflecting further I concluded my emotions were about feeling good, spiritual in knowing my life has to mean sharing my spirit with others is what God put me here to do.

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Once you understand your Purpose, what does that Realization actually mean? Ask yourself the following question: 

“What Would I like to be Remembered For?”

My Realization is: I want to be remembered for bringing light, joy, and faith into the lives of others. This gives me a mission and clarity as I interact in day to day relationships. A check-in for myself as to how I’m living and is it with purpose.

I invite you to join in this journey of discovery by taking an online class through the Life Reimagined Institute. Maybe together we can discover our Purpose and the endless possibilities.

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Follow the link below to begin the journey of living your life on purpose:

https://www.thebigknow.com/course/discover-purpose/session/lr-purpose?utm_source=lr&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=purpose&utm_campaign=general&cmp=EMC-LR-ECP-20160503-NE

Life Reimagined – Lesson 1🗓 “The 2 most important days of your life.”

I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and as a part of my personal growth, I’m continuing my investigation into the possibilities of what my life may hold. As stated in my previous post, I’ve also decided to share this journey of introspection and discovery as I take classes and reflect on ways to live my life on purpose.

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As a means of further self-examination, I’ve started the online course Discover What’s Next: Living Your Life on Purpose created by Richard Lieder and the Life Reimagined Institute; using their exercises as a spiritual and educational tool. This post is the first lesson in the series designed to aid in my exploration of living a purposeful life.

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Lesson 1 was a video with Richard Lieder that posed the question: “What are the 2 most important days of your life?”

I immediately felt the urge to wildly raise my hand like the character Arnold Horshack on the 70’s tv show “Welcome Back Kotter” and shout, ooh, ooh! I know the answer, which I did because of my ongoing interest in the subject matter. 

The answer is – The day you’re born and the day you find out why.

This is where we begin the quest for finding our Purpose. The questioning of what we contribute to society and how this “Purpose” drives us to get up in the morning.

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Even though the video was only about a minute and a half, I spent the rest of the afternoon and I’m sure the next few days, reflecting on my thoughts of what I add to my community and what motivates me to rise every morning with a smile on my face.

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It’s hard these days to avoid the hate filled rhetoric on television and in online articles. When I see this I wonder how people can live and wake up each morning consumed by such hatred. In terms of Purpose, what do this behavior and attitude contribute to society and are these feelings the motivating factor for getting them up in the morning?

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Are they even aware of the debilitating effects of this pattern of behavior? Do they ponder what they add to their community or do they even care? This is why I believe introspection is so important. Maybe if we stop and think about our outlook on life, we can see ourselves as solutions instead of part of the problem.

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Being a cancer survivor, I understand the power of positive thought. I thank God every morning for another day of life because I’ve come face to face with the truth that tomorrow is not promised. Giving testimony of my miracle by authoring this blog, my intent is to give encouragement and hope for others fighting for their lives. At my Birthday/Chemo Over Party, a good friend of mine told me “God has great plans for you.” I’m not sure what those plans are, but I’m definitely open to receiving them.

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I invite you to join in this journey of discovery by taking an online class through the Life Reimagined Institute. Maybe together we can discover our Purpose and the endless possibilities.

In Discover What’s Next: Living Your Life on Purpose, you’ll travel with Richard Leider, renowned life coach, best-selling author, and thought-leader at Life Reimagined, in exploring how your gifts, passions, and values can guide you toward a greater sense of purpose and bring more joy to your years.

Follow the link below to begin the journey of living your life on purpose:

https://www.thebigknow.com/course/discover-purpose/session/lr-purpose?utm_source=lr&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=purpose&utm_campaign=general&cmp=EMC-LR-ECP-20160503-NE

Life Reimagined Series

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Pur·pose

(noun)

 1. The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

(verb formal)

1. Have as one’s intention or objective.”God has allowed suffering, even purposed it.”

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I created this blog to chronicle my colon and breast cancer diagnosis and ensuing fight to survive as an opportunity to share my journey not only with family and friends but the community at large. 

My quest has introduced me to some incredible doctors, nurses and medical providers, as well as, fellow cancer patients in the WordPress community. 

Describing my experiences is one of the best ideas I’ve ever had. Not only is it cathartic, but has enriched my life by opening the door to the examination of my faith, will, hopes and dreams for the future.

Now, that I’m on the survivor end of the cancer struggle, my thoughts are focused more in terms of what I want to do with my life moving forward and how cancer has impacted my choices and decisions. 

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I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and as a part of my personal growth, I’ve decided to start investigating the possibilities of what my life my hold. I’ve also decided to share my journey of introspection and discovery as I take classes and reflect on ways to live my life on purpose.

I invite you to join in this journey of discovery by taking an online class through the Life Reimagined Institute. Maybe together we can discover our purpose and the endless possibilities.

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Discover What’s Next – Living Your Life on Purpose

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Instructor: Richard Leider

Purpose is a powerful thing. The simple act of having one can improve your health, reduce your risk of disease and make you happier and more productive. And a purpose-led life isn’t just for the privileged few – it’s for everyone, including you.

In Discover What’s Next: Living Your Life on Purpose, you’ll join Richard Leider, renowned life coach, best-selling author, and thought-leader at Life Reimagined, in exploring how your gifts, passions, and values can guide you toward a greater sense of purpose and bring more joy to your years.

 

Follow the link below to begin the journey of living your life on purpose:

https://www.thebigknow.com/course/discover-purpose/session/lr-purpose?utm_source=lr&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=purpose&utm_campaign=general&cmp=EMC-LR-ECP-20160503-NE

Celebration Summer! 🎉💃🏼

 

Blessings abound as I celebrate the 40th Anniversary of crossing into the sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with my line sisters, the Eloquent Eleven.

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Our love and bond is ever strong as we’ve shared our life’s joys, milestones and heartbreaks. I recently read an article about the enhanced benefits, well being and happiness associated with a strong network of girlfriends. I can attest to that observation as my sisters have always loved and supported me and their energy has truly lifted me throughout my cancer journey.

Eloquent Eleven in Marco Island, Florida 2014

As I discovered and took on the challenge of fighting the colon and breast cancer diagnosis, we were planning this 2016 reunion and had chosen Maine as the destination. Mid plan, my sisters made the decision to take the weight of traveling off my plate and come to see me in Charlotte for our celebration.

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Eloquent Eleven at Lake Norman, NC 2016

I always smile and my heart is full thinking of this group of incredible, dynamic women I’ve had the privilege and blessing to call family. As we continue to fellowship and praise our remarkable sisterhood, I thank God for each and every one.

 

Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia 📀

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This blog is all about Faith because of its impact and my belief that our decisions, viewpoints and life are determined by Faith or the lack thereof.  My Faith led me to surrender and put my life in God’s hands as I went through treatment for colon and breast cancer. My decision was based on Faith, my viewpoint on the outcome was based on Faith, and the enrichment of my life, as a result, was achieved through Faith. I heard “Don’t You Worry Child” a couple of years ago and the message resonated. As has been a pattern of my life, I sometimes come to music, actors or movies after the fact. By the time I heard this tune by Swedish House Mafia, they had already disbanded. They broke up in 2012 and ended with a series of world concerts entitled, “The Last Tour”.

“The Last Tour” served as a farewell letter to their fans. The group was a house music superband whose songs were driven purely by emotion. Between the visuals and the adrenaline pulsating beats, fans can’t help but drop into the groove. Recently, I caught the documentary Leave the World Behind: Swedish House Mafia’s Final Tour which highlighted the fans reactions to their breakup and powerful music which had everyone in a frenzy.

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What was most intriguing about the band’s breakup was the reasoning. The 3 bandmates – Atwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso revealed that they couldn’t communicate their feelings toward one another or express anger at the lack of commitment to the Swedish House Mafia project. In addition, Axwell, the leader of the band, made a comment about not wanting to be a 40-year-old DJ. Being in a band can be a lot like being in a marriage, if the couple can’t be honest with their feelings, it can lead to a lot of unnecessary pain. 

Maybe if the band had greater Faith in their friendship being able to survive the truth of their feelings, they could have worked through their challenges. On the other hand, maybe it was just time to move on and start the next chapter in their lives. That realization in and of itself is an example of Faith since just as they decided to separate, the single “Don’t Worry Child” made its debut at number one in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song became Swedish House Mafia’s biggest hit, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their first and only top ten single.

In its’ lyrics, the message and inspiration of this tune are, as we negotiate life we experience both happiness and lost. However, God is always there and has a plan for you.

 

Steely Dan 🎶

 

I’m proclaiming this to be Celebration Summer! First, my Birthday/Chemo Over Party in May, then vacationing with wonderful friends last week and now, finally seeing Steely Dan in concert. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker sing songs of my college days and bring back so many treasured memories.

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Seeing them made me reclaim and exclaim how much I love my generation! Let me repeat, I love, love my generation!! We brought Rock, Funk and Jimi Hendrix to the world. Yes, I’m a hippie and proud of it! We rocked out in the 60’s and are still killin’ it today.

 

Hanging out at the Steely Dan concert last night with Steve Winwood as the opening act gave me the opportunity to revel in the atmosphere and memories of the 70’s. We danced and sang and even though we’re a little older and a little greyer, our youthful and free spirits endure.

 

I’d never seen Steely Dan live so this concert was really a treat. I’ve been a big fan since their beginnings in 1972 and have every lyric and note etched in my mind. As Walter Becker was introducing the band he reminded us that he and Donald Fagen have been making music together for 50 years! Quite a feat for any relationship. I love the memories of the past but it was awesome to see what they look like today.

 

The reminiscing didn’t stop after the last number but continued on the way out to our vehicles. The girl walking in front of me still had “My Old School” spinning in her brain and bid the crowd to singalong. Never one to turn down the opportunity to warble a tune, I chimed in with the lyric, “…and I’m never goin’ back to my old school…” with the accompanying hand claps. My kind of people.

 

Nothing like reliving old and making new memories. What a blessing!

 

 

 

Sounds of Serenity

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I am filled with joy having spent a fabulous week of relaxation on the lanai of two very dear friends; reminiscing, hugging and appreciating the feelings of calmness and serenity. With all the worldwide madness happening every day, it’s important to take a step back and rejoice in the blessings and inspirations in your life. The day to day can be overwhelming at times and we can feel helpless from the inability to control the situations surrounding us.

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Breath. Inhale, exhale and let go of all the stress you’re holding onto. I often need to remind myself to do so. I can’t control the chaos in the world or behavior of others, but I can control internalizing my anger, pain, and disgust by making it a point to spend time with awesome friends, volunteer, take a nature walk, and appreciate God’s glory.

The first thing I did after being diagnosed with not one but two cancers – colon and breast – was to seek the solace of meditation and finding my happy place. My physical body and spirit didn’t need the outside stress, having enough on my plate to deal with. I needed to find strength and faith from within; which is where true peace and serenity lie.

I use this video as a reprieve from stress. A tranquil place. A serene place. My own private happy place.

Peace ✌

Happy Friday!

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