When I began my path of personal growth, one of the things I had to do was to step away from the pack. In order for me to gain control of my life and my destiny, I had to move away from the loudness of everyone else’s voice, so I could hear the whispers of God’s Voice.
Moving away from the group or the tribe can be a difficult transition, but a necessary one. It can become difficult because when you move from being a willing and obedient member of the pack, you risk being labeled as a rebel. But the move is necessary when you are ready to answer the call and assignment placed on your life.
We have been trained to believe that conformity is right and individualism is wrong. But at what point are you willing to release your fear of being unique and different? It is when we step away from the group that we find our real authentic self, our power and we become open to new possibilities.
In order to create the kind of change that will bring about a better world for all of us, we must step away from the pack to discover new ways of doing things. We must ask the hard questions, we must become adventurous and daring. It is when we make these new discoveries and find the new answers that we can share with the rest of the world; we will learn that together we can all create lasting change.
Martin Luther King was not afraid, Nelson Mandela was not afraid, Ghandi was not afraid, Oprah was not afraid, Obama was not afraid and Jesus certainly was not afraid. What are you waiting on? Stop waiting on other’s approval; quit vying to be accepted or popular. It takes courage to step away from the pack and shift into becoming a leader of the pack.
A new era is approaching and we need leaders to rise up and dare to be different and unique. Risk the labels if you must, risk being an outsider if you will, but do what is necessary and everyone will benefit. Because in doing so, not only will you have shifted from being a member of the pack, you have now become their leader and their servant. A servant leader is not a rebel, but a rare breed! Now that’s what I called daring to be different.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
What's Your Motive?
Have you ever wondered why you do some of the things that you do?
Asking ourselves 'why?' helps us to dig deeper into our motives -- why we do what we do.
Often times we do things for the wrong reasons and when our motives are wrong or unclear, the results can sometimes be damaging for all involved. Just this weekend I had a situation to arise that I was not pleased with my response. While my response didn’t cause any real damage to anyone, except my own self disappointment, it did cause me to re-examine my real motives. It was not a pleasant experience for me, but a necessary one.
Interesting enough all human actions stem from motives. It is our job to make sure that we are absolutely clear about our motives for doing or saying anything. I want to encourage you to start right now and ask yourself, “Why am I….?” Listen very closely for the answer that surfaces and write it down. Listen with your heart, not with your reasoning mind. Your heart will yield you the truth. Once you have written your answer, look at it and ask why again. Continue with this process until you reach the true source of your motives. You will know the truth in your heart and in your body.
Once we identify our underlying motives for doing anything, we can also choose to change them if we wish. Keeping our motives pure challenges us to tell the truth even when no one knows the truth but you. The right motives will always contribute to the good of everyone and the results can create massive transformation not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others as well.
Asking ourselves 'why?' helps us to dig deeper into our motives -- why we do what we do.
Often times we do things for the wrong reasons and when our motives are wrong or unclear, the results can sometimes be damaging for all involved. Just this weekend I had a situation to arise that I was not pleased with my response. While my response didn’t cause any real damage to anyone, except my own self disappointment, it did cause me to re-examine my real motives. It was not a pleasant experience for me, but a necessary one.
Interesting enough all human actions stem from motives. It is our job to make sure that we are absolutely clear about our motives for doing or saying anything. I want to encourage you to start right now and ask yourself, “Why am I….?” Listen very closely for the answer that surfaces and write it down. Listen with your heart, not with your reasoning mind. Your heart will yield you the truth. Once you have written your answer, look at it and ask why again. Continue with this process until you reach the true source of your motives. You will know the truth in your heart and in your body.
Once we identify our underlying motives for doing anything, we can also choose to change them if we wish. Keeping our motives pure challenges us to tell the truth even when no one knows the truth but you. The right motives will always contribute to the good of everyone and the results can create massive transformation not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others as well.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I'm Not That Woman!
A few months ago I was riding in the car just thinking about how much I have changed since starting this love lifestyle journey, years ago. My life has really changed and so have I. I am clearer about who I am and what I want and I truly love myself authentically. For those of you who know my story, you also know this journey began in 1994 when my friend asked me the question that would change my life forever. She asked me, “What do you want?”
It was at that moment, I realized I couldn’t answer the question. I didn't know what I wanted because I had no clue of who I really was. Today, I know exactly who I am and what I want. And I was reminded of that during my recent car ride, that “I’m Not That Woman.”
I’m no longer the woman who my friend asked that question to in 1994. No, I am transformed into the creative, brilliant, magnificent divine woman that God created me to be. And more importantly, I love this woman.
When we become clear about who we really are and who we really have become, we also become clear about who we are not. I must warn you, however, that people will still try to treat you as if you were that former person. It’s because they refuse to accept the fact that she no longer exists. They refuse to accept the fact that she now lives life on her own terms not trying to please and get the approval of others any longer. There are times when my husband and children forget that I am no longer a slave to their every want and needs. They sometimes forget that I have given myself permission to put me first.
When this happens, I gently remind them with a loud shout “I’m Not That Woman!” I cannot tell you how good it feels to be “this woman.” So the next time someone tries to mistaken you for the “old you”, just gently remind them as I do with a loud shout, “I’m Not That Woman!” I can promise you it will feel fantastic!!
Book Angela now for “The I’m Not That Woman Tour” starting the Fall of 2010. Be on the lookout for soon to be released, CD single, “I’m Not That Woman” and The “I’m Not That Woman” product line.
It was at that moment, I realized I couldn’t answer the question. I didn't know what I wanted because I had no clue of who I really was. Today, I know exactly who I am and what I want. And I was reminded of that during my recent car ride, that “I’m Not That Woman.”
I’m no longer the woman who my friend asked that question to in 1994. No, I am transformed into the creative, brilliant, magnificent divine woman that God created me to be. And more importantly, I love this woman.
When we become clear about who we really are and who we really have become, we also become clear about who we are not. I must warn you, however, that people will still try to treat you as if you were that former person. It’s because they refuse to accept the fact that she no longer exists. They refuse to accept the fact that she now lives life on her own terms not trying to please and get the approval of others any longer. There are times when my husband and children forget that I am no longer a slave to their every want and needs. They sometimes forget that I have given myself permission to put me first.
When this happens, I gently remind them with a loud shout “I’m Not That Woman!” I cannot tell you how good it feels to be “this woman.” So the next time someone tries to mistaken you for the “old you”, just gently remind them as I do with a loud shout, “I’m Not That Woman!” I can promise you it will feel fantastic!!
Book Angela now for “The I’m Not That Woman Tour” starting the Fall of 2010. Be on the lookout for soon to be released, CD single, “I’m Not That Woman” and The “I’m Not That Woman” product line.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Just Blink and Smile!
I am sitting here as I anticipate spending time with family and friends during the next few days of Christmas and New Years. I glean with excitement because I can visualize the smiles of my grandaughter and grand-neices/neprews as they open their gifts.
It is so refreshing because I know how geniune their smiles are. They don't have a need to fake the smiles and joy on their faces like so many people I know because life has not hit them with the many blows that we adults face. Their smiles are innocent, real and free of pain. I just love watching their little faces light up with such joy and excitement. Wow, what an incredible vision of Authenticity!
It always amazes me how many people, especially women, who walk around with a smile on their faces while their eyes tell the true story. Their story of pain!! We can't hide pain as much as we try. It has a voice of its own; it speaks loudly and will let you know that it exists.
I want to encourage you to face your pain. Get real with what is going on inside of you, acknowledge the emotional hurt, wounds and pain. Who has hurt you so deep that it still lingers inside of your soul? Forgive them, release it and release them!
A new year is approaching and you don't have to carry those emotional wounds into your new year of promise.
Yes, you can live a life free of emotional internal pain. I did not say that pain would not exist, but it doesn't have to live inside of you. You see ladies, I know that pain all so well. But I also know that I could no longer play the victim and allow emotional pain to rule my life. I had release it all and let it go. I also learned how to remain free.
When we learn to live a life of forgiveness and authentic love, not only will our lives change, but the world around us as well. You deserve to be happy, joyful and free. And you deserve to smile, but this time let it be from the inside!! So the next time pain tries to knock at your door....just say no...blink and smile!!
It is so refreshing because I know how geniune their smiles are. They don't have a need to fake the smiles and joy on their faces like so many people I know because life has not hit them with the many blows that we adults face. Their smiles are innocent, real and free of pain. I just love watching their little faces light up with such joy and excitement. Wow, what an incredible vision of Authenticity!
It always amazes me how many people, especially women, who walk around with a smile on their faces while their eyes tell the true story. Their story of pain!! We can't hide pain as much as we try. It has a voice of its own; it speaks loudly and will let you know that it exists.
I want to encourage you to face your pain. Get real with what is going on inside of you, acknowledge the emotional hurt, wounds and pain. Who has hurt you so deep that it still lingers inside of your soul? Forgive them, release it and release them!
A new year is approaching and you don't have to carry those emotional wounds into your new year of promise.
Yes, you can live a life free of emotional internal pain. I did not say that pain would not exist, but it doesn't have to live inside of you. You see ladies, I know that pain all so well. But I also know that I could no longer play the victim and allow emotional pain to rule my life. I had release it all and let it go. I also learned how to remain free.
When we learn to live a life of forgiveness and authentic love, not only will our lives change, but the world around us as well. You deserve to be happy, joyful and free. And you deserve to smile, but this time let it be from the inside!! So the next time pain tries to knock at your door....just say no...blink and smile!!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Hope and Courage!
I woke up this morning prepared to finish my Christmas shopping today....until I looked outside and realized it was raining and cold. Now it is one thing to be cold...but does it have to be raining too? I thought NO, NO, NO! I don't want to get out in this weather. But then I thought to myself an affirmation that my mentor taught me to say "I will do today, what others wont, so I can live tomorrow like others can't."
So I will move forward and complete the things that are on my list for today inspite of the weather. It reminds of me hope and courage, which is what I want to share with you today.
Is there something in your life that you know you need to do, but you just don't want to go through the "whatever it takes" process needed to get the desired results? Sometimes I wish that I could just wiggle my nose like Samantha from the television series "Bewitched." If you know what I mean? But it takes courage to take action even when you don't want to. Courage means "of the heart" which is where we women know how to live from...our hearts.
I believe as we become courageous we can continue to hope. A french proverb states, "Hope is the dream of a soul awake." Hope fills life with meaning by creating attainable goals congruent with reality. Sometimes hope might need to be redefined. Maybe your marriage has ended in a divorce or you lost your job recently, hopes held by you as a couple or an employee will need to be evaluated as you define yourself as a single woman and perhaps an entreprenuer instead of an employee. Attainable hopes could mean deepening your relationship with God, reconciling the past with forgiveness, re-inventing your work skills and connecting with whatever brings you joy.
Hope and courage does not need to be difficult. They can be as simple as seeing the sunrise and welcoming a new day....even if it is cold and rainy outside.
So I will move forward and complete the things that are on my list for today inspite of the weather. It reminds of me hope and courage, which is what I want to share with you today.
Is there something in your life that you know you need to do, but you just don't want to go through the "whatever it takes" process needed to get the desired results? Sometimes I wish that I could just wiggle my nose like Samantha from the television series "Bewitched." If you know what I mean? But it takes courage to take action even when you don't want to. Courage means "of the heart" which is where we women know how to live from...our hearts.
I believe as we become courageous we can continue to hope. A french proverb states, "Hope is the dream of a soul awake." Hope fills life with meaning by creating attainable goals congruent with reality. Sometimes hope might need to be redefined. Maybe your marriage has ended in a divorce or you lost your job recently, hopes held by you as a couple or an employee will need to be evaluated as you define yourself as a single woman and perhaps an entreprenuer instead of an employee. Attainable hopes could mean deepening your relationship with God, reconciling the past with forgiveness, re-inventing your work skills and connecting with whatever brings you joy.
Hope and courage does not need to be difficult. They can be as simple as seeing the sunrise and welcoming a new day....even if it is cold and rainy outside.
Monday, December 14, 2009
What's In Your Hand?
In 1994, I found myself divorced with three children to support. My husband had left, taken all the money out of savings and checking. He even took the car that I drove. I had no money, no food and only a business that was not producing too much money.
At that moment, I looked at my 3 kids and I knew I had 3 reasons to make it. I was reminded of Moses when he offered God excuses for why he could not lead the children of Israel out of bondage. But God asked Moses one question that would change the course of his life forever. He asked “what’s in your hand?”
In other words, we can moan, groan and find many reasons why we cannot do something in our lives. We can complain about not having enough money, not being able to speak, write or get up in front of an audience or even start that new business in the middle of a recession. But what’s in your hand?
Sometimes we allow external circumstances to paralyze us with so much fear that we cannot see what is staring us right in the face. I answered that question at a time when I had no money, no husband and no transportation. Within sixty days, I had replaced my husband’s income through re-inventing my business. I traveled places I never dreamed of and I never once received public assistance of any kind.
Within 2 years I purchased a home, two cars and even took one year off to stay at home and spend time with God and developing myself personally and spiritually. I even sent two kids to college.
Over these years, I have realized dreams I never even thought possible. I’ve worked with people I’d seen on television or read in magazines, but more importantly, I have helped thousands of people all over the world transform their lives onto new levels. I don’t' say these things to brag or boast, because that is not the realm which I live. I say them to share that with God all things are possible.
Yet, recently I have been asking God about making my life count for something more. Not because of any ego or pride, but because I long to leave this planet better than I found it. I know there is more to do and more to be done.
What more can I do to make this world a better place? How can my life count for something? What am I willing to give my life for?
Again, God asked me that question, "What's in your hand." Moses used the rod that God had placed in his hand to make a huge difference in the lives of so many people and an impact on history.
We all have been given talents and abilities to use on this planet in a way that no one else can. We can all use what is in our hands to make the difference, to make our lives count for something!
I want to encourage you to look very closely to what you have in your possession right now and identify how can it be used in a bigger way to benefit humanity.
What's in your hand? Write it down, create your own blueprint for 2010 and take action now!
At that moment, I looked at my 3 kids and I knew I had 3 reasons to make it. I was reminded of Moses when he offered God excuses for why he could not lead the children of Israel out of bondage. But God asked Moses one question that would change the course of his life forever. He asked “what’s in your hand?”
In other words, we can moan, groan and find many reasons why we cannot do something in our lives. We can complain about not having enough money, not being able to speak, write or get up in front of an audience or even start that new business in the middle of a recession. But what’s in your hand?
Sometimes we allow external circumstances to paralyze us with so much fear that we cannot see what is staring us right in the face. I answered that question at a time when I had no money, no husband and no transportation. Within sixty days, I had replaced my husband’s income through re-inventing my business. I traveled places I never dreamed of and I never once received public assistance of any kind.
Within 2 years I purchased a home, two cars and even took one year off to stay at home and spend time with God and developing myself personally and spiritually. I even sent two kids to college.
Over these years, I have realized dreams I never even thought possible. I’ve worked with people I’d seen on television or read in magazines, but more importantly, I have helped thousands of people all over the world transform their lives onto new levels. I don’t' say these things to brag or boast, because that is not the realm which I live. I say them to share that with God all things are possible.
Yet, recently I have been asking God about making my life count for something more. Not because of any ego or pride, but because I long to leave this planet better than I found it. I know there is more to do and more to be done.
What more can I do to make this world a better place? How can my life count for something? What am I willing to give my life for?
Again, God asked me that question, "What's in your hand." Moses used the rod that God had placed in his hand to make a huge difference in the lives of so many people and an impact on history.
We all have been given talents and abilities to use on this planet in a way that no one else can. We can all use what is in our hands to make the difference, to make our lives count for something!
I want to encourage you to look very closely to what you have in your possession right now and identify how can it be used in a bigger way to benefit humanity.
What's in your hand? Write it down, create your own blueprint for 2010 and take action now!
Monday, November 16, 2009
What I Really Know for Sure!
My computer shut down on me the other day and I panicked. I panicked because I thought I had lost everything on my computer. When I say that I panicked, I really lost it. After finally realizing that I couldn’t fix the problem, I began to remind myself of the things that I really believe.
I know this happened to teach me something and I needed to find out what was the lesson here. When I surrendered to the possibility of losing all of my files, I felt a sigh of relief enter into me. I began to ask myself what would happen if I lost everything on my computer. Would the world come to an end? Would I have to close my business? Would someone die from me losing my files? The answer to all of those questions were no.
So why was I getting so upset about losing my files? I had to go deeper to discover the answer. And the answer I did find. I was upset because it was something that I didn’t have the power to fix. In my quest on this spiritual journey, I needed to be reminded that there are just some things that are totally out of my control. Yes I believe we can live our lives by design. Yes, I believe we have the power to change our lives. But we do not have the power to prevent life from happening to us.
Where my power lies is in my ability to response correctly to life’s problems in order to create the results I so desire. And that always happens by remaining on God’s ground…..Love! How can love enter and heal this situation for me? By me beginning to focus on the good that will come from my computer being down for an entire weekend.
I began to look for ways to spend more time with my family. Actually I was really forced to do it. I also went to visit a friend whom I haven’t seen in quite some time. I spent some time watching some comedic television and I laughed my socks off. My husband and I spent some real time together and I wasn’t rushed with the fact that I had a deadline to meet. I had one of the best weekends ever.
When my computer guy finally arrived on Sunday night, I was almost disappointed that he fixed the problem within twenty minutes. What I realized in that moment was I was too attached to my computer and my work. I needed to spend more time doing what is most important to me. I got it...I really did get this lesson. My husband told me that he was so happy the computer was gone. Now, I am grateful that my computer was down. Why? Because what I gained in this situation was worth so much more than any income I would have generated through my online businesses.
Sometimes when we think we are in control, but God has a way of letting us know what is really real and what is not. It is when we surrender the control that we can begin to step up in our full power!! And that’s what I really know for sure!!
I know this happened to teach me something and I needed to find out what was the lesson here. When I surrendered to the possibility of losing all of my files, I felt a sigh of relief enter into me. I began to ask myself what would happen if I lost everything on my computer. Would the world come to an end? Would I have to close my business? Would someone die from me losing my files? The answer to all of those questions were no.
So why was I getting so upset about losing my files? I had to go deeper to discover the answer. And the answer I did find. I was upset because it was something that I didn’t have the power to fix. In my quest on this spiritual journey, I needed to be reminded that there are just some things that are totally out of my control. Yes I believe we can live our lives by design. Yes, I believe we have the power to change our lives. But we do not have the power to prevent life from happening to us.
Where my power lies is in my ability to response correctly to life’s problems in order to create the results I so desire. And that always happens by remaining on God’s ground…..Love! How can love enter and heal this situation for me? By me beginning to focus on the good that will come from my computer being down for an entire weekend.
I began to look for ways to spend more time with my family. Actually I was really forced to do it. I also went to visit a friend whom I haven’t seen in quite some time. I spent some time watching some comedic television and I laughed my socks off. My husband and I spent some real time together and I wasn’t rushed with the fact that I had a deadline to meet. I had one of the best weekends ever.
When my computer guy finally arrived on Sunday night, I was almost disappointed that he fixed the problem within twenty minutes. What I realized in that moment was I was too attached to my computer and my work. I needed to spend more time doing what is most important to me. I got it...I really did get this lesson. My husband told me that he was so happy the computer was gone. Now, I am grateful that my computer was down. Why? Because what I gained in this situation was worth so much more than any income I would have generated through my online businesses.
Sometimes when we think we are in control, but God has a way of letting us know what is really real and what is not. It is when we surrender the control that we can begin to step up in our full power!! And that’s what I really know for sure!!
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