Posted by GG on 12:00 PM
On this last day of 2010, we are wishing you a safe and happy New Year's Eve and all the best in 2011. We're looking forward to a year full of possibilities!
Remember to leave a comment here, if you want to be entered in the giveaway. In your comment, let us know your facebook and/or twitter name so we can find you. We'll announce the winners on Monday.
Take these quick reminders into the new year with you!
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Posted by Kim Jackson on 12:59 PM
The new year is upon us, and this is the season where many people make lists of "resolutions" or things they will change in the new year. The problem with these resolutions is that few people actually keep them. After a few weeks or months, they fall completely off-course, abandoning the changes they resolved to make.
You'll find that we don't address the idea of "New Year's resolutions", as we do not embrace this idea in its entirety. We are of the belief that, while the new year provides a beautiful metaphorical starting point for changes and new beginnings, the day to start taking right actions toward the change you want to see in your life is always today--THIS day, moment or hour. Waiting for a specific box on the calendar, or tick of the clock to move toward our...
Posted by GG on 1:00 PM
"There are two ways of spreading light; To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."~Edith Wharton
As the year winds down, we hope that we have helped you in some small way to escape from negative thinking, embrace your individuality, and believe in your authentic worth and purpose.
Giveaway #1: Available as a magnet or mousepad
We aspire to be a source of comfort and rejuvenation when your spirit needs a boost. You can use our search feature to browse the archives for posts on everything from sadness and depression to visualization and goals. In the coming year, we look forward to more growth and interaction...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 5:00 AM
As we enter this season of love and giving, we would like to take a moment to express our love and gratitude for all our readers. Whether you subscribe and read regularly, stop by occasionally, follow us on twitter or fan us on Facebook, connecting with all of you has been a beautiful experience and we are extremely grateful!
We hope that you take pause from all the hustle and bustle of this season to fully recognize and enjoy the important people in your life. The holiday season is about giving—but not always those gifts that can be purchased; it is more important to give of ourselves. The gifts of time, love and affection will last much longer...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 7:29 AM
Monique Pean has turned the jewelry industry on its ear with her socially and environmentally conscious pieces. The 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner garnered the nod with her non-traditional baubles, including a bridal collection, made completely of recycled and sustainable materials. She routinely partners with organizations that draw attention to global issues, like Charity: Water (which seeks to aid in bringing clean water to impoverished nations), draws inspiration for her collections from the issues these organizations seek to draw attention to, as well as donates portions of her proceeds to their causes.
Buffalo Horn Earrings...
Posted by GG on 9:30 AM
The wise who are trained and disciplined
Shine out like beacon lights
They earn money just like a bee gathers honey without harming the flowers
And they let it grow as an ant hill slowly gains in heights
With wealth wisely gained
They use it for the benefit of all.
~Digha Nikaya
Two weeks ago, we began this series with a reality check intended to help us discover and acknowledge our financial patterns.
Last week, we talked about some practical ways to change those patterns and replace old habits with new ones.
This week, we want to share a vision with you. Financial freedom is not just about personal security and wealth. When we see...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 7:55 AM
In this PLPT guest post, Professor/Pastor Lawrence Ware helps us to evaluate the difference between being ourselves versus playing out the roles we identify with.
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We live in a time of role-play. We are all labeled as something: black, white, smart, stylish, mom, dad, employee, Christian, Muslim.
We all have a role—and we play our roles well. We identify with our roles. In fact, we feel empty without them. We take tests to figure out ‘what’ we are. Are we introverts? Extroverts? Visual learners? Type A personalities? Simply read the Facebook updates of your friends to see the role they have adopted for the day.
We love...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 12:52 PM
“If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can't buy.” ~author unknown
Last week, we asked ourselves some revealing questions our financial habits. For some of us, the reality we uncovered was not pretty. If you didn't read last week's post about the spirit of money in our lives, you can do so here.
The objective last week was to acknowledge your habits and patterns. You can't begin to change anything without first having an understanding of what you are doing that isn't working. Think of this journey very literally as a trip: if you are using a GPS for directions, you must ...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 12:28 PM
In celebration of Happy Black Girl Day, let's take a moment to be thankful for the women who came before us and paved the way for us to be outspoken, independent, creative--and whatever we darn well please!
Debbie Allen
Debbie Allen, in her own words, is an artist. She's a dancer, actress, producer, playwright, choreographer, director, composer and author. She is a creator and a visionary. I admire her for her talent, her longevity and her contributions to the arts over the years. I'm inspired by her determination to stay true to her passions through racism, failed relationships, and failed projects. She says that her...
Posted by GG on 8:00 AM
"Do not value money for any more nor any less than its worth; it is a good servant but a bad master." ~ unknown author
Do you sabotage yourself financially by overspending, undersaving and not living within your means?
Do you feel stuck in a job that limits your ability to express yourself and stifles your freedom because you simply need the money to pay your bills?
Do you pursue money to keep up with the Jones' and maintain a certain appearance of status and wealth?
Do you want to support an aging or struggling family member or give back to your community, but find yourself unable because of your financial limitations?...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 7:26 AM
**As you can see, PLPT is undergoing a makeover! Bear with us as we continue to post while we're under construction.**
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I don't subscribe to the notion that there are "no good black men out there". I know that there are, because I know good black men personally, and I see them in my day-to-day life. I know that there are, because I was raised by a good black man, because my black male friends are good black men, because my girlfriends are being loved by good black men and because I have dated good black men.
I think some women get tripped up because they confuse "perfection" with goodness; or because they confuse material...
Posted by GG on 8:00 AM
**As you can see, PLPT is undergoing a makeover! Bear with us as we continue to post while we're under construction.**
The world is governed more by appearance than realities so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it. ~Daniel Webster
How many times have you given up on an endeavor because it seemed too complicated? Not only have I given up, but sadly I can recall many times where I have not even started. We don't want to expose what we don't know, right? We don't want step out of our comfort zones into the unfamiliar. We are afraid of the risks, so we psyche ourselves out of the rewards.
All of us have different goals, but we should all foster an approach that is creative and fearless. Look at...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 1:19 PM
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Morning is the most important part of the day as it sets the tone for the remainder of the day. It is at this time that decisions are made—whether consciously or unconsciously—about the mood or feeling we’ll carry with us, how we will react to the difficulties we may face, and how productively we’ll execute our daily tasks. I like to use my morning routine to set a specific intention each day, for example: focus, balance or productivity. My mornings consist of 5 essential elements that I call my keys to a fantastic day.
Daily prayers/affirmations – Prayer is the time for speaking. Ask for whatever it is that...
Posted by GG on 9:34 AM
When I decided to stop relaxing my hair, I had many ideas about what it would be like to be natural. Now that I'm about five years into my natural hair journey (that includes transitioning), many of these ideas have been proven quite wrong. I absolutely love the fullness and versatility of my natural hair. I expected that and haven't been disappointed. However, there have been many challenges that I didn't expect!
1. Just because my hair is not chemically treated does not mean that it will automatically be healthier and grow longer. My hair is naturally thin and dry, so I have to be gentle with...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 3:58 PM
Posted by GG on 12:56 PM
All I really want is peace, love and the freedom to be limitless.I look forward to the holidays every year for the traditions and the family time, and of course for the giving and receiving of gifts. Who doesn't? While it's very easy to get caught up in the ads, the sales and the sensationalism of the holidays; I want to redirect your focus a little bit to ask you a question.What do you want to give yourself this year? This is a great time to begin reflecting on the past year and thinking about whether or not you've given yourself everything that you deserve. Have you honored your feelings? Have you told yourself how beautiful you are every day?...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 10:17 PM
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When it comes to food, I have at times stuffed myself too full of a good thing--despite being able to visually identify when there was too much in front of me. Often, when I’ve found something particularly tasty, I have continued to eat, even when my stomach has alerted my brain that it was full. Even though I make primarily healthy food item choices, anything in excess can prove harmful, right?
Do you ever find yourself engaging in similar behavior or feeling like no matter what you do, your actions toward food are counter to your intended health or fitness goals? Over-indulging is so often a result of learned behaviors...
Posted by GG on 9:20 AM
"I found God in myself and I loved her. I loved her fiercely." ~Ntozake Shangephoto creditAs we head into the weekend, I'm continuing to fly high on productive energy. This is what happens when you deliberately surround yourself with like-minded folks and fill your mind with positive thoughts. When I reflect on the past year, the biggest change I've noticed within myself is that somewhere along the way I started believing in myself with the same persistence that I used to doubt myself. I still hear the doubts whispering in my mind, but they are drowned out by the cheering, high-fiving and brainstorming. I feel like I'm finally all in. Is there...
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 5:00 AM
In celebration of Happy Black Girl Day, let's take a moment to be thankful for voices that inspire us, lyrics that give meaning to our emotions, and soulfulness that floats through our speakers and earphones from the beautiful artists featured below. There's nothing like a Happy Black Girl playlist to boost a worn out spirit and redirect negative thinking. When your internal soundtrack is pumping music that supports an inspired outlook, you can't help but feel good and attract good things. If you don't have a Happy Black Girl playlist, create one immediately. Perhaps these tunes will get you started.
Jill Scott - One is the Magic Number
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Posted by Kim Jackson on 11:29 PM
If you somehow missed tonight's presentation of Black Girls Rock on BET, I implore you to find it online or to catch the repeat on Tuesday night at 8pm. Black Girls Rock was a phenomenal celebration of Black women and girls who are lighting up the world with their gifts, giving back to their communities, and just being generally outstanding people.
There were so many amazing Black women in the audience and on stage. Those celebrated, to name just a few, included Iyanla Vanzant, Raven Symone, Keke Palmer and Ruby Dee. I found myself clapping feverishly in my living room at Iyanla's rousing acceptance speech "..Black girls rock because we have...
