Posted by Kim Jackson on 12:52 PM
Graduation Day
Tell us why you felt at your best in this moment:
I felt best at this moment for several reasons: I was celebrating my 35th birthday; I was a new mom; and I’d just earned my Masters in Public Administration--while being pregnant. I felt overwhelmingly blessed, and a sense of joy and accomplishment.
I always wanted to return back to school earn my masters degree, but felt like since I did not do as well in undergrad, that maybe I would not get accepted or wondered, “what makes me think I could earn a Master’s degree?”! I also wanted to become a mom and that part I did not have any control over, other than just praying...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 10:59 AM
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Sometimes we can be self-deprecating, perceiving ourselves as "less than", and zeroing in on our perceived faults, shortcomings and weaknesses. In those moments, it helps to have a support system--a group of cheerleaders--reminding us to think positively about ourselves.
I keep a list of "loving reminders" for this purpose. This list consists of what I like to call "sweet nothings" from friends and family; things that they've said or written to me that lift me up. I can review it when I'm beating myself up and need reminders of my strengths and unique gifts. You could use kudos from your boss at work or a testimonial from a client—any...
Posted by GG on 12:56 PM
In this PLPT guest post, Jess J. shares the closet experience that led her to step out of her comfort zone and change her life.
Have you ever sat in your closet, crying and holding yourself asking repeatedly to the omnipotent more insightful you that rests silently in your mind until specifically called upon, “how did I get here?” How did I get to this place of routine, comfort, and completely void of passion? What one decision changed the course of my life, straying from the golden road of childhood dreams with no bread crumb trail to lead me back? Have you ever been so angry at something you could not identify? I have.
I remember standing...
Posted by GG on 11:50 AM
Keep me where the Light is
Happy Monday, y'all! I started making this list in my journal and thought this would be a great opportunity for us all to share. The key to this list is that these are truths that I have learned from MY life. These are not things that someone told me or drilled into me. Let us know if you can relate to any of these:
1. I can't miss out on what is meant for me.
2. Loving myself has allowed me to be more vulnerable and thus more outgoing and more impactful.
3. A peaceful and calm nature is a strength, not a weakness.
4. Abundance is not just about money. It's a feeling...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 8:00 AM
Posted by Kim Jackson on 11:01 AM
Tell us why you felt at your best in this moment:
I was out celebrating the graduation of a friend in this picture (me at the right). I'm my happiest when I am surrounded by my friends and having a great time. I feel my best around them because I don't have to "behave". I'm myself: silly, crazy and unapologetically me.
How do you define beauty:
Beauty is confidence. It radiates from the inside out. It is fearless.
How do you define happiness:
Happiness is finding the beauty in the simple pleasures of life. Life is too short to be unhappy.
Quote:
The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt...
Posted by GG on 9:00 AM
Lately, I've been feeling very impatient. It's as if I've forgotten how to relax. Even when I'm supposed to be relaxing, my mind is going going going going. I try to breathe, stretch and meditate and my mind still relentlessly runs through list after list of things I need to do. When I do forget something or I fall behind on tasks, it bothers me way too much. Sometimes it even bothers me when I see my family relaxing because I think they should be busy busy busy like me! I realize that somehow, some way I've got to get my chill back. Right now, I literally feel like a puppy chasing his tail around and around exhausting...
Posted by GG on 9:00 AM
Our GEMS feature today, Carmen Cardoza, is responsible for the redesigns of Peace, Love and Pretty Things and The Write Curl Diary. We are thrilled to feature her and share her beautiful spirit with all of you.
PLPT GEMS presentsCarmen CardozaMama. Yogini. Marketing Strategist.Web Designer.
1. Share with us a defining moment in your life that has shaped the woman you are today.
I would have to say that I am continuously being shaped by every moment in this life of mine. I am so malleable, which at times is frustrating for me because I get restless, but most of the time it is what I enjoy about my mind and spirit. With that said, there...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 10:45 AM
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There are times when we need to tune out all the external noise: log off Facebook and twitter, close out email, turn off the TV and silence our phones. Modern technology has created an environment that has made us too accessible; and where we can find ourselves a little too connected to the outside world--so much so that we forget to tune into ourselves.
Serving as catalyst for this train of thought was this post from Jess J. It’s short and sweet, but speaks to our controlling our own experiences. Whether or not we’re always cognizant of it, we can control a great deal of what we’re exposed to. We simply have to make choices and set...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 10:29 AM
Posted by GG on 10:25 AM
Tell us why you felt at your best in this moment:
There are always those divine moments when you realize that things aren't as bad as you think. I was with my best friend in the entire world visiting another one of our friends in my favorite place in the entire world NYC! I came across this sign and it made me realize that life is indeed good! Seeing how the previous summer around that time I was in a little funk, capturing that moment in front of those words with great friends, and lasting memories came at the right time, helping me define one of my greatest moments of clarity.
How do you define beauty:
Beauty to me comes from within....
Posted by GG on 12:25 PM
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When I look in the mirror, usually what draws my attention the most are my flaws. For any compliment you can give me, I can counter it with a gripe about how this hangs or how that sticks out. Many of us have been rejecting our bodies for so long that we don't even realize how negatively this affects are overall self-image. Case in point, I can't tell you how many times I've thought "If I was prettier, 'insert stupid boy name' wouldn't have done this" or "If my body did 'this' instead of 'this', I'd feel more comfortable in my skin."
Body image is complicated. We have these high (and ever-changing) expectations that we set ourselves...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 3:17 PM
Tell us why you felt at your best in this moment:
I'm a proud Mother of four of the world's greatest kids...I mean really, they are great kids. We have tons of fun together and we are a very close and happy family. My hubby plays professional basketball in Europe, so I'm the one that has to hold down the home front, which sometimes means being apart for awhile. I feel that I'm every woman, I do it all--you name it (except sewing, lol!). But I'm at my best in doing what I do because I love it! I love my life! Not only do I feel at my best but also very blessed to have my family, and I have to stay at my best for all of them. They keep me active...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 4:35 PM
Today has been rough for me, Lovelies. I feel a little frustrated and quite drained, but I didn't want that to keep me from posting. So, instead of an original post, I am sharing something that has helped me today. It reminded me to be present and patient; and that no matter what happens throughout the day, it's my choice to be happy. My current circumstances don't dictate my state of mind. Despite repeating this in my head, sometimes it helps to see it and read it again. Another fantastic post on this subject resides right here at PLPT (click here to read). Hope these help you too.
How to Be Happy
By H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda (source)
If you observe carefully, throughout nature you will find one common goal in everybody and everything—even in the atom. All are searching...
Posted by GG on 12:04 PM
I hope you all have a restful and rejuvenating weekend!
By the way, it's my beautiful co-author's birthday today!
Join me in wishing Kim the happiest birthday ever. She truly deserves it.
Love you sis!!! xoxoxo...
Posted by GG on 9:00 AM
Tell us why you felt at your best in this moment:
This photo is from my 30th Birthday party. All of my nearest and dearest friends and family were there to celebrate this day with me, which made it so special. I am now 34 approaching 35 in November, but I remember my 30th like it was yesterday. I knew I was not quite where I wanted to be in life, but I knew I had come so far from who I was when I was in my twenties. I can say I was a little reckless. When I turned 30 I felt like a grown woman, no longer careless and wet behind the ears. I had learned so much from all of the beautiful, smart women God had surrounded me with. As I continue on...
Posted by Kim Jackson on 2:31 PM
Goal attainment is generally reached as the result of several small actions that eventually lead to one larger desired consequence. Thus, it's important to incorporate habits into your daily routine that are ultimately helping you to achieve your goal(s).
Some of my daily habits include the following:
1. Meditating for 10 minutes or longer - This aids in spiritual health, helps me to set the intention for my day, and helps me to remain positive throughout the day.
2. Exercising for 30 minutes or more – Beginning my day with exercise helps me to stay physically fit and gives me the energy to be productive each day.
3. Reading high-brow...
