Beauty Is a Journey, Not a Destination

source Today, take a moment to reflect on your ideas about beauty. Remember that transformation begins on the inside. If there is anything you wish to change about your appearance - whether it's your wardrobe, your weight, your skin or hairstyle - remember that you must first realize that you are beautiful just the way you are. Today, make peace with the past, the things you've been through that have brought you to where you are.  Your face, your body, your posture are all reflections of the life you've lived.  Your resilience is a reflection of your beauty.  Reconsider the things you've associated with beauty in...

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Love Notes - Friday 8/26/11 + Winner Announced!

And in the spirit of spreading a little happy, we are pleased to announce the winner of our Upscale Giveaway: Chosen by random number generator is Mugure!!!!!  Mugure, please send your mailing info to peaceloveprettythings@gmail.com so we can ship your Upscale prize pack of goodies. Thanks to all who participated in our giveaway and shared their ideas about success!...

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I'm a Lover Not a Fighter (or What I've Learned About Anger and Confrontation)

source   "No one else 'makes us angry.' We make ourselves angry when we surrender control of our attitude. What someone else may have done is irrelevant. We choose, not they. They merely put our attitude to a test." - Jim Rohn One day I'm going to reach a point where I can have anger directed at me and not respond with anger.  I'll be able to keep my cool with zen-like control and understanding.  I'll be able to look past the angry words and raised voices to see the pain and confusion that exists underneath it all.  It's not that I won't feel anger, but I'll be able to handle it in a purposeful way instead of lashing...

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Janelle

PLPT GEMS PresentsJanelle Carter ~ The Cork ChroniclerEntrepreneur. Attorney. Sommelier. Your passion is wine, and you created an outlet for it in The Cork Chronicles--a blog designed to help others "enhance (their) drinking experience and appreciation of wine." When and why did you decide to start this blog? I started The Cork Chronicles while I was still a practicing attorney. The first couple years of legal practice were difficult for me because I was constantly working and stressed out. I didn’t have much time for friends, family, other interests, or even myself. So, one of my very good friends and I made a pact that we would pick...

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It’s Okay to Avoid Sharing Your Vision

There is something to be said for the value of silence. Sometimes we dream great big dreams that involve seemingly difficult tasks, but we know we can accomplish them. Yet, other people can’t comprehend them, or see how what we want to do could possibly work. That’s okay—each individual person’s vision is their own; it may not be meant for others to “get” yours. Don’t be discouraged. People rush to label things; to categorize them; to make “sense” of them. Dreams don’t always make sense based on what we already know. Sometimes they are meant to shatter the boundaries of what we think is true, real and concrete. Hold tight to your vision....

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Love Notes - Friday 8/19/11

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I Do Not Want Full Control of My Life

In this PLPT Guest Post, Pastor/Professor Lawrence Ware helps us to understand that we can better act in love when we surrender to the will of a higher power. Often I find it necessary to pause and remember that I do not want to be fully in control of my life. I find that I act in selfish, inconsiderate ways when I am fully in control. Often, it is important that I pause and remember that, as a Christian, I do not seek for my will to be done on this earth. A way that I help myself to remember this fact is by reciting the Suscipe of St. Ignatius of Loyola: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire...

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An Upscale Giveaway

Nowadays, many of us find it easier to check out our favorite magazines online.   I used to have several magazine subscriptions, but I found that they piled up faster than I could read them.  I still love a fresh, glossy magazine though, don't you??  Well, Upscale Magazine has notified us that they are expanding their publication to include both digital and print publications.  How perfect! Upscale has been a pillar in the African-American community for 22 years.  They address the needs of stylish, informed and progressive African-Americans and their mission is to encourage their readers to be empowered and...

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It's Not As Bad As You Think

A friend sent this to me last week, and I thought it would be good for a little Monday morning perspective.  While these are extreme examples, they serve as good reminders. The emotional, mental and physical trials we face are certainly real for us, and we must endure them to learn and to become stronger; and often it is difficult to see good in our lives while we're in the midst of our troubles. These little notes serve as reminders that it could always be worse. We have to be thankful for the good that prevails in our lives, even when there are areas that we would like to see improved. Wishing you a peaceful, productive week...

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Love Notes - Friday 8/12/11

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Happy Black Girl Day - The Final Analysis

source Do you ever feel like your kindness is not appreciated?  Or that the love try to put out into the world is not returned to you?  If so, this post is for you.  Remember, the ability to give and expect nothing in return is an important part of being happy.  Joy comes from within when you know who you are and are not threatened or saddened by how anyone reacts to it.  As the quote says below, it's not about them anyway. "People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered: Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives: Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you...

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Love Notes - Friday 8/4/11

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10 More Ways to Get Your Happy Back

source For the past few months, I've felt stressed and unable to relax even during my down time.  It's ironic how often we get what we want - whether it's children or a promotion or even a hobby - and suddenly we're overwhelmed with the added responsibilities.  I guess that's why they say to be careful what you wish for.  If you've been feeling strained like me, I hope the following happiness boosters will help you relax. 1. "Say thank you as much as possible."  Gratitude is a gateway to joy.  Our lives are so full, and yet we can perceive them as empty if we don't consciously focus on all that...

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