WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?

January 2012 is coming to a close and I challenge you to think about your life's direction. 

How far you’ve come and what you have accomplished since the start of the year? 

Resolutions were made, some were broken, while others have stayed the course. 

Have you taken the time to sit back and reflect on your progress thus far? If no, this is the perfect time to get focus and back in line again.  The good news is that, if you’re living, breathing and reading this post you still have time to make the necessary changes and get moving towards your goals.

This journey is a mental, physical and spiritual battle and you have to be ready to handle what will come your way.

Here are 10 tips to get you started:

1. Assess your current situation. Figure out where you truly want to be and what you’re going to do to get there.

2. Appreciate the “process” in reaching your goals. You can look back and be thankful.

3. Take responsibility for your actions. Know that there is always a positive or negative consequence.

4. Admit your faults and emphasize your strengths.

5. You’re human: briefly give yourself permission to release your feelings and get focus again.

6. Be aware of distractions and work on reducing or eliminating them.

7. You’re worth it! Don’t apologize for your worth, continue to maximize on your strengths.

8. We were not made perfect, so don’t expect to be that all the time.

9. Just shine! Be who you are intended to be.

10. When you feel like you’re going off course, repeat the above.

Happy Life of Adventure & Discovery! Stay on the path!

~CPC

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

IT'S YOUR TIME TO SHINE

From the rear view mirror, is a past you cannot get back...memories. 
From the side view mirrors, you are exactly where you need to be for a reason...be grateful. 
Looking directly at yourself in the mirror, know that you are the answer to many of your questions...listen.

Don't waste anymore time, make a change, endure challenges, stay positive, open-minded, flexible, and focused. 

Push yourself to the limits and see that your world will unravel before your eyes. 

Stretch your imagination, see the possibilities, create your destiny and make your dreams a reality.

Throughout your life journey, remember others, help those in need, pray for those who are lost, love those in your circles unconditionally, forgive your enemies and be the best that you can be.
You're on your way to your destination, start now with the first step, get in the car and drive.

I’m wishing you a lifetime of great blessings.

2012 is yours…own it!

Celia Collymore, CPD

Chief Purpose Driver  

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Wishing you and yours a holiday season filled with love, giving, sharing and the warmth of home.


May the new year make your dreams a reality. May it allow you to move forward  with an attitude of gratitude and your heart filled with praises.


If I sent this card to you, here is what the inside would say:

Another year to proclaim

Another season to your name

Another chance to show your love

To family, friends and God above

Seasons come, seasons change

In life many things remain the same

Seasons are a way to remind us

To stay strong, faithful and to trust

Recapping the year is not a mystery

Many experiences will make history

As you look back, look forward & look through

Be you, do you and stay true

God Bless You!

- Written by Celia Collymore

12/19/2011

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Comfortable?

Is time on your side? 
Are you comfortable with your life or stuck in life?
Do you truly know who you are and what your heart desires?
What's holding you back?
Do you need a jolt?


Whichever it is, don't get too comfortable with the status quo or delay fulfilling your dreams. Opportunity is right around the corner and it's important to get focus, seek it out and work smarter and harder.


You have the power to make real change in your life and it starts with acknowledgment and taking the first step.


I hope this inspirational message from Pastor Chris Fraley will fuel your passion and help you move forward.


"Disturb me, Lord, when my dreams come true only because I dreamed too small. 
Disturb me, when I arrive safely only because I sailed too close to the shore. 
Disturb me, when the things I've gained cause me to lose my thirst for more of You. 
Disturb me, when I've acquired success only to lose my desire for excellence. 

Disturb me, when I give up too soon and settle too far short of the goals You have set for my life." 




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"My Butterfly Friend"

My love for butterflies has had an impact on my family, friends and networks. The idea of the birth of a butterfly is the same way I view my life (past, present, future) and how important it is to accept and appreciate the process for achievement and the fragility of life.

What I have learned from my personal and professional experiences is that, in this maze called life, continue to be yourself and shine your light for the world to see. People will remember all that you have done and it will never be in vain.

Here is what a dear friend and colleague left me with last week as I was in the process of starting a new chapter in my life.

On The Wings of A Butterfly 
by Christine McClimans

Your friendship is special
Like the flowers that bloom,
Or when a butterfly emerges
From within its cocoon...

You remind me of that butterfly,
Loving and free,
Bright and colorful,
For the world to see...

We will share sunshine and rainbows;
Sometimes, the rain and the snow;
We'll stand together through it,
While the cold winds blow...

When the time is right,
We won't stop to ask "Why?"
Our friendship will take flight
On the wings of a butterfly ...

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Friends Helping Friends

Three months ago, a colleague/friend and I were having a conversation, and out of the blue she asked me if I would be her mentor.

At first, I was a little taken back, but soon realized that this person trusted me, and believed that I had the ability to help her get where she wanted to be.

"Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“You know that I will be taking this very seriously, so get ready,” I said.

Here’s the thing – we’ve known each other a few years and I always told her that she had choices, and I questioned what was holding her back from reaching out for her goals. In her, I saw potential.

But it took for her to ask, and for me to respond, to make what I call the ‘coaching alliance. At that moment where suddenly things are clearer and a person is ready to take the next step into the unknown, and have faith as their guide.

That day, my friend chose to move forward with her life, and I couldn’t have been happier to be there through her journey.

On that very day I gave my friend a few challenge questions to think about over the weekend.

Let’s talk strategy, I told her. Together, we both agreed upon a plan, including:

1. An agreement to work together for three months, with a meeting every Wednesday during our lunch time.

2. A Q&A about her life experiences, specifically, her concerns, fears, accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses.
3. Created short-term, mid-term and long term goals.
4. Provide her with books, articles and online resources.

5. Introduce her to the art of networking.

6. Focus on interview skills and self-presentation.

The result: As time went on, and we followed our strategy, I began to see subtle changes in her.

More confidence. A positive outlook. An emerging belief that she could achieve anything she put her mind to.

With increased confidence, my friend found herself mentoring relatives, changing her approach in conversation, thinking and acting differently.

The growth wasn’t just one-sided; I too grew in my abilities as a better person, coach and mentor.

This is her testimonial:

Celia,

I want to take the time to say thank you for coaching/mentoring me. You've taught me to set goals and to take steps to achieve them, to believe in myself, go after my dreams, take initiative for the things that matter most to me, and how to be fearless. You pushed me past my boundaries. You have truly shown me the meaning of professional development. You have a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude, and you gave me the kick in the pants that I needed to wake up and take my life and career seriously. Thank you again.

~Desiree

  

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CPC's 12 Personal and Professional Tips

As a young and rising professional I have experienced many things throughout my career journey. Some events I wish I knew back when I was getting started, however, with trial and error I came to appreciate the lessons learned. Certainly, it doesn't end here, but due to those experiences, today I am more confident, have become a better person, much more prepared and equipped to deal with the unexpected.

It is my privilege to share with you, "my pearls of wisdom".

I hope these tips are or would be beneficial, as you set out on your journey and continue to present your “best self”. This list is not exhaustive, so please feel free to share your own tips t0 enlighten others.

1. Be yourself

There is only one you. You’re unique and have a lot to offer. Find the time to get to know who you truly are; pursue your dreams; enjoy your passions; appreciate your values, strengths and areas of improvement.

2. Stay spiritually grounded, physically fit and eat healthy

Your ability to consistently focus on these areas will make a huge difference in your capacity to function at more effective and efficient levels and soar beyond your imagination in the long haul.

3. Be happy in all aspects of your life

Don’t let your job or people define you. Have fun, enjoy the journey, trust the process. Know that you are making a difference everyday in your internal and external environments and growing and learning from your experiences.

4. Seek out a career buddy, mentor, coach or sponsor

Find those people who are positive, courageous and willing to challenge and encourage you as you create and build on your dreams and goals.

5. Take initiative

Learn to work in the white spaces. Meaning, to seize those opportunities that others usually rejects. Get involve and actively participate in taskforces, committees, projects and assignments that will stretch your responsibilities and enhance your professional skill set.

6. Continuing education.

Ongoing learning, reading and training makes you stand out. The more knowledgeable you are, the more conversations you create, the more you share and add value to those around your personal and professional circles.

7. Add value

In your day to day activities, learn, analyze and apply as much as you can in order to contribute and create value inside and outside of your organization.

8. Network, network, network

Find the time to meet and learn about people. Quality connections are key to building lasting relationships, gathering/sharing information, increasing visibility and boosting your confidence.

9. Build a solid brand and reputation

You are the head sales person in your life. Selling and marketing yourself to everyone is done on a daily basis. We all have support systems, but no one can give you the success you need unless, you commit to working hard and leaving your mark.

10.  Help others

Get involve in your community. Volunteer, use your talent and time to support a person(s), an organization(s) and/or a cause(s). Remember that someone did it for you. Pay it forward!

11. Stay positive

There are times, you will be overwhelmed by the world in and around you. Find that outlet, your "woosah" to keep you grounded as you're faced with situations. Believe that things will get better.

12. Simply LIVE!!! 

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If you could...

If you could do one thing, what would it be and why?

This past May, I had the opportunity to attend my alma mater, Pace University's Undergraduate Ceremony. As an alumnus and a supporter of the university, I had the opportunity to re-live this memorable occasion from a different and refreshing perspective. To realize that I was a part of such a similar graduating ceremony 10 years ago was a reminder of just how quickly time flies and how many things one forgets about their own experiences.

The energy of this May graduation was simply explosive -- the cap, the gown, tassels, gathering of family and friends, all part of memories that one cherishes for life.
I soaked in every speaker, every speech, from this event but the one that stuck with me, was when Chuck Schumer, Senior US Senator from New York, shared a very thoughtful poem ("If" by  Rudyard Kipling) with the graduates. Just like them, it made me ponder my past, my future, my destiny, but most of all the value of life and the work that needs to be done.

Follow your bliss!

Rudyard Kipling
If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

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Perspective

With all that's going on around the world, it's hard to ignore and sometimes difficult to comprehend. During these times it's important to take a step back, reflect on our lives and reclaim our sense of purpose and direction.

Life and time are precious, therefore it's essential to love, comfort and forgive each other. With peace in your heart, stand still in faith and believe always.

Carpe Diem!

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

 Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Desiderata Source

Mother's Day is every day!

I am blessed with two amazing mothers (biological & auntie) and grateful they are in my life and have always been there for me no matter what. Different but still the same, no disappointment no pain.

I’m sure, just like me, you can appreciate and have experienced from your parent/guardian unconditional love, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, understanding and authenticity.

There is a bond that cannot be broken, a treasure that no one else can find, and a life that is cherished. They are my angels here on earth. Over the years, I have observed their many qualities which continues to stand the test of time. I have learned to take them with me in and around the world (prayer, wisdom, strength, hard work, empathy, perseverance, compassion, and helping others).

So mom's, this is for you:

M- Miss you daily
O- Open arms
T- Thank you for life
H- Happy you're here
E- Ever grateful

R- Respect you always

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