LIFE

HAD TO TAKE A MOMENT & SHARE:
I stumbled upon this "email message" today at a work station. 

Author Unknown
To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

"This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. I love you. And, remember... If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed in the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

Now, you have a nice day..."

DREAMS & DESTINY

ALWAYS CREATE YOUR OWN DREAMS AND LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

Dreams can come true 

if you take the time to 

think about what you want in life

Get to know yourself

Find out who you are

Choose your goals carefully

Be honest with yourself

Always believe in yourself

Find many interests and pursue them

Find out what is important to you

Find out what you’re good at

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Work hard to achieve successes

When things are not going right don’t give up- just try harder

Give yourself freedom to try out new things

Laugh and have a good time

Open yourself up to love

Take part in the beauty of nature

Be appreciative of all that you have

Help those less fortunate than you

Work towards peace in the world

Live life to the fullest

Create your own dreams and

Follow them until they are a reality

                    - Susan Polis Schutz

COURAGE: The Terrific 6!

On January 31, 2012, I attended the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation’s Forum entitled, "Row2Recovery- The Atlantic crossing"- a story of inspiration and courage. Despite the injuries, against all odds, where a team of six phenomenal men accomplished a task bigger than themselves.

CREW
Front row L-R

Lance Corporal Carl Anstey

Corporal Neil Heritage

Co-Founder Alex Mackensie

Back row L-R

Corporal Rory Mackensie
Co-Founder Ed Janvrin

Lieutenant Will Dixon 

CAMPAIGN

Situation/Mission: “To help wounded servicemen and women to go beyond injury and achieve the extraordinary.”

Task: Launch a campaign “to shine a spotlight on people with disabilities and challenge misconceptions about what life is like for an injured soldier and their family.”

Action: “An Epic 3000 mile voyage across the Atlantic in a rowing boat to Barbados.”

Result/Mission accomplished: Arrived at Port St. Charles, Barbados after 52 days and greeted by family, friends, loved ones, the press and other parties.

They are truly STARS!

Not only was it a wow moment for me, I was humbled and inspired by their stories, experiences and perspective. It was such an honor to meet such amazing people.
Damian McKinney, CEO of McKinney Rogers said it best, "They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

It’s a journey one can only imagine and very difficult to understand, unless one have traveled that same path. We can however, appreciate and respect great service and a job well done. Simply Epic!

Advice & Tips gained from this extraordinary panel:
"Even people with the resources to help will question if what you're doing is possible."
"Belief makes a difference, dream big!"
"Find something you truly believe in, commit to it and then times that by 10." ~Alex Mackensie

"In life it's the people you love & the ones that love you that are the most important things."
"Never think you are worse off than anybody." ~Rory Mackensie

"Perspective does not allow you to have a down day." ~Will Dixon

"If you have the right people who work well together, you can overcome anything."

"Success in a decision, a state of mind, you can overcome the obstacles." ~Ed Janvrin

"Have the motivation and passion to keep going. Have a plan, work hard and don't give up." ~Carl Anstey

"You have a massive task, split it down, confirm accountability, move in and take control." ~Neil Heritage

I hope you are inspired by their honest and motivating words. This message is not only for entrepreneurs, but for anyone with a passion to achieve a specific goal(s).

Follow your dreams and allow yourself to shine! Remember to help others along the way. 


Peace & Love
Celia Collymore, Chief Purpose Driver

Row2Recovery

Mckinney Rogers

Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation

SMART Goals

STAR Method

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  

 IMAGE SOURCE

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." 




                                                                                                                                                                                               Image source

"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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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!

Poem Source

Picture Source 

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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INSPIRATION: Food for the Soul

As human beings, we feed off of inspiration. Those positive and profound words, phrases or people that gives us strength and helps us to stay focused. It’s my pleasure to share a few of the many quotes, I have carried with me over the years, and continue to live and learn from.

 “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong."- Ella Fitzgerald

"How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these."- George Washington Carver

"Resolve to be thyself and know that he who finds himself loses his misery."- Matthew Arnold 

"There are many things in life that will catch your eyes, but only a few that will catch your heart...follow those."- Michael Nolan

"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into a flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."- Albert Schweitzer

Faith

"Not truth, but faith, it is that keeps the world alive."- Edna St. Vincent Millay

Struggle

"Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself the most comforting words of all:      This, too, shall pass."- Ann Landers

Achievements

"None of us suddenly becomes something overnight. The preparations have been in the making for a lifetime."- Gail Godwin

World Peace

"What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family."- Mother Teresa

"Almost anything you do will be insignificant but it is very important that you do it."

 "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."- Mahatma Gandhi

"The best and the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be touched by the heart."- Helen Keller

"In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on!"- Robert Frost

"Learn to let go and be free."- Buddha

"Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life."- Foster C. McClellan

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." - Pierre Teilhard de Charadin

"All comes at the proper time to him who knows how to wait."- St. Vincent de Paul

"Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus."- Oprah Winfrey

"It is better to be HATED for what you are, than to be LOVED for what you're not."- Andre Gide

“Giving up doesn’t mean you’re weak; sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let you.”- Author Unknown

"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond your grasp, but, if you sit down quietly, it will alight upon you." -Nathaniel Hawthorne

"Don't worry about things you have no control over."- My Basketball coach

"Keep aiming higher and don't limit yourself to anything or compare yourself to anyone."- A Friend

God is love and I am loved. To be LOVED is the most powerful, favorable and overwhelming feeling in the world- Celia P. Collymore

I would like to hear from you.

What are some of your favorite quotes? What words of wisdom motivates you?

Poem by Kevin Young

To make a better world…make a better YOU

Take time to laugh, it’s the music of The Soul

Take the time to work, it’s the price of Success

Take the time to think, it’s the source of Power

Take the time to give, it’s too short a day to be Selfish

Take time to play, it’s the secret of Perpetual Youth

Take the time to pray, it’s the greatest Power on Earth

Take time to read, it’s the foundation of Wisdom

Inspirational Stones picture source

Who are your “She-roes”, past and present?

March is Women's History Month!

As we celebrate this national event, let's remember and recognize the diverse group of women who have paved for us, a much brighter and promising future.

1. Who inspires you?

2. Presently, who are the women in your life that you appreciate?

Remember to take the time to reflect on those amazing women (family, friends, colleagues, activists, celebrities, legends etc.) who have come before us, and those who continue to work effortlessly, sacrificing their time and energy to make a difference in our lives.

Let's be forever grateful for all they have done.   And remind those close to you, how thankful you are for them making a positive impact on your life.

Cheers,

CPC

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Looking back Moving Forward picture resource