Who Leaves Footprints on Your Heart?

You never know who is reading and watching, but will always know who is listening.

Last year, two of my dearest friends told me that they had noticed some changes in me. I asked them what they were referring to.  One said that he noticed a new sense of drive and purpose, something he found quite inspiring. Once I had created and made my blog public, I sent an email to my friends and relatives sharing my purpose in life and also giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Him having read my blog was impressed with my efforts and wanted to share his admiration for who I was becoming and what I am doing to accomplish my dreams.

Another friend had this to say:

"I don't know what has happened to you this year but I see something that you didn't have last year. You have a gift I don't know what to call it...but your words. Words give life. Instead of concentrating on what you don't have, you have chosen to concentrate on helping people get what they don't have, keep going for your reward... only God knows.” 

These words meant more me to me than anything, because they were sincere and from friends who had observed me closely. Friends observe, they listen, they reflect and respond. One even said a special prayer for me when she wrote:

“Blessings, showers of blessings for 2011. God, if it’s only a tiny glimpse of your life, show Celia the way. May she never lose sight, because you will provide her with guidance. In her time of despair may she find comfort in you. What we see as obstacles, you turn them into miracles. Amen!” 

Sometimes we don’t even see changes that are happening within us, but others do. In many cases, good friends are a mirror of ourselves. They notice the slightest spark or smile, the subtle changes, and even the big changes. When we do something good or positive, they absorb that positivity. If you are a friend and you see someone making a positive change, it doesn’t hurt to let them know you have noticed it. That’s what friends are for.

All I can say to my friends who made these comments to me is thank you for noticing. The changes I see within myself, are a product of my experiences, and a lot of it has to do with my faith and belief in a higher power - in God. He is making me stronger, better and wiser. And it’s a constant journey.

So who are the champions in your life, who do you appreciate?

My prayer for you...find your joy.

Some seek it. Others wait for it to come. I say CREATE IT. Maintain focus and stay balanced in all aspects of your life. Life isn’t easy. But it can be more productive if you work a little harder, plan a little smarter, keep positive people in your life, trust others, and most importantly - believe that you can make a difference in your life and in the lives of others.

Much love!

CPC

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."- Anais Nin

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
- Bible: Ecclesiastes

Heart Footprint picture source

MENTORING: Which side of the spectrum are you on?

What motivated me to write about this topic was my most recent mentoring experience this past fall. I've been volunteering with Streetwise Adult Career Ventures Program since February 2010 and could not have made a better decision.  It's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not only have I been making a difference in the lives of others, but, I too, have been learning and growing throughout this process.

Through this mentoring exchange, besides continuously learning more about myself, I have gained more confidence and sharpened my listening, communication and presentation skills. I have learned to accept and appreciate people for who they are. We're unique in our own way. As mentors, our job is not to change our mentees, but to inspire and equip them with the tools they need to improve who they are and their personal circumstances, which in return will hugely transform their lives. We're all different, but have one common goal in life and that is to love and be loved.

Mentoring means the world to me, because I have been on both sides of the spectrum. You too may have been a mentor at some point in your life, maybe as a work colleague, a career buddy, a friend, a confidant, a family member, a coach, or a teacher. I've had amazing people to guide me throughout my life - family members, friends, basketball coaches, professionals.

My experiences with them have taught me two things:

1.  People are genuinely interested and willing to help, guide, support and encourage you without thought of personal gain. What catapults these relationships is our desire to dream, believe in ourselves and work hard.

2. People will give and show more of themselves only when you let your guard down and give and share more of yourself.

We're not perfect and we don't always have the answers to what life throws at us. Every now and then we all need guidance and encouragement. It is, therefore, important for us to seek the help of positive people who can challenge us and help us accomplish our goals. Even though you may have needed help at one time, that does not mean you cannot make a difference in someone else’s life. Use your expertise and the wisdom of your experiences to make an impact!

“Celia is a positive mentor because she knows how to be encouraging when she needs to be, tough when she has to be; when to listen and when to give direction. And she doesn’t always do it with a speech. Sometimes it’s just with a few simple yet important words that make all the difference. She doesn’t show impatience, and doesn’t make judgments. That is the best kind of help for anyone because you know you can tell someone your frustrations without being judged. She is there to help and you know it from the time you meet her. Her zest for life shows in the way she presents herself. She is always ready to go the extra mile!”

– Muneera, Fall 2010 Mentee and Outstanding Mentee Award recipient

RESOURCES:

Streetwise Partners

National CARES Mentoring Movement

Mentoring Definition
Mentoring picture source

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth" - Muhammad Ali

New Year...New Beginnings

As 2010 comes to a close, and 2011 draws nigh, let me take this time to say...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Some of us have faced some tough times and almost lost trust. It is in these situations that I encourage you to remember and rely on the higher power always watching over us. I also want you to get some inspiration from this little poem by funmunch.com   

Enough happiness to keep you happy

During the year may you have-
Enough happiness to keep you sweet
Enough trials to keep you strong
Enough sorrow to keep you human
Enough hope to keep you happy
Enough failure to keep you humble
Enough success to keep you eager
Enough friends to give you comfort
Enough wealth to meet your needs
Enough enthusiasm to make you look forward to tomorrow
Enough determination to make each day better than the
day before.

Key word: ENOUGH

We must be thankful. We must try our best to live within our means.

Sometimes we lose sight of the big picture in our lives - the masterpiece, and get caught in trivial things. And sometimes it is the trivial things that teach us the biggest lessons.

We are all in the situation we are in for a reason. This allows us to gain a better perspective on life, remembering who we are, where we came from and what we intend to be. Always remember to embrace those close to you, and let them know how much you love and appreciate them and are happy to have them in your life.

My wish for you...that all you hopes and dreams will come true. 

May your life be filled with much love, joy, good health, success and amazing people.

Stay cool, stay strong and be safe!

Peace, Love & Blessings,

Celia

RESOURCES:

Robin Sharma's- Make this new year your best year yet

Robin Sharma's- 60 Tips to a stunningly great life
Happy New Year picture source

'Tis the Season

It's that time of year to spread the holiday cheer. It’s the perfect time to share love, hope, peace, and the gift of giving to home, family and others.

A perfect example of the "beauty of giving", comes from my childhood days back in Barbados. As kids, we all looked forward to one special lady, "Auntie Olga", who understood the true meaning of "giving" . She would drive through our neighborhoods spreading the holiday cheer, dressed in a Santa outfit, sharing gifts and candy to families.

These were good times, happy times, knowing that she always

delivered and never forgot about us. We didn't personally know her, but loved her for who she was and what she represented in our lives - excitement, laughter, love, sharing, caring and a sense of feeling worthwhile. 

Here is a poem "Dame Olga Lopes-Seale" wrote about GIVING:

 "At this time of giving- Give to your enemy forgiveness
Give to your opponent tolerance
Give to your friend your heart
Give to your child a good example
Give to your parents deference
Give to everybody sunny smiles.

Giving open doors and hearts and makes affection glow.

Giving stirs fires of friendship when they're burning low.

All too often through our lives there runs a selfish theme. Thoughts and hopes are concentrates on one's own pet scheme.

Then Christmas comes and turns the mind from our self-centered ways.

We have to open hearts and purses in the festive days.

We have to think of others, and of self a little less,
Choosing presents, writing letters, giving happiness.”

More about Auntie Olga
Happy Holidays picture source

Stepping Stones: When, Where and How do you start?

When my colleague/ friend was getting ready to plan her wedding, she had one desire - to walk down the aisle in the best shape of her life.  So she turned to me, given my reputation as a fitness buff, and my years of experience as a college basketball player. She knew that if there was anyone who could help jump start her on accomplishing her fitness goals, it was me.

First, we talked strategy: setting goals (in her case, 35lbs by May 2011), planning a workout schedule and commitment time frame. Then we chose a gym near work, discussed nutrition goals, took baseline measurements and photos to document the process. I also required her to keep a food journal and write her daily intake. So far, we’ve kept track of her weekly/ monthly progress in a shared spreadsheet using Google docs.         

In six months my friend will be walking down the aisle looking and feeling great! It is a wonderful pleasure for me to inspire, motivate, encourage and support her on this amazing journey filled with fun, challenges and an overall life changing experience.

Much of my motivation on being fit comes from my years of playing basketball. To play basketball and to play it well, I not only had to be in shape, but accountable for what I did off the court, including what I ate and being a role model. So I immersed myself in understanding health, fitness and nutrition. It is basketball that gave me a sense of structure, discipline, dedication, and accountability. It is only reasonable to say, that what I enjoy doing are things that involve challenge, focus and rigor.

One of my goals is to become a personal trainer in the near future, something I didn’t envision in my life until I found people telling me all the time that I would be great at it because I had the “it” factor or that I knew how to motivate others. And when I found myself showing people at the gym how to use weights properly or people coming up to me asking for help and guidance, that was when I had my “aha moment.” People around you have a knack for identifying traits and strengths you possess that you may be blind to.

I have always known that no matter what I do, I am driven by one simple purpose - to make a difference in the lives of people…one promise, one person at a time. Now that I have found new purpose, I have to take ownership of my goals and make things happen.

So what is your purpose? Have you reflected on who you really are, your passions, your desires and your potentially bright future? Or, are you scared of change and stuck on the “what ifs?”

We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we do know that tomorrow does not happen without the plans we must make and the steps we take today. If we don’t embrace life, or reflect on our goals and take a small step forward, we will never be closer to doing what we would love to do. Take your step today.

"I am here to train you and work your butt off. And I'm not playing." - Shawn T, creator of the Insanity Workout Program

Resource: SMART GOALS
Bridal Fitness picture source

Hello World!!!

It's a new beginning!