The 'Hustle.' What's your hustle?

What's your hustle?


The urban dictionary defines hustling as 'doing anything to make money even if it is a bit shady or illegal.' I'm not talking about illegal hustling. Let's make that clear. 

Hustling is nothing new to Anguilla's context but it seems that more people are adopting the 'hustle' mentality.

I seem to be hearing this word a lot more lately. Most times when I hear it though, I am pretty confident that the hustling to be done is not illegal or shady. In many cases, the hustle is something positive.

Everyone wants to do more and earn a dollar or an additional dollar. What I admire about 'the hustle' is the entrepreneurial spirit it evokes in many. I have noted more persons are using innate talents and skills whether it is singing, dancing, playing an instrument, drawing, designing etc. to make a dollar. There are more small businesses opening, more events being planned and more energy in and about the island. Kudos, to all the persons who have found a way to make an honest dollar. Just do it right.  Ensure you have the correct licenses and permission and continue to do your thing. Dream big!

I have noticed also there is another hustle going on. This hustle slowed down during the 'cold' months but now everyone is back on their 'hustle.' Yes I am talking about exercise.

The roads are buzzing, the gyms are packed and the 'Biggest Loser competitions ' and 'Boot Camps' have no shortage of participants.

I just want to remind everyone who is striving for a summer body, that proper diet and exercise should be a year round activity for our general well-being. Keep doing your thing and don't stop exercising after Carnival.

There are a lot more trainers and persons who exercise year round so even if your friends don't want to 'hustle' in December to March when it is dark and cold, don't let that stop you.

I want to shout out to our small group of year round fitness 'hustlers.' You can find us on the park three days a week from 5:30am whether it is dark without a moon or sunshiny bright like it is currently.

If you are looking for a small group to get your fitness 'hustle' on with, do send me a message.

Today, get your fitness and entrepreneurial 'hustle' on.

Don't forget to check out my website My Anguilla Experience for more interesting stories on what's going on with me in Anguilla.

To Move Forward or to Stand Still - That is the question

Hi guys

I want to first congratulate my friend Haneen on achieving her doctorate. I am so proud of you.

Over my life, I have spent much time contemplating the lines in Robert Frost’s poem especially the last two lines which are

‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference’  (excerpt from poem by Robert Frost)

There have been numerous interpretations of this poem which I will not go into as this poem may mean something different to everyone. What we can agree on is that in life we often face crossroads (two roads which diverge). If you choose to go down one road it usually means you can’t go down another at the same time.

For some people, the fear of choosing a road, that is, making a decision on moving forward paralyses them. Some decisions are easy and others much harder. I totally agree that making decisions especially life changing decisions can be scary. I think not making a decision is scarier though. When you put off making a decision and instead you are forced into a decision, or allow others to decide for you or simply compromise or ignore a situation or opportunity because it is the ‘easier’ thing to do, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

Instead seize the opportunity to make a decision. It is your life. You have to live with the decisions you or anyone else make. So therefore in my mind, it makes sense for you to make and own your decisions. There may always be naysayers and those who disagree or think you are making a foolish choice. There will be those who might be jealous you are moving forward or doing something different (crab in the bucket mentality). Who cares? Follow your heart and follow your dreams and that is what will make the difference.

To all the people who had the courage to make often difficult decisions...I tip my hat to you.

·        Those who made a decision to give up ‘stable jobs’ and followed or will follow their dream to start a business

·        Those who made calculated (well thought out) decisions to buy or build a home in a difficult economy

·        Those who made a decision to marry who they love even when others tried to discourage them or those who moved far away to follow their love

·        Those who made and stuck with decisions to lose weight and take control of their lives and health

·        Those who chose to walk away from abusive relationships and stand strong and tall because they know their worth

These are real examples of real people I know who made decisions often choosing to take the road less travelled by. These are people I know who are happy with the road they have chosen to travel.

What about you? Are you at a cross road? Is there a decision that you have been struggling with or putting off making? Have you stopped to pray about it?  If not, do so now. It’s true that prayer and faith changes things. I know.

Say Yes to making those decisions you have been putting off today. I am.

 

 

Birthday Smiles - Thank You!

Today I turned 29.

I believe most women and probably most men engage in some sort of reflection when they celebrate each birthday. I think we tend to reflect even more at the end of each decade. Today I turned 29 and I am so grateful to God simply for that. I will take a moment to reflect on and pray for the families of those I know who were unable to achieve this milestone.

I have had a tremendous 29 years. I know a faithful God; I have a wonderful family, a loving boyfriend and numerous terrific friends around the world. I have a great education and I have travelled to four continents. I have health, inner and outer beauty and strength. I have determination and ambition in abundance. I am grateful for the blessings and opportunities which have come my way and to all those who have played a part in shaping who I am today.  

As I embrace my 29^th year and look towards the start of my 30’s, I can’t help but be excited about what lies in store. I have no doubt that there will be numerous challenges and opportunities ahead of me as I continue to create and shape a future which will continue to make me happy.

To all those who took the time to wish me Happy Birthday today, I would like to say a great big thanks! To those who have been faithful friends and family members and who have offered constant support and encouragement over this year and previous years, you are my heroes. Thank you!

If you clicked on this blog – thank you! Please share and stay tuned in to say-yes-to-today.blogspot.com as together we seek to make a change in our life, our community, our nation and our world.

I love you all.

Been there, Done that, Moved On....

There is none perfect, no not one. Living a healthy, happy life isn’t about being perfect.

It’s about recognising and accepting the fact that life isn’t perfect but deciding to have faith and be happy and optimistic anyway. It’s about the daily choice of choosing to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. It’s about appreciating what you do have instead of envying others. It’s about working hard or smart for what you want rather than sitting idly and complaining.

So

Crappy job – been there

Unhealthy relationship/friendship – been there

Broke – been there

Yeah I have been there, done that and moved on. Sometimes we come back there. Sometimes it’s our fault, sometimes it’s just life and circumstances. However, please note, we should never settle there – keep it moving, and move on! (Does this make sense? I hope so.)

Have you ever observed ants – you can place obstacles in their way, divert their path, destroy their nests....and they simply move on, rebuild, start over. Don’t dwell on the past...you can’t change it.  You do however have a tremendous amount of power and control to 'press on to the greater achievements of the future.'

So the guy or girl who broke your heart – guess what? Living well is the sweetest revenge.

The crappy job – opportunities are everywhere you just need to open your eyes and see what’s available.

Broke – Change your mindset, give of your time and talents and you will be amazed at what will come back to you.

When you ‘settle’ emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, financially – you limit your happiness and that’s just not good sense.

Starting today, let one of your mantras be ‘Been there, done that, moved on!’