I feel inspired. I feel brave!

 I feel inspired. I feel empowered. I feel that I can do anything that I set my mind to! 

Honestly that is how I feel. I am in love with this feeling. I know in the past this feeling has guided me to do revolutionary things in my personal and professional life. I know that I accomplished many of the things I set out to do. However, the challenge is remaining inspired all the time. Somewhere along the path the following distractions always seemed to raise their ugly heads. These include hectic schedules filled with things I cared a lot about but too many I cared very little about, well-meaning but distracting friends, family and colleagues, lazy summer days and/or just a general lack of enthusiasm based on my work environment and/or the political and economic climate. 

However, wouldn’t it be lovely if this undeniable magnetic energy and gung-ho and motivated attitude could be bottled and released whenever we needed an energy boost? I certainly think so. If I could share how I feel with all of you now, I certainly would.

This week, I was fortunate enough to be involved in a CDB Train the Trainers workshop for marketing for small hotels in St. Lucia. The workshop exceeded my expectations because I truly feel that I walked away with so much more value than simply knowledge about marketing. I feel that the workshop provided an opportunity and avenue for introspection that I really needed especially concerning my professional life. I had already started to make strides in making some changes but I feel that this past week has given me the extra push and will power that I needed to run instead of walking at a leisurely pace.

Life is interesting because you don’t know who you will meet or maybe what you will hear or what you will do that will lift your mood, motivate, inspire, empower or simply change your life for the best.  

I have met some amazing, inspiring people along my life’s journey so far. However, the set that I met during this last week came along just when I needed them to. They are entrepreneurs and budding entrepreneurs, fitness enthusiast and trainers who just want to bring out the best in those they interact with. They inspired and they encouraged and I feel richer for having met them.

 Today, I believe I can do anything that I put my mind to. I can remain focused. I can be brave.

How about you? Do you inspire others by the things you say and do? Have you met someone who has truly inspired you to do more and be more?

If you haven’t, then you need to expand your circle to persons who can help you to reach your full potential. If there is something you have been meaning to do today big or small, I hope that I may be a voice of positivity and inspiration. Go for it! The world really has too many people who continue to say ‘I could have or I should have’ instead of ‘I did It.’

I intend to say ‘I DID IT.’ Let’s make and deal and do whatever ‘it’ is today.

Drop me a line to say you did it!

'My Beauty'

I attended a concert last night. The concert was primarily organised by a beautiful teacher with a positive attitude towards life and her students. The concert was a fundraiser and the funds will be used to assist and benefit a student suffering from cancer with his medical expenses. Please say a prayer for this student.

 It was a great concert and one thing is certain, great talent can be found in every nook and cranny of the Anguillian society. The teachers of the ALHCS are certainly a talented bunch.

I enjoyed all the songs, dances, dramatisations, fashion shows etc. When I was thinking about what to write about today, one item stood out in my mind though. It was a poem written by and presented by a teacher named Amethyst. The poem was entitled ‘My Beauty.’

The poem was well written and well presented. It is true that no one could have presented the poem better than the poet as the poem spoke to her feelings on the subject.

The poem covered many thought and ideas on ‘Beauty.’  For example, the poem delved into the heart of how women too often judge themselves extremely harshly on their physical appearance and how women too often engage in unrealistic comparisons with others including superstars.  

We all know that this happens all too regularly. I dare say that it is not only young girls who feel pressured to look a certain way, to always have their hair, nails and makeup done, dress a certain way, be a certain size – to fit in.

There is certainly no crime in looking good. I certainly feel good when I look good. The tragedy occurs when our self-worth is determined by how we look and it is equally tragic when we judge and criticise others because their appearance doesn’t meet our ‘standards.’

As women, we really do come in all sizes, shapes and colours and our beauty really isn’t about what’s on the outside. Sometimes a perfectly made up face is hiding years of hurt or the illusion of beauty quickly fades when you realise that an ugly attitude lurks behind the ‘face.’

Today, let us determine that while we will continue to take care of our physical appearance, we will focus more attention on what is really more important when it comes to beauty. It is our attitude and our outlook on life. It is our ability to give and to care and to love. It is about our passion and our ambitions. It is about finding time for family and spending time with friends sharing laughter and smiles. This is where true beauty lies. The rest is almost just an illusion. It is true that outward beauty fades.  When it is gone take a minute today to think about what will remain.

Say Yes to focusing more energy on improving your inner beautiful self today!

To read more about me, do check out my other blog My Anguilla Experience.

Thanks for reading!

Remembering 2012 and seriously getting excited about 2013

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

I am excited. Personally 2012 was a spectacular year. So many wonderful things happened during the year and I give infinite thanks.

Highlights of my year included celebrating another birth year, getting engaged (see photo below), home ownership, watching my sister graduate, fantastic vacations, teaching the Personal and Professional Development course at the Comprehensive Learning Centre to fabulous students, Presidency of the Optimist Club of Anguilla which was a great learning and growing experience and so much more.

When I asked Nash what the highlights of his year were his answer made me smile. He said they were the simple moments like 'seeing me smile, talking to his brother, waking up each day... this is why I love this man.

Photo credit - Signature7602 Studios

 

But I digress ... if you know me at all, you will know that I also get excited about something, anything big or small at least twice a day. You might hear me say

‘I am so excited to eat lunch’ or I am excited for a friend starting something new in his or her life or I am excited just because my love dropped by the office. I don’t ever want to lose my child like enthusiasm for what most would consider the mundane things in life.

So yes, even though 2012 was so spectacular, I don’t mind saying goodbye to it because I am excited about what lies ahead in 2013. If it is God’s will, I will celebrate my 30^th in 2013 (woo hoo – can we say 30 and fabulousJ. I will also marry the love of my life -I am so excited! Can anyone tell how many times I said excited or some version of this word in this blog?

How about you? What makes you excited? It is the season to be jolly so don’t be a scrooge. Get excited! Get happy. I certainly am. Say Yes to getting excited today.

Let me take this opportunity to say a very WARM THANK YOU to those who have subscribed to or read my blog. I hope this blog has inspired you in some way or at the very least made you chuckle :).  To my readers in North, South and Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and of course Anguilla please do continue to read  and share in 2013 and look out for a new blog coming soon!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or Season Greetings from 'Say Yes to Today!'

A 'Hair' Story

For some persons changing their hairstyle (haircut, extensions etc) is a weekly or monthly occurrence. For others, like me, getting a haircut is an event! I wore braids once in my life for about a week and I have never worn weave or a wig. I pondered on this for a while. Why is it that some persons can so freely and readily 'update' their ‘hair look’, while others are content to wear their hair the same for years with minor modifications?

I realised part of the reason we stay with the ‘same look’ is because it is something that works for us. We feel good, we feel confident with that look. Why rock the boat right? Why seek change when things are already good? The grass isn’t always greener on the other side right?

While I am using my hair as an example, this is applicable for general life as well. You may get stuck in a job not because it is your passion, but because it is paying the bills and perhaps if you are lucky you like the other people in the office including your boss. You may not be passionate about the job but perhaps you are afraid to see what else is out there...it can be scary trying something new right?

What about some of the relationships you find yourself in? Your heart may not swell with love for the person and an inner voice may be quietly be telling you that this isn’t your soul mate but you are comfortable with him or her and for the most part you get along well. Why shake things up right?

How about your exercise routine? Well, you always walk the same route or you have gone to the same gym for the past 10 years. It’s working for you right? Whoever said that change was a good thing must have been out of their mind? You are happy and healthy right where you are, right?

Wrong! My point is all of us have some area or areas in our life where we have probably gotten too comfortable. Comfortable isn’t bad but why not spice it up...Add some excitement to the mix. Sometimes we need to step outside of our comfort zone and see what else is out there. Stepping out doesn’t have to be drastic and you can take baby steps. My haircut for example is shorter but let’s gets real, it isn’t like I leaped way out of my comfort zone and got a pixie cut or something.

However, I made a decision to try something new since my last major haircut was almost five years ago and gasp I really do like my new haircut.

Sometimes, we just have to listen to that voice within us and sometimes the voices of others around us and try something or somebody new. You just might like it! I certainly do! SAY YES to today - and -explore other options and step out of your comfort zone, whatever that may be!

Drop me a comment and let me know something you did out of your comfort zone.

Have a great week everyone.

Why fit in when you can stand out! 5 Surprising ways you can stand out from the crowd.

Hi everyone

I actually stole this topic from my sister’s BB and Facebook page. She was talking about her store but I thought this would work fabulously as a blog entry. Thanks Sis.  She owns a trendy store in East End called Hottest Selections. If you haven’t checked it out...Please do!

Read on for some great tips on how you can stand out from the crowd.

1)    Dress up when everyone is dressing down. Go ahead and wear those fabulous heels.  Yes, persons will talk about you because you look great! That is the objective right.

2)    Things will not always go your way and that’s ok. How you deal with things when they go wrong will determine if you just fit in or if you stand out. There are lot more people in this world who are negative than those who are positive. Which category do you want to fall into?

3)    Be an original. Facebook, blogs, twitter, youtube etc. have given all of us a platform and if we choose to, we can be ourselves or we can be a copy of someone else. Have and share your own opinions. Show off your own skills. Remember, the original is always better than the copy.

4)    Don’t be afraid to lead. You may not be a natural leader but you can develop and enhance your leadership skills. When you demonstrate the willingness or the ability to lead you immediately stand out from the crowd.

5)    Try something new! We all have things we would like to do but it may be a bit too far from our ‘comfort zone.’ Maybe you want to start a YouTube channel or join a band or start a small business. What’s holding you back? There is nothing sadder than ‘I wish I had.’ I personally prefer ‘I did.’ Don’t you?

UPDATE

My mango tree is still alive. The leaves are definitely more green than brown, kind of like my lifeJ.  My pumpkin patch has numerous pumpkins which we have been enjoying and sharing with family and friends. By the way, my mom makes a fabulous pumpkin pie. Another totally useless titbit...the hen that made a nest in my yard had her chicks...aren’t they the cutest!

Hope this blog entry was useful and at the very least I hope it made you smile. Have a great weekend!

Do share any comments below.

One easy way to make your day more productive

To plan or not to plan.... that is the question.....

While doing some research on project management for one of my classes it occurred to me that project management is not just for business purposes but that it can be and should be applied to our personal lives. In fact we routinely ‘project manage’ aspects of our lives. Some persons just do a better job at it than others.

Most of us live lives that are hectic, filled with responsibilities such as family responsibilities, work obligations, social and personal commitments and other duties yet there are some people who seem to handle the myriad of issues that life throws at them amazingly well. Could there be some form of ‘project management’ at work?

Activities in our lives can be broken down into small projects to make them easier to manage and to enable the best chance for successful completion with minimum stress (Remember the 80/20 rule).

In addition, take the following example

Baking a cake with children

Initiation – Hmm perhaps the firm decision to bake this cake with the children

Planning – Schedule a day and a block of time to bake the cake. If you want to start at 9am, start at 9am to prevent stress later especially if you or the children have later commitments. Develop a lists of tasks and ensure you have your list of ingredients, recipe etc. All cake bakers must also agree to a goal (e.g. bake a chocolate cake)

Executing – Buy your ingredients, assemble your ingredients and start to bake the cake. Ensure everyone knows and agrees to their tasks.

Monitoring and Controlling – Observe the children’s actions, keep track of time etc

Closing – The project is complete when the beautiful chocolate cake comes out of the oven. YUMMY!

So take a look at your TO DO LIST and take note of which activities are really mini projects and treat them as such. I really hope you keep a TO DO LIST on your phone, computer or even in a note book. If not start one today and you will see a big difference in what you are able to accomplish daily if you break activities into small projects. I recommend Stephen Covey’s version of a ‘TO DO LIST’ or Time Management matrix on this blog

http://sidsavara.com/personal-development/nerdy-productivity-coveys-time-management-matrix-illustrated-with-xkcd-comics on this blog.

While ‘project managing’ your life or applying the 80/20 rule may seem a bit technical, it really isn’t. A reader of this blog applied the 80/20 rule with great results. So, Say Yes to applying these techniques today! It’s about leading, planning, organising and controlling life’s sometimes ‘pesky’ activities so that they don’t end up controlling you.

What do you think about the concept of project managing your life? Drop me a comment below and share your thoughts. Have a fabulous and productive day, today!

How to deal with less than perfect days

Life isn’t always perfect...

How I deal with less than perfect days!

Regardless of how optimistic you are, or how prepared you are or how ambitious you are or how rich you are, there are going to be some days when you get bad news, when your boss annoys the hell out of you, when family members make impossible demands of you or when things simply just don’t go your way.

Your problems or my problems or your bad day or my bad day may be small in the grand context of ‘real problems,’ or ‘real bad days’ but we seldom want to hear that.

I’ve learned though, the long and short of it – That’s Life. Ish happens. There will be things and events we have no control over but we always have control over our response to these things and events.

Today, I had a not so great day (not true, let me rephrase). I had a great, positive and fulfilling day other than two ‘negative’ experiences (glass half fullJ). One I dealt with well, the other not as well. Thanks again to another great friend, who prevented me from sending an email in frustration and anger.

However, I didn’t dwell on either experience for long and below are some of the main things I do to change a not so perfect day into a day with a perfect ending.

1)                Hugs (or a couple of hugs) always help. Thanks babes.

2)                Comfort Food! Don’t laugh because my comfort food is a fruit and oranges at that. Peeling the orange and eating it piece by piece is very relaxing.

3)                An episode of ‘Big Bang Theory. ’ All fans of Big Bang Theory would completely understand. I can’t help but laugh when I watch this show.

4)                I get involved with children or read a book or read something online where I can learn something new (geeky maybe but effective)

5)                Youtube. I watch and listen to some of my favourite gospel songs, read some of my favourite scriptures and pray.

It is important to have a response or positive mechanism to deal with not so great days.

I know it is tempting to vent to everyone you can think of or to sit and analyse for hours what you could have done differently in a particular situation. However, the first response simply fuels your anger or frustration and the second is simply bad for your health.

So find a healthy way of dealing with problems or bad days today. I did!

Do post a comment below to let me know how you deal with problems or bad days.

Have a great problem free week everyone!

Develop Healthy Habits Today!

WHO AM I?

So, I was organising myself for the classes I teach and I came across this poem from a youth leadership training I attended.

Coming across motivational quotes I may have jotted down or hearing an inspiring speech or song in passing always helps to put a little extra in my step and a bit more oomph in my desire to achieve. How about you? What makes you smile? What makes you think that you can go the distance only if you try a little harder? If you don’t have an answer some serious personal reflection is in order. If you do, try to make that activity or event a daily part of your life. This poem helped me to reflect on my goals, one of which is to post blog entries more regularly.

Allow me to share the poem which resulted in this blog entry.

WHO AM I?

I am your constant companion.

I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.

I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.

I am completely at your command.

Half the things I do you might just as well turn over to me

and I will do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed – you must merely be firm with me

Show me exactly how you want something done

And after a few lessons I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great individuals and alas,

Of all failures as well.

Those who are great, I have made great.

Those who are failures, I have made failures.

 

I am not a machine,

Though I work with all the precision of a machine

plus the intelligence of a human.

You may run me for a profit or run me for ruin

It makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me,

and I will place the world at your feet.

Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who Am I?

I AM HABIT

So, if you are still making excuses for why you have not started exercising, spending more time with your loved ones or not achieving your SMART Goals that you set just three weeks ago, do break that HABIT Today. I am creating a new habit of making time for my blog because I love to write and I love talking to you.

You too can Say Yes to Today and start a new habit of positivity today. I am an Optimist but it is still a habit I have to cultivate. I’ve learned that sometimes it’s this simple JUST DO IT!

Photo – Junior Optimist Octagon International...I may look just as young as these guys but I was an Advisor! Smile more, look younger. Do it today!

A Pumpkin Experience

True story – So a while back, my mom threw out some pumpkin seeds and a short while later, we noticed a pumpkin vine which quickly spread. A couple of days ago I saw a baby pumpkin and I was so excited.

Anyways, today I was examining the pumpkin patch and I saw the grown pumpkin in the picture. I screamed in excitement. I literally could not have been more excited if I had grown that pumpkin myself.

I immediately called my boyfriend to share the news of my grown pumpkin and like a proud mother I sent a picture of my grown pumpkin to one of my Blackberry groups which contains some of my close friends.

I shared the story of my pumpkin and I told my friends I now want to farm. Here is where the story takes a turn. My girlfriend says...’Farm Shelly.... Really?’ And just like that, my head came out of the clouds and reality set in. I was not going to be a farmer. I don’t like dirt. I don’t have the time or will. I don’t have a passion for it.

That doesn’t mean that I won’t grow stuff. My boyfriend planted a mango tree for me which I have been watering regularly (even though it’s still not doing too well).  I will even go so far as to plant some other seeds and my lime tree which has been in a pot for months. However, the reality is despite this feel good experience of finding a pumpkin, I won’t be a farmer.

Have you ever had a pumpkin experience? Did something good happen to you by a fluke? Did you reap a reward without sowing seeds?  Did you stumble upon a pumpkin and jumped straight into farming?

I learnt a few lessons from my pumpkin experience and my very brief farming aspiration:

1)    Whether it is your next relationship or your next career move...think it through before jumping into it. Is it someone or something you are passionate about?

2)    Very seldom do we get long lasting benefits from an initiative in which we do not put in hard work and commitment (for e.g. unless someone starts to weed my pumpkin vine, all the baby pumpkins may not survive).

3)    It is good to have a friend who will say ‘Get Real’ sometimes. Of course, if this friend is just a naysayer and negative all around, this person should not be your friend. But, if this friend is also supportive for things she/he knows you will succeed at, nurture that friendship.

So, I mentioned my mango tree earlier and I will keep you updated on its progress. My mango tree is struggling but I have faith that it will survive. Similarly, I have faith that my relationship, my career and my other dreams will also continue to strengthen.

I continue to Say Yes to Today every day. I hope you say yes to today too.

Six Easy Ways to Enhance Your Communication Skills

Six Easy Ways to enhance your communication skills.

—  Effective Communication: To express oneself in such a way that one is readily and clearly understood.’

Have you ever struggled with finding the right words to use in a particular situation? Do you say Ummm,’ ‘ahmm’ and ‘like’ a lot? Does the very thought of public speaking make you freeze?

Do you want to portray a more professional image and improve your self-confidence and relationships? Check out the following tips and let me know if they are helpful.

1)   Do READ – The more you read about a specific topic the more versed you are going to be in it and the more confident you will feel speaking and writing about it.

2)   Do KISS – Keep It Simple and Straightforward. If you are asked to respond to a direct question give a brief answer which covers the Who, What, Where, When and Why. Do Not Ramble!

3)   Do Choose – Choose the best MEDIUM for your communication. There are so many ways to communicate these days – Face to face, telephone calls, BB, twitter, email, text etc. Choose the medium of communication which best suits your message. For example, to communicate a message that is urgent, emotional or requires feedback or clarification, do make a phone call or a visit.

4)   Do PROOF READ and do Read your messages aloud before sharing them. If you are unsure about the spelling or pronunciation of a word, use spell check or simply use a different word.

5)   Do Mind your BODY LANGUAGE – Often times what we say verbally and what we say non-verbally are in contradiction. Pay attention to your body language, that is, your hand gestures and your facial expressions and pay attention to the body language of others. When in doubt Do SMILE.

6)   Do take a SKILLS BUILDING TRAINING class or course and use any opportunity to practice your new skills. Enhance your communication skills today.

I really enjoy teaching Personal and Professional Development at the Comprehensive Learning Centre. I think there is always something more we can learn which can enhance our development and image. I teach but I am also constantly learning. If you would like further information on learning opportunities do visit their website clcaxa.org or drop me an email at shellecia.brooks@gmail.com.

Both pieces of work are mine - one dazzles and one looks somewhat of a disaster :)

Do SHARE your best effective communication tips?

Let’s talk about Poise!

 ‘Poise is the art of raising the eyebrows rather than the roof’

This quote was sent to me a few days ago as a ‘thought for the day’ and I wanted to share it with you. Do you agree with this quote? Do you disagree?

Poise is defined as a dignified, self-confident manner or bearing; composure; self-possession.

Guess what? Having poise, good manners and good etiquette will never go out of style. You can spot a person with poise or good etiquette from a mile away just as you can quickly spot a person who does not possess these characteristics. Similarly, it is easier and more pleasurable to deal with someone who possesses these characteristics than with persons who have poor manners and are loud and temperamental. 

Here are some simple tips which you can use daily to enhance your poise. These tips will win you points with your friends, family, boss, co-workers and customers.

1)   Seriously, think before you speak, text, blog, BB, tweet etc. Once you put your thoughts out there, you can’t take them back. Have you ever been in a meeting or at an event and just cringed at something a speaker said? Similarly, how do you feel about some of the things people choose to post on Facebook?

Ensure your message is clear and simple. Remember, regardless of the situation, curse words, negativity and bringing others down are unnecessary in order to get your point across. You don’t have to sacrifice dignity and composure to make a point.

2)      Sit properly and stand up straight. It’s amazing how much we slouch and bend these days. Good posture speaks volumes to employers, for example, so develop this habit early. In addition, good posture is simply just good for your health.

3)       Smile...ok smile at least a few times a day. You have plenty of reasons to smile and sharing a smile and a warm greeting shows good manners and will earn you tonnes of admiration. In addition, being able to smile in the face of insults or embarrassment shows amazing strength of character and will result in you also earning respect. That’s Poise!

As a youth ambassador, I have been fortunate to interact with dynamic and successful young persons and dignitaries from around the world. Many of these display poise and dignity in their speech and actions.

In order to grow personally and professionally, you must strive to develop a habit of poise and simply 'raise your eyebrows' at negative comments and insults. Focus on your positive development today.