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.

'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!

It's Blessings! Not Luck.

Hi guys

Most of you would know by now that I recently got married. It feels amazing. Nash and I are happy (full stop, no buts, no excuses, no apologies).

During the week leading up to the wedding, I was reminded about the power of our thoughts by a good friend who came to Anguilla for my wedding. She is a woman of strong faith and optimism and I feel so inspired by her. I was speaking about how happy I was, and how lucky I felt. However, even though I felt so terrific, I allowed small, sneaky negative thoughts to invade my mind. I remember joking at one point...that something could happen which could result in me not making it to my wedding.

To paraphrase, my friend said in her lovely Bajan accent, nothing is going to happen to you Shellecia. She said that I will make it safe and sound to my wedding, it will be beautiful and that Nash and I will enjoy a wonderful life together. This is indeed the power of positive thoughts. She wasn't saying that things will always be perfect but she was certainly saying to enjoy my blessings (not luck) today without worrying about what could or could not happen in the future. The future wasn't in my hands anyway. Thanks D for this lovely reminder!

How about you? Do you allow those same sneaky thoughts to steal your joy? Most of us do. We seldom allow ourselves to feel complete happiness. Today, if you get an expected or unexpected blessing, just enjoy it! Say thank you and smile.


Nash and I have certainly been saying thank you and smiling even more than usual (if that is possible)! We have chosen to say yes to today everyday and to just give thanks for the blessing of life and each other.

If you want to read more about our story and see wedding photos do visit myanguillaexperience.com.

Thanks for reading and for sharing in our happiness!

My Grown up Christmas List

It is Christmas eve........How exciting!

We are called to be completely unselfish during Christmas because it is better to give than to receive…hmmmmm yeah (tries to keep serious face). So even though you and I will both be giving gifts this Christmas, I am sure there are some things we want though we may not necessarily need them. If I have a secret Santa out there, I would like a silk head scarf and silk pillowcases and a new phone and camera would be nice.

Ok now let me take off ‘the all about me’ cap and focus on the bigger picture. My desire would be for Anguilla to get out of this economic recession and for persons who are jobless to find jobs. My wish is that persons will no longer be losing their homes, land and other possessions. My hope is that everyone will heed the call to put down their weapons and stop the violence so we can regain the tranquility we were once known for. My prayer is that we will all stop to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas before getting caught up in the hustle and bustle and consumerism of the season.

Let us all just remember to add faith, hope and love to our grown up Christmas list and I am certain that the stars will shine brighter this Christmas season.

What do you hope to get from 'Santa' this year? Let me know!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Say Yes to a new month!

Hi guys

 

I love writing this blog so I have really missed talking to you over the last few months. A lot has been going on with me...mostly wonderful stuff which I will tell you about in another blog.

I can hardly believe it is September already. What a year it has been so far. I have so much to be thankful for and despite the fact that we are going through a recession I’m sure that you too have a lot to be thankful for.

Everything we go through in life, how we react is all about perspective and attitude right? I was talking to a friend today and laughing about the fact that I am 29 and still living at home. This would definitely be sad and pathetic in some cultures. Hmmm I’m not sure that it isn’t sad even in my culture lol.  However, I simply look at it as a way to save some cash as I am sure others in my situation do as well. Not to mention the other perks like home cooked meals.  It’s all about perspective and attitude right.

So whatever you are going through or whatever situation you find yourself in right now take a minute and try to see what could possibly be good about it.

Single and looking? My best advice for you is to stay single until you find the perfect guy or girl for you...many women and men probably wished they had stayed single until they found their soul mate instead of settling or rushing a relationship.

Looking for work? This is a tougher one to see the good in but use the time that you are unemployed or underemployed to develop your skills and build your knowledge. Also don’t underestimate the power of volunteering and getting involved in charitable activities during this time. It will help to build a positive attitude and a sense of doing something worthwhile. Don’t get bitter or angry about being job less...get smarter. Be prepared for when that job comes around because it will.

Are your children driving you up a wall? Think about those who want to have children but cannot. Children are a true blessing from God. Whether you have one or ten....just ensure that you play your role as the parent and raise them up to be the best persons they can be.

Here in Anguilla, we are pretty resilient. Once we continue to keep a positive attitude and put everything in perspective....recession or not...we will be A-okay.

Drop me a line and let me know what you are thankful for. See you next time!

 

 

 

I've got a beautiful feeling....

Hi guys

Today was a beautiful day. I smiled, I laughed, I trusted, I hugged, I kissed, I worked, I hoped for an equally bright or brighter tomorrow, I gave thanks. I prayed.

If you are like me, if you hear a song it could stick in your head for days. I recently heard the song ‘He’ll do it again’ and I wanted to share some reflections.

If you don’t know the song, the chorus goes like this

He'll do it again
He'll do it again
If you'll just take a look
At where you are now
And where you've been
Well hasn't He always come through for you
He's the same now as then
You may not know how
You may not know when
But He'll do it again

Today I felt driven to give some words of encouragement to someone who might be reading. I feel that there is a lot of anger, frustration, grief, pain and fear in our society due to crime, due to the economic recession, due to general displeasure with the way things are and also due to a lot of uncertainty about what tomorrow may hold. However, as this song also says ‘God has proven time and time again, that he’ll take care of you.’

Stay strong my brother, have faith my sister. As an individual, as a community and as a nation, we need to be more positive and proactive and we must believe that with God’s help we can start the hard work of earnestly trying to change things around for the better in our own lives, in our community and in Anguilla. Let’s be real, we cannot do it alone.

So, let’s say yes to smiling instead of frowning today. Let’s say yes to saying a quick prayer rather than giving in to an angry outburst today. Let’s say Yes to treasuring the gift of today and to holding firm to the hope for an equally beautiful tomorrow.  

No More Excuses!

Spring is in the air! Break out the swimsuits!

I know you are thinking...Shelly, really? You are probably saying it feels like 96 degrees in the shade – and that it is more like summer is in the air...I know, I know.

On the update and positive side, my small mango trees have sprouted new leaves. The grown mango tree in my front yard which did not give us any mangoes for the last few years is heavy with young grafted mangoes and my pumpkin patch is full and overflowing. If you want to buy a pumpkin, let me know.  

Spring is always associated with renewal. If you observe nature, it appears to rejuvenate itself. The grass and leaves are greener and everything just seems brighter. If you are fortunate to get showers, they are cleansing and refreshing. If you live close to the beach like  I do in Anguilla or near a lake or river, the water is warmer and more inviting!

As corny as this may sound...I have been feeling like spring...Renewed and rejuvenated. I have been praying, laughing, singing, dancing and loving.

As you saw in my three month challenge, I am tackling new self development and professional development projects which help to give that sense of renewal. In addition, I have had the opportunity to follow through and complete some activities which I wasn’t looking forward to but which went pretty well. Finally, I have confronted the pockets of frustration which have been nagging at the back of my mind...and lo and behold – I feel refreshed and renewed.

I know most of you can relate. There are areas in your life which you want to improve but excuses are holding you back. There are activities which you have to do which you may not want to do or like to do but maybe fear of failure or ridicule is holding you back. There are people or situations in your life which are frustrating you but your voice is not being heard.

Mary Mary said it best ‘Nobody told me the road would be easy, but I don’t believe he’s brought me this far, to leave me. As you ‘Say Yes to Today’, my advice is to demonstrate faith, courage and positivity in whatever you step out today to do.

A couple of people including my two lovely aunties are doing my three month challenge. Thanks aunties and others. Good luck! If you have started the challenge, we are almost two weeks in. I hope it is going well. Continue to say yes to today and constantly improve!

Remember to post a comment below. Thanks!

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.

3 Month Challenge: I DARE YOU!

I am inspired!

Incredible stories of perseverance never cease to amaze and encourage others, even more so when these stories are witnessed in our daily life. I have a great friend who has lost over 100 pounds. I am so proud of her. Her determination, her hard work and her faith show that we can truly do anything we set our mind to. I will write a blog telling her story in the near future.

By now, you all know that I am a goal setter. Goals are dreams with a deadline. I would like you to join me in my three month challenge. I will set some goals and you will set some goals. We will check on the progress of our goals each month. So here we go! These are some of my goals for the next three months.

Goal 1 - Physical

 Develop and implement a weekly weight lifting, resistance training and strength building routine. The result should be more toned arms and increased strength and flexibility at the end of three months.

As we age, women lose muscle mass particularly if we are not active. Women are encouraged to do light weight lifting or its equivalent to build muscle.

Goal 2 - Spiritual

Engage in daily devotions. I am positive that for many of us we have the intention of doing daily devotions but somehow life gets in the way. I am so thankful for this wonderful life that I have and I need to ensure that I give God the recognition and thanks for that.

Goal 3 - Financial – Make and save X dollars over the next three months (really guys? I can’t share everything with you J)

Finances - the dreaded ‘F’ word. These days when most people talk about finances, it is to mourn and groan and complain. Yes, we do make less and yes, food prices are ridiculous. However, we do still have some control over what we spend, where we spend and on whom we spend. Take a long hard look at ‘how’ you spend and I am sure you will find there is some potential for you to save and build up that savings account.

Goal 4 - Intellectual

1)    Recruit students and complete at least two classes for my Personal and Professional Development courses.

2)    Develop and market a new course

Goal 5 - Relational

Reach out and build stronger relationships during this period to Optimist members and friends who I may not have had much contact with so far for 2012.

So there you have it guys. I have put myself and some of my goals for the next three months out here on my blog for the world to see. Please note that even though I have set a three month time limit, this does not mean that I will stop pursuing these goals after three months. That is just my initial deadline.

The three months starts on March 15^th 2012 and ends on June 15^th 2012.

You can choose to share your own goals with me too by posting a comment below.  Even if you don’t, do join me in my three month challenge. I DARE YOU to Say YES to this challenge today!

Wish me luck! Best of luck to you too!!! You will be great.

Why I am never bored in Anguilla!

Anguilla! It is truly ‘one of a kind.’ It is my island home.

I actually wanted to start another blog focusing on ‘Why I love Anguilla’ but then I had to take a step back and say...girl you are way too busy...focus on what you are currently involved in now. I will start that blog though eventually!

I was speaking to a friend and I asked what should I blog about today. She suggested blogging about why so many Anguillians cannot swim and do not go out to enjoy our beaches while visitors come from so far away to enjoy our beaches and swim and dive in our azure blue waters.

So why is that? I guess it boils down to the fact that most of us do not appreciate what is right in front us. I have lived in North America and in the United Kingdom and yes there are things in these countries which I like and certainly things I dislike but honest to God, for me, there is nowhere like home.

Where else would a rooster be crowing in the middle of the night when dawn is still hours away? Where else can I sit on the porch and enjoy the wonders and beauty of the stars which are not obstructed in any way at all by sky scrapers or pollution. Where else do I have the right and the privilege to enjoy 33 beautiful beaches any day, anytime, anywhere and where else would I have the choice of a five star restaurant or a local road side bistro all within fifteen minutes drive?

I very fondly remember my childhood growing up in Anguilla. I don’t ever remember being bored. My cousins, my neighbours, my friends...someone was always around. I remember going through the bush looking for popes and berries with my cousins, long drives to East End on the back of a pick up to climb trees and pick mangoes on our land there, flying kites, playing marbles, playing catching and dolly house and of course the picnics on the beach (I dreaded washing my hair though and still do!).

As an adult, Anguilla is still this wonderful place where I am never bored. So outside of the myriad of activities which I engage in during my volunteer and professional life, my favourite Anguillian experiences in recent times are

1)      Watching my boyfriend pick coconuts and then watching him cut them out. By this time, my young neighbours Liha and Nari would have made their way over to my yard. I would listen to them chatter and we would all enjoy some coconut water and jelly. Yummy and refreshing!

2)      Hanging out with my family and friends....whether it is a movie night, games night, picnic, fish fry, barbeque or breakfast or dinner at a top class restaurant, we always have a great time.

3)      Hikes and excursions with the National Trust. Anguilla and its neighbouring cays are amazingly beautiful and thanks to Farah and her team I have enjoyed some terrific, exciting and sometimes sobering experiences!

4)      Sunsets and Sunrises on the beach – whether or not I am swimming as I indicated in a previous blog, walking on the beach and watching the sea relaxes me. Sharing this experience with a loved one doubles the pleasure.

5)      Music and talking, laughing and dancing under the stars and the good thing about Anguilla is that the stars are visible from everywhere.

So that’s my list – these days I am pretty low key but if you are looking for more activity, I know there are terrific local acts and parties in and around the island amongst many other things. My point is we all just need to get out more and to appreciate what we do have. Take the word ‘bored’ out of your vocabulary. 

Anguilla isn’t perfect and the recent criminal activities will continue to affect all of us if we don’t speak out. We have always marketed Anguilla as virtually having no crime. Outside of the tourists personally, I want to be able to continue to enjoy this island paradise without fear. What about you?

So what are your favourite childhood memories growing up in Anguilla and what Anguillian experiences do you enjoy most today? Post a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you. Say yes to not being bored today!

Update: February is Gone. Five ways to get back on track with your SMART goals

Hi everyone. I certainly missed talking to you. I hope you are doing fabulously.

So I know this is a very loaded title since it automatically assumes that you are off track with your smart goals. If you clicked on this link, there is an 80 percent chance that you are. Don’t despair. We still have 10 more months in the year. That means 83 percent of the year is still before us. Whew, what a relief. That means you can still Ace those SMART goals but it also means you will have to work harder and smarter.

1)    Take a minute to review and become reacquainted with those goals that you set at the start of the year.

One goal I shared with you was that I was going to blog at least once a week. I was doing pretty well but I dropped the warm potato last week and failed to post a blog. I would say that’s a ‘Thumbs down Shellecia.’ Seriously though, it is ok to make a mistake or skip a workout or to have some cookies….that’s fine.  We just need to ensure it is a rare occurrence and don’t allow it to develop into a habit.

2)    Review the reasons why your SMART goals may be off track. Were they Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-based? Is it your fault that you are off track or were there other reasons beyond your control? Chances are most of the reasons for stumbling are your own, so take responsibility right now.

I am taking full responsibility for the many mornings this year that I failed to get out of bed to exercise because it was ‘so dark’ or my favourite excuse for 2012 ‘those look like rain clouds.’ I am operating somewhere around 60% and I pledge to do better in March. However, there were mornings when it was raining or I was off island and I couldn’t go running even if I wanted to. What I could have done however were some indoor exercises so really everything comes back to us right? Take full responsibility – claim your own victories and your own defeats.

3)    Set new timeframes to measure your progress if you feel you cannot achieve the timeframes you had set. If you are willing to put in the time and effort please do stick with original timeframes. Ensure you measure your progress at these times. 

4)    Share your goals with others. Secrets are the enemy to achieving your goals. Tell your friends and family what you want to achieve and many of them will be your biggest supporters and encouragers.

Persons ask me all the time, how is the exercising going and I can only give half positive answers. This is definitely motivation to do better. I know if I do better, others around me or observing me will automatically do better as well. It is a great cycle of encouragement.  

5)    Finally, Just Do It. Taking action will always be the best step we can take if we are serious about achieving our SMART goals.

Goals are amazing as they give us a sense of purpose and ignite our passions. I hope you are still positive about achieving your goals. I certainly am. The naysayers and discouragers are probably knocking hard on your front door by now but put in your earphones. Side note: I have some cute earphones with the Jamaican colours.

Follow these five tips and you will successfully achieve your SMART Goals for 2012.

We will talk again in a few days. Post a comment below and share your SMART goals for 2012.

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.

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!

Yes I Can, Yes We Can, Yes!

Yes, I have a ‘Can do’ and a ‘Will do’ attitude to life...Do you?

So what is a ‘can do’ or a ‘will do’ attitude? A ‘can do’ attitude makes you confident and resourceful in the face of challenges. It is marked by the willingness to tackle a job and get it done.

Some of our greatest leaders have demonstrated a ‘can do’ and a ‘will do’ attitude. In fact we all remember Barack Obama’s tagline ‘Yes we can.’ I have no doubt that Obama would have chanted in the mirror in the years leading up to the election ‘Yes I can’ as well. He may have said ‘Yes I can overcome barriers of race, ‘Yes I can’ get all types of persons to vote for me, ‘Yes I can’ become President of the United States.  A person with a ‘cannot’ or ‘will not’ attitude would never have accomplished such a feat.

Similarly, other great leaders and role models such as Martin Luther King, Florence Nightingale, Mahatma Gandhi must have all possessed a ‘can do’ approach to life and each of these left an irrefutable mark on the world.

Each of us has within us the power to change our attitude regardless of our circumstances. Just ask Nick Vujicic who was born without arms and legs but still lives a life full of happiness. In his book ‘Life without Limits’ the central theme is that the most important goal for anyone is to find their life’s purpose despite whatever difficulties or seemingly impossible odds stand in their way. He is a preacher and motivational speaker and of course he has a ‘can do ‘and a ‘will do ‘attitude towards life.

I have heard people come up with all manner of excuses for why they cannot or will not do something. Excuses include, I will never achieve that because I have the wrong last name or that is just too much work, or I am too big or I have never done that before....the excuses are endless.

Instead of thinking why you cannot..let’s try this novel idea...let’s think why we ‘can’ or why we ‘should.’ So many of us bury, ignore and waste our God given talents and abilities and cover them up with excuses.

I applaud persons with ‘can do’ attitudes like my friend from university...Nneka Elliot...check out her blog ‘In pursuit of the dream’ at nneka-elliot.blogspot.com. I also see these persons here in Anguilla and they include persons who volunteer, persons who are effectively raising their children, persons who have taken control of their health and diet, and persons who are building their homes and starting businesses....

You too can have a ‘can do’ and ‘will do’ attitude. Set a SMART goal and say yes I can accomplish this goal! Do this today.

This is the book that you'll read