The Tornado Funnel

I know it’s been a while but I have been truly going through something in my new environment. Sometimes I feel lost out here in North Carolina and I can’t find me, if that makes sense to you. I feel as if I have lost myself and this journey is about me finding myself again, getting to know who I really am. My likes and dislikes and my real passions in life, I’ve been out here about a year and a half but it feels like 5 years and I’m ready for a change again. I believe my patience for this place is wearing thin. I have been through the ups and downs of getting to know my new surroundings but sometimes I literally feel as if I’m in the Twilight Zone and it’s my challenge to find whatever it is I’m seeking but I am constantly feeling as if I’m trapped in a tornado funnel. So I throw myself into my business but even then I feel as if I’m swimming in circles at times.

What am I to do? What do I need to do differently? Am I really happy here? Do I need to make another change? Or should I wait it out and believe the change I am seeking will come? At times I feel as if I’m at a loss, I do not remember feeling this way in California. But that is home for me and I was comfortable with my surroundings, my friends and my family. But I am always up for trying something different and boy is this different. I am not comfortable out here, I do not have my family and friends out here that I can bond with and that can be a very lonely feeling at times. Don’t get me wrong, my husband and some of his wonderful family members are here, and although they try and make me feel as comfortable as possible it’s just not the same.

Maybe this uncomfortable feeling is a good thing for me because that “feeling” helps keep me on my toes and keep me focused to make my new environment work for me, make new friends and try new things and keep striving to make my business a success, because there is no other option. Finding the positive in the negative helps me out a great deal when I am weighing the pros and cons of this new life. I’m trying to be patient and see the silver lining but I guess like anything it takes time and patience, something I never really had before but I’m learning. We'll see how I feel next month.

Dear Friend

I have been so busy I can’t believe how fast the days and weeks fly by. I have not even been able to read a good book lately. I’m currently revamping my business and working constantly to find fresh innovative ways to grow, so if you have advice please feel free to share. So many things have been happening I really do not know where to start. First, I am very excited to have secured two colleges where I will be teaching a few courses in Wedding and Event Planning and also a course in Entertainment Public Relations. I’ve learned a long time ago that a closed mouth don’t get fed, so if you want something just ask, the worst they can say is no and what is it that salesmen always say? A “no” is getting closer to a “yes”. I guess you can say I sort of live my life by that philosophy and needless to say, I’m not afraid to ask for what I want. With that in mind, I need to work a little harder at asking for the business, we’ll see how that goes. I have also been asked to do two other projects that’s entertainment related, I guess no matter how much I try to push it aside I need to recognize my gifts and stop fighting against it. It’s clear to me others recognize it and at times I step in my own way, why is that? I can ask why all day long but what I really need to do is accept and recognize it and grow from it. I’m working everyday to try and clear my own path.

So what’s up with you my friend? I hope life is everything you want it to be at this moment. I hope you are enjoying the small things, as well as your great accomplishments. I hope you’re not taking life for granted and living your best life as it is right now. I hope each breath you take is a long one and every bite you take you savor the flavor. I pray for only the best for you and your family and that you are still in love with life and everything about it. I hope you learn the lessons from your mistakes and not beat yourself up for it but allow them to make you stronger.

Thank you for being my friend, my family and an important part of my life.

With gratitude and love,

Your friend

Evette

What Are Your Philanthropy Goals?

This year it’s all about giving back to my community and other charitable organizations. I have already started with an organization I joined this year.  We provided lunch for women and their children at a homeless shelter. This was a great thing and it’s so rewarding to help people, just to see the smiles on their faces get me every time.  I’m most passionate about children and the homeless; however, breast cancer awareness and aids awareness are priorities also. My goal is to do something every month or every other month to help out in some way.

My husband loves to help people as well and he’s most passionate about helping elderly people, he volunteers at a church to pass out food to people, and will deliver food to elderly people who are not able to come out or doesn’t have transportation. I really admire that about him, he’s been doing it way before we got married and it makes me want to contribute more. Now that I’m thinking about it, maybe I’ll volunteer at a convalescent home as well. Ok, so this year I’m definitely doing the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Aids Awareness Walk, we’re feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving and Christmas and I will check into volunteering at a children’s hospital and also volunteering at a convalescent home. Those are my philanthropy goals for the year, what are yours?

Now Is The Time...

Is it just me or is this year flying by already? It’s the beginning of January and it seems as if a month has already gone by. Well I pray for only the best for everyone this coming year. It’s time to spread our wings, think outside the box and soar toward our goals and dreams.  Now is the time!

Now is the time to see the world like you never have before, reintroduce yourself to life and how to live it each day. Life is a journey of lessons we’re suppose to learn from in order to become better people and enhance the way we live.  

Now is the time to step up to the plate, put all our fears aside and take a brave step toward the unknown. Just know you have nothing to lose.

Now is the time to say “I’m ready to make a change” get off your duff and push to make life what you would like it to be.

Now is the time to take a good look in the mirror and really get to know you like you’ve never known yourself before.

Now is the time to step out in those cute shoes you were saving for a special event, and work that catwalk runway of life like you’re the hottest one around.

Now is the time to just be you, love you, respect you, take care of you, inspire you and just do you!

Now is the time!

Life is Like Skydiving!

About a year ago, I talked to a few of my family members about going skydiving. It has been on my radar for some time and with the exception of my brother Dee, who was frightened at the thought of me jumping out of a plane, they were forewarned of what was to come. Well, a few weeks ago, my husband surprised me and took me skydiving! I was super excited! I didn't tell anyone I was going because I didn't want anyone to try and talk me out of it, so I decided to tell everyone after the jump.

On Friday morning we drove to the venue which was like an hour away. I was excited as well as a little nervous. I had already had my conversation with God, and I was more than determined to accomplish my goal. We got to the venue signed in and after about 15 minutes I met my skydiving instructor Gene. Oh, by the way, my husband was there for support but there was no way he was jumping out of a plane (lol), so I waved at him as I went into the training session. I was the only one in training, I sat down and listened to Gene's instruction and also watched a 5 minute video, the entire training took about 10 minutes. After the session I suited up and waited about 15 minutes before the plane was ready for takeoff. There were 5 regular jumpers and 5 first time jumpers who were connected to our instructors. As we were on the plane, all the nerves I had before had completely disappeared, I took that as a confirmation that God wanted me to experience this adventure. I was more than excited to take on this thrilling moment. 

So there we were, 14,000 feet in the air when the first few jumpers opened the door of the airplane, and the next thing I knew all 5 went flying out of the plane, this tickled me so because it was so freakin’ awesome to just see them fly. Then it was my turn, I was first of the first time jumpers, my instructor and I scooted to the doorway and rocked twice before I knew it we were FLYING!!! This was absolutely INSANE!!! And beyond AMAZING!!! Words cannot describe the unbelievable feeling, I felt free as a bird. I was giving the world a great big hug and it was hugging me back as the wind carried me through this wonderful experience at 120 miles an hour. Then Gene pulled the parachute and we jerked a little, and started floating, everything was so peaceful. I felt as if I was on top of the world. 

We had a smooth landing. As soon as I touched down I knew I had been reborn, nothing will ever be the same. Everything seemed so much brighter, my thoughts are so much clearer, I can accomplish anything and I am unstoppable!

For me, skydiving was the ultimate risk, now everything else is just butter. I have so many goals I am currently working on and one by one I will reveal them as they are completed. But there is nothing like already knowing my successes even before I have accomplished them.

Life is like skydiving, if you're a risk taker you go for what you know, and if you're not, you go with the flow.

What are your gifts?

It is said that everyone has special talents or gifts but it’s up to the individual to develop and nurture their gifts, whatever they may be.  It amazes me how some people know right away what they are destined to be in life from day one, while others may take a lifetime searching for their purpose. Have you ever sat down and ask yourself, “What are my talents? What are my contributing gifts to the world? Perhaps, it’s something you feel you want to keep to yourself or maybe you’re unsure and it may take the rest of your life trying to figure it out. Do you think there are some who really do not care to know their gifts? Or is it possible many people don’t even know they have special talents or gifts? Do you think President Obama knew that one day he would be “The President” or did he just dream of being a great man of influence and power? Michael Jackson knew he was a star at the early age of 5 and became a worldwide star by the time he was 8. While on the flip side, Susan Boyle became a worldwide star in her 40’s, I wonder if she knew what she was destined for before she got discovered.  No matter where you are in your life, if you have a dream you believe in and is determined to let your light shine you can move mountains.

Recognize your gifts, develop them and conquer the world!

No Pain, No Gain! Challenge Yourself!

Today I had my first session with my fitness trainer and I must say it was quite a challenge. I am not a wimp! So of course, I faced the challenge head on in a typical Aries fashion. I'm just saying; no pain no gain, right? I was excited this morning, got up at 6:00AM, ate my Cheerios, kissed my hubby goodbye and out the door I went with my water bottle. Usually I am not the morning person, however, there's something about working out in the mornings I absolutely love! I guess it makes me feel like I accomplished so much while most of you slackers are sleeping (lol), just kidding! Ask me how I feel tomorrow, HA! I'm sure I'll be extremely sore. Well, I made a promise to myself to work out more, and I have committed.  I must say, I am very proud of myself!

I challenge you to challenge yourself.

 In the following week take procrastination out of your vocabulary and write down something you would like to accomplish and move towards that goal until you reach it. You don’t need luck, because if you just do it, it will get done.