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.

We Fall Down, But We Get Up!

Ok, I have fallen off the wagon so to speak, with my fitness routine. However, I am eating right which is a big plus. I got a new juicer and have been driving my husband crazy with the new vegetable and fruit juice creations I make. So I am doing one thing right as for the workout schedule, people this is what you call self sabotage at its finest. I guess subconsciously I feel I am doing an amazing job eating right I tend to fall short of the exercise, well no more I tell you! I made a pledge to myself and damn it I will stick to it no matter what! In the weeks to come things will be different I will hit the gym and eat right at the same time, instead of one at a time. This is exactly why I started writing this blog, to keep me accountable for my actions. As that song goes, "We fall down, but we get up." I will get back up again and focus more on fitness and nutrition together.

It's absolutely amazing how much you can read if you just turn off the television (lol). It's not that I am big on TV anyway I mean I do have select favorites but I get caught up every once in a while. I finally finished Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins and Joseph McClendon III, took me a while because there are a number of goal oriented exercises I found to be interesting also helpful, so I did what the author asked me to do which for the most part I've done before but needed to revise a few goals and bring my focus into perspective. I have also completed Acting in Film by Michael Caine which was read in one sitting, that Michael Cain has quite a since of humor. On to book #6 The Partner by John Grisham who is one of my favorite authors ever since I read The Firm years ago (before the movie) he has always been a personal favorite. I am determined to complete my 30 books in 90 days, OMG I just realized it's been a month already, where did the time go? I really need to gear up, ok, no more books with self help exercises I will save those until after my 90 day challenge is up, wish me luck.

On a sadder note, rest in peace to my husband's uncle, Harvey Williams and also to Varnette Honeywood, not only a great artist but a dear friend to my family, you both will be missed tremendously.

The Sky's The Limit

I have a few friends who are doing some amazing things. One is moving to Switzerland with the company she works for and has created an awesome product that's being marketed nationwide. Another has signed a deal with a huge company and will also have a product promoted nationally. One of my best friends has an amazing career within the medical field and is on her way to becoming one of the top executives. Another great friend of mine is a talented writer who has produced his first web series which is getting rave reviews and will one day produce movies for the big screen. And another dear friend of mine has a fascinating career as a Stunt Woman. Out of respect for their privacy I will not mention any names. One more person I need to mention is my youngest brother who I am also very proud of, he’s currently in college and has dreams of training professional athletes, well he just landed a job coaching little league, which, in my eyes is his pathway to the big leagues. All of these people are destined for greatness! Although they're all from various industries, they all have a few things in common, passion in their hearts and the drive to see it through. They all inspire me.

Dream BIG and The Sky’s The Limit.

There are no limitations on our goals and dreams. We tend to limit ourselves out of fear. Fear of failure, fear of not being good enough or not knowing. It is time to face your fears! I mean really, what is there to be scared of? If it's failure, tell it (meaning failure) to get out of your way and let you pass because if you don’t try you’ll never know what you’re capable of. And if you don’t get it right the first time or it’s not the outcome you had planned on then try it again and again until you get the results you’re seeking. Some may have a fear of not being good enough or not knowing. Again, push that fear aside and become the master of your chosen dream. Study everything you can about it and learn as you go, just like on the job training. You’ll never know everything when you start something new, but you know the basics and you’ll learn the rest on the way to achieving greater things. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and get out of your comfort zone, after all what is life all about? Many times we sabotage ourselves into thinking that we cannot accomplish something, when in reality we can accomplish anything we set out to do, but you need to have the drive to see it through. Always dream BIG!

Laugh Like You've Never Laughed Before

Due to a last minute trip to New York, I am still reading "Unlimited Power" by Anthony Robbins and Joseph McClendon III. However, I am enjoying it, this book has been on my shelf forever and I am so mad I did not complete it before now. Oh well, I can't dwell on the past, I am living in the here and now. Our trip to New York was spent with family. My husband's Uncle is in the hospital and to our surprise, was worse off than we thought. So we spent a lot of time with him and his wife giving them the support needed especially during this time. While I was there, listening to all of the family stories about the good times they had, I couldn't help thinking how one day, life as we know it will not be the same. There will come a time where we all will grow older and sit around and tell our stories to our families and reminisce on the great times we once had. So it's important that we continue to create those beautiful memories now. Laugh like you've never laughed before, try things you've never thought about trying, face your fears (whatever they may be), live an active lifestyle, break up your daily routine with something spontaneous, travel to places you’ve never been, dare yourself to accomplish your goals and never stop dreaming. Because life as we know it, will one day change and we would all like to have great stories to tell.

Your Life as You Know it is a Success

Okay! I was a little distracted for the past few days but I finally completed book #3 "A New Earth Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle.

After completing this book, there was one thing that I know for sure, "I will inspire countless people with my work and enrich their lives." Dare I dream BIG? Without our dreams where would we be? This book has reiterated what I've known all along, "being present in the moment." Why are you waiting for whatever to happen to make you a success or make you happy? Your life as you know it is a success. Happiness is in the here and now it's up to you to create your happiness no one else can do that for you. It's so easy for us to concentrate on the negative about something, someone or even ourselves often sabotaging great things in our lives. If we replace those negative feelings with positive ones it will outshine the negative. Stop looking at what you don't have and start looking at what you have and appreciate it. Look at your significant other and concentrate on the good things about them and why you love them, and don't sweat the small stuff. See yourself as who you feel you are and it will manifest. If you don't like who you are or your situation, then make the appropriate changes with a positive heart. Stop dwelling on why your life is not this way or that way. It’s the way it’s supposed to be at this present moment. You may have heard these things time and time again, but have you taken the time to actually explore it?

I have always had a positive outlook on life and no matter what I was going through I wouldn't concentrate on the tragedy, I would concentrate on the lesson and I always asked myself, "What was the lesson there? Why did I go through that?" Each time the lesson was revealed to me and helped me bring closure to the situation and move on from there. To others it seemed as if I had moved on quickly but to me it was just a lesson learned.


Book # 4 "Unlimited Power" by Anthony Robbins & Joseph McClendon III

Being Present in The Now

While my husband was at work, I decided to have a date with myself to see the movie "Eat Pray Love" starring Julie Roberts, based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s Best Selling book. I enjoyed the movie so much I think I may have to add it to my list. This was an amazing story about a woman's journey of self discovery. As I watched the movie I thought of myself and how many of us are on a quest to discover who we really are. At one time or another we all ask ourselves, "What is my purpose? Am I living my best life? Who am I really? Is this all there is?" Being fulfilled is what we’re truly in search of and some may think by accumulating material things will fill the void, but it never does. So we walk around day after day playing characters in this film called "Life" and we perform our roles so well we have others believing it. But behind it all there is an eagerness to figure it all out, to understand the bigger picture which is probably so complex it will drive us crazy if we think too hard about it. Or maybe it's not meant for us to understand at all. Maybe it's just as simple as enjoying the moment, being in the here and now. Life can be very serious if we allow it to be but it's up to us to take it for what it's worth and just enjoy the ride. As my mother always told me, "Stop and smell the roses."


I've always believed in planning for tomorrow but being present in the "Now"

My Shining Star Moments

Two books down, 28 to go! I am 3 days into my 90 day challenge and have completed Terry McMillan's "The Interruption of Everything." Although the book was a little slow in the beginning, I managed to get through it and complete it, just as I promised myself I would do. I must say I have rejuvenated my relationship with reading in a way that I have never felt before and I am excited about that! Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" is next on the list which ironically, for me is an appropriate read for this moment.

A few things happened within the past few days which were shining star moments for me. First, I attempted to do something I’ve only done one time before and that was making my mother’s famous chili. I promised myself I would cook healthier foods, would chili be considered healthy? Well it was turkey chili and it had beans in it and wasn’t filled with grease so yes, the way I made it was healthy (lol). I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but “toot toot” I did a great job, of course not like my mother’s but still very tasty, at least my husband was happy with it. Almost mastering my Mother’s chili, priceless!

I was in the dressing room trying on clothes yesterday and to my surprise, I was a dress size smaller than what I normally wear. You know I felt like that woman in the commercial who screams out “YES! YES! YES!” when she realizes she lost weight, I thought I had an out of body experience or maybe this was a trick mirror or something. To be sure I tried on the next dress then the next and after 2 more dresses went back to the first one. Well, there was no trick mirror after all, I haven’t worked out in 2 weeks but I have been eating right most of the time. This was a surprising shining star moment for me. Thank God for Miracles!

Speaking of working out, one reason I started this blog was to follow through with the promises and goals I make for myself, with that being said, Monday, August 23rd (which happens to be my little brothers birthday) will be the first day of the rest of my fitness life. I am challenging myself to workout 4 to 5 days a week for the next month to condition myself to make this lifestyle change permanent. I have always worked out but it was never consistent accept when I was in LA working out with my friend Kim (miss you girl) 5 days a week 6AM in the morning, running the hills in Burbank, we were dedicated and determined. I will regain that same dedication and focus here in NC. I will not be a slacker, and I will follow through. I am excited and up for the challenge! I will blog about it so there is no excuse for me to just do it!

My challenge for the next 90 days

I joined the social networking site "Written" which is for readers and writers and was brought to my attention by my friend Phill. I felt since I am on the verge of being an avid reader and I consider myself a decent writer I may as well join. I was browsing the site when I saw something that really caught my eye, it read, "Read 30 books in 90 days - Are you up for the challenge?" Hummm.... now I'm not one to back away from a challenge but I was thinking to myself, "I have about 3 books in which I have started but have yet to finish. Now will be the perfect time for me to complete what I started." I must say, this challenge came at a good time because ironically, I did manage to complete Sister Souljah's "The Coldest Winter Ever" which by the way was not a bad read and I actually enjoyed it. So since I got through that book in literally 3 days, I decided to commit to the challenge, and read 30 books in 90 days which started yesterday for me and will end November 18th.

I'm currently reading "The Interruption of Everything" By Terry McMillan. One book down, 29 to go.

The Promise to Self

I made a promise to myself to be a better person. I have work to do! I always make a list of goals to set for the new year instead of resolutions, some goals are met at the end of the year and others, are sometimes incomplete and mentally put to the side. Well today is a new day, on this day I will make a commitment to myself to complete those unfinished projects. No more procrastination, waiting until tomorrow, setting tasks aside or getting to it later. Today is the first day of recommitting myself to me. I decided to blog about it because I know if it's visible I have to be accountable and if it's not written down or there is no documentation or completion date then I procrastinate. So here's my oath:
"I Evette Merritt, take this day to commit myself to me in order to live my best life. This is not only for me but also for my family. I understand it starts with me first and if I do not take care of myself, I cannot take care of others. I pledge to complete unfinished projects, read books that I have on my shelf but have yet to read, exercise on a regular basis without procrastination pushing myself to the limit every time, cook healthier meals, reorganize my office, complete home projects, explore more of what North Carolina has to offer. Continue to enjoy life as I have always done, explore new things and take new adventures. Nurture new friendships, and cherish old ones. Make my money work for me and not the other way around, continue to grow my business and most importantly work along side my partner in crime a.k.a. my husband to achieve our goals together, this is just the icing on the cake and only a few things which I will implement in my life in order to live my best life. On this day, I pledge to Commit Myself to Me.