living (16)

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Should I Buy A House Vs Buying An Apartment Complex

 

If you’ve never owned any real estate and your in the market looking at homes and apartment buildings, you make want to consider who’s going to pay for that piece of real estate.  Let’s say you’ve found a house you like and an apartment building in the same area.  The mortgage on the new house is $1500.00 and the apartment building is $1500.00. 

 

One person decides to buy the new house for his family.  Now, he’s the only one responsible for that piece of real estate.  So, if he loses his income, he’s going to more likely lose the house and hurt his credit.  Now the other person decided to buy the 4 family complex.  His mortgage is also $1500.00, however he decides to rent out 3 of the units for $500.00 each, which covers his mortgage.  So whether he has a regular income or not his still keeps his piece of real estate. 

 

Also, the second person decided to add solar panels to the property and switch everything over to electric, and increase rents to $850.00 for each unit.  He decides to pay all utilities for those three tenants.  He gains an extra $1050.00 in rental income and he still does not have to pay any of his income into this piece of real estate.  He also gets to save up to buy the house the first person lost and the tenants from the apartment complex are paying for that house to. 

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I have been blessed to live outside of the United States in my active duty time in the Navy: 3 years inJapan and 1 year in Africa. But my time in Africa was life-changing and eye-opening. I'd love to share what that time taught me about life and business: http://www.afipittman.com/2014/08/29/3-things-living-in-africa/. ;

10744109081?profile=original

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Everywhere you go these days, the mental health of our community seems to be a primary subject and concern. We have finally come to grips with the fact that not all of our problems are financial and social. Some of our problems are borne of unspoken misery and unresolved pain.

 

That’s why I published a book earlier this year filled with healthy living tips for the mind, body and soul. “Broken In Plain Sight” provides a perfectly crafted fictional, highly imaginative platform that proves that love is the common denominator to vibrancy and healing. The novel-like feel works to illustrate the underlying reasons for unhealthy lifestyle habits and offers practical and innovative solutions for living healthier.  In its fictional, diet-guide like format, the book exposes the struggles, secrets, and corruption within an African American family and their journey to find love, truth, and healing.

 

Now, six months later, my new book, “Broken In Plain Sight”, has been nominated to receive The Henri at The 2012 Christian Literary Awards in November 2012. See for yourself why it was nominated and purchase your copy today. In order to take home this prestigious award, I need your vote! If you liked my book, I would greatly appreciate if you would take a minute and vote for it.

 

Just visit http://www.awards.joyandcompany.org/about. You’ll need to create an account, then after receiving your password, you’ll need to “Login” and follow the prompts which include clicking “2012 AWARDS” and selecting READER'S CHOICE to CAST YOUR VOTE for “Broken In Plain Sight” in the Fiction Category.  Voting will close on September 30th. Please tell your family and friends to vote!!!

 

Broken in Plain Sight is engaging, entertaining and enlightening. It’s available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well as Kindle and Nook. Too many of us are broken in plain sight and don’t have to be!

 

Thank you in advance your support and vote!!!

 

Bridgette

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Self Love is Not Selfish

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 "Self Love is not Selfish!"

 
This affirmation is featured in our book Because I am a Queen: 100 Affirmations for Daily Living, however, this isn't about a shameless plug. Rather, it's a reflection on what it means to truly internalize self love.

 

A perception of love that I embrace is that it is an action word; a verb that requires movement and an expression of what one has declared. If you heard someone state to "love" something then one would expect to see that love displayed. For example, if it were a professed love for ice cream, you may expect to often see them indulging in the latest ColdStone creation. Or perhaps they are a gold card carrying member of Starbucks because of their immense love for the brewed beverage. On the other hand that love may be for a spouse or child and their undying devotion is displayed in everyday acts of kindness and sacrifice. So then it begs the question, if one has self love how then is it displayed? Better yet, if YOU have self love how do you display it? Can YOU be found indulging in activities that promote your wellness? Are YOU a gold card carrying member of immense love for self? Are YOU capable of undying devotion to yourself in everyday acts of kindness and sacrifice? These are the questions I had to ask myself.

 

Self love is not selfish!

 

It's ok to say no sometimes. It's ok to feed yourself and not starve literally and figuratively for the things you need to be well. Self love means WE understand our self worth. It's inherent, intrinsic and cannot be lessened or made poor. Self love means care for our mental and physical well being. Self love means we are careful of who we allow into our sacred space.  Self love means we define situations and do not allow situations to define us. Self love means that we value people, things and experiences that assist us into developing into our best selves. Recently, I've embraced the concept of being a self-love revolutionary. It's dawned on me that many people who do not value themselves will aim at killing another's natural desire to see themselves in the best light. Thus, we unwillingly accept others perception of who we are and the value we bring to the world. When the reality is, very often those individuals are viewing us from their own skewed reality. There is a serious lack of beautiful, reflective love in our communities and sometimes our homes. Our girls do not see themselves as beautiful and thus struggle with seeing the beauty in their sisters. I've been blessed with an amazing group of women around me who strive to reflect the best of themselves so I see the best within myself, yet we're not perfect and we too struggle.

 

While, writing in my journal the other day I realized I was feeling quite unhappy. It seemed out of the blue but upon further introspection I realized that even with all my work, I was still engaged in habits of negative self talk, giving more time and voice to things that I didn't want rather than positive self talk to things I do want. I needed a mutiny in my own mind. I needed to take drastic action. Self love!

 

Thus, I declared a ground breaking, radical revolution in my life. I would be a self love revolutionary. We must thank the late and great Gil Scott Heron and the Last Poets for the adage that the revolution will not be televised because it shall surely start in my mirror. It means I take care of my spiritual, physical and mental wellness. I speak words of love and encouragement to myself. I write myself love letters that I mail at random. It means to not sacrifice my spiritual time with my Creator or treat it remotely. It means to be purposeful in taking care of my body. It means I become a "gold card" carrying member of the self love club. While it's a very personal journey to be a self love revolutionary, I would appreciate my sisters (and brothers) checking in on me. If it touches a part of you declare a self love revolution in your life. Be innovative and absolutely rebellious with your revolution, because self love is not selfish and you deserve the greatest love.

 

Your Sister,

Mothyna James-Brightful

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Dear Black Business Space CommUNITY,

Centuries ago, Aesop (the famous Black greek philosopher), provided us with a compelling parable that instructs as well as warns us about how to do business.

Its message could not be more timely: The fable recalls the story of a poor farmer who discovers in the nest of his goose a shining golden egg. He is suspicious, and starts to discard the egg, but then decides to have it appraised to determine its worth. He discovers the egg is pure gold!

The farmer is overwhelmed with his good fortune. He becomes even more excited when he finds that each day, as he visits the nest, there is a new egg.

Imagine his excitement as day after day he awakens to the thrill of finding a new egg! It all seems too good to be true. However, the farmer becomes wealthy beyond belief.

Then, with his newfound wealth, comes greed and impatience. Instead of waiting for each day to pass, he decides to get all of the eggs at once. He greedily opens the goose, only to find that it is empty. Not only are there no eggs, but now there will never be anymore. He has killed "the goose that laid the golden eggs."

For us, "Black business networking" is that goose. As Black entrepreneurs we have an enormous capacity to help Black people universally achieve economic health and financial freedom. However, with that incredible opportunity comes significant responsibility.

We have to do business THE RIGHT WAY! If we do, we ensure continued freedom and prosperity for everyone.

For that reason, the National Black Business Trade Association, established "Codes of Good Business Practice". These Codes have been adopted in order to define the duties, responsibilities and rights of members among themselves, the Black community, and the public in general as well as with the National Black Business Trade Association, Inc. (NBBTA) office and staff.

The purpose is to develop relationships which are more conducive to successful business practices, financial and community development, as well as the advancement of African peoples worldwide. While at the same time maintaining the right of each member to engage in a free and independent business enterprise.

CODE 1: Treat your customers, suppliers, employees, contractors, prospects and public as you would want to be treated. We are dedicated to the principle that if “you help enough people get what they want out of life, you will automatically get all you want out of life”. Service to others will always return great dividends. Its called, “synergy”. People working together in harmony and cooperation will accomplish much more than the same number of people working separately.

CODE 2: Each of us is an attitude away from greatness. Each of us is unique and special, with our own set of beliefs, talents, strengths, abilities, perceptions and values. Each of us is a product of our lifetime experiences. We base our decisions and actions upon these experiences. Each person has a unique contribution in life - each of us has innate worth and value. An attitude of total unconditional acceptance of others will cause each of us to allow for differences and help eliminate prejudice and judgmental thinking. By allowing another his own opinions and actions, individuals actually enhance their own self-esteem. We seek first to understand and then be understood.

CODE 3: The power to change your life is within your reach. We believe that each individual has the God-given right and responsibility to live freely. Each, as a mature, adult business person, must be given the right to operate independently and be allowed the freedom to succeed or fail based upon individual efforts and abilities. We are each responsible for our own well-being and growth - personally and financially. We seek to be compensated in the marketplace in direct portion to the value we bring to the marketplace.

CODE 4: What we do, we do for our children (future generations). The proper raising and education of our children is our collective responsibility. In addition to all else, we must teach them the importance of ownership, equity participation, international economic reciprocity and entrepreneurship as alternatives to laboring in the job market. We must lead by example, encouraging the creative process in all, bringing others along as we grow.

CODE 5: We each have the responsibility to deal with openness, honesty, and kindness in business and in life - to cause the best results possible. Once a difficulty or problem exists, the most effective manner to correct it is to go back to the root cause of the problem and treat that - not just superficially treating the effect. Following the ancient principle of “whatsoever you sow, so shall you reap!”, we acknowledge that each of us will reap exactly what we give out. Each of us will reap a life harvest - the size will depend upon our generosity at planting time, the quality will depend upon our diligence to tend the crop and the kind will depend upon the kind of seed we’ve sown. Eventually all our thoughts, words, actions and attitudes will come back to us. The principles exist that those dealing honestly, fairly and with integrity will find success, friendships and ultimately - happiness and peace.

CODE 6: One who masters the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he is always doing both.

These Codes reflect the positive nature of our mission and our desire to be of service to Black people throughout the world. If you look closely, you will notice that the first code really is a summation of all that follows.
Treat your customers, suppliers, employees, contractors, prospects and public as you would want to be treated. We are dedicated to the principle that if “you help enough people get what they want out of life, you will automatically get all you want out of life”.

Together, I believe we can fight the universal tendencies toward greed, negativity and impatience. I believe we can do business the old-fashioned way, with integrity and honesty. If we conduct our business THE RIGHT WAY, the goose will be healthy and our mutual abundance will be unmeasured. In the end, the only way to do good is to be good.

Peace and Blessings,

Lee Green, Chairman, National Black Business Trade Association (NBBTA)
and Founder, BlackBusinessSpace.com

Networking Increases NetWorth

Juniques

www.jusmcc.org

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We’ve all probably gone through this feeling at one time or another – amidst all the hustle and bustle of a seemingly great life, you still feel like something is missing. There’s that little part of you that feels restless, even while everything else seems to be in place. Your mate and the kids “seem happy” with the job you are doing, home affairs appear to be running smoothly, and your career may even be at its peak. Yet something still just doesn’t feel right, and you can’t quite figure out what that is.

You may be feeling this way because you have given blood, sweat and rivers of tears for the people you love but not for the person you should be loving the most – yourself! This does not mean that you should only be thinking about yourself from now on. However, you, as the beautiful soul that you are, personally need undivided attention – you need to feed your body, soul and spirit because together they comprise the only YOU there is!

Most women find it difficult to focus on themselves and their needs due to societal conditioning. They constantly worry too much about things falling apart if they let go of feeling responsible for everyone else. But think of how things will go completley haywire if you run your energy into the ground by attending to the needs of others and not your own. Pretty soon your body and spirit will have to step in and create “me time” for you. This could mean that you will fall ill, begin to forget the important things or just feel plain’ole worn out.

When deciding to make the most important decision and the extremely valuable move to commit to your own personal needs and wants; you must be ready to release the “small ideas” you have had about your life. This is not about measuring up with some parameters for comparison – your happiness is not about keeping up with the Jones’; it’s about attaining daily habits and routines that allow your spirit to sing…everyday. Life is not an uncharted race of trying to beat out somebody else; it’s about being happy with where you are in your life at any given moment.

You are a unique individual with needs that are different from everyone else. When you begin to focus on these, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel and how all of your relationships will improve. Attending to our own personal needs and wants helps us identify where we have been standing in our own way and allows us to grow into the spirits that we have always wanted to be. Once you set out on the course to “radical transformation,” you may not like what you find immediately, but the journey of identifying your truth then living your life from it will be the greatest reward.

Be aware that you will definitely feel “uncomfortable” in the beginning. Beginning to take time out for you when you are use to doing things for everyone else can make you feel so guilty. And if you grew up in the church…you will struggle with the falacy of “by doing things for yourself, you are not being a good Christian”…NONSENSE!!!

Once I started to peel back the layers of my personality, removing the shackles of society, and discovered that I was not perfect…it was damn near devastating. I had such a hard time shifting my focus to me when all my life I had seemed to focus on everything and everyone else. But it has to be done, the choices and decisions you will begin to make will determine the roadmap ahead. Like me, I feel that once you really begin tothink about it, you will want to take on a path that will lead you to a greater sense of self-awareness, connection/reconnection you’re your truth and the courage to live your life according to what “feels good” to you. Take a look below at these “radically transformative tips” that will help you focus on yourself so you can begin to enjoy your life:

1. Devote exclusive time for yourself each day. Set a definite hour for yourself alone and bask in an activity that you absolutely love. It can be time in the tub, a walk in the park, a manicure at the salon, sitting on your patio sipping coffee and doing nothing else – whatever it is that pleases you. Do something strictly for pleasure and not to move you further along in your career or in your relationships. This time is strictly for you. Learn to play…hell, by a set of jacks or a tonka truck and get busy. You could also use this time to reflect in your journal, dream the biggest dream you can imagine, and write down all of the things you will do and have once your dream is realized.

2. Give value to your overall needs, and be in-charge of them – the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. Don’t make the mistake of thinking these needs are dependent on someone else or that you can only have satisfaction and happiness when somebody else does something to you or for you. You have the power within yourself to attain these needs and that is the only way you will become a whole person. Want to strengthen your relationship with self and show up to a dating situation whole…then (excuse my slang) but…get-chu some bidnez! Making the other person 100% responsible for your happiness is not attractive nor is it healthy.

3. Feed your mind, body and spirit with good and healthy things. Find positive energy to stimulate you, positive thoughts to motivate you and positive people to be around. Feed your body well – eat healthy, taking in lots of fruits and vegetables and get plenty of water. Do like I do, since I don’t like to eat them, I blend them and drink them all together. Feed your mind with informative material. Read lots of motivational books, listen to audiobooks and attend pleasurable events. I’m not one to read the newspaper or watch the news. How do I stay up on current events you ask? Trust me, there are tons of others who enjoy feeding their mind and spirit with the negativity of the world…if I want to know, I’m sure they will be willing to share. If you can’t detach from the news completely, at least limit the amount of time spent watching, listening or reading the news.

4. Limit your time on the TV – if you need to, watch the “feel good” programs that let you laugh about life and stimulate your spirit. Listen to soothing music. Music has that magical ability to relax or stimulate your mind, depending on what you need at that particular moment.

5. Spend time doing something you love. If you are able to do it daily, do so. It can be a hobby like people watching (oh wait…that’s one of mine…giggle) gardening or a creative pastime like painting, pottery or craftworks. Whenever your creative outbursts are at their peak, translate that into action; whatever that means to you. It’s always nice to be doing something beautiful.

6. Create your own gratitude journal. Did you know that a lot of bestselling motivational books started from the authors’ personal gratitude journal? You can begin to write down even just five things you’re grateful for each day. Pretty soon, you’ll see your list growing and you’ll begin to notice how good it is to focus on the positive things in this world. I bet you’ll be writing longer reflections and short stoties in no time because you’ll be writing about the good things rather than dwelling on the occasional obstacles of life.

There really is no better way to take good care of yourself than focusing on your needs and wants. Feeding yourself constantly allows you meet the challenge of each new day with a positive attitude and a happy heart – fully content with where you are at each present moment. And when you are ready to kick it up a notch and “Radically Transform” your life…you know where to find me. You can reach out to me directly or radically transform in the comfort of your own home. The choice of HOW you do it is yours…all I ask it that you step up to the plate and “MAKE IT HAPPEN!”

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PROGRESS, PROGRESS, PROGRESS!

Ok if you started this with me you should be progressing and moving foward in your progress in positive thinking, having a positive outlook, and changing your life for a better future. How are things going? Have you experienced a change in your attitude, personal life, business, your atmosphere? If not what is holding you back?

Let's take a moment to think about how we can demolish all of the henderances out of our lives so there is nothing holding us back from being able to move forward into a life full of joy, prosperity, and complete fulfillment. Since death and life is in the power of our tounge, meaning the words we speak over ourself, then we may need to change how we talk about our future. Instead of saying "I'm broke, I don't have the money, I'm not capable" demolish that way of talking and switch your words from "I don't, I can't, I'm not" to "I have, I can, I am!"

So with your list that you created of all the things you invision yourself having, being, and doing begin to speak about those things in present tense. Speak about those things as if you already have it and it already exists. Doing this will further affirm into your atmosphere that the things you have declared you will have will manifest.

Here are some words to begin to speak just as a sample list of affirmations:

I am successful

I have everything I want and need

I drive a (input the name of the car you invision yourself driving)

I am Joy

I am Peace

I am love and I am loved

I am respected by everyone and I respect others

I have and abundance of wealth

I have prosperity, I am prosperous, I am successful

I live an abundant and full life

Money comes easily and frequently to me

My business is successful (It's good to name your business on this one to be specific)

I am giving toward others

I have so much wealth and abundance that I am able to give without reservation or hesitation

I have all of the business connections I need

I am always in the right place at the right time meeting the right people that will help me grow my business, life, relationships.

These are just a few example affirmation phrases that you can speak over yourself daily to begin changing your outlook, life, and circumstance!

Live your best life today!

~Tamishia Clayborn~

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Doing You In 2010

All year long I was thinking about my business and how I put myself in a box. I was feeling stuck in my business and felt like I should have been further along than I was, that's when I realized that I had put myself and my business in a box. I am out of the now and I want to share how I got of the box. I am not stuck anymore I am sure that my business will hit the goals that I have planned. I am offering a FREE CD, so if you are interested in getting unstuck you can get your copy by going to http://www.Ilivelifeonmyterms.com

I would like to wish you Much Success In 2010Audrey Bell-Kearneyhttp://www.MsBoss.net
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Celebrating Life

Hello Ladies. I just want to let you know that I am in a great mood this year, not that I wasn't last year, but I'm in a better mood this year. The reason I am in such great mood is because I decided after realizing that I did not celebrate life that I wanted to celebrate life. So I am giving away some really nice gifts this year to the women of this network to help you celebrate life. No I'm not trying to sell you anything I just want you to join me in celebrating your life. There is one catch though, you have to post a video to the site about how you intend on celebrating life. Don't be camera shy or feel like you need a professional video. You can use your web cam or a flip whatever you want. You can shoot from kitchen or your living room. After I review the videos I will be choosing one winner each month. Each winner should submit another video letting us know how they enjoyed their gift of celebrating life. Just note that the gifts won't be t-shirts, or mouse pads or coffee mugs, but they will be real gifts that will allow you to take time out for yourself. So come on submit your video and celebrate life with me. Submit videos to http://www.MsBoss.netp.s. I also have a FREE CD titled I Live Life On My Terms. To take advantage of this go to http://www.Ilivelifeonmyterms.That's it for now.Make It A Great Day!Audrey
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You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow biggerthan your faith. ~Mary Manin MorrisseyOne thing I see over and over is the evidence of fear inwomen's lives. These are the same women who so want toembrace the idea of women's empowerment. It is possibleto break free, however, as I say empowerment is a choice andso is breaking free from fear.What is fear?Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat.It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in responseto a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of danger.Some psychologists such as John B. Watson, Robert Plutchik, andPaul Ekman have suggested that fear is one of a small set of basicor innate emotions. This set also includes such emotions as joy,sadness, and anger. Fear should be distinguished from the relatedemotional state of anxiety, which typically occurs without anyexternal threat. Additionally, fear is related to the specificbehaviors of escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is the resultof threats which are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable.From wikipediaAlthough there is good fear which for instance is a responsegiven when we sense danger I am talking about the negative aspect of fear.Here are three reasons that you must break free from fear now!Fear is a Dream KillerLike procrastination, fear is a thief of time and I know all to wellabout this one. There are many opportunities that have been lostbecause of fear. I'm sure you can think of some missed opportunitiesof your own. This will continue to happen unless you break free.The life of your dreams is at stake. You must break free now!Fear is a toxinOur subconscious mind receives messages from our thoughts and actionsand it doesn't know whether it's a temporary or insincere thought.No, our subconscious mind gets to work on whatever we send its way.So in essence fear is a toxin to the subconscious mind.Fear is not a part of God's plan and is not from GodIn the bible we read that God has not given us a spirit offear but He's given us power, love and a sound mind. So ifGod didn't give it to us then we shouldn't have it and ithinders the flow of blessing on our lives.Your goal should never be to focus on totally being free from fear,that would be unbalanced, however, you should learn keys and thenecessary mindset shifts needed to empower you to live a life freefrom the bondage of fear.What will you do if you never break free? You don't have to waitany longer. Join me for a free call Secrets to Breaking free fromfear, overwhelm, procrastination and low self esteem.It happens Friday, January 15 at 11:00 AM PST, 1:00 PM CST,2:00 PM EST. Can't make the call? A recorded call replay willbe available to all registrants. Register for Breaking free here.One defintion of insanity is to do the same thing over and overagain expecting different results. Stop the insanity! Do somethingpositively different.Finally break free from fear.
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Have We all Gone Numb?

How many shootings, how many kidnappings, how many senseless deaths will it take for people to wake up? How many homeless people do we need to wake up and do something? Just how many dropouts, teen pregnancies, how much bullying, and suicides do we need to move into action? I know—there is a prediction that the planet will reverse its axis and we will all be toast—that’s a plan. Maybe it is a good idea to wait until the youth of today are grown before we concern ourselves with the damage that is being done to them by having metal detectors and policemen in their schools and living in fear—fear is a great molder of personalities. Maybe we should sit around and just wonder how our young people will make it in tomorrow’s world with an inferior education and let’s wait to find out the affects of teaching to the tests instead teaching them to think critically. We can wait—we’ll probably be dead anyway.The plates a shifting beneath our feet just like an earthquake it is almost imperceptible, but it is shifting nonetheless. Having been in an earthquake, I can tell you, once it starts there is nothing much that you can do about it accept ride it out and clean up the damage afterwards. There are lots of things that you can do before it happens to retrofit the areas that are likely to be affected. That is what I am asking you to do now. We need to retrofit our families, our communities, and our world to minimize the damage that will be done if we don’t make some changes right now.Here’s what I know and love about people—they will rise to the occasion when disaster strikes—be it earthquakes, a tsunami, tornados, hurricanes, or any dramatic emergency. We run to the scene, we raise money, we donate clothes and food—we unify for a common cause. Now I am asking us to EMERGE before the emergency hits. I am calling for you to wake-up. My call is to baby-boomers who have the wisdom and resources to lead and to younger people who have the stamina and energy to run this course. I am calling out “spiritual seekers” who have spent years focusing on self growth, to turn outward and to begin to serve from their enlightened insight. We need all hands on deck.I am not going to tell you what to do—let Spirit be your guide—but I am asking you to do something. Being a world changer is a daunting task if you are trying to do it by yourself or trying to figure it out for yourself. That’s what this call to unity is about. I think we collectively can agree on a few things and that is that we all want peace, love, joy, health, and prosperity. Anyone who doesn’t want these things please feel free to just go back to sleep, but I promise you, the wave of change will eventually sweep over you.This past weekend a 6 year old got a knife from his home and swung it at my grandsons, 2 people were shot and killed in a nightclub, and I read about 2 small children being found in a dumpster after being reported taken by their mother’s boyfriend. I am, quite frankly, pissed! I am well past waiting and hoping. Join our community www.7principles.ning.com, take the 7 Principles Pledge, and one of the other steps, and be about the business of change, healing, and purposeful living. We will create a future that is worth living. It is a matter of consciousness. Wake-up!
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According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke), cancer, and diabetes are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems. They are considered preventable because they are tied to our lifestyle choices. Choices that we have the power to control.Each waking day our lives are filled with messages that cause us to think about and encourage us to live healthier. We see them on T.V., hear them on the radio, read them in the newspaper or our favorite magazines – they even pop up while we’re surfing the Internet. And there’s a reason why these messages are so prevalent. It’s because our neighborhoods, our communities, our cities, our states and our nation are saturated with disease and illness that have our healthcare system in a financial bind.The CDC states that the medical care costs of people with chronic diseases account for more than 75% of the nation’s $2 trillion medical care costs. The bottom is, we all have the power of choice and it’s our responsibility to implement it not only for ourselves, but for those in our lives, to include the neighborhoods, communities, states and nation that our unhealthy lifestyles will impact.So, how are you going to respond to these messages? You see them. You hear them. They’re everywhere. Hopefully, you’ll respond by implementing change in your life. For months during President Obama’s campaign trail, we heard a message that resonated throughout this country. ‘Yes we can!’ It was a statement of possibility, a statement of hope, a statement that caused us all to believe. Well, that statement doesn’t have to end with President Obama’s campaign trail. You can make it your own by saying ‘Yes I can!’ You can even add to it and say, ‘Yes, I can change and make better choices!’Our leaders are working on legislation to help families make ends meet, as well as to address not only our economy and other issues, but our healthcare crisis. With all of the changes that are underway, though, it’s critical that we do our part. And we can start with our health and fitness.Just think about the following comment I recently heard from a lady. ‘I never made the connection of my lifestyle habits and the healthcare crisis until recently. Now, I think about my father who recently had a massive heart attack that costs somebody – Medicare, insurance company, etc. – over $150,000. I think about the costs associated with my debilitating arthritis which primarily stems from my excess body weight. I think about my cousin’s stroke that caused paralysis on her left side. I think more and more about how our unhealthy lifestyle habits were contributing factors that led to our health predicaments.’Take the time to figure out how you’re going to respond to the messages you’re seeing and hearing. Yes, you can change!This health and fitness dialogue is provided for your consideration only. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about your specific health and fitness needs.Fitness coach Bridgette Collins is the author of Destined to Live Healthier and Imagine Living Healthier. For general health and fitness questions, please feel free to visit www.BridgetteCollins.com or email Coach Collins at Bridgette@bridgettecollins.com.
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At a time when the world is reeling from the worst financial collapse since the Great Depression, most people are experiencing an economic recession that will undoubtedly have an impact on their lives in 2009. Each day we hear about companies failing, industries needing government assistance, retailers struggling, increased joblessness, housing foreclosures, and more. Even more overwhelming and frustrating are our daily thoughts, feelings and activities that revolve around a busy schedule, a stalled business, a stressful job, a contract that ended unexpectedly or didn’t materialize, the rumors of job layoffs, an unfulfilled relationship, a pending divorce, the memories of an unresolved past, a medical condition, a mountain of bills, and so much more. All of which have the potential to stifle our desires and intentions to implement and/or sustain healthier lifestyle habits. So, how do you plan to address your desire to live healthier in the midst of a life full of hassles, demands, obligations, and uncertainty? Which lifestyle habits will you try to spend more time on? What will you decrease spending on to live healthier?As you began to sift through those thoughts and feelings about how your life has been and will be impacted by the state of the world and your personal circumstances, and those actions you intend to modify in 2009, don’t put off evaluating those related to healthier lifestyle habits. It’s no secret that when you have so many feelings, thoughts, interests, and activities vying your attention, the idea of exercising or eating healthier will inevitably and continuously be placed on the back burner. There is never time enough time in the day to exercise or prepare a home cooked meal, get a sufficient amount of sleep, drink the appropriate levels of water, or get that much needed annual physical examination. Are you one of those people?Now is the time for you to sit down at your kitchen table and focus on how you’re going to achieve the following three important tasks related to living healthier: (1) conduct a self-examination of those things that challenge you everyday, (2) develop a plan for how you’re going to align living healthier with your pursuits and challenges, and (3) implement your plan that will help to alleviate a continuum of poor lifestyle choices. The one thing you have to your advantage is the power of choice; taking responsibility for your actions and learning that your faith, determination, and perseverance are necessary for overcoming your challenges, rearranging your priorities, and embracing healthier lifestyle habits. One of the most important transactions you’ll make in 2009 will be to live healthier in the midst of it all.This health and fitness dialogue is provided for your consideration only. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about your specific health and fitness needs.Fitness coach Bridgette Collins is the author of Imagine Living Healthier and Destined to Live Healthier, two entertaining and inspiring books that uses fictional stories to illuminate familiar patterns and truths about common lifestyle habits. For more information about Bridgette L. Collins (Coach Collins) and her books, go to http://www.BridgetteCollins.com.
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Build your confidence!Attending a course in Mexico is a great way to learn Spanish, improve your existing skills, or master your advanced level.The Spanish Institute: Learn Spanish in Merida or in PueblaHighly regarded Spanish Language School that has received many awards including the "2006-2007 Excelsis Award" for excellence in education. Our students learn from the outset to think and express themselves in Spanish as they take classes and live in Mexico. Two locations to choose from.Learn Spanish in Merida or PueblaThere's no better way of learning than to be among the people who share the same goals as you, while at the same time, you are helping each other to progress and improve your understanding and, importantly with a foreign language - build your confidence - in speaking Spanish with others around you.Whether you're an absolute beginner, someone who wants to build on existing knowledge at an intermediate level or looking to master the language, you'll find a course somewhere to suit your needs.If you have the time and resources available to you and you want to get immersed in learning Spanish, there is no better - and faster - way of learning good Spanish than by attending a residential language course in Mexico.If you plan to visit Mexico frequently, for business or perhaps as part of a retirement plan, then taking a Spanish course in Mexico could be one of the best investments you make in your personal-development. Besides learning a foreign language faster and more effectively than you could do at home, you'll have lots of fun, meets interesting people, and enjoy the privilege of mixing learning with pleasure on your visit to Mexico.Take the time you needYou can take part in a residential course for as long as you like. Generally soeaking, people stay for between one week and six months depending on their goals, lifestyle and budget.IMAC Spanish Language Programs: Guadalajara, MexicoOver 35 years of experience. Spanish courses in Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile and Spain. Visit our web site to find a price list, maps, course activities and much more. Practice your Spanish with native speaker students.Spanish Language Programs, GuadalajaraSpanish language centers charge a course fee, and arrange for accommodation to be provided in someone's home, with a local family. This is particularly important, as living with Mexican family helps you to become immersed in the culture and forces you use the language skills you are acquiring on the course. It also speeds up the pace at which you learn and makes the experience more enjoyable and authentic.Language schools usually quote the price of the course and accommodation in the total price. The families they work with are carefully chosen and are often families that are used to having student lodgers.If you prefer to make your own arrangements for accommodation, for example, if you prefer to stay at a local hotel or rent your own apartment (for longer stays) then the lodging element of the package is discounted and you only pay for the language course.Class Sizes and FeesClass sizes are small (usually 5 or 6 people max), and teaching lasts about 5 hours a day. This is an ideal situation for accelerated learning as the small class sizes enable you to get a good level of personal attention while still benefting from group learning, and social interaction.Encuentros Spanish Language Study in Beautiful CuernavacaFun, functional courses for professionals, travelers and students. Includes workshops that encompass visits in town to apply your knowledge and raise your your learning experience. Highly personalized classes of four students (max) per teacher. New classes begin every week! Visit our web site for full course descriptions.Encuentros Spanish Language SchoolIn addition to the classroom work, many courses also incorporate practical workshops into their curriculum. For example, they may take students on a shopping expedition in the town's local market so that they may practice what they have been learning in the classroom in a real-life situation.Fees for spanish classes in Mexico vary depending on the school, the location, the length of the course and the services offered. As a rule of thrumb, you should expect to pay around US$300 a week for classes (5 days); a fee which will include up to 7 days of accommodation and 3 meals a day.Using a vacation to Learn Spanish in Mexico is not just a great learning experience, it's a lot of fun and does not have to break your budget.You may consider using part of your vacation time in Mexico to learn spanish and, for example, spend the other part of your vacation relaxing or touring other parts of Mexico or the region near to where you have been studying.Also See: Guide to Travel Experiences in MexicoGet immersed and learn quickly!The great thing about residential language courses, is that they take place in local surroundings, so everywhere you go you'll be surrounded by the language.If you stay with a local family, you'll be encouraged to speak more Spanish even outside of class and your confidence will build very quickly indeed! When you're walking in the street, you'll see adverts and signs in Spanish, the people around you will be talking Spanish, the radio you listen to and the television you watch - will also be in Spanish, and all this helps your learning.There is no better way to learn a foreign language than to be surrounded by it!
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