Living Life Abundantly

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Some people say, “I don’t like to get my hopes up.”

Nobody likes disappointments and that’s why some people steer clear of having high hopes. Our hopes are our expectations. When we set our expectations low, what then should we expect?

It’s ok to set your hopes and expectations high.

The Law of Expectation

Whatever you expect with confidence tends to materialize in the world around you. You always act in a manner consistent with your expectations, and your expectations influence the attitudes and behaviors of the people around you. —Brian Tracy

HOPE…

HOPE looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst in them.

HOPE opens doors where despair closes them.

HOPE discovers what can be done instead of grumbling about what cannot be done.

HOPE draws its power from a deep trust in God and the basic goodness of mankind.

HOPE “lights a candle” instead of “cursing the darkness.”

HOPE regards problems, small or large, as opportunities.

HOPE cherishes no illusions, nor does it yield to cynicism.

~Author Unknown~

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The history of pageants in the United States date as far back as the 1920’s. The first Miss America was crowned in 1921. Pageants have been around ever since. Some of the most famous and successful women in the world competed in pageants. While some scoff and dismiss pageants as mere “beauty contests” the truth of the matter is women participating in pageants are usually at the top of their game. They are undeniably beautiful, poised, articulate, and extremely smart… I know some may disagree, considering the Miss Teen South Carolina 2007 debacle (I think it was her nerves, that’s exactly what scares me about entering a pageant).

Women that participate in pageants seem to have certain traits in common. They are goal oriented, self motivated, and determined. It takes confidence, self awareness, and a great attitude to compete in a pageant. The preparation and personal development that women go through for a pageant, often helps them in other areas of their lives.Check out this list of noteworthy pageant winners:

• Oprah Winfrey Miss Black Tennessee
• Diane Sawyer America’s Junior Miss
• Halle Berry Miss Ohio, Miss USA first runner up, and Miss World sixth runner up
• Mary Hart Miss South Dakota, reached top ten in Miss America
• Phyllis George Miss Texas, Miss America

I notice that women that compete in pageants seem to have no problems with public speaking (I don’t think Oprah gets nervous when someone hands her mic). I consider myself an effective communicator but the thought of public speaking frightens me. The fact that I am afraid of anything bothers me even more because I know “there’s nothing to fear but fear itself.” I am also aware that fear = False Expectation Appearing Real. With all of this knowledge why is public speaking such an issue? Perhaps it’s time I face and get over my fears

I’m thinking about participating in the Mrs. California Pageant. Do you think a no make-up, sweats, and t-shirt wearing, non public speaking, plain jane blogger like me can win a pageant? I only have days to decide and only 3 months to prepare to answer those tough questions like “how would you resolve the middle east crisis?” in front of a live audience. Scary! Can you say I need a sponsor(s) and a pageant coach?

If I decide to participate I’ll document the journey via a separate blog (I’m already thinking about things I can do to make it financially worthwhile to my sponsors lol). Living Life Abundantly means facing your fears and being committed to life long personal growth and development. I’m dedicated to living life abundantly.

I look forward to your feedback. I don’t have the sponsorship details available yet but email me if its of interest and I’ll get it to you asap

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2008 is a year of change and greatness on so many levels. Thank God I have been freed from years of student loan bondage. I think the most frustrating thing about those student loans was the fact that I didn’t even finish college. That’s right folks, I do not have a conventional college degree but I have a PhD from the School of Hard Knocks! My friends and family will tell you that going back to school has been a major priority since having to leave school. Life has thrown many curve balls, twists, turns, and unexpected blows that made going back to school seem impossible. Now at 33 I’m ready to finish what I started back in 1993!

It’s never to late to go back to school. If 95 year old Nola Ochs can do it, so can I. So can you!

I was interviewed by one of my favorite bloggers (Vanessa Byers). In the process I learned that she’s an AKA. You’re probably thinking so what’s the big deal…. I have always had love for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Unfortunately, during my time at Hampton University, AKA’s were inactive. Long story short….I am not a member of a sorority but if I had it my way I’d be an AKA. Vanessa reminded me “it’s never too late to get your 20 pearls.” Then today I get an email from my friend (college roommate) that says:

"I am now a member of the
1st sorority for African American women."

When I read that email I was so excited and happy for Kamilah because I know how much this means to her. I know how much of a contribution she will make to the organization and her community. While it may not seem like a big deal to some…this has been many years in the making…YOU GO KAMILAH congratulations! I am inspired and encouraged.

I share this with you today in hopes of inspiring you and encouraging you to stay focused on your goals. We live in world that demands and expects instant gratification and over night success…but everything doesn’t happen that way for everybody. It may take you 15 years to accomplish a goal or realize a dream. No matter what, Never Give Up! You can do anything you set your mind to!

It’s never too late to do anything that your heart desires.

Thanks Nola, Vanessa, and Kamilah for the reminder

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Doing what you love and loving what you do is a job match made in heaven.

Unfortunately, there are too many people working unfulfilling jobs that they hate

Spending 8+ hours every day doing something you hate is physically and mentally taxing…it pays the bills while sucking the life right out of you!

Your time is too precious to spend it unhappy. You owe it to yourself to find a job that meets your every need. If you can’t find one create one!

Here are 10 Tips for finding the job that is right for you: (more…)

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1. Dream Big Dreams.

2. Develop a Clear Sense of Direction.

3. See Yourself As Self-Employed.

4. Do What You Love To Do.

5. Commit to Excellence.

6. Work Longer and Harder.

7. Dedicate Yourself to Lifelong Learning.

8. Pay Yourself First.

9. Learn Every Detail of the Business.

10. Dedicate Yourself to Serving Others. (more…)

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This weekend has been pretty busy.  I’ve been very unhappy with my webhost for this blog and am undergoing the process of switching to a new host which means transferring all of the files etc…There’s lots of technical stuff involved which is why I’ve put it off for so long.  So you might notice changes or missing graphics etc.  I hope to have everything restored soon.  I also purchased a new domain name (LivingLifeAbundantly.com) when I got the new hosting account.  I’m excited, frustrated, and working hard Updates are in progress.  Thanks for your love, support, and comments.

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