Week 26 Taking Time To Reflect

What is reflecting? Taking the time to think deeply or carefully about something. To think about or give thought to, give consideration to, mull over, contemplate or meditate over. All things we encounter in life can be a teaching and learning moment. Ms. Kionna Perry hosted Monday’s call and posed this question and definition to the group. Reflection is a key part of our learning experience. It allows us to know ourselves and come to terms with what an experience actually means. When we reflect, we should always start with ourselves so that we have more self-knowledge. When we do this, we gain and are able to 1) accomplish more; 2) be more productive in the workplace; 3) become a better leader; 4) build self-confidence; 5) build better relationships and; 6) help us grow.  We should reflect on past performances and compete with our own personal best record. Ms. Perry challenged the group to envision ourselves as a top performer in business or area of expertise. She challenged the group to go back and reflect on the topics from the blog. When you take this time, you will find the silver lining. You owe it to yourself! Finally, Ms. Perry shared some reflections that included some questions from each facet of life and giving honest answers regarding the material, spiritual, physical and social aspects of life.

It’s Time To Reflect!

20 Questions To Help You Reflect The Past Year

Ms. Ruby Jackson hosted Wednesday’s call and shared with about using other experiences to reflect. She shared from Monday’s call that reflection is the tool to unearth lessons and it enables us to come into a place where we know ourselves and gain self-knowledge. If we aren’t good to ourselves then we can’t be good to other people. By three methods we may learn wisdom. First by reflection, the second by imitation and third by experience which is the most bitter. Self-reflection is one of the ways to obtain clarity and you gain an immense amount of power. There is power in clarity. It is important to get into the right state or environment, find out what is the best time for you, and ask the right questions which help to answer any inner conflicts that you might have.  Ms. Jackson shared about having more how questions which are more solution and action oriented versus why questions where you simply get a confirmation of why you can’t do something. Ms. Jackson also shared her personal story about coaching athletes and how she was able to teach on self-reflection.

The Power of Self-Reflection

Asking The Right Questions

The final Women’s Inspiration Circle call before the break was hosted by Ms. Tiffany Prince. She started the call off with a quote by Iyanla Vanzant, “everything that happens to you, is a reflection of what you believe about yourself. We can’t out perform our level of self-esteem. We can’t draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth.” Every moment of your reality is a reflection. You get credit for how the person that lives with you speaks to you and how they treat you. Learning to pause allows growth to catch up with you. Ms. Prince shared with the group on how you can reflect with intention and that this includes: 1) what was the best thing that happened; 2) what would I want to repeat; 3) what do I want the lesson or growth process to be; 4) what do I want to take away from this experience; 5) what would I like to enhance. We get the credit or blame for our own reality. We have so many checkpoints during the day and we give off energy. If you are getting a reality that you don’t want, then think about the reflection and how you feel about yourself. Either you are bringing this to them or you feel this way about yourself.  Ms. Prince encouraged the group to change their reality. Use your reflection or whatever it is to change the reality. This can also be done when interacting with others but you have to be clear on one thing you like or love about the person 2) focus on only that and; 3) wait for a change in reality. Ms. Prince also challenged the group to take some quiet time and sit in your reflection chair during this recess.

 

 

Week 23 Master Thy Self

Ms. Ruby Jackson started off the week hosting Monday’s call on “Master Thy Self.” We don’t want to just know ourselves for the moment or a short amount of time. Instead we want to get to a point of self-mastery! Ms. Jackson posed the question to the group, “what one skill if you developed it in an excellent fashion, would have the greatest impact on your life?” We need to know that we are heading in the right direction with our goals and who we are. “The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything…Fast” by Josh Kaufman reveals that you can master anything in twenty hours and there are four steps to do it. Ms. Jackson shared a personal story about training for the Olympics as a track and field athlete and the challenge of jumping over hurdles for a 400 meter race. She encouraged the group in learning how to master yourself, it is important to love yourself and celebrate the little things along the way.

The First 20 Hours

Wednesday’s call with host Ms. Kanika Gilmore posed a couple of thoughts for the group regarding two ways to live your life. You can either live as a victim and try to get back at people or you can master it and be able to handle whatever life throws at you. Ms. Gilmore offered great points from “Nine Ways to Master Yourself, And Therefore Life” by Kara Leah-Grant. Take the energy and apply it to mastering yourself. Here are the points: 1) catch yourself when you start the blame game. Don’t give away your power by getting other people to change; 2) take responsibility. Decide to claim power over yourself. Do what you can with where you are; 3) catch yourself when you are resisting life; 4) cultivate acceptance; 5) recognize difficult circumstances are there to test you; 6) establish practices that keep you connected; 7) learn to pay attention to what you need; 8) Learn to overrule your mind; and 9) love yourself. Ms. Gilmore shared her own personal story about a sickness but she prayed to God, wrote in her journal to convince herself that she would make it!

Nine Ways to Master Yourself and Therefore Life

The Women’s Inspiration Circle call on Friday was hosted by Ms. Tiffany Prince and closed out the series. Ms. Prince directed the group back to the exercise of looking in the mirror and telling yourself that you love yourself and get to know yourself. Discover how to use the mirror and what we see to master what is within. Ms. Prince shared the book, “Tapping the Power Within” by Iylana Vanzant and mentioned an old saying, “what you draw to you is what you are.” We try to fix what we see and change people and conditions. However what we are seeing is truly a reflection of who we are. Learn to fix ourselves and not what we see. Ms. Prince shared her own story of being a spiritual teacher and delivering information that she had not mastered herself. What a profound thought — we teach what we most need to learn. Additionally, who is in our world is a reflection of ourselves. As we are mastering ourselves we need to really look at who is in our world. A lesson will continue to repeat itself until we learn or master it! As you go through your day-to-day, remember the people you come into contact with are a reflection of yourself!

Master Thyself 3

Master Thyself 4

Master Thyself 5

If you missed any of the calls this week or you’re interested in recapping some great inspiration, feel free to playback the calls at your convenience!
Playback number: 605-477-3099
Access code: 1063557#
Reference numbers: Monday- 139, Wed-140, Fri-141

Week 22 Love Thy Self

Ms. Kionna Perry kicked off the month and week by hosting Monday’s call on the topic, “Love Thy Self.” Ms. Perry shared a very familiar old saying, “kill them with kindness.”  This saying goes a long way as it covers so many areas — work, personal, and new customers.  This also applies to how I treat myself.  We are all works of progress in our self-development journey. Your challenges will make you grow and develop your self-love! Her personal testimony included — comparison with others; questioning all of her decisions; letting guilt get the best of her; staying in relationships too long; and worrying about what others thought of her.  Don’t have sabotaging thoughts, learn how to value yourself. Ms. Perry learned how to “be kind” to herself and accept everything about herself with kindness, love, and compassion. Ms. Perry embraced her flaws and learned that the moments she experienced didn’t define her. You might have to walk some roads alone but that is okay! Here are some suggestions to kill those sabotaging and self-critical thoughts: 1) Make a list of all the positive qualities and capabilities about yourself.  Magnify your strengths and not your flaws, 2) Forgive yourself; 3) Grow from every meaningful experience; 4) Appreciate & value yourself; 5) Set boundaries & learn to say no when saying yes doesn’t serve you well 6) Set goals for yourself. Go past the negative committee in your mind; 7) Take good care of yourself and treat yourself special; 8) Be proud and admire yourself. Without sustaining you, there is no chance of sustaining a fulfilled life!

 

Ms. Kanika Gilmore hosted the call on Wednesday and started off with some very transparent moments about a time when she didn’t love or care for herself. Ms. Gilmore shared about her mother’s battle with drugs and how this impacted her relationship with her sisters. This even impacted her relationship with her father. She would question herself and why no one loved her? Ms. Gilmore looked herself in the mirror and made a declaration that she would love herself. She also imparted that she wanted the type of love that God has for us! She encouraged the Women’s Inspiration Circle to dwell on the 1 Corinthians 13 love on today which is the God kind of love! You will see the amazing God love has for you. Loving yourself is not selfish. If you don’t have this love for yourself then how can you give it out to others? When you love yourself this means you want the best for you. Remember God’s thoughts of us are better than our thoughts.  God loves you because he loves you (repeat this to yourself because he loves you, because he loves you). Ms. Gilmore shared from the book, “Love Out Loud” by Joyce Meyer about how we should desire peaceful relationships with people. Love yourself in a balanced way. If God loves you so much surely you can learn to love yourself. Take that step of faith to say that you love yourself. Be that confident person and enjoy yourself more. What a profound thought…getting along with yourself is important because you spend more time with yourself than anyone else!

Love Out Loud

Self Love 1

 

The Women’s Inspiration Circle call on Friday was hosted by Ms. Ruby Jackson. She recalled the song, “I’m Feeling Myself” by Beyonce and how this resonated with her! Ms. Jackson shared from Ms. Iyanla Vanzant’s, “Acts of Faith” on a self-love devotion. When you don’t feel good about yourself, then it’s hard to feel good about anything or anyone. Self-hate is a vicious cycle, believe that you are worth love…you are a loveable being! Do you know who you are becoming in life? You are amazing and beautiful. Begin this journey of self-love. Ms. Jackson shared her story about dropping out of college, the verbal abuse that she experienced in high school, and her divorce. Additionally, this transparent moment involved her moving around a lot and thinking that getting away would help. However, she recognized it wasn’t her world but the view of her world. Ms. Jackson took a moment to describe a story when someone told her, “I love the shape of your nose.” Where this person saw beauty she saw flaws. The moral of her story is that her vision was dirty but she changed her lens. Given her love of poetry, she seized this opportunity to begin writing about how she loved herself. Additionally, Ms. Jackson took the time to change things and started telling herself a new story which was inspired by the audio recording, “Act Like You Know the Truth” by Iyanla Vanzant. Accept the reality of what is! You should take your rightful place. Love being with all of you. Your actions should be self-supporting. You are love!

Affirmations:
I am love
God is love
God lives in me
The love of God surrounds me
The love of God engulfs me.
My actions are self-loving and self-supporting
I love and accept myself

 Know Thy Self 2

50 Ways to Self-Love

If you missed any of the calls this week or you’re interested in recapping some great inspiration, feel free to playback the calls at your convenience!

Playback number: 605-477-3099
Access code: 1063557#
Reference numbers: Monday- 136, Wed-137, Fri-138

Week 21 Know Thy Self

Ms. Ruby Jackson began the week and hosted Monday’s call on the topic, “Know Thy Self.” She took an introspective look back at her journey and a quote from Walt Whitman about getting the idea to know the world and understanding yourself. When you know yourself it helps you to become unstoppable! Starting the journey will present challenges but continue learning, growing and desiring to be a better you. Ms. Jackson shared information from the Self Creation website, on how you are the one subject that is comprehended on a master’s level – this can affect your long term happiness. Self-awareness is understanding your behavior and having self-knowledge. All the answers you are seeking are already in you! She posed the questions to the group, “what types of people do you enjoy being around and why?” There are questions that you can ask yourself on a financial , spiritual, and personal level.

Self Creation Website

Know Thy Self 2

Know Thy Self 4

The Women’s Inspiration Circle call on Wednesday was hosted by Ms. Kionna Perry and started off with a powerful statement, “it’s a great thing to know thy self.” Not only do you need to know yourself but you also need to be truthful. You are who you are so embrace yourself and don’t hide it! Why is it important to know thy self? The eternal key to happiness, success and becoming who you are in life is the key to your destiny. Once you focus on the potential of yourself this is how the magic happens. Ms. Perry mentioned there is not a magic pill or 1, 2, 3. It’s not that simple. You have to work through your journey to discover and unearthing who you are! Some things that will help you to understand to know thy self are! She highlighted powerful insights from the book, “I’m a Piece of Work” by Cynthia Hale which included understanding that we are all a work in progress. You have to be free of all the baggage that weighs you down. When you don’t know who you are then you will settle for less than what you deserve! God gave you the personality for the purpose in which you have been created! Finding yourself and seeking the answers within is about asking yourself those tough questions so that you can find out who you are!

Know Thy Self 8

Know Thy Self

Ms. Tiffany Prince hosted Friday’s day call and referenced a prior topic of “Finding the Spark for Life.” She mentioned about forgetting who she was and not having passion.

Ms. Prince highlighted the 5 Steps to regain your self-knowledge: 1) The mirror – do you really look at yourself and love who you are? Look in the mirror into your eyes for more than 6 seconds and tell yourself “I love you, unconditionally” and “treat yourself how you want to be treated.” 2) Distinguish your thoughts from the thoughts of others – remember that you are responsible for your own happiness. Repeat the affirmations below: “I am responsible for my own happiness. Others or __________(insert name) is responsible for theirs”
“I am in control of my thoughts. I choose to think only good thoughts and an impervious to any thoughts that are not uplifting. 3) Start relying on yourself – it takes confidence and reliance. Be sure to regain knowledge of yourself. Confidence and reliance are at the heart of finding yourself. Take responsibility for your life and stop blaming others for your mistakes. They are your mistakes so embrace them and learn from them. Through mistakes we find ourselves growing, learning, and reaching our “real self.” 4) Organize your world – clean up and straighten up any clutter that is emotional, physical, or mental so that you can focus on you! 5) Embrace your difference – we were all put here to make a difference and we make extreme strides to make a difference. Ms. Prince shared her own personal journey regarding her height and how she was able to embrace her “difference.” She is now comfortable and confident. Ms. Prince also commands respect and honors her power. Take your different and make a “difference!” You have to know yourself and your power! When you know yourself then you know your power.

Know Thy Self 5

Know Thy Self 7

If you missed any of the calls this week or you’re interested in recapping some great inspiration, feel free to playback the calls at your convenience!
Playback number: 605-477-3099
Access code: 1063557#
Reference numbers: Monday- 133, Wed-134, Fri-135

Week 20 Finding Your Life’s Purpose

The Women’s Inspiration Circle, kicked off the week with the topic, “Finding Your Life’s Purpose” hosted by Ms. Kanika Gilmore. Ms. Gilmore started off by sharing that she prays to God for her life’s purpose. She provided scriptures and nuggets from the book, “Confident Woman Devotional” by Joyce Meyer about praying first and how this is the most important part of life’s preparation. Ms. Gilmore shared an analogy, “Discovering Your Purpose” which highlighted a man that encouraged the fish to like the grass. A little boy told the man, “the fish can’t be all they are created to be outside of the water.” The man recognized that no matter what he thought they could not be “fish out of water.” You were created for a purpose. Think about the road signs that God shows you. Ms. Gilmore encouraged the group to take a moment to answer the 15 Questions to Discover Your Life’s Purpose. Do this and shut off all of the distractions. Also, she mentioned the book, “7 Habits of Highly Effectively People by Steven Covey which highlighted how to create your own personal mission statement.  An important thing in gaining confidence is that you must know your strengths. Make a list of what you are good at and read it out loud to yourself. Thinking about this is not being conceited but recognizing what God has equipped you with…make positive affirmations to yourself daily!

 Life On Purpose: 15 Questions to Discover Your Personal Mission

The Confident Woman by Joyce Meyer

Discovering Your God-Given Purpose

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Finding Your Purpose 9

Ms. Ruby Jackson hosted Wednesday’s call and posed the question to the group, “why are we here?” We have all asked ourselves this question in our personal journey. We might be all in different places on our life’s journey. Transparent on the call, Ms. Jackson shared that after completing her degree she also asked herself what is my purpose. Even in looking for answers, they didn’t all come at once. But rather she believes that God did it this way for her, because she wouldn’t have been ready to for all these things. Four Things To Finding Your Purpose – 1) define it; 2) document it; 3) declare it and; 4) do it. God gives us a destination of our purpose and wants us to walk in it! Ms. Jackson referenced the book, “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren which highlighted points that you are not left in the dark to find your purpose. The book also provides insight into the easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. It is the same with discovering your life’s purpose: Ask God! Ms. Jackson left WIC with a visualization tool and asked the group to take 2 deep breaths, close your eyes and to visualize yourself at a door with a strong desire to get there. How did you get lost finding your purpose? But on the other side is the answer. Look down at your hands, if you have any bags you have permission to drop them. You won’t need them where you are going. Everything you need for your purpose is inside of you. Now in your hands are the 4 keys – all of these are necessary to unlock your journey. Unlock the door to your purpose!

Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought. – Napoleon Hill

There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive. – Oprah Winfrey

Ms. Tiffany Prince shared the inspiration for Friday and mentioned that we are all here for a purpose. She provided insight into her journey of wanting to be a fashion designer at an early age and was always at her happiest point in spreading love! Ms. Prince also mentioned that when there were award shows and the recipients received their awards, she would always cry when they gave their acceptance speech. She shared the R&B singer, Usher’s speech in particular in that, “you can achieve your dreams…and you can do it!” The problem is that you don’t know your purpose but the way you are trying to find your purpose out. We have to take steps toward what we want and removing the things you don’t want. Ms. Prince mentioned controlling your frequency and doing the happy exercise (listen to Controlling Your Frequency playbacks and visit week 16 of the blog). If you are looking for your purpose and passion, then stop looking and start doing! Ms. Prince provided 5 tools that you can carry through the journey of life:

How to Find Your Life’s Purpose and Make Yourself a Better Person

Also, Ms. Prince provided the group with 10 questions to ask if yourself if you are looking for your life’s purpose:

10 Questions To Ask Yourself If You Are Looking For Your Life’s Purpose

Finding Your Purpose 2

Finding Your Purpose 5

If you missed any of the calls this week or you’re interested in recapping some great inspiration, feel free to playback the calls at your convenience!
Playback number: 605-477-3099
Access code: 1063557#
Reference numbers: Monday- 130, Wed-131, Fri-132

Week 18 Embracing Change

There are two things guaranteed to happen in life — change and death. Ms. Kionna Perry, shared on Monday’s call this drastic but very true statement on “Embracing Change.” Ms. Perry shared many transparent moments regarding motherhood and this being “on the job training.” She highlighted there were extreme challenges in grasping a pattern and acknowledged there was not a blueprint provided for motherhood. When you really think about it, there is not a blueprint for any situation in life.

 
When you experience extreme changes, this leads to growth which might sometimes be uncomfortable. However, this is a part of development. There can also be pain associated with change. But be willing to change and take this step by step so that this will become a habit! Remember your change can lead to growth and empower you to do and be more!

 
Finally, Ms. Perry concluded with discussing the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. This is a beautiful process and shows growth and evolution.

Why Change Is Always Scary And How To Embrace Change

 

 

Charles Darwin

 

“I really do not like change!” Ms. Kanika Gilmore hosted the call on Wednesday and started with this honest statement in sharing a personal story dealing with change. However, she also recognized that change is a part of life and you can always derive something out of change. Realize that nothing last forever but remember the best way to go through the struggle is to know that change is a part of it. When you find yourself going through change, there are positive ways to handle it. Make your response to it an affirmation. Change can be a beautiful thing but it is one aspect of life that people resist.

 
Ms. Gilmore encouraged the group to know that change is a part of your purpose in life! It’s not uncommon to resist change because things might not go the way we expected or anticipated. But see change as an opportunity to react. Remember that people have gone through similar changes in life so you are not alone. And you never know how you can encourage and support someone in their “change process!”

Embracing Change

Embracing Life

Embrace Change In 4 Easy Steps

How Can I Learn To Embrace Change

 

Ms. Tiffany Prince, hosted the call on Friday and shared a quote by Bill Clinton, “the price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change.” There is nothing more constant than change. Why do we fear it? We fear it because we are more comfortable in what we are doing rather than finding a way to adjust. Just remember if you are going through change — and this too shall pass! Learn to enjoy the good times while you, and the not so good times are only temporary. The light will appear at the end of the tunnel but you must be patient.

 
Ms. Prince posed the question to the group, “why are you resistant when change comes?” Reprogram yourself to say what if it does work versus what if it does not work. Take a moment to look at the change as an opportunity to grow. Change almost always leads to something good. It might not happen overnight but remember to embrace the opportunity. Finally, Ms. Prince shared a personal testimony of her experience with change in moving to a different location. The rose bud was able to be in full bloom by simply saying yes to change!

10 Ways To Embrace Change

Embracing Change

Embracing Change 1

Embracing Change 2

Embracing Change 3

Embracing Change 4

If you missed any of the calls this week or you’re interested in recapping some great inspiration, feel free to playback the calls at your convenience!

Playback number: 605-477-3099
Access code: 1063557#
Reference numbers: Monday- 124, Wed-125, Fri-126