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Hello Good People,

The assignment for today is to pick the top 10, rate yourself and select activities lend to living up to those values.  If you continue to read than you will see that I have a lot of work to do.  Does your life reflect your values? 

Have a blessed and favored week,

Kenya

Top 10 Values:

1.    Relationship with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit – 8.5
Begin and end my day with prayer and scripture.
Meditate for 15 minutes each day to receive guidance.
     Read prayer books and devotionals every day

2.    Economic security – 3
Create a plan to cut down my debt.

Stop being afraid of a number – List all debts

Reevaluate my 401K/get help from a professional

3.    Emotional security – 6
Acknowledge my feelings.  Be honest about why I feel a certain way.

Read for pleasure or go to a movie (Recharge my battery.)
Remove visual clutter and recycle electronics not being used.

4.    Sow positive seeds in someone else’s life – 8
Work with women at “Night of Peace” shelter

Volunteer/participate with organizations that I believe in

Share my knowledge to help others

5.    Strength (mental and physical) – 6
Pay more attention to my thoughts.

Start my day with exercise
Add 1 fruit and 1 vegetable to my diet

6.    Truth (honor it and accept it) – 5
Evaluate a situation for what it is and not what I want it to be.

Do not ignore my problems.
Think about and acknowledge why I feel fear.

7.    Open myself to new experiences and people – 5
Join/attend a “Meet Up” meeting for an interest of mine

     Learn a new skill

Connect with people online.  Currently, I sign up, post and rarely engage others in conversation.

8.    Belief in my abilities and skills – 6

Do an inventory of my skills by reviewing current responsibilities and past resumes.

Make a true decision about my career. 

Develop a plan based on my decision.

9.    Loving my life, body and mind – 6

Try new exercise programs to find something that fits me

Write down 5 things I am thankful for every day

Say, I love you, to myself daily

10.Create and work that brings me joy – 5
Review my writing, edit and publish e-books.

Create teleconferences and materials. Schedule and promote.

Go after work that I am proud of and empowers me.

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Hello Good People,

Today is Mother’s Day.  I have been a mother for 16 years.  Every age and stage brings its own challenges and rewards.  I love being a Mother.  I am not the perfect mother.  Actually, I make lots of mistakes.  When my daughter was younger, I would hide everything from her.  As she grows older and preparing to live her own life, I revel more to her.  I don’t revel everything but enough for her to know that I’m not perfect.  Also, I want her to know that when bad things happen, as long as you have breath in your body, you can live through it.  In some cases, you will feel like the floor has fallen from under your feet but you have to go forward.  I also want her to know that sometimes you surprise yourself with your attitude, skills and faith.  God sends Angels.  And, encouragement comes from strange places.  Stay open.  I know that she rolls her eyes when I say things.  I can’t say that she is listening.  I can say that she is watching me.  We went to the movies and hung out around the house.  I got lovely cards from my sisters, great text messages and shout outs on Facebook.  I couldn’t ask for more. 

By the way, we saw Jumping the Broom.  We enjoyed the movie.  If you saw it, let me know what you thought.

I’m expecting a good day tomorrow. 

Stay Blessed,

Kenya

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Hello Good People,

I am going through a weird phase in my life.  I feel like I am reliving a disaster with a better attitude.  I’m rethinking my attitude towards my life.  I don’t know if I shared this but I did a “State of My Life – First Quarter” for the first time this year.  Overall, I am not completely happy in any area of my life.  I had “life happen” occurrences and put the “State of My Life” findings on the back burner.  The life assessment (exercise for day 2) for the “31 day reset” brought me to a place where I can’t ignore what I already know.  I don’t want to share what I wrote or my “State of My Life” findings.  I am sharing my list of what matters most in my life.  This list is not in any particular order.

• Relationship with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit
• Respect
• Money
• Love
• Integrity
• Compassion
• Trustworthiness
• Economic security
• Emotional security
• Accountability
• Good health
• Friendship
• Community service
• Helping other people
• Sow positive seeds in someone else’s life
• Help/assist where I can
• Stand up for myself
• Use my voice
• Empower myself
• Support people and causes I believe in with my time, talents and resources
• Allow people to help and love me
• Wisdom
• Courage
• Strength (mental and physical)
• Truth (honor it and accept it)
• Optimism with the right measure of realism
• Enriching life experiences
• Success
• Positive and encouraging romantic/life partner
• Best parent that I can be
• Good steward over my time, talent and resources
• Great relationships with family members
• Travel
• Meet new people
• Open myself to new experiences and people
• Belief in my abilities and skills
• Loving my life, body and mind
• Create and work that brings me joy
• Take risks that improve my life
• Get out of my own way
• Be proactive. 
• Stop being reactive
• Stop beating myself up
• Use what I have to get what I want
• Peace
• Knowledge
• Self-Awareness
• Gratitude
• Joy
• Laughter
• Happy moments with people that I love, admire, respect and care about

What would your list look like?

Have a fantastic night,

Kenya

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Hello Good People,


I hope you enjoyed your day.  I had my moments.  Glad that it is the evening and one day closer to the weekend.  I want to enjoy every moment a little bit better than I have in the past.  I've decided to take on a 31 Day Reset Challenge.  I will share some of my journal entries with you.  You should consider it.  To read more about it, click here.


Step 1:  Pulled a notebook out of the school supply closet to you use as my "Reset Journal".


Step 2:  Personal Mantra - My life is golden.  I expect peace, prosperity, abundance, love and favor in every area of my life.


Have a good one,
Kenya

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Hi,

If you need encouragement, check out this link: Love Casts Out Fear

Stay Blessed,

Kenya

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Hello Good People,

This is the beginning of a new week. With each day come new challenges and opportunities. I don’t know what you are facing this day. You could be concerned about money, after all $20 can’t fill a gas tank anymore. You might be concerned about your work life. Companies are still downsizing. Or, you are having a hard time managing a project. You could be having issues with your kids or spouse. It can be all of the above or none of it at all. Honestly, it is none of my business.

When I am having a particularly rough time, I remind myself that for every beginning there is an end. Sometimes that is bad news. Some situations we don’t ever want to end: like a good conversation on a first date or the feeling of accomplishment when a task is complete.

Other times that is great news, like when you have an annoying coworker or you’re in the midst of a major life crisis. You can live through this and become a better person on the other side. Your experience will be a tool to inspire others. Your experience will inspire you to press forward in other times of adversity. You will surprise yourself with the faith, strength and abilities that you didn’t know you had. Everything you need is inside of you. If you don’t feel it, pray. If you don’t think it; go within and meditate. It is there. You are here for a purpose and reason. Go to the bible, or whatever book you use to govern your life, and pick a scripture to review constantly until you feel better. Make it personal to you. Put on your armor, you are more than prepared for your challenge.

Have a Blessed Week,
Kenya

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Hello Good People,

On this day, I am praying for the families that are living through the devastation in Alabama. In the midst of loss may they gain a new and bold strength that pulls them through adverse times. I am hoping that they know that God is with them. They will recover, recharge and go forward. Families and neighbors will pull together. I am praying for those that may not feel that prayer will help because all that had and knew is gone. I am praying that they are bestowed a new vision for their lives.

On another note, last night I set my alarm to watch the Royal Wedding. I turned on the television this morning than it watched me sleep. Once I got out of the bed and prepared for the day, I watched the vows. I wanted to be a Princess at some time during my childhood. Honestly, on some days, I wonder when my Price will come. It was nice to see that at least one little girls dream came true. I wish them a lifetime of laughter, peace and happiness.

Stay Blessed,
Kenya

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Hello Good People,

Today I had several conversations surrounding adversity. Living through it. Reviewing it from a distance. And, how some of it may live inside of me forever. How do I handle those feelings? How do I take a time out when there is no time to stop the clock?

I call them “Wilderness Experiences”. Mainly because I feel lost. Every turn could potentially be the right decision to lead me into a clearing. Once I take that turn, it will lead me back to where I started. Left or right, it doesn’t matter; I am going in a circle until I learn my lesson. I may think that I’ll never find my way out. At the moment of giving up, or giving into this existence, that is not supposed to be my life, I’ll see a glimpse of light. Is the light the lesson that I’m supposed to learn? Or, is the light clarity of my situation? Either way, having mental grasps empowers me to make decisions, create a plan and move. Now for the really hard questions: Am I moving someone out of my way? Am I moving out of someone else’s way? Am I moving out of my own way? Whether I feel like two cents or 10 million dollars, I have to do something.

"Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood."-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have a good one,
Kenya

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I don't do anything special for Saint Patrick's Day. I wear green on that day.

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When I was in elementary school, I played the recorder. As an adult, I love the sound of the violin. I've considered taking lessons. Violin is a versatile instruement that has expanded beyong the classical genre. I've enjoyed R&B, Jazz and Hip Hop, if you can believe it, violin. I may drive me neighbors crazy with screeching before I get it right. During the summer I like to learn/try something new. I may try violin this year,

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The Eyes of Black Cat

I used to be superstitious about black cats and walking under ladders. Other things that I would bow down to were: If your right hand is itching, you'll get money. If your left hand itches than you'll have to pay a bill. If your eye is jumping than you're going to get mad. If you're ears are ringing than someone is talking about you. I don't pay attention to any of that anymore. I focus on the positive and speak life, abundance and prosperity into all situations around me. I generally don't like cats. I have a black cat that roams my neighborhood. I am not scared when I see it. I look at it and say, "Hello".

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My first job was a waitress at a nice restaurant in Petersburg, VA. I made below minimum wage plus tips. I was in college and wasn't looking to get rich. My goal was to have living money while I was in school. I remember the tips being pretty good. I took extra shifts when I could. They could depend on me to work when someone called in. I liked the people that I worked with. The Customer’s were nice. The job ended when the semester was over and I went home for the summer. I don't remember why I didn't go back. The food was delicious. I used one of their recipes to wow people at dinner parties. And, I discovered my love for garlic-mashed potatoes from there.

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This is cute.

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Hello Good People,

This was a great weekend. I ate so much food. I should be on a liquid diet for two for all the food I ate. On Friday evening, I went to Linwoods. I didn’t start out going to Linwoods but we got to the intended restaurant, it wasn’t what I expected. We didn’t go in. I had calamari for an appetizer. They serve a crab cake over a fried tomato with corn pudding and green beans. It was delicious. I’m definitely going back. I’ve told two people about it already. On Saturday, I went to a great cook out. It was fun to hang out with friends and meet new people. On Sunday, I went to the National Harbor for brunch at the Pienza Italian Market at the Gaylord Hotel. I ate enough food to feed a small country. They ambience is great, the food is fantastic, it is something that you would want to experience if you are in the DC area. We walked around the harbor afterwards. A Beetle’s cover band was giving an outdoor concert. It was a beautiful day. I went into the Peeps store for the first time. I didn’t realize that people liked peeps like that. Obviously they do because the store was packed. Lastly, I saw Takers today. I had some expectation before going to the movie. I would recommend it to anyone. It was good to see on the big screen. You will also enjoy it on the small screen.

I am feeling this song:

She is sanging this song.

Have a blessed week,
K.M. Abney

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Hello Good People,
This was my birthday weekend. I spent a lot of time with daughter. I went to the movies, browsed the bookstore and picked up a new journal. I got my eyebrows waxed. I pretty much did what I wanted to do this weekend. I relaxed and recharged my battery. I got many birthday wishes and great surprises. Some of the surprises were good and others not so. I am still blinking and breathing so it is fine.

This birthday feels different. Usually, it feels like the same old thing on a different day. I have a different energy surrounding me this time. I don’t know if it is because I’ve been meditating and praying but I feel different this year.

Hope you had nice weekend,
Kenya A.

I’m feeling this song right now.

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Love Triangle!! पती पत्नी और वो

Rachel and Leah are best friends. Leah’s boyfriend is Ryan. The three of them are inseparable. Leah has an opportunity to work and live across the country for six months. She decides to take advantage of the opportunity. Rachel and Ryan don’t want her to leave. Ryan and Leah do all the things that couples do when they are in long distance relationships. In the meanwhile, Ryan and Rachel are doing things together like Leah is with them. Secretly, Ryan had a crush on Rachel but ended up with Leah. He is getting what he always wanted, to be with Rachel. Rachel is looking at Ryan with fresh eyes but she feels bad about that since Leah is her best friend. Leah is enjoying her new life on her own without a best friend joined at her hip and male company without the pressure of a relationship. No one wants to say how they feel.

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I blame it on Mary. She could always resolve herself to any situation. She didn’t acknowledge disappointment or sadness. She knew how to keep things inside. She knew how to save herself for herself. She could see a picture and never notice the details. Her attention was always on everything and nothing at the same time. I am the opposite.



“That is a pretty dress that Rita is wearing.” Mary said casually as she gazed out the window. “She sure has changed since we were kids. I hardly recognized her.”



I thought that I was better than Rita. Always did. What did I care about her dress? Or, how different she is? I didn’t comment. I kept slicing grapes for the chicken salad I was working on for our book club meeting that afternoon. “I thought she would be a nice addition to our group. At the very least, we can all get reacquainted with her.”



“Mary, you know that I was never acquainted with her in the first place.”



“Leon didn’t make it seem that way. I invited her to join the club after we all bumped into each other at the grocery store. “ Mary scrunched up her forehead as if trying to recall something. “Actually, I bumped into the two of them talking.”

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Hello Good People,

This is some kind of summer. I think that I’m having a crisis. Or, I want to press the reset button and overhaul my entire life. My birthday is in a couple of weeks. I’m not feeling this way because of that. I’m feeling this way because I’m feeling like I’ve been mismanaging my life and I don’t know what to do to stop it. I’m scared of going another way. I’m used to being lost, unappreciated and hiding from my true feelings. I’m used to not knowing what I want and being fine with going with the flow even when it drifts me far from the shore that I think I want to be on. This summer, I thought that I was going to loose my job. At first, I was crippled with fear. I thought about all the debt that I’m in. I thought about my mortgage and the day-to-day expenses that are getting over my head with a regular paycheck. I started running scared. I was applying for any job I heard about it an the Assistant field in the event that someone tapped me on the shoulder. Than I thought to myself, if I leave before they offer me a package than I won’t be getting what I deserve and I could pay down some debt and live off of that money until the summer ends. I began to fantasize about my days of blogging, doing e-interviews with people that I admire and find interesting, selling t-shirts and bags through café press, writing a screenplay, finally putting my stories together and publishing. Lastly, I want to devise a plan to build my network. I don’t have business success because no one knows me. I’m not meeting eligible bachelors that can lead to the relationship of my dreams because I’m not in the position to meet anyone. I’m not planting the seeds of the fruits that I want in my life. I was going to take two weeks to do nothing and do temp work three days a week. I had my mind wrapped around leaving. Now, I’m not going anywhere. Things have happened that I don’t want to go into over the last couple of months that has changed my attitude about work and my life. I’m taking graduate courses that are showing me that I’m smarter than I thought I was. I can make smart business decisions and my opinion does count. I’m scared because just enough isn’t good enough for me anymore. The picture of what I want my life to be is becoming clearer. I have a lot of work ahead of me. My finances are a mess and I’ve been hiding from them. They are in my e-mail, on my phone and in my face saying pay attention. One of my goals for today is to review the main areas of life: relationships, work, finances, health and spiritual. I’m becoming a new person. This time next week, I will be closer to the shore of my new life.

Stay blessed,
K.M. Abney


This song sums up how I feel right now. What do I want from myself? What do I want for myself? It is an internal battle that only I can fight within myself.

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This is a blast from the past.

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