Alicia Keys - Brand New Me

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 This lyrics are so me, right now.... I am excited!

It's been a while, I'm not who I was before 
You look surprised, your words don't burn me anymore 
Been meaning to tell you, but I guess it's clear to see 
Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of me 
Can't be bad, I found a brand new kind of free 

Careful with your ego, he's the one that we should blame 
Had to grab my heart back 
God know something had to change 
I thought that you'd be happy 
I found the one thing I need, why you mad 
It's just the brand new kind of me 
Never bad, I found a brand new kind of free 

Oh, it took a long long road to get here 
It took a brave, brave girl to try 
It took one too many excuses, one too many lies 
Don't be surprised, don't be surprised 

If I walk a little taller 
If I speak up when you're wrong 
If I walk a little taller 
I'd be known to you too long 
If you noticed that I'm different 
Don't take it personally 
Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of me 

Oh, it took a long long road to get here 
It took a brave brave girl to try 
I've taken one too many excuses, one too many lies 
Don't be surprised, oh see you look surprised 

Hey, if you were a friend, you want to get know me again 
If you were worth a while 
You'd be happy to see me smile 
I'm not expecting sorry 
I'm too busy finding myself 
I got this 
I found me, I found me, yeah 
I don't need your opinion 
I'm not waiting for your ok 
I'll never be perfect, but at least now i'm brave 
Now, my heart is open 
And I can finally breathe 
Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of free 
That ain't bad, I found a brand new kind of me 
Don't be mad, it's just a brand new time for me

touching base

Totally neglected those of you who do read and I apologize. I am taking a little break but I promise to be back. God is opening so many doors in my life, I am way too focused on that right now. Opportunities arise daily and why not answer the door when they knock. God is moving and I don't want to miss a beat. I am feeling better than ever. He never ceases to amaze me. One out, one in...Thank you Lord. *praise break*

Continue to listen to your heart and follow your dreams. When doors close, let them. When people leave, let them. I promise you something bigger and better is on the way. Wishing you all an abundance of blessings!

I'm over here cheering on all of you, even the naysayers and haters.


God bless! Living life in the overflow....

thegorgeousdork

Things...

So yeh.. its been a while.  So many things are happening however I'm still in the race and waiting on whats to come. In the meantime I've come up with a few things to blog about lol.

So, its football season and both my husband and I love football. I am a die hard Bears fan, he...a 49ers fan. I used to love them back in Jerry Rice  days but things have changed, I do however love the game so I enjoy watching the 49ers, Steelers, Eagles, and many others. I am a huge fan of Peyton Manning too so I'll be tuning into the Bronco's this season as well. I took a few pics of me and the hubby being silly on Sunday watching the games. I'll be documenting this season of LOVE & FOOTBALL lol. #loveandfootball

I also have been purging and getting rid of so many things. I've been tossing papers, clothes, jewelry, you name it OUT! Either giving to Goodwill, relatives or simply throwing in the trash.  In the process I knew I had a lot of tops but I did not know I had as many as I do. So, I'll also be forcing myself to wear every top and I'll be posting about it lol. Some new, some old but I thought it would be fun to actually force myself to wear them all. The #toomanyshirtsproject!

                                    a lil sweater shirt I found at H&M

I post most of the pics on instagram but I will try my hardest to post here as well.

Guess, what I've also started Insanity and mama is sticking with it. I have a special birthday coming up 12-12-12 and Hubby and friends will be cruising with me. I would tell you where but yeh you know how that goes...people watching me LOL. My goal is to be in something teeny the entire time lmao..just kidding but I do plan on wearing shorts which is something I DON'T DO!  I will keep you (the few of you that read) what's going on and the plans and all that great stuff!

I miss blogging but so much other stuff had been occupying my time.

I also did an entry challenge for people to complete for my new coaching business.  I have a few people taking the challenge and it warms my heart that people are actually seeing things manifesting in their lives from something I helped with. How cool! GOD gets all the glory! I figure this was a good way to introduce the business, get some feedback and I even offered it free. This coaching thing...its not about the money but helping people get out of their own way and live this life we get OUT LOUD! Feel me? I hope so.

During all this time, you know the devil has been attacking but I am standing firm and believing that God is about to unleash some stuff I wont even be able to explain. You better watch what I tell you. I just want to be a blessing to others and help who I can along the way. Lets master it together.

I've discovered while working this job I have that I am most happy when I am helping others reach goals and planning events! Hey, that's my thing and I'm gonna work it. So thankful for the hubby being so supportive of it. I will have my certification shortly and I already have it in event planning. SO just watch me work.. well actually, watch God work! I can't do anything without Him.

I love you all... and I'm here for ya. Follow me on instagram thegorgeousdork



~thegorgeousdork

Challenges...

See why they put blinders on the horses!! You have to have LASER BEAM FOCUS!!! Distractions... people... cars... noise... BS and other mess that keeps you from going STRAIGHT on your path!! Get a pair!!! They are free... just CHOOSE #EXTRAORDINARY -scs


I've been making a lot of changes lately and even starting a new adventure in my life. I've been studying a lot and created a couple of challenges for future clients. I'm praying that this new path is an awesome one for my clients but for me as well. I have a couple people taking one of my challenges as we speak and I think, better yet I know it will be life changing for them.

I've done teen mentoring/coaching for 8+ years and I think now its time to help others. I'm planning to put my youth development business on hold for a year and focus on the ones who did participate individually. I even plan to do a tween/teen conference this year so that maybe I can reach more than the few I've had over the years. However, I am okay knowing that I have at least changed or impacted the life of one.

I've been stepping out on faith more and more as of late, the stronger it gets the more I step out on it. What's holding you back from stepping out into your dreams? Fear? Always remember that FEAR is not of God and can easily be remembered as False Evidence Appearing Real. Don't let fear keep you from reaching goals, making dreams a reality. This life we get on earth is short and we should live every day as the gift it is. Make a difference. Give of yourself and your talents. God gave you that gift for a reason.

Continue to keep me lifted in prayer as I step out and try to change as many lives as I can.

We may not agree always, we may not support the same things or believe the same things but one thing I can say is that I love you regardless.

Love,
~thegorgeousdork

Major...

So, I realized I haven't posted in a while and told you last that I'd show pics of the new baby.

Well, he's here and has been here for going on three weeks and let me tell you he is bad. How can something that is 3.3 lbs be such a busy body?? lol

Introducing the new addition, Major!

This was his first night at home with me, my hubby was out of town and left me to be a single mom to this little rascal. First couple of days I was just tired because he whined all night and couldn't get his potty issues together lol.

Next up

Daddy was back home this week so Major completely dissed his momma for him. They play together often until he makes his daddy mad lol.

Next...

I think this is where we love him most...him sleeping. He's so cute when he's sleeping and so good lol. He always has to hide under the couch to sleep when he's not behind his gate. He acts as though he has such a hard life.

Well, now we're here...

when he's riding in the jeep with us he feels as though he's got to see what's going on. Mind you, he's only 3.3 lbs so its kinda hard to look out of windows without a bit of assistance. He definitely has the Napolean complex.

Well, here's our baby and I am sure there will be many more posts about him in the future. I just wanted to make sure I introduced him to you guys. When I get ready to kick him out hopefully you guys will be there to pick him up lol.

Toodles
~thegorgeoudork

something new...

I have not had a dog since I was about 4 years old. Shortly after my dog was put down I was introduced to the movie Cujo, so right away you should know I was messed up- seeing this at 4/5 years old lol. Anywho, for the next two years I remember having nightmares about Cujo and was terrified of dogs. I've been scared of dogs up until about 3 years ago and even still takes me a minute to be calm around them.

With that said, I have been interested in getting a puppy for the last 3 years or more. I'm finally getting one! It seems like it took forever to find the right one but I did and he will be here next Monday. Mel and I have decided to name him Major! Originally, I wanted to name him Rupert (my family guy fans will get it) but Mel was not having it.  We are the proud pet parents of a peekapoo!

I have been getting all the little things our little man will need without going overboard too. I've found all kinds of goodies that were reasonable prices online and at Home Goods. I've got my little guy a bed, puppy pads, his food/water dish, toys, grooming items, food, treats and a couple of outfits. He's going to be spoiled, I can already tell. Since we don't have a baby yet, Major will definitely be getting a little extra lol. My step daughter has already agreed to puppysit for me and she better not hurt my baby either lol.

Anywho, just wanted to share my excitement on overcoming my fear of dogs and becoming a pet parent. Cheers to all my other pet parents out there!!!

I will post a pic as soon as he comes home.

~thegorgeousdork

Growth

Hello world,

So the past two weeks I've been re reading Purpose Driven Life, I read the book like 8 years ago I think and it really helped me. Reading it now, I am in total amazement at how far I've come. Of course, there is still a long road ahead but I am thankful for it.

If anyone has ever read it before you know it really breaks down things that we deal with and our struggle as Christians, etc.  The tests, the living on purpose, the honoring God in all we do.... It seems that ever since I started the book again that I find myself doing or not doing things based on if God will be pleased with it. I have definitely checked my thoughts as they come (the negative ones) and try to regroup as quickly as possible.  It seems as though the tests just keep coming but I thankfully am able to quickly pass them lol.

I don't know about you guys but to know and see my growth first hand is a blessing and I'm excited as to where re reading this book is going to take me next.  My Father in Heaven has great things in store for me and I know I am no accident. I am so excited and pumped up about whats to come even through the little tests. I'm equipped to better handle them now. My relationship with the Lord is getting deeper and deeper and I yearn to glorify Him more!

There are so many good things going on around me that I know mine is right there on its way. I have friends in new homes, with new loves, with new jobs or positions, starting new businesses, going back to school, getting closer to God and just living! I am on cloud 12...


Just had to share...join me in reading or re/reading The Purpose Driven Life

~thegorgeousdork

Expectancy

Good day world!

I just have to thank God for new grace and mercy everyday! As I sit and think about all that I have currently...I become more and more grateful for it. As I desire change daily, I try to keep myself in a state of preparation & expectancy so that when the Lord feels its time to move me forward I am ready!

After a weird last week, I feel Him moving me closer to the next journey. I have created a schedule for myself and eliminated a lot of junk (old junk, toxic people, television, etc), doing more reading and meditating and working out again.  I've gotta make sure that I not only workout my body but my mind as well.  In doing this, my days are becoming brighter and brighter and more and more is revealed on a daily basis. Some things I'm like "wow" about and others I felt were soon coming anyway. Some people try to shut me out and/or keep their distance for whatever reasons, some simply moving on and others with open arms and embracing our relationship as it is. Honestly, I'm cool with all of it. Everything & everyone has their season and some seasons do come to an end.

I've even enrolled to get my certification in something that I've been fighting for some time and now I'm feeling really good about it and my future. Confirmation comes in different ways and I try to keep my ears and eyes open for it. I even have two new clients that I'm working with on helping them. Those moments of attack always bring brighter, happier days and as they say its always darkest right before the dawn.

Everyday I understand more and more that my life is not about me at all.  I think for all of us when we begin to understand that, we truly see the purpose (our purpose) begin to unfold in our lives. I challenge each of you who read my post to wake up and ask yourself every morning, what can I do for someone else today that God will be pleased with.

thanks for reading my random thoughts....wishing you a powerful & productive day!

~thegorgeousdork

Struggle

Have you ever felt stuck? Ever know that this just can't be it? Well I have been helping a few people with this and what do you know... I find myself this past week in the same spot. It amazes me that when you are fully committed to living right, honoring God, being better and that whole basket of becoming great that the devil attacks you to no end. Money seems to be a little off, friendships/relationships seem to be irritated, goals a little blurry, people you come in contact with pressing your buttons, on the job issues. Ha, I am laughing at that enemy boy... I will not allow him to cause me to self destruct or throw me off.

The Lord has made promises. I am putting in the work I need to but I know I have to do more, especially when being attacked. I know my breakthrough is so close that I can literally touch it. I am not going to interfere with God's plan by trying to create my own...so I sit still. I fast, I pray. Slowly but surely the attacks dwindle, the clouds move out, the sun begins to shine brighter and my smile lasts longer. I am thankful that I have the holy spirit to assist me through the trials, dance in the rain and make a hell of a lemonade with the lemons.

The enemy cannot win and will not win, I have on the whole armor of God.

I did not update you on my conference/retreat I hosted but I will give you a quick review. I truly believe lives were changed that weekend. I know that everyone there received something from each speaker because they were each pretty awesome. I pray that each of them not only received something but that they apply as they move forward in their lives. I thank God for the vision for that and the continuation that HE is giving me. His instructions are changing and I will follow. I unfortunately did not take any pictures but one of the speakers did. I will post one that shows all of us at our LBD (little black dress) Dinner. The climax of the retreat happened to be on that crazy Eve spirit us ladies have and boy did that speaker go down everyone's street at some point through the night. I returned home and made some changes in all that I learned. I created a new budget that I learned from the finance workshop, cleared out my closet and rid myself of what doesn't match my style anymore which I learned from the Fashion workshop, have been working my butt off so that I can feel better and look better which I learned from the Fitness workshop and slowing down which I had to do over from my own workshop. I have so much more information to share with everyone that I will do it again. I could make it big but I'll keep it small for the moment unless I am given instructions from God. I plan to remain on the high I left with from the women's conference.

Anywho, I hope that if you're feeling how I had been that this post helped or will help you when you're feeling stuck. Remember the enemy will do everything to keep you from reaching the next level...do not fall for it. There is greatness ahead of you just keep going, reach further...I promise its there. Don't let those stumbling blocks make you fall just stumble and keep it moving.

over and out
~thegorgeousdork

I love when I listen to God

So, if you're a reader of my blog you know that I have an upcoming ladies weekend retreat.

Well, the event is next weekend and the closer it gets the more ecstatic I get. As I've said in previous posts this is something that I've been wanting to do for a little while but maybe not in the form of a retreat. Well, God spoke and that's what its been turned in to. I swear when He speaks, He gives you all the things, people, etc that you need to execute. I'm so blessed that He gave me the best people for the job. I'm doing a workshop on lifestyle/personal development, a friend, Andrea is covering fitness, a friend Manisa is doing a workshop on finance, another friend Jennifer is covering faith/spirituality and my friend and fellow blogger Toni is doing her workshop on fashion. How awesome is that? Too awesome.

We have a great variety of women who have made an investment in themselves and trust us to bring them knowledge on the above areas. Even though I am the planner of this event I am so looking forward to all the workshops.

We start out that Friday with registration, a workshop and a late night social. Saturday is where the remainder of the workshops will take place and our fabulous "Little Black Dress" dinner. Sunday we will join one last time for breakfast and to share our experiences from the weekend.  I am praying for a very successful weekend surrounded with my friends and other women who ware looking to make improvements in their lives.

I promise that after its over I will post pics and report how awesome it was.  There will definitely be more of these events in the future and I can't wait. Maybe next time you will join us.  The other ladies aren't bloggers but if you're interested in great fashion, thrifting, styling tips...check out prettydarkgirlstyle.blogspot.com

Wishing you all a great weekend. I will be finalizing plans for next weekend and treating my mom to dinner and some mommy/me time.

toodles
~thegorgeousdork

The Celebration

So...the honey woke me up and told me to get ready Saturday morning. "Be ready by 10:30", so of course I followed instructions. I was told to not get dressed up or anything so I put on some jeans, a striped cotton shirt and a black cardigan since it was a little chilly in the morning. We quickly leave and soon after arrive at Cosmopolitan Salon and Day Spa..."awww" was my immediate thought but then I realize he sends me alone.

The staff quickly had me check in and offered coffee, tea or water but I declined since I would soon be lying down for my massage. I was given a very awesome massage by Stephanie for a good hour and ten minutes and was even complimented on my skin. (*blushing*). After the massage I was drinking my cup of water when I was told to follow another lady to a room. Once we arrive in the room there's a pedicure chair with magazines, etc. I happily hopped on up into the chair and rolled up my jeans for my fabulous hour long pedicure. The lady was very nice, I can't remember her name at the moment (senior moment). Shortly after the pedicure was over I was told to have a seat at her station where I received a manicure. While getting the manicure, my tall, handsome hubby walks in in a nice shirt and jeans. Hmm, what is he up to? He goes to the counter and pays while all the staff sent us on our way with huge smiles.

I carefully walk out to the car where the hubby says okay you're ready to eat? Of course, so we head to Aha Sushi which is a fav of mine but they weren't open yet. We then drive back in the direction we had already come from to hit up Sushi Thai.. Nom, Nom, Nom...what a wonderful time!

So, after lunch I see he's pretty ready to go so we pay the bill and quickly leave. Headed towards the tollway now, my mind is racing because I have no idea where we're going.  I don't have the proper clothes on to be going somewhere is all I'm thinking. I say to him, "I thought I was going to get to go home and change" and softly tells me "babe, its okay".  *Sigh*...

We're driving and driving and driving..lol. We're like way out south (south suburbs). Where the heck are we going and I can softly hear the GPS saying "In .4 miles your destination is on your right", all I see is a Burger King sign. WTH. So we pull into the parking lot of a gray building that looks nothing like somewhere we should be going and boom, I see the sign. Aura, adults only. LOL. The hubby had got us a nice room and it actually felt like we were away. Awww, that's all I could say.  So, we pull around back after being let through a gate and park. He pops the trunk where he grabs two bags...he had packed one for me, how sweet.

 The shower was amazing

 Loved this fireplace..

If you're in the area and looking for a nice getaway, I highly recommend it. I loved the exclusivity of the place and with it being an hour away it felt like we had actually gone away. Looking forward to our real vacation though...nothing like beaches and fruity cocktails. He definitely pulled off a fabulous weekend and I was surely surprised. I love me some him.

That Sunday, we slept in and eventually found our way back to "home". It began to pour down rain on our way back so we picked up some takeout and watched movies. My mom stopped by to wish us a Happy Anniversary and she brought us dinner. The hubbs had been up all day Saturday after working over night Friday so he clonked out. After his nap we got up and cut the cake, which was just as delicious as it was the wedding day. What a great, low-key anniversary celebration. I'm super relaxed, just too bad we didn't win the lottery so I didn't have to come back to work. Thankfully I have the memory to keep me sane while working LOL.
Our top layer from wedding day

 Our wedding day glasses

 Wine from our honeymoon that we managed to save

Its almost time

This Sunday, May 6, 2012 will be my one year anniversary with my husband. This year has been great but also a learning experience. I'm so grateful that we made it and have stuck it out through the storms of life.

I've known my husband since we were in the 8th grade, he happened to be my first love. We dated for about a year and 3 months and decided to break up because of us getting in trouble lol. After a few months of being upset with him and him finding a new girlfriend I couldn't see him not being in my life so we remained friends and had been friends for the last 18 years. Our friendship has encountered much, we've watched other relationships come and go, been there for each other during the break ups, lost loved ones, mature, he had a daughter and so much more. We never let our friendship die, even during the little spats we had. He always had a very special place in my heart and I knew no matter what I'd always be in his life somehow.

As I think back to the late night calls and making him run to the 24 hour Walmart with me or just coming and watching movies with me...smiles quickly cover my face. He did anything for me but I never looked at him as my "soulmate". We made a bet that by the time we were 25 if we weren't married then we'd marry each other but that time came and we were both single and I just didn't think anything of it. So a couple more years went by and a few more relationships as well but something started changing. I was noticing myself getting a little jealous if he couldn't come out with me or what have you. We started spending time together but then it stopped and he was being short with my texts, etc... "what is this, me, catching feelings? ...no, it can't be" lol.

Our friend Jonathan invited me and a friend out to eat one day and Mel and I hadn't spoken in about a month so he had him come to, after arguing over dinner a bit we decided we'd hang out soon. Well that's where it started, we hung out and ever since then we've been together. I was so worried that if it didn't work that it would ruin our wonderful friendship but God had been preparing him just for me and I for him.

Two years later, my best friend proposed to me on 12-10-10.  The 12 was for my birthday, the 10 for his...and 5 months later we were married.  All that time my soul mate was right in front of me and I was looking everywhere but there.

This weekend we get to celebrate our first year of husband and wife together. I'm honored to call him husband and I pray that he's just as honored to call me wife. We've gotten to know even more things about each other in this year. You think you know someone really well until you marry them and move in together. I'm thankful for God being first in our life and that we can keep our line of communication open. Marriage is a beautiful thing but it is something that requires work. The work you put in is what you get out, enjoy each other, respect each other, accept the differences and vow to make the other happy.

I wish each of you that come across my blog the same happiness that I've been blessed with.

Happy Anniversary to Us... *cheers*

~the gorgeous dork

So I'm wrong???

One day I will be more consistent with my blogging. I promise! It just seems to be something going on all the time that I don't get around to it. I'm totally to blame and have no problem owning up to it (smile).

So, I get questioned often about "why are you so happy", "why do you always have to post positive stuff", "your life can't be that great"... REALLY? Why are these even questions?

Listen, when I was a kid,  a teen, young adult...I had an attitude. I will admit to that one but it took some time for me to admit it. Why did I have an attitude? Because people caused me lots of pain when I was younger. I was talked about for being light skinned, I was talked about for going to private school, I was talked about because of what I had or anything else stupid you can think of. I had problems with females most of my life, so I usually took more to males. I then became a "hoe", because I had so many male friends. So, I developed an attitude as a security blanket. I gave attitude first so you didn't get the opportunity to hurt me. Dumb? Yes...but its what happened.

As I grew older and had lots of my mothers friends who gave me tons of advice. ( I also used to stay around the older crowd because they didn't make me feel like my peers did). They would often tell me, you should never dim your light because someone else is threatened by your greatness. My parents also told me this too, thank God that seed was embedded because it helped me get to where I am today. When I was in college I became obsessed  with self help. I wanted to be better, that was a huge goal of mine. I read books, from Iyanla and many other great authors. But, I wasn't ready quite yet. I still had some growing to do and that is to be expected for a young lady in her twenties.

I've been hurt so many times during my life by friends, strangers, etc but all of that helped me become who I am today. I drown myself in being happy, in being better, in mastering my mind, helping others, empowering others, supporting others. I live it, I breathe it but it was hard work. Being optimistic, choosing happiness requires work but it can happen. I got rid of a lot of friends and so called friends, people who were not adding any value to my life. People who constantly brought drama amongst other things.

I started reading, I started affirming, I started praying, I started forgiving, I started loving more, I started smiling more and so on. Whew, thank God I am where I am now. I love hard, always have but now I love better. I forgave myself and anyone who had ever hurt me. I have done so much to get here, to get to this moment.  God's grace and mercy helps me everyday. I keep myself spiritually plugged in and I got myself a life coach. Everything I learn I want to pass on to save someone else from themselves.

I said all that to say this. There is nothing wrong with someone being happy, there is nothing wrong with living happy and choosing happ"y"ness. IF you are having trouble with getting here, I can help you. Trust me there are days where you have not so good days but you don't focus on that...its part of being human. But never let anyone keep you from being the best you, the happy you! They are the ones with the issue. Smile harder, love harder, it will eventually rub off. Many know my glory but don't know my story which is far deeper than posted here and my story is what got me to the awesome me I am today!

I love you, whoever reads this. I'm here to help.

~thegorgeousdork

Without questioning...

So, I know I'm very sporadic with my posts but sometimes there just isn't time. I know, I need to make more time right? lol.

So, about a month ago a friend lost her mother and I was feeling some sort of way and actually worried for her but she made sure we all knew she was just fine. Her mother had been battling cancer for the second time. I lost my father to cancer along with an uncle in 09 and '10. Last summer I lost my grandmother but it was pretty much natural causes.  In the past 7 years I've lost so many important people that I struggle sometimes not to question God. I know that death is a part of life but why do they have to all be back to back and all be such big pieces of the puzzle?

Yesterday morning I lost my Godmother...to yes, cancer! She had been dealing with it and made all of us feel like things were getting better. So, when I got the call yesterday morning it took my breath away. She was such a big piece of the puzzle in my life. Why? but I didn't ask. I kept the "why?" to myself. I knew my Godmother loved God more than anything in this world. I was comforted in knowing that she did not have to suffer much. She experienced one day of pain, praise God. I know she is in heaven and about to celebrate Easter up close and personal. I look forward to the day we meet again.  My message to her was that I loved her and would miss her but could she please kiss my father for me. 

I have experience so much loss but I am eternally grateful for my experiences with all the loved ones I have lost for they were all memories that I will cherish forever. I am also thankful for the wonderful family I have and the friends because they all are here for me no matter what. How many can say that they have that? Not many. I am truly blessed. 

Forgive, Love, Live, Laugh and keep God first!

I just can't keep it to myself..

I'm feeling really good today, nothing special is going on but I feel like it on the inside! 

I'm putting together with a few friends a mini retreat for women.  It seems to all be falling into place which makes the excitement increase. I'm a huge believer in God giving you a vision and I feel that if He gives you the vision He gives you the necessary tools or people to make it come to fruition. Well, He indeed did that with this event. I am just so ecstatic that I have such great people in my life that were more than willing to jump on board and make this happen. We each offer something different and together can make a dynamite event happen. 

If you are interested and or want more information, don't hesitate to inquire. I'll give you a brief description of what will take place.  Picture Me, Elevating is what its called. There will be 5 workshops over a weekend that women can participate in that include Fitness, Fashion, Finance, Face/Faith & Lifestyle.  In each of the workshops the attendants will get a ton of information that they can then apply and begin to elevate themselves. I am praying that its life changing not only for the attendants but myself as well. 

I spend hours researching information, participating in webinars, reading, etc. While many obtain information and keep it to themselves I want to share with the world. I want all of us ladies to be better, to do better. Why keep it to yourself? who is that helping. Weren't we all put here for service? I believe we were. I have grown so much in the last few years and I want those around me to as well. If I can help a friend, family member or even a stranger then I have done something, right?  Life events were happening all around me, friendships dissolving, losing loved ones, bad relationship and so much more. I've been a believer for most of my life but sometimes we get so caught up that we forget and He has a way of shaking things up so you have no choice but to bend on your knees and call on Him.  Some, blame God for hard times but I chose to answer and get myself together spiritually. 

I believe that that's the first step (getting yourself together spiritually). How else can anything else fall into place without that major piece? It can't. So, after spending time reconnecting and getting my spirituality in check things began to shift for me. While there were still issues I dealt with I felt better and had more clarity with certain things. I have lost about 20 people in the last 7 years that were important in my life. To name a few key ones were my grandfather, an ex boyfriend, my great grandma, an uncle, my grandmother, a play father and the major one my father.  There were many others throughout the last 7 years and I know had I not gotten myself "together" I would not have been able to handle this. Thank God He knocked me down and more importantly He gave me strength! 

I could go on and on about the process but I won't for times sake. I am just thankful that I did reconnect, started working on other areas of my life and now I just want to help everyone. I am no saint, nor am I an expert but the last seven-eight years have taught me a lot and I just can't keep it to myself. So, I've put together this opportunity for others to invest in themselves and get the fire lit so that they too can elevate.  The world is groaning, God is speaking and its time for us to make some things happen. Our youth need us and we need to be prepared to assist them and keep them on the right track but we can't do it if we ourselves are not "together"

Thanks for reading my randomness and I hope that maybe it sparked something in you to do some self reflecting and make something happen!

Over and out

~thegorgeousdork

So, 

Lack of Presence

So, yeah... I've been MIA for a little bit, not that I have many followers anyway I still desire to blog away. I've been blogging elsewhere but have decided to return here.

The last month or so has been what some may call weird for me. I've been working out more, eating healthier, trying to be a better wife and stepmom, friend and daughter and most importantly a better me! Those of you who do follow me know that that is my main objective...to be the best me possible all while helping others. I've been praying a lot lately as far as which direction I actually should be going. My hand is in a lot of pots and I've been saying how I truly need to focus on one and work it like no other. So..I've been pulling back from some and putting more energy into one. I am not sure that I can leave all of them completely but I have vowed to put 70% of my energy into one. With that being said I will begin to post more, to show more and hopefully spark your interest.

I've been putting myself on the back burner for some time and now plan to be a little more selfish, if that makes sense. I know that I can't give others anything if my own cup isn't full. How do I expect to pour into the lives of others being empty? It just simply can't happen.

I'm so very thankful for my husband, he's been supportive of me during this "foggy" time.  Moments of depression he quickly did what he could to get me out of it. I asked a few friends to pray for me and they did...I could feel it! Thank God for them, I'm feeling like myself again.

My event business is hosting a women's retreat/getaway in the upcoming months, it has me excited. I have asked some of my talented friends to be speakers at workshops during the event and fortunately they have all said yes and possibly work with me and make this into another business or women's group. I'm looking forward to what it all will bring. I even have vendors that are offering product samples, coupons or discount codes to all the attendees as well.  When God gives you a vision and you already have the gift and surrounded by who and what you need, you better just expect to work it and work it well. Just thought I'd share one of my future projects with the world. If you are interested, you can come join us. This weekend away will be pretty much covering all the components of the woman.  Somewhat of a get the fire going within type of function. I plan to blog about the process and the many other future events that are coming my way.

I wanted to include the video I watched that truly helped me put it all into perspective. I hope that you too will get something from it. Committing to being a better me, one idea at a time!

Over and out,
thegorgeousdork

Its a new year!!!

It's officially 2012 as we all know. Many of us have created a list of goals or resolutions for the year but how many of us will actually stick with any of them? I have made a couple of promises to myself and one was to change up my blog a bit, I'll be bringing different topics daily. I will let you know the exacts as soon as possible.

One thing I wanted to mention today was that none of us should allow negativity in our lives in 2012. Stop making excuses for the things that have occurred in your life. OWN UP! Nothing is anyone else's fault and its time that we take ownership for the things that have happened. Time that we make changes to correct those things. Forgive those that have hurt or harmed us in the past...for you! Forgiveness does not have to be verbal and to the person that you have the issue with.  I have a couple of activities that help in the forgiveness area that I will share with you soon. I am hoping that you will take advantage of those things that I post and really release some of that negative energy in your life. Have you ever thought about how you "not" forgiving could be preventing a blessing you've been waiting on? Well, it does...so its time to get it right!  Tomorrow isn't promised to any of us and I don't want to leave here holding grudges against anyone. Many people have done many things to me and some even say I forgive too easy, yes...I do! I'm not going to prevent myself from receiving what God has for me for holding on to something that is more than likely trivial. I just want you all to really think about some of those grudges you're holding onto, are they worth it? You having any ill will towards anyone, is it worth it? Have you been thinking or asking God for something and it hasn't happened yet? Try forgiveness. No, I'm not saying that will automatically cause what you've been wanting to just drop into your lap but it will relieve you from unnecessary stress and open the door for a blessing beyond what you've initially asked. Just food for thought for now.

Toodles for now

the gorgeous dork