Okay, by now you may have gotten over the shock, the surprise, the disbelief and the excitement of having our first African-American President. For my part, I haven’t! I am still riding the burst of energy created by his historic win. If his victory doesn’t give you a jolt, then I don’t know what else can. We can all apply the same focus, self-confidence, drive, determination and faith to our own projects. As soon as the election was called in his favor, I decided to pick up some of the stuff that I have been putting off and use the Barack Obama factor as a motivator and inspiration to get some of the hardest tasks ahead of me, done.
I used to use Black women from the past to provide me with the justification of why we are capable of doing and being whatever we want to do or be. Of course, I still do, but Obama’s story provides an additional, modern dose of inspiration. The fact that he and his incredibly supportive partner Michelle did not wait for the opportunity to be presented is a lesson that we can all learn when it seems like our lives, jobs or families are getting in the way of getting ahead. Obama started life as the least likely future president. The opportunity was never presented so, against all odds, he went out and created it.
There were those who said he couldn’t win. Others said America wouldn’t come on board. Some said he shouldn’t even try and he said, “I can!” And he did! He set-up the right team, had the right attitude, and of course a right plan. It is a lesson to us all—If you think you can’t, you won’t. If you feel you can, and do your best to make it happen, then you will.
Have the audacity of hope!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Journey through Single Motherhood
By Missie Shealey
Welcome to a world of self discovery and journeys, often taken alone. My name is Missie Shealey and I will be sharing lifestyles and lessons from Solo Sisters, starting with me, myself and I. In the upcoming articles I hope to infuse you with the Good and Bad of being a Solo Sister, mom, caregiver, auntie and sisterfriend as a plain ole sista tryin’ to make life happen.
Let’s first define the meaning of Single—Not that you don’t know, but so you don’t soon forget…
Single: Not accompanied by another or others; solitary.
Consisting of one part, aspect, or section
Consisting of one in number.
Not divided; unbroken:
Those brief definitions cover a lot of territory, right?
Well, lets get this party train started. All aboard!
I reside in the ‘Hotlanta’ Georgia area. My original stomping ground was Pittsburgh, Pa and I also spent a great deal of time in the Washington DC metropolitan area before settling in Atlanta.
I’ve been a Wardrobe Specialist for the last 24 years, working with retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, St. John Knits and currently for Calvin Klein. Yes, you can say that I’ve been around the fashion block.
I am also a published author of Pookie Lookie: The Pink Spotted Panda Bear, a children’s book that was released in December of 2005. I am currently working on a series of Pookie Lookie stories, cartoons for DVD, motivational Pookie Lookie toys, children’s apparel and home décor. My goal is to create an industry of motivational stories and products for children with characters that empower, uplift, embrace, and encourage.
I was once asked what I would consider the most rewarding part of having a book published. My immediate answer to this was creating a character and book that my, then, three-year-old daughter Janiyah loves as much as Elmo. Also, knowing that I have made history, and that one day my grandchildren can do a ‘Google’ search and see what grandma was up to.
Moving on to another area of my life that keeps me ‘not divided and unbroken’ is ‘single momma hood’. All I can say is WOW! I want to just take a moment to stand up and applaud mothers everywhere. Who knew, right? Someone can tell you all day about being a mom but no two experiences are the same. It‘s hard to imagine someone wanting to be a single mom but I’ve seen it on the news constantly where women feel that their ‘clock is ticking’ so they are ‘choosing’ to go to the ‘baby bank’ and get a donor. My intent is not to step on anyone’s toes but I say “Let your clock tock!”
I’m just keeping it real! Unless you have a huge ‘village of supporters that will be there at your every beck and call, doing the momma thing alone is not recommend or advised.
For me, it has been a journey of twist and turns, ups and downs, laughter and tears, just every possible feeling and emotion imaginable. Feelings I didn’t even know that I had!! Now, before anyone starts raising their eyebrows or calling Child Services, just hear me out. No words exist to express how infinitely and deeply I love my angel pie. I couldn’t imagine my life without her. My point is that it takes every breath that you have to be a mother anyway. And being a ‘solo’ mom, you just never find the time to exhale that you deserve. That’s all I’m saying. If nothing else, have a plan for your life and talk to a single mom who will dish out the ‘real’ dirt on being a solo sister.
Keep it Simple and Fabulous!
Missie
Welcome to a world of self discovery and journeys, often taken alone. My name is Missie Shealey and I will be sharing lifestyles and lessons from Solo Sisters, starting with me, myself and I. In the upcoming articles I hope to infuse you with the Good and Bad of being a Solo Sister, mom, caregiver, auntie and sisterfriend as a plain ole sista tryin’ to make life happen.
Let’s first define the meaning of Single—Not that you don’t know, but so you don’t soon forget…
Single: Not accompanied by another or others; solitary.
Consisting of one part, aspect, or section
Consisting of one in number.
Not divided; unbroken:
Those brief definitions cover a lot of territory, right?
Well, lets get this party train started. All aboard!
I reside in the ‘Hotlanta’ Georgia area. My original stomping ground was Pittsburgh, Pa and I also spent a great deal of time in the Washington DC metropolitan area before settling in Atlanta.
I’ve been a Wardrobe Specialist for the last 24 years, working with retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, St. John Knits and currently for Calvin Klein. Yes, you can say that I’ve been around the fashion block.
I am also a published author of Pookie Lookie: The Pink Spotted Panda Bear, a children’s book that was released in December of 2005. I am currently working on a series of Pookie Lookie stories, cartoons for DVD, motivational Pookie Lookie toys, children’s apparel and home décor. My goal is to create an industry of motivational stories and products for children with characters that empower, uplift, embrace, and encourage.
I was once asked what I would consider the most rewarding part of having a book published. My immediate answer to this was creating a character and book that my, then, three-year-old daughter Janiyah loves as much as Elmo. Also, knowing that I have made history, and that one day my grandchildren can do a ‘Google’ search and see what grandma was up to.
Moving on to another area of my life that keeps me ‘not divided and unbroken’ is ‘single momma hood’. All I can say is WOW! I want to just take a moment to stand up and applaud mothers everywhere. Who knew, right? Someone can tell you all day about being a mom but no two experiences are the same. It‘s hard to imagine someone wanting to be a single mom but I’ve seen it on the news constantly where women feel that their ‘clock is ticking’ so they are ‘choosing’ to go to the ‘baby bank’ and get a donor. My intent is not to step on anyone’s toes but I say “Let your clock tock!”
I’m just keeping it real! Unless you have a huge ‘village of supporters that will be there at your every beck and call, doing the momma thing alone is not recommend or advised.
For me, it has been a journey of twist and turns, ups and downs, laughter and tears, just every possible feeling and emotion imaginable. Feelings I didn’t even know that I had!! Now, before anyone starts raising their eyebrows or calling Child Services, just hear me out. No words exist to express how infinitely and deeply I love my angel pie. I couldn’t imagine my life without her. My point is that it takes every breath that you have to be a mother anyway. And being a ‘solo’ mom, you just never find the time to exhale that you deserve. That’s all I’m saying. If nothing else, have a plan for your life and talk to a single mom who will dish out the ‘real’ dirt on being a solo sister.
Keep it Simple and Fabulous!
Missie
Monday, July 14, 2008
Are you an Onyx Woman?
Are you an Onyx Woman? Allow us to explain. The Onyx Woman knows what she wants and she is not afraid to ask other women for help on how to get it. She doesn't just step over you to get to the top. She is willing to lift you up and take you along the journey; but only if you are willing to meet her half way.
She keeps negativity at bay and she doesn't just avoid bad words, she is also in control of the thoughts that can equally block her blessings and adversely impact those who surround her. Jealousy and envy are strangers to this sistah, for she has no time and makes no place for those demons to reside in the heart she calls home. She has mastered the art of how to duck when she sees drama coming in for attack. And for those who get in her way, to avoid their negative energy all she simply has to say is, Be Well, My Sisters. For she knows what she hurls into the universe boomerangs right back at her. After all, she is not just any woman...she is an Onyx Woman.You know what you want...Onyx Woman navigates you through the maze of information, resources and experts that show you how to achieve it.
Post your comments about these words.
Contact us to get bulk issues of Onyx Woman for your events.
Ola Jackson
Founder, OWN: Onyx Woman Network
Media Targeting Women of Color
www.onyxwomannetwork.com
She keeps negativity at bay and she doesn't just avoid bad words, she is also in control of the thoughts that can equally block her blessings and adversely impact those who surround her. Jealousy and envy are strangers to this sistah, for she has no time and makes no place for those demons to reside in the heart she calls home. She has mastered the art of how to duck when she sees drama coming in for attack. And for those who get in her way, to avoid their negative energy all she simply has to say is, Be Well, My Sisters. For she knows what she hurls into the universe boomerangs right back at her. After all, she is not just any woman...she is an Onyx Woman.You know what you want...Onyx Woman navigates you through the maze of information, resources and experts that show you how to achieve it.
Post your comments about these words.
Contact us to get bulk issues of Onyx Woman for your events.
Ola Jackson
Founder, OWN: Onyx Woman Network
Media Targeting Women of Color
www.onyxwomannetwork.com
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Welcome to My World!
Thank you for joining my journey of discovery and sharing. "Sharing what?" you might ask. Sharing the trials and tribulations of a sister on a mission of making it happen, and encouraging you to do the same. This site is about gathers thoughts, ideas and opinions about issues that matter to us.
In addition to this blog, we invite you to visit us on our web site, and social networking site for entrepreneurs.
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