FEATURE STORY :: 2017 Professional of the Year recipient and BBU! Magazine’s Cover contest winner Ms. Sylvia Escontrias.
::
Cover Photograph by RL Studios
2 BBU! Magazine
:: Contents :: Volume 4 | The 2017 Fall Edition
BEHIND THE LENS TEAM 05 FOR THE COVER: Get to know the team that made our cover photo shoot simply beautiful!
ON THE RADAR 06 SPOTLIGHT Talented Business Professionals to watch. 12 FAN FAVORITES- BBU!’s most popular covers. 16 WHO’S WHO- BBU! Recognized business professionals making big moves.
VISUAL STORY 34 BE A POP OF COLOR by
Photographer Jamel Sims 38 ON THE THRONE by Photographer Roderick Lightfoot 42 CONFIDENCE BIRTHS BEAUTY
by Photographer Jamel Sims
THE WHOLE U! 44 INSPIRATION: The Beauty of Support by Author Ashley Saul 48THE COUNSELOR’S CORNER: This issue’s topic is the “new”. Be inspired by Faye Carter’s inspiring message of walking into the new. 50 READER’S LOUNGE
FEATURES 25 Professional of the Year Recipient Meet the winner of our BBU! Magazine Cover Contest and WEC Professional of the Year. 29 Leaders In Motion Awards Meet the 2017 recipients of our Leaders in Motion award.
3
From the Editor
PUBLISHER Reed Pen Publishing
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER Shunte Gamble CONTIRBUTING AUTHOR Author Ashley Sauls Faye Carter ●●●●
Join the BBU! Team Beautifully Being U! Magazine wants to hear from you! We welcome submissions for publication. We provide inspiration and reliable information that helps women balance their lives. Submit to editors@beautifullybeingumagazine.com ●●●●
Contact Us:
Beautifully Being U! Magazine P.O. Box 2294 Stafford, Texas 77497 (P) 832-866-4373 ●●●●
Beautifully Being U! Magazine is published four times a year as a digital download or as a printed copy and is purposed to be a great tool for beautifully living. Although BBU! Magazine strives to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information published, we do not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or missions. The views expressed by authors of publications or event presentations, published in BBU! Magazine, do not necessarily represent the views of BBU! Decisions or actions based on the information and publications provided by BBU! are at your own risk. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written consent is prohibited. Trademarked property.
S
easons of shifting come to usher us into the newness of what is next. It serves as a gateway leading us to the next level of effectiveness, great productivity, longevity, and through the opened doors of opportunities. Yet even with an understanding of shifting, it is often difficult to let go. Over the past 10 years I have dedicated time, relentless effort, and heaps of love into a variety of projects. Some that were successful and some not so much. I have discovered talents, creativity, and ideas nestled deep down within my being. I have had face to face encounters with failures and successes. I have grieved, rejoiced, and anticipated steps towards goals set before me. All to come to a season of shifting. I am writing to say thank you for four amazing years of your support of Beautifully Being U! Magazine. Thank you for the downloads, shares, and likes. BBU! went global with readers as far as China and Africa by its second edition. WOW! Thank you for partnering with us by purchasing copies, submitting entries, and participating in our fun cover opportunities and photoshoots. BBU! Magazine is preparing for a SHIFT! We are excited to see what awaits us at our next level. Until we meet again, Shunte Gamble Founder of BBU! Magazine
4 BBU! Magazine
Behind The Lens Team â–‘ BBU! PHOTO SHOOT
Shatara Davis Make-Up Artist
Photography by Roderick Lightfoot Tell us about your company. RL Studio incorporates a passion for photography and an understanding of light and composition to create stunning images for every client. What inspires your photography? The beauty, creativity and uniqueness of the universe. In the world of photography, how do you define beauty? That which invokes pleasure as its defined by the absorption and deflection of light. How can our readers contact you? www.rlstud.com
Company: RL Studio Photography Website: http://3679802.tifmember.com/ Instagram: @rlstudio
How did you get your start? My introduction came from watching my mother put makeup when I was child. My mom was a Mary Kay rep which allowed me experiment with different colors and texture on myself and friends. I was a makeup artist before I knew what a makeup artistry was. It was pure love at first before I knew it was real a profession. What advice would you give someone starting out in your profession? Learn your craft and be enduringly passionate about your God given gift. Study the human face, skin and how light act to it. "Practice not until you get right but till you can't get it wrong. How do you define beauty? Being comfortable in your own skin. It doesn't matter of your skin color, weight or size. Whether it's makeup or clothing, rock it, have confidence, and make it your own. "Keep It FIERCE Honey"
Company: Makeup by SHATARA Facebook: makeupbyshatara Instagram: @fierce_honey
5
On the Radar | Spotlight
6 BBU! Magazine
7
E. RAIN EATMON
Musically Inclined: A Fine Arts Company
I
’m a Houston native. I absolutely love music and performing arts! I’ve had about 17 years of piano playing experience and 16 years of singing experience. When I’m not working on my company, I’m usually learning more about Japanese and Black Culture. After attending Texas Southern University, I gained more respect for my own culture. I saw how powerful black men and women are. In learning about my own culture and loving my own culture, I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for other cultures as well. I really enjoy learning new languages and discovering different cultural legends and legacies. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Curiosity. When I first began teaching, I hadn’t played the piano in over three years. After I was offered the position, I wanted to see if teaching was as hard as everyone made it out to be. And it was! I completely underestimated the amount of time and effort it took to teach one person how to play the piano, but after I taught my first student, I knew from that moment on I didn’t want to do anything else for the rest of my life.
What is your personal mantra or motto?
“Cut it off, just go!” There are so many opportunities that are waiting to be taken, however I
would always want to calculate each step before I moved. I recently came to grips with the fact that this is not always possible. By leaning on God and trusting that he will not allow me to fall and not get back up, I’ve been able to move farther than I’ve every expected!
What services do you provide for your clients? Musically Inclined provides private piano, voice, and guitar lessons to students ages 6 and older. We also work with different early childhood centers to provide group classes such as group piano and our music discoveries class. Lastly, we offer workshops for older children to hone their skills in musical theater, glee club and many other areas of performing arts. What’s been the most rewarding part of your career? The most rewarding part of my career is when I’m able to let my students showcase their skills, and let them see how amazing they are. Musically Inclined is preparing for our first Recital in September, but in the past, we’ve put on showcases for our glee club and choir students. Their faces absolutely light up when they see that their skills are admired. When they are satisfied, that’s when I get my reward. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? My advice to an aspiring entrepreneur is to have a strong why. This was something my pastor told me a while back. When I first began this journey, for some reason I believed that I would never have a short month or loose clients. In the moments when I did, it really made me question whether or not I wanted to have my own business. But I held on to why I wanted to create my company. “To provide fine arts classes for EVERYONE” whether they were rich or poor. If you why is weak, I advise you look for a strong one. Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. 8 BBU! Magazine
9
ASHLEY SAULS Author :: Speaker
A
shley Sauls is an author and professional speaker adept in using her words to inspire people toward successful living. Focused on incorporating a healthy balance between the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of life, Ashley’s down to earth delivery makes difficult concepts less stressful to grasp for her audience. In 2013, Ashley’s first book, Morning Motivation debuted and is currently available online and in select bookstores. Morning Motivation is a 31 day devotional focused on eliminating negative self-talk by reminding readers of their value in Christ. Ashley crafted this devotional to directly elevate and empower readers in embracing a healthy mindset with God’s guidance. By empowering her readers, she hopes to help them adjust their thoughts and fully reap the benefits in their everyday life.
Facebook: @AshleyKossieSauls Instagram: ashleyksauls Twitter: @ansauls Website: www.ashleysauls.com
Ashley, the daughter of Pastor Calvin Kossie and First Lady Mary Kossie, is a native Texan residing in the Austin area. Inspired by her parents, Ashley learned at an early age to engage her “inner teacher”. A graduate of the University of Mary Hardin- Baylor, Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Biology. Married to her college sweetheart, Ashley is the proud wife of Marshall Sauls whose example of love and encouragement allow her to embrace this calling with enthusiasm and vigor.
10 BBU! Magazine
Amazon Purchase Link: http://goo.gl/L31HbP
11
BBU! Magazine
BBU! Magazine’s Most Popular Covers
12 BBU! Magazine
13
14 BBU! Magazine
15
On the Radar | Who’s Who in Business
T.L. James 16 BBU! Magazine
In 2007, TL James realized her first big dream when she released the first of her new Best Selling Series, The MPire – a sci-fi thriller. During her own literary journey, she learned many processes to ignited and aligned herself with her dreams, re-patterned her actions (reactions) brought on fear and accelerated her results and success.
TL James’ true passion is to assist aspiring and established entrepreneurs to create and manage successful businesses that supports their desired lifestyle. Therefore, she combined her MBA and 20+ years in Supply Chain, Organizational Change and Development with systems and programs such as, Profit First Program and Constant Contact (to name a few). She teaches business owners the basic business essentials of People, Process, and Systems to build a sustainable, profitable business.
In 2009, she established PHE Ink – Writing Solutions Firm and The Quill Lab. She worked with aspiring writers and fiction and non-fiction authors, helping them build their literary dreams, accelerate their results beyond their books, and create richer, more fulfilling lives and businesses.
17
On the Radar | Who’s Who in Business
LaShanda Gary 18 BBU! Magazine
LaShanda Gary is the Founder and CEO of Dream Build Success a consulting company for faith-based believers and entrepreneurs. She is devoted to helping ordinary women live extraordinary lives through personal and professional development and economic empowerment. LaShanda is a successful entrepreneur committed to helping women duplicate her success by using her books, live seminars, and training programs. LaShanda hosts The Dream Build Success Conference for women who desire to have more, be more and do more. Among her clientele, medical professionals, the political elite, professional athletes, and corporate experts. Gary has empowered several successful entrepreneurs and leaders who have discovered whole-life fulfillment: personally, spiritually and financially comes from work ethic. She partners with outstanding foundations, church groups, youth programs, and the entrepreneur. LaShanda is a published author writing two books, Dream Build Success and Destiny. She is a contributing writer for NO Compromise Magazine and has been featured in numerous articles and several publications. She was honored with a Top 40/40 Award from the i10media as 2016’s Women to Watch, Smahrt Girl Icon Award, Women Empowering Change Excellence Award, and Tax Professional of the Year 2014-2016.
19
Remi
Umanah
Remi Umanah is a Nigerian born, Atlanta raised speaker, aspiring author, knowledge seeker, visionary, woman of action and an ambassador for the gospel of Christ. The passion and the drive this woman has is remarkable. Her involvement in her community and church speaks volume. Remi is the Founder and CEO of a non-profit organization called Driven Vision.
This woman has been involved in building and restoring relationships with Christ, motivating the young and bringing a community together under the name of God. Her goal is to help individuals embrace their Christianity and love for Christ while being an example in all she does.
20 BBU! Magazine
Erselette
Baxter
Erselette Baxter has over twenty years experience as a Senior Accountant. Ms. Baxter is heavily involved in empowering and giving back to the community. She is impassioned about helping people find solutions for their long-term financial goals. She can work with you to implement a fiscal and investment strategy that suits your needs. Ms. Baxter is a people-oriented local entrepreneur who loves helping the community through financial empowerment. She believes in leading by example and "lifting as she climbs". Her dedication to improving the community's fiscal literacy and inspiring multi-generational clients to build a brighter financial future is unparalleled.
21
On the Radar | Who’s Who in Business
Myra Stepter 22 BBU! Magazine
Myra J. Stepter is a Clarity Strategist, Empowerment Speaker, Author, Mental Health Advocate, Licensed Christian Minister, and Chief Smile Producer.
Myra holds two (CCA) and (ICF) accredited certifications as a Certified Empowerment Coach and Master SPIRIT Life Coach. She is also a Master Reiki Practitioner.
Through her coaching company, Press To Be Powerful Beyond Measure, she is able to help multi-passionate and multi-taskers gain clarity to fine tune their focus and build unstoppable confidence eliminating self-sabotage so that they can become Smile Producers in life and business.
She is the author of “Stepping Out Of The Fog: The Journey From Depression To Clarity Brings Purpose” chronicling a portion of her journey through depression, and providing tools to start the conversation of healing for individuals and loved ones dealing with depression and mental health concerns.
Myra’s personally identifies with many of her clients that are overwhelmed and frustrated while going nowhere because her journey lead her into the fog of depression. She emerged after 5 years to see that there were so many like her that needed to be shown a better way.
Myra is engaging. She brings a light and energy to a room. She is empowering. After meeting her, being coached by her, attending a workshop, or hearing her speak, you will be ready to step boldly and confidently into your purpose and live a life that makes you smile.
Booking Information myra@presstobepowerful.com
Social Media IG: MyraJStepter Periscope: MyraJStepter Twitter: MyraJStepter
23
Remember to...
Live life to be legendary!
24 BBU! Magazine
BBU!
â–‘ FEATURE
Sylvia Escontrias 2017 WEC Professional of the Year
25
Entrepreneur
Business/Profession: Health & Wellness Years in business: 4 Who inspires you? Helping others and being able to offer life changing products and business opportunities. Our products are plant based and all natural created by experts and doctors.
What sparked in you to start a new business venture? For me it was the products. When I saw what this business opportunity could do for people. How it can help people become debt free, get healthy, have fun, build friendships, and enjoy freedom.
In your opinion, what are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? 1. Strong work ethics. 2. Stepping out of your comfort zone by getting over yourself! 3. Don't let your questions be your excuse. Be fearless!
26 BBU! Magazine
How do you define success? Being able to help others reach their goals and dreams and being able to give more. What have you learned from your failures as an entrepreneur? I have learned that anything worth earning is going to take dedication and work. What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur? Seeing the joy in others success or results with our products. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? “Be consistent. The worst mistake you can ever make is to give up. Don't ever give up! You have the greatness within You.� Les
Brown
27
What has been your most satisfying moment in business? Being able to battle and survive breast cancer while still being able to work this blessing of a business!
28 BBU! Magazine
On the Radar | WEC Awards
Award Recipients 2017 Leaders in Motion
Meet the Winners { 30 } Connie Gomez & Kay Mathews { 31 } Chase McGee & Vietta Simms { 32 } Britney Turner & Remi Umanah
29
Connie Gomez
Kay Mathews
Momma of Dos Blog
Shades of Blue Project
My Motto:
My Motto:
“You must live your life with
“Live life one day at a time.
passion and purpose.” Business/Profession: Blog Years in business: 9
Business/Profession: Community Service Years in business: 21
What inspires you? My family, seeing other women succeed, and creating moments that empower other women.
What inspires you? Helping others to Achieve their goals
What sparked in you to start a new business venture? Becoming a mom for the first time. I felt the need to share my story. In your opinion, what are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Patience - Communication - Negotiation How do you define success? I see success as doing the things you love with true passion and seeing results. Results don't always have to be tangible or monetary. Success can be helping someone else reach their goals and seeing others succeed because you helped them. What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur? Being able to use my creative side and learning important leadership skills. As well as meeting new and inspiring people along the way. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Just start. Once you have a vision, go with it! Know that it will not be easy but you can do it. 30 BBU! Magazine
What sparked in you to start a new business venture? My love for helping others. Most often people need help and don't know of all the resources. In your opinion, what are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Write The Plan, Make A Plan Of Action, Enlist Others To Help Make It Happen How do you define success? My Ability to stay focus on my mission, which is making sure, in all that I do, I am helping someone. What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur? My ability to meet new people everyday. The world is a vast place and I'm looking to meet people from all over. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Don’t give up! Because starting over is hard to do. Just learn to re-adjust when necessary
What sparked in you to start a new business venture? There was a need for small business owners and entrepreneurs to be knowledgeable about the "business and administrative" side to their business. I believe, no one should fail due to lack of knowledge.
Chase McGee Chase InStyle My Motto: “Do it Afraid. You never know what your successes will be if you never try.” Business/Profession: Branding Coach Years in business: 5 What inspires you? Being able to assist and motivate new small business owners to do better business.
In your opinion, what are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Drive—Ambition—Willingness to dream big. How do you define success? Knowing that at the end of the day, someone, somewhere was impacted by my assistance. What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur? Impacting business an people and being the answer when they thought it was all over. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? NEVER QUIT! Do it afraid even if it gets tough. It’s worth it in the end.
What sparked in you to start a new business venture? I love designing and have always enjoyed creating social experiences for my loved ones on their special day. I turned my passion into a career.
Vietta Simms H & H Events + Designs My Motto: “Never give up. Never surrender!” Business/Profession: Event Management & Design Years in business: 2 What inspires you? Positivity in all works!
In your opinion, what are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Tenacity—Patience—Spiritual Connection with God How do you define success? Accomplishing goals even when no one is paying attention. Defining your path and working towards your victory non matter the obstacles that may come your way. What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur? I love the freedom of choice I have in all projects and events. I'm the Boss! What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Obstacles will come. Hold your head high even in the darkest of times and use every resource available to complete your journey to victory. 31
Britney Turner
Remi Umanah
EVO Cosmetics
Driven Vision
My Motto: “We believe beauty is a fleeting thing, but EVO intends to keep it timeless.”
My Motto: “Waiting on God does not mean the absence of productivity. “
Business/Profession: Beauty Years in business: 1
Business/Profession: Nonprofit Years in business: 2
What inspires you? Pain, because without pain; you wouldn't fight for victory.
Who inspires you? My family and pleasing my Heavenly Father.
What sparked in you to start a new business venture? I was in prayer asking God for my purpose here on earth. He simply responded with, “I gave you a vision, now work the vision. You are to impact the lives of young ladies, whether it’s through beauty or being a mentor and author.”
What sparked in you to start a new business venture? Change! I was ready to see a change in the lives of young faith based entrepreneurs.
In your opinion, what are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? 1. Patience and understanding. 2. Knowledge in your preferred industry. 3. The ability to be ok with the struggle.
How do you define success? Success varies however for me, it’s when God gets the glory, and you change lives in the midst of it. What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur? Being reachable, and being able to go freely.
What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Stay consistent and never give up. It is going to be hard. As an entrepreneur, focus solely on what you have going on. Do not compare your purpose to other similar businesses and do not think that business has it all together. Your time will come. Make sure you are prepared for the acceleration. 32 BBU! Magazine
In your opinion, what are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? The skill of listening, proper budgeting, and praying. How do you define success? Success is when you have completely found happiness within yourself, when you have accomplished all that you have set out for yourself. What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur? Having someone call, email, or text me saying "Thank you". What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Chase the vision not the money. When you have a clear understanding on your vision everything that you do becomes meaningful. Chase the vision not the money. When you have a clear understanding on your vision everything that you do becomes meaningful.
33
A Visual Story â–‘ PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
Jas Baxter MUA: Gabby Hernandez Visual Artist: Jamel Sims of JS Photography Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/jsphotographyretouching/ Website https://simsjamel.myportfolio. 34 BBU! Magazine
Be a POP of Color
In a Black & White World 35
36 BBU! Magazine
The inner you is the truest you.
Beautifully be you!
37
A Visual Story â–‘ PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
On the Throne
Erselette Baxter MUA: Shatara Davis Visual Artist: Roderick Lightfoot of RL Studios Instagram: @rlstudio 38 BBU! Magazine
39
40 BBU! Magazine
41
A Visual Story â–‘ PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
Confidence Births
Jas Baxter MUA: Jamel Sims Visual Artist: Jamel Sims of JS Photography Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/jsphotographyretouching/ Website https://simsjamel.myportfolio. 42 BBU! Magazine
Beauty
43
The Whole U!
░ SPIRITUAL
The Beauty of Support
I
By Ashley Sauls love watching the National Cheerleading competition on Saturdays. I enjoy the spunk and spirit the ladies and gentleman use to move through their perfectly synced routines. I love to watch each cheerleader harmonize their movements with fellow team members.
When each team member comes together to create a stunning pyramid, I am amazed. How are they able to move into the formation without missing a beat? How are the cheerleaders at the bottom able to support the weight of everyone else? Inquiring minds want to know! I have never been a cheerleader but watching them has taught me some valuable lessons. Do we find beauty in support? I can tell by your acceptance or aversion to it. Many of us desire a support system, but we have been burned by the lack of one in the past.
Are you leery of support based on one of these experiences?
Someone made a promise to you, then broke it. Someone offered to "help you" and then backed out at the last minute. Someone said, "I'll be there," but you never heard from them. We naturally become comfortable as our own cheerleaders. We stick to the routines we have always done often times finishing our goals alone. This can lead to burn out and abandoning our purpose. Instead of throwing in the towel, consider revamping your cheerleading squad.
You need team members who can provide you with spiritual Reliable Teammates support. Do you have friends that can pray with you and for you? Do you have friends who can speak life into your destiny? I've learned that any time I am moving forward, I need prayer! The enemy will throw a curve ball through trying circumstances just when we are making progress. Having friends who keep us covered is invaluable. When we feel wobbly, they will help us to remain stable. You need team members who can assist you with goal setting. Friends who provide you with goal support are like the base of the cheerleading pyramid. They are interested in making sure you have a solid foundation to build upon. Your goal oriented friends will remind you of your “ why”. A friend or mentor that coaches you will let you know "how." How can you achieve and sustain the goal? A coach can provide instructions with the right amount of push. 44 BBU! Magazine
The Whole U!
â–‘ SPIRITUAL
A boundary is a limit of what can or cannot be done. There are boundaries in cheerleading too. If your role is to hoist someone into the pyramid from the left side of the formation, that is your boundary. If you miss your cue, they can injure themselves. Likewise, if your teammate just leaps at you, without communicating, they could hurt you too! Why do we usually get wounded in our support systems? We create unrealistic expectations of them. We must make sure we discuss with our teammates parameters in each of our boundaries.
Boundaries
What can or cannot be discussed in a healthy manner Emotional Boundaries between two parties? If the person in your support system is actively working through a difficult situation at the time (i.e. loss, death, divorce), then they may not be in a place they can handle your conversation on the topic. Respect and understand where they are and make sure to reach out to someone else in your support system that might be whole in that area. There are also times that might be difficult for someone to communicate with you (i.e. holidays, milestones, personal/professional events). Respect this challenge in your support system and do not compound the matter with pressure to be there for you. You too should also have emotional boundaries about what you can or cannot discuss in the relationship. It does go both ways.
Having a mental boundary around our thoughts is healthy! It means that we do not entertain everything that comes to Mental Boundaries our minds nor make others the product of thoughts we are entertaining. Some topics might be emotional triggers for your teammates. For example, I have good friends who cannot discuss abuse because it is a wound in their lives. This means that I need to respect that details about an abusive situation whether personal or relating to those I serve do not need to be communicated with them.
As you think about your support system, ask yourself about the teammates you have in mind or in action. It is important to make it a priority to be balanced in your support system by encouraging healthy boundaries. Have a conversation with those who are a part of your support system. Consider what healthy connecting looks like and how often these types of meetings should take place. You deserve support to become the best, most excellent version of you. God has placed the right people near you to help you to become all you are designed to be. You just have to open up to receive the help. Your support system can create a beautiful picture that real leaders do not compete, they complement each other.
Reflection
Are you ready to find or revamp your squad? 45
46 BBU! Magazine
Ready To the Discover Kingdom Success? We’re excited to unveil Kingdom Success, a brand-new book made especially for Dream Build Success enterprise friends and followers. Your personal growth, ministry, business, and marketing will discover the limitless possibilities in her new book. “Launching ideas that create free-flowing opportunities and income is a lot like driving a car for the first time. For some, it’s really scary, strange, and unfamiliar. It requires faith, courage, and boldness of unexpected territory. In other words, “it takes planning and a whole new level of mindset homework.” – LaShanda D. Gary 47
The Whole U!
░ THE COUNSELOR’S CORNER
The Beauty of New By Faye Carter
I
love the thought of something new. The smell and beauty of newness bring oceans of joy to my soul. However, the thought of trying something new can be challenging due to our attachments. Actor and comedian Steve Harvey dreamed of purchasing a new car. His challenge was his old car consumed the garage leaving no space for his new dream car. Steve had to let go the old to make room for the new. The beauty of new is letting go of the old. When we let go of the old, new attitudes, new relationships, and new opportunities are bound to come.
New Attitudes
A new attitudes comes when decisions are made to change ones’ behavior for the better. Have you ever heard someone say, “That’s just the way I am; take it or leave it.”? What they’re really saying is they’re not willing to change, not even for the better. Patti LaBelle said it best in her song, ‘I Got A New Attitude’. In this song her emotions run both high and low. She is extremely overloaded with worries and feel trapped. However, when the tables turn and her lesson is learned she’s in control and her worries are few. She tidied up her point of view and got a new attitude. Growth is essentials to attaining all that our lives have to offer. When we continue growing and stretching in personal growth, we unearth new mindsets that enable us to move toward our future.
New Relationships
In the newness of new relationships, the love birds are all lovey-dovey and nobody can do any wrong. In the beginning they are inspirable like peanut butter and jelly. Yet when the newness wears off, there is a greater potential to become agitated by the things the two once loved about the other. Her laugh becomes annoying and his jokes are not all that funny anymore. New relationships come with a hefty price of learning and adapting in order to see healthy longevity. It is when we put in the effort to adapt and grow with one another, we find beauties that add to the treasures within our hearts. It opens the door to vulnerability, authenticity, and love. 48 BBU! Magazine
The Whole U!
░ SPIRITUAL
In conclusion, the beauty of new excites most people in my opinion. When my daughter was a little girl and received new shoes she was so excited. Grinning from ear to ear with her big button eyes she would say, “I got new brand shoes!’. When it was time to get rid of her old shoes, it was a challenge because of her attachments to the old pairs. Today her closet is filled with an assorted array of shoes.
Walk into the New
Nevertheless, the beauty of new is letting go of the old. When we let go of the old, new attitudes, new relationships, and new opportunities will certainly come your way. New beginnings can be scary. The unknown tend to cause us to stay in seasons too long. When this occur golden opportunities are at a greater risk of being missed. If you feel a tugging deep within, answer the call. God is calling you to something greater. Know that you’re well equipped, able, and ready for new beginnings.
Don’t be afraid to move forward because that’s where destiny awaits. 49
The Whole U!
â–‘ READERS LOUNGE
Reader’s Book: Powerful Outcomes Through Powerful Words Author: Ivette Mayo Website: AMAZON
"Words can inspire you to feel deeply, stimulate thoughts, and even encourage you through the best and worst of times. Your words can drive your actions and results! It all starts with developing new foundational thinking to rid yourself of the effects of limited beliefs, judgement of others and negative self -talk. This book will guide through a daily POWER Ritual and Mantra allowing you to connect to your POWERFUL self-truth!"
Book: My Pearls Are Rare Author: Rhondia A. Carter Website: https://goo.gl/LeylCG A collection of poems spanning from broken heartedness to breakthrough. As I share my truths (pearls) I invite you on a journey to dig deep and find the pearls you've buried. Matthew 13:45-46 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it."
50 BBU! Magazine
Lounge Book: The Mental Storms of Life Author: Aisha Davis Shepard Website: www.reflectivegratitude.org Have you ever felt alone with a whirlwind of emotions you couldn't explain? Have you ever felt defeated one minute, then victorious the next when dealing with life's circumstances? You are not alone. The Mental Storms of Life is a poetry book that details emotional struggles we all go through, and how we find strength to overcome with the encouragement and inspiration others have given us along with the strength God provides. The transparency of The Mental Storms of Life will provide the reader a sense of belonging and courage to defeat any challenge they may face.
Book: Get Unstuck Author: Shana Stuckey Website: Amazon.com The name of my book is called Get UnSTUCK! It's an inspirational quote book that focuses on becoming a better you. Inside the book I share some of my favorite quotes from good influences, such as T.D Jakes and Joel Osteen. After reading, you will become motivated to do more in life, without having that "stuck" feeling. This is definitely a good quick read!
51
Thank you for four amazing years. Beautifully Being U! Magazine Www.WomeEmpoweringChange.org
52 BBU! Magazine