Magnificent Living Magazine

Content Letter from the Editor Kristie Kennedy

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Aisha Curry

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It’s Easier than You Think!

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Finding Courage to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone Veneis Little

MAY 2014

4 Keys to Unlocking Your Confidence

12 Basic Steps to Market a New Business Deanna A. Mims

THIS MONTH

Jayne Rowe-Lincoln

Create a Perfect Blend for you Life Page

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Kimberly Hemmingway

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The Power of Self-Affirmations

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Discovering and Defining your Divine Worth

Rolande Mehu

Famira M. Green

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How to Interview with Finesse

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The Journey to Ph.D.: Five Lessons I’m Still Learning

Yvonne Enoch

Dawnette Banks

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MAGNIFICENT MONARCHS TINY DANCERS, BIG IMPACT Gwynedd Vetter-Drusch

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Seize the Moments of Each New Day! Sarah Lee

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Set the Standard for Your Health Rashida A. Marshall

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THE ESSENCE OF TRUE BEAUTY Dr. Teresa Bowling

WELCOME

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The disparity of women in top leadership positions of power and authority has occurred throughout the corridors of time.

Although great strides have been made we have yet tremendous mountains of partiality to overcome. In order to appreciate where we stand today it is essential that we pause for a moment to reflect and revisit the plains of success from whence we have journeyed. There are countless women who have made tremendous sacrifices, bore unbearable burdens in leadership and attained noteworthy accomplishments. In this magazine, I seek to broadcast the brilliance of women, capture their spirit, celebrate their victories and pay homage to our collective struggle.

Women of all ethnicities face and encounter the reality of lifting their eyes to a glass ceiling (Defined as: An unacknowledged discriminatory barrier that prevents women and minorities from rising to positions of power or responsibility.) that has notably cracked in several areas and yet still awaits a blow substantial enough to be shattered completely. Together, we seek to break through uncommon barriers to ensure the advancement of future generations of women who will arise long after our departure.

There is a sub-Saharan African thought that expresses our universal war as we rise in power whether it is in corporate America, the private sector, non-profit leadership, the institution for higher learning, etc. The ideal states “I am because we are, and because we are I am.” It is my belief that the secret to our continued ascension in positions of power is found in our unified stand together as one forceful wind creating waves of eminent change in the world at large.

We must view our individual challenges from a global perspective, understanding that what affects African women affects Asian women, what affects Asian women affects European women, what affects European women affects Indonesian women.

Our strength and power is increased as we perceive our individual plight as a collective struggle warranting unity in heart, spirit and mind.

In our river rapid race for advancement we often fail to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements that we have attained thus far. There was a time in history where we as women in specific were not allowed to enter into professions such as medicine or law, we were unable to attend college due to the fact that women students were not allowed, we did not have any property rights and the most essential of all rights that we did not possess was the right to vote. We did not have the right to have our voice, thoughts, and ideals heard.

Through the power of our individual visions we are able to walk boldly through the shadows of injustice until we meet face to face with our internal hopes and dreams on the wings of change.

You have been called to be a catalyst of transformation, what difference have you decided to make? The question remains in the echoing words of John E. Lewis, “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?”

Finally, in the words of Idelette McVicker: (modified) Let us RISE to the questions of our time for those who are searching for answers.

Let us SPEAK to the injustices in our world for those who are voiceless.

Let us MOVE the mountains of fear and intimidation with courage and determination.

Let us SHOUT down the walls that separate and divide with passion, unify on every side.

Let us FILL the earth with the fragrance of love to heal hearts than have been wounded and broken.

Let us MAGNIFY the power of women who dare to live magnificently in the face of adversity.

Living Magnificently, Kristie Kennedy

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Magnificent Living Magazine

4 Keys to Unlocking Your Confidence

Let’s look at four tips to help you become more confident:

3) Think Positive.

If you want a stress free life, it is essential that you learn ebb and flow with a focus on how to continually improve your life. Our thoughts have power. The mind is a powerful tool but not as powerful as the heart.

So, if you keep good things in your heart you can challenge your mind. Believe the best, think the best and live the best! Changing your thoughts can give you a completely new perspective about your environment.

1) Don’t Compare.

Do not compare yourself to anyone else. It is a complete waste of time. Comparing yourself to someone else prevents you from celebrating your own unique gifts, talents and purpose. God created us for a purpose, which means your purpose, was created with you in mind not the other way around.

Put more energy into YOU.

4) Take action and DO YOU! If it makes your heart smile on the inside, be bold enough to do it! Your actions are influenced by your thoughts so again that’s why it’s important to think positive. What you are doing and not doing is a mirror reflection of your mindset. Be confident in your thinking. Life is too short to waste it on moments that deplete your joy.

There is something special about a girl or woman with confidence. Her presence is alluring as she walks with her head high and shoulders straight. A dazzling smile that lights up a room, and her body language says, “I know who I am and I love it.”

Everyone has a right to be confident. You were created like no other human being on earth. However, there is a difference between confidence and arrogance. The two are not synonymous.

Confidence says, “I believe in myself, I love myself, and I am pretty” Confidence allows us to face life with boldness, and honesty. Arrogance says, “I am better and more important than others.”

2) Love yourself.

You are a one of a kind design. It isn’t a cliché but a simple truth. Your DNA is all yours and yours alone. Loving yourself for who you are creates a satisfying feeling of contentment. If you can’t love yourself it makes it difficult for other people to love and appreciate you. As a result, there is an increased risk for falling for the wrong kind of love; becoming victim to people pleasing and being susceptive to control and manipulations of others.

Aisha Curry is an Author, Self-Esteem & Relationship coach. She is the founder of the I’m Just Pretty Movement and Curry Coaching Firm. For more information visit her at www.aishacurry.com.

Magnificent Living Magazine

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12 Basic Steps to

Market a New Business You went into business doing what you love and/or what you are good at, yes?

So when faced with everything a solopreneur is facing, you need to be clear on how you can develop and expand on your strengths. Additionally seek help from a trusted advisor on what should be eradicated from your business operations.

Marketing is about warming relationships up for the sales effort. It’s about communicating your story, your value and what makes you different. Keeping this in mind as a do-it-yourselfer or when you choose to find a companionable professional to rock the segment you need help with: 1: Be clear on what your core competencies are, what are you really in business to do, your main objective that every other function or action should support. But bear in mind, anything you do is about sales and marketing too. “Because you can be fabulous but it only matters if you can be found” 2: Understand your customer base. Where do they live? What does their family look like? What do they drive? How do they spend their weekends? What is

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their current profession? What motivates them? What do they avoid? What problem or pain do they have that you can fix?

3: Understand your ‘competitors’. I don’t say competition, because if you do this right – or get some help doing it right – you’ll own your own lane. – What is their price point?

How clean is their facility? How quickly do they call back? How friendly, COMPETENT and EDUCATIONAL is their staff? What is their WOW factor? How do they go the extra mile? This helps you understand the unique selling propositions you HAVE or CAN HAVE to market.

4: Can you articulate your real mission (the reason you exist) in four sentences or less? If not, then how can you accurately describe it to anyone else? How does the universe know how to support you?

5: Your 30 second intro. A technical one needs to be crafted.

Memorized and made spot-on and creative. Again, memorized until you’ve incorporated a detailed narrative and made it memorable, entertaining, infor-

Magnificent Living Magazine

mative and compelling you are not ready to be play full out.

6: It is essential to obtain a decent head shot and write up a 6-12 sentence professional biography. Write 2-3 articles from your expert point of view on your industry, how-to, what to look for when buying what you offer, etc.

You will need it, guaranteed!

7: Commit yourself to a whole new mindset by taking the initiative of excelling in, learning, communicating, self-awareness and customer service. You are operating at a higher degree of leadership and all the good stuff? Your responsibility.

All the bad stuff? Your responsibility. When you do turn on your marketing, you cannot afford to win those valuable first customers-to-be with poor behavior or lousy first impressions.

8: Take advantage of free consults and generous-with-theirtime colleagues who offer complimentary consults. Find a mentor. Find your community. If you don’t know how, call me. Then, in a co-learning way, ask them about their pain

points and figure out what your solutions would be. Make your peers part of your solution, share your plans when possible, make them your community and part of your market research program.

Then reward, reward, reward with a generous discount or added value offering.

9: Make sure you are pricing well – research your industry, shop your peers, research on line.

Don’t underprice yourself when marketing, unless your intent is to compete on price. Look at added value, a great experience, reasonable rates, satisfaction guarantees as opposed to the big mark down. However, giveaways, discounts, loyalty coupons, referral rewards are always a good idea, and better if they are for something everyone can use and worth a certain amount.

Most of us don’t blink an eye at 10% anymore.

10: Do as I say, not as I do.

MARK OUT specific DATES with your family and make yourself a client with specified client time on your calendar. The danger of becoming all consumed and having your relationships suffer is completely real. If you don’t believe it, call me. Your marketing will become about getting it out the door, not crafting it well, if you let yourself get caught up in all things (family, products, service creation, shameless self-promoting) feeling equal in priority. Technically, I do know this is true, and still struggling to master this one.

11: Do your homework on the most likely ad venue for you.

Ideally, it would be an integrated mix of: social media, earned media, sponsorships, signature events, (print, radio, television, bill board) media purchases, donations, website, article submission, direct mail, email blasts,

co-op promotions, collaborative and guerilla marketing.

12: With your marketing representative, media or account managers and vendors be generous and collaborative. Be nice, follow up, keep your word, work from your gut, values, heart, center, morals or whatever YOU call them. Speak your truth, as kindly as possible, and avoid lying.

In the end, marketing is all about having a well-thought out plan and being consistent with your message and implementation.

An integrated marketing plan can be creative and relatively inexpensive, but it does require business savvy and a solid way to differentiate you from the masses. It also requires you to be utterly honest with yourself and how much time you can spend, what your resources are, and how ready you are to get the party started.

Deanna A. Mims is owner and chief marketing enabler at MarketDone, a Tallahassee firm that provides marketing guidance, clarity and collaboration to reach your ideal clients. She works primarily with entrepreneurs, small business and non-profit associations and is always look for fresh, non-typical ways of delivery. For more information visit: www.marketdone.com

Magnificent Living Magazine

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It’s Easier than You Think!

W

hile computers have opened up the world to us they can also slow us down; unless we possess the proper tools. There are shortcuts galore to make a computer easier and more efficient to operate. Let’s take a look at a couple of those shortcuts now.

duce until the text is a comfortable size for you to read. Now that wasn’t so difficult was it?

When we are equipped with knowledge there is nothing we cannot do! A few great online resources for you to peruse are: https://support.microsoft. com/kb/126449 (Windows) and http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1343 (Mac).

So you’ve been searching for something online, visited many different websites and alas have finally found exactly what you were searching for; now Self-taught graphic designer, Jayne Rowe-Lincoln is if only the text was a bit larger or smaller for more well known for her ‘always on time’ graphics. Mothcomfortable reading. er of two adult children, and three grandchildren.

Jayne lives in Tallahassee, Florida with her husband, Well, I have a sizzling secret for you; the next time retired law enforcement officer, Adam and their long you run into this problem simply hold down your hair Chihuahua Nadalee. To contact Jayne and learn ctrl key (Windows) CMD (Mac) and press your + key more about her services please visit her website: to enlarge or ctrl key (Windows) CMD (Mac) to re- http://plainjayne.weebly.com

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Magnificent Living Magazine

Finding Courage to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone “Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.”

- Albert Einstein

Veneis Little is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Freelance stylist. She holds two Master’s Degree’s from Webster University in Counseling Psychotherapy and Management and Leadership. She is a lover of Christ and is actively involved in ministry within her community in Polk County, Florida

Albert Einstein defined insanity as, “Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.” As a psychotherapist, I am aware that this is not true insanity. True insanity is a debilitating mental disease. However, the central point, that we will somehow get different results if we do the same thing long enough, is certifiably crazy. How often do we make statements like “New Year, New me!” or “This time I am really committing to losing at least ten pounds,” and “If I give that toxic relationship just one more try, it will be different this time!”

Personally, I’ve committed to doing things differently, and if you are reading this, I’m encouraging you to do the same.

The best way to get out of your comfort zone is to be intentionally different. For example, one of the adjustments I chose to make pertains to my wardrobe.

I want my personal appearance to attract people of excellence, who are ambitious and business-minded. That means I can no longer run into the grocery store in my sweatpants with my hair in a messy bun.

Usually, the first thing I think when I am running errands is

that I want to be comfortable, but being comfortable is what I’ve always done. However, being uncomfortable and doing things outside of our ordinary routines is where preparation meets opportunity.

In order to obtain that which you’ve never had, you must be willing to do things you’ve never done. Stepping outside of your comfort zone requires doing things that seem a little “crazy”. When we think and do things outside of the box we perfect what I like to call our “faith-walk”. My definition of a faith-walk is a consistent attitude and application of faith, believing for something you do not currently possess. The beautiful thing is that none of our faith-walks look the same.

Your faith-walk may be traveling out of the country to start an orphanage and my faithwalk may entail believing for new employment.

Whatever new endeavor, relationship, or business venture that is pulling on your heart strings, courageously set your sails and chart new territory! I believe that greatness manifests when courage, faith, and passion collide.

Magnificent Living Magazine

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Create a Perfect Blend for your Life Have you ever taken a moment to pause, stop the clock for a moment, and ask yourself, “What makes me unique? Am I in tune with my own strengths and weaknesses? Do I pour positive energy into others? Are my decisions based solely on my thoughts (my head) or do I allow my heart to play a role? What’s my ultimate purpose in life and am I moving in that direction? Am I truly living or simply existing?”

Do you just stop and think, what’s the perfect blend for my life?

Recently, I forced myself to sit back and think about this very thing. I believe that too often, we get caught up in our day to day activities to the point that we rarely take a break, meditate on life and ask ourselves these important questions. We allow other people to define who we are, dictate our futures, and be the drivers of our success rather than taking control of our own lives.

Just as a barista takes the time to create the perfect blend for the coffee that we drink, we should become the creators of our very own cup of coffee so to speak.

We should create our own flavor, our own blend, and our own unique ingredients that allow us to brew a cup of coffee that is filled with happiness, joy, and success. I’ve found that when we don’t work towards creating the perfect blend, we begin to feel

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dissatisfied, purposeless, with- had challenges in life; however, I drawn, unhappy, and discon- have been able to overcome my nected from who we truly are. obstacles and press forward.

I am a Mocha Woman who has the courage and the strength of I am a Mocha Woman; a woman that a lion; however, I am not afraid to serves in many capacities: as a ser- shed a tear and admit my faults. vant, a mentor, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a co-worker, and a friend.

I am a Mocha Woman; a woman who exhibits the same qualities I am a Beautiful Mocha Woman; as many of you. a woman who is confident and sophisticated, but not conceited I am a Mocha Woman. and self-centered.

I want to encourage each of you I am a Mocha Woman with to find what it is that is lacking smarts; a woman who is intelli- in your life. Make a decision to gent and blessed with wisdom; smile more, love unconditionally, yet, I have the willingness to laugh uncontrollably, dance to learn from others. your own beat, and sing your own songs. I urge you to enjoy the esI am a Mocha Woman who is in- sence of the beauty of the things dependent and self-sufficient; around you. I pray that you take a however, I realize that I never leap and start that company that know when I will need someone. you have been dreaming about, further your education, or reach I am a Mocha Woman who loves for the job promotion you desire. to plan; a woman who is a stick- Stay focused and fulfill the yearnler for details, but like many, lacks ings of your head and heart that perfection. will put you in the place where you want to be. Be authentic, be I am a Mocha Woman who is suc- the person that God created you cessful; yet, I try to remain modest to be, be the creator of your signaand unassuming in my daily walk. ture cup of coffee.

Allow me to share with you who I am;

I am a Mocha Woman who stands firm on my beliefs; but has an open mind and feels that there is always room for compromise.

I am a Mocha Woman who has

Magnificent Living Magazine

Kimberly “Kimmie” Hemmingway is a Personal Blending Barista, Strategic Business Coach and Speaker.

For more information on how to “Create the Perfect Blend for your Life” visit:www.kimmiescup.com

Start using affirmations today to bring out your best self! Expand your mind and feed it with positivity words of life.

The Power of Self-Affirmations Have you said your affirmations lately? My favorite affirmation to say is “I choose to be happy” and I seriously mean it, think it and say it to myself as many times as it takes for my body, spirit and mind to absorb it. It makes me feel good especially when those thoughts are aligned with my mind and emotions, which then generate this boost of confidence within me. I become extremely confident in my belief that I am happy and the benefits of my happiness are endless.

What is an affirmation? Basically affirmations are a way of being in conscious control of your thoughts.

They are powerful positive statements that you declare with your mouth or thoughts in order to create the life you seek after. With repetition and belief you can have those statements. As you declare new truths and allow them to sink into your mind, any dysfunctional and negative thoughts will be eradicated. Affirmations can and will help you develop a more positive perception of yourself.

Start using affirmations today to bring out your best self! Expand your mind and feed it with positivity words of life. Use the power that’s inside of you to believe and permanently change those self-defeating thoughts of yourself. Believe me when I tell you that affirmations work. Try it yourself, just take a few minutes a day to meditate, visualize and become inspired to create the reality you passionately desire.

Rolande Mehu is a Haitian American native from Pompano Beach Florida. She is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s of science in business administration.

Magnificent Living Magazine

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DISCOVERING AND DEFINING

YOUR DIVINE WORTH 11 |

Magnificent Living Magazine

“Worth” seems to be the trending topic of the moment. Numerous individuals write songs about it and even have movies dedicated to lessons surrounding it. The underlying message they convey is that we need to convince others of our divine worth. Why do we spend endless amounts of time trying to convince onlookers of our unique value? Yes, I have been guilty of this as well.

However, the act of convincing others of our worth is fundamentally wrong. Think of it this way…there is a sexy pair of heels you would love to own. They have been assigned a price of $299 to represent their cost. This is not a suggestion but a declaration by the person in charge of assigning worth to them, usually their creator. Ultimately, if you want them to grace your feet with their presence you must be willing to pay. This level of worth does not change unless the one assigning the worth decides to change it.

It would seem foolish to walk into Nordstrom’s and say “I want those shoes for $49.99 please!” Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

This also translates into our monetary worth that we pursue in our careers and even in our businesses. Are you truly charging what your work is worth or demanding the salary that your experience deserves?

More than likely you’re NOT, which is common among women in business.

You are probably allowing others to dictate to you what your rates, product prices, and salary should be. Why? Is it out of fear?

Fear of rejection or being afraid that clients will not want to pay what you know your services deserve. There is an element of truth because, some people won’t; they’ll think it’s too high and that what you’re offering isn’t worth the price. That is perfectly ok. Just as there will be some who won’t be willing to invest there will be clients and employers who WILL value your worth and be willing to compensate you accordingly. You just have to step out in faith and in bold confidence.

Another reason why we continuously “suggest” and seek to “convince” others of our worthiness is, we have not taken the time to consult the still small

voice within us that tells us we are PRICELESS. I challenge you and encourage you to take some time alone to reflect on the true contribution you are making with your gifts and talents. You’ll begin to realize that your talents, gifts, and skills are needed in the world and you deserve to be adequately rewarded for it. Stand strong in your purpose and passion! By doing so you will attract quality clients to partner with, who recognize the value you offer in your services and products.

Lastly, Divas no more negotiating, no more bargaining and no more clearance! Refuse to devalue yourself and declare to the world I AM WORTHY! Famira M. Green also known as The Diamond DIVA your “Embeautiment Strategist”. She is a writer and blogger who is dedicated to equipping women to recognize the DIAMOND within and empowering them to outwardly celebrate the DIVA they are allowing them to shine brightly and impact the world!

Connect with Famira at www. fgthediamonddiva.com.

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How to Interview with Finesse

It doesn’t matter how well written your Resume’ is, or how it may impress the reader.

You must be able to articulate that information effectively to the person or committee with whom you will interview with.

The interview process requires some preparation on your part in order for you to stand out amongst the candidates who have been selected for an interview.

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Magnificent Living Magazine

3 Tips in Preparing for the Interview: 1) As soon as you make the decision to submit an application for a job, you should begin doing some homework which involves researching specific information about the company or agency that you desire to work for. Concentrate your focus on the division, bureau, or unit of interest and make note of the key personnel. Become knowledgeable about the duties and functions that you will be required to perform.

Obtain a copy of the job description if possible.

2) Do you have family, friends or associates who work for the company or who have a similar position that you are applying for? If yes, then ask them to provide you with insight about the company.

3) If you are not familiar with the location of where the interview will take place; drive by at least a day before the interview to familiarize yourself with the travel route and distance.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you on your journey to successful interviewing and landing the job of your dreams. At a minimum the information provided will empower you with the skills and knowledge you need and can use throughout your working career.

DO’(s) »» Dress appropriately in a clean business casual to conservative outfit »» Try to refrain from wearing overpowering perfumes, colognes, gels, etc. »» Arrive at least 10 minutes early »» Turn your cell phone and all other electronic devices off »» Bring a copy of your Resume »» Have a notebook portfolio and a pen available »» If required, check in at the security station or reception desk with ID »» Be courteous and polite with all persons that you encounter during your visit »» Listen carefully to every question and comment that is made by the interviewer »» Speak clearly and in a voice that you can be heard »» Make eye contact with everyone in the room and smile occasionally »» Ask questions that are pertinent to the position that you are applying for »» Be prepared to talk about accomplishments, achievements and future goals

DON’T(s) »» Dress inappropriately »» Arrive late for the pre-scheduled interview time »» Chew gum or eat candy »» Talk on the phone at any point during the interview »» Use slang during the dialog between yourself and the interviewer »» Make jokes or generate idol conversation »» Stare aimlessly at the ceiling, floor or walls »» Make excuses for not knowing the answer to a question or not being aware of something »» Falsify records. Many employers verify and confirm data that is on your Resume’ or statements that you make during the interview. »» Bad mouth previous employers, supervisors, managers, or co-workers

Yvonne Enoch is an accountant and certified public manager by profession but her real passion is writing, particularly poetry, short stories and reflective articles , where she best expresses her inner most thoughts covering a wide array of topics.

Magnificent Living Magazine

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The Journey to Ph.D.: Five Lessons I’m Still Learning Recently someone asked why I decided to pursue a Ph.D. A general reason often given is a thirst for knowledge or an innate sense of curiosity or passion for some academic discipline or subject matter. My response incorporated one of the first lessons I am learning in the journey to Ph.D.

Lesson 1: Staying connected to the purpose for pursuing a Ph.D. True enough, the degree is a valuable asset that increases one’s chances for obtaining higher paid jobs, it is a vehicle for upwards social mobility, and satisfies the fulfillment of personal and family ambitions.

However, these reasons alone

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are not enough to consistently drive me through the rigor of academic, mental, and time management demands associated with a Ph.D. program. I’ve had to frequently revisit that deep conviction in my heart to educationally and economically empower disadvantaged populations by enhancing my knowledge-base and analytical disposition as a Ph.D. student.

I’m learning that a constant connection to the “Why?” of what I do every day provides the fuel I need to keep focused and moving forward.

Lesson 2: Bouncing back from failure. At many points along the way, I’ve felt like a complete failure. Sometimes it seems like 90% of what I’m doing DOESN’T work. However, I’m learning that if everything worked perfectly the first time, I could have gotten my Ph.D. within the first year of completing my coursework. Countless times I’ve become anxious and frustrated. I’ve wanted to dropout because of a chronic mind set of defeat, and a feeling that what I was doing would never amount to anything. But as I pushed through, those worries, doubts, fears, and all those crit-

icisms gradually faded away.

As I am maturing through this process, I am learning to overcome these frustrations and realize that I am NOT a failure.

I understand now that failure is a normal part of life and is not a reflection of me as a person!

Simply put, I must accept, overcome and learn from it. As I continue to push forward and look at the BIG picture, I know that daily and ultimate success depends on the ability to recover from failure.

Lesson 3: Challenge develops character and leaders. I have always considered myself a leader prior to pursuing my Ph.D. However, as a well-seasoned graduate student, this skill is being sharpened on a daily basis.

With the challenges of pursuing this degree, I have become someone with MORE initiative, More passion, More drive, More tenacity, More cogency, and More perseverance. As a Ph.D. student, you are almost entirely on your own and must develop a keen sense of discipline. As a result, you are forced to develop certain character qualities and emerge a better and stronger person. You become better equipped to SEEK out answers.

You then learn to push your own ego aside to reach a common goal of fellow scholars: to help better human life through research. Other characteristics you must develop are diligence, time management, writing and communication skills, analytical and critical thinking skills,

and creative problem-solving.

Lesson 4: Valuing the support of family and friends. I’ll be honest. By nature, I have an inclination to be introverted. It is often difficult for me to reach out to others when I am in need of help or support.

However, through my journey to Ph.D., I’ve learned that there is NO WAY I would have made it this far without the help and support from family and close friends. Your mental and physical health are very important to maintain while in graduate school. You will need people to support you – whether it is financially, academically, emotionally or spiritually. Although your family or friends may not be able to completely relate to your situation (unless they went through the Ph.D. process), they are there to care and hear you out when you need a listening ear. I have found that my mental health dramatically improves when I seek the encouragement and help of others. This is significant to note because of the high depression rate among Ph.D. students. It is important to take time to value and appreciate your family and friends, because they are often there to get you through some of the hardest times in life. I am grateful for this tremendous God-given resource and am learning to take advantage of it.

Lesson 5: Never giving up.

The number one thing missing from many written acknowl-

edgments by Ph.D. students is giving credit to the one person who made it all possible God. Even if you don’t believe in God, I encourage you to reconsider. Having the companionship of God Himself through this journey will empower you beyond what you can physically do on your own. Without God, I would not be here today.

During some of the roughest and hardest times when I just felt like quitting and giving up, He was always there for me. He helped me survive. He gave me new life. In my weakness, His strength was perfected through me. Without Him, I have no doubt in my mind that I would have dropped out a long time ago. I am learning that this degree is not just something I wanted but what He purposed for my life. God has a plan for everyone. Yes, you can get through this journey without God, as I’m sure thousands of people do. However, when you have God on your side, you have someone to turn to during those lonely times. He is actually the number ONE reason that I made it this far. The journey to Ph.D. is a challenging road. I knew this before I started the program, but wasn’t prepared for how challenging it would truly be. However, the one thing I am still learning is to never give up, and God is daily giving me the strength to see it through to the end.

By Dawnette Banks, Ph.D. Candidate

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MAGNIFICENT MONARCHS

TINY DANCERS, BIG IMPACT

strong winds stirred them, the leaves on the trees toward the far end were shifting and moving.

Coming closer, I discovered the most amazing treasure I had yet to find in my explorations.

During the hours I spent playing outside in the summertime as a child, I was almost always in the company of a few monarch butterflies. To me, they seemed to be my special guides, leading me on adventures from a thicket of bushes at a fence line out into the open spaces where they would coyly disappear among grasses. If I followed I was likely to discover flowers or other treasure.

One day I noticed that dozens of monarchs were streaming across the road from my family’s farmland to the cemetery across the road. Like any curious child in search of an adventure and drawn in by the mystery of this deliberate procession, I followed them.

As I walked down a row between the largest old trees in the cemetery, I realized that though no

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Magnificent Living Magazine

The leaves were in fact butterflies, monarchs turning the branches a rusty orange in a bunch of a couple hundred. If I walked among them or gently moved a low-hanging branch, the world would explode in fluttering orange as the monarchs danced around me.

This encounter has profoundly defined who I am, shaping my work as a dancer and performing artist. In order to attempt to explain what the monarchs have taught me, I must dance; dance their dance as best I can.

Monarch butterflies. The very thought of the orange-and-black beauties kindles in us the almost-forgotten sensation of sunshine-on-skin.

The image of a graceful monarch may evoke memories of childhood, of summer days spent at happy play, and even the comforting aromas

the kind of experience I had. Now to raise awareness of their plight, I dance for them. I hope you, too, will join me in moving for monarchs.

Moving for Monarchs is an initiative of artists and scientists to raise awareness of the issues facing pollinators through conservation education…and dance! We invite people everywhere to get “moving for monarchs” by taking two simple steps:

of grandmother’s blooming garden where monarchs were frequent guests, moving from flower to flower in the spinning, fluttering “dance” of nectar feeding.

As they feed, monarchs and other pollinators engage in one of the most important, intricate choreographies on earth: the “dance of life” that we call pollination. The ceaseless rhythms of pollination, performed by these “tiny dancers”—as well as bees, hummingbirds, bats, and moths — are responsible for approximately 70% of the green, growing plant life on earth.

As the spring returns to North America, so too will the majestic monarch butterflies, but this year they will return in much smaller numbers than in springs and summers gone by. From 2012 to 2013, the monarch butterfly population plunged 59%.

This past winter’s count showed further losses.

The severe decline of monarchs can be attributed in large part to loss of habitat: that is native plants and nectar flowers.

1) Beginning this spring, share your very own, unique “Monarch Move” for inclusion in the “Dance of Life” in an online video campaign to help spread the word about the monarchs and why they need our help! Visit the Moving for Monarchs Facebook page or our website, www.movingformonarchs.org, and we’ll keep you posted so when the campaign launches YOU can be part of it from the start! Also, a great activity with kids and friends!

2) Just as importantly, visit our partner Monarch Watch at www.monarchwatch.org to find out how you can turn that monoculture yard that you are tired of mowing (or a section of your garden) into a Monarch Waystation and a pollinator oasis!

You will be pleased with the presence of Magnificent Monarchs as visitors, and you will be doing invaluable work for our butterfly friends!

But the monarchs are the “canary in the cornfield,” so to speak. Their fate is intricately interwoven with our own. Imagine your grocery store stripped of strawberries, raspberries, peas, apples, almonds and a variety of other foods, and you begin to get the picture of the world devoid of color, taste, fragrance and natural resources that will ultimately result from the loss of our pollinators.

I cannot imagine a world in which monarchs are no longer dancing, in which children cannot have

By Gwynedd Vetter-Drusch, Director of Moving for Monarchs

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Seize the Moments of Each New Day! Do you feel like you are continually on crunch time? Well the answer is simple. Make time for it all. Create a system that works for you, execute it, and REFUSE to budge NOMATTER-WHAT. When you begin prioritizing the things that are important & that are in TOP priority, you’ll begin creating the time you once thought you didn’t have.

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Magnificent Living Magazine

Here’s how to start. First, write a list of all the things that are HIGHLY important to you in the order of its importance.

Next, generate a second list of the things that are moderately important, and another list to follow. Adjust the numbers at any moment you deem necessary. As you grow, plans may be altered.

Once you have developed your action lists, you possess a clear idea as to how to execute your day. A vital step to take is to begin operating the system you’ve created. Be precise, consistent, and aim for excellence.

Numerous distractions such as things, people, and even appealing opportunities will often arise causing you to lose valuable time. Your pre-written list provides structure and space to evaluate: How significant is this request? Will this be a mutually beneficial relationship? Is this opportunity the best fit in lieu of personal goals?

Let me share my daily routine.

Each day I wake up extra early to spend time with myself to meditate. During this space, I listen to my own thoughts, and curiosities about life. At the pre-determined hour, I begin my routine for work. I purposefully plan to make preparation for work the quickest. This is an effective strategy because if I arrive early enough, I can easily get into a seamless work rhythm. It’s when I work the most creatively and efficiently as a result of minimum interruptions.

By noon I have officially concluded the necessities of work, and focus on extracurricular activities for example: blogging, personal development techniques, or peculiar research (I do that a-lot, thanks TED Talks).

As a human being, I admit there are days I’m too tired to

wake up early, I miss out on my quiet time, and don’t make it in to work for early. In order to regain my composure, I make a conscious decision to close my door, silence my cell phone and take a breather as life does get hectic.

So why create a system if things will eventually veer off track? Because practice makes perfect! A glitch in the system is inevitable. Yet once you’ve mastered it, bouncing back will be a cinch! Although we cannot buy time, we do have the power to orchestrate how we expend it.

“As a visionary, motivator, and personal/ career development consultant, Sarah Lee has found her purpose in life, and is on a mission to help others find theirs. While teaching others to live in abundance, Ms. Lee has developed the qualities in producing and obtaining all that one desires.

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Set the Standard for Your Health So you’ve made up your mind to shed a few pounds. Your gym membership is in full effect, you’ve purchased some new exercise gear and your grocery list has received a much needed makeover. However, after a couple of weeks into your new program, you slowly slip back into your old ways, and it’s as though the fire and determination has completely disappeared.

We always hear that getting started is the hardest part, but often times, lack of consistency is the largest culprit as it relates to improving our health and well-being. In order to reach the level of wellness we desire, it is utterly important that we find effective ways to hold ourselves accountable and responsible for our actions—whether they are good or bad. By taking

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a step back and assessing the full picture, we are able to see where changes are needed in order for us to improve our diet, lose excess weight, reduce our stress levels, or simply improve our overall health. The following tips are a few ways in which you can hold yourself accountable for getting to where you want to be, health-wise.

1) Create a Vision: Having a goal to work towards is wonderful, but allowing it to be a part of a larger and more fulfilling vision makes the journey a little more exciting. Losing some weight may mean improving your productivity within your line of work. Increasing your energy levels may help you to devote more focus and attention to your new start-up business. Reducing the limitations caused by chronic ailments may allow you to take greater advantage of what life has to offer. When our health and wellness goals tie back to a vision of great purpose, it helps us to remain motivated to accomplish them in effort to make our vision a reality.

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TIP: Sit in silence for a moment and imagine what a healthy life would look like for you and let that become the foundation of your vision. Write it down and place it somewhere visible so that you’ll constantly be reminded of what you are working towards 2) Challenge Yourself: For some people, performing the same workout routine over and over is what leads to a lack of boredom, lack of results and eventually an extended hiatus from the workout regimen. Our bodies are capable of phenomenal feats of strength, endurance, and flexibility yet many of us never get to witness it due to our own self-limiting actions. As the quote goes, “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” Unless you are dealing with a particular pain or past injury, it’s okay to now turn that walk into a jog, bump your 40 minute bike ride up to 50 minutes, or move on from those 5lb weights up to 8lbs. The same can be said for our self-talk.

Don’t let laziness trick you into thinking it is something more serious than it is. Push past your desire to remain in your comfort zone and do more than you ever imagined you could.

TIP: Make it a habit to increase the difficulty of your workout routines every two to three weeks. In due time you’ll amaze yourself with what you can do, making you less likely to quit.

3) Utilize Fitness and Dietary Trackers: Sometimes it can be hard to swallow the revealing statements others make when observing our bad behaviors.

However, when we ourselves can point out and accept when and where we have slipped up, it shows us where necessary changes are required. A tracker, whether it be a notebook, technological device, phone app, or dry erase board, help you to create the habit of documenting all of your physical activity and meals while on your wellness journey. Should you not hit your desired goals within a certain time frame; you will have the ability to go back and review what could have been improved upon and incorporate those findings into your

future attempts.

TIP: Look into apps such as MyFitnessPal, Fitness Buddy, and LiveStrong-Calorie Counter which allow you to record your daily meals and physical activity and select the best exercises for your specific goals.

4) Aim to Inspire: The transformation that many people undergo while embarking on their wellness journeys oftentimes becomes a source of inspiration for others who are dealing with the same health concerns. Maybe you have family members who are discouraged from becoming healthier because they feel that they don’t deserve it. Perhaps you want to set an example that your children will follow and implement as they get older. Although you shouldn’t start your wellness journey for the approval of others, aspiring to encourage someone else can bring you both a sense of fulfillment and drive knowing that you have others rooting in your corner.

TIP: Come up with a mini-challenge or health initiative within your church, organization, or just amongst your family which to help you to reach you well-

ness goals while motivating others to do the same.

No matter what it is we aim to improve upon or change in our lives, once we confidently come to decision that we are capable of doing so, we shift our mindset and our energy in a direction that will surely get us to our goals. Getting there may not be easy, but when we can follow up that confidence with a sense of accountability and responsibility for every action we make, we learn and grow along the way. Your journey towards greater health and well-being is one that can be a life-changer so strive to make the effort to do everything you know and believe you can accomplish.

Rashida A. Marshall is a fitness coach and the owner of Skillfully Sculpted, where she offers fitness training and health education to help shape women into their best selves. Ms. Marshall strives to empower women to take charge of their health by encouraging them to develop a newfound perception of health & fitness. For tips, advice, and videos to help shape you into your best self, visit Skillfully Sculpted.com.

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THE ESSENCE OF TRUE BEAUTY When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you look even better. And then you can do anything!

Beauty builds confidence and confidence amplifies beauty. All women deserve to be appreciated, respected, and admired.

This means YOU! When a woman improves her appearance, an amazing thing happens. Take a moment to think about the following: How does it make you feel when others pay attention to you, listen to you, seek your company, and ask for your opinion?

Are you more confident? As confidence grows, so does respect at work, home, and everywhere you go. You look better and insecurity begins to fade away.

In order to build your confidence and self-esteem, always make

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yourself look good. Take additional time to fix your hair, polish your nails, apply makeup and dress nicely. Aside from your wardrobe and jewelry, your hair, nails, and makeup are beauty basics. Refuse to make excuses.

Your weight, age, and complexion should never keep you from enhancing your appearance.

Would you believe that beauty is a secret weapon of success and the skillful application of makeup is the secret weapon of beauty! A fact: Women who are perceived as “good looking” receive higher pay than women who are perceived as “plain or homely”. Each of us were born with distinct features.

Magnificent Living Magazine

The question is, how can we enhance our personal appearance?

An immediate solution that will improve your life dramatically, for very little money is to simply learn how to use cosmetics effectively.

When applied correctly, makeup enhances your own natural beauty. It calls attention to your best features and conceals or deemphasizes perceived flaws.

Makeup applied tastefully and skillfully, along with your clothing, hair, and nails, will reveal confidence and pride, which are marks of a successful woman.

Women have been enhancing their faces and highlighting

their best features with makeup for centuries. Today’s permanent cosmetic procedures offer a new option for the busy woman. It can be used to increase or emphasize key features, such as super-thin brows, super-thin lips, or a scar that needs camouflaging.

Eyebrows are enhanced mostly by shaping and defining. Perfect eyebrows must be symmetrical which can be difficult to achieve with daily makeup application. Permanent eyeliner creates a natural defined finishing touch. Scar Camouflage can help with post-operative scars or general burns. Lip enhancements focus on lip coloring. Lips can look fuller and more natural without collagen injections! Women with severe skin problems, uneven hairlines, and makeup allergies can benefit from permanent cosmetic procedures.

For today’s busy woman, the simple need to save time on applying makeup may be enough reason to enjoy the benefits of permanent makeup. Permanent cosmetics is a great alternative to daily makeup application for either the busy woman or an individual looking for a long-term solution to facial and skin problems. The results can be amazing!

Some women choose permanent cosmetic procedures to simply hide an imperfection.

Scars are one of the common reasons for getting color added, especially over the lips and eye-

brows. It won’t wash off, smear, or run down your face. Look great after a day at work, a long exercise workout, or even after a hot shower.

Permanent cosmetics are great for anyone in general who has trouble with regular makeup application. If you have cosmetic allergies, you can make your life way easier. Additionally, shaky hands or bad eyesight makes it difficult to apply makeup. Permanent cosmetic procedures are definitely ways to improve beauty features without plastic surgery. It allows you to correct thin lips, scanty eyebrows or sparse lashes. Imagine going to sleep at night and waking in the morning with the same full lips, beautifully shaped brows or lush lashes. No more applying lipstick, eyeliner, or repeatedly seeking to draw a perfect set of eyebrows. You can pop out of bed ready for the day with less hassle and say goodbye to monotonous daily rituals. Once your eyebrows, lashes, or lips are professionally enhanced, you suddenly have a few more precious moments to enjoy in your daily schedule. Another wonderful benefit, is permanent makeup will not fade as the day goes by.

All women are beautiful. However, when we feel good about how we look on the outside, it builds our confidence on the inside. Permanent makeup should appear natural and attractive as with conventional cosmetics. Any shade of pigment and outline can be created to suit all

complexion types. It is possible to augment facial features without it being obvious. Implanted color is always much more natural in appearance than any applied conventional cosmetic.

When we are interacting with others, we laugh, we cry, and we have various facial expressions.

People look at our face intently when they want to know us better or understand us. It is never a question of whether you are pretty or plain, young or old, or thin or not…it is a matter of your self-image! When you feel beautiful, you are beautiful! A good appearance shows that you respect yourself. When others see you, they feel respect for you too.

As a woman, you can vary your appearance from day to day. You can change your hairstyle, hair color, clothing, makeup, nails, or your entire look. Build suspense, confidence, self-esteem, and keep admirers interested! Learn to love your face and become a more daring and self-assured woman!

Dr. Teresa Bowling, PhD is an entrepreneur, writer, educator, and business owner. She has post-graduate degrees in education and counseling as well as certifications for hypnotherapy, midwifery, esthetics and permanent cosmetics. Currently she serves as Director, Casa Chiaro Aestheticians’ Skin Care & Permanent Cosmetic Clinic and Executive Matchmaker for Matched By Invitation. She has worked with individuals, universities and corporations in over 42 countries as well as across the U.S.

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