The New Economy • January 2021 • Be Well for Women Magazine

JANUARY 2021

DR. DR.

KESHIA KESHIA TATE TATE

ON ON THE THE NEW NEW

ECONOMY ECONOMY

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Be Wellers!

CARMEN RAY

Thank you for joining us for the Be Well Magazine 2021 edition. Back in September 2020, I started contemplating what would be the "theme" and overall message for our January issue.

Brainstorming my list of ideas, I decided on "The New Economy."

So much in our local and global economy has changed, and unfortunately so many were unable to recover or pivot. Then there were others that we're able to adjust and soar. You will meet many of them featured in Be Well Magazine.

This is clearly our time to take inventory of our gifts, talents, and skills and make a decision to move our businesses from hobby to profit. Dr. Keshia Tate was selected for our cover because of her in-depth understanding of how our finances impact our health. Dr. Tate exemplifies the example of assessing our gifts, talents, and execution. Shawntell Parr Taylor of Wealth, Wicks, and Wine will be joining our efforts to provide insights and resources in the area of wealth building and financial empowerment.

Be Well for Women is all about creating content and platforms for Women Entrepreneurs to Be Well Connected, Informed, and Inspired. We are extremely excited and confident in our new Editor-in-Chief, Crystal Thompson to expand our vision based upon your feedback. Crystal received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from an HBCU—Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. After teaching English/Language Arts and Literature for 11 years, she transitioned to Human Resources and writing. This year Crystal launched a successful blog, OnMyQ Blog, where she delivers a digest of stories and scenarios in hopes to stimulate readers to compare/contrast experiences and seek to be better—one day at a time. She is an essayist with a passion for literacy.

Crystal is determined to highlight the hidden gems in our community as editor in chief and stresses the importance of creativity, supply and demand to scale up the Be Well Magazine footprint.

Over the past year, we have learned the importance of taking the time to make our houses homier, yet practical, since most of us are spending more time at home. We're so excited to introduce you to our Home Interior Featured Contributor— Shauna Weatherspoon of SW Living . Shauna's featured articles will get our creative juices flowing as she highlights the power of homeownership and how to make our home a sanctuary with family, friends, and lots of fancy and fabulous ideas.

Yes, we may be working and/or building businesses online but we still need to be cute and fashionable, ladies. No one does that more creatively and consistently as Executive Coach Shontina Gladney of The Entrepreneurs Society . You will surely be inspired by her fashion tips and entrepreneurial messages.

Speaking of leveraging and expanding our online presence and posture, Business/Branding Coach Michael Damond continues to go above and beyond in delivering technology tips and tools to take us all to the next level with his Tech Talk Tuesdays.

As we gear up to travel again in 2021, we want to travel with Women of Travel Rock! The New Economy is not about running for more but capturing opportunities to maximize and be grateful for what we already have. So if you want to create the best staycation ever or learn how to own your own home-based travel business, Wendy Campbell and Jackie DeLane are here to walk you through each step.

BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

ENTER TO WIN

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Take Our Survey We are so excited about growing and collaborating with you! Because we aim to serve our readers, you are invited to complete a brief survey to be entered to win a $50 Be Well coupon. The coupon can be redeemed with any one of our Be Well MarketPlace Vendors.

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JANUARY 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

CRYSTAL THOMPSON, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE...

Happy New Year

Thank goodness for the newness of 2021! If you listen closely you will hear the whispers of a million new resolutions. Bring them on—all of them!

However, before announcing to everyone on social media, there IS one

“IF IT’S NOT HARD, YOU’RE NOT DREAMING B I G E N O U G H . ” ~Oprah Winfrey

caveat; one rule prior to setting that goal. This year, whatever you are thinking....think bigger. Is this the year you are going back to school? Make your resolution to go back to school, get straight A’s, and find a way to give back to an HBCU. Planning to drop a few pounds? Resolve to drop those pounds AND do everything necessary to finally get off of that medication.

Serious about saving $10,000 by year’s end? Go bigger and save $12,000– start an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) with the additional $2,000.

It is no longer enough to flaunt a list of ordinary goals when you were created to be extraordinary.

If bigger sounds uncomfortable, it is supposed to. Next-level living— greatness—comes at a price. The pre-pandemic world would never have subscribed to the many sacrifices that were demanded of us in 2020. After what we have been through, we can all stand tall in the mirror and call ourselves resilient—unbroken, unwavering, and unstoppable. We are more than capable of upgrading to bigger goals because we have proven to be capable of sacrifice. Fill the next twelve months with sacrifice in the name of success.

My “bigger” goal this year is to support and deliver Be Well Magazine as more than just a collection of articles. Be Well will be an extraordinary work —a publication that engages, educates, and edifies women and communities as a whole. Bigger for me will mean striving tirelessly to find and frame the stories, the resources, and the real needs of aspiring leaders, readers, dreamers, mothers, business owners, fundraisers, designers, authors, builders, and champions. On this journey, I may have to miss a friend’s baby shower, or I may have to pass on a luxury here or there in order to capture new opportunities; and I am excited to be uncomfortable to build a bigger Be Well Magazine experience. Join me in choosing bigger goals this year. Let us all insist on sacrificing in the name of success. The time is now to be extraordinary.

Love and wellness to you all!

Crystal Thompson Editor, Be Well Magazine BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

JANUARY 2021 ISSUE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CONTENTS

Thank You

2021 ADVISORY COMMITTEE Carmen Ray ~ Founder Yolanda Anderson-Wagner Jocelyn Gillespie-Obermeyer Sandy Malone Michael Damond Cyrena Martin Laneice McGee Dr. Keshia Tate Dr. Pamela Hemphill-Walker Crystal Thompson Patrice Register

08. IT'S PEARL SEASON Coach Shontina Gladney

10. FINANCIAL FOCUS Shawntell Taylor

12. THE NEW ECONOMY Dr. Keshia Tate

MAGAZINE DESIGN BY Michael Damond - WemergeMedia.com

15. FROM THE INSIDE OUT Jocelyn Gillespie-Obermeyer

17. SW HOMES & LIVING Shauna Weatherspoon

19. A NEW YOU, AN OLD YOU OR THE SAME OL’, SAME OL’?

Beverly Brown

20. LIVING LIFE ON MY TERMS Wendy Campbell

21. SELF-CARE UNAPOLOGETICALLY Jackie DeLane

22. SOULS OF MY SISTERS AUTHOR Nancy Yarbrough-Banks BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

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It’s Pearl Season!

BY COACH SHONTINA GLADNEY

I remember saving up money to purchase my very first pearl.

You heard that correctly— a pearl, one by one, to eventually create a necklace. Time went on and I lost the desire to own a pearl necklace until a couple of years ago. After attending formal events to business meetings and noticing a wide range of pearls, I became intrigued once again. Allow me to share my top 5 findings as I start my journey of collecting my pearls.

The pearl symbolizes different things to those who adorn them. I have heard many stories; some people believe that pearls symbolize self-care and self-love. They believe this as organisms must care for and protect themselves, even as it creates each pearl. Wearing a classic pearl necklace represents pride and is a privilege for many women of all ages.

The beauty of pearl necklaces is that they can be worn every single day giving you a different look and attitude every single time. Whether you are into more classy combinations or modern-chic blends, the pearl will indeed grow to be your best friend. The pearl works well with all skin tones and personal fashion choices.

The classic single-strand, white Japanese Akoya pearl necklace is the pinnacle of accessories to complement and style up all types of outfits—whether formal, casual, or elegant. The pink pearl necklace plays on the romantic and bohemian side, highlighting the skin tone and hair of blonde women and ladies with light skin and hair tones. A lavender pin pearl necklace complements women with darker skin tones and hair who want to add a dash of glamour to their ensembles. Lavender pearls are elegant and sophisticated in their own right; you should pair them well so as not to clash with your outfits. A black pearl necklace is the epitome of sophisticated, seductive elegance. Black pearls are usually worn on formal occasions. They contrast beautifully with lighter skin tones and hair colors, but they add a dash of mysterious appeal to ladies with darker skin tones and hair.

If you prefer to wear pearls on glamorous, elegant events and occasions, you should be aware that long pearl necklaces should be chosen in accordance with your body type. If you are busty, a 30-inch pearl necklace may not flatter you at all. Longer pieces, (above 36 inches long) are the preferred choice as they make your body look longer and slimmer. Also, long necklaces can be worn with a loose knot or wrapped around your neck a few times to add more sophistication to your overall look. Massive statement pieces go extremely well with strapless, off-shoulder, or spaghetti-strapped dresses, not to mention crew-neck blouses or dresses (as long as the gown’s fabric is a solid one and does not present patterns or other embellishments).

A pearl necklace is a must-have for any occasion. The only concern you should have (in discovering another reason to head to your favorite jeweler) is to choose the pearl that is right for you!

BE WELL INFORMED

SHAWNTELL TAYLOR

WEALTH, WICKS & WINE

Financial Focus

Dear Readers,

Shawntell Taylor

Wealth, Wicks, & Wine (WW&W) allows me to share my passions about the epic evolution of women, business and financial matters, and the fact that I enjoy networking and having candlelit conversations over amazing food and wine with

Author of Book Heavy Content CEO of Midwest Advantage Holdings Company, a one-stop-shop for all business and

other professional women. My vision for Wealth, Wicks, & Wine includes a weekly podcast and quarterly wine tasting events with various business, wealth building, and financial topics that are conducive to women. WW&W gives women the information and resources that are necessary to be well in health, spirituality, business, career, & the main topic--FINANCE.

financial needs for individuals, families, & small businesses.

For women, having financial empowerment is a necessity. Research shows that women earn less than their male counterparts which impact our finances in a

CEO of Chayil Incorporation, a non-profit

major way. For example, because many women earn less than men—we are

organization that assists women with achieving

often at a disadvantage as it relates to saving and investing for retirement

their life, career, and financial goals and

planning. Oftentimes women are responsible for managing household finances,

dreams.

Chief Visionary Officer, Shawntell Nicole LLC Hostess of Podcast, Wealth, Wicks & Wine.

and a lack of financial resources can cause the wrong decisions to be made for the family. For years, more and more women have been pursuing higher education and obtaining degrees. This is an amazing achievement that is very expensive for most women due to astronomical amounts borrowed in student loans.

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Student loan debt plagues the households of many women, which ties back to the amount of annual income that is earned vs. our male counterparts in business

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and in the workplace. Overall, it is important for women to gain the wisdom and

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knowledge in finance to include saving, budgeting, asset, and income protection,

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retirement planning, homeownership, business establishment, and more!

I look forward to providing the resources that women need through Wealth, Wicks, & Wine.

BE WELL INFORMED

DR. KESHIA TATE - CHANGE YOUR WEALTH, CHANGE YOUR HEALTH.

THE NEW ECONOMY

Whoa...

2020 WILL GO DOWN AS THE YEAR THE WORLD CHANGED FOREVER!

Without a doubt, we can all agree that most people living in the world today have been impacted in one way or the other over the past 9 months. We have watched the economy plunge into a tailspin. Agreed?

We can also agree that our world and our economy has changed as we know it. Many people have been furloughed, laid off, and completely lost their incomes literally overnight. Men and women from all over the world have been forced to find new jobs, new careers, and learn new skills to survive.

Even prior to the pandemic the paradigm shift had begun.

The pandemic just thrust us into a NEW ECONOMY! Were you caught by surprise or were you ready? Congratulations and well done if you were ready for it. As Colin Powell stated, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”

Are you in the category of “caught by surprise”. No worries. There is still time to get ready, but you must act quickly. In fact, the time has arrived for you to BEcome an active, thriving participant in the NEW ECONOMY. BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL INFORMED

*MASTERCARD AND KAISER ASSOCIATES, MAY 2019; “THE GLOBAL GIG ECONOMY.”, NEWSROOM.MASTERCARD.COM

You may be wondering, how do I BEcome part of the NEW (gig) economy that is projected to grow to $455 billion by year-end 2023 in gross volume transactions. Should I repeat that number or do you understand there is an incredible opportunity for you to BEcome an entrepreneur in this new economy? Finally, this is the perfect moment for you to take control of your life, your income, and your future. Well, of course, you can keep your 9-5 pm if they are still in business or can afford to keep you. But the handwriting is on the wall—if you want to thrive and not be left behind in this NEW ECONOMY, you must take a leap of faith.

Yes, the pandemic side-swiped the entire world. Many lessons learned, but it is not time to give up—it IS time to LEVEL up. Take a moment and look within; ask yourself what you were sent here to do? In other words, why are YOU here on planet earth beyond the obvious? Once you have clarity then think about the problems that exist in our world and how YOU—using your gifts, talents, education, and experiences can solve those problems. BOOM there it is!

Rise up!

Start your business, create financial success, have the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. BEcome part of the movement and BEcome part of the New Economy.

The world awaits YOU!

BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL INFORMED

"I'm so honored to be one of the featured women in this book. " Carmen Ray

Engaging and Working with African American

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With chapters written primarily by African American women – drawing on years of research, interviews, and practical experience with this demographic – each section explores current evidence on engagement approaches, descriptions of agencies/programs addressing specific issues fathers face, and case studies documenting typical clients and approaches to addressing their diverse needs. Offering an expansive overview of issues affecting African American fathers, the book explores such important topics as public, child and mental health, education, parenting, employment, and public initiatives among others.

BE WELL INSPIRED

JOCELYN GILLESPIE OBERMEYER

FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Weight Release Coach In August 2019, I reconnected with Bright Line Eating, and it has changed my life. I love what this program offers. I was As far back as I can remember, I was a target. I had a nickname - Garbage Disposable – and a tagline, “Give it to Jocelyn. She’ll eat anything.” I was only in 4th grade. As the years went on and I got older, my weight went up as well. I started to feel like a knock-off, like the never-good-enough copy of who I should have been. At 15 years old, I was overweight, but, looking back, I would love to have THAT overweight body back right now, and that is what I am working toward.

In college, I managed to lose the “freshman 15” instead of gain it. As anyone who has struggled with their weight understands, I found it later plus more. The busier I got, the higher my stress and anxiety, and because I hadn’t learned proper coping skills, how to balance my life so I could manage my schedule, of course, my stress levels were through the

invited in November 2019 to an Into The Clear Meeting and quickly realized that this was a gift and the timing was perfect.

This program was one of four pivotal points for me. I soon realized that for me, the inside work was what I needed so I hung on tight so I could hang on differently to a number of losses; my Dad, Patrick, and Manny (most recently), in particular, as well as additional family members and friends in the short span of 16 months who transitioned to their eternal home.

I am facilitating the Into The Clear program, and I have created both a platform and a business: From the Inside Out. To learn more about the program, connect with me on Facebook In the Be Well for Women Group. I am now one of the featured coaches on Wednesdays.

roof. I was taught - and I lived by this – “You will get through this. Just work harder.”

BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL INSPIRED

CO-FACILITATED BY

JOCELYN GILLESPIE-OBERMEYER

of From the Inside Out

The Into the Clear Educational Series stands on the shoulders of leading voices in the field of addiction and recovery. We agree with those advocates who look at the whole person in a community approach to helping bring those wrestling with addiction into the light of a peaceful, fruitful, and substantive life.

To learn more about, contact Jocelyn Phone: 602.565.0522 Email: jocelynobe@hotmail.com

BE WELL INSPIRED

SHAUNA WEATHERSPOON - SHAUNAWEATHERSPOON.COM

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Beloveds!

I am Shauna Weatherspoon of SW Living and I am truly

In this issue, I feature some homes that I recently staged

honored to share this new year message with the Be Well

& sold. Often times, I can work with household items that

community as a writing contributor. The past year has had

the owner already has in the home. I like to develop a

many ups and downs for so many of us, but if there is

color scheme, and then play off of that from room to

anything we have learned, it is to cherish the little moments

room. I simply add pop colors with throw pillows, then

in the day to day—especially moments spent with those we

toss in different shades & tones that keep a common

love. My goal this year for all of you darlings is to inspire

thread throughout the space. Next, I move homegood

each of you to find meaningful moments that everyone will

pieces around to ensure the home shows in the best

appreciate, share some ideas on how to decorate

light. Every client comes to know how passionate I am

throughout your home with your own special touch, and

about loving where you live! That is a REALLY big deal

provide you with home buying & selling tips along the way.

to me and I do not hold back when it comes to decorating.

I absolutely love transforming clients’ homes after learning more about their lives. I am a huge believer that your space should “speak back to you” by having things you love such as pictures, furniture, and table settings that reflect you and your loved ones.

BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL INSPIRED

FIND MEMORABLE

Moments

Whether your home design style is modern or traditional, it should reflect your personal taste throughout. Choose ONLY those colors that you LOVE! Whether it is your bedding, bath towels, painting a wall, or purchasing a new cool couch…choose items that you will enjoy. If you are thinking about changing out a light fixture, be selective! Lighting is like jewelry, it can make such a huge difference in your space.

I pray you have enjoyed the information & photos shared in this issue; I can't wait to see what you all create throughout your space in the upcoming year.

From our home to yours…

We are wishing you all a blessed & prosperous new year filled with making beautiful memories and lots of laughter; while staying healthy and enjoying great meals with your closest family & friends who feed your soul!

As a leading professional in the real estate field, my focus is on helping you make the move that is right for you. I view each home sale or purchase as a stepping stone in your life. Whether you are buying or selling a home, I can help you get the results you are looking for!

Peace & Blessings… Let's Connect Soon on Facebook To learn more about Shauna & her passion-work, please visit www.rodfoundation.org and www.shaunaweatherspoon.com.

BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL INSPIRED

Email me at creativeconsultingvision@yahoo.com for a FREE Discovery Questionnaire that will help you to identify the same old, same old and figure out a new way to become the NEW YOU.

Includes a FREE 30-minute consultation

BEVERLY BROWN - CREATIVE CONSULTING DREAMS

2021 A NEW YOU, AN OLD YOU

or the Same Ol’, Same Ol’?

Yes, those are your choices for 2021 and for EVERY New Year

Just remember that our same old unproductive choices are

you encounter. You can choose to be a NEW YOU, or go back

taking us away from advancing that day, that week, that

to the Old You from years gone by; OR choose to do the Same

month...and eventually becomes that year.

Ol’, Same Ol’ way of handling your goals, dreams and vision.

I wish there was a magic wand that knocked me in the head Yes, there is a difference between old and same ol’, same ol’.

EVERY day to help me focus on making that choice and

The Old You was growing and experiencing various things—

committing to it; I am sure you wish for the same. However,

probably aLOT of really bad things. However, the Same Ol’,

there is no such magic– only your SPIRIT can help jolt you

Same Ol’ is still the old you but doing the same things over and

into that preferred mindset of A NEW ME!

over again finding yourself facing the same challenges from year to year. Repeating the procrastination, repeating the doubt

Choose a NEW ME every day! Each morning is a NEW DAY

in your mind, repeating the excuses you have managed to build

to start all over—again and again. And it starts with YOU

up, and relying on them to keep you repeatedly operating in the

being well with yourself and beginning EACH day with that

same ol’, same ol’ just becomes useless, redundant and

thought. What can I do today to be BRAND NEW? How can I

wasteful.

create a NEW circumstance that will help me fulfill THIS day, and that will impact the next NEW DAY, new week, new

I have often done that myself, so do not think you are the only

month or new YEAR? It is time we took a LONG-term view of

one or think you are a mess because you realize you have. It’s

the future and make the choice to not be an Old You—

called LIFE and we live it year after year with the same choices

thinking and doing the Same Ol’, Same Ol’. Let us CHOOSE

from the title—New You, Old You or Same Ol’, Same Ol’. The

and ACT to be a New Me!

key is that GOD ALWAYS allows us to CHOOSE which path to take. That choice is given to us year after year, birthday after

2021 – Let’s CHOOSE to make it your BEST year EVER

birthday, and also day after each and every day.

and then repeat CHOOSING to make every year a better year again and again for all UPCOMING years to come.

We wake up with those choices. It is just a matter of whether it changes that day, that week, that month or even that year.

BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL INSPIRED

"I knew I deserved better" After being married for several years and two children later, I felt that there had to be better for me. I was in a marriage where I felt like I was alone, and I was most times. My husband was doing his thing, and I thought I was being a good wife by not nagging or making requests that would make him not like me. I thought I was being the cool wife. I was not being cool, I was leaving the door open for other opportunities. I started going to church and I liked what I was hearing. I liked how the strangers made me feel welcome without wanting something from me. Even my girls liked going to church. I decided that the marriage was not working for me and I

WENDY CAMPBELL - WENDY'S DIVINE TRAVEL

LIVING LIFE

On My Terms

divorced my husband. I knew I deserved better, and I got the courage to stand up for myself and I filed. I told my husband that I was doing “this” by myself so I may as well be by myself. I told him it was unfortunate that I was married when I realized that I need to be by myself and find out who Wendy is and what Wendy wants. I felt good about my decision and I had peace about it.

Years later I returned home to Arizona after hearing from God. I

For as long as I can remember, I was trying to please other people. It

never wanted to return home, but I always said that Arizona was a

took the majority of my life to realize that the one person I had not given

good place to raise kids and retire. I was doing the former, and I

any thought to was me.

wanted the Girls to spend time with their family; grow up with their cousins like I did. I found a church that had a wonderful kids

I grew up in a single-parent household. But I was surrounded by so

program and started attending. One day the Pastor spoke on how

much family so I always felt loved. There is something to say about a

we see God. He asked if you see God like you see your earthly

father’s love and attention that brings a different kind of life to a young

father? And that question provoked some in-depth praying, thinking,

girl; I did not have that. My Dad was the popular guy in town and the

and awakening. I did see God as the same type of Father as my

hometown athlete. I thought if I played sports as he did, he would notice

earthly Father. I thought I had to perform and do good things for Him

me. But he did not. Or at least I didn’t feel that way. I had an opportunity

to love me, for Him to bless me, and for Him to see me. That was

to go to Hawaii with the band in high school. I did my part and raised the

not true. God showed me it was not true. I started reading about

funds needed to go. But I needed $250 for incidentals. I knew my Mom

God’s promises and how I could have them. He told me, “I have a

couldn’t afford it, and if she could, I knew it would be a burden on the

plan for you, and it is good.” I trusted God more and more and He

household. I asked my Dad, and his response was one I never forgot. He

showed me the strength that He planted inside of me; the desires

said I didn’t deserve to go to Hawaii. He had never been to Hawaii, and I

and dreams that he put in my heart. He began to heal my

couldn’t go before he did. I carried that mindset of “not deserving”

relationship with my father and he asked me to forgive him for some

through high school, college, and my first marriage.

things from my childhood. God can do all things.

It was not hard for me to get a guy’s attention. I was cute and

I started a business and it was not the business I thought I would get

bowlegged and I did not have to say anything to turn heads. I found that

into. Travel. I loved it, and I found myself growing and learning and

because I didn’t have the confidence to establish boundaries or know

doing me. God led me to this business, and the personal growth and

what I wanted from a relationship, I was not happy in any of them. I liked

development that has been incorporated in the business plan is

the attention. It didn’t have to be positive attention; negative attention

amazing. The personal friendships are phenomenal. I never

was appreciated and embraced. I accepted being treated like a piece of

imagined myself surrounded by business-minded people because I

meat—being used for money; not laughing most times. I found myself

used to think I wasn’t worthy, but God has shown me different. He

being a detective to find proof that the relationship wasn’t for me. With

has shown me that I deserve every promise He has made to me.

each relationship, I swallowed the empty feeling to really try and make

And those promises are allowing me to live life on my terms.

things work. But it never did.

BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL INSPIRED

JACKIE DELANE ROYAL ELITE TRAVEL

SELF-CARE

Unapologetically Hello everyone and welcome to 2021! First I would like to thank Carmen Ray for providing a platform for me in her magazine to discuss what is near and dear to me. My name is Jacquelyn DeLane and I am so happy to introduce myself. I reside in the state of Illinois and I have been a retired High School Assistant Principal for 6 1/2 years. One would think having been retired for some time now, I would be talking about how great life has been and how I have

At that point I started posting quotes on Facebook and was

done everything I planned for my retirement. Well, not

amazed at all the traffic I was getting on my site centered around

quite. But let me add, I have no complaints or regrets in life.

this topic. So, long story short, one of the best ways I experience

I was a caregiver for three family members—my mom, my

self-care is through travel. Travel allows me to escape from

husband, and my dad, beginning in 2009 (five years before

everyday worries and concerns, even if only for a week or a few

retirement) until Spring, 2020. Needless to say, I was

days at a time. I get to focus on my well-being, breathing in clean

completely worn out and pouring from an empty cup every

air, seeing the sun shine everyday, eating well-prepared and

day. During the time of caring for my loved ones, I was so

balanced meals, taking life easy and meeting new people. Travel

exhausted; I remember just wanting to check myself into a

stretches me—in a good way. It does not stress me or expect

hospital. I was constantly in fight or flight mode. I was the

anything of me.

Power of Attorney for each of my family members.

Therefore, I was the one meeting with the doctors, calling

I challenge you during this year of 2021 to find ways to provide

911, scrutinizing everything, clarifying, explaining, signing

self-care. In the coming issues I will discuss some of the self-

admissions and discharge papers, keeping up with

care techniques I use right at home. There is a plethora of self-

everything, arranging home therapy, and even transfers to

care routines you can establish right in the comfort of your own

inpatient therapies. Carrying my phone with me (even to the

home. Just remember, self-care is not selfish....it is necessary!

bathroom) so I would not miss a call became my norm. I rarely slept all night because I was always “on-call”.

Thank you and talk to you in the next issue.

Now that I have given you a glimpse into what life was like,

Jackie DeLane - Royal Elite Travel & Tours

let me reference what is near and dear to me and why I am

www.royalelitetravel.com

writing this article. On October 30, 2019 while in the midst of caring for my dad (my mom passed in 2016 and my husband in 2019), I woke up with the theme “Self-Care, Unapologetically” on my mind. Something arose inside me that let me know if I do not take care of myself, I would not be able to effectively care for anyone else. I was so run down and depleted by then, I purposed to provide self-care for myself on a regular basis.

BE WELL FOR WOMEN

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL INSPIRED

JANUARY 2021

Souls of My Sister Author NANCY YARBROUGH-BANKS • NANCY-THEEXODUS.COM TEDx Speaker of Myths, Misconceptions, Mysteries, and Mistakes of the Sex Trade – Nancy Yarbrough-Banks is the Executive Director of Fresh Start Learning Inc., in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born and raised in a city that has consecutively ranked nationally in the top 5 as a hub for sex-trafficking, she found herself in its grips.

After decades of struggling through cycles of drug-addiction, sextrafficking, verbal, and physical abuse – she experienced healing and an Exodus that caused New Beginnings to happen in her life.

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JANUARY 2021

BE WELL CONNECTED

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I'm Cheryl Garrison, founder, and CEO of 50Something Lifestyle and the Women's Network.

We are a group of like-minded women over 50 who support and cheer each other through each phase of our life after 50. The network is chalked-full of training and member support to help you grow!

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IN MEMORY OF

Sandra McNair

Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of our business partner and Sandra McNair.

It’s a beautiful thing when business partners become friends and feel more like family.

Sandra was so dedicated and just a loving person. R.I.P our Sister, you will be greatly missed.