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L I F E L E T T E R The Life Letter August 1, 2022. Copyright Lovebird Publishing LLC

AUGUST EDITION 2022

THE LIFE LETTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS INSPIRATION...........3 LOVEBIRD’S LETTER LOVEBIRD’S PRAYER

HOT TOPICS.......................6 LOVEBIRD’S UNPOPULAR OPINIONS: INFLATION CONVERSATION INFLATION PROOF MONEY TIPS

HEALTH & WELLNESS.......16 HEALTHY WORKOUT HABITS SOCIAL MEDIA FASTING

ARTS N ACTION..................21 LOVEBIRD’S NEW BOOK! B8SSMAN PRODUCTIONS

LoveBird’s Letter

THE LIFE LETTER

I don’t wanna grow up, I want to be a Toys-R-Us kid! If you are a millennial or parented one, you should recall that famous commercial line. The thrill of being a child walking into a massive playpen with walls, floor to ceiling of toys cannot be properly expressed in words. I didn’t get to go often, but when I did it was exhilarating just to walk in! Such a simple pleasure in being a child. There came a day where the new thrill was to acquire the coveted driver’s license and purchase the first car. Soon after, graduating high school was the new goal. And some time after that moving into your own place was the it thing to do. You look up and see that the thrill of visiting a toy store was far removed from your mind. Growth. Most don’t notice their growth, due to a constant pursuit of the next best thing. Some take time to reflect, but only see the pain of the growing process. Then, the time comes where you mature enough to see the beauty in all of it. One can relish in the thought of every mountain top experience and valley moment. You know you have grown when you can see the value in the wilderness, and the wondering season. This edition I want to challenge you to grow. Take notice of your growth. Take inventory of all the places you have outgrown, people you have outgrown, and phases you have outgrown. The late Rev. Clay Evans wrote the lyrics, “As I look back over my life and I think things over, I can truly say that I’ve been blessed, I’ve got a testimony.” A testimony is nothing more than a real life account of your growth. I dare you to think about your growth and write it down. Make a list of all the things you have overcame, pushed through, learned, and gained. I bet you gain a new perspective of the person that you are. That is what my book Inside My Journal, did for me. I was able to sit and see just how much I’ve grown up. I have a new found appreciation for myself. As you take into consideration of all the things you have grown out of and into I hope that you gain such a blessing as well. If you want to read a piece of my growth story, my book is now available on Amazon.

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LoveBird’s Unpopular Opinions My holy book, the Bible says that there is nothing new under the sun. Mirroring that message is the saying, the more things change the more they stay the same. Just reflecting on this country’s history we see ongoing trends. We have had cycles of war, deadly diseases, and economic slumps. Everything Americans have been obsessing over during the pandemic has already occurred in some shape or form. Everyone is in an uproar about the recession that economists and the media have been warning us about. So much so we have neglected the fact that the US has already overcome these dire situations once before.

My unpopular opinion is that the eﬀects of inflation have less to do with the presidency, and more to do with the capitalist cycle of our society. I acknowledge there are many factors that should be considered into why inflation occurs and how it causes recession. However, the most foundational truth is what we tend to forget. Our economy has always had rises and falls. The United States have witnessed war boost the economy. Manufacturing goods for war alone created thousands if not millions of jobs in our history. One of the key instances of this is the, Industrial Revolution, which pulled this country out of the Great Depression.

We also can agree that once war is over we usually increase social programs to stabilize the boosted economy and avoid such a drastic fall. The New Deal from President Roosevelt served as the most notable economic plan to this date. Those programs are still operating today, which 6

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signals that the issues of the past are still very present in this age. President Joe Biden’s pandemic relief and the infamous PPP loans are no diﬀerent. Same principle, implemented in a new way.

As government oﬃcials, Wall Street traders, lobbyists, and politicians alike fight to be right about the current state of the economy, the citizens at large will experience more of the same turbulence as decades prior. Rising costs of gas and everyday essentials, higher utility bills, increased rental payments, and scarcity of goods. All of that is quite similar to the recession of the early millennium.

The hysteria will do little to change the upcoming shift of this country’s economic status. I choose not to worry, but instead be proactive as possible to adjust. Now is a perfect time to refine your professional skills. Invest in pursuing new levels of education to increase the pay for your level of expertise. Change industries if you must. Some industries will simply not be as aﬀected being that they are more essential.

For example, the tech industry is booming right now, and looking to expand even more despite the economic downward slope. Drastic times may even call for drastic measures like relocating for better opportunities. The fact is, there is more hope than despair even in these times. It’s up to you to devise a plan that will cause you to prosper instead of being a sitting duck and crumble under the pressure. 7

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Inflation Proof Tips that will save your budget There has been much talk from politicians and economists alike that a recession is underway. This recession is rumored to be like nothing we have seen, not being compared to the great recession of 2008. While there is no reason to worry for what is to come, it is always wise to prepare. In these leaner times, here are some practical strategies to save money and avoid overextending your budget.

1. Stock up on non-perishables. Rice, beans, canned goods, and such are usually the stock grocery items that are filling and can be staples of most people’s diets. If you have any diet restrictions due to health conditions, by all means govern yourself by the doctor’s orders.

2. Off brands are your friend. I know this may be an unpopular suggestion, but if done properly it can alleviate some penny pinching. Savings accumulate when you can substitute brand name products. Everything from household products to medicine, to foods can be substituted out. You must find out what works for your family.

3. Create a realistic savings goal for yourself. In uncertain times, one must have a safety net in case of emergency. I know in tough financial times, it is a bigger sacrifice to put funds to the side, but in the event of financial turbulence it’s good to have a fail safe.

THE LIFE LETTER

4. Remix those leftovers. I for one could use a bit of help in this department. So this is for the people that cook for an army and have to end up throwing good food out much too often. Find recipes where you can reinvent what’s already in the fridge. Investing in meal prepping is also a great way to avoid eating out for lunch daily.

5. Minimize the use of utilities. Cutting costs on utilities is a very cost effective way to create a good habits that will help in the long run. Turn off the lights and enjoy natural light from the sun during the day. Shop around for promos on internet service. Grill more food to avoid using the oven. Keep your thermostat set on auto and use energy efficient bulbs. By any means necessary keep those bills low!

6. Cut costs by eliminating miscellaneous expenses. I know there is a great debate how effective cutting out specialty coffee runs, and amazon prime packages really is, but it does add up. Indulging in those small pleasures too often can sift hundreds of dollars from your budget. So be extra watchful of miscellaneous spending.

7. Buy necessities in bulk. Buying in bulk can save you in the long run. Products you use often are the best candidates to search for promos when buying in high quantities.

8. Speaking of promos, coupons and Groupons are worth the hassle. Groupon comes in handy especially when it comes to online shopping. You can even cut your entertainment budget by looking for good deals for a good time.

9. Maximize that gas mileage. There are a few ways to accomplish this goal. You can optimize your driving routes to avoid traffic, delays and excess gas usage. A quick google search can help you avoid wasting gas. Gassing up on Tuesdays is usually the cheapest day to fill up. Carpooling with friends is also a great way to share the load.

10. Shop around for lower car insurance rates. You’d be surprised at how competitive smaller insurance companies are with their insurance packages, especially if you are a safe driver. Be careful not to let your insurance lapse as you compare pricing.

11. Create a good rapport with a credit union. Credit unions are more lenient in lending for various types of loans, more so than banks. Opening a credit union account can open you up to specialized member benefits as well.

12.Opt out of inactive subscriptions. That gym membership may not be a good investment if you only go sparingly. Cut out that cable bill and stream your entertainment from other sources, like Firestick. While you’re at it cancel that magazine subscription if you’re not reading it!

13.Find an easy side hustle. Find out how to monetize something that you are naturally good at and enjoy. You’d be surprised what people will pay for. You can then funnel that money back into filling holes in your existing budget or bulk up your savings.

LOVEBIRD

THE LIFE LETTER

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Life Literature: Featuring LoveBird Inside My Journal

is not just another self help book. There are no bullet pointed lists of tips that promise a happy ending. This 30 day devotional intricately paints the picture of Paris Lane's major pitfalls, most traumatic life events, and most embarrassing moments. Through telling her story she hopes her readers will see a glimpse of themselves and learn more about the tools she used to overcome. This book is guaranteed to enthrall every reader with the conversational tone on every page. Inside My Journal has been designed to be read day by day or in one sitting. From parenting, marriage and divorce, grief and ministry no subject is off limits. One thing is for sure every reader will be captivated by the words of healing, empowerment, and inspiration.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON AMAZON!

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B U L KC

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Discover your child’s love language Assist your child in successful learning Use the love languages to correct and discipline more effectively Build a foundation of unconditional love for your child Plus: Find dozens of tips for practical ways to speak your child’s love language.

B8SSMAN

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Productions

PERFORMANCE TRACK EDITS MUSICAL DIRECTOR SERVICES TRACK ARRANGEMENT MIXING ENGINEERING SERVICES BASS LESSONS (In-Person & Virtual) MUSICIAN SERVICES LIVE BAND

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selcouth ARCHAIC adj. (`sel-kuth) rare, unusual, strange, uncommon, marvelous, wondrous

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I WANT TO BE A BUTTERFLY

by LoveBird I wonder what living inside of a chrysalis is like? Is it exciting because the creature inside knows what’s coming? Does something in their form naturally knows what to expect? Or does the cramped space of uncertainty fill every crevice of its casing? Does every caterpillar willingly wraps itself or does inner turmoil wreaks havoc in its mind like Christ before the cross? Knowing full well what needs to be done but not fully convinced it’s capable of completing it. How many caterpillars die in the process? How many casualties go uncounted? We as humans oftentimes glory in the miraculous transformation of the butterfly, but never take time to mourn the ones that didn’t make it. How many times do we watch the death of a living soul yet overlook them to celebrate the glory in another? Some stop growing at tender ages due to familial trauma and abuse. Some people peak prematurely and chase the glory days of high school. They often forfeit their potential for fear of actually exceeding their own expectations for after graduation. There are people that adult pretty well but never quite live the life the Creator established. Always slightly missing the mark and yet quite happy with how things turned out. These folks deserve a moment of silence... for they sacrificed themselves for what seems to be good enough. These people should have memorials for their destinies deferred. I mourn these fatalities. As for me, I wish above all that I come out of my chrysalis unscathed by the grueling process of growing pains. And float, rise, ascend into the highest realms of what this life has to oﬀer.

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DO I NEED A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA? 1. I find myself tapping on social media apps when trying to execute other functions on my phone. 2. I get easily distracted by my app notifications when doing other things. 3. I never log out of my social media apps. 4. I find myself scrolling aimlessly throughout the day. 5. I spend hours on my favorite social media apps. 6. Facebook has many permissions for other apps on my phone. 7. I oftentimes am active on multiple social media apps on various devices at one time. 8. I post all day throughout the day. 9. I have a hard time living in the moment, because I love to record life events. 10. I obsess over how many likes and share I receive for my posts. 11. My loved ones are annoyed by my social media usage. 12. I compare my social media presence with others I may or may not know. 13. I live for a good caption! 14. I love to follow what’s trending. 15. I am usually tired once I log out of my social media accounts. 16. I find that my ability to focus throughout the day lessens as I engage on social media. 17. I am overstimulated by ads on social media. 18. I oftentimes use my social media page as an emotional outlet to vent my anger, rage, or grief. 19. I find myself jumping into many debates and arguments with people I don’t know on social media. 20. I am distracted when spending time with others because I am on social media. 21. I struggle to hold conversations with people in person, but I can express myself easier on the apps. 22. I have to be involved with every challenge on social media. 23. I have tried to slow down my usage of social media but have failed. 24. Logging on to my social media accounts is second nature to me. 25. I have little time for other things I enjoy because of my social media usage.

If you answered YES: 1-5 of these assessments you are in good standing. 6-10 of these assessments you should consider lessening your social media time. 11+ Log oﬀ and take a break from social media 22

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HEALTH & WELLNESS: Healthy Workout Habits to Improve Your Everyday Life 1. Adapt a morning and night stretch routine to increase mobility and flexibility. 2. Take a multivitamin to supplement nutrients you might be missing with your diet. Give your body the fuel it needs to operate at its maximum potential. 3. Practice proper portion control while meal planning for the week. (A good rule of thumb is vegetables should be half of your plate at dinner time.) 4. Drink water before, during and after your workout. Your body needs the hydration to avoid cramping. 5. Include a cardio workout in your week to improve heart and lung function. 6. Create a workout playlist to keep you motivated while working out. Music helps get you moving. 7. Don’t overwhelm yourself with complex workout routines. Start small with reps and build your workout.

8. Find a substitute exercise for more complex exercises you may not be able to execute properly. 9. To avoid wasting money for a gym membership, research and find workout routines on YouTube for free. 10. It’s quite alright to implement a rest day to avoid premature burnout. 11. Set a clear fitness goal to help keep you focused and motivated on those days you want to quit. Solidify your reason why! 12. Instead of following diet fads, adapt healthy eating habits to compliment your activity progress. For example, limiting your sugar intake would help your overall health. 13. Consult your doctor for specialized diet and exercise routines, for they have an inside look at your specific health needs. 14. Track your progress to keep you encouraged along the journey!

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LIFE LITERATURE SECTION BUSINESS DIRECTORY: ChariseDenise

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Life Letter

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