Editor’s Note Summer Fun As we are in the Summer months, let the fun begin. Kids are out of school. Vacations are planned. We are in relax mode. But we must remember we are running a business. Sometimes as life speeds up and gets busy; our businesses suffer. So, make sure you are being diligent. Here are some tips to make it easier! Schedule your Social Media post Make sure you are meeting your deadlines Block off work time Do as much delegating as possible Be 100% present in your business Make sure you are allowing time for family and fun Learn to let go of the perfection picture Enjoy your life I hope these tips will help you! And if you need help with your book or promotion of you and your business, don’t hesitate to reach out! We would love to help you!
Teresa Hawley Howard is a best-selling author, blogger, empowerment coach, and radio host. She lives in Murchison Texas with her husband Rickey. She is a mom and a Mimi. www.WOMEnterprises.com
www.TributeMagazine.net
2
Angela Buffington was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She attended TCU and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She enjoys writing and dancing; she smiled and said, “Both are a part of my being.” She has 3 children and 2 grandsons. She is an accountant and loves working with numbers; she is also a blogger who sits on the Board of the Trinity River Blues Society, and a published author. Angela loves to meet new people and try new things. “I see beauty in everyone, I’m an odd duck and I am okay with that.” “I like to think outside of the box.” When asked, what inspires you Angela very kindly responded; “I have chosen to use my past experiences to inspire others and myself thru the art of poetry and being a kind-hearted person. As a person who was bullied all through school; I was inspired by others who taught me how to love myself and to move pass the hurt, and thoughts of not being good enough. Life inspires me and my oddness motivates me to a higher levels. We asked Angela, what advice would you give another woman entrepreneur? “Don’t listen to the negativity of others or your own negative voice, and never give up. Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you.” “I had to learn to get out of my own way, if you don’t try you will always wonder.” “If, is not an option” “Your age is irrelevant, do what makes you happy, it is okay to jump out of the boat.” While the ideals of ‘happiness’ and ‘success’ seem related at first glance, I believe they are two separate categories and represent two different ways of looking at the world. First, happiness is a feeling, which success is not. A person doesn’t need to be successful to be happy, because a wide variety of things might not be the same from person to person. Success isn’t an emotion; it’s a judgment of its own kind. To say a person is successful or unsuccessful is a way of evaluating that person, and deciding whether they measure up to a standard. It’s important to see the difference between those two things, or you could end up missing out on happiness. Happiness can come from a sense of personal accomplishment or achievement, which is why happiness and success are easily confused. It feels really good to reach a goal, especially if you’ve set a goal that is meaningful to you. What do you want to accomplish in 2017? “One goal was to have my poetry published and that has been accomplished.” “I want to finish my second book and I would like to see my Website grow and get even better.”
When asked, what obstacles have you overcome? Angela responded, “We usually are our own worst enemy. I have had to silence the negative voices and not be concerned about my age and being older. I had to overcome the thought that everyone that was close to me wasn’t pulling for my success and embrace my oddness, and now I’m ready for the world.” How can our readers connect with you? Readers can reach me at: Buffingtonangela3@gmail.com ,www.angela_buffington.com, @ #angela_buffington, and on Facebook.com at Angela Buffington Photo Blogger.
3
www.TributeMagazine.net
4
Coming late 2017 and 2018
5
A Special Message To My Mother It will be the fourth Mother’s Day without my dear Mother. This message goes out to the ones that who have a mum love her, call her, and spend time with her. Time is all we have. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. To those who have lost their mum. My message to you is you are not alone. I lost my mother last year in January. Her last words to me was “I love you, see you tomorrow” It was a Saturday I saw my mums smiling face and we had a good chat the very next day on a Sunday she passed away. Mum fought so hard to stay. The hospital called me at twelve-o clock in the afternoon, and she passed away at 4:55PM. I never really envisioned what it would be like to watch someone you love die. It’s not like the movie, with sad sentimental tunes playing in the background. There is no cut scenes to the next day, its there and now. My father and I watched my mum take her last breath and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I felt so helpless and hopeless their was nothing I could do to help her, to breathe life into her. I stood there watching her battle for her last breath in her final moments. I screamed out loud but wanted to keep the cries of pain within myself. But I remember screaming “Oh, God No. Please don’t go Mum, someone please save her” The nurses told me to come closer and say my goodbyes. The day before my mother and I were talking about all the things we would do when she would come out of hospital, My mother showed promise, she was getting better, then just like ray of light from the sun my world turned to darkness. Losing everything I knew, my mind and everything within me just gave up. I couldn’t think, function, I felt emotions I never felt before although I have experienced loss in my life nothing was like losing my Mother. Special moments have been happening to me over the year since my Mothers passing. How I long to see her face light up as I tell her I am setting up to accomplish in my life. I have suffered from depression and anxiety pretty much my entire life. My Mother has always been there and adjusting to life without her being there in it every single day is a huge challenge for me. I just want to tell everyone, please cherish you mum. If you mother is good to you, then be good to her. Spend time with her, listen to her. She gave you the life you have. She gave you the chance to really live. If your mum is good to you, be good back. Never take her for granted. To those of you who are suffering from a loss of their Mother, no matter how many years, days, or time has gone by just know. That we are who we are because of our Mothers. They gave us life. So, give thanks to all the Mothers out there. www.TributeMagazine.net
6
To My Mother, Happy Mothers Day wherever your sprit roams, my love you took with you, and your love will forever stay with me. I will miss you with every second that passes. Time is the grain of sand of the hourglasses. We must use it wisely before our time runs out. A Mothers love is never ending without a doubt.
I will see you again in the great skies of ocean blue; I will greet you upon a cloud. I will hug you and tell you all about my life. My accomplishments, me being the wife, the woman, the writer. The lover of poetry you know so well. I am all I can be. But I will be much more. In the darkness we shall find what we want if we choose to explore. Heaven is an open door. I will love you Mother forever more. Inspiringly Yours, Elizabeth Blade Also to anyone that is interested in purchasing Elizabeth Blade’s new book “ A Rising Moon on Domestic Violence” Please feel free to contact her via social media
Website: http://elizabethblade.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethBladeWriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Moondance_81 * @Moondance_81
7
www.TributeMagazine.net
9
www.TributeMagazine.net
10
11
Kim Francis is a resident of Dallas, TX and was born in Amarillo, Texas on the Air Force base where my Dad Joe was stationed. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a BBA in marketing and began working in the cable television & film industry in 1998 with Bravo & The Independent Film Channel. She has over 18 years experience in television, media marketing, sponsorship /advertising sales, and community relations and have produced numerous special events within the telecommunications, sports and non-profit industries. I was the Director Affiliate Marketing for AXS TV, HDNet Movies & Magnolia Pictures, owned by Mark Cuban before leaving her career in late 2014 to be with her beautiful mother Sue Giles, who was battling esophageal cancer and sadly passed away in 2015 at the young age of 63. Since then, She started her own consulting business 1911 Media, host "The Empower Hour" a weekly radio show dedicated to veterans and first responders for Alliance 4 The Brave on 620AM KEXB in Dallas and manages business development for On Plane Putting, and she is a skin care consultant for Rodan & Fields. When talking about her publishing journey, she said “I am proud to be an Amazon best selling co-author for "Shift Happens: Inspirational Stories on Finding Happiness, Achieving Success & Overcoming Obstacles and my chapter "Rising from the Ashes". My story is about my near death experience from toxic black mold in 2007 and how I relied on God, my environmental health doctor, and my family to help rebuild my life physically, emotionally and spiritually. To order an autographed copy visit: http://www.shifthappensthebook.com/kim-francis/ My new book "Soul Source: 23 Soulful Stories of Women Who Relied on God During Difficult Times (her chapter "Facing Grief with God's Grace) is coming out on July 1st. My story is a tribute to my Mom, my journey as a care taker while she battled the cancer, watching her pass away and my journey with grief. It's my hope my story encourages others to know they are never alone in this journey and it is a process to take one day at a time. To order an autographed copy visit: https://app.moonclerk.com/ I'm passionate about independent film, television, music and their creative processes. It has been an honor to serve as a board member and Vice President of Fundraising for the USA Film Festival in Dallas. I'm also an advocate and resource to others overcoming toxic black mold exposure and by the end of 2017, I will be starting a new 501.C3 non-profit called "Sue's Crew" in honor of my Mom to raise money, awareness and provide education in the prevention of esophageal cancer. Besides my love for film, music and television, I enjoy hot yoga, spending time with friends, being a consultant for Rodan & Fields, playing tennis & golf, reading and playing with my 3 fur babies Bailey, Bella & Chase. www.TributeMagazine.net
12
When asked what inspires you, she smile and said; “My Mom, she taught us from a young age to always treat others as we would want to be treated and to always serve the less fortunate. She is one of the strongest inspirations in my life. Watching her give selflessly to those who were in need despite any obstacles she was facing, inspired and motivated me to do the same.” Kim Francis’ books or projects in the spotlight are: "Shift Happens: Inspirational Stories on Finding Happiness, Achieving Success & Overcoming Obstacles -my chapter "Rising From the Ashes". To order an autographed copy visit: http://www.shifthappens-thebook.com/kim-francis/ My new book "Soul Source: 23 Soulful Stories of Women Who Relied on God During Difficult Times (her chapter "Facing Grief with God's Grace) To order an autographed copy visit: https://app.moonclerk.com/ On Plane Putting: The On Plane Putting System is a combination training aid and methodology helping golfers become more consistent and accurate when putting. With as little as 10 minutes of training per day, you will see improvement in your set up, aim, path and distance control, providing immediate and measurable results. This versatile training aide allows you to see the line while developing muscle memory of an on-plane putting stroke. The system sets up within seconds, and can be used virtually anywhere...your office, living room or putting green and stores easily in your golf bag in its custom nylon carrying case. To learn more or purchase visit onplaneputting.com When asked what advice would you give another entrepreneur; Kim replied with; “To Not fear the word No or allow rejection to stop their enthusiasm or passion for what they are trying to accomplish and Use it to continue fueling the passion for achieving their dreams.” What do I want to accomplish in 2017? I am always telling myself if I had 3 more of me I would be able to accomplish and execute the number of ideas or creative projects I have swirling around.
1) Continue promoting the On Plane Putting training aide invented by Greg Griffin to golfing enthusiasts and the golf industry with the vision of eventually getting it featured on HSN or QVC. 2) Begin writing my next book "Break the Mold" about my near death experience with toxic black mold 3) Use my book "Soul Source -Facing Grief with God's Grace" to speak with and encourage others in their journey through grief. 4) Reach Level 1 Consultant in My Rodan & Fields Skin Care Company.
13
We asked her, what obstacles have you over come? “Recovering from a near death experience with toxic black mold in 2007 and the challenges of a long term recovery from an environmental illness, which is not understood by a majority of people.� Learning to be gentle with myself and the grief process after losing my Mom to cancer in 2015 and learning that life is at times, about reinventing yourself over and over again because it doesn't often go as we plan. One of the most impactful things my Mom used to say to me during times of disappointment in my life was "Man plans and God laughs" meaning that we think we are in control of our life but really, if you are a person of faith, it is always God who is ultimately in control.
Connect with Kim at klfrancis2000@yahoo.com or on her facebook page "Break the Mold"
www.TributeMagazine.net
14
Dr. Joy S. Pedersen is an International best-selling author, Founder and President of Express Success LLC, Doctor of Divinity, Licensed Spiritual Healer and Certified Spiritual Health Coach serving a primarily international business and professional clientele helping them identify and solve the cause of their personal and business issues. This followed a ten-year career in television. When wanting to make more of a difference, left the industry to build Express Success, a company started while working at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. When asked what inspires you, she responded with a sincere smile, “Wanting to stop the darkness and the evil and suffering it has caused in the world.” Dr. Joy S. Pedersen’s books in the spotlight are: "Wisdom of the Guardian: Treasures from Archangel Michael to Change Your Life" and "Clear Your Past and Change Your Future: Three Elements That Take You from Problems to Possibilities (images attached) We asked her what advice she would give another woman entrepreneur; Dr. Pedersen responded with “Trust your instincts and follow your heart. Know your worth and stand up for what you believe. Have fun in your business and have your business support your preferred lifestyle rather than live to work.”
What do you want to accomplish in 2017? “Reconfigure my business to do more group work and reach more to people to improve even more lives. Begin speaking about very specific work I have accomplished with Archangel Michael to help clear darkness and open up Heaven on Earth to help others benefit from it.” We asked her, what obstacles have you overcome? “After learning and intentionally working with the Law of Attraction, I realized we all had blocks in one area of life versus another, and mine seemed to be limitations with money. In my search for a solution, I discovered spiritual healing. It not only helped me overcome issues around money, but I also learned that I had the gift of clearing darkness and it became a specialty in my spiritual healing practice. Although clearing money was the original intent, the biggest obstacles cleared are the darkness that was wreaking havoc on the world, which has been a lot of my pro bono work.” How can our readers connect with you? I can be reached through my website: www.JoyPedersen.com or they can call this number, 1-800-801-7597 and although on most social media; Facebook.com is most utilized; http://www.facebook.com/ drjoypedersen 15
www.TributeMagazine.net
16
17
www.TributeMagazine.net
18
19
WHAT AM I REALLY CLEANING MY HOUSE WITH? We buy them and bring them into our homes assuming they are safe. But in fact, many of the daily products and household cleansers that we use are toxic. So many people seem to be more aware of the importance of overall wellness. We watch our weight, exercise, try to get plenty of sleep, and eat a balanced diet. We are more aware of what we are putting in our bodies. Do we think about the things in our homes that we use daily that could be harmful and could jeopardize our health? I’m talking about household cleansers and products that we all use on a daily basis. Do we ever read the product labels? If we did, we would read things like: *Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals
*Do not get in eyes *Avoid prolong breathing of vapors *Harmful if swallowed *Not recommended for use by person with heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems. There is usually a chart of some kind with instructions on what to do if the product gets in the eyes, on the skin or clothing, swallowed, or inhaled. If inhaled it is advised to call 911. You many be wondering what product could be so dangerous as to have all of these warnings and instructions. It’s one that I used often in my home to clean up messes and as a disinfectant. You may be surprised to know that this particular product is Lysol with Bleach. Being exposed to these chemicals in small amounts may not render major health concerns but what about chronic exposure over a long period of time? Some chemicals can build up and cause harm to your body and health. We are exposed to chemicals on a daily basis from Phthalates in fragrances like perfumes and body sprays that can actually lower a man’s sperm count, to Triclosan in liquid dishwashing detergents that is a possible carcinogen, as well as harmful fumes in daily cleaners that can cause irritation. Ingredients in these products have been linked to asthma, cancer, infertility issues, hormone disruption, and poisonings. We try to be proactive when it comes to our health as far as our lifestyle habits, but we should also be aware of what we are really cleaning our homes with. There are chemicals and toxins that we store under our sinks and we use them around our kids and pets not realizing the harmful effects they have on our overall wellness. We shouldn’t feel like we have to compromise our health in order to have a clean home. There are safer alternatives that are made with more natural ingredients and are free of toxins. After becoming aware of what I was exposing my family to I made a decision to switch stores. I now buy all of our daily products from an online wellness company that specializes in safer products. By switching stores I am keeping my family safe and protecting the environment. I no longer have to be concerned about reading every product label and trying to decipher all of the ingredients on the back of every bottle. That lets me know that I made the right decision for my family and that makes me one happy momma. Christy Williams
www.toblessedtobestressed.com www.TributeMagazine.net
20
Rhonda Branch Yearby is married to Monroe, Jr. who is the father of 4 children and 10 grandchildren, She is a mother of 3 adult children and 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Together they have a very large TRIBE. Monroe, her husband is retired from a oil chemical company after 36 years of service. She has been the President & CEO of Rhonda Branch Ministries since 1996 under an umbrella of programs including, Shoes For His Children Ministries, BY Publishing, Women Of Faith, Pennies From Heaven and Women United For Girls Coalition When asked what inspires you, she kindly answered; “To coach, encourage & empower others to leap into their purpose with faith!”
We asked her, what advice would give another woman entrepreneur, she boldly replied; “ABSOLUTELY, KNOW YOUR WORTH & PREPARE YOURSELF TO BE THE BEST IN YOUR BUSINESS!” What do you want to accomplish in 2017? “To continue to do my work with empowering my Non Profits & Faith Based Organizations and to provide first class publishing, Marketing and public relation serves to people who have been denied sharing their healing story with the world!” How can our readers connect with you? www.rhondabranchyearby.org Rhonda Branch Yearby http://amazon.com/author/revrhondabranchyearby ‘Stay tuned for my Memoir and CD, Black Butterfly!!!’
21
www.TributeMagazine.net
22
23
Sunday’s at 5:30 PM CST join host Katrina Lokko on DfW channel 47.2 or 27 if Verizon is your provider / Birmingham, AL & Northeast Mississippi 16.4. If you are not in any of those viewing areas, not to worry because you can watch online from anywhere in the world on any device at www.uanetwork.tv click watch live at the time the show is on.
www.TributeMagazine.net
24
25
Abundance or Scarcity? (Depends…) Especially during property workshops, millionaire mind set seminars and wealth creation training I have often been presented with this question to answer: “Do you have a scarcity or abundance mind set?” Guess what my answer is… Abundance is ALWAYS my answer; of course. But what about when it comes to relationships?
Husband Perhaps you believe there is just 1 perfect man out there for you… Maybe you have left a partner and often wonder what they are doing now… It’s possible that you may believe you’ve lost your chance of true love as you’ve always dreamed… It could be that you’re sick and tired of feeling sick and tired in your marriage… Maybe all of these thoughts are familiar to you. Now what? Imagine if there is no perfect companion but which ever relationship you are in can be all you need… Consider what it would feel like to look forward to the day you meet the man of your dreams… What if no age is too old to be found by a man who you will be madly in love with for the rest of your life… Visualise you and your current husband ignited with passionate when intimacy is ignited in your relationship… Some believe there is ONLY one person out there for them and they must ‘find him’ or sometimes they believe they are already with Mr Right so must accept the relationship as it is despite feeling deeply unfulfilled. When I decided to improve my relationship with my husband, my journey started with me focussing on becoming THE best wife. Many of us focus on what we feel is lacking for us but often, if you care enough about your husband you will become aware of what is lacking in the marriage for him…in my case he had already told me a million times but I was so wrapped up in my own pain that I didn’t care to meet his needs. All men thrive on respect. No matter what he looks like or where he is from, there are things you maybe doing which are emasculating and disrespectful to your husband – if this is the case, please stop. Perhaps like me you have not had men in your life who you have respected so you are used to only showing respect when you believe someone ‘deserves’ it. Can I invite you to decide to respect everybody? Respect is an interesting word. Much like many things in modern culture we tend to think it's an internal feeling when it is far far more than that. It is to treat deferential regard and esteem. To avoid injury. To treat with value and consideration. To treat infers how we handle, deal with, and conduct ourselves. In other words while external respectful actions may not reach the heart, internal respect is always expressed externally – Namaste Moore
I have found that women in western culture seem conditioned and innately taught disrespect for men. This is so thorough that most of us don't consider our disrespectful actions as being disrespectful at all.
www.TributeMagazine.net
26
I have learned that disrespect can be in internal mental state, feelings or external actions and it typically takes place in some mixture of the three. I have been ignorant and unaware of the pain and injury I have caused to those Ii am here to be love to. Mother As a child we grow up and there’s only one mummy, right? I have been fortunate to witness my Mum Mother children she has fostered over the years with as much love, care and attention as she afforded me and my 3 younger brothers. I myself take care of other peoples’ children as though they are my own. So, although we only ever have 1 biological Mum, we can be mothered by more than one woman – correct? Has this been your experience? Right now I am part of the most amazingly loving, supported tapped in community of women in the School of Feminine Transformation (SOFT). The founder – Namaste Moore, is fondly referred to as Mum by many of her muses and it’s for no other reason than the recognition of the mothering that she provides to us. SOFT (part of the school of alchemy) is the most AMAZING space for feminine based tools, education, practices and connection on earth! If you would like to find out more, click here: http://www.schoolofalchemy.love/? afmc=3r Final thoughts Sometimes we end up holding onto a relationship with another because that’s what we ‘should do’, we don’t want to look like the ‘bad one’ for leaving him, we are afraid that we will end up alone, we are afraid that others will judge us as being a quitter by not ‘staying and working it out’… Women like us find ourselves trying and trying when sometimes the BEST course of action is to do nothing. To allow situations to unfold as we concentrate on living from a place of our own personal truth & pleasure.
The age old advice to fit your own gas mask before assisting others with theirs can be applied to this too. You deserve the very best of relationships in your life so why settle for anything less? So, when it comes to relationships, do you find yourself stuck trying to get blood from a stone, or ‘flogging a dead horse’ or are you willing to let go in faith and let love be the evidence of God working it all out for you? Love me; Love you Donnamaree www.DonnamareeDaodu.uk Instagram: Marriage_coach_for_accountants Facebook Profile: Donnamaree Daodu
Coaching https://www.facebook.com/WealthyWivesClubCoaching/# Property https://www.facebook.com/UKQualityHomes/# UK Women only events https://www.facebook.com/Awaken.Revive/#
27
www.TributeMagazine.net
28
29
The Power of Writing and the Law of Attraction Make no mistake. Putting your goals, desires, and intentions down on paper can be a powerful and Faith in action to take. Writing is the first step to bringing the form and solidity to your desired manifestation. When you write down your desires and intentions, you are taking yourself seriously and so does the universe around you. Many times we are reluctant to write our goals down. That is because we know on some unconscious level that writing our intentions down can make it all too real and brings creating them to forefront. We know we are forging a contract with the universe and we may not be actually ready for that even though our desires say we are.
We really need to understand how powerful our words really are and how powerful they become when written on paper. The more you evolve the more you will feel the reality of your desires or intentions coming to pass. Writing down our intentions creates Focus and focusing on one subject on a continual basis leads to saturation, then combustion, then silence, then manifestation. These are the four stages of a manifestation and each stage holds its own power in your journey forward. If you really want a certain manifestation, then by all means write it down and go into as much detail as possible. Then when you read your contract, are you filled with passion and excited anticipation and if not, just keep writing and it will. Carry your writing with you and read it throughout the day. Read it, visualize it and feel it so often that it becomes your dominant thought. Feel it's reality in your life. In time you will expect its arrival in your life. Then it shows up shinning, like the star you were always meant to be. Sharon Gulley Beautiful Expectations of Faith
Connect with Sharon Gulley at: Facebook.com – Sharon Gulley Sharongulley.weebly.com – website Twitter- @greenilygulley Linkendin.com – Sharon Gulley Amazon.com – Sharon Gulley Poetrysoup.com – Sharon Gulley
www.TributeMagazine.net
30
31
"Have a great summer" "There will take days of rain; there will be days of sun, make the best of both" Summer has finally arrived. For some us, that means spending more time with our kids, backyard BBQs, week-long vacations, and so much more! In this article, I will share with you tips on how to have a great summer both mentally and physically. #1 Begin every day with positivity. Remember today is a new day and yesterday is gone. Make the best of it! #2 Spend some quality time with yourself. The world can be a very noisy place if you let it, sometimes you just need to make time for yourself to hear yourself think! Set your alarm clock a little earlier to squeeze in time just for you. #3 Open the curtains to let the sunshine in. The Sunshine will make your days feel a little brighter. #4 Cast out unforgiveness and reel in the joy. Unforgiveness can steal your happiness. Decide to forgive others and yourself. Make this a top priority. Don't harbor bad feelings. #5 Change your perception. By changing the way, you think you will ultimately change the how you feel. Choose to think positive. Remember, what you think in your mind will expand and grow. #6 Get moving. To get those happy chemicals called endorphins going, get moving. Make exercise a part of your routine. You can do this in a fun way, bike, skate, hula your way into happiness. #7 Journal: Ask yourself, what it would take to create a life that I can be happy with? Write those things down. Then create a plan to do them. With a plan written each day will feel more optimistic. #8 Play some Mozart. Music can be really soothing, and it can help you get into a great mood. #9 Connect with your inner child. This may seem silly to some people, but if you do this, it will help brighten up your day and great therapy. What does your inner child want? Does she want to have an ice cream cone or to buy that frilly sundress? Say yes to her. Give yourself the few simple pleasures now and then which will put a smile on your face.
www.TributeMagazine.net
32
#10 Be mindful: Be mindful of who you spend your time around. If you are around people who are very negative, they can affect your mood. Surround yourself with positive people instead. #11 Bring some of your childhood dreams into reality. What childhood did dreams have? Were they pushed by the wayside? Decide to pursue some of them. Take a class, write a book, sing onstage. It doesn't have to start out grand, start with an article then work yourself into writing a novel. If you want to sing on a big stage in front of millions of people, start small, sing a theater then work yourself up. Turn your dreams into reality one step at a time while building momentum and confidence along the way. #12 Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention. Many of our problems in the world could be solved today by us being aware of what is going on around us. Acknowledge others presence. Compliment them. Smile and say hi. Have sympathy and empathy for those who are struggling, encourage them. Become a mentor. Be a helping hand. #13 Change up your wardrobe: Add bright colors or interesting pieces to your wardrobe. A tee shirt with a fun saying on it, a dress with a cool pattern, an artisan necklace or a great pair of summer shoes. #14 Tantalize your taste buds: Make a delicious home cooked meal, bake a cake or cookies. Not a cook? Dine out. Go to your favorite restaurant or bake shop. #15 Genuinely Connect With Others: Connection should be priority. Call a friend or someone you haven't talked to in a while. Reconnect with a family member. Join a social group online, one that has monthly or weekly meetings. Seek connection. Connect, Connect, Connect! #16 Do you feel you lack love and romance? Fall in love with yourself first. Become your own best friend. Treat yourself the way you would want a mate to treat you. Want flowers? Buy flowers for yourself. Don't wait for someone else to come along and treat you the way you want to be treated. The love starts with you, love yourself, treat yourself, then share the love with others.
#17 Lastly, Live life like there is no tomorrow and cherish each breath that you take. If you follow these steps, you will be on your way to having a great summer. I wish you the best in all that you do. Till next time. Karen Slaton Kennedy
33
www.TributeMagazine.net
34
35
www.TributeMagazine.net
36