Featured Guest - Jaime Fleming Dixon How to Change Your Mindset

1. Tell us about you.

I am an entrepreneur (owner of Mocha Writer, LLC), founder of For Colored Gurls, a personal development blog that inspires and empowers women to live their most Fabulous lives. I'm also an author, Fab Life strategist and someone who loves life and lives on purpose.

2. How did you come up with the title for your book?

The motto of For Colored Gurls is “live your most Fabulous life,” and while the blog provides articles on different topics to help women do that, I thought, 'Why not show people, step by step, how they can actually start creating their most Fabulous lives?' After I thought about it more, I realized that before you can start living your most fabulous life, you first have to create a positive mindset. So, that's when I put the two concepts together for the title.

3. Who will benefit from reading your book?

While the book mainly targets women who are in transition or who need a positive change in their lives, I definitely think that anyone who wants to change their lives for the better can benefit from it.

4. What is the one thing people should walk away with having read your book?

They should walk away with practical and simple steps that will help them create the more positive mindset that will enable them to live the lives they desire.

5. What is one thing you would like to say to our readers today?

You absolutely can have the life you desire. If you believe in yourself and God, anything is possible!

Featured Guest - Paulette Harper-Johnson Completely Whole

1. Tell us about you.

Paulette Harper Johnson, an award winning author, writing coach, and speaker, seeks to inspire women from all walks of life. As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Paulette’s desire is to empower, influence and cultivate women to move forward while dealing with issues that hinder women from becoming all they are created to be. Her topics are biblically sound and pertinent to the needs of today’s women.

Paulette is a wife, mother, grandmother, Bible teacher, radio host, writer and the owner of WNL Virtual Blog Tours. Her years of marketing her own self-published books have created a special talent in her—her ability to sell a product well. Not only does she specialize in marketing strategies, but also serves as the publicist for P.F.L. Publishing.

She has been mentoring and teaching women for years though seminars, workshops and conferences. Paulette Harper Johnson serves in ministry as an Elder with her husband Sr. Pastor Tony E. Johnson at Word of Faith Worship Center in Bradenton and North Port FL.

Ministry Book website: www.pauletteharper.com

2. How did you come up with the title for your book?

Actually, in the middle of completing my first book, this book came to mind. I had gone through a bad ordeal, which left me broken and scared. In order for me to write about becoming whole, I had to experience it myself. There were areas in my own life that I needed to confront and deal with. Those areas that hindered me from moving forward needed to be addressed. Once God began to point out those areas and I accepted where I was spiritually, the healing and restoration began. The process of becoming Completely Whole is continual for any believer desiring to live, walk, and pursue a life on purpose.

 

3. Who will benefit from reading your book?
Completely Whole is designed for anyone who is trying to find solutions to how they can live a life of wholeness and on purpose. I teach readers how to examine life experiences based on the choices they made. I explain and share how walking completely whole is not only possible but it is the will of God.

4. What is the one thing people should walk away with having read your book?
My focus in writing is to enrich the lives of my readers. I had a reader make this comment about Completely Whole “It speaks” and that’s what I want it to do. I want them to come away knowing that they have the ability to live a full enriched life.

I want to make several impacts on readers: First I write non-fiction inspirational books so this means my books should have a lasting effect on a person’s spirit. Inspiring and encouraging them to pursue with passion a better fulfilled life. I want my writings to give strength, encouragement in the time of need. As they read Completely Whole, I want my writings to engage, stimulate and edify them spiritually.

5. What is one thing you would like to say to our readers today?

 There are many distractions that will continue to pull for our attention be it, home, ministry, family and/or job. For those aspiring authors there must be balance in your life, so you can prioritize those things that are important. It’s very important to follow your passion and don’t allow other things to take you off course.

 

 

 

I Am So Amazed That You Are Still Here!!!

Now this is not what you think. I am not saying that I am amazed that people are reading my blogs more and more each day. Although I am very grateful. I am amazed at how many women especially are still in the same spot as they were...weeks, months, years ago. I have to ask myself, WHY?

Well, here's the real deal. We want to change. I believe that but we are operating in fear. Someone, somewhere told us our dreams are not available to us. The hard thing to swallow I think is that we somehow believe what they said. Maybe it was a parent when we were still very impressible to outside influences. Others might have a teacher that intimidated us, or some other authority figure. Many of us have surrounded ourselves with people who are what I call dream killers. They cant see you attaining your dream and they remind you of this daily. No wonder we have not move forward.

Take  A deep breath... There is hope still... It's time to move forward.

First you must understand that a decision has to be made about the people in your life. You must take inventory of those that you choose to share your life and dreams with. Not everyone, including family, friends and loved ones, can handle the dream that is birthed in your spirit. You can see yourself operating at a level that is no where near where you are now. That is a good thing. If you were already living your dream it would not be a dream. right? Right!

Now second you must come to grip that your dream will not happen overnight. There is no over night success and no free opportunities. Everything must and should cost you something. Yes, you heard me. Be willing to put the work in to get what is yours. Believe me when you fight for it and work toward it, you will appreciate and cherish it more. So stop complaining about it being hard... Did you really want it to be easy to attain? Think about it. If something is easy, then everyone will do it. Those that make it to the top travel the road that has few travelers on it.

Breath deeper...It's going to get better...Keep moving.

Lastly, you must be willing to press through the hard times and understand that the process to realize your dream is not made of all great days. There will be some set backs, some starts and stops. There will be times you want to cry...Who Am I kidding...YOU will cry. It just part of the process. Listen to me, once you are focused on the end result... you will be thankful for the hard days. Believe me.  Remember this, in the times when things are hard for you and you want to throw in the towel, say this to yourself. "It's darkest before the dawn." Meaning your breakthrough, your release, your journey may be coming to an end if you just persevere through.

It's your journey and no one can tell you what it should look like.

Be Empowered
Coach Linda Hillman
Copyright 2012 Destined 2 B U Empowerment Group

Introducing Jaime Fleming Dixon...

New inspirational book shows women how to live their most fabulous lives


ANDERSON, S.C. -- For four years through her blog, ForColoredGurls.com, author Jamie Fleming-Dixon has written and shared articles that inspire and empower women to live their most fabulous lives. In her new book, How
to Change Your Mindset and Live Your Most Fabulous Life, she gives women practical tips for creating a more positive mindset, which will enable them to live the lives of their dreams.

Serving as an inspirational guide that helps women create and live the lives they want, this quick read gives tips and guidance so they can begin to live the lives they'’ve always desired. 

Jamie'’s motivation to write the book stems from For Colored Gurls' tagline, Live your most Fabulous life's”. Her goal through the site is to assist women in living the lives they dream of, so she wrote the book to show them how to do just that. 


"“I want women to know that having the life they'’ve always wanted is possible, and I want to show them practical ways to create a positive mindset so they can actually build the lives they desire,"” she said. 


Topics covered in How to Change Your Mindset and Live Your Most Fabulous Life include:

• Determining your purpose in life
• Getting rid of limiting beliefs
• Developing a positive mindset and attitude
• Setting and achieving goals

The book is currently available in e-book format and will be released in print on May 15, 2012. For more information about How to Change Your Mindset and Live Your Most Fabulous Life, visit forcoloredgurls.com/change-your-mindset-book.


Dreamer. Lover of life. Goal getter. These are just a few words to describe Jamie Fleming-Dixon, author, inspirational writer and blogger and fabulous female entrepreneur. She is founder and publisher of For Colored Gurls, a blog that inspires and empowers women to live their most  Fabulous lives and owner of Mocha Writer, a copywriting and content creation service specializing in copy editing. To get inspiration and motivation for every area of you life, visit forcoloredgurls.com




Destined 2 B U Empowerment Group  is proud to partner with For Colored Gurls and Jaime Fleming-Dixon to promote her new book and blog. Please join us on July 13th at 3:30 PM PST when I will interview her on Http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dare2bunow. 

A Woman Healed of Life's Expereicnes

Dr. Susan Jeffers says, “Life is not a struggle but an opportunity”.  I know that there are some that read those words and said, “Yeah right, that is not true for me. I have suffered at the hands of those I love. My life has not presented any opportunities to me. It seems that when I think things could come together, they fall apart.” Well I understand your frustration and want to share a bit of my story with you.

I was raised in a verbally abusive home where I was sexually molested and witnessed domestic violence against my mother. I grew up to be angry and built a wall to protect me from everything. Relationship after relationship failed. One day I realized that the life I was living was just a shadow of what could be.  The pain that seemed to hold me prisoner was of my own doing. I was the one not willing to forgive.  I was the one not moving forward. It was like an epiphany, if I would just rise above my hurt I could see a better way of doing things. That day I made up my choice to surrender to God’s love and let the healing begin. I wanted to be free.  However, I knew that would take some restoration of my inner emotions. I would have to learn how to look at life differently, not using my own reasoning because it was skewed and fragile.

I sought help through counselors and coaches. I began to journal, revisiting that pain and allowing love to overcome me. The process was long but thorough.  I emerged a woman healed of life’s experiences. Healing comes in various forms, now as a Pastor and Transformation Empowerment Coach I help other women realize they too can live above hurt.

The first step can be the hardest however, if you are truly ready for healing to occur in your life then you will allow this step to take place, including removing all negative and unhealthy influences in your life. Many times, it is what we allow in our lives that hinder us the most. I had to deal with the past in order to maintain my present and secure my future.

Be Empowered
Coach Linda Hillman
Copyright 2012 Destined 2 B U Empowerment Group

Avoiding And Resolving Conflict

The effects of conflict in our lives can be widespread and costly. Studies have shown that 24% to 60 % of our time and energy is spent dealing with with anger. Anger is the number one cause of conflicts. Anger leads to decreased productivity on our jobs, in our businesses and in our relationships. anger also leads to increased stress, hampered performance, absenteeism, and its most extreme result is violence and death.

Conflicts can manifest from a number of factors and can be individual or group focused. Competition is a sore spot for conflicts to fester. Whether it is in your relationships, on the job, or business owners of the same niche. the easiest way to resolve conflict quickly is to avoid it in the first place, here are some steps to help you do just that:

1. Communicate: Conflict happens when communication breaks down. People are not on the same page and each side has strong opinions. Leaders should also communicate the goals of the organization, group or assignment and work with individuals to help them feel significant in each step. this is not to say hold their hands but take a moment to hear them out and help them see the bigger picture. Most important treat every one the same.

2. Listen: You have one mouth and two hears. that is not a mistake. You should do twice as much listen as you do talking. make sure you hear what the people are saying. Acknowledge and clarify what you have heard without drawing your own conclusions. Make sure that you support their feeling and provide them with the resources to accomplish their goals.

3.Set boundaries: You can be professional, empathetic, and compassionate toward  individuals without crossing the line of giving away your power. Adapt to the environment you are in but DO not give away your power to choose.

4. Nip it in the bud: If you notice a situation becoming heated, tempers or voices are rising, address the situation as soon as possible. Speak about teh elephant in the room as it were. Listen carefully and then offer a solution based on what you heard. Resolve it in a matter that this cannot repeat itself.

Be Empowered
Coach Linda Hillman
Copyright 2012 Destined 2 B U Empowerment Group

Be Careful Whom You Trust

Have you ever been in a position where you believe that all those in your circle of influence like you? You do what you are told and you generate fantastic results. You get along with everyone including those that over you, (i.e. bosses, spouse, siblings, parents, etc...)

Then one day you speak about a management practice you do not agree with or you say something about your spouse that does not paint them in the best light. You and your friends are having a nice conversation about life and it just bubbles to the surface. You are among friends and you are just venting. Maybe like so many, you write it on a post on Facebook or Twitter. You might even blog about it. This is when everything changes. Suddenly, you are called in on the carpet. Your manager or spouse is confronting you about something you said and they are not pleased at all. Now it's brought to your attention in an ugly and spiteful way. Everything you said has been twisted, contorted and just plain misunderstood. Maybe they take out a list of things you said and when you said them. You realize someone has been keeping track of your venting, your blowing off steam and has given a full report to them. Who could have disliked you this much. Who could be so full of hate to twist your words and meaning like this? Who could stab you in the back this way?

Many times you will not find out who did, or you will find out but their true motives will be masked in the anger in their eyes. You are hurt and now your relationship is strained. You are full of regret and remorse. Which ever it is, learn the bigger lesson here. Keep your mouth shut. Whether it is in life with your intimate relationships, or in business...big mouths don't get ahead. A moment of venting can cause a storm in a relationship that could have just been water under the bridge.

We all have times that we want to speak about a situation or give a piece of our mind to someone. but i say keep your righteous mind and hold you tongue. Somethings are left better unsaid.

Be Empowered
Coach Linda Hillman
Copyright 2012 Destined 2 B U Empowerment Group

Ask For What You Deserve!

Listen, when you start a business or go into that performance review, everyone is counting on you to have issues with money. Meaning, they are all hoping that you will not ask for what you deserve. If you don't ask for the raise the company saves money. Or they may even use the recession as a means to discourage you. Now I admit many companies were hit hard and to stay afloat they had to tighten their belts. However, Can you see a way to help them with their bottom line? Then go in and ask for that raise with your head held high.  IF you have started a business. your knowledge is valuable. You have gone to school, read books, learned some of life toughest lessons to acquire that knowledge. You have cultivated that skill with many hours, days, weeks, months and years of focused attention. Don't be afraid to show the confidence in your acquired skills.

Many times we don't ask because we don't want things to change. We dont want to put people in an uncomfortable space. However, we cant pay our bills, our family is suffering with less than the best and our dreams are not being manifested. Listen to this, the one who ask for what they deserve, will get it. There is someone out there that understands your worth and they are willing to pay. Those that are not ready are not the ones you should be concerned with. I was once told, "My ideal client is willing and ready to pay." I fought that statement when it was said but now I understand. Me short selling my products and knowledge was not doing me any favors. I worked hard for it. Now I was willing to give it away for free or less than I should.

If you have put in the work, you have paid the piper then it is time for you to ask for what you deserve. Again, if they are not ready to give you what you ask for, someone else is waiting in line that will. So start here, recognize your worth and then ask for it. DO not settle for less. In the end you will get less than what you settled for. I know it can be scary but what is more scary, settling and nothing changing, your family struggling, your dreams dying and those that are waiting on you not receiving the help they need. OR ... asking for what you deserve and changing not only your life but the lives of those you come in contact with.



Be Empowered
Coach Linda Hillman
Copyright 2012 Destined 2 B U Empowerment Group

The PBW Tour 2011 - Maximizing YOU - Press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Corporate Communications- 800-917-9435 ext 808
info@thepbw.com

The Professional Black Woman™ Maximizing You Tour Positively Impacts More Than 33 Cities

Greenville, SC (April 20, 2011) - The Professional Black Woman™ (The PBW), a personal and professional development organization launch its 33 city plus tour. The purpose of the tour is to promote its mission of providing partnerships, mentorships, resources, and skills needed for business and professional women to increase their bottom line. The admission is complimentary however registration is required for admittance.

The PBW Maximizing You Tour offers opportunities for networking, exchanging of ideas for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs, and a venue for successful professional, African-American women to be showcased. The cities included on the tour are: Atlanta, Baltimore, Bethlehem, Birmingham, Buena Vista, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Flint, Greensboro, Houston, Huntsville, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Louisville, Miami, Milwaukee, Mobile, Montclair, Montgomery, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh, St. Croix, Stockton, Suffolk, Toronto, and Washington, DC.

Top experts are taking note of the impact women business owners are making in the market place. Jim Turley, Ernest Young CEO had this to say, “The more women are engaged in business, the better the G.D.P.” Lahle Wolfe of About.com states, “Black women started businesses at three-to-five times the rate of all other new businesses between 2006 and 2009.” “This tour will further enhance our mission of providing quality platforms for professional, African-American women to sharpen their skills, increase their knowledge, and create stronger partnerships,” says Deborah Hardnett, The Professional Black Woman™ Founder & CEO.

For registration, alliance opportunities or more information please visit www.thepbw.com and/or call 800-917-9435 ext 808.