O-spiration!

Look at that face. It reminds you of the face of an aunt or mother. It could be the face of your successful sister you've always looked up to who was always there to give great advice. She knows the best clothes to wear, the best books to read, the best restaurants to frequent, and all her friends are educated and fascinating. That is how I like to think of Oprah, as that cool big sister to millions.

The Final O-Moment
It wasn’t a studio filled with big-named celebrities, there were no flashing lights, no cars or fancy trips being given away, it was just Oprah.  After 25 years the queen of day-time television said goodbye to the audience of the Oprah Winfrey show, millions of viewers who tuned in everyday to witness a show that generated hope, passion, validation, and change for so many.  In her final hour Oprah decided to leave the world with what I’ll term-Ospiration, tidbits of her truths, her knowledge, her wisdom, her hopes. 

Oprah Winfrey is a prime example of the slogan “Anything is Possible. “  Since the start of her career she’s broken the box of containment.  Despite hearing you’re too big, too dark, to this or to that, in her career she found a way to fit, she also found a way to create a large platform of success for herself as well as those around her. 

In a sense Oprah’s last show was a call to arms for everyone watching, regardless of age, race, career field, or life history.  Amongst her love notes to the world, she stressed the importance of taking responsibility for your life,  figuring out what you were called to do and getting about the business of doing it.  She stressed that when you're called to do something, "it lights you up, and it lets you know that you are exactly where you're supposed to be, doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing." In her message she stressed how each person has their own stage, no matter how large or small, of people to reach, and that you must allow your life to speak for you.  What she wanted the world to receive from her show was to learn to "live from the heart of yourself"-....to know "what sparks the life in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world."  Thank you Lady O for illuminating millions around the world with your light.  We appreciate you.  Continue to let your light shine as we continue illuminating the stage with the light we've been given.  

Virtue~Us
Dee/Chi/and So Many Others.......continue to Shine!

Playing it safe - Is fear holding you back?

Playing it safe

There is no artistic evolution in playing it safe. An actor doesn’t fully connect with the character on a higher level when he or she plays it safe. Art that plays it safe doesn’t inspire conversation, change perspectives, or challenge traditional norms. There is something about giving yourself entirely to your dream that is more fulfilling than receiving success or even failing at the pursuit of happiness. It is like telling someone you love them even if there is a possibility that the person of interest may not feel the same way.  You are risking everything to find solace in a truth that would not be revealed if you refuse to step out and find it. What am I talking about? I’m talking about never stepping out of your comfort zone, never being completely open to failure. Some of the wealthiest people are risk takers and some of the bums on the street are that too. Although nobody wants to take a risk and be a bum, at least the bum can say I made an attempt to live out my dreams.  The only person who really wins when you play it safe is the enemy (my church folk know who I’m talking about). You see the enemy wins when you don’t strive for greatness, or operate above your potential. When you play it safe you are not living your best life, which is what God wants for you.  

One day you are going to wake up and not have the gusto to run that marathon, travel overseas, sky dive, build that multi-million dollar corporation, or even tell that guy or gal how you really feel. There is no better time to release any type of fear that is holding you back than today.

This morning I watched a news story about a high school wrestling champ with no legs who was teaching a young boy without feet how to wrestle.  How can we complain or operate in fear when it comes to our dreams when there are people on this earth doing the impossible.

DREAM but don’t stay dreaming! This year its time to Do You!

 Virtue ~ Us Chi  

Sweet. Simple. To the Point.

What's your vision?  How long have you had this vision?  Is this vision generating income for you so that you have enough profit to pay your bills?  If not, are you working a part-time or full-time job and created a plan that will allow you to eventually work your vision full-time?  Vision.  What's yours?  The REALITY is..... the vision will always be there, it will never go away.  Pursue your vision, live it, accept it, love it, carry it, protect it, deserve it, strengthen it, embrace it, exploit it, admire it, catch it, own it.  
It's yours.  The REALITY is....it will never go away.

~DeAndrea~

Neo Mom

NEO MOM

As I was coming home from the gym after a quick workout, I recalled a conversation I had with a friend about getting old and turning into a "mommy" after having kids. Back in the olden days when women got married and had kids they abandoned their young and hip look for the look of “the mommy”. Mommies are pudgy from baby fat, they wear short hair cuts to show their maturity, they wear high water pants pulled up to the waist, and somehow every bit of sexuality is drained out of their bodies. That particular mommy look still exists but I believe it will one day be extinct. With the pressure to stay in shape and to look young, you find a lot of women taking on the neo mom look. The neo mom is hot! Neo mom quickly sheds the baby weight and bounces back. She is on a diet while she is pregnant as a matter of fact. She is in the latest gear. Her hairstyle is trendy. Basically neo mom doesn't miss a beat. I am sure the increase in the divorce rate has forces women with kids to get back in shape and back in the market.

With all that being said, I actually believe that the neo mom is the healthier option. Eating healthy portions while you are pregnant will keep you from gaining massive weight and I am sure is good for the baby. Also, keeping yourself in shape does wonders for your self esteem. I think keeping yourself together helps you  avoid losing yourself in marriage or in the mommy role. You should be mommy but you shouldn’t lose your identity. I am sure keeping yourself together once you have kids is a major challenge. I guess what I’m saying is that times are changing and you can make a choice to have the traditional mommy look or be a neo mom. You don’t have to lose yourself. As long as you want to stay fit and trendy then you can. Thoughts?