by Altimese Nichole | Feb 9, 2016 | Learn + Grow
In the corporate world, having to deal with a hostile or difficult work environment is inevitable. The longer we work with others, the more apparent our differences become. The differences are not a bad thing but how we respond to them can be. Here are the 3 R’s to practice when dealing with a difficult work environment:
- Reflect upon your actions first.
When faced with conflict, it’s easy to play the blame game. “Why are they doing this to me? What did I do to them? Because of them, I can’t.” Sound familiar? Before seeking fault, look within yourself and see what you could possibly do to bring light to the situation. Often times, people resist change and the things (or people) they don’t understand— or can most associate with. We tend to have a lot in common with the people who irritate us the most. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but its worth considering before pointing out the flaws of another person.
- Remember your WHY.
Think of all of your dreams, desires, and goals. Now think of your family and where you envision yourself being 5 years from now. What does that picture look like? Does your workplace align with that vision? If so, remember your WHY. Along with great reward comes great responsibility. The adversity is simply preparing you for the greatness ahead (the resilience you will need once you get there). This very moment is preparing your for something, don’t fight against it. Ironically, when you begin to see it from this lens– the issues with co-workers begin to disappear, simply because it’s not important. Every company has office politics; it’s our job to find the one that we can deal with while striving for our goals . If your job doesn’t align with your WHY, run quickly to find one that does. We all have one life to live– why waste time outside of purpose? The only person dictating your career is YOU. Take ownership of your title as CEO of your life– and do what you must to get where you should be.
- Rise Above
Remember, “Birds of a feather flock together; Eagles soar alone.” Even in the midst of injustice, we must push past our desire to be understood and heard– and rise above. Take the high road and using prayer and kindness as your weapon of choice. Is this hard to do? Absolutely. Is it still necessary. Absolutely. People are always watching and its often people you least expect. The ignorance, pettiness, and gossip within the workplace is not worth stepping out of character. Rise above it all.
When you’re faced with workplace annoyances; Reflect, Remember and Rise.
Do you have any additional tips for dealing with a difficult or hostile work environment?
Share your insight with us!
XOXO
by Altimese Nichole | Feb 9, 2016 | Family + Relationships
True Friends are worth making the effort for when life gets busy. As we challenge ourselves to live a life of intentional behavior, here are some ways to help us be more intentional with improving our friendships:
- Periodically Check-in
For some reason, many believe that effort must be equivalent to something grand, or extremely time consuming. This is not necessarily true! Effort could be as simple as a text to say hello (which can be scheduled within your phone, by the way), A kind message on through a social platform, or a brief 5 minute call. For me, life is busy! In the midst of a full time job, a full-time marriage, and full-time dreams– I am still expected to maintain my relationships to the best of my ability. Well- in Atlanta, I am not excluded from traffic! While in traffic (and using my bluetooth and voice command service in my car), that’s when I catch up with loved ones. Every Sunday as I plan for my week, I write down 2-3 names of friends and family in my planner and write down the best day to call. Writing this down helps me to remember, and it also make it just as important as all other things on my calendar. Random “thinking of you” notes are always great too!
- Learn their language of Love
We all have 5 core love languages but the rankings change for every individual! Many apply the love languages to their spouse or significant other but love languages apply to ALL relationships, including friendships. My love language is time for the majority of my relationships. However, a dear friend of mine has a love language of word of affirmation. As her friend, I choose to speak life into our brief conversations and she makes the effort to make time for us to catch up– even in the midst of her busy family life. By us taking the time to truly learn one another’s love languages, it removes any assumptions and helps us tap directly into showing appreciation for one another.
- Seek friendship God’s Way
The word “friend” is taken too lightly in many situations.True friendship takes time, tests, and success through the tests. In the Book, The Woman Code by Sophia Nelson, Ms. Nelson states the following:
“To be a “sister” is to be a friend. To be loyal. Tried-and-true. It is to give a smile, lend a hand, and practice friendship. it is to be forgiving. to be a covering, a balm, a helping hand, a fierce advocate and builder of other women. Being a “sister” means you value other woman as you value yourself.”
Being a true friend goes beyond a word and requires the act of love toward another person. Make it a point to seek God’s Word and guidance as it pertains to friendship. He will never fail you.
If you haven’t had a chance, please pick up a copy of 31 Days of Intentional Behavior, written by ours truly– STRONG Founder, Coupe Scott!!
Want to learn more about Sophia Nelson’s book, The Woman Code: 20 Powerful Keys to Unlock Your Life? Check out my recent book review and be inspired!
XOXO
by Altimese Nichole | Feb 9, 2016 | Learn + Grow
Let me first start by saying the author, Rachel Macy Stafford, has a beautiful way with words and how she conveys her message to her readers. As a wife and mother, you hear her adoration and gratitude toward the precious gifts in her life called family. She has a way within her writing that will make you say “hmmm,” and pause for reflection. Her ability to do this make her book very intriguing and a great read within itself.
The book is written while she captured her journey to become hands free, which simply means to release control in life and open our hearts to the beauty of what is. Although I am a wife, I have not ventured into the journey of motherhood yet. So, there were a lot of things that she addressed that would be extremely beneficial to busy moms who crave to not miss the special moments. She address habits of setting boundaries, living in the present, give what matters, and more.
If you’re preparing to be a mother, a new mom, or have been on the journey of motherhood for some time now, this book would definitely inspire you to embrace every moment with gratitude and with the need of less control.
Have you read this book? If so, tell us what you think!
XOXO
by Kiersten Homalon | Jan 28, 2016 | Family + Relationships
I LOVE being a mom. Its something I always knew I would do. I grew up baby sitting all the neighborhood kids and lasted all the way into college! I was the “Go To Babysitter”. I assisted my mother in her In Home Day Care and I worked in various Day Cares separate from hers. I love children! I always thought I would be a teacher one day because of this passion!
I ended up never becoming a teacher because God had other Plans for me, and I am thankful that His hand on my life has led me down the path it has. I am a young mother married to a man I prayed for, for many years, and God answered my prayers ten fold. We are just starting out but thankfully God has blessed me with a business I can run from my home and help women transition from birth into motherhood with community and support! I love what I do and I love that I can be home with my two year old while I am at it! My daughter comes with me on all of my outings. She’s amazing and helpful during prenatal visits and client meet ups, then I am blessed that my husband watches her when I met clients postpartum to honor their sacred space.
My daughter is amazing. Patient, kind, and scary smart!! But with all of that said, she is also 2…. and that presents MANY challenges.
Now that she is getting closer to the age of 3 we are embarking on much more mental break downs, tantrums, and….. ATTITUDE!!!!
I was not prepared for this! ATTITUDE!? I always was on the other end of the “TUDE” but now I am getting a small glimpse of the maternal side.
I know just about every mother goes through this. And there are about a million “How To” books and Blogs and such on how to cure them and treat them, and thats great. But For me they stress me out… and confuse how I feel my daughter should be parented. Or they might intimidate me! But the point is…. Sometimes, my frustration with my daughter gets the best of me, and I sacrifice my influence as her mother for selfish reactions that are always based out of the wrong place.
I have experienced a number of times where, I “snap” and then as soon as it starts, its over, and then my conscience weighs on me, along with the shock in my daughter’s face. This has taken many forms, but they are all ugly, and solve nothing.
Finally, one day it happened again. I lost it…. and It sent my heart crawling back to The Lord for guidance. I am thankful for His forgiveness, and his mercy because clearly I need it. Then it hit me. How God parents me, is exactly how I should be parenting my daughter, with Grace and Mercy. And then a Daniel Tiger Episode popped into my head. “When you’re feeling mad and you wanna ROAR… Just take a deep breath… and count to four…. 1…2…3…4!” Yes there are lessons in cartoons for adults as well it seems!
At that moment I realized that I was in a position to teach and simultaneously learn and hone in the skill of patiently parenting. Firm and strait forward, but full of Grace and Mercy. So now when my daughter loses her cool in the parking lot and everyone is starring at me and her…. I’ll run the Daniel Tiger song through in my head, and then say “Ok God…. guide my discipline here, help me to parent her firmly in the way she needs me to Father.”
At that moment I am WAY more effective as a mother than I was before and instead of two people in shambles, there is one guiding the way for the other, and showing my daughter what is appropriate by treating her appropriately.
I am in NO WAY a parenting expert, but this switch flipping in my head has already really changed the atmosphere in our home, even my husband noticed it! (It could be also that I get gym time ALONE now… Thank you Jesus!) But I know that this change too is contributing to a better vibe to our home. I heard it said before that women are to be the Thermostat in the home….. NOT the Thermometer. And I really keep that vision in the for front of my mind as well….
So when you’re about to lose it…. Flash forward a few years and see how your influence now in guiding your children in their emotions will benefit them… For me it really tugged on my heart strings…. and got my mind turning. Use your unique set of Mommy Sense that I believe God gives the each of us…. and keep your cool momma!
You GOT THIS!
Have Grit Sweet Ones,
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth.” 3 John 1:4
by Kiersten Homalon | Jan 28, 2016 | Family + Relationships
Many by now have heard about the new craze of Essential oils. Its easy to dismiss something that seems like the latest fad. However, the science behind how Essential Oils work makes it undeniable that these oils effectively protect and heal our bodies in multiple ways! On top of that, the usage of Essential oils extends all the way back to the beginning of the Bible! That says something about their power! With the wide variety, there is literally an oil that can be used for every single situation in life.
As mothers, it is no secret that we need to be equipped… for EVERYTHING! All mothers know that the inevitable not only is possible, but it WILL, at some point, happen! This is why this new year, I encourage you to revamp your Diaper Bag, Purse, Snack pack, and Beach Bag with a few oils that are a necessity for those rogue moments!
There are 5 Oils that you cannot go without…
The first Oil that MUST be with you at all times is Melaleuca (Aka Tea Tree Oil).
Melaleuca’s Benefits Include:
-Cleansing and renewing benefits to Skin
-Boosts Immune Functions
-Protects against environmental threats
Awesome Ways to Use This oil:
-Diaper Rash Creams
-Sanitizing Hand Sprays
-Cuts and Bruise Spray
-Mixed with a Carrier Oil (Fractionated Coconut oil, and Almond Oil are my favorites) and used topically for warts, blisters, rashes, and infections.
Another Oil that is a MUST for Mom’s is Lavender.
Many people just flat out love the smell of Lavender and savor it solely for that! However, Lavender is a powerhouse when it comes to using Essential Oils.
Lavender Benefits Include:
-Aromatherapy- Calming, Stress and Anxiety Reducing, and Sleep Aid
-Topically: Bee Stings, Insect Bites, Minor Burns, Cuts, Eczema, Dry and Chapped Skin, Dandruff, and Cold Sores
-Also helps with: Fever, nosebleeds, Nausea and Motion Sickness
Ways to Use Lavender:
-Diffused: In the car or in the home, Great for fussy restless babies, Tantrum prone toddlers, and grumpy over worked Husbands…. and ladies, when you can’t take anymore, drop a few drops of lavender in your palms rub them together and take a deep breath….. (I call this the “Chill Pill” ) It works.
-Topically: inflamed skin, cuts, burns, eczema and more (Paired with Melaleuca these two are a healing power house!)
-Motion sickness and Nausea: A drop on the tip of your tongue (Only use Pure therapeutic grade essential oils internally) Also Pregnant women should refrain from the use of Lavender internally and in some cases topically.
-Nose Bleeds: Using pressure point on the top lip directly under the nose and put a drop or two of Lavender on the tissue or rag you’re using to catch the blood.
-Cold Sores, and Distressed Lips: Chapped or cracked lips are desperate for some relief and lavender is just the thing to soothe them. Cold sores can be healed from putting Lavender EO directly onto the sore.
-Taste Buds!: Not many would think of Lavender as a tasty flavor but Lavender can be added to many recipes to add a unique and absolutely DELICIOUS flavor! My favorite is Raw Lavender Cheesecake….. Yes Its possible, and goodness its tasty! And Healthy!
The Next oil is Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus Benefits of use are:
-Anti-inflammatory
-Decongestant
-Deodorant
-AntiBacterial
-Anti-fungal
-Stimulating (Mentally)
Uses for Eucalyptus Include:
-Massaged onto the chest and back helps to soothe asthma, and congestion. Diffusing this oil also helps with these respiratory problems
-A few drops in warm water gargled for sore throats
-Diffused and topically placed at the base of the back of the neck to treat mental exhaustion as well as mental disorders, the cooling effect of the oil is refreshing and helps to remove the mid day fog…. (For children who have learning disabilities, behavioral differences, or when your coffee has worn of in the middle of the day this is a powerful oil to always have on hand!)
-Massaging into skin with a carrier oil for sore muscles and joint pain. (Growing pains are the worst…. this will give your child relief!)
-Mixed in your tooth paste! Helps to prevent cavities and gingivitis!
-Dropped onto the scalp to treat lice! (Every mom’s fear!) Eucalyptus is a natural pesticide!
-Placed on the bottoms of the feet, paired with peppermint to break fever (Fevers come out of no where sometimes so its really important to keep Peppermint and Eucalyptus on hand)
www.organicfacts.net
That leads us into our Fourth Essential Oil that is Essential…. Sorry I couldn’t resist…Peppermint
Peppermint Essential oil Benefits:
-Antiviral
-AntiMicrobial
-Anti-fungal
-Antioxidant
-Radio-protective
Ways to use Peppermint Essential Oil:
-Tummy Aches: can be taken internally in tablets (DoTerra carries peppermint tablets) or a drop under the tongue will do it.
-Rubbed onto the chest to decongest and reduce inflammation for those who suffer from Asthma
-Added to bath water for sore muscles or over tired bodies ( it happens to all our kiddos at some point and this is a great way to lead them into a deep sleep to recover from a long day)
-Diffused: Helps to increase emotional comfort and reduce stress and nervous system overstimulation….. Need I say more?
The Last Essential oil is Actually one of my absolute favorites! And I think you will see why!
Frankincense Essential is not only AMAZING to smell but it is a POWERHOUSE Essential oil!
Benefits of Frankincense Include:
– Antiseptic
-Disinfectant
-Astringent
-Digestive
-Diuretic
-Sedative
These are just some of the many uses and Medicinal benefits of Frankincense! Some others that cannot go with out mentioning are:
-Immune Boost
-Oral Health
-Emenagogue (Encourages regular and healthy Menstruation)
-Carminative (Eliminates gas in the body and prevents gas build up) -lets be real Ladies, No one wants Gas build up
-Cicatrisant (Fancy word for Miracle Worker…. Anti Aging and encourages healthy glowing skin… More on this later!)
-Digestive (Again a miracle worker in the speeding up of digestion and helps with indigestion!)
-Stress and Anxiety
Ways to Use Frankincense:
-Diffused with Other complimenting Essential Oils such as Cypress, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime , Orange, and Sandalwood! This is a Great way to combat stress and anxiety, as well as treating nervous system ailments.
-1-2 Drops under the Tongue: Momma’s this one is for you. This is a great way to keep up immune functions and over all health to make sure you’re the best mommy you can be and feel great while doing it!
-Combined with a carrier oil and rubbed onto the bottom of kiddos feet and the sides of their spine (Immune Booster Roller Ball Recipe to follow!)
-Mixed into lotions, lip balms, body wash, and fragrances (The ultimate secret weapon when it comes to Beauty Regiments!)
*Applying Frankincense to the skin encourages regeneration of healthy skin cells and encourages the tissues to remain healthy! Using this oils will help remove sun spots, scars, acne, wrinkles and tighten your sin wherever you apply! Like is said…. MIRACLE WORKER!
** This is an oil to refrain from during your pregnancy… But use it on your kiddos still!
Using Essential Oils may seem daunting at first, but once you know your main Oils to have in your arsenal you’ll be a Essential Guru! And then you can branch out after you further your own research!
Happy Essential Oiling!
Immune Booster Recipe
12 Drops Frankincense
10 Drops Melaleuca
5 Drops Oregano
10 Drops Lemon
Have Grit Sweet One,
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