by Altimese Nichole | Sep 23, 2015 | Learn + Grow
What are some of your ways that you release unaddressed emotion? What is your routine for reflecting on your day? Pondering on our day-to-day experiences help remind us that each day is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted and journaling is one way to reflect upon our gift of life.
Have you ever thought about journaling? Here are a few highlights of the many benefits for journal writing:
- The ability to get it out
Throughout a day, we encounter many different interactions, moments, actions, and emotions. The majority of us deal with it all and simply move forward—or worst, we’re so in a routine that we don’t bother to truly experience the days we’re blessed with. When we keep a journal, it helps us to capture the moments throughout the day. It also helps us to truly stop and think about what we experience, and how it impacted our feelings.
- Increases healthy personal expression
True expression and communication takes courage. In today’s society, we’re encouraged to embrace true identity as the media and magazines remind us of what this should “look” like. Social media, although amazingly innovative through connection and engagement, it can also hinder our ability to truly express ourselves through true communication. Journaling creates a private platform where we can share true feelings (without fear of judgement or reaction) and work our way through healing. It’s a form of personal therapy and can help us to effectively express ourselves with others because we grow to have a better understanding of ourselves.
- Looking back to see how far you’ve come
As you create a habit of journaling, it is truly an amazing experience to go back and read your prayers, hurts, disappointments, and defining moments. My husband and I got married in April and I had to purge some things in the house to merge our lives together. While purging the office, I came across my journals from high school and college! Can you image that?! I read through the pages—so completely humbled by the young beautiful woman that wrote those letters to God—and blown away by how each prayer was answered. Some took months, some took years but they manifested. I’m so grateful for that beautiful moment that day on the office floor. I wouldn’t have had that without my journals.
Journaling is a wonderful way to reconnect to your core. It can happen wherever you are, whenever you want, however you want to do it. It’s our personal way to give love and time to our hearts while blessing ourselves with the ability to look back on the progress!
Want more inspiration that can help you journey and get your story out? Join us for STRONGchatLiveAtlanta on September 26, 2015 from 12:00p-3:30p! Let’s learn to write to live!!!
by STRONG | Sep 21, 2015 | Learn + Grow
The views of others often plaque our minds, our very spirit. They tie up our dreams and strip us of our purpose. Their ability to do that doesn’t reside in its truth, it relies on our acceptance of it.
On last night 3 amazing actresses received awards in honor of the ability to excel in their respective profession, Regina King, Uzo Aduba and Viola Davis. Viola Davis in fact literally making history as the first black actress to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama. Their greatness in an arena that has omitted their talents could no longer suppress the phenomenal presence they continuously pour out on television screens week after week after week. As we reflect on this day and stand proudly with them to celebrate the monumental achievements they so deservingly received, lets not forget to be present in the fact a moment like this exists. Lets not allow their accomplishment to be a hashtag in remembrance of the a night that will eventually fade. Instead, let it be a sobering reminder that we have to create, support, empower and inspire each other. We have to lift each other on the climb and show up places that don’t always accept us or have opportunities for us to shine. Nonetheless, we must continue to recognize the importance of our presence in those place to create the change we want to see.
There are times when you will not have the connections in place to get you where you would like to be, but you have to push through anyway. The beauty of progress isn’t who gets the reward it’s the understanding that on the shoulders of the winners stand more winners that have laid the pathway and the ground work for events/moments that are far too rare.
So, today tap into your own magic, celebrate someone else’s and get back to work… because there are too many hurdles to jump to stop now. When we welcome acceptance, but fail to acknowledge the problem, we become part of it. Thank you to the women that take hits everyday and keep moving forward into greater. There is so much more to come, but today Viola Davis, Regina King and Uzo Aduba we salute and celebrate with you as you stand in the greatness we have recognized long ago!
Be Inspired,
by Khojdeshia Denise | Sep 16, 2015 | Learn + Grow
Hey You,
If I could say one thing to you it would be: find your SMILE. Find the place within yourself that no matter what’s going on, you can smile anyway because you know that no storm lasts forever. Even when hard times come and the rain seems like it will never end, remember it will! You can never see the light of the sunshine if your head is held down in defeat. Trust me, I know times get hard, but times have been hard before, and you will make it through this-as you always do. I wanted to take this time to encourage you in case no one else does. I want to remind you to acknowledge the rhythm that continues to pump inside your chest despite any opposition you face. And when the tears cloud your vision sometimes, remember we walk by faith not by sight! No matter what you do JUST HOLD ON. Believe that you can make it and trust that when you do, you’ll gain strength that you never thought you possessed, and yet it’s been right inside you all along.
Just a quick letter to YOU.
LIGHT and LOVE,
Khojdeshia Denise
by Torrie Oglesby | Sep 16, 2015 | Learn + Grow
Meet your new favorite fitness coach! She’s spunky, she’s positive and she wants to help you get in the best shape of your life, even if you don’t live in Hawaii. (Yes, she has a virtual boot camp!) With a personal fitness story that motivates her to help other women get fit, this mama is on a mission and isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
What’s the story behind Working out in Paradise? What experience birthed this business?
In 2013 I purchased a previously existing company that I had been working for in our area. I loved my job and was pumped to start my own business! I changed the name and the logo and started my own formats. I spent my first year really discovering my brand and what I wanted for Working out in Paradise. I wanted to make fitness available to women in my community. It needed to be challenging and still be fun and supportive. Something that women in my community would look forward too and be excited about! I thought about my own journey and what would have made it easier, better or would have made me do it sooner. I hope that this is what Working out in Paradise can do.
What’s the hardest part about owning your own fitness business?
Constantly reminding myself that I do not have to be perfect. It is very hard to not compare my body or my business to others. Sometime I find myself wondering if I would make more money doing what I do if I had the “perfect” body. But then I stop myself, because that is the exact opposite of what my brand is all about! I tell my clients not to compare themselves to others, and neither can I. I am not perfect, I eat my pizza and drink my beer too. And I am absolutely honest about it with my clients, and they really appreciate that.
What has been your most successful networking tool?
BNI Business Networking International. It is a group of business owners who meet once a week to give and receive business referrals. The theory behind it is that “givers gain” We keep an ear out for business opportunities for the members in our chapter. And then go one step further to introduce, connect, or refer that business for them. So that you have your own little army of sales people that have a network you would never even know about. There are chapters all over the world passing millions of dollars’ worth of referrals. Look up a local chapter in your area and attend as a visitor. I highly recommend it for all businesses but especially for the entrepreneurs!
People can now do the boot camp virtually. Tell us more about your online boot camp and how that came to be? How can we join?
I just launched this format 2 weeks ago. I was getting so many requests for this type of format I could not ignore it anymore. I have followers, family, friends, and referrals from all over the country telling me that they wish I was closer to them. Thankfully, these days, we can be everywhere all at once! My camps right now run through Facebook in secret groups. I create the group and add in the members so no one else can see what we are up to. It’s like our secret Facebook fitness club house. You get 5 workouts per week. The workouts range from speed, endurance and strength training, and is great for all fitness levels. You also get the Working Out in Paradise nutrition manual, as well as personal contact with myself for any questions or concerns you have during the boot camp. I also share tips, advice, and knowledge daily on creating a healthy and fit life style. We have weekly challenges and a participation winner each round. The cost for this group is $30.00 for 30 days. For details on when the next group starts, you can email me at workingoutinparadise@yahoo.com
If you could pick 3 words that best describe your brand what would they be?
Fun, motivating, and supportive
If someone is coming to one of your classes, what should they expect?
Kids! All of my classes are keiki (Hawaiian for child) friendly. So besides the sweat, pumping music, and burpees, there are usually a few little kiddos running around too.
There’s a lot of fitness guru’s out there, what makes your brand different and how do you manage to stand out amongst the many faces?
My own personal journey. I myself lost over 70 pounds 2009. I know how difficult it can be to get started. I can relate to my clients when they are giving up all the foods, drinks, and bad habits. Change is hard. When someone can relate to you and give you tips and advice from their own experience, it seems more possible. Something else that make me different is that my classes are all keiki (kid in Hawaiian) friendly. I started this company when my son was 3 months old, and he has been attending classes with me ever since. I think it sets such a great example to our children when they see their parents making their health a priority. That example trickles down to own families, community, and peers. I just always stay true to myself and to my clients. We try not to take anything too seriously. We sweat a lot, but we laugh and have fun too. Fitness has to be fun! Also, there is the gym. I don’t think you have ever been in a gym quite like the Wild Wahine Boot Camp gym. It may just be a covered drive way but it is on our 2 acre plantation on the North Shore. It is a great outdoors and private venue. We are so lucky to be able to work out in such a beautiful environment. It really is working out in paradise.
What is your number one advice for someone who wants to get into the fitness market but is finding a hard time breaking into it?
Stick with it. Just like with fitness results, this takes time. Stay consistent. There is a lack of that in trainers and coaches in this industry. Your clients need to know that they can depend on you, day after day. I would also suggest really working on social media. It is so crucial these days! Spend a little bit of money to get some training in that area. It is worth it.
Where do you see WOIP 10 years from now?
Honestly, I hope I am doing the exact same thing I am doing now, just with a wider reach. I’m out here on a little corner of an island in the middle of the ocean, but I hope to be able to reach the world, and inspire them to take control of their health!
Find more of Stephanie and Working Out in Paradise on Instagram @workingoutinparadise
by Altimese Nichole | Sep 16, 2015 | Learn + Grow
Life is real and sometimes we face challenging times that make us feel as if the next step forward is a thousand miles away. When this happens, here are a few ways to help you during the difficult times in your life:
- Hit the Reset Button
When we hit road blocks in life, the blow can hit us so hard that we lose focus on the bigger picture. Understand that this is okay. It’s called life and the longer we live, the more we experience. When we experience curve balls in life, take a moment to step back and remind yourself of the WHY in your life. This is called hitting your reset button. Your WHY is the things, people, or mission that keep you motivated in life. By taking a moment of reflection (the sooner the better), the more you can embrace the inevitable while remaining in grace and focus through your process.
- Fight thoughts of Negativity
Sometimes we can become our worst enemy through our condemning and self-destructive thoughts. The battlefield begins in our minds; we can make ourselves think we are in the best position possible or the worst circumstance imaginable. Make the effort to cast down negative thoughts that linger because they will simply make root in your heart. To fight your thoughts, speak to them. (Sounds crazy, right? Good. Try it.) When thoughts arise to remind you of the problem you’re facing, speak life (or your desired outcome) aloud. It’s impossible to have your thoughts contradict your words—eventually one must align and words take precedence. Speak life to your situation and watch it shift, first with your mind and then into your reality.
- Find Your Happy Place
Think of the things that make you happy. Is it cooking? Singing? For me personally, my happy place is reading, writing, and nature. They’re my place of escape when I desire to mentally take a break. Seek your happy place to help you find your balance. It can’t make your problems go away but will help shift your mood while you’re in it.
- Spend time with your Core Loved Ones
Relationships matter and the within the core of our hearts reside our core support system. When life gets a little difficult, tune in deeper to the people you love. In addition to reminding you that you’re never alone, they help you cope with moments of hard times. Stay connected and spend time with your core.
Although adversity is inevitable, it’s up to us to ensure the direction of how the issues of life impact us long after they are gone. We can allow them to make us bitter… or better. The choice is ours. Since the only way through it is “Through It,” add these tips to your resource tool box for those rainy days.
by Torrie Oglesby | Sep 15, 2015 | Learn + Grow
In a world where being a female and being black can get you sold or killed, Ronnie J. reminds us why now more than ever, we need to stand up and take our lives in our own hands. In this timely and honest read, Ronnie J speaks to girls everywhere, and though it is towards black girls, I believe this can speak to any female that has ever been a minority in any way, shape or form. It’s very insightful and empowering and makes you want to work even harder on the vision and dreams you’ve been given. Despite whatever adversity stands in your way Ronnie challenges you to stop making excuses and start taking control of your life.
With haunting statistics that make you realize just how harsh our reality is, Ronnie encourages us to question if we are going to fall into the statistics or rise above. She forces us to look at our decisions and choices and to be bold enough to choose the path that may not be the easiest in our lives because in the end, that is the path that gets us what we want out of life.
“Do you know what a diamond is without pressure? Coal. Invaluable lumps of coal. Your life is that diamond. You will have to work sometimes under pressure, to get where you want to be. Working hard and deviating from the norm may sound overwhelming but there is no better feeling than when you start seeing results and reaping the benefits of your hard work.”
After getting you pumped up in the first part of the book she then prepares you with methods and real world examples to help you achieve all your goals. Things like building work ethic, making a plan, sticking to it, and remaining unbothered in a world that is constantly trying to upset you and get you off focus. Finally she ends by encouraging us to finish strong!! The path will not always be easy but with a little sweat, a lot of prayer, and perseverance you will be fruitful in the end. I recommend this book to any young minority female who is building her empire despite all the challenges that she is facing. This book will inspire you and pull you forward on your journey!
All in all, I gave this book 4/5 stars. Defintely go pick it up and catch Ronnie on Instagram @OFFICIAL_CANILIVE to join the Can I Live? Movement.
With love and big smiles,
torrie
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