The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
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Childhood Reflections
The events and actions of our pasts shape us in many ways to be the wonderful individuals we are in our adult lives. No matter the type of childhood we had, we strive to create memories and improve on the lives we had for our children. We want them to look back on their childhood years and have fond memories that overshadow any type of negativity that may creep in.
Overall, I had a great childhood. My parents did their best to protect me from the adult issues that children really shouldn’t have to face before their mature enough to process them. For that I’m eternally grateful to them and strive to do the same for my children.
When reflecting on the many memories I have the first that come to mind are:
~ the day we got the phone call from the adoption agency that they had not one – but two babies that needed a home. I remember getting all giddy and excited with my parents. For hours after that call, we’d look at one another and say “two babies” and just laugh and laugh.
~ the time spent in my 6th great talented and gift class. My teacher, Anne Raines, was a very special woman. I could not stand her when I first got into her class but over the course of a year she became a mentor and still holds a very special place in my heart years later. I still remember her weekly pep talks. It truly frustrated her to see young people not care and not try to be the best that they could be.
~ going to the beach with my grandmother. She was a nanny for years and every summer I would tag along to “help”. The family she sat for when I was in elementary school lived right on the beach. We’d collect shells and chase seagulls. She’d pack a lunch for us and we’d have picnics on the beach.
~ my dad’s pep talks. I’m sure raising 3 girls was no easy feat. We definitely gave him a run for his money. My father had (and still has) a way of talking to you that doesn’t belittle or make you feel like a complete idiot. He says what he has to say and at the end of it all you’ve learned something, laughed a little and know that you’re loved lots.
~ Girl’s time with my mom. My father’s job would send him overseas for months at a time. While we missed him tons during this time, my mom made the most of it and we’d do special things we didn’t always get to do when he was home. Our favorite was Saturday dinners at a local cafeteria (usually S&S or Piccadilly’s). My sister’s and I will still hunt out a local cafeteria for lunches or dinners together.
~Girl’s trips with my aunts. This is a tradition that we started almost 25 years ago. Every year the aunts and girl cousins go somewhere for a week. We spend the time bonding, shopping, relaxing, laughing and having tons of fun. I’m excited that it’s an experience that I’ll be able to pass on to my daughter as she gets older.
~ My first experience with racism in the 7th grade. It opened my eyes that sometimes people we spend time with on a daily basis can harbor feelings we could never imagine. Most prejudices are based on ignorance and, sadly, are passed on to children at a young age. The experience opened my eyes and, also, helped me to be more accepting of others so I would never pass on the feeling of hurt and despair I had to someone else.
~ my 5th grade year. I still remember us singing Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time” during our promotion ceremony. My 5th grade year was hands down my favorite year in elementary school. I had a great teacher and, of course, the extra perks of being the oldest class in the school. It was my younger sisters first year in school as kindergartners and it was fun to pick them up from their class each day and walk with them to the car rider pick-up area.
What key childhood memories of yours stick out? How have they shaped your adult life? If you have children, are you more conscious of “making memories” for them?
DWP Rewind: Plan to Succeed
The post I’m sharing with you is an excerpt of a post originally posted in 2010. From time-to-time, previous posts will come to mind or I’ll come across them and say “hmmm” because they are a gentle reminder to me. You can read the post in it’s entirety here, but below is a recap of goal planning and its importance.
To get what you want and need out of life, you have to plan for it. You have to have goals and ways of tracking your accomplishments and setbacks. I, personally, use what are called S.M.A.R.T. goals. They were introduced to me years ago when I first became a manager in the hospitality industry and I’ve been able to apply them to both my personal and professional life.
If you’ve never heard of a S.M.A.R.T. goal – it stands for Specific; Measurable; Attainable; Realistic; and Time-bound. It’s easy to say I want to be successful or I want to pay off my debt, but without a game plan on how to those things, how will you know when and where to start?
Shape your goals in a S.M.A.R.T. way to keep yourself accountable.
Specific is the what, why and how. Use action words to describe what you are going to do. Why is it important to you? What is it that you want to accomplish and for what reason? How are you going to do it? What resources do you have and/or need?
Have measurable checkpoints. In one week, I want to have this done. In one month, this should be completed. If you’re unable to measure, then you’ll never be able to manage it. Having measurable progress will help to keep you motivated and energized about attaining your goals.
Identifying what is most important to you will often energize you to find the means to attain it. When you really apply yourself, you will find the energy, finances, attitude, skills and abilities to get what it is you really want. You’ll find that people and opportunities will come into your life to help you with your goals once you really begin focusing on them. Come up with an action plan to set you in the right direction of reaching your goal. If you’re unsure what avenues to take, reach out to people who are able to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when necessary.
Your goal must be realistic. Becoming a millionaire in one week does not cut it! Evaluate where you are and what you have. If your goal is unrealistic, then you will lose motivation and it will not happen.
Finally, set a time-frame for your goal. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet your original goal in the time that you set, but evaluate what it is you need to change and adapt to so that you can continue on your course to greatness!
Family Time
My Grandaddy, my 3 cousins and I |
Back from another fun-filled and busy weekend with family and friends!
During his celebration, I shared how much of an inspiration he’s been to me over the years and how he’s continuously motivating me to be better and better. He’s a very straight-forward man – he definitely says what he means and means what he says, but it’s always done in a non-condesecending way. He grew up in an era where family values were important and he passed that down to his children and grandchildren.
Whenever we talk, he asks me 3 questions: (1) “How’s your pastor?”; (2) “How’s your husband and the kids?”; and (3) “How’s your job?”
Faith, Family and Work – keeping those things in balance and harmony helps keep so much in perspective. I’ve been extremely busy and just plain tired the past month or so and I really needed the time to just step back and evaluate what was really important and what wasn’t.