Don't Our Impoverished Inner Cities Deserve More?

I spent some time this past week visiting the Bishop Arts district in South Dallas. This is an predominately hispanic, low income area that has come together as a community to provide quality services and culture to the area being served. I trully enjoyed the experience, even the fact that there was a slight element of socioeconomic indifference and separation on one side of the district. After leaving, I drove into a predominately African American, low income area and as usual, I took note of the typical establishments which include more liquor stores that you can count, bright shiny new check cashing stores, and multiple beauty supply stores. I thought, I wonder what would change if more of us became conscious of the marketing that is targeting us as individuals. That's something to think about.

Are You Too Busy For Your Own Good?

I remember a time when I used to think that being really busy was getting me somewhere closer to “accomplishment”. It wasn’t nothing for me to be going to school full time, working full time, raising children, working on projects for myself, and volunteering for an organization. My mornings consisted of driving a 1 hour commute, while drinking coffee, putting on make-up, and talking on the phone. My afternoons consisted of me rushing to pick up kids in traffic, talking on the phone, eating a snack, and stressing. As women, we think that we have to be superwomen, and if you are doing it as a single parent, you have to be a supersinglemom. Of course I started cutting out some of that in 2008, to gain some balance and control, but when 2009 arrived, I made the decision that for my spiritual healing; I needed to release some more of those obligations that weren’t getting me any closer my goal of inner peace and happiness.

As individuals of western culture, we have been unconsciously condition to believe that more activity we have on our plate the closer we are to more accomplishment, but at what cost and to whose judgment? to be honest the two (busy and accomplishment) are not necessarily connected at all. I mean, what is really important (if God forbid you die tomorrow)? I am currently reading a book called “Be Here Now” very interesting, a bit neurotic, but it is reminding me so much of my own personal journey. Doing all of that “STUFF” and still feeling empty at the end of the day. I finally realized that I was in prison in my mind with all of the unnecessary obligation.

My motto for 2009
Be You…Conscious

What is conscious? Aware, aware of your ultimate goal, nirvana.

Prosperity of a Different Kind This New Year

by Toni Gaines, Certified Personal Trainer

As we enter in the year of 2009 and 2008 becomes more of a distant memory, let’s remember to keep our mental and physical health a priority. It is said the most common New Year resolutions are to: lose weight, start an exercise program, look for a better job, make a resolve to make more money, or quit smoking to name a few. To truly be successful with any resolution(s) it is going to take something that some of us, including me, don’t do….write our goal(s) down and create a plan of attack. Don’t get me wrong…it is great to speak your desires into the universe and express what you want to your friends and family, but to be remain focused you need to write your “wildest dreams” down on the white stuff called paper. When you do this, you have something concrete to look at and focus on daily. It’s like starting a business. The business takes up almost every ounce of who and what you are because you are constantly thinking about how to
make it successful.

Although in 2009 some of the goals you desire will come to past you still may feel somewhat unfulfilled. Why you might ask? Because…. what is needed more often than any thing else is gaining mental, physical and spiritual harmony. The state of being happy can be and is challenging at times, nevertheless we must become determined to surround ourselves with spiritual believing, positive, motivated, goal driven individuals who willing give of themselves freely to aid in the benefit others.

To begin moving toward a peaceful harmony first set aside time to engage in some physical activity. We all need to work off the stresses of daily life. Second, become determined to make better eating choices because Your Life and Livelihood depends on it. Third, but most importantly, spend some quite time alone with the creator in your prayer closet. Don’t just ask that your desires be met but pray that the desires of others be met first. When you begin to do the latter a consistent bases you will grow in ways you never would have imagined. Sometimes you have to stop focusing on your needs and begin to focus on the needs of those whom you can not see. It is hard to ask the creator to allow persons whom you do not know to bear fruits of prosperity; placing their prosperity before your own. However, some of the breakthroughs you seek in 2009 may be dependent upon your willingness to become less self-centered, while becoming more compassionate, empathetic and sympathetic to the needs others.

So in 2009 remember to write down your goals, pray for others more than you pray for yourself and set aside time to be good to your body, mind and soul at least three times per week through exercise. Doing these things may not be easy nonetheless; “The Good Life” as sung by Kanye West may be dependent on what you do.

Toni Gaines, Certified Personal Trainer
All About The Fitness
(214) 546-8168
www.AllAboutTheFitness.com

Healing

I always admire women who are able to keep going in the midst of situations they are faced that are painful such as a divorce, death, or loss of a job. We must realize that it is how we respond to the pain that will determine our ultimate outcome. It is easy to get side tracked and lost in the midst of hurting emotions.

Although I do not proclaim to be an expert on dealing with painful emotions, I do speak from experience on how not to deal with them simply because it took bumping my head a few times to realize that perhaps I should try something different.

When dealing with someone or something that is hurting you, don't take it personal but do take immediate action to limit their access to your emotional weaknesses. If the damage is done and you feel you have lost the battle. It is imperative to actively seek avenues for empowerment through positive support systems. Do not allow pain to have power in your life and get in the way of your future.

Healing Resources

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Spirituality

First and foremost, I pray that everyone had a blessed Christmas holiday. I would like to thank God for allowing me the growth and opportunities I have been afforded in 2008, I trully believe that 2009 is going to be even better.

I often tell people that I am on a spiritual journey, meaning that I have had to come away from what I was doing before and take a deeper look inside for answers about me. So you may ask, what is spirituality?

To simplify, spirituality is all matters that pertain to the spirit, it is based on the idea that something, whether it be a state of mind, a being, or a place, that is outside the experience of our five limited senses.

Spirituality is about developing a personal relationship with self and achieving an understanding of how to make things better. Many people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress are out of balance with their spiritual self. I know this because I myself have been able to cure myself of these disorders in the past year. I have also found that I am not the only one on this quest to find truth and happiness through spiritual development. Furthermore, everything that I post is a personal lesson or situation that I have experienced or that I am currently experiencing. I post in hopes of helping someone who may also be finding their way on a spiritual path.

I would like to introduce Lawrence Jordan of the House of Beauty and Spirits in Dallas to compliment his remarkable efforts to heal and assist people in spiritual growth. He will be sharing his expertise on spirituality and beauty on Cocoa Inspiration. We will also be collaborating on other ventures in the months to come.

My resolution is to continue in my path, help others, and prosper!

Are You In Pursuit of Happiness?

You have started businesses and jobs only to start a new business or job a couple of years later. Now you beat yourself down because you thought it was a good idea to complete that MBA, PhD, or start that business, and now you are struggling again, forcing yourself to find what you truly enjoy. See you have been trying to fit into a box of what is considered expectable. But you would really like to find your inner passion, but it lost in the shell you have created to look good on the outside.

What is your passion, why do you keep starting over again and again? I am here to tell you that it is a good thing that you have a mind creative enough to explore. Don’t beat yourself down about changing your mind again. Give yourself another chance to find it until you do. (The most successful people in our time failed their way to success through trial and error, but they didn’t give up.)

Here are a few steps I wrote to help you Pursue Your Happiness

1. Before anything, you must first admit to yourself that there is a missing piece or empty void in your life. (What is it? listen for the answer)
2. Except the fact that you have the right to change your mind and change it again if you want to. (now what)
3. Be Passionate about pursuing you passion,
4. What inspires you? What excites you?
5. Be ready for changes that may be uncomfortable at first. How Many Times have you heard “Just Pray About It,” that doesn’t mean be “just be complacent about it”. (I just won’t even go there)
6. Spend sometime meditating and thinking back to when you were a child. What made you feel free and happy?
7. What did you want to be as a child before you or someone’s convinced you that you couldn’t do it.
8. What do you enjoy now when you are not doing your “job”
9. If money and time wasn’t an issue, what you do?
10. Don’t Give Up Pursuing Your Happiness.
Because You Deserve To Have It All