[REFLECTION] Its Been A Year...

Its been a year since I've worked a 9 to 5. I know for some that's no biggie, but for me... its a lot. It means I have been surviving with only God's help :) Seriously. I stayed up late last night thinking about all I have done within a year, and I am pleased and happier now. Now the key is to do a little celebration today for my achievement and keep it going and work harder than ever before.

I'm not looking back. I asked for where I am at now, and I need to work hard to make good things happen. 

[THOUGHT] LIFE DESIGN

Its worth it to get what you desire in life. This morning I spent a tad too much time working out the kinks of my business site at www.globalculturescience.com and I just told self I needed to move on to my next day tasks. Im working on upgrading the sites look and all, and because I only want what I like to look at... its taking me longer to design. However, I must say life is so much sweeter when you work for what you really want, not kind of want.

Today is looking to be rather busy for me, I am wearing all of my professional hats: Business woman, artist (writing a lot today) and acting, and last but not least global advocacy.

Today should be a success! 

[LIFE] I Will Get Over This Mountain

I'm NOT giving Up

Last night I was speaking to someone about my life. We spoke candidly about the fact that although looking at the big picture of my life I am experiencing a major breakthrough with going after my dreams and all and now actually making a little money along the way... in society standards I have a long way to go.

In a nutshell, what I do now makes me smile daily, and can buy me a month's worth of grocery, and maybe a latte from starbucks, and a Redbox film. However, right now what I do can not pay my rent FT, nor buy a home. nor afford me my dream lifestyle.

Well, that means I have a lot of work to do to get past this mountain. Its one of those things that if you don't work on it daily, you can loose focus and never get beyond it.

Well, the stark reality is... I'm midst a midway climb to get where I am going next. I've made the decision to only go after my dreams and do what's useful to myself and be of service with my gifts and talents. So its my belief that -- that alone will allow me to support myself financially and get beyond this mountain in my life.

I've made a decision. I have been at it for almost a year now, and I am not giving up. I will get over this mountain in my life and I will be successful. My dream career will support myself financially and I will have a great life God -willing.

[LIFE] Exciting Times!

The Projects Poster...

Oh my --- I had been in a weird darkness for a bit with my life for a bit. I mean I did work, and lived at one level of awareness, and I just lived. I simply existed. But by chance this past weekend, my sister wanted to see the film, "Roots". We both laughed nervously at the fact that we could not believe that we both were black and had not seen the film. Well, this weekend we saw it, and we never looked down from it. It made us open our eyes to a lot that we had previously ignored in our lives and for me personally, it gave me a blast of life energy like never before. It made me see things that I never thought of with my own life.

It made me see how great my life is. It made me see how hard my people before me lived and work. It made me see that just getting over here from Africa was mental suicide and if one did land foot on America soil... it is a miracle. So by chance, I am a descendant from people who are a miracle. It made me very proud, and it made me so happy to tell my era's story with my own life. Its like my life is my testimony for those that come after me and I want people that come after me to know I fought like hell for my dreams, for my life, and I never gave up.

So, here I am today. A new person because of a film. A film that is older than me :) but a film that changed my life forever. But get this --- I only watched episodes 1-4 ---- I have two more to go. Well this week I am working harder at life, and appreciating more, and just more aware. There's no need to be bitter for what happened, because my era was made possible because of the era and people before me. The people of my heritage that I am most proud of is the ones that asked, "Why". Why are laws this way, why do I have to do this.

I will be that person for my generation. 

[LIFE] Meetings & More Meetings!

The "Tool" needed @ Morning Meeting ;)

Sometimes we need to have meetings with ourselves. In a business setting, just like we would if we were meeting with another individual. Well, this morning, I had a person cancel on me last minute and I was like dammitt I'm going to meet with myself in Starbucks.

So I took out the notebook, and started writing, and just doing some thinking and business planning. I made new deals with myself, and decided to let some deals go. I respected myself with decisions, and I pushed myself where I had previously been afraid.

Sometimes, just sometimes, we must treat ourselves like we'd treat a new business client ;)

[CONNECTIONS] I Just Need To Focus On Taking Action EVERYDAY!!!

Gosh, yesterday I made a few career connections. I was schooled by a pal in LA on hiring a publicist and then chatted with a producer pal that can assist me with a project and I can assist them. It feels good to be able to talk with people and greatly learn what to do.

However, while connections are great and I know I need them... I must commit to action and just doing the work to get where I am going. For too long I have looked for people to help me... and what I realize is that I must help myself.

[UPDATE] I'm A Busy Bee!

I've been so Busy! But its a good Busy!

Gosh, Its June 20th! I've been really busy since like June 8, 2011. I've been working a lot with the local UNA USA chapter, attended a conference in DC for UNA USA on this past week, and I was able to visit my family! I feel super blessed all in all. BUT, June is not over yet! This month is very special to me because it semi marks my year out of a 9 to 5. So, I'm pushing to make sure I am in a better place than when I was let go from my last job.

Here's What's On My Horizon:

1. WRITING: I'm doing lots of writing. I am writing out scripts, eBooks, and event proposals. I'm directing my first series of short films this year, and I must be ready.

2. ACTING: My acting has been off this month. I need to start that back up. I need to learn how to balance better. I have been working on my start up business, and my global advocacy so much that I have not included acting at all. I did receive footage of a film I did in April. Must step game up!

Still Shot From Film I was In
At Univ of NC School Of The Arts

3. BUSINESS: My business had been growing a bit. I don't have an official business license, so I need to step my game up. I need to step the website up too. I need to become a grown up business owner.

4. MISC: I have a lot on the horizon, from traveling to Vic, Spain for a actors workshop in August, to massive weight loss, to seeking opportunities to do some public speaking. So all in all, its a lot going on and I am working hard to turn my dreams into a career where I can financially support myself.

[LIFE] June Came In With A Bang...

I had June planned all out... but evidently, God had more planned out for me. Between, getting accepted to Atlanta's Junior league, to designing websites for the UN and another org coming up, acting, writing, business, and dealing with my love life :) I'm busy in a great way.

I had tons of acting work booked for last week, but due to some unforeseen matters, I missed out on money and acting opportunities. I'll have to take my loss with a grain of salt, and keep it moving. Everyday is a new day to get more acting work.

Right now I am balancing my professional transition to filmmaking (acting, writing, directing), business with Global Culture Science Brands, and my life. I strive for a healthy balance. I must live well.

The biggest thing coming up is my attendance at this years 2011 United Nations Association annual meeting. I have never been, so this will be a great experience for me.

I ask God for a good month in advance. I need a really great month. 2011 has been kind of hard on me in all areas of my life so far. I'd like to just be happy and happily busy for the rest of 2011.

I thank God in advance. 

[LIFE] Almost Mid Year

As I look back at Jan 2011... I've come a long way with my life in 5 months. Its odd with life, its like walking this path, and just moving forward. Its when you look back that you see how far you have really come...

This morning I looked back, and I've made some strides. Now, its time to pick up my steady pace. The greatest lesson that I have learned this year when going after your dream is just be flexible. and know that the thing I desire may not happen as I wish. Or better yet. don't get too anxious over anything because at the drop of a dime... that thing may be delayed or even denied.

Like today, I was supposed to be shooting a scene in a indie film. I have contacted the people with the film and I have not heard anything about a call time or location for today. So, I've learned don't panic, and just keep it moving. Maybe these people are just flaky or having an emergency. Who knows. What I do know is that I will always have work to do.

Or better yet, this week I was notified that I did not make it into this acting contest. Sure, it was a bummer, but I think the thing is, just be happy that I entered the contest and tried. Then go on and just get acting work. I must let no disappointment, or so called wrong events...deter me.

My focus is on what's working right. What's not working is REAL, yet its not a fixed component in my formula for success. A Failure can always be turned into a win.When you win anything, you just go on to the next goal or desire.

I have learned to be resilient and keep my life in prayer and keep moving forward with faith.

[LIFE] Amazing How A New Life Direction Takes Form

I really believe that Paulo Coelho's book sums up my life right now. When you make a decision with your life, things will start to happen to create that life. The key is to make a decision with your dreams. Well I have, and must say my life is surreal. Things are working together to give me my dream life. 

Today in its self has been surreal. I had booked work (acting) in Decatur for this indie film. I called and all to get the call time and etc, and long story short, nothing panned out with the project today. So, I was working and I knew I had this interview for this online web series about going after your dream. 

Well, I just wrapped that interview and by speaking with the creator for the show for like 20 mins in full detail of my life since last July... my life has taken on a new shape. Everything has been like puzzle pieces coming together and its amazing. 

Two questions stood out from this mornings interview: 1- Who do I study acting with in Atlanta 2. Do I feel that my business will take over my passion for film? 

Well, I don't have an acting teacher here. But, I should at least take a class (that would also allow me to make more actor friends here). Secondly,  never want my other endeavors to come before acting and film. Right now, I am doing more non film work because I have to survive and make a living. But, the interview made me see that you do have to make a choice with your dreams. 

Gosh, God is good. He will give you what you need without even asking!

So Here Are My Priorities: 

1. God & Higher Power (Keep me humble, faithful, and useful)

2. Me, Myself and I ( I need to take care of myself, in order to live)

3. My Relationships W/ My Life Journey People ( Mom, Sis, Niece, Dad, Friends)

   * God willing I will add my future husband and children to this list too :)

4. Live Out My Wildest Dreams ( This Will Keep Me Excited About Life)

    a. Film & acting ( I eat film! So this is my career priority)

    b. My business ( global communications & connections, etc...)

    c. My volunteer work ( global issues, women, diversity)

5. Wealth ( This is Fueled By My Dream )

    a. I fund my philanthropic endeavors via my work