Tag: encouragement

Posted on

Mommy Dearest

They say age ain’t nothing but a number because it’s so much more than that.  Age is an indicator of life experiences…triumphs, failures, overwhelming joys and life altering losses, all of which you’ve survived.  I am a firm believer that every lesson doesn’t have to be learned as a result of personal experience.  You can learn from the experiences of family members, friends, co-workers, and stories that you’ve read/or heard about.  Every loss or failure doesn’t have to be your own in order to apply that lesson to your life.  So where do you go when you need guidance, encouragement, or wisdom?  To someone who has lived and experienced life long enough to have survived through some it all.  That’s right!  Our elders.  For me, the wisest and closet person to me is my mother.  I think we all, at some point have reflected on what our mothers and mother figures have told us and thought ‘I should’ve listened’ or ‘she was right.’ I know I have.  For some of us those thoughts may be different due to not having a mother/mother figure.  Maybe your mother didn’t have the knowledge or experience at that time to offer meaningful advice or help you on your life journey, perhaps she was ill-advised.  So, instead of giving you one Mommy, I gave you three.

YT Mommy Dearest

It’s one conversation, three Mommies, and a variety of topics, hosted by Saran Almond.  (From right to left) Meet Lady Di, Granny, and Ramona Big Eagle.  These ladies offer advice that you can apply to your life right now.  Their chemistry, personalities, and responses will make you think, laugh, and wonder ‘WHAT WOULD she DO?’  Remember, be proud of the years you’ve acquired and celebrate each day of your life by living on purpose.

Mommy Dearest,

Thank you for being the ultimate example of strength, love, and beauty…and for showing me what it looks like and what it means to be a woman and a lady.

To all of the Mommies, thank you so much for the joy and insight that you bought to the show.

You are appreciated!

Sincerely,

Saran

WATCH the show here!!! MOMMY Dearest!

Advertisement
Posted on

How do you Volunteer?

IMG_0602

At some point in our lives we all need a helping hand.  What better way to show gratitude than to help someone else.  Whether it’s time or money, every effort helps.  So often I hear people say they don’t have a talent or they don’t know what they want to do with the rest of their life.  As disheartening as this sounds, I believe an answer can be found through volunteering.  Volunteering provides opportunities for adventure, exploration, and discovery.  While applying skills you already have or developing new skills you can make a difference.  Here are a few reasons why everyone should volunteer according to Volunteer Match

  • Help others
  • Make a difference
  • Find purpose
  • Enjoy a meaningful conversation
  • Connect with your community
  • Feel involved
  • Contribute to a cause that you care about
  • Use your skills in a productive way
  • Develop new skills
  • Meet new people
  • Explore new areas of interest
  • Meet good people
  • Impress your mom
  • Impress yourself
  • Expand your horizons
  • Get out of the house
  • Make new friends
  • Strengthen your resume
  • Feel better about yourself

Some other reasons include: The more we give, the happier we feel. Volunteering increases self-confidence. When you do good for others and the community it provides a sense of accomplishment. Volunteering can help shape character, fuel your passion, and create other opportunities.

If any of these reasons hit home for you, and you need help finding volunteer opportunities LOOK NO FURTHER.

My favorite volunteer resource is www.volunteermatch.org, and they’re national.

Other resources for volunteer opportunities are listed as follows:

  1. www.idealist.org
  2. www.dosomething.org
  3. www.volunteer.gov
  4. www.universalgiving.org
  5. www.createthegood.org

Tune in to the show How do you Volunteer? to hear what motivates others to volunteer.

What’s your best volunteer memory?  I’ll show you mine next week.

Please like/share/comment/SUBSCRIBE

 

 

Posted on

The Assessment

 

Screen Shot 2016-08-05 at 12.54.46 AM

 

When you’re in the midst of a storm (storms that life sometimes bring) you have to make an assessment, a self assessment.  Take inventory of all the things that you have and the things that are required to get you through it.  This is an evaluation of your character, your perseverance, your goals, your habits, and a gamut of other things that may be required for your storm.  One of the most important assessments is that of those around you, your inner circle.  If you don’t have one, think of the people you talk to most and those with whom you spend the most time.

In recent conversations with a few people, I heard them speak louder than ever in their silence.  The silence spoke doubt and reeked of judgement.  It’s crazy, the closer I look at my surroundings it makes me ever so aware of who I really am.  A girl with a dream and no drive?  A woman with talent and excuses to match?  A person wasting away trying to keep up with the Kardashians or the Jones’…you pick.  Or maybe, just maybe I’m in a delusional competition…one in which my competitors aren’t even aware that I’m in the game.

On occasion, I find myself asking people what kind of person they think I am?  I remember a time where I didn’t care what anybody thought.  In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter…but it does.  No matter what you do or how you do it someone is going to judge you, not agree, criticize, request or expect more.  However, the energy you receive is also the energy you exude.  See, it’s not about acceptance or approval.  It’s about doing the things that you enjoy, and give you purpose.  It’s about creating the best life for yourself.  It’s about surrounding yourself with people and things that will help you reach your potential.  While it doesn’t really matter what people think about you.  It does matter what they think about themselves and how they weather their own storms, and it’s subsequent impact on you.

As you complete your assessment ponder this: Am I the person I intend to be?  This is not a question about how kind and considerate you are.  This is a question about WHO you are and what you want out of life.  In your quest to become the person you intend to be consider your own drive and motivation as well as that of your inner circle.  Think about the what and WHO are required in your time of storm. Your inner circle must consist of people who possess the traits and characteristics of the person you intend to be.  If not, you’re going to need more than an umbrella to weather that storm.

 

 

 

Posted on

Women’s Heath and Wellness

womens_health_wellnessThe topic at hand is women’s health and wellness. I chose this topic to address some of the issues that lead to chronic illness and disease such as poor diet, little to no exercise, and stress.  Today, women take on many more responsibilities when it comes to home, career, and family.  Often times while women are caring for everyone else they neglect themselves and specifically their health.

In March 2015, I visited a health and wellness expo at the Levine Senior Center in Matthews, NC sponsored by Novant Health.  My observation at this and many other expos is that many of the attendees tend to be older people.  I think it’s vital to address our health by taking proactive measures as opposed to being reactive once there is a diagnosis.  Health and wellness expos provide a wealth of information, and they address a wide range of issues from the common cold to weight loss to cancer, among other things.  At this expo, I received some great information from doctors who spoke on the topics of heart disease and menopause.  I also conducted a one on one interview with a holistic health and wellness coach who provided some great information on healthy eating and healthy living.  I’ll be sharing all of this information with you so that we all can feel better and live better.

Posted on

New Beginnings

On this show I spoke to Pastor Artie Thomas of Harvest Outreach Ministry and addressed issues of love and compassion for thy neighbor, homelessness, unemployment and faith. The heart of the matter is a message of encouragement to never give up. Some times we get down when life doesn’t go as planned, I have been guilty of that myself. I was touched by the strength and unyeilding faith of the people I spoke with. We have so much to be grateful for in the midst of our storms, and there is always an opportunity to be a blessing. It’s never too late to start a new path or move in a new direction. Be enlightened, and be encouraged by ‘New Beginnings’ on ‘WHAT WOULD she DO?‘

For more information about Pastor Artie Thompson and Harvest Outreach Ministry please select Pastor Artie Thompson on our guest tab.