Let me ask…what are the initial steps one should take when pursing that dream that is bursting inside of us? Everyone talks about pursuing your dreams but how does it manifest into true success?Â
As the first month of the New Years comes to a close, I started to do some much needed reflection on my own journey of this matter…
I started thinking about recent events within the last month that have left me in awe. There are so many fantastic things on the horizon that I’m DYING to share with you but I’ve learned timing is key so details will have to wait.
I thought about all the wonderful people I know who support me and challenge my growth, I thought about the upcoming opportunities that have seen to fallen out the sky, I thought about the countless blessings I have in resources, relationships, connections and of course my emotional self began to cry.
Then it hit me that I have been divinely chosen to serve you. For some reason, God thinks I am capable of being the midwife to your legacy.Again the tears…this time because I was humbled. So I thought some more. “What do I have the allows me to do this in a world where it seems abnormal to pursue purpose and the comfort of the safe route (even when it leaves you miserable) is accepted?”
So what is it that you want to pursue? What’s holding you back? It doesn’t always have to be a business, sometimes it can just be a new apartment!
- Willingness to be uncomfortable. You have to be willing to go through a season of discomfort in order to live your dreams. By discomfort, I mean doing things that will stretch you, going through the tough times and accepting that as part of the journey.
- Financial discipline. (This one is for those of you who may want to start a business or switch career lanes) I didn’t just leave my job broke. I had a nice stack of money to hold me up for a while. How? I’m glad you asked. I would pay myself in a high-yield savings account every time I got paid. How much? At least 10%. I started doing this early in my career just as a way of being financially secure which paid off big time years down the line. Another point, live under your means. If you can afford living in a $1500 apartment, live in a $1100 apt so you can stash the rest of that money. Another option, SAVE your income tax refund check. Instead of buying $1000 shoes, I would save my refund checks or use them as an investment into my company.
- Invest in yourself. I’ve read so many books on leadership, finances, business and personal development. I went to conferences, joined organizations and was willing to do the work to invest into my future. Another crucial aspect is that I did plenty of investing into my personal development in order to become the “who” in order to do the “what.” (seeking counsel, taking classes, going to church etc.)
- Never be afraid to ask questions or talk to anyone. I’m a talker so this one is a little easier for me, but simply talking to people, networking and building relationships has lead to countless opportunities for me. I see so many people afraid to go out of their comfort zone to meet new people but you have to have the right network of people to support your dreams. Peer mentors, mentors, or someone who does what you want to do…pick their brain. If you want to learn, ask someone.
- Effective time management. You have to have goals, objectives with a timeline in order to be effective. Carve out time to get things done and give yourself a schedule. Every Sunday I make my goals for the week and every day I have a schedule that corresponds with those goals. if you have spare time, then use that to pursue your goals instead of watching TV or checking Facebook.
- Move in silence. DO NOT start shouting off the mountain top all your hopes and dreams. I didn’t tell anyone about Embrace Her Legacy and me quitting my job because frankly I didn’t want to hear everyone’s opinion and I knew I was ordained to do what I was called to do. Tell people when the time is right.
These are just a few vital pointers that I hope could help you.Â
Feel free to share with your circles my forwarding this email to a friend (using the links on the side of the email),Â
sharing on your social networks at the top of this email orÂ
sharing your thoughts on Facebook. Until then, continue to embrace your legacy 🙂
by desing | Events, Services
For any of you who may be interested in sharing your latest events, business endeavors, social initiatives to target our audience and align with our overall brand of empowering women to live in the best consciousness of self, then please feel free to reach out to us directly with your request by emailing us at marketing@embraceherlegacy.com or filling out our form below –
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by desing | Faith & Purpose, Tools
A Powerful Woman Discovering Purpose in her Individuality
Discovering purpose is the first step in becoming a powerful woman. A powerful woman does not need to possess exorbitant amounts of strength, or race hard to stay ahead of her competition. In fact, to be respected and influential, a woman doesn’t need to walk at all. She just needs to be unique.
Artist, Sue Austin is a powerful woman who happens to live life from a position of honor: sitting in her power chair. With no use of her legs, Austin harnesses power, and empowers others, through her individuality. Discovering purpose in her circumstances, she now drives her life in ways that inspire countless women today.
All too often, it is easy to think being different is negative, unacceptable, and even weak. These stereotypes discount how our individual experiences may empower other women to accomplish great goals.
Sue Austin contradicts this typecast with every move she makes. The paraplegic artist and scuba diver is an extraordinary example of how a woman living with disability can transform her life by harnessing the power of individuality.
Over 15 years ago, Austin began using a wheelchair to aide her mobility. Immediately, she noticed when using such a device, people around her implied (with either words or actions) that she had limitations they did not.
Austin was confused as to why such a negative label was placed on her just because she used a wheelchair. After all, she didn’t feel at a disadvantage. In fact, she had a renewed sense of power when moving through life in what she refers to as a power chair.
As a result, Austin decided to use her individual experiences in a wheelchair to grow her creative abilities. Today, pictures of her art installations and tales of her scuba diving adventures extend far beyond the disability community. Each day Sue Austin sets out to prove using a wheelchair is not a limitation, but rather a unique tool that enables her to be a powerful woman. She conquers impossible goals by ignoring societal boundaries that are in the way of her dreams.
A paraplegic, Austin overcomes stereotypes that often accompany disability. She is a woman solidifying her legacy by embracing her individuality.
What if all women today were to embrace Austin’s philosophy, and drive their lives from individual “power chairs”? What could the world be like then? How would families be different? To what heights could business organizations grow? Would governments operate differently?
Whether we listen to outside opinions or set up internal roadblocks, women are often tempted to limit their power by imposing negative labels of their skills and dreams. To truly embrace your legacy and become a powerful woman, you must move beyond these sabotaging cycles. As Austin’s example proves, discovering purpose comes from embracing individuality; or taking a seat in your power chair and driving it to success.
Take some time now to consider what individual experiences make you unique. These traits may be your power chair.
Resources: http://www.disabilityliving.ca/disability-canada-sue-austin-sees-wheelchair-asset-not-liability/
http://www.ted.com/speakers/sue_austin.html
http://magnificentmarvelouswomen.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/the-power-of-individuality-have-courage-and-follow-your-own-path/
by desing | Impact Lives
Doesn’t it feel GREAT to give back? It’s an indescribable feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment. Embrace Her Community is our platform in which we connect you with various service and volunteer opportunities where you can directly impact the lives of others. Well, isn’t that the core of what your legacy is about? This is your chance to spread your fabulousity, greatness, and spirit. As a double whammy, you also get to build relationships with some pretty awesome women who are part of our community. Our previous Embrace Her Community initiatives have included volunteering at the Revlon Run/Walk Against Cancer, Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure and several confidence and beauty workshops with “at risk” youth in New York City.
If this sounds awesome to you (as it should), and you want to join in on the next Embrace Her Community effort, please fill out the contact form below and we will update you on our next platform. Looking forward to serving with you!
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by desing | Our Legacy, Services
Legacy
The heart and essence of our brand. Everything we do aligns with building, enhancing, and creating a powerful legacy. We empower people to impact the lives of others in a way that influences generations to come.
Faith
Our founder is a woman of faith who believes all things are possible to someone who believes. Faith without works is dead.
Community
It takes a village of support when one is living and embracing their legacy. Our brand communicates the importance of cultivating and being a faithful steward of relationships.
Vision
“If it doesn’t scare you, the vision isn’t big enough.” Our brand magnifies the importance of creating a vision for one’s life. Without a vision, there cannot be a legacy. We are committed to equipping others with resources and inspiration needed to create the vision.
Purpose
Helping others to refuse settling for the “content” life. We promote, encourage and ignite all those who come across our brand to discover and live according to their individual purpose of using their gift, talents and abilities to serve a human need.
Inspiration
Our brand sparks motivation to achieve the legacy, vision and purpose.
Education
We are committed to being a voice for those who have been fooled to believe their voices do not matter. We empower women and girls with the information, tools, resources, inspiration, and content to live in legacy on purpose with a vision.
Innovation
Execution of our brand’s efforts is modern, fresh, original and we take pride in creating new ways to reach our audience and communicate our messages.
Leadership
Dedicated to preparing people to effectively serve their calling and lead their flock.
Integrity
Our brand is honest and sincere; it’s what we pride ourselves in.
Sophistication
We appreciate all things feminine and chic. We are here to change lives in a polished and contemporary manner.
by desing | Faith & Purpose, Tools
I know we go through our days with plenty of “Hey, how are you?” greetings and we hear the same response: “OK. How are you?” We usually say things like, “good, fine, alright, peachy, wonderful, etc.” no matter how we’re REALLY doing. Most people aren’t really asking how you’re doing in that sense; it’s just a nice pleasantry.
If we’re very honest about our mental and emotional states, I think we would all agree that more often than we’d like, we’re not Ok. We wear the smile and play the part, but deep inside something is awry. Something feels sad, or anxious, or missing. As a matter of fact, life could actually be going quite well. You’ve got a decent job, loving partner, good kids, money for Starbucks lattes and a cool pair of jeans; yet, when you lie your head down on the pillow at night to go to sleep, there’s still a nagging feeling of….blah.
You can’t shake the feeling
You can’t quite put your finger on why you can’t shake it or where it stems from. During the days you don’t notice it as much due to busyness with work and engaging with people. Sometimes the feeling pulsates stronger than others. Some people drink, pop pills, or try to dull the ache with some sort of temporary fix. Some people embrace it and dance with it often.
I’m reminded of a time when I was going through a literal emotional hell in my late 30’s. At a time when all was supposed to be going well in life, I was wallowing in self-pity, depression, fear, shame, and much more. I’d always taken pride in “being Ok”. I was the strong one; the one who did it all right. Until my dam burst and I was forced by some invisible force or God or something to deal with all the pain and junk I’d stuffed since my childhood. I was having a breakdown, yet every time someone said, “Hey! How are you?” I would smile and say, “Great! How are you?” A lie. A cowardly lie.
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OMG, I’m going crazy!
I received two enlightening books after struggling deep inside for a couple of years and they really opened my eyes to a new concept: I wasn’t going crazy. They were “Broken Open” by Elizabeth Lesser and “You’re Not Going Crazy…You’re Just Waking Up!” by Michael Mirdad. Both books discussed how this journey of life is simply a journey of “waking up” and the struggles, frustrations, unexpected twists, and even the wonderful times are simply part of the process the soul goes through for transformation.
I tell you they were eye opening for me and I wished I would have been able to see the truth of it all while I was face down in tears for too many years. Mirdad discusses the Five Stages of the Soul Transformation and after reading the book I could see how I went through each of those stages through my darkest years. The journey to liberation and enlightenment or consciousness really is a dark to light journey; you just don’t always know it until you get through it.
So if you’re at the point where you don’t feel like things are going Ok, rest assured that they will be. Whatever it is you’re going through right now or have been going through are teaching you lessons about yourself, life, and love. If you’re pressing through and not resorting to numbing the pain through addictive measures, your consciousness is expanding and you’re growing spiritually.
The soul longs to grow and expand. As you journey, you will face dark times and things won’t always be Ok, but you’re able to grow through it all, become stronger, more loving, and wiser. If you’re at a spot where you aren’t Ok, feel what you have to feel and allow change to come. Maybe you’ve got old hurts that need healed. Perhaps you’re being stretched to become a more giving person. Or maybe at your core you simply just crave more intimacy with the Divine or the Divine aches for intimacy with you.
Things don’t always go as planned
The world does not revolve around us
Feel the nudge beneath the surface
Embrace it and don’t run
Acknowledge the spiritual path
Allow the breeze to flow through you
Heal the old wounds
Let go of all that does not serve you
You’re not alone, crazy, or a failure
You’re just waking up! Â
by desing | Faith & Purpose
“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”
 – Brene Brown
I like this quote by Brene Brown, as it depicts shame as something that has the ability to slowly suffocate and damage an individual’s soul, as well as potential. Shame is oftentimes hidden deep under layers of thoughts and emotions and can quietly suck the life and energy out of those who don’t recognize it or know how to contend with it.
Shame vs. Guilt
Oftentimes people confuse shame with guilt, but there is a big difference between the two. Guilt is a negative feeling about something that you did. Shame is a negative feeling about who you are. If you are feeling guilty, you are thinking, “I did something bad.” If you are feeling shameful, you are thinking, “I am bad.”
Shame is a very natural emotion and it is common to everyone. Physiologically, when you feel ashamed you may blush, sweat, and your heart rate may increase. Normally one can experience a feeling of shame and overcome that shame easily if she has a decent amount of self love. Although, if unattended or if you have never learned how to cope with the feeling, it can lead to feelings of unworthiness, guilt, a sense of being damaged, and so on.
Unconscious thoughts held due to hidden shame.
“What you think, you are.” I like this quote because it is dead on. Thoughts matter. How do you know if you are walking around with hidden shame? If you are, you will continually be thinking thoughts like these:
“I am not important.”
“I am a failure.”
“I am not worthy of love or anything.”
“I am unlovable.”
“Something is wrong with me.”
These negative thoughts and feelings about the core self can lead to all sorts of negative conditions and behaviors, such as low self-esteem, depression, codependence, addiction, rage, and more. It can stunt growth in every area of your life: emotionally, psychologically, financially, socially, and spiritually.
The chronic sense of unworthiness we carry due to shame.
Walking around with toxic, chronic shame is very painful. Whether it was caused by a dysfunctional childhood family life, an abusive partner, or unfortunate situations that occurred in life, it can be extremely debilitating and rob you of joy, peace, and success. If you are ashamed of who you are and carry this sense of unworthiness, your relationships will suffer, you will isolate, be emotionally dead, question your identity, you will think that things can never get better, and you will cut yourself short on so many levels.
If you hold onto your shame and keep it hidden, you imprison yourself and never get a glimpse of your beautiful, authentic self. It is important to be able to feel free to be vulnerable, with all of your flaws and character defects.
Steps to heal shame and live free.
Be encouraged friends, because there is hope in overcoming shameful feelings. Here are some tips to help you get on the path to overcoming chronic shame.
- Acknowledge that you are wounded and experiencing shame.
- Get a counselor or join a support group in which you can talk freely. Experts say that when we talk about our shameful feelings, those feelings of shame lose their power.
- Forgive those that have hurt you. Let go of any resentments.
- Remove yourself from situations or people that treat you badly.
- Read up on the topic of shame. Begin with, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown, Healing the Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw, and Healing Your Emotional Self: A Powerful Program to Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem, Quiet Your Inner Critic, and Overcome Your Shame by Beverly Engel.
- Realize that everyone makes mistakes, but YOU are not a mistake.
- Establish a healthy balance in relationships of independence and interdependence.
Overcoming shame is possible and as you do so you will notice your life transforming right before your eyes. Peace will replace turmoil, joy will replace depression, hope will replace hopelessness, and a feeling of worthiness will replace that nasty feeling of worthlessness.
In closing, remember this:
You are important.
You are a success.
You are worthy of unconditional love.
You are lovable.
You are inherently good.
You have incredible potential.
by desing | Classes
Many women suffer from hair and scalp dehydration during the winter months. The air during the colder seasons is so dry; outside from the temperature plunge and indoors from heating. Moisture is pulled from whatever is moist, hair and scalp included. (eeek!) Suddenly your hair is brittle, dry and your scalp starts flaking…everywhere. There is not enough natural moisture to offset the climate change and your hair care products may be sucking out the little moisture that may have been left. Either way – you have a situation on your hands.
Indoor heating may be out of your control but the products you choose to use in your hair are certainly within your control. One thing I do know is that a woman doesn’t like to waste her hard earned money by throwing away any old thing but if some of your favorite hair products contain chemicals, aka toxins, it will benefit you to say “TOODLES”. Keep your eyes out for these harmful and unhelpful ingredients that are harsh and damaging to your hair after long-term use.
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- Isopropyl Alcohol                       Dries hair; creates a crunch and brittle feeling to hair; deteriorates protein in the                                                  hair
- Propylene Glycol (PG)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ravages hair strands and accelerates hair aging
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â irritates skin and scalp; depletes the hair of moisture
- Petroleum                               coats the hair and skin; suffocates hair and scalp by keeping oxygen out
- Mineral oil                               petroleum byproduct; inhibits the skin from breathing; clogs pores; dries scalp and                                               hair
No worries ladies, I found the answer – Jane Carter Solution. An entire line of naturally-derived ingredients that work effectively on all hair textures and nourishes dry hair. The products contain pure organic essential oils, natural butters, vitamins, plant extracts and other natural ingredients to repair and hydrate dry and damaged hair.
 
 Jane Carter Solution Scalp Renew; Jane Carter Solution Scalp Nourishing Serum
Jane Carter Solution Scalp Renew is a pre-shampoo treatment formulates to exfoliate the scalp, detoxify and soften sebum that prevents the scalp from receiving moisture. Tea Tree Oil, Sweet Orange and Peppermint invigorates the scalp, removes toxins and impurities that hinder hair growth. A clean, healthy scalp is the key to growing great hair!
Once hair is washed, conditioned and styled you will need to keep your scalp hydrated, Jane Carter Solution Scalp Nourishing Serum is that product. Composed of pure essential oils and vitamins, this leave-in scalp nourisher will put an end to itching, flaking and dryness. Super light formula that doesn’t build up on the scalp or way your hair down ladies. The bottle has a dropper conveniently attached to the cover which facilitates precise application to the scalp; you’ll be amazed at what just a few drops can do.
With just a few product changes, you could be flake free in a few days!
by desing | Classes, Events, Our Legacy, Services
Last year the United Nations launched International Day of the Girl which raises awareness and advocates rights for education, freedom and liberties for girls all over the world.
This year’s International Day of the Girl was on Fri. Oct 11th and in honor of it, we partnered with non-profit organization, The Opportunity Network for a one-of-a-kind event titled The Beauty, Style & Legacy Exchange. Â We created an uplifting, transformative, inspiring 3-part workshop for about (40) teenage girls. Our girls walked away empowered, and renewed. We hosted workshops on the essence of beauty, conquering life’s giants and unique style empowerment techniques. We laughed, learned and loved. Our girls need to know that they matter and that’s exactly what we did.
Thank you to our supporters Jamba Juice, Carol’s Daughter, Vera Moore Cosmetics, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, IMAN Cosmetics and The Opportunity Network for truly making this a MAGNIFICENT event!
How did this happen? I’m glad you asked! Someone took noticed of what I was doing, knew my story and the rest is history. And that’s the most magical part here. So many times we focus on going after the big opportunities (which is totally fine), however, I’m learning to remain focused on doing my best and allowing the opportunities to come my way. You never know who is watching you, so I want to encourage you to keep doing your best. Be a person that people remember and share your story because truth is you never know who is listening. 
