Tag: empower others

Living on Purpose: Joe Ehrmann “Be a Man”

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Life Purpose

Living on Purpose: Joe Ehrmann

Living on purpose at times may set one in a position where they are fighting for a cause much bigger than themselves. In the second installment of this type of purpose, I highlight Joe Ehrmann, a coach on a mission to re-frame the sports industry in order to preserve real men. This battle is huge and involves millions of dollars which means there are some pretty heavy influencer on the scene. But this does not deter him from his passion to see men who are able to communicate on an emotional level and still exert their strength.

Despite the size of the enemy, purpose rears up and shows itself to be King in a world where being rich means more than having enriching relationships. Joe shares some concrete findings about how men learn to be a man affects the type of man they become.

Thank you Joe for living on purpose.

Living on Purpose: Kandice Sumner

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Life Purpose

[ted id=2616]

Living on Purpose: Kandice Sumner

Kandice boldly speaks out about the challenges of educating students in today’s public school system. Having been given the opportunity to get a “better” education as a result of mandatory desegregation and busing she shares her story and her passion for making education fair and accessible for all students. Living on purpose is about being passionate and seeking to make a difference even when the odds appears to be stacked against you. As an educator her purpose has nothing to do with making money or making a name for herself. It is all about “her” kids all 696 of them.

Thank you Kandice for living on purpose.

Video and picture courtesy of TED talks at ted.com.

Living on Purpose: Bishop T.D. Jakes

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Life Purpose, Spiritual Inspiration

Living on Purpose: Bishop T.D. Jakes

A true visionary and entrepreneur, Bishop T.D. Jakes exudes purpose. Not just when he is in the pulpit but wherever he is, he commands the attention of his audience and inspires them towards purpose. Bishop Jakes is a producer, minister, author, and talk show host. In everything he does his purpose is always the same to uplift people and help them live better lives.

Carolyn Brown from Black Enterprise Magazine originally shared Bishop Jakes’ 11 Principles to Succeed in Business and Life. 

“Here are some of the top lessons the bishop has learned about operating a business and living life authentically:

  1. “You can hire intelligence, but you cannot hire instinct. Instinct can tell you what, why, and when to do something (such as when do you launch a product).”
  2. “Intellect loads the gun —but instinct pulls the trigger.”
  3. “If you have no records, you’re a hustler, not a business person. Data is a tool.”
  4. “Every opportunity I’ve ever seen came dressed as an obstacle.”
  5. “We are aborting too many thoughts prior to birthing them—all success starts as a thought.”
  6. “You are so busy with people who drain you, you don’t have time for people who build you.”
  7. “When what is in you is bigger than what is around you, you have to crack out of that shell.”
  8. “I refuse to be a slave to who you think I am.”
  9. “Find people like you in work ethic, but different in talent. Hire someone to complete you, not compete with you.”
  10. “I’m not afraid to die. I’m afraid of not living first.”
  11. “We all have a destiny. Find the courage to drive past the challenges, pains, and even the shortcuts of life.”

Nothing Missing Nothing Broken

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Spiritual Inspiration, The Healthy Body, The Healthy Mind, The Healthy Spirit

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.”

Third John 1:2 (AMP)

 

Yesterday I sowed a seed to a ministry. I do this often but this time it was different. This is a test of my faith. I know what level I am supposed to be living at yet I find myself with much less. I am not accepting this by any means. I know that it is simply a stepping-stone.

Did you know that as a child of God you are promised a life of prosperity and wealth? I don’t necessarily mean wealth in money and material things. There are many people who have a lot of “things” but are poor in their spirit and in other areas of their lives. I recently learned that rich means being fully supplied in all areas of your life. You are lacking nothing. Look at your life. Are you rich?

When I first heard this I felt a sense of relief because I have always had a wealthy spirit. I find accepting less is not comfortable for me anymore. When I got laid off, I moved in with family members. I did not understand this especially since I knew that I did not have to live this way. God has made ways for me in impossible situations before; surely he could have done the same this time. But here I am and it has not been okay. Now don’t get me wrong I am not ungrateful and am very thankful because he is taking care of me. However, I know the standard of life that God has for me and once you live it you don’t settle for less than that.

I am now looking to move on and I realize that I can’t go back to the life I lived before. God has set a standard for my life and by faith I expectantly look for him to provide for me according to that standard. I sowed my seed on behalf of my family that we would have the following:

  1. A strife-free home
  2. God will put me in the center of my assignment (purpose)
  3. God will give me a financial Boaz

I received this from Mike Murdock yesterday and it was as if God had crafted this just for me. These are the three areas I am poor in right now. Therefore I am expecting abundance in these areas because God said that I am not supposed to be poor in any area of my life. I am slapping poverty in the face and speaking abundance that will follow my children and their children for many generations to come.

Yesterday I visited a web site for a company that sold insurance. The parent company has been in existence since the early nineteen hundreds and on the site they represented the lineage of those who ran the company over the years, there were at least three or four generations. This is the type of legacy that God wants us to have. He wants us to get back to the days when we were able to pass the torch on to our children like Abraham did and keep the blessing going. That is what I am expecting.

What are you expecting?

Procrastination Stops Here

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Feature
Procrastination Slows You Down
Procrastination Slows You Down

There really is no reason why I have not written since January. I have attempted to write several times only to end up with nothing. Procrastination, hmm what a sneaky thing that creeps up in your path. It keeps you from moving when your mind is saying GO. It makes you say I will do it tomorrow then tomorrow you say I will do it tomorrow. It creates a never ending cycle of tomorrow that never seem to come to an end.

I am not professing to be perfect as I know I never will but I am professing to do a lot less procrastinating. I have been working on it since the beginning of this year. As I looked at my blog again today. I started to say that I would post something tomorrow. Instead I started typing. I am a writer by nature, if there is any such thing. So why don’t I write? I have been journaling more lately, which is very good because I had been blocked with that for so long. But now it seems much is pouring out of me. I have a new book idea and actually started writing it. At first I thought it would be an article but it really is much more than an article. I may decide to blog it first then turn it into a book.

I have not reached out to you all in a while but I wanted you to know that I am still here and love you all dearly. I cannot promise to post everyday, but I am committing to posting something at least once per week. I would love to here from you to know how you like my blog. I opened up comments without registration. So feel free to connect and let’s start a conversation.

I have many exciting things coming up and want you all to be a part of it, so keep visiting.

Celebrate Love

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Feature, The Healthy Spirit
Love is on the Horizon
Love is on the Horizon

I watched a show tonight about Manuel Uribe, the world’s heaviest man, getting married. It was sad to watch him struggle with his condition but I was inspired by his zest for life. He was so excited about getting married. During the show another morbidly obese man in his town died. He is working very hard to lose the weight and regain his mobility.

It stirred something in me as I watched show. I imagine that it is probably the love he shares with his wife that fuels him and keeps him motivated. He has lost over 400 pounds and while he has much more to go he is optimistic. Love is so powerful and can give you the strength of ten people just knowing that someone loves you enough to stand by you when you are weak. To see the best in you even when you can’t or anyone else for that matter.

“Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
For love is as strong as death,
Jealously as cruel as the grave;
Its flames are flames of fire,
A most vehement flame.
Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor can the floods drown it.
If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house,
it would be utterly despised.”
Song of Solomon 8:6-7

I absolutely love this scripture because it speaks to the true essence of heartfelt and passionate love. As long as the beloved knows that she is secure in his heart she can feel secure. Isn’t that what we all are seeking? That true unconditional love that is 100% committed and gives you the confidence to do anything.

 It exists and better yet it is something God can give us and he has preordained for us to have with another person. Don’t count out love yet. If you have not found the one that you want to set you, as a seal upon their heart, don’t worry they are out there.

Day 37 – Conquering Fear is a Key to Success

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Life Coaching

Fear is false evidence appearing real and it is a real pain. Fear grips so many of us and keeps us from moving forward. Today I listened to a sermon about fear and the preacher posed a question. What would you do if you had no fear? Keep in mind that you would still make a wise decision but you would have no fear in executing it.

If I had absolutely no fear I would attempt all of my best business ideas, especially if I had the funds. I get so many good ideas but most of the time I am fearful that they will not work. I will sometimes talk myself out of things due to some level of fear. I am pursuing many things right now based on wise decisions but they are new and I don’t know what the outcome may be. Therefore I am fearful and hesitating a bit.

It is your turn, if you had no fear what would you do? Think about some of the things that you could do for yourself that fear is keeping you from. Then take it a step farther; what would it take for the fear to be removed?

No fear equals boldness, confidence and faith. No fear means as long as I trust in my God-given wisdom there is no reason not to proceed. No fear means the world looks different, things look possible, and success is within reach.

Day 36 – Developing a Plan is a Key to Success

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Life Coaching, Life Purpose

I have a challenge for you. It is time to develop your 2011 plan. The other day you spent time writing your list that stated this is the last time I… Now that you know what you want to end I want you to focus on what you will build this year.

First let’s break the year up into quarters, the check in dates are March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011, September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2011. I want you to write two goals per quarter that you will work towards for the year. Make sure that the goals are SMART.

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Relevant
  • Time-specific

When setting your goals for 2011 make sure that you clearly identify what you want to achieve. Use the check in dates from above as possible due dates. If the goal requires more than three months then use the check in date to measure your progress and then adjust your plan accordingly.

I think a yearly plan is much better than making resolutions. How many of us actually keep the resolutions? By developing a plan you will set up a process to hold yourself accountable and it will become more real. If you need help with accountability, then find an accountability partner. If one of your goals is to lose weight or exercise, find a friend who has the same goal and work together. Hold each other accountable and encourage each other when things get tough.

If your goals are more detailed you may want to hire a Professional Life Coach to help you implement your plan. One of my 2011 business goals is to bless two people with a Time to Soar Coaching package (a $1349 value). If you are interested in one of the packages, please complete the Are You Coachable quiz and make sure to include your email address. You will be contacted to schedule a free consultation. The selected candidates will be notified by January 31, 2011.

Day 29 – Being True to Your Self is a Key to Success

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Life Coaching, The Healthy Mind

I have been quoting a lot of Bible scriptures in the last few posts. God is always present in my life and the Bible gives me inspiration, direction and peace. I know that not everyone shares that but I am sure there is something that does the same for you. It may be the words of wisdom from a mentor, an author, a motivational speaker, a religious leader, Buddha or other religious texts such as the Qur’an. Whatever it is you should seek it diligently and use it to find the truth.

I gave both of my sons study Bibles for Christmas so that they could begin their journey toward their truth. Each Bible has additional content that is geared toward their age group. I have found myself drawn to my younger son’s Bible. It is the Guy’s Life Application Bible and written with extra text that relate to the issues of boys between the ages of nine to thirteen.  I really liked the scripture on the first page that states:

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT

Very adequate considering the Bible is geared towards young boys. However this scripture is not about a young boy. It is about a prophet named Timothy who was young in his ministry. Paul admonished him to not allow others opinion of him to lessen his self-confidence. He was chosen for the task at hand and was well equipped to carry it out. But people may look at his youth and think that he was not qualified. Instead he told him to become the standard, be an example in all you do and say.

We can be our own worst critics and may feel unworthy, under qualified or say to ourselves. “Who am I do this?” But I say to you “Who are you not to do this?” Let your light shine! Find your truth, your passion, that thing ignites you and brings a smile to your face and do it. Do it just because you want to, because you love to. If one of your friends or family members looks at you and says, “What are you doing?” Just look back at them, smile and keep going.

This happened to me the other day. I was feeling really good and I like to wear nice pieces of jewelry, different styles not typical ones. Well on this day I was wearing a choker necklace I have had for many years. I never wore it much because I did not have matching earrings. Well a few months ago I found a unique pair of matching earrings. I wore the set earlier this week. It looked good on me and was quite sexy.

Well a family member saw me wearing it and commented. They said, “Is that choking your neck?” “Why are you trying to be so fancy?” I did not comment, I simply smiled and kept going. I felt good in it and it looked good on me. I was not going to allow some else’s negative opinion of it to make me stop wearing it. In fact, I can’t wait to wear it again. I am setting an example and will continue to do so.

I am living my life on purpose, not by accident. I am doing things deliberately and with much passion. It was a decision I made a few years ago when I found myself suddenly single again with three children. The world is mine and before me stands a clean slate. Yes I made some mistakes but they were yesterday. Tomorrow is open for discussion. I want to enjoy my life and seek to do so. I no longer try to bury my passions instead I use them a fuel.

Find your truth, embrace your passion and use it to fuel your life! Get going!

Day Seventeen – Doing Your Best is a Key to Success

Posted on by Athena Thomas in Life Coaching, The Healthy Mind

I strive for perfection in all that I do. It has benefited me in several ways especially in business because my clients know that they will receive a quality product. However there are times when it has not been my friend because I am not okay with performing less than perfect. Although I clearly know that I am not perfect. This leads to stress and anxiety.

This journey has been a challenge for me because I want so much to finish what I started and to stay on the schedule. But it is okay if I miss a day right? I need to allow myself the flexibility of being able to do a job and not feel pressured to do it perfectly. That does not mean that I will ever sacrifice quality to get a job done. It means that I will do the best I can and be okay even if it is not perfect.

I am learning to allow myself additional time to get things done so that I minimize my stress level and things remain balanced. Having balance is important as it keeps me from exhausting myself. I have also learned about re-framing my thoughts. I take those negative, overly critical thoughts and turn them into self-inspiring, motivating thoughts. Instead of kicking myself for missing a day in my journey, I congratulate myself for not quitting and completing 16 days. I did my best.

I was very disheartened when I learned that my best efforts on my previous job were not appreciated nor acknowledged. It began to make me doubt my ability as a manager and made me want to quit. But I chose not to quit and stuck in there. I did a self-evaluation of my performance, remembered that I was a good manager and knew my job. I set out on a path to do my best and to work on the areas where I needed some improvement. After about three months I began to regain my confidence and saw some progress. Upper management would not acknowledge my progress but this time I did not allow it to make me feel bad about myself, because I knew that I had done my best.

Doing your best is all you can do because none of us will ever achieve perfection. The next time you are ready to beat yourself up over not doing something perfectly or someone else does it to you remind yourself that you did your best and therefore are still successful.

I would like to share the following poem with you and hope it helps remind you to do your best.

Do the Best You Can

by Rhoda-Katie Hannan

This I pray for you, my friend

That you strive to be all that you can be,

Yet never become a copy of another

That you realize your own unique qualities,

And all that makes you special

That you open your eyes to the beauty in each day

That you reach out to others less fortunate than you

That, by giving, you learn the joy of receiving

That you let go of the sadness of the past,

Yet always remember the good moments

That you learn to accept life as it is,

Even with its problems and disappointments

For life is meant to be enjoyed and, at all times, endured, but never taken for granted

And I pray that you will be aware at all times that you are one special person,

Among all special persons

And do the best you can.