A Year of Manifested Greatness!

365 days + 1….2012 has come to an end. The year definitely made its mark in the history books; from unprecedented tragedy to just as extraordinary triumphs, we all were on a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs. Moments that stretched our faith and challenged what we could fathom possible for ourselves; moments that caused us to shed the cocoon of fear that kept us as sleeping caterpillars long awaiting the manifested dreams of our transformed selves; moments of hope that allowed us to connect with other beautiful souls that will continue to be the wind of love beneath our wings of courage as we take on new life. Yes….2012 was quite a year.

This is the time where we are all reflecting on the things that we have overcome and the memories that we have stored all while planning for the New Year…what we hope to get rid of, do more of, create, build, gain, restore. It all begins today.

As I sit here in my new home, which I just moved into yesterday, I bear a tremendous amount of gratitude for all that was in the last year. The lessons learned have been absolutely priceless. 366 days ago I began a journey to make a declaration everyday that reflected that which I wanted to see manifested in my daily life. I went into the year with the determination to embrace the purpose of my life and accept the promises of God that I so eloquently spoke of and encouraged others to pursue. Daily I declared “I AM WORTHY. I AM equipped. GOD’S plan IS at work in my life. And I AM occupying my purpose.”

I had to realize that I struggled with feeling that I could not accomplish my dreams and goals because somehow I wasn’t worthy of them. Or that I couldn’t have certain opportunities because I somehow didn’t have what it takes. I prayed to God, yet I wasn’t so sure that what I was going through was HIS plan for me, and that somehow I had interrupted that plan and my purpose was now obsolete.

*wipes brow* WHEW! Thank GOD He is in control and not me. If we were in control we would be passing out the death sentence for stepping on an ant wouldn’t we!?!?!?

Throughout the year I experienced the very essence of the words that I declared every day. There were moments that left me completely in awe of God’s grace and love, but I will admit that there were some moments where I found myself wondering why such crazy, inconvenient, unfortunate things had to happen.

I learned so much about myself and have definitely learned to appreciate ME more during this time. I am so grateful that I can accept the greatness inside of me as a right and not as an added bonus for good behavior. Even more so, I am grateful for understanding that living out loud is ok. Being the great, talented, fabulous person I was created to be gives way for others to do the same because I am an example of the possibilities in not being afraid to live.

It has taken me all of my life to really understand the meaning of SELF-CONFIDENCE. Sure we all know the definition of the term, but do we truly know how to LIVE in it? To TRULY be conscious of our own power and ability is the greatest gift we can ever give to ourselves, our loved ones….the world. We owe no one anything for the realization of self. It is our simple consciousness of our power; our love; our light in this great spectrum of life that allows us to dwell in and embrace the significance of our creation.

I AM worthy of every experience…every opportunity…every blessing…every miracle because it is God’s plan for me to live a life filled with examples of His love and grace. I AM equipped for the possibilities and challenges in life because I embrace the opportunity for growth in them all. God’s plan IS at work in my life because He is in control and even my biggest mistake couldn’t change His mind about the plan He created for me. And, yes, I AM occupying my purpose as I LIVE and share my love…my light…my life.

Declaration 365, try it for yourself and see what manifests for you this year.

Happy New Year!

  

Welcome to the Jungle...#NYC

 

Moon over 34th St.

I don’t know if it’s hit me yet…I MOVED TO NEW YORK!!!! (Well, I live in New Jersey, but for those who live here or have spent any time here we know it’s ALL the same.)

Wow, I have been trying to get here for God knows how long. Truth be told, I wanted to come here right after college. That was back when I wanted to work on The Today Show, organizing the Toyota Concert Series, when Katie Couric was still there. Yes, I wanted to take on the Big Apple back then, pre-9/11 days when “the jungle” was at its best, but as circumstances would have it (specifically not knowing how to deal with the physical mutation I was experiencing i.e. the loss of my hair)…I didn’t make it. (I’m sure that some of you reading this are questioning why or how the loss of my hair could affect me in such a way…you’ll have to go back and read the first blog entry.)

Oh but now!!!!! I AM NOT MY HAIR…in fact, not having it is apparently REALLY working for me (*take that, take that, take that*). 

So, I’ve been here a week and I feel so at home. That’s why I say I don’t think it’s hit me yet. I have been blessed to have a smooth transition in this move of faith and pursuit of passion. I have a great support system that has opened up their homes, hearts, and network to help propel me forward. I don’t know what I’m looking for to happen exactly for it to “hit me”; maybe it will be one of those snow storms that will inevitably make their way here sooner than my Florida wardrobe is ready for. *rubs hands together* BRING – IT – ON!

I have spent a lot of time getting to know my surroundings and finding my local “life enhancing” facilities…i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, TJ Maxx, Ross…and of course the Train Station. The thing that I love the most is that the foot traffic up here is a way of life and not a consequence of not having transportation so I will take to the pavement here for distances that I wouldn’t dream of walking in Florida. Oh and the “joy” of learning the subway system…let’s just say thank God I have a nice smile otherwise my simple trip downtown to Penn Station could have easily turned into an uptown trip to Harlem. But in my defense from Columbus Circle you’re taking the 1 Train either way…you just better have that whole ‘which side of the street to catch the train on’ thing down.

2 of the jobs that I applied for here prior to my move I didn’t get, but it’s all good. I am more confident that the right opportunities will come my way. I won’t give up, because I know that if I don’t quit I’ll win.

And listen to this anyway…

True story, when I decided that I was going to go for it and move up here within 24 hours of my laying out my plan I received an email from someone that I worked with on an event last year asking me if I could work with him on some upcoming projects. I had not heard from this person in months and in a way that only God could’ve orchestrated he contacted me. We were able to connect recently and work on an event for Fashion Week after which we sat down for a quick “so how’ve you been” session and, again in a way that only God could orchestrate, he says… “I need an Event Manager on my team…blah, blah, blah…and it’s paid…blah, blah, blah…would you be interested?” In my head I was having what Oprah often refers to as a “Hallelujah moment” but in my professional, southern girl way I said “well of course, but only because you’re my friend” complete with a wink. Yes, it’s on! This is only the beginning, but the hustle to “make it in the city” is on. Welcome to the Jungle baby!

Tammi Roman at the B. Abiye Spring Preview

I left Florida with an optimistic mindset that as I continued to pursue my purpose in complete trust that God would allow all of the right doors to open then everything I needed would be available to me. And of course I was holding onto that line from The Alchemist – “when you truly want something the universe conspires together to help you achieve it”. And the past month and a half has truly been evidence of that. I could not make this stuff up. Yet again, I am in no way confused that this is the promise that ‘your gift will make room for you’.

Sheree Whitfield at the B. Abiye Spring Preview

I am so blessed, but I know that it’s only because I trust God beyond what I can see. At times uneasy, but in those times convinced that I am on the right path. As I’m stretched and shaped into the great being that I was created to be I remain conscious that my life has a purpose.