There’s a major difference between a life event & an achievement. One deals with desires, the other… are real goals. – CGEORGE

Psalm 103: 2-5

We all have something to be grateful for. The harsh circumstances increased wisdom, strength, a deeper or renewed perspective but most of all gratitude.

From January 1st until this present day we can honestly say that God has been better than good to us. Today, I challenge you …

1. List each month of the year

2. Next to it, write how you have been blessed, encountered a miracle or life has been enhanced.

I can assure you that by December 31st; you will have a strong list of things to be thankful for, proud of and surprisingly accomplished.

I don’t know you but I am happy for you and all that’s occurring in your life. The good outweighs the bad. In all things, remember to keep God first and He will enable you to soar and live your best life.

Right now, my body just want to be embraced by the stimulating bubbles from peppermint soap. To allow my senses to enjoy the smell and feeling of Ogx’s “Coconut Curls” in my hair.

To have the coolness of water repeatedly beat against my scalp within rythem. I am anticipating a cold beverage shocking and invigorating my palate then to swallow with much pleasure. I want summer to be over!

A lot of times we trip up because we are too busy looking backwards and relishing on what is sometimes crippling. No one can drive a car backwards or look in the rear view mirror the entire time. You can’t live a life fulfilled with your focus being in the wrong place. You can’t change what’s behind but you can learn from it to enhance what’s before you. Sometimes it’s a lack of hope. When Christ is the center of your life you can’t experience crisis because He is a compass. Need direction, need clarity? … Try Christ.

System Overload. That feeling of being on edge, brain on fire, pressure, overwhelming, everything in escalation, nerves off kilter, nail biting, poor habit increasing, I just wanna SCREAM or runaway experience.

It’s that anxious behavior that rears its ugly head like an unwanted pimple before an important day. If you haven’t guessed it by now it’s STRESS.

We often try to digest more than we can ingest, have poor organizational and/ or time management skills. Sometimes life turns a sunny day into an unexpected worldwind where everything and everyone is coming at us or simultaneously making demands. Life will happen but what’s important is our response in these situations.

I know it’s easier said than done to be calm in the midst of a storm but you must take a moment to breathe and access before making a statement or taking action. Being stressed triggers so much mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. If your not careful you’ll entertain a lie of a self fulfilling prophesy that will lead to your demise.

Above all things make time for you. Take a personal day by any means necessary. Ensure all levels and areas of health are priority. Failure to do so can and will manifest undesirable results. Here are some tips that may help you get through it

1. Prayer
2. Outlet | Hobby
3. Exercise
4. Do something fun & exciting
5. Break down priorities into categories
6. Create a personal and work schedule
7. Take breaks
8. Surround yourself with positive quotes
9.Be around supportive and level headed individuals.
10. See things from a different perspective. Your just on high demand and entrusted with much.

11. Utilize your vacation time.

Listening is a gift but understanding and comprehension takes skill!- C. George

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When you want to vent and all you have is a keypad or pen… its best to choose the pen. Keeping your personal entries private is always the best option to avoid regret. In today’s society it’s the easiest thing to do for some. I believe that restraint and self- discipline can go a long way. I definitely learned the hard way.

They say that words don’t hurt but that’s not accurate. Words evoke a feeling and Maya Angelou once said that “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. In this case, words are included in the feeling. They leave a lasting imprint on minds and hearts that destroy relationships, employment, partnerships and the list goes on.

Words are like weapons they are powerful but deadly in the wrong hands. Words are the weapons of the tongue deadly with the wrong intention or motive. I get it, you’re hurt or frustrated seeking immediately relief but social media isn’t the way or answer. Even in the Bible, it’s says in Proverbs 17: 28 that “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise”. Don’t be the short tempered fool I once was.

Some of you may be literal and ask, why make a reference to the tongue when social media isn’t verbal expression. Guess what? All speech is not verbal and it’s an extension of the contents of your mindset. Your speech represents you and says a lot about your level of intelligence, education class and even character. Don’t believe me? ask someone who reviews resume’s for prospective employees. What’s presented is an extension of you. Today I want you to consider yourself as a brand. What are you selling, in what capacity are you at service? For me, I just want to encourage and inspire people. I must mind my thoughts because they become words spoken or written.

Here are some solutions that help me:

1. Remove yourself from the aggravating or hostile environment
2. Healthily express your feelings to the APPROPRAITE person
3. Confide in a friend who has an objective view in the matter
4. Purchase a journal
5. Type it out on your phone or Word document
6.  Distract yourself with a hobby
7. Go for a walk to clear your mind or take a break
8. Pray.

I just want you to make healthy decisions because everything we do today is reflected in our tomorrow and I would prefer my tomorrow to be beautiful. You are your brand, stay consistent, positive and mature!

The world that we live in is very diverse, its our differences that makes us interesting and gives another a chance to learn something new and for you to explore and widen your perspective, knowledge of the world and gain a greater appreciation for humanity.

Everything depends on perspective. If we were truly open, we wouldn’t ostracize what’s new or unique to our own understanding. We should be intrigued. Even at work, there is an opportunity to learn about each other through interaction. There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to cultural norms and diversity in the workplace.

Anytime business in conducted overseas, one should always research acceptable behaviors and practices. “A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” Says world renown poet Moslih Eddin Saadi Persian. It’s so important to foster great interactions that will produce and increase communication.

For instance, if we were to travel to Japan for business there are some things you should know in advance. Their culture is big on respect and integrity. Here are some things to keep in mind because what you don’t know can hurt you.

1. Greetings –, shake hands if offered and provide a business card
2. Communication Style -It is okay to speak when spoken to. Silence is golden and once should not overshare. Silence is synonymous with wisdom and self-control.
3. Formality– Japanese society is unusually formal, polite, and conformist; attributes which, especially formality, permeate the way Japanese businesspeople conduct themselves at business meetings and social gatherings. … Many Japanese seldom shake hands and might be so uncomfortable doing so that they might avoid meeting again.
4. Roles and status- The Japanese Hierarchy needs to be honored. Respect for age and status is very important in Japanese culture, with hierarchy affecting all aspects of social interactions. The Japanese are most comfortable interacting with someone they consider their equal. Status is determined by a combination of someone’s role in an organization, which organization they work for, which university they went to and their marital situation.
5. Attitudes towards work and success – working hard and being integral with your work is extremely important in Japanese business..
6. Concept of time – Punctuality is the first step to aiding your efforts to doing business in Japan. Punctuality, timeliness and sticking to commitments: The Japanese believe strongly in ‘no hidden surprises’ and are committed to a very high degree of predictability and consistent reliability (not just reliability)
7. Personal space and/or eye contact – maintain a healthy distance, Maintain distance. Do not step in for a handshake, a hug, or even a friendly clap on the back, be respectful, keep your gaze lowered
8. Privacy- Japanese are very reserved, do not be pushy or rude.
9. Dress Code– Honor the dress code. Men wear business suits, women are also dressed professionally but should keep their jewelry tucked in and should refrain from wearing heels.
10. Gifts Exchange – Gift exchange is an important tradition in Japan, especially at the first meeting. What can possibly go wrong when giving a small gift? Many things, it seems: Flowers such as lilies, lotus blossoms and camellias are used for funeral services and should, therefore, be avoided. The same applies for any white flowers. Potted plants also carry negative superstitions. And buying a set of four of anything is deemed unlucky. The number nine is also inauspicious. Furthermore, if you send Christmas cards, avoid red, as funeral notices are customarily printed in red.
11. Small stuff matters – Something simple as blowing your nose in public is considered rude. Once should excuse themselves.

References

Martinuzzi, B. (2013).

Doing Business in Japan: 10 Ettiquiete roles you should know.Derived from https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/doing-business-in-japan-10-etiquette-rules-you-should-know/

Persain, M. E. (n.d.). Moslih Eddin Saadi persian Poet Quotes. Derived from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1065594-a-traveler-without-observation-is-a-bird-without-wings

Tirupathi, K. (2007). Punctuality: The Japanese way of Business. Derived from. https://www.rediff.com/money/2007/feb/21japan.htm