An Uniquely Worthy Experience

photo credit - Benchmark Communications Ltd

Hello world...

Had a fabulous day down at the Paria Suites in San Fernando Trinidad where I attended an "Uniquely Worthy" workshop facilitated by Mr. Don La Foucade and Anthony Watkins. The workshop was sponsored by United Way Trinidad and Tobago and bpTT. Former First Lady of the Republic Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali is also the Patron of United Way and there are two more workshops carded for November 2nd and November 9th at Rovanel’s, Tobago and Cascadia Hotel, Trinidad respectively.

photo credit - Benchmark Communications Ltd

This was my first time attending and acting as usher, and I must say that it lived up to all of my expectations. The workshop was essentially designed for teenagers. This one in particular was geared towards students of secondary schools in San Fernando, Trinidad. It was indeed amazing to see over 200 students come out in their numbers and devote their entire Saturday towards such an enriching and uplifting experience.

photo credit - Benchmark Communications Ltd

Now guys, this is no ordinary experience. Two persons have mentioned Don's work to me before, but I have never experienced it for myself...words alone cannot describe what he attributes solely to God. I've known him merely for a few months but any attempts to thank this man for his obvious talent, insight into human behaviour and unique way with words, is stymied by his response which is always the same: "I am just a willing vessel, give God all the credit!" And this refrain is repeated without fail throughout his facebook page! But without further ado...I will attempt to describe my experience...

photo credit - Benchmark Communications Ltd

The students lined the hotel lobby at about 7:30 am with gloomy faces at first...all clearly disappointed that they couldn't sit with their peers from their school in the first instance...and secondly that they had to attend a (supposedly boring) workshop on their Saturday. Little did they know what was in store for them! They were greeted by an "uniquely animated" Don La Foucade! Within his session with the youngsters, he incorporated humour (which is putting it mildly...it was real jokes: funny faces and voices and all!), prize giveaways, personal anecdotes, activities (including a poster competition), question and answers and much more. What was exceptional to the kids and his small adult audience (teachers, ushers) was his play on words: alliteration, rhyme and rap if you want to refer to it as such. It's a gift from God and the children were thrilled as the words rolled effortlessly off his tongue. 

The young people hailing from various schools, who were once timid and reluctant to mingle with strangers, were now gregarious and excited in a matter of a few short hours. They walked away with a room full of friends and an insight into their purpose/vocation, their value, tapping into their true innate talents with positivity and exuberance for their future! What was not visible by physical appearances alone was evident through the written surveys done, which were so unbelievable I was almost emotional.

photo credit - Benchmark Communications Ltd

Anthony Watkins who La Foucade names as his mentor, was the feature speaker for the afternoon period. I've heard him once before at a staff retreat and he delivers on point each and every time. His session was equally insightful and inspirational as it further elaborated and gave the students food for thought about their purpose and future contribution to society.  It left them with hope and a sharp focus on their dreams.  These two gentlemen have fulfilled God's purpose for their own lives by making a difference in the lives of others, and by extension allowing everyone they come into contact with to do the same.

The purpose of me attending was to determine if I indeed had a calling for motivational/inspirational speaking, after having had some brief stints myself over the past year...but let me say this: I have X-large shoes to fill! I'm thinking twice...before I take that leap of faith! Don says that I'll get the hang of it with practice but...we'll see....time will tell. *Decisions...decisions*

Two things struck me during this session most of all and indeed these were a couple of my many "Moments of Truths" which I will share with you:

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression, but you have the opportunity to have a good ending.

Sometimes, you have to leave what you know now (your comfort zone) to get where you want to go.

These two statements have made an impression on me and it's what I will take forward in my endeavours!

All in all it was a day well spent. I got to meet some really interesting people and cool kids who have renewed my hope in today's youth. They are intelligent, thoughtful, sweet and caring. And their Southern hospitality is charming! Make us proud and see you in a few years when you are the future lawyers, athletes, forensic scientists, writers and engineers of the world!!

Peace & ♥

Cheers!

xo

Happy Friday!

Another Friday is here! Hope you had a good week...

All's well that ends well:)

Not all of us can embrace change readily...it's sometimes hard to come out of our comfort zone and face challenging/uncertain or unfair situations...but coping 

is a state of mind. Once we condition our minds, we would find that we can deal with almost anything that life throws at us. 

"I can do all things through God who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

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New look!

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I've been busy...how do you like my new look? I mean my blog! I've redesigned the interface and added additional pages! So now you can learn more about me :)

I've included some ultra sleek tabs across the top of your page to include:

• About the author
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Out of chaos comes inspiration...

photo credit - icanlearnmusic.com

Hello/Hola/Salut!

Busy, busy week. There's nothing I want more than to be able to blog every day of the week and share with you:) Would have to work on that though...shift around a few things in my schedule and make it happen. Love spending time here Moment to Moment with my valued readers, as writing truly makes my heart sing. I am most happy when I am doing this and the passage of time stands still as it is effortlessly blissful and exhilarating.

Hope you had a great week wherever you are:) 1 more day for the weekend and I can't wait. I read somewhere that "Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don't need to escape from." - Seth Godin. I sooo believe in this statement and wish to earnestly do this with all my heart. 

Honestly, sometimes you get swept into this vortex of your daily life routine, that despite your attempts to do this...you just go with the flow of life. I am pleased with the strides that I have taken thus far, but there's so much more I wish I had the time and resources to do. Sometimes, we just have to take a step back to figure out what we want the most and work on those things one step at a time. What's most important to us? What do we need to do to get there? Some of it may be a sacrifice and other times, it just requires more effort, hard work, steadfastness, saying no to some things and following through on the leads. Everything worthwhile takes time, patience and sweat.

photo credit - vblnation.com

So where do we want to go? I've had many revelations these past couple weeks and had to make some really tough decisions. Sometimes you have to ask yourself the question: who benefits the most from the situation? If you have the chance to influence change, when it's needed the most and the intended parties are receptive to change, then maybe that's the trade-off to evolve to the next level in your life. I actually just arrived at that conclusion via this blog post. Inspiration escape indeed! I think I just got one step closer to my answer. Have you ever had to make a decision and you put others before yourself? Food for thought. I have to give that one some more thought...

Sometimes through the impossible, we find out that there are many possibilities for good.  

Have a good Friday all.

Cheers to the weekend!

Blessings from above...

Hey guys,

I must again say a heartfelt "thank you" to my many followers of this blog Moment to Moment. I am pleased to see there are people who make a decision to follow my musings, thoughts and revelations. We are all here to share and I'm glad that I have the ability to do so. Had a fabulous night once again and I thank God everyday for blessing me with wonderful people. He knows I am not perfect and I'm glad that there are some that put up with me in all my eccentricities:) Love you all xo

So I have been delinquent with my blog...my apologies to my avid readers from around the world....more recently France, USA, Poland, Russia and yes Trinidad & Tobago! Please join me and leave a comment if you can relate. 

So week 1 of my "decision." I think it went well for the most part but you know, everything has it's negatives and positives. It required a whole lot of patience. If everything went smoothly all the time, then life would hold no challenges and growth. Like a friend of mine said...chalk it up to experience. I know I am being tested. I'm still getting used to the fact that life is sometimes unfair. Haven't been much exposed to that aspect in great depth and I know it's something I have to get used to. Life can be regarded as a race. A race to endure to the end. To withstand difficulty and adapt to change and whatever comes our way. The truly faithful will realize this at the right time and move accordingly with the wind of change. Sometimes it takes sacrifice and putting aside ego and pride to get to the next level required to really go forth, excel and make a positive impact. I know I am sorta talking in parables...but somewhere out there, I know at least a handful of people are experiencing or have experienced what I refer to and catch my drift. Surely? I would love to hear from you, if you are one of them.

All in all, life is truly wonderful. A fantastic, exciting and marvelous adventure to behold every day of our lives. It may  at times get monotonous and challenging, but it's up to us to liven things up and make it fun, learning the lessons along the way. I always repeat as my mantra that we need to always give thanks for the simple pleasures and gifts that are bestowed unto us. Never take them for granted. Like the air we breathe, the ability to see, hear, talk, taste, smell, walk, dance, sing...our many talents and people in our lives that have crossed our path both past and present. This is not by chance. It is a deliberate blessing from above. Always give Him thanks and praise. May thanksgiving be infinitely upon our lips. This may be a revelation to some, but honestly I am not the most religious person in the world, neither do I go about preaching to others in my daily life. Nor am I perfect by any stretch of the imagination...far from it. I have real flaws like anyone else. But I consider myself to be deeply spiritual with a real connection to God above and possess gifts manifested daily in my life. I have overcome many obstacles in my relatively young life and I owe it all to Him. I am forever grateful. Who is man to judge when our Father blesses us according to our heart and mind?

Thank you Father God for life and everything that comes with it. I trust you. Guide me, protect me and bless me till my work here is done.

Love and blessings to all!

Cheers!

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Have a little faith...

As we inch closer and closer to Christmas, things are heating up in the atmosphere. Soon I'll be taking pictures of the decorations around the malls et cetera and sharing them with you. Can't wait:D

Tonight I took in some jazz on the bay with Patti Rogers. It was just splendid...she's an exceptional singer. Her keyboardist was also talented. It's good to get out and just let loose sometimes. Does wonders for the soul and psyche especially after a trying week.

photo credit -etsy.com

I've had some tough decisions to make the past couple weeks and it wasn't easy I must say, but I took it to the Lord in prayer, so that he can reveal His will for me in a real way and so said so done. It was revealed and I've made a decision. If I had to follow my own intuition, it probably would have had a different outcome but we'll see how it goes. Sometimes you never know what the future holds and you have to trust God and take a chance on life and that's what I'm doing. When in doubt seek Him first. All else comes after.

So here I am, nestled in my writer's paradise listening to Christmas tunes by the Mighty Sparrow on Sweet 100.1 in the wee hours of the morning, with a glass of Trapiche Red:) This is my ideal life. Wish I could do this every day. #sweet!

Here's my wish for you: whatever trials and tribulations you are experiencing in your life at the moment, don't get overwhelmed when you mull it around in your head. You cannot do this alone. You may talk to many persons in your life who may hold the same opinions or maybe not. You need to take it to the Master Advisor for He knows best. You can ask Him to send you a messenger and this He would do. Listen to the right messages. Know your heart, no one can make your decision for you but they can help along the way. Ultimately this is yours to make. Unless it feels right in your heart, you cannot go forward. Internalize, listen and wait for the answers. 10 people may say the same thing, but it may only redound with 1. Wait for it and there you would find your answer. Thanks for my messengers. Thanks to the Father.

Now to make it work in my favour. I continually seek His guidance and protection for an amazing end to 2012. Although you may not see it, things are working in your favour in the background. Think it, Believe it, Live it. Faith moves mountains.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1.

  

Peace & ♥

Cheers! xo

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Life's Lessons

photo credit - bing image

1 more day to go for the weekend! YAY for Fridays:) Hope you had a productive week and Made it Count. Admittedly, not every day is our day and not every minute of the day can be fabulous. We all have our ups and downs in this dance of life...hopefully you have gr8 ppl around you (like me) that can make the ride all the more fun and insightful so that we can grow together and learn from one another. Remember, there's a lesson in everything that we encounter in life and an opportunity to create abundance. What matters is how we deal with it. Let's fight the internal noise and question less the ulterior motives of others and look to the Creator for the answers so that we don't miss the lessons. 

Cheers to life's lessons and great people! 

Peace & ♥