Finally Did It!

As I sit here in the carwash waiting on my turn (much earlier)...I am overcome with emotion. The Adele CD playing in the background is not helping much.  I did not know that leaving a place that I've been wanting to for a while could be so emotional. Saying goodbye is never easy as I've come to realize. It was bittersweet to say the least and I did not realize there were so many people that actually cared if I go or stay (each showing it in their own way).  There were many ups and downs during the last seven years and I've grown considerably over the period. Admittedly I am still on the path to further growth. Looking back on some old emails I now realize the impact I had on the staff in whatever small (or meaningful) way. Still I don't know where the time went! 7 YEAARRRSS!! Wow! Trying to search my brain for some highlights but suddenly my brain is like marshmallows...all the years just seem to coalesce into one big BLURR with vague highs and lows! :(( #howsad

Notwithstanding the good, bad and ugly; there was sooo much history, many connections both internal and external along the way, both past and present - some I will carry with me wherever I go in life as long as it permits. Many milestones and firsts both professional and personal, some of which were as a result of my experiences and growth during my tenure. Of course the many, many memories of fun, happy times are priceless and I will treasure them forever. Last night I wasn't sure what I was feeling but I received a phone call from a very special person when I needed it the most, which put it all into perspective. As always she knew the right things to say and I recovered from my melee unscathed. #thebossladyalwayscomesthrough

Admittedly, every day wasn't all smiles and sunshine, but somehow I made it through and rallied to the end by the Grace of God. And now before me to behold is my rainbow and what a beautiful sight it is! You would probably now be able to connect the dots from reading my earlier blog posts within recent years, what my struggle and journey was about as I often questioned the timing of the occurrence of my future "breakthrough." For some time I have been trying to transition fields which is always difficult. I felt that I wasn't using my full potential in the capacity I was engaged in, and this made me severely unhappy in this aspect of my life for quite some time. Many close friends and colleagues who saw my value shared as much, which sort of provided some impetus to push even further in my quest for fulfillment of my passion. But nothing before it's time! I am here now and this day is mine to savour! In actuality the FINAL day won't be for another two weeks as I first proceed on a much needed vacation. However today was officially my last day of work at the office. I'm doing cartwheels as we speak! :D #Dparangnowstart

With this move, I've realized that I have finally come full circle in terms of the lessons learnt and contributions made in order to really move on to the next phase in my life.  Time for a fresh start and a new beginning to make new connections and hopefully influence change in a new realm. Can't wait for what the future holds!! As this old chapter closes and a new one awaits, I would be delighted if you can continue with me Moment to Moment along my journey!! It has indeed been a pleasure sharing with you during this time and many thanks for the support!! Feel free to peruse the "about the author" tabs across the top of your page for more info and how you can give a gift of inspiration this Christmas with your own copy of my book Thinking out Loud. Hot off the press: an audio book version is in the works...and now I have some time, I can tweak the kindle version!!

Best wishes a todos!!

Cheers!!

xo

photo credit - maplerose.deviantart.com

Just some thoughts...

Greetings all,

A warm welcome to all my new and returning visitors from the USA, Trinidad & Tobago, UK, Canada, Belarus, France, Thailand, Georgia, Australia, Germany and Ukraine! Feel free to like and share with your friends and family. I welcome your comments!

I was telling a friend today that sometimes all it takes is a step outside of your door to get a new perspective. Even short trips within your own country can do wonders and has often worked for me. When we do this, we adopt a new point of view that perhaps was not visible before because of our clouded vision. Various things can hinder us from seeing things clearly or maybe having myopic vision.  I had a few revelations of my own:

Saying goodbye to the old...

photo credit - nadineblogs.com

Sometimes when a chapter closes in our lives, we should be thankful for all of the events that led to this point. The old cliched adage "everything happens for a reason" is indeed true. When we allow ourselves to be led by faith, we realize the purpose of all events in our lives great and small. What mattered to us 5 years or 1 year ago, I'm sure doesn't have the same impact as it does today. It however served to shape us and prepare us for all the events that have occurred since then. Should we feel sad when a door closes? No, instead be happy for the lessons/memories and know and believe in your heart that another one opens and a new and exciting journey is about to begin!

Me? Sweat the small stuff? 

Lots of times when we "sweat the small stuff" we are really working at cross purposes against ourselves. Although it's often a natural human impulse to react, it's usually wiser and healthier to give the other person the benefit of the doubt and let it roll off our backs. We can choose to react adversely or we can count to ten and smile in the face of conflict, as we find the lesson and use it as an exercise in self control! 

The journey now start

When we think that we have experienced all there is to life and then some, we realize that the journey is now beginning. Life is fluid, always changing and surprising us with new experiences, people and discoveries. Even through the disappointments we are able to grow and acquire strength in our resolve and solitude. To ask why me, is to lack faith and doubt the bigger picture. When we embrace life for all that it holds is when we stay open to all of the possibilities life has to offer. We then look with exuberance towards each day with hope and desire to make this day better than the last, yet equally special. Give thanks for the here and now and have a little faith!

Tomorrow's a new day, so I'm going to pause for a cause and stay open to the new revelations and lessons the day brings.

Cheers! 

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Practise what you preach...

Hello world,

As I go through my annual "Christmas cleaning" I clean not only the physical, but also the emotional, psychological and spiritual. I clear out all of the junk that has collected over the past year. I am in a constant state of evolution as I evaluate all that has happened over the period, how I have reacted to it and what I need to change or work on. I was just reviewing my musings over the past few months and out of everything, the following words struck me in my post of October 18th - "Out of chaos comes inspiration" [http://inspirationescape.blogspot.com/2012/10/out-of-chaos-comes-inspiration.html]: 

"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." 

Can't believe I really wrote that...it's as though I had a glimpse into the future. All credit to God for this inspiration and gift of speech...I'm speechless:) Ha!

I think that perhaps that's what has just happened.  I kept the faith, believed and now I have evolved to the next level. And it couldn't have happened at a more opportune time. I tell ya...the power of prayer is amazing! The last few years have been particularly good as most things have been working in my favour #eternallygratefultotheMostHigh

Yet sometimes, I feel as though I allow variables to get the better of me. This happens especially when I allow myself to react to people's behaviour and actions. I keep reminding myself...and the conversation begins: "Self: the world is made up of all different sorts of people...You need to get used to it!"

It's true, everyone is not like me or you or anyone else. Our life experiences were different. We see the exact same things quite differently. Our ability to internalize and rationalize things are different. Everyone has their own insecurities and prejudices...likes and dislikes....points of view based on many different factors: life experiences, upbringing, belief systems, circumstances, environment...background. We can't do anything to change who we are or our journey thus far, but surely we can try to understand each other and why we react the way we do. 

Yet this happens from time to time:

All jokes aside. We expect others to treat us the same way we would like to be treated. Whereas in reality this does not happen. We pass judgement on others, at times say unkind things to and about each other and it is done to us, sometimes unknown to ourselves. Some things are best kept unsaid  but sometimes human nature gets the better of us and we find ourselves in a muddle.

Communication is always key...how and when it is done is the essence of how well it works. At some point or another, we have all been guilty of doing and saying the wrong things at the wrong times but for all intents and purposes, what is done cannot be undone. Maya Angelou once said: "people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel." And at the end of the day, that's what it's about.

I certainly have "foot in mouth syndrome" but I'm working on it. Just as I can't understand why others may say or do certain things, the same can be said for me. Tolerance is key. 

As I take all of these lessons with me into the new year and my new realm, I earnestly attempt to start anew with a new outlook, new modus operandi and a new beginning!

 

**release**

Cheers until next time:)

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18,000 hits!!

Thank you!

Your support means the world to me!!

Turn another corner

photocredit-ignitechange.com

Greetings all,

It's been an exciting couple weeks for more reasons that one, and I am forever grateful for my blessings. I am transitioning into a new phase in my career/life and I can't wait for all that it holds because it's been a long time coming and I'm glad that it's finally here.

The support I've been receiving is overwhelming. Naturally not everyone would be all embracing for reasons of their own, but so the cookie crumbles. Change is here and it's my moment to savour! The journey was certainly a long and interesting one, but I always knew that God was preparing me for greater things. I hope I made an impact on my organization and it's employees over the past seven years in some way however miniscule it may be. I am glad that I now will have the opportunity to tap into my full potential and contribute to an equally important but bigger purpose.

photo credit - www.123rf.com

I am forever grateful for the opportunities afforded to me and I will always remember the connections I made and the many initiatives and projects I was able to execute. Many memories and lessons....I will treasure always.

photo credit - performance4life.com

Peace & ♥

Launch of Nick & 2Js

Nneka checking on her bread from the Authentic Dirt Oven

Last night I attended the Launch of my friend Nneka Daniel Braveboy's restaurant Nick & 2Js.

Got there early to see everything progress from last minute preparations to a full swing party....with multiple media houses present. Her religious leader was present to give the event his blessing and Errol Fabien was the MC. The Member of Parliament was even there to kick things off. The place was overflowing with love as her many loved ones and friends came out to show their support.

Chef Nneka & I

Among the many mouth-watering menu items, it was the lobster corn soup that captured my senses. The fish tacos, curry, doubles and cheese cake were equally scrumptious. The main attraction was the authentic dirt oven which Nneka helped to build from the ground up. Cooking since she was nine, this restaurant was her dream for about 12 years and yesterday all of her hard work paid off. 

But don't take my word for it, if you're in Trinidad go on down to Nick & 2Js on the Corner Agostini Street and the Eastern Main Road, St. Joseph (opposite Wasa) and ask for her Lamb in Tamerind sauce, Overstuffed Chicken Breast and Honey Chilli King Crab with chive steamed buns!! You won't be disappointed. She is also open for breakfast.

Congrats!! xo

You've got nuthin on Nneks!!

NALIS's Lifetime Literary Awards - 50 years of Literature

Tonight I was invited to attend the Lifetime Literary Awards - 50 years of Literature in commemoration of Trinidad & Tobago's 50th Independence. It's remarkable the quantum of talent we have abound in this small but mighty twin-island Republic. I feel very proud to be Trinbagonian. The event was hosted by NALIS at the Central Bank Auditorium and many authors (some posthumously) were honoured for their contribution to the literary canon locally, regionally and internationally. Just to mention a few were Michael Anthony, C.L.R. James, Earl Lovelace, Willi Chen, Dr. Elizabeth Nunez, Marlene Nourbese Phillp, Samuel Selvon and John Stewart. Their diverse background not only on the home front but also internationally was impressive to say the least.

Thank you for paving the way for writers and authors everywhere. We salute you! I plan to catch up on my reading with the great works of these authors very soon! It would be remiss of me if I did not mention the panist Johann Chuckaree who provided the entertainment with his marvelous musical interlude on our national instrument. You made that steel pan sound sweet!

I couldn't help but steal a Kodak Moment with Mr. Earl Lovelace!! Your speech was an inspiration to me! Very nice meeting you:)

Happy Reading!! 

Peace & ♥

Christmas is in the air!

Greetings one and all,

It's been at the back of my mind that I didn't really blog for the month of November as yet...Tonight I would address that!

As Christmas tunes ring out on my radio...I can't help but feel the Christmas spirit. I am really looking forward to the season for reasons of my own...(which I will reveal in time). The count down is on...what are your plans?

Time certainly flies. Last year this time, I was super excited planning and preparing for my book launch. Technology is amazing, I was able to capture it all on camera, video and my blog. It has been an amazing journey and one that I would treasure always as the publication of my first book has been a memorable and rewarding experience.

If you have bought my book, I would love for you do a review on amazon, if you have the time. It would mean a lot to see in writing what readers have to say. The verbal reviews have been great as well as the written ones I have received so far on amazon, facebook and via email. I plan to compete an audio book soon and I am really looking forward to that as I get to utilize my broadcasting skills. I have located a studio and everything seems feasible once I make the time to complete a little gradually.

Although I celebrated many milestones this year, it was also fraught with some challenges. Of course I would have delved into it right here Moment to Moment in my own way as it unfolded, but thank God I could see the end coming up in the distance. But then also I guess some things never go away, but with prayer and faith it can get better. Change is coming! Can you feel it?!

What challenges are you dealing with? What action plan can you put in place to lessen the effects? Have you explored all of your options?

I'll say this to you 'chile': 

"Have a little faith!"

It always works out in the end.

The longest rope has an end.

After one time is two (old trini saying)

And when in doubt...seek God first! He never fails and never let's us down and even if our timing is off balance --- He is always on time!

Have a great weekend!

Cheers!

I'll leave you with a couple photos of the Christmas decorations at one of our local malls (West Mall).

Thanks for 17,000+ hits!!

Ideas exchange at the UWIs 1st Caribbean Competitiveness Forum

Hope your week is going great so far! Had a little hiatus for a couple days...attended the [UWI's] 1st Caribbean Competitiveness Forum at the Hyatt...It was an action packed 2 days with many successful local, regional and international entrepreneurs, policy makers and academics. Got to listen to presentations by the creator of Nut-med (Grenada), Salada Food (Jamaica), Angostura, Venture Captial (Trinidad), Alex Pratt (UK) and many more. 

A lot of knowledge was shared for those in the SME sector. These forums are great as it shows us just how talented we are in the Caribbean and how much we can learn from each other. Yet, from an international perspective, it makes us cognizant of the fact that there is still a lot of room for growth and development.

Also present were NEDCO clients showcasing their products and services and other companies and booths including giveaways by Cher Mere etc. 

Very informative session!

Check out UWI's facebook page to learn more~

Happy November!

Happy November all!! Hope you kicked off the day and month right and you're one step closer to making your dreams for 2012 a reality!! Remember it's not too late to do that one great thing that will make your spirits soar to new heights and above the ordinary!!
 

A month of Thanksgiving, Fall, Parang and Divali in some parts. Wishing you a spectacular month ahead and...Remember to MAKE IT COUNT!!!

Peace & ♥