Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!!

As we say goodbye to the old and make way for the new, let's tuck away all that 2012 has brought to our lives good and bad and welcome a new beginning. Time to make room for new memories, people, experiences and dreams to be realized, always keeping near the ones that really matter. 

Wishing you peace, love, happiness, good health, joy and abundance in 2013. 

And always remember to Make it Count!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Goodbye 2012...

It's Sunday 30th December, 2012 and the final hours count down to yet another year! If you're as sentimental and nostalgic as me...you will also be filled with a flood of emotions. Whenever a year ends, automatically my mind flashes back to all the years within immediate memory. And as I recall them, I am filled with all sorts of memories: gratitude, longing, what's if's, thank God's, boy have I come a long way, happiness, expectation, regrets, forgiveness, a wee bit of anger...at times...:S

The holiday season always conjures up all sorts of memories and emotions....some fond and happy times, some not so pleasant, after all we are only human...such is life. Sometimes things may happen to trigger it and this is when you need to press pause, rewind and deal with it right there and then.

Getting back to 2012...for me it signals a breakthrough. I finally got my wish...for a new job/career and in a way a new life. Some parts were rocky and some were great. It began my journey as an author and I am thankful for all of my blessings, talent and support. I am sure, there are many things in our life we can reflect on as we give thanks for this past year....whether it's just for the gift of life, family, children, work or good friends. This year also brought lots of new connections, renewed some old ones...some I'll carry with me for a long time. Lost some along the way as well but again...such is life, although it's sad, what is to be will be. The genuine ones that were meant to stay will stick with you regardless.

With this being said, as we look towards 2013, we attempt to put all obstacles, (perceived) disappointments and negativity behind us and look towards the New Year with hope. Hope for a new tomorrow where we can wipe the slate clean and start anew. Break the mould and don't let anyone force us into being something we are not. Be ourselves: original, unique and one of a kind! Express our individuality and let our personality shine from within. Forget all the mistakes, 'ole talk, regrets, bad vibes and pettiness that got in the way or held us back from living our dream life in past years. Let us take from it what we can, learn the lessons, be aware of our mistakes and faults and try to make amends and be a better person. 

The future can be scary but it's worth it to try something new and forget the familiar, if you want something badly enough...that way there would be no regrets or what if's. Forget about pride and what others may say if you fail. Author Robert Kiyosaki once said: “Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success.”  Sure right! Give it a try and who knows, you might even succeed and surpass expections and find happiness!

For 2013 I plan to forgive more, let go, hold my tongue more, complain less, exercise more, trust more and continue to move beyond the past and not let it or anyone define who I am and CAN be today, tomorrow and beyond. Let's ALL live our BEST life yet...Let 2013 be our bumper year for ABUNDANT hope, peace, love, happiness, forgiveness, joy and immeasurable success in all the ways that count. Remember material wealth is fleeting, what matters most is to have lived, shared, laughed and loved! 

ps Don't forget to laugh (at yourself)!

Peace and blessings,
Carolyn xo



If you fancy this, you may also LIKE me on facebook>>>https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Audio Book

Audio book of Thinking out Loud underway...Had my 1st session at the studio today!! It went fabulous:) #excitement

Updates coming soon on...Background music, Edits, youtube vids, iTunes, Compact Disks...YAY! I have a 1 week deadline!! #pressure

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!!

photo credit - dryicons.com
Wishing you good tidings of cheer and laughter. 

May the peace, love and joy of our Saviour warm your souls and may it stay with you and yours this Christmas Day & alwayz.

Cheers! xo

Monday, December 24, 2012

Holiday Cheer coming up!!

Black cake - check,
Ponche de creme - check,
Curtains - check...
Holiday cheer...check, check, check!!!....

Coming up 1 serving of Nat King Cole...My all time favourite Christmas song!





Hope your Christmas Eve is going swell...and some of you in the Eastern hemisphere are already celebrating Christmas....Make it Count :D

Cheers!
xo

Happy Christmas Eve!!

Happy Christmas Eve everyone!! 
Last minute preps underway...Hope it's fabulous:-) 
#FamilyCelebration #ChristIsBorn

photo credit - sermoncentral.com

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Spread the Christmas cheer!


Hello world,

Christmas is less than 4 days away and I can't believe how fast time has flown! #ohmygosh!

In fact this entire year has flown. I remember Easter, summer vacation, September....November like it was just yesterday. The month of December kicked off my vacation and I knew I had to get a lot done but still I can't believe that it's almost Christmas day already(:

Well! What can I say? What I always say at this time of year. It's been 5 years since I started this blog...November 2008 to be exact and those loyal followers would know that my sentiments have not changed since then.

Christmas is a joyous time to spend with loved ones and celebrate the birth of a Savior. We cannot get lost in the commercialism of the season. While shopping, paranging, caroling, gift giving, home and food preparation, drinking "ah rum an a ponche de creme" is good, we must remember the reason for the season. As I write this, tunes ring out from my radio (as usual) and one of our local entertainers The Baron sings: "Let's crown Him, Lord of Lords." It's comforting to know some folks still have the right idea. Although records show that Christ was not born at this time of year, we can still commemorate the tradition of the Magi: the three wise men from the East bearing gifts for the Baby Jesus who was born to take away the sin of the world. Regardless of our denomination or whether we celebrate from a traditional, religious or cultural perspective, we can appreciate the season in our own way without the meaning being lost.

While many persons do not believe in this, I must again say that although I do not impose my views on anyone and I am not the most religious person in the world, I am very cognizant of a Higher Being. I strive to make amends for my wrongs and be a better person every day which is a continuous journey. I always give Him all the credit and thanks for all that I have/am. I am very grateful for life and for ALL of my blessings. I'm sure we can all count our blessings we have in our life, which in itself is a blessing no matter how terrible you think it is, because the alternative is well...pretty grim.

As I've said in my earlier posts, I am about to embark on a new journey and I am so buoyant I could float away. There are very few things that can make this any better. I earnestly hope that I am able to fulfill the expectations put toward me and create abundance in this new opportunity and direction He has for my life. Just to let you my readers in on a little secret...I will be moving away from home and to a new territory for the first time really (campus life doesn't count) and embarking on a new career and I can't wait for all that it holds. With just weeks away and for the first time I admit it's a bit scary and I feel anxious and excited all at the same time.

I was hoping and praying for a change in atmosphere and direction and in a way I was kind of lost in a sea....and I am glad that my prayers have been answered and it's more than I could ever ask for. I am going into an unknown territory but with faith I hope to make it unbelievably spectacular. This is what I always wanted and then some and by the looks of it, it's going to be an exciting adventure. The possibilities are endless. The writer in me is getting ahead of myself but I ask all of you to pray for me as I embark on this new journey.

I have lots to do still and I have to try hard to get all of it done in time.

This Christmas is going to be special for many reasons and the end of the year even more memorable as I reflect on the past year and all of the moments that has led to this one.

As Christmas Day inches closer and we scramble to get "our house in order" literally and figuratively, let's remember why we celebrate. Let's try to give something back to those more in need. It doesn't have to be in a big way if you can't afford to, even if it's the packers at the supermarket or the attendants at the gas station or a family or child in your community. Everyone deserves to be happy at this time of year and although you may not think that your little bit counts, just the gesture may mean the world to someone else who may not be as fortunate as we are perceived to be.

Spread the Christmas cheer and Make it Count!

I will try my best to share my account of the season with you! ~


Peace & ♥




Wednesday, December 19, 2012

1 Year Anniversary of Thinking out Loud!!!

Photo credit courtesy Maurice Burke photography
Thinking out Loud is now 1 year old! Yup that's right...it's been a year since I published and launched my first book Thinking out Loud. It's been a wonderful and exciting journey and I thank all of you for sharing it with me. The support means a lot. I could not have done this without YOU! And the question on many person's lips...is: "when is the next book gonna be out!?" Well, I've already started 2 very different books many years ago...I'm hoping that 2013 will be great to me and conducive to many creative and inspirational moments!! My wish is to return to my centre and tap into that inner peace required to create a masterpiece. Once again, thanks for the support and I hope to share my new journey and experiences with you. We are all here to learn from each other and I encourage you to THINK out LOUD with me and share your musings and experiences.


Peace & ♥
Carolyn

Your Time is NOW!

photo credit - briansolis.com
Sometimes when you think nothing is happening despite your best efforts...little do you know, lots is going on in the background. Keep on pushing harder and fighting for what's yours. Pray earnestly and surrender to the many magical moments and sometimes difficult moments that are destined to lead you to your centre. Time is one of life's simple phenomenons. It's the healer of all wounds and a window of hope for dreams to come true. You can't evade time...what's yours is yours and no one can take that away from you except the Creator. Don't ask why, just surrender to the moment and live it to the fullest. Your time is NOW!

Back to Business

hey world!

© image courtesy C. K. Correia

I'm back! Probably wondered where I went to!?

Went into retreat to take care of some business and was without internet access.

Had serious withdrawal symptoms! T'was the longest 5 days ever :(

I feel rejuvenated and refreshed, ready to take on the world :-) Got a lot done too!

Soo much to do still. Shifting focus for a bit but details will soon come...

Soon...soon.

Beautiful sunset isn't it!! This will be the view from my new locale!


Until next time!

Cheers!



Friday, December 14, 2012

20,000!!!

20,000+hits!!
YAY :-)
Thank you!


Courage: What's in a word? TEDx pos 12.12.12

Courage means different things to different people. The speakers at TEDx pos 12.12.12 all gave their own meaning to a word that holds the key to life. Living in a land that favours the bold or "lucky" is sometimes a battle, as it is often the one who is persistent enough and passionate about their cause that wins the race.

 Here was the day's line up of #courage:

Patrice Grell Yursik (Afrobella) started off the day by courageously sharing her story of her
photo credit - C. K. Correia Fort King George, Tobago
personal battles and fight to carve out a niche and claim her place in this world despite disappointment. She explains that it is because of her personal struggles growing up and what society thought of her, that made her who she is today. If it were not for the rocky beginnings she would not be Afrobella - someone who has been an inspiration to many young girls and others who have struggled with the same issues of acceptance.

Afra Raymond gave us food for thought about the political climate both past and present with his wealth of experience in the arena. He challenged us to think outside the box and have a mind of our own.

Christopher Laird gave us a history lesson in the evolution of life in the Caribbean and more so, Trinidad and Tobago in the days of the Federation in the pre-independence era. He defined culture, arts and entertainment, in particular the creation of Gayelle TV in Trinidad and Tobago and what it was like growing up in this time and learning from the stalwarts in the business and later becoming a pioneer in this realm.

Sunity Maharaj echoed my personal sentiments that everyone was created for a purpose. She pointed out that it is important that we take an introspective examination of what our purpose is in this world is, so as to determine who we are and where we are going.

Verna St. Rose Greaves told a story of courage about what her mother taught her as a young girl growing up, caring for her niece who was born prematurely weighing just under 3 lbs at birth. This was a very moving and powerful story about courage and once you heard it, will stay with you for a long time.

Dr. Peter Weller's talk was deep and provided food for thought about the meaning of the different gender roles in the Caribbean and how both genders can work together to voice their concerns so as to reduce the divide and achieve gender equality. His role as the President of The Caribbean Male Action Network - CariMan and as a clinical psychologist was instrumental in leading the discussion to which both men and women can relate.

Nzinga Job - one word sums up her discussion - Wow! Born in Kenya to Tobagonian parents, she is a qualified music and theatre arts teacher. She has penned a "sex journal" to provide a catharsis for having been raped in her late teens. I would imagine that took some courage to speak to an auditorium packed with strangers about her sexual experiences after rape. It was refreshing to listen as it was therapeutic to tell.

Gillian Lucky - there are no words to describe how amazing her delivery was. So much so that she received a thunderous standing ovation. I did not know what to expect, but after just one line, I was enthralled.  She is an amazing speaker. In just under 20 minutes, she demonstrated love for her country, national pride, love and appreciation for her parents who are mentioned more than once, her values learnt from them and how they played a role in her political career and the subsequent decisions she made. She displayed her love for culture, her friends and colleauges, her passion and love for her career as a lawyer and her desire to play a role in influencing change through politics. She was animated, funny as hay and extremely good at what she does. Her passion shines through and she thoroughly captivated her audience. This is a prime example of how important it is to find your niche through your life's work and this she has. Her retelling of her experience about following her dream to sing a calypso was classic. She spoke vividly of how she engaged the Black Stalin to assist with her delivery and it was especially comical...everyone was in stitches!!

E. Gervase Warner - told of his own experience with courage and overcoming the fear and anger about his daughter and family being held hostage by a bandit in his own home. He asked the audience to forgive others for a wrong that was done to them. He also reached out to the audience by asking them and by extension the nation to become more hospitable to each other so that one day ALL of our people can live as one.

Just to add my two cents about what Courage means to me. To me, courage means being bold enough to pursue your dreams and reach for your goals no matter what anyone says. It means taking a creative step into the unknown if you so desire to bring about change in your life. Courage means soaring to new places that you would not usually visit except in your imagination. It means bringing fantasy into life...reality.

All in all, it was a day well spent from beginning to end. Many thanks to the organizers of TEDx and for extending the invitation to attend. Keep up the great work and continue to inspire and challenge others to face their fears. In time, little by little we can make this world a better place TOGETHER with #courage!

Peace & ♥ 

Cheers!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

TEDx pos 12.12.12

Helllooo!


Today I attended the TEDx pos conference held at the Central Bank Auditorium, Port-of-Spain Trinidad. The auditorium was overflowing now only with persons but also COURAGE which was the theme for this year's event! The speakers bared their souls and engaged their captive audience thoroughly with very personal anecdotes of their struggles that they have overcome throughout their life's journey....some still a work in progress.

I can't say that I have any favourites since they were ALL sooo very GOOD! Videos were also shown over the life sized projector and portrayed tear jerking, eternal truths expressed by the speakers to the captive TEDx pos audience.

The event opened and closed with memorable performances by The Freetown Collective Group who always delivers on point without fail. And who could forget demonstrations of the "wine" and the analytical relevance of our cathartic rhythmic movement of the hips by Sonja Dumas.

As you can tell TEDx pos 12.12.12 was EPIC! I wish to blog about this some more in great detail, so stay tuned to this space...In the meantime I share with you another Kodak moment with Patrice Grell Yursik otherwise known as Afrobella whom we have all come to know and love for her hair and fashion blog. It was a pleasure meeting you! Keep doing what you are doing...you are a great speaker...and an inspiration to many:)

Until next time...

Cheers!!

Also, find me on facebook >>>https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Thanks for LIFE!


Taking a little break to  "Think out Loud"

Cheers to dear friends, fond memories, new beginnings and LIFE!

Every now and then, we ought to take time out and celebrate in our own way our blessings GREAT and SMALL. Sometimes it is the little things that matter most. When the big things come, we can appreciate it just the same as we realize how blessed we really are for believing and trusting in Him.

Gratitude and humility are fundamental in our future development, knowing it is said that:


"The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21)

I thank God everyday for blessing me as He has. I receive joyously and bless His Holy name.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Christmas Gift

Give a gift of inspiration this Christmas with a copy of Thinking out Loud. It's about life, love, friendship, finding your true passion (career) in life, the holidays, parents and everything in between. Written from the heart with YOU in mind. 

Available @ all locations of RIK, Metropolitan bookstore, Christian Education Centre (Trincity & Excellent City malls), Paper Based at Normadie Hotel in Trinidad and on amazon.

Peace & ♥
Carolyn

Cover courtesy EllivenEye photography Neville B. Alexander


Happy Friday!

Never settle for anything less than what you deserve. Don't let anyone ever brainwash you into thinking that you cannot do something. Courage is believing in yourself and in your convictions to follow your dream no matter what anyone says or no matter how many roadblocks you encounter. To be courageous is to soar above the ordinary to places that you would not usually visit except in your imagination. Believe in yourself and TRUST in God to take you where you need to go! 

Happy Friday:-)
 


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

19,000 Hits!!

Thanks for 19,000 hits
Your continued support means the world to me!!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Happy December!

December is here! Oh Happy Day:-) Christmas is near!

It's a happy time for most of us. It means family, festivities and the birth of a Saviour.
It also means parang, carols, food, mistletoe, presents and snow (for some).

Whatever we do, let's not let the meaning get lost in the commercialism of the season.

Santa is good for the kids but let's tell them about the reason for the season also.

Have a wonderful season all month long!


Hope all your dreams come true!


Cheers!