Another Memorable Book Launch Thanks To You!

Details and more photos coming soooon!!

The Eve of The Big Day

I've been sleeping quite a bit. Today is the eve of my book launch of How To Find Yourself & Claim What's Yours! It's been a long journey but I am glad the day has finally come to celebrate all my hard work. It was exhausting but so worth it! 

This week in particular has been gruelling. I almost feel like I am planning a mini-wedding! Finalizing the artwork for the banner and programme, collecting the banner, table cloths, bookmarks, writing scripts, liaising with speakers, getting my press stuff organized, co-ordinating willing volunteers, getting my dress (yes!) and soo much more. Today was a rest day and I have to leave it all up to God now for the details to be worked out.

Tomorrow we'll see how things turn out. I am glad for all the stars to be aligning in my favour. I am looking forward to reaping the fruits of my labour.

Special thank you for those angels that surround me in human form. I will remember you always.

Stay tuned.

Till next time.

Peace & Love xo

Book Launch Prep in Motion!

Getting into gear for my book launch...Today I get my beautiful banner!! 

Thank you Ken!!

 ‪#‎booklaunch‬ ‪#‎secondbook‬ ‪#‎thistimeitsforreal‬‪#‎ilovetowrite‬ ‪#‎hardworkpaysoff‬ ‪#‎livingmypassion‬ ‪#‎lawofattraction‬‪#‎everythingfallingintoplace‬ ‪#‎thankyoulord‬

photo credit - Ken-Hong Mack

This Is All I Know

I attempted to write this blog several times, but have no reasonable explanation why I haven't until now. I tried to contain my excitement after sharing it with a few, but I am here to tell you the reason for my smile.

photo credit - Percy Parker-Williams
2015. All rights reserved.

Last Thursday 18th June, I delivered a presentation to one the local chapters of our Rotary Club on "How To Live Your Best Life: What Will Matter Most When Your Best Years Are Behind You." I did not anticipate the response received. 

I always read about (motivational) speakers wowing their audiences and while I think I am not quite there yet. I was blown away by the comments made after and during the talk. One gentleman to the back even gave me a "thumbs up" lol as I told my stories. I even got a few laughs!

I remember attending a conference last year at the Carlton Savannah hotel facilitated by Robert Garcia of SHRM international. That day HR was the most exciting thing for me, as he used several anecdotes to paint a picture and make his subject matter come to life. It was real life storytelling at its best.

I remember driving him back to his hotel and telling him that I wish I could do what he did. The thing is, I didn't even try to on purpose, one day (and that day was Thursday), it just happened! How about that?

Persons came up to me afterwards saying that they enjoyed the talk and could identify. It was a humbling experience to hear them say what I shared struck a chord with them, some also wanted to find out how to find their purpose and get my book to help their children! Incredible.

It was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. I thought nothing could top the feeling when I addressed students (teachers and parents) at the graduation ball of my Alma Mater years ago or even when I addressed college students at Eastfield College in Dallas, but I was wrong. It keeps getting better.

Sometimes I think to myself that I am doing "too much" and I feel a bit guilty or bad about sharing my accomplishments/passion/joy with others, but then I remember something my author colleague Akosua Dardaine Edwards said at her book launch a few months ago: 

"Don't little yourself for anyone....don't dim your light. You are meant to shine. Why we like to little ourselves to make others feel better?" I thought about this for quite some time and I always remember it whenever I try to withhold my sparkle and passion for life. 

Something my other author friend said rings true when we sat down for dinner a year ago when I moved back home from Tobago: "Others think that I am doing so much, but this is the only way I know." To this I said with a nod and an excited glimmer of relief and empathy in my eyes: "I feel the same way."

Maxine and Akosua are my role models for where I want to go with my writing and speaking career. I am not anywhere near where I think I can become. The sky is the limit. I will try my best not to "little myself" and as the famous (former) Calypsonian Chris "Tambu" Herbert once said: "The journey now start!!!!"

Thank you very much for all the support thus far. The hits, the thank you's, the encouragement, the comments, the advice and most of all for just being there.

One more thing before I go, I wish to say thanks to Dr. Basil Springer for this wonderful mention of me in the Barbados Advocate today in his column: Serious Business: Are We Doing Our Best? http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=columnists&NewsID=44123 . 

I am humbled and deeply grateful! Abundant blessings to you!

You can find him on www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com

The countdown is on to my book launch!

Peace & Love!

Happy Father's Day

Tribute to all Dads, especially my Dad and all those who play that role

He…

Gives you the best advice without even asking what the problem is

Taught you how to ride a bike and drive

Beautiful flowers in our garden just for you Dad!

Is the best storyteller and comedian of all time

Knows when you need a hug or a good laugh

Knows how to fix most things around the house and taught you what you know about positive and negative in a battery pole

Can be counted on to find a solution to any problem

Taught you the value of a dollar and the importance of saving for a rainy day

Makes the best sugar cake and punches in the world

Knows how to keep the peace

Dad we love and thank you ♥♥♥

Excerpt from Thinking out Loud - Chapter 3. 

Read it here: http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Caroly…/…/1105184382

My Book is Now Live on Amazon!

It's remarkable what a difference a day can make. I had the most incredible day delivering a presentation to one of the local chapters of our Rotary Club. 

The response I received gave a soothing sense of fulfilment which is exactly what I spoke about in my talk entitled: "How to Live Your Best Life: What Will Matter Most to You When Your Best Years are Behind You." 

The feeling was describable and I will talk more about this in a subsequent blog.

Tonight I announce that my book is now LIVE on Amazon! LIVE! It will be made to pre-order and released in early July. 

As the reviews filter in, you can feel free to review the preview and make your own decisions about what you read. 

If you would like to pre-order your copy now and have Amazon notify you when it's released, please follow this link:

Paperback-http://www.amazon.com/Find-Yourself-Claim-Whats-Yours/dp/151237816X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434314492&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+find+yourself+and+claim+what%27s+yours

Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZV06F2Q

Peace & Love,
Carolyn!

Sometimes Age Is Just a Number!

A friend said something interesting to me tonight. While I can't repeat it, I will say this. The strength of a friendship has nothing to do with age, or how frequent you speak to each other or even if waters or distance separates you. 

I told her we don't lime (trini for hang out) or even speak often, yet we have this deep unspoken connection that bridges all gaps. She said to me, "we have meaningful conversations whenever we do speak." 

My friend just celebrated her 60th birthday and she doesn't look a day over 50! Tonight made me realize how deep our affinity for each other run. I am pleased to call her a friend.

I think this blog is long overdue! I've been consumed with putting together my upcoming book launch. It's quite stressful but I'm enjoying it. Tonight I also get ready for something major tomorrow that I will of course update you on once completed. 

In the meantime, I just wanted to express my appreciation again for stopping by and checking in on me...I wish I could have more frequent posts, but I would soon make it up to you:)

This week has been crazy, but I realized there is a master plan and meaning to everything that happens. I had a few last minute changes to the programme, but once I recovered from my panic, everything just fell into place like a dream. I am really humbled and grateful for the blessings and support. The stars are once more aligning in my favour.

Today I learnt that with age brings reason, but sometimes it's just a number.

Until next time,

Peace & Love

Live Long and Prosper

I appreciate all the feedback on my blogs for the past few weeks from the bottom of my heart. It's because of this that I crawl out of my bed to make one last post to end off this week. It's my Friday special just for you :)

In the past I would not usually share so much, so I guess I really have grown both as a writer and a person over the last couple years. I have my friends and editor to thank for that. But yet, I am aware that I still have a way to go.

Admittedly I was opposed to sharing so much personal info in my writing. In fact I was kicking and screaming, so I'm at a loss what brought about the metamorphosis. (I also talk about this briefly in my new book.) But I digress...

Family time at Brasso Seco - photo credit C. K. Correia 2015

Today as I sat in the doctor's office waiting to review my test results, I flipped through an old edition of Marie Claire and was so inspired by the editor's note. Joanna Coles who was editor-in-chief at the time, spoke about passing up a high profile job in Britain because of the impending birth of her second child. 

She said that the long hours of work would have made it impossible to give her baby the necessary attention. In retrospect, it was the best decision, because it led to other editing roles that finally got her into the editor's chair at Marie Claire. She ended by saying something so powerful that I should have written it down, but I didn't :( If memory serves correct, it was (to paraphrase) live your life, whether it is work or play, don't fret over what's passed and new opportunities will find you. 

There was also a similar story about Mara Brock Akil who is the writer and producer of the Game and Girlfriends and how she was so driven in her job, then one day looked around the studio where she worked and (this I remember) saw that the men were all married and the women were single! lol. At that point, she realized something was missing in her life and wedded her boyfriend soon thereafter. But I digress once again!

While I was waiting (the things that go through your mind)...the song Evergreen by Barbara Streisand came on and caught me off guard...It took me back to elementary school during summer vacations when my mum had dubbed this cassette with all these (old) songs to which I learnt all the words as we often sang together (even at that age!). For some odd reason (I don't know when I became the sentimental mush to cry at movies and songs) I started to tear up. Before I knew it, I started to sniffle and wipe away tears in the middle of the waiting room! Woosah! I couldn't explain it, but a few hours ago it suddenly hit me the reason why.

I realized what my older friends have been telling me. Before you know it, you spin around twice and blink and your entire life has happened before your eyes! Wherever did the time go!!!?? I was just a lil' child, sitting on the couch with my mom, singing happy songs, watching Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music! Now we argue (and make up) and sometimes need our own space. 

With my Dad gone now, I often think about her longevity and what the future might bring when I can't argue with her any more. It's a sad, morbid thought. I shut it out of my mind as soon as it comes and pray for good health and long life for my family and I. I do what I can to take her to new places, shop for her when she can't and cook her favourite meals.

My test results wasn't as bad as I thought. I am healthy YAY! It drove me crazy with all the scenarios running through my head over the past few days, but all is well in Carolyn's world once again. Until next week.

Note to self: Make the most of life and cherish the ones you hold dear. Life is short, unpredictable, you have one chance at it. Tomorrow is promised to no one and it can all change in the bat of an eye. Make it Count.

Live long and prosper!

Peace & Love

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HOW TO FIND YOURSELF & CLAIM WHAT'S YOURS: COMING SOON!

She Has Already Won the Battle

I learnt about a month ago that one of my former co-workers and friends has cancer. 

Age 38. Cancer. I still can't believe it. 

She has a husband and a 5 year old son. She came to my house with her family just a few months ago in seemingly good health. Wow! How life can change in the blink of an eye. I visited her today and she is surprisingly in good spirits and doing better than me! And some of us complain about our lives!

She thanks God every day that she can wake up and look at the sky and His glorious creation through her window. I was hesitant to step foot back into a hospital after the ordeal with my dad just months before, but I had a meeting today closeby and sucked it up and went. I did not regret the decision. 

It was difficult seeing her like this as she lost a lot of weight. When I first opened her door, I did not even recognize her...sadly. It was heartbreaking and I almost became emotional (so out of character for me). But when I heard her speak, I saw such courage and strength that was truly admirable. 

Imagine she wants to go on radio and talk about her illness and even write a book. Her hope fuels my strength and drive to make the most of my life, even on my off days. She said to me, "when you feel like that Carolyn, just think about me." 

Food for Thought:

LIVE life everyone. It's unpredictable and sometimes harsh, but as I told my friend today and a month ago, it's all about conditioning the mind. It's your greatest asset. Positive thinking and faith can restore hope and healing in even the dimmest situations. 

Every day can't be marshmallows and buttercups. You're gonna have your off days, this is life, but you must dig deep to find the strength to show up, put on your happy face (and your best dress or trousers!) and life your best life. You only have one crack at it.

As I prayed with her and read from my new book, I realized that she has already won this battle. 

I wish I had half her strength.

Until next time,

Peace & Love

How I Squeezed 6 Years into 12 Chapters in 2 Days

I was telling one of my Tobago friends tonight that I think I lost my blogging mojo lol. She said to me: "It's normal Carolyn...like me and reading...sometimes I lose interest then when I pick up the book again, it's the most exciting thing...maybe you just need a little break." 

Okay? But I can't afford to take a little break, my book is about to be launched! Of course I didn't say this to her, but she understands me so well I didn't have to. So here I am, trying to save face. I recently submitted a writing proposal to a big league international magazine and I think I owe it to myself to blog more frequently, if I want to be considered committed to my craft (just in case they check my blog to see what I'm up to!). 

I look at my other author/blogger friends and some of them are churning out daily blogs for heaven's sake! On another note, I've been receiving more comments on my recent blog posts over the past couple months, so I guess this is a good sign. Thank you! (keep the comments coming:) 

When all is said and done, I must stay true to myself and the content in my books and articles. I reminded myself that no one's journey is the same and we all have different capabilities, goals, thresholds for making our circumstances work for us and balancing all the different things in our lives. 

I've been emotionally and physically drained over the past few months, so much so that I haven't been well for a bit. So I guess I've reached my threshold and I must listen to my body. So daily blogging is something to be grasped when both hands are free, to really do it justice and keep the momentum going. Every other day, yes maybe this is more likely.

In my last blog, I spoke about the delight of receiving the sample/proof copy of my new book- How To Find Yourself and Claim What's Yours. Over the past couple days I managed to read all 12 chapters and it was delightful to recall those 6 years of my life! It was surreal, like a dream that happened soo long ago! Yesterday, a friend of mine asked me if I took notes! "How did you remember what took place all those years ago," she asked! lol. I never thought of it that way before. I guess it's really a talent. 

It was just mind blowing to turn the pages of the actual book, smell that new book smell, marvel at the artwork (designed by Ms. Patricia Grannum:) and bask in that feeling of accomplishment to see your hard work in tangible form. It matches no other feeling in the world.

That's me with the book, to your right. My friend Roxanne refused to be photographed so instead

photo credit - C. K. Correia
All rights reserved 2015.

, she insisted on taking a photo of me! Do you see the delight on my face? ha! I can't wait for you to read. 

A few last minute arrangements to be made, then it will all unfold. It will be made available to pre-order on Amazon and I will have some copies shipped for sale locally. I may have to change the date of my book launch, but I am trying not to get anxious with the logistics. I'm hoping it will all fall into place this week like always.

Thanks for the support. Stay tuned to this space for how to order your copy!

Peace & Love

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You've Got Mail!

Just a quick note to report that I've received the sample copy of my new book! :-)

Words can't express how happy I was to tear open that box yesterday. I should have blogged last night, but I was soo tired after being out all day and then having a mini celebration with my friend Roxanne (will post pics later). 

So after a full day of reading the sample to ensure there are no last minute changes, once again I'm pooped! Sheer exhaustion...I fell asleep on my sofa bed in between reading my book and watching two documentaries on Malcolm X and Hitler on CNN! I had to fight the urge to continue sleeping.

I've reached Chapter 10 and I'm super excited. 

Tomorrow I have a meeting to discuss my workshop with my guest speaker.

The excitement continues.

Some last minute changes to my book launch, but I'm praying everything works out.

I'd just leave you with a couple shots of my new book (I like the sound of that) that I took in the car yesterday on the way to an appointment.

Cheers!

Peace & Love

 

June is Bustin' Out All Over!

It's June! Hooray...Another month filled with possibilities.

I remember we were taught this song in school but due to intellectual property concerns, I cannot share the video on my blog, but you can youtube it if you like! Such a quirky little happy  song.

I've been delinquent with my blogging efforts and I've been postponing it for several reasons. Reason #1 because of time and sheer exhaustion (publishing a book is NOT easy!). 

The second reason is because I thought I was overkilling my readers with the frequency of my posts and they either delete or yelp each time they see my name in their inbox or worse read half way through, then get distracted! Imagine my joy when people email me and tell me they love reading my posts! I even got a text yesterday asking why they haven't been seeing my inspirational blogs! This is a little slice of happiness right there :-)

And thirdly MY BOOK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED! Whoopi:) I can do cartwheels :))) Yes as of last week Wednesday 27th May, 2015, I am now the proud author of 2 books. I feel like a chapter has ended and a new one is only beginning and I can't wait to see where it leads. I looked at the digital copy, turned the virtual pages and almost cried tears of delight! At present I am awaiting my sample/proof copy before I order copies and have them shipped.

So here I am to spread my joy and tell you more about my book. June is also the month of my book launch which I am in the midst of planning and actually started since February, but somehow got pushed under everything else going on :( 

Speakers have been arranged, guest list done and I am in the process of sorting out other details including PR stuff as well as preparing for a couple speaking engagements. This month and the ones that follow is also a time to catch up with friends who I haven't seen in a while and I am looking forward to that very much as they have really proven to be solid friendships that have stood the test of time.

photo credit - C.K. Correia 2013.
All rights reserved

One of the things I talk about in my book is family and friendships, especially my parents. In Chapter 4: Do You Know How Lucky You Are, I speak about all the things my parents did for me especially when I was employed in Trinidad and when I was a student at university. 

As I  read those words I wrote all those years ago when my dad was alive, I never could have imagined that he would not be here with me today to celebrate this moment and other moments to come. He went over and beyond the call of duty as a parent and so did my mum. I would never forget it for as long as I live. I was even teased at work for how good I had it. The epilogue is also a tribute to him as what I shared is an extension of his eulogy which I delivered.

photo credit - C.K. Correia 2013. 
All rights reserved

I really believe this book can bring closure to my family especially my mother or anyone who has loved and lost loved ones. 

Each time I read it, it takes me to a different time and place, as I remember the good times which elicits a catharsis. A whole range of emotions takes over: joy, sadness, forgiveness, gratitude and acceptance.

I also mention all the things I was grateful for like my former jobs, my bosses, my talents, my relentless drive and my friends who have helped me through some of the toughest times in my life especially when I moved back home from Tobago. I am forever grateful to you...all of you...you know who you are...even the ones who are not physically in the same country/island.

Here endeth my blog for tonight...(I did it in 30 minutes or less, despite my fatigue!)

Until next episode, Happy June. Make it Count!

Peace & Love