Fear Not There's Always Plan B

I feel like singing...in fact I was singing all day...

photo credit - sobernation.com

Today err yesterday I completed my 8th chapter in my new book! YAY for me:) After being stuck for a few days and only writing a couple paragraphs at a time...I finally became unstuck and got my flow again...I think that was my first real writer's block!

I've now edited and written 8 whole chapters...Tonight I got some tips from a friend who is on a similar journey and tomorrow I bounce my manuscript off of another friend. Then the real excitement begins as I research and send off a sample to a [traditional] publisher...(if anyone has any suggestions do leave a comment!).

Back to me singing...I've recently rediscovered Ms. Randy Crawford...ohmy this woman's voice is Ah-mazingg! Love her to bits! (youtube her rendition of "Imagine" and her hit "One Day I will Fly Away" to judge for yourself)...what a haunting and soulful voice...I know I was only a wee tot when she first debuted but funny enough I remember and can sing along to most songs from the 80s and even 70s...much to the amazement of my more mature friends. I guess I'm an old soul trapped in this new world...wish I was old enough to enjoy that wonderful time in history when music was so potent and real.

Come to think of it...she may still be on tour now in Europe...maybe if I hop on a plane really quickly I can catch her in concert! lol...Seriously tonight my friend laughed at me when I couldn't stop talking about her...We took in some Jazz at the Fiesta Plaza and I got a chance to listen to Ruth Osman live for the first time...she lived up to my expectations and then some...I'm sad that I did not go to Jazz Under the Stars last weekend...oh well there'll always be next time...

Now with my pilot workshop out of the way, my book nearing completion and my first private job done, I can focus on the business of the day which in essence is to "get more business!" With the first quarter of the year over it's time to get serious and fulfil my mission for 2014 which is to inspire, create, motivate and create some more...step 1 is to find a publisher and continue with step 2 which is to send out more proposals...The year is young and I have much to do. Stay tuned to this space for more updates...and to keep me on my toes...

Have you fulfilled your 1st Quarter Goals?

It's not too late...the key is planning and following through...

Don't think about failing...there's always Plan B and C!

By June we should have made a dent in our progress for 2014!

Of course there will be rainy moments...that's part of life...but nothing some wine, chocolate and (shrimp and lobster) Fettuccine Alfredo can't cure!--(that's why I'm still awake at 2 in the morning...I'm trying to work off the latter! For an added bonus I come alive at these hours when my best work is done).

Repeat after me..."All it takes is one brave step...easy does it and now I've got it!~" Think it, Believe it and Watch it Unfold~

FUTURE HERE WE COME!!!!

Peace & Love xo

Happiness at the Core

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday...here's some words to get you through the coming week especially if you recently had or are expecting a birthday>>>

"At this point, I really accept that aging is part of life and it is really time to take that step and let go and embrace life’s possibilities, to let go of the past, to step out of the comfort zone and embark on a new journey. It does not matter whether or not we feel our purpose is to pro-create, to acquire fame and fortune, to be President, CEO or simply to leave our mark on this world by simple things, to touch everyone we meet by our actions, words and deeds so as to leave behind a legacy. 

Maybe it all sounds a bit dramatic, but that is all life is: actions and reactions, repercussions of a former action, simply known as karma. Time is one of life’s simple phenomenons and this coupled with patience and a little faith, is the solution to most of our problems. The more we realize this, is the faster we would achieve most of our objectives, of which I am sure HAPPINESS IS AT THE CORE." - Thinking out Loud - Chapter 1: Age is Just a Number.

Get it on amazon today! http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382. Or locally at all locations of RIK and Metropolitan Booksellers.

The Tale of my Cold Feet and Paradise Tabanca

It's officially been 1 week since the launch of my workshop and while it was a success (see earlier posts) and some persons are asking when is the next one, I'm beginning to have cold feet. Too late you say to go chicken...I know right?!

My friends have all given me feedback and I have taken it in stride, however I suddenly realized that my work doesn't end with the pilot. They have all commented how I am so courageous! I guess they would be disappointed to see this wimpy post! "Give it time...this is normal" they say...I suppose this is good advice. On a more serious note, I have some minor tweaking to do and some things to make it even more exceptional. This right here is why blogging is good. It not only serves as my catharsis but it also causes revelations in the process. 

I hope someone else out there who's at a turning point in their lives and may be going through the same thing can relate (if you're out there please do leave a comment). As I think about some of the most recent advice, my mind is working overtime in the background to create exciting elements I can add to make it a masterpiece and an over-the-top experience for my future participants. 

Over the years especially the past year I have received positive reinforcement and encouragement for my writing. I have since incorporated them into the creative process for my second book, my blog and my workshop to hone my talent and sharpen my skills. As I write this I remember one friend in particular telling me throughout last year that I have "a voice"...he said that's so important because not many people have that. I guess that's why I continue...

Almost every week and even at my workshop my friends tell me how much they enjoy or can relate to my blog posts...it's a great feeling to know that your talent serves a purpose in the whole scheme of things and indeed they are the glue that on occasion keeps me going sometimes! Even on those days when I feel uninspired and bogged down by the entrappings of life...(you know every day can't be all sunshine and roses despite outward appearances! We all have those moments...indeed I have come down from my high of living and working in paradise (Tobago) for the past 12 months.) 

I must say I adapted to returning home in the onset pretty well but by mid-February I was beginning to suffer some serious withdrawal symptoms and paradise "tabanca" (for non-trinis that's local parlance for loss or a broken heart)...I've been missing it all...for many reasons...independence, beautiful ambience and change of scenery, solitude at times (believe it or not), island life, new friends...amongst others. Sometimes I wonder to myself: "What have I really done!?? I gave all of this up soo soon!" But indeed I needed to take this step...I needed to begin this chapter and start my new life....to live my true purpose. To stay in one position beyond it's purpose in your life is to stay stagnated and unfulfilled. 

I truly believe that I did what I was meant to do and the time had come for me to move on...at least professionally. To find another job on the sister-isle would have just prolonged the inevitable. I would like to still do freelance work on the island and perhaps conduct some workshops and consultancy but only time will tell what the future holds. I place my trust in God to lead and guide me positively into the future, to help me embrace this new role and adapt to change.

I now know more than ever that I am back home for a purpose ---more than one ---some of which I can't disclose here and now, but I will say this --family is #1 and we need to cherish the time we have with our loved ones because time changes everything.

So this blog took on a new direction of its own...I will try to get rid of my cold feet and think about the positive impact this new role can have and take the advice from the participants...incorporate it and schedule my next session with some friends in the south land who missed the first session.

I will try to also rid myself of my tabanca! And get on with the business of living my life...I reckon it's not gonna be easy but I will certainly try to condition my mind to do so.

I will have faith and believe that big things are headed my way (like one of my friends present on the workshop said)...ready myself to be brave and face what's ahead. Fail or win...it would be well worth it. But win I must. I CAN do this! "All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me." - Phillipians 4:13.

I don't know where I find the energy...after a full day and an outing with my parents and then back home and out again to the movies...feeling exhausted...I am suddenly revived at 12 AM with the thought of photography and blogging...It's confirmed: I'm addicted to the internet and to writing...it's in my blood!!!

I will leave you with a photo from today...

Until next time...

Today is yours to behold...Make it Count for something special!

Peace & Love

photo credit - CK Correia Chaguaramas Board Walk - Trinidad

Charting Your Destiny Launch!

Charting Your Destiny is a workshop designed around the principles contained in my first book Thinking out Loud. Thank you to those special people that took the time to participate and commemorate the event with me at the pilot session on Saturday 29th March, 2014. Special thanks to my friends from Tobago that came over to support. Gratitude is also extended to the person that contributed the idea for this workshop a year ago.

Photo credit - Frederic Dubray

For more photos you can check out my author's page on facebook>>
https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

Workshop Success!!

BIG THANKS to all those that came out and supported me at my pilot launch of my workshop today...some all the way from Tobago!

I love you all...would dance at your wedding or baby shower...lol

photo credit - leadershipcouples.com

I did it! YaY :-)

Me being overly self-critical...I think there's always room for improvement but here's the feedback received...

Post launch saw me reviewing the evaluation results over margaritas and the survey is in:

What they said:

• Persons agreed that the content was great: useful and applicable to their life

• Activities caused reflection and revelations

• Facilitator appeared knowledgeable and delivery was effective save for minor tweaks...practise makes perfect

• 97% of participants valued my time and content on the mid to upper end of the scale

Here are a few remarks of some of the participants:

• "For a pilot it was very informative....Good first session. Continue the journey. You have got the necessary drive and information required to host workshops."

• "I have attended many workshops of this nature and I was really impressed with this facilitator. She did a lot of research and the content was very informative."

• "Big things are coming your way...very good pilot...keep at it and greatness will be your reward. Well done."

• "Engaging, interactive, self-explanatory and warm."

• "The invitation was much appreciated. Thanks for reminding me that all is not lost and sometimes there are lots to be thankful for."

I thought I could actually exhale now...but the work continues!

More proposals to draft...more edits....more budgeting and packaging of my product...

But I must take a break...it's a long weekend in these parts...will be taking a much needed time-out...

But stay tuned...photos and video coming sooon!!

Blessings...xo

Let's Make Some Magic

Hello all,

I've been silent for the past few but all is well/fair in love and war...(being a trini I had to put my own spin on it)...This week went reallly fast...so much to do...so little time...

photo credit - susannahconway.com

First things first...I threw my back out on Monday...don't even know how...thank God for my mother the nurse who is a walking pharmacy...did not need to pay precious $$$ for a trip to the doc neither the drug store...I took some tabs and after the third or fourth dose I was as good as new...

Of course I never stopped praying because I was getting a bit worried that the first two tablets did not work and I still had problems walking or straightening up...I've never experienced anything like it before...it was scary...I was in soo much pain. But God is good...everyday...I am better now and that's all that matters. I still can't go to the gym but I'm much improved...I can walk up stairs and everything.

The countdown is on and the moment I was waiting for is almost within reach...my first motivational (pilot) workshop around my book - Thinking out Loud...is now 1 day away...and I'm super excited! I went through so many phases since this idea was originally introduced to me over a year ago...Suddenly in November the idea divinely popped back into my head...and I decided to give it a try...the rest is history. After many long days and nights into mornings...this is it. The defining moment. Though I've gotten good reviews so far...I won't let it go to my head for there's always room for improvement and something can always go wrong (as evidenced from my back incident). 

Even in January I was still having doubts but after I did a dry run with my family and a couple friends...I think my confidence has spiralled and transformed this whole project into a work of art that has the potential to touch and in turn positively impact lives. I am now focussed and clear as to the direction in which I am headed. I am already formulating plans for taking it regional and international. I've been shopping all week and part of last week including tonight for the last finishing touches...did a final site visit today and walked through the set up with the projector at the venue and everything's looking dandy. Can't wait... 

To those special people who will share this moment with me...infinite thanks and blessings to you...it's gonna be just wonderful...

Let's make some magic...

You can still pick up your copy on amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-CarolynCorreia/dp/1105184382 

Or locally at all locations of RIK, Paper Based at Normadie Hotel and Metropolitan Booksellers- Capital Plaza.

4 Ways to Rid Yourself of Toxic People

This article was first published on Elite Daily>>Read more and "like" here:

http://elitedaily.com/life/4-peaceful-ways-to-rid-your-life-of-toxic-people/

Let’s face it; we have all encountered negative people in our lives. The ones about whom you sometimes have fleeting, but very bad thoughts?

The ones you wish you could beam out of your midst to the far reaches of the universe. We all wish we didn’t have to deal with that kind of drama, but in the meantime, here are some ways you can try to rid yourself of their effects:

Use psychology

Although I only took two psychology courses in college, I still marvel about how it has helped me to understand the human mind and behavior, including my own.

It is often said that people hurt others when they are nursing some sort of battle wound… it’s a vicious cycle that has to stop with us.

If we pause to consider the real reason behind why a person is hell-bent on being so nasty to us, we can probably come up with a solution to treat with the situation.

I’ve realized that oftentimes, people lash out when they recognize you have something that they want. It could be a characteristic, skill, talent, possession or perhaps, just because you appear to have it together and seem happy on the outside.

The truth is, you never know about the journeys of others, what’s really going on within or what sacrifices and hardships transpired in their lives.

It goes both ways… the grass is not always greener on the other side. Things may be perfect without you even realizing. Each person has different opportunities it’s up to the individual to make the most of what’s going on.

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Kill them with kindness

Oftentimes, people use vindictiveness as defense mechanisms. When you realize from where this person is coming, you can simply do the opposite.

Put out their fires with kindness and empathy so they have no choice but to soften their approaches and maybe even try to befriend you. They may also open up and allow you to gain a better understanding of this person’s plight and adjust your own behavior.

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Rationalize with them

When you can’t win an argument, try to talk to your rival in a reasonable manner. Explain that you feel hurt when they lash out and say mean things and that you really wish it would be possible to get along.

Sometimes it helps to vocalize your feelings so they have the chance to hear how you really feel while sharing their concerns. You can also use this opportunity to apologize for how you made them feel, wipe the slate clean and attempt to start anew.

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Distance is sometimes bliss

When all else fails, put a little distance between you and that other person. If you have to work together, just keep it businesslike and professional. After all, you’re not getting paid to be besties.

Just do your work and keep the chitchat to a bare minimum. If it’s a friend, acquaintance or family member, you must try to be civil.

However, if you begin to see a trend in which this person is constantly making disparaging remarks and killing your joys, you have the option to let the relationship die a natural death, only speaking when absolutely necessary. With some distance between you two, it may be easier to be friendly and love them from afar.

It’s true that people may forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel. Our words have the potential to build up or break down.

Come what may, I make a conscious effort never to repay others with unkindness, which is something we can all strive to do to make this world a better place.

It's Almost That Time!

As I prepare to launch my pilot workshop, I am tweaking and polishing up the delivery with my family. I am astounded by the results which are truly emotional and rewarding. Who would've thought...

Last night after a much needed workout at the gym (I've lost 4 lbs yay) I practised my presentation with my mother as the audience...I was kind of nervous since she is sometimes hard to please...To my surprise it went extremely well! 

During the activities, she opened up and shared things that she said she never told anyone before...she explained a lot of things about herself that I did not understand until now. And this morning I even noticed a change in her temperament. 

Some Sundays ago I had a similar experience with my older sister when I did a 'dry-run' of the presentation with her. It brought back memories...some pleasant...some that needed to be healed and released...I learnt things about our family that I never before knew. A-maz-ing! I feel like I am doing something right and actually fulfilling my purpose in a new way. 

If I can have that kind of effect with the intended participants at the real thing that would just be epic. It can provide the platform for not only getting one step closer to achieving your dreams but also coping and healing the past and also identifying areas of your life that needs improvement.  It makes me exponentially happy...buoyant even...Of course me being human, in the process I am learning from the life experiences of others and healing myself of past hurts which I'm learning more and more every day is a normal part of everyone's life (yes the spoilt theory exists:) ACCEPTANCE is key so that we are able to move on completely.

As I discuss in my next book which is due out later this year....public speaking was never on the agenda for me. It only came about when I launched my first book and was asked by my high school Alma Mater to address students at their graduation ball and then again at Eastfield College about publishing. Also I was thrown into it at a couple of my previous jobs. Only then did I realize that maybe I may be on to something. Although I was nervous at first, it was such a rush to see the reaction from the audience. I remember what one co-worker said at my first Career Day. She had been doing it for many years and when she heard me speak she said I even inspired her and that I was wasting my time and talent behind a desk...:-))) 

So I guess that was my Moment of Truth. It's been 2 years since and I am finally obeying the Higher call to inspire others in this forum. Based on the pilot session...we'll see how it goes...and if I have a future in this respect. Wish me luck!

Speaking resulted from writing and blogging, the latter which has become a part of my being just as eating and breathing...I can't imagine life without it...when I'm not doing it...my mind wanders off into a territory where I am mentally formulating my next creation...and when I do begin the words just flow like the colours of a sunset across the sky...

Of course my perception of my writing is relative...I just know how it makes me feel...liberated and free...at peace. It is my intention that it can also inspire the same within my readers...and provide the healing and change that you need.

Please continue to join me on my journey as I navigate life's mysteries.

You can read more from my book THINKING OUT LOUD- http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382

It' also available locally at all locations of RIK Booksellers, Metropolitan Book Suppliers (Capital Plaza, Frederick Street) and Paper Based at Normandie Hotel.

Until next time,

Peace & Love

Keep Calm and Stop Overthinking!

I am often told that I think too much…but in my field it can be considered a good thing in some ways. But indeed too much thinking and over analysis can be bad for your health! 

When you stop thinking however, you stop dreaming, planning and progressing…so the key is to strike a balance between reflection, meditation and obsession. 

All in all…we can expect peace of mind by offering our concerns in prayer. A peace that seems so divine and mysterious would wash over us that soon we would be back in our happy place. We must remember this so as to avoid regressing to a place where we don't want to be.

Only when you are tested you know how strong you really are. Many things are happening behind the scenes and although we are not fully aware right now, trust that it is working in your favour. Many times we look around at other people’s successes and we ask God why ours is taking so long to come to fruition. Little do we know the sacrifices and hardships that person had to endure to get where they are.

I am by no means where I am destined to be, but as I become one step closer to my intended destination, I feel like I am leaving behind some things and people that were once considered dear. Other things have just been modified somewhat. And I ask myself if this is what is to be expected as I continue to navigate through my life and reach for my dreams. Am I naïve to expect different or am I gullible to have put my faith and trust in other human beings…

As I embark on my newest adventure, I am grateful for the support from the ones that genuinely care. I don’t know what the future holds but I do know that I will remain steadfast to my goals no matter how many stumbling blocks or disappointments that may present itself along the way. I will also learn to block out the other things that are going on in the background of the far reaches of my mind. No longer will I let it plague me and rain on my parade!

Going forward I will learn to follow my first instincts and make careful choices that can affect my future happiness.

In life things don’t always turn out the way you want but there is always Plan B and C :-)

Learn to listen to your heart and stay true to yourself…some days will be rough but that’s the only way you can ever truly be happy and at peace.

Until next time…

Peace & Love