Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms around the world especially my mom

She...

photo credit - bubblews.com

Knows what we’re thinking without us having to utter a word
Serves multiple roles – mom, sister, best friend, boss
Can’t stay upset for longer than 24 hours
Offers the best advice although you may not want to admit it at the time
Has the fortitude and willpower representing generations of
strong women
Has made endless sacrifices and would give away her last possession for her family
Embodies truth, honour and discipline
Makes the best meals, fudge and fruitcake to cure any human condition
Allow you to make your own decisions even after she has offered her pearls of wisdom

Mom we love and thank you.

Excerpt from Thinking out Loud - Chapter 3: Tributes

You Hold the Key to your Heart

Another week ends in sweet tnt...lots of stuff happening over the last 7 days...some good, some bad, some indifferent...and some just ugly. The question is: do we allow the negative to taint us and prevent us from living life unfettered in the now?

photo credit - livingourvisions.com

One of my friends said something interesting on social media last weekend and that was: (to paraphrase) many of us live in a bubble as we shield ourselves from reality in a false sense of utopia and protection. While on the road reading this message early Sunday morning, I asked myself: am I one of those people? She gave me much food for thought. 

My mechanic just the day before asked me what my thoughts were on migrating and I dismissed the notion at this point in my life, because I thought I had a "good life." But what is this good life we think we have? (Will get to that in a subsequent post). 

A lot of my family resides abroad and I never once gave it much thought because I always found there was no place like home. I always thought that if I did decide to change locations, it would be well into my later years when I no longer have ties to these shores. Many people say now is the time as it gets harder as you age...but to each his own...or her own...only time will tell what the future holds.

This week was a bit busy...just settling back into the groove after a week in paradise. I finalized some pending projects and made new business contacts. Many old connections have also been reaching out and making contact with me again and for this I am grateful for I thought some of those connections died a natural death and faded into the oblivion. 

I also learnt last night that it's good to give people the benefit of the doubt before "righting them off" in haste...because everyone has their own issues and baggage to deal with. Seems that despite the fact that two people may not communicate frequently, doesn't mean that you are no longer on their radar and vice versa. Some stay connected in thought and spirit. For some the bond may even transcend spatial and temporal barriers. 

For me...I always thought that if you project your thoughts with enough energy and good intentions, this can permeate even the most impermeable barriers. For some this is true, but others it remains an unsolved mystery. Out of sight...out of mind...or so it seems at least on the surface. Only the other person and God knows the truth.

Part of my "good life" is to be surrounded by truly wholesome people who support and uplift your spirit and enrich your heart and soul. I feel most of the time that I am blessed to have these people in my life. Some are closer than others, but the important thing is that they are always just a phone call, email or whatsapp message away and vice versa. I've received all sorts of advice over the last week about my impending projects, but at the end of the day...I have to make my own decisions based on my gut feeling. 

As a friend also said...my opinion is just as good as anyone else's! I agree but sometimes you may appreciate the perspective, experience and specialities of another. Sometimes it is difficult to step out of your little box and see yourself and your situation from the outside. Yet, it is important to have your own voice and identity at the end of the day, otherwise you would just get lost and blown any which way in the wind and overcome by the opinions and biases of others. I have always prided myself in making decisions and having the will to proceed with intent but of late...I've failed to listen to what I truly want and need. I need to listen to my heart and regain that control.

Yesterday and today I made myself still and blocked out the external "noise" and listened to my heart. Though I am still working out some things, the solutions to some of my "problems" were resolved just like that! The answers just popped into my head as I closed my eyes and waited. #ThePowerOfPrayer

Strange enough I notice whenever I speak about faith, prayer and God, some persons remove themselves from my facebook author's page and twitter...but I will still scream it from the rooftops...

God is great...Never doubt it! 

He is working for me and through me and so many others...Trust in Him.

Cheers to the weekend....Make it Count...I plan on doing so...

Peace & Love

My mid week get away - photo credit © C. K. Correia

What Happens when our Whimsical Daydream Doesn't work out...

A change in scenery does wonders for your mind and soul.

Here I am with you again on the last day of April...(it will probably be May by the time I finish writing this post). You may have noticed that I was missing in action for a few days...some of you may have been saying YAY! No more emails, tweets, facebook and google shares! But seriously...I was enjoying some much needed R&R on the sister isle of Tobago...A tinge of sadness even washed over me as I drove off the ferry onto Wrightson Road heading towards the Audrey Jeffers highway:(

My long awaited get-away...my inspiration escape...to my home-away-from-home...was perfect...almost...

This is what I would have said before I read my friend Maxine's blog post as I travelled home on the ferry...check out what she had to say here>>http://einkglobal.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/rose-gardens/

What I loved about my mini vacay

Before I get to what's perfect and imperfect...I must acknowledge and give thanks for the last 7 days. One of my friends who I met while living in paradise last year was wonderful enough to let me stay at her place and take over her life for a week...I forewarned her about all of my foibles on the first night and now she knows me a little better and vice versa. Over dinner on Monday night in particular and during our many chat sessions, I feel as though I've connected in a real way and our bond grew stronger...I hope! I am in the midst of a transition and I feel like I have made a giant mental leap in the right direction all due to her and her fiancée. It's like this: everybody was offering their 2 cents and advice -- some of which you already know to yourself and it would sink in and work for a few hours or a day or two at best, then one person comes along and says almost the same thing in a different way and it's like shining a bright light into a crevice that was once dark. Bells went off in my head and I knew I was being silly for being stuck in the way in which I have been for almost 3 months!

Our Whimsical Daydreams

Sometimes you picture something in your head...and in your clouded unrealistic fantasy...you expect it to turn out this way and get the closure you need. But reality steps in and you realize that things don't always go as planned and turn out the way you expect. Maxine's post and my friends urgings remind me that though I've lived most of my life getting exactly what I want, I am now an adult (have been for a good decade and then some!)...and no matter how much I protest or obsess about things; in real life you don't always get what you want. 

People are all different and act in odd, irrational and at times unkind ways...they don't always do what you want....they disappoint and don't live up to expectations leaving you with more questions than answers. Sometimes life disappoints...you even mess up, but you are in control up to a certain point by the choices and decisions you make as we all have free will. But you know what's even better? God never disappoints once you place all of your trust and faith in Him and try to live according to His plan. It is important to listen and pay attention to the signs...the red flags that are designed to halt you in your tracks. Ask for a spirit of discernment so as to choose wisely and wisdom and strength to follow through.

The good, the bad and the ugly

These experiences are all meant to make us well balanced and stronger persons and in the end we have the power to make our life a wonderful experience. We can either grumble and bemoan our fate and ask why me while we wallow in despair, or we can open our eyes to the camouflaged realities and beauties of the world and people around us. We can try to make the most of what we have and transform it into something meaningful and beautiful. It's not gonna be easy and we may falter and lose our cool and gumption a few times. But if we keep at it, we can build a momentum and in the process learn and accept the lessons. Soon our purpose in every situation we find ourselves in throughout this journey will become clear as day. I am still coming to terms with life's harsh realities but no one is PERFECT! And as the song goes: "...I never promised you a rose garden..." Must read that book Max!

Unplanned beauties

I made many plans and some things I did not plan to do. Am I disappointed by the ones that did not work out? At first yes...but everything has a way of working out for the best (that's another blog post!). I am grateful for the plans that did in fact work out. And the ones that I did not plan made this trip even more special. Thanks for the invitations to Jazz on the Beach...and another beach lime I regret passing up. 

Having a glass of Moscato at the Pasta Gallery

Thanks to my bro for the lime (hang out) and cooking for me on my first day and to my favourite chef for Sunday lunch and a lovely afternoon lime. I am still salivating at the image of your baked fish in my mind's eye! 

Thanks for ALL of the people that fed me on most days including my roomies. So glad I only ended up cooking one day! Thanks for the overpriced, unsatisfying dinner and poor service at what used to be one of my fav restaurants...so I know not to go back! We all had a good laugh...lol

Thanks to the Pasta Gallery for opening their doors...Fabricio doesn't know how many people he makes happy! Thanks to my friends for the wonderful company and laughs. 

Thank you to my old neighbour who made me happy with all of those yummy fruits and vegetables. Always uplifting and inspirational! My old colleagues made my afternoon with their warm reception, support, well wishes, book sales and business advice...I think this ties for dinner at the Pasta Gallery! It was 2 hours well spent. I even received kudos from one of my old directors while I stopped to have dinner on Saturday night.

Thanks for drinks last night at Villas at Stonehaven Curlyn! You always make me laugh:) 

To all the people I couldn't get to see but spoke with on the phone...your voice on the other end of the line was so refreshing...like no time has passed...yes Fern and Steffon I owe you all a lime! Soooon...I promise...July hopefully or my soonest available moment...

For now I am trying to stay in my happy place as long as possible and keep my glow...

Love you all...muah!

Until next time...xoxo

Happy May! 

Our dreams lie just over the horizon if only we believe...

If you fancy this, you may "like" my author's page for more>>https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

Charting Your Destiny!

A little more about Charting Your Destiny...

Read more here>>  http://www.trinidadexpress.com/featured-news/Chart-your-destiny-255416951.html

Happy Easter!

We give thanks for the sacrifices our Lord Jesus Christ has made for us as we celebrate His life, death and resurrection. We offer thanksgiving for our blessings great and small and for the gift of life as we renew our faith in Him.

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Just my kindle, my laptop and ME!

photo credit - grammarly.com

After working assiduously on my manuscript since January...I have finally finished 8 chapters...only 2 more to go! Receiving feedback is what this journey is all about. One of my sisters and a friend of mine have reviewed 3 chapters so far and I'm elated to hear what they had to say...my sis says it makes her feel relaxed and at peace. My friend said it is very good and can inspire young people and writers embarking on their own journey...many others can also benefit. She said Chapter 2 makes persons living in Trinidad and other parts of the world want to know more about Tobago. 

"It shows your growth as a person and as a writer as you reflect on your many life experiences and what you have learnt along the way." As I edited the contents over the past few months, I did in fact realize that this is meant to target writers and other artistes so this confirms it! Many of my mum's church friends are also asking and waiting to read book #2  I can't wait to share...this book is so much more of me...I feel very proud of how far I've come having begun this journey since 2009. I'm glad I made the choice to continue...

photo credit - travelated.com

When I write I let my fingers lead the way. It's pure inspiration...I never know where it will end as the words just flow! I come alive and happiness fills my being. When I read it sometimes I can hardly believe this is what I wrote...it's a gift and I learn about myself in the process. I feel truly humbled and blessed......Thank you for joining me on my journey and thanks to all those who helped along the way...

Next week I take a much needed time-out and slow the pace as I work on my book proposal and enjoy some sun, sand and sea in my little piece of #paradise....Just my kindle, my laptop and ME! The countdown is on...Stay tuned to this space! Have a lovely Easter everyone! xoxoxo

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Friend vs Foe: How to Tell apart the Real from the Fake

First published on Elite Daily....Read it here>> 

http://elitedaily.com/life/how-to-tell-a-friend-from-a-foe-4-characteristics-of-a-true-friend/

Finding genuine friends isn’t easy. Good people don’t come along every day, so it’s important that we hold onto the ones we find who are loyal and true. All of us have been burnt in the past by people who we thought were keepers, but unfortunately, that’s just how the cookie crumbles.

True friends are not petty, competitive, haughty or judgmental. They listen and value your opinion, even if it may differ from their own. Here are some tips on how to avoid those mistakes and spot the real from the fake from a distance:

They Know You Inside Out

Your friends understand you better than anyone else on this planet… sometimes even better than your family. They know when you are having a bad day and how to cheer you up. They don’t hold it against you because they know this is not consistent with who you are.

True friends always try to look for your positive qualities and let them outweigh the negative because you know what? Everyone has their own foibles and your weaknesses don’t take away from you being a good and loyal comrade.

True friends are your personal cheerleaders and always support your dreams, no matter how lofty. They have faith in you to no end and encourage you to be the best you can be. They are the chicken soup for your heart and soul.

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Selfless Giving

You know you have found a true gem when you’re having a bad day and he or she comes to your rescue — even if the friend may be experiencing problems of his or her own. Whether he or she is at work or engaged in other activities, a true friend will still make the time for you and lend a listening ear.

Even if it’s the same crap he or she has heard several times before, the ones that are true tries to remain calm and pacify the situation. Of course, it’s a two-way street and you also provide that support in his or her time of need.

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Always Make Up

Some friends never fight after many decades of friendship; I have several friendships like that. Others go at it all the time… I suppose that’s how they show their love.

When two people really care about each other, no amount of fighting can destroy a bond based on years of friendship and good times.

If, however, certain lines and codes of conduct were crossed, you must make a decision and choose whether you can forgive and forget. It’s human nature to have disagreements and quarrels from time to time, but if it’s petty enough, true friends always make up, no matter what.

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Always In Your Corner

True friends stick up for one another and when someone else has done you wrong, they get just as angry as you and make no excuses. They are there for you when you fall and help you to put the pieces back together. They never leave your side. That’s what true friendship is all about.

We all strive to find friends that complement us. The ones who make it to the end should enrich your life and vice versa. Friendship is a give and take; no one is a burden to the other.

You share an unbreakable bond that traverses space and time, regardless if you haven’t spoken or seen each other in weeks, months or even years.

The friendship is still there and can withstand the good times and bad, no matter if one or both of you have little or nothing to give. The important thing is that you have each other. Infinite thanks and cheers to all of my true gems!

I Won't Trade it for Anything in the World

2 blogs in 3 days...I guess I'm on a roll...but I must write when the inspiration comes...my IT friends once told me (many moons ago) that I need to create every day as it's good for 'traffic' among other things...back then I did not know much about this or had the time to follow through, but now I can write to my heart's content...or at least until I get Über busy...

So this week I resumed a project that I had to shelf a year ago because of my move to the sister isle...I'm excited...it's a lot of work but I plan to put my all into this so that it shows and it's a masterpiece when I'm done...I met with the producer today and I'm confident that he will deliver and work with me to achieve the best results. For a minute I was considering forgetting about the whole thing but my sister convinced me otherwise...this is a lifetime investment that can endure for many generations long after I'm gone...you can say it's my legacy...it's even better than a book in a way...More on this when the project gets underway...Too much suspense? I'm sure it will be worth the wait!

The last few days involved a lot of online research and follow up phone calls. The good news is that I narrowed down my list of potential publishers to 2 or 3. I just have to verify the authenticity, the necessary requirements and decide which is best for me...then it's time for (book) proposal writing. I've become quite good at this actually...I even surprised myself. I had a lot of practice last year at my last job in Marketing and almost a decade working in HR also helped a bit but business proposals are a completely different kettle of fish that seem to come naturally....all of the recipients thus far were all impressed with the contents. I just have to wait and see if it's enough to reap a good "catch!"

Follow up phone calls locally with regard to other agendas proved quite frustrating and a bit perturbing in some cases. As time goes by, being back home I realized that there's a nationwide need for improved customer service for even people who should know better...and if I was so inclined I would probably offer this service as well! It's truly disheartening, flabbergasting and discombobulating all at the same time. However when you do receive a warm smile and good service it's the most wonderful feeling...you feel like you can do cartwheels or rescue a cat from a tree. Imagine how you feel if the reverse is true. Maybe I'm too emotional a person and this is not a true representation of the general situation but it's just how I feel...please weigh in if you have an opinion...

All in all...I love my country and I won't trade living here for anything in the world...we just have some things to work on as with all countries and cultures. While some are homesick, I get to have the best of both worlds...I get to travel whenever I want and soak up all this sea, sun and sand (and food ---interesting enough this evening I tried for the first time a curry crab pastry treat!) the rest of the time...it's truly a delight. I'm counting down the days to my next trip to the sister isle (I still haven't yet gotten over my 'paradise tabanca'...Tobago is calling my name! -- see earlier blog posts). I can't wait to explore more of the Caribbean.

In the meantime and in between time...I have lots to keep me busy. Spending time and catching up with my family especially my dad (those of you who know me personally know why)...it has been indescribably wonderful though sad at times....the reality is now hitting me. There are rainy days but I learn so much about myself in the process, what I'm capable of and my purpose for coming back home. Every time he smiles or laughs at one of my jokes I feel happy enough to burst. I regret that I can't spend even more time with him as despite being home I'm also working most of the time. I do compensate for this and make up for the time I'm away. We pray together and last night we watched the entire episode of The Voice which was absolutely priceless. 

I am also thankful for my friends and our many deep conversations and fun times that add light and laughter to my days and enrich my soul with positivity and love and vice versa (I hope!). Of course I am grateful for life, health, the ability to exercise, socialize and of course rest and rejuvenate when I need it! What more can one ask for?! I do what I have to do and use my time wisely and I know God will provide for me exactly what I need precisely when I need it as He has always done...He hasn't let me down so far and I can't wait for what's in store...

God is love....

It's Holy Week for Christians everywhere...whatever your denomination let's all try to give a little, spread a little hope, forgive A LOT and share a little love with someone in need, even if it's just a smile...it will all come back to you tenfold...

Peace & Love

photo credit ©  C.K.Correia - Blue Waters Inn - Speyside, Tobago   #BlissfulTimes  #Paradise