Back in My Second Home

As I write this, it's almost midnight. I am back in my second home sitting in my old apartment listening to the cool sounds of Taylor Dayne belting out from my radio…I’m glad Music Radio 97 works here:) I feel happy, at peace, content. It's like old times. Wish I could stay in this moment forever…

I arrived Saturday morning. The trip over here was a bit long. The combination of gravol, the delay on the port and less than 4 hours sleep the night before did not help much. I dozed off somewhere around the Bocas (islands that lie between Trinidad and Venezuela)…trying my hardest not to succumb to the sea sickness as the ferry neared Tobago’s shoreline.

As my car drove off the Scarborough port, being the last one, I was able to take it all in, with new eyes. As I got further away from the city hub and navigated the many winding corners to where I once called home, I found myself relax into a place of nostalgia and peace.

As I descended the steep driveway, unpacked my bags and opened my (old) door for the first time in 8 months, I surprised myself by saying aloud: “home” and smiled widely. 

Having stayed at a friend's house last April (bless her heart) when my landlord's were abroad, I couldn't believe it had been this long. Although I paid a short visit to my neighbour, this feels different. 

I stepped outside a few moments later with a cup of Earl Grey tea and inhaled the cool, fresh air taking in the sounds of nature (including the occasional sheep and goat :). 

I looked around the beautiful, peacefully hypnotizing landscape and wonderful fruit trees…I could hardly wait.

As I unpacked my last bag, I paused to knock on my former landlords’ door and it was as though no time had passed...yet it’s been almost a year. With a knock on my own door half an hour later, I immediately got a bag of goodies freshly picked…plums, pommecytheres, cucumbers, mangoes...and more compliments (smile). I was told we would be roasting breadfruit on a wooden fire the next day. I was in my glee.

Still I needed time to process it all…

This used to be all mine….ahhh.

Then I remember and hear the little voice in my head (and heart) say:

You have to do what you have to do. You are chasing your dream. Be happy. This is your time. This will always be yours (hopefully).

I asked my friends if I’m being overly emotional. To this they replied: “No Carolyn, it’s only natural. You are only human. It will take some time to get over it. Don’t worry with anyone that tells you otherwise.”

With distance and time, perspective allows us to see things thru a different lens. I mean I know things aren’t/weren’t perfect like the fairytale I sometimes paint it to be, but it came close.

The more things change, the more they stay the same

As I drove to Pigeon Point to have a drink and hopefully meet up with my brother, I decided that I can’t do these country roads anymore. I later got lost in Carnbee/Sou Sou lands on my way to a friend’s house! Embarrassing since I’ve been here before! 

I ended up driving in circles until I ended up on a street that I said to myself I wasn’t going to drive down…I was so disoriented I didn’t even know I was in oh so familiar territory until it was too late. What ah ting! (trini for can't believe it). Yes all the roads are connected somehow.

After a few hours at my friend’s house, I relaxed and caught up on so many stories and memories. It was refreshing. I got home after 9pm! Yikes. But I was okay. As I rounded a very sharp and dangerous corner, I took a chance to glance slightly to my right and take in the breathtaking lights down below in Scarborough. Man! I was high up!

By my second trip out, I decided I was a pro at these roads. I remember last year when my dad and eldest sister came to visit, he said the same thing. He marveled at what a good driver I was and how I learnt the roads so fast after only a few weeks of living here. Indeed a comforting memory.

My true blue

Today I caught up with a few more friends and visited Fort George, Turtle Beach (the beach) and Stonehaven/Grafton Beach. I got me some great photos that took my breath away (like this one). As I looked at that sunset which dreams are made of, there in that moment, I realized who and what matters most to me. I released the rest into the sands and waves of time to be taken away with the tide of life.

Ahh yes. Tobago 2013 was wonderful, maybe I’ll return one day to live again. (I was asked that a few times today.) It brought me many lessons and strength unmatched. I was able to express my creativity, discover new passions and receive inspiration from various events, places and people. Hopefully I touched the lives of others as well (so I’m told).

It’s a different life. Peaceful, serene, some very genuine and real connections were forged that would hopefully stand the tests of time and become lifelong friends. I loved the independence, self-reliance, ability to pick up and go anywhere at any time. I love the ability to feel as though you can disappear from the craziness that lies in wait on the other side.

But for now, I am on a different journey.

The best thing of all: is that no matter what changes, I will always have my golden memories. The laughs. The fun. The strength. The resilience. The life lessons. 

Forever etched in time.

I finally got the closure I needed. I know I can come back whenever I want and always find a home.

The best is yet to come.

Can’t wait.

Stay tuned.

Peace & Blessed Love,

Carolyn

I Saw Perfection

Today (rather yesterday) I deviated from my usual routine and went to another gym that I attended for several years. It was refreshing to see old faces...all coercing me to come back! A simple visit to the bookstore at that mall, turned into a visit to a friend and the rest is history. 

It was so exhilarating to watch my friend teach her abs class :-) Although I didn't take the class, I felt like I was right there along with her stretching, moving and jiving to the cool sounds of the sweetest soca which was blaring from the sound system. 

There in that moment...I appreciated and admired her even more for her unique gifts and talents...and I saw perfection. 

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

Life is all about embracing each other. We are all different and bring something unique to the world. 

We bless and enrich each other's lives with our gifts and I am so grateful for the "eye" to recognize the beauty and wonder of creation. 

Some of us write movies and create stories with words and photos...

Some of us dance, sing and could find even the hardest spider veins in which to draw blood! 

Some of us could crunch numbers like dat (as we say in trini)! Which reminds me, another friend of mine while skyping at the wee hours of the morning last week...worked out my taxes in 5 minutes. No lie! She was able to look at all of my documents and calculate in her head the figures that I would have taken at least an hour to do! 

Then there are those that can cook the yummiest meals and desserts to cure any human condition...(I am told I am not bad either...cooked my 'famous' fish broth for my dad on Sunday and both him and my sister remarked how delicious it was...appreciation is a good feeling and does wonders for my ego! lol)

Today I appreciate and marvel at my diverse set of friends, family and all the people that have crossed my path throughout my life's journey. I learn and have learnt from all of you and I'm sure I've been inspired in some way unbeknownst to you!

You may not realize it now, but many years later you may remember that unique trait, conversation, joke or advice that someone from your past left you. 

When it comes, embrace it with a quiet smile, acknowledge the feeling that memory and lesson brings in all its shades and intensities at any given time. When it happens, send them a silent wish and release the memory until you need it again...

Tonight I am also aware of my presence on social media (which may not be all that large..relatively speaking). I often find myself deleting posts and the like...not because it was offensive or inappropriate, but just for the mere fact that I don't like too much attention being drawn to myself! Sounds like an oxymoron for a writer...but that's just how I feel. Did not know that Google, facebook and youtube are soo inextricably linked :(

2 blogs in 3 days! Yikes...I might be on to something Watson...:-)

Until next time...

Cheers from my world to yours~

Slowly but Surely

To blog or not to blog.

That has been the question lately.

But I decided. I will blog. It's been 7 days since my last blog. It's time.

A friend of mine is taking up her publisher's challenge to write 50 blogs in 50 days...Wow! She is now on to Day 47...Amazing. My IT friends told me that I should do this a few years ago, but I never stuck to it...I think I would have ran out of things to say by now...lol...but she's churning out these posts like a well-oiled writing machine. Follow her journey and countdown to her new book here: http://maxineattong.wordpress.com/

So as usual I let my fingers guide me...at this time...in this moment...my mind is like a blank canvas. I have no idea what is going to be my next line, but we'll see where this goes...

Ahh...I received a lovely email from a journalist that did a story on my first book a few years ago. It was so heart warming. She congratulated me on my feature in the local paper earlier this year with regard to the launch of my workshops (Read it here:http://www.trinidadexpress.com/featured-news/Chart-your-destiny-255416951.html).  She also said that this served as an inspiration to her, as she was also on a similar transitional journey at the time. I'm glad that we both took the leap of faith to follow our dreams. 

Unbeknownst to her, this just made my day. I did not even know what effect my bold and daring career move had...until bit by bit persons (some friends and some random) have been telling me that they saw the article. I'm excited and humbled that my story can inspire others to change something in their life or pursue their own dreams. I don't know where and how this story ends, but finding out day-by-day is part of the adventure and fun.

photo credit - C. K. Correia All rights reserved. Las Cuevas, Trinidad 

While I am getting involved in many things, I've realized that I am leaning more towards developing my writing craft. I don't think this was intentional, but I guess your passion always finds a way to surface above the rummaging of your brain. 

Emanating from this, I have however decided to tweak my workshop and develop a new one geared towards those persons interested in Finding their Purpose.

This week I had a few meetings regarding my workshop and it has awakened a desire in me to make it an even better, thought provoking and enriching experience for participants. One such meeting/presentation resulted in me shifting the focus to include retirees and one-on-one sessions with EAP recipients. 

Different persons. Different perspectives. Different ideas. 

Another meeting brought out even other avenues to explore, such as a session geared towards school leavers or those close to that age where students are about to make life changing decisions, also business owners or those thinking about risking it all and taking that plunge. 

I have toyed with some of these ideas before as other persons have suggested such, but each new session brings about new energy and synergies.

These sessions inspired countless other ideas and spin-offs and to think this all started with Thinking out Loud (If you haven't already, you can own your own copy at a specially discounted promotional offer here: http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia-ebook/dp/B007M0G98I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410052490&sr=8-1&keywords=thinking+out+loud+carolyn+correia)

The latter is aimed at a collaborate effort that I'm hoping can bring about great rewards to all involved. There are so many persons in all societies today that are in need of guidance and that little extra nudge to get them from a place of uncertainty to a place of exuberance and excellence. 

With the unique delivery and perspective of persons who speak from experience and are oh-so-willing and burning to share their lessons, can make all the difference. We take pleasure and pride in being part of the process of change and watching persons grow into all they were meant to be in life, who can in turn also help others hone their talents and excel at their craft. 

I've listened to people who are already doing so and there's this extra unmistakable gleam and sparkle in their eyes and spring in their step. You wake up every day happy to share and create more and more until fulfilment becomes an inescapable part of your being. 

Your every waking moment is to create. You eat, breathe and dream about your next project. There are not enough hours of the day to do it all. For me I sacrifice sleep, postpone meals and other important things like exercise. (But I do remember to breathe!)

However, this week I am determined to make the time to work-out before I head over to the sister-isle for some sun, sea and sand. Of course quiet time, fresh air and meditation is all I can think of in the serene comfort of familiarity that I once called home. I'll try to get some work done during the day when everyone is at work, but that's a lofty aim since I've been away from paradise for so long. 

My friends have been asking me monthly when I'm coming back, so I thought I'd surprise them and hop over for a short visit. I do hope that the mangoes, pomeracs, five fingers, breadfruit and plums are still in season! Oh how I miss the days of roasted breadfruit, barbecues, five finger sangria and of course oil down especially on rainy days!! (I describe this so vividly in my second book hoping to be completed soon!)

In the meantime and in-between time, I have lots to do and loose ends to tie up. As a follow up to my last blog, there are more things for which to be thankful. I'm happy to announce that I am now a member company of the T&T Chamber of Commerce. Also the documentary featuring my scriptwriting and research skills was also launched this week. You can view it here: Mangrove Unveiled Trinidad & Tobago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8w0xU_QuJk&feature=youtu.be 

I've received great feedback and I was delighted to see my words come to life in technicolor...it's fun, educational and entertaining, you won't look at mangrove in quite the same way after viewing.

I'm delighted that my dreams are taking shape. Slowly but surely. Baby steps, but I know I'll get there in time. It's funny everyone I meet tells me the same thing. I'm happy to be surrounded by positive people who have faith in me and encourage me to aspire to greatness. 

It's important to never give up. Your dreams can happen too. Dare to dream Big. Be persistent. Keep the faith. Exciting things await...

Happy September. A month to remember! May all your dreams come true.

Peace & Blessed Love,

Carolyn xoxo

13 Reasons to be Thankful but Who's Counting!

While we are celebrating our Independence Day here in T&T, our North American neighbours are celebrating Labour Day. There’s enough fun to go ‘round for the long weekend of weekends. We must however remember to pause and reflect on the meaning behind the celebration.

Really, I was taking a break from blogging, though this week has revealed many lessons and a myriad of reasons to be grateful. What began as a tense week, ended with my mind at ease. 

At midnight, I broke my routine, tore myself away from my desktop, dusted off my laptop and watched the rerun of the MTV Video Music Awards (something I haven’t done in a long time). I did this while I resurrected and edited my manuscript. The result was that many emotions emerged…not sure if it was the awards or the manuscript! Lol

But I digress. I was never the preaching type, but these past few years have strengthened my faith soo much…to epic proportions. As usual I can’t disclose at this moment precisely how amazing and wondrous my God is, but you must know by now that you can trust my judgment…somethings are a given...He just is!! Wow! There must be a reason everyone else is sleeping and I am up at 3 am. 

I remember reading my psalms nightly last year when dealing with some challenges and saw an improvement…however when I stopped, after a while they reoccurred. Alas! I resumed and never stopped and they disappeared altogether! In fact the situation reversed and completely went in my favour. 

This January I began reading my bible from cover to cover. (I haven’t been as persistent as before within recent months however and it is gnawing away at the back of my mind) I have seen even more blessings manifest itself in my life and the lives of those around me.

This year has taught me about tolerance and patience. Although I have not mastered it fully as yet…the lessons thus far have been priceless. While waiting on my insurers to settle my claim after my car was wrecked in my accident a couple months ago…I learnt more about patience and faith while I was confined to these four walls of my home. 

The lack of mobility and independence and having to rely on a driver was frustrating to say the least (and costly). A couple of my friends helped a bit, but having the convenience of my own vehicle was irreplaceable.

I realized that the longer my claim was delayed; it gave me more time to pray and plead with God for things to work in my favour. Voila! After four weeks, my insurance company settled the entire claim with just a small deductible…that’s nothing short of amazing, since everyone was telling me about their horror stories. Although I was extremely tense and having a real hard time coping and recovering emotionally from the accident, I never gave up hope.

This is just one of the many reasons to be thankful. Since returning home, despite the pitfalls, I have become closer to my family and spent quality time with my dad as he copes with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s hard at times to watch since last year he was still very talkative and physically strong. I try not to focus on the negative, but find solace in the positive.

Last night however a friend of mine was telling me about his dad who is in his mid-to-late 80’s and still driving and moving around, with all his sensibilities sharp as a tack. It’s sad…and we should not bemoan our fate or compare our journey or struggles with others, but this made me think more about the rapid decline and how much I missed out on last year while residing on the sister isle.

However those experiences I’ve had whilst there and the people I’ve met, led me to this moment and the person I am today. I cannot replace or mistake the lessons I’ve learnt and how much I’ve grown. Although I am cognizant of the fact that I still have a way to go and many more lessons to learn in life, my friends and former colleagues have all remarked how I’ve changed after living away from home for so long. In retrospect it’s hard giving all that up, but this time too is precious and priceless.

After reading over my manuscript and preparing another book proposal, I realize that I would have never been able to write from my heart, had I not taken up this job offer in Tobago last year. I am so grateful for all of my experiences. I have removed my rose-coloured glasses and looked at the experience thru a different lens. 

With the advantage of perspective, as distance and time separates me from the many scenarios that have played over and over again in my head, I see the silver lining in all those situations and know everything happened exactly as it should have for a reason. I have free will to choose and I chose, learnt and grew. Today and tomorrow I can benefit from my choices with the wisdom and experience of yesterday.

Earlier tonight I was talking to my mother and realized that still waters run deep. I have lots to be thankful for this year… though it’s not done yet. I’ve seen a couple people on social media talking about their gratitude challenge. I don’t know about challenges, but I do this on my blog (and in person) every now and then. In 2014, I give thanks for soooo much, which includes but is not limited to the following:

1.Finding my deeper purpose for coming back home, making my dad smile, watching his improvements and taking my parents on outings…For this I am super happy and grateful.

2. The success of my dental surgery where I removed 4 wisdom teeth (yikes)…very difficult and technical surgery that I have been postponing for years due to sheer fright…With the expertise of a very skilled and experienced surgeon by the name of Dr. Ebenezer Scipio who hails from Tobago, but lived and studied in San Francisco (now living in Trinidad)…I say a GAZILLION THANK YOU’s!! (January)

3. The registration and launch of my business…I am grateful! (February)

4. The successful completion of research and scriptwriting for an environment Documentary! I am grateful (February)

5. Writing for a US based magazine: Elite Daily. This has surpassed my expectations…I am thankful! (February)

6. The successful pilot/launch of my Motivational Speaking Workshops and career (March)

7. The completion of 8 chapters of my new book…I am grateful! (April)

8. Being voted in and appointed to the Executive Board of a non-profit professional association in the capacity of Education/Research Officer and Editor-in-Chief of their annual HR magazine…what an exciting, fun and learning experience…I give thanks! (May)

9. My life being spared in what could have been a tragic and fatal road accident…saved by another Tobagonian who mitigated further catastrophes! For this I am grateful! (June) 

10. My insurance settlement and repair of my vehicle like new…I give thanks! My straightener is also Tobagonian!! (July) (Seems I’m inextricably tied to Tobago!)

11. The completion of my Audio Book of Thinking out Loud…it’s been long in coming. I am elated and grateful! (July)

12. Getting over my past! It took a while but for this I am super happy and grateful! (August)

13. Always having ENOUGH of everything I NEED to keep me going! (All the time!!!)

Did not realize there was so much for which to be thankful!! And there’s many more things in the works and more announcements to make in the coming weeks and months…for this I am hopeful and filled with immense gratitude! God is GREAT! I told you I was not kidding around!

I know God is working in your own life…even if you don’t realize it now…but if you acknowledge Him and surrender all, you would have the pleasure of watching Him do His work and work miracles in you life! You must be persistent though…and continue to praise Him daily, hourly, moment by moment!

Infinite thanks as always for joining me on my journey…Please stay tuned.

It’s now 4:30 am…I can now go to sleep :-)

photo credit - Bloody Bay 2013  Carolyn K. Correia All rights reserved

Happy Independence Trinidad & Tobago!

A melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, we stand as one people under one sun, celebrating and dancing to the beat of our own drum. 

No matter what part of the world our journey takes us, we always find our way back as there is no place like home. 

Talented, creative and resilient, our motto rings true: "Together we aspire, together we achieve." 

As we remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers, let us look toward the future with hope for a land filled with peace, love and harmony.

Happy Independence Trinidad & Tobago! 

photo credit - C. K. Correia 2014 All rights reserved
 National Bird (Trinidad) Scarlet Ibis, Caroni

photo credit - C.K. Correia 2013 All rights reserved
Parlatuvier, Tobago

It's 2014: How to Move on and Get Over Your Past Already

First published on Elite Daily. Read it here:

http://elitedaily.com/life/2014-move-get-past-already/716686/

Just like that, it happened: We’re now in the month of August, eight months have already passed in 2014, and yet some of us are still stuck in 2004. Where did the time go?

Many of us have already celebrated birthdays and others look forward to another year of wisdom. This no less will bring with it an awakening of sorts and a load of new experiences: some good, some bad.

Nevertheless, this is all a natural part of life. The important thing is how we process what has happened to us and learn to transform it into something meaningful and positive.

I must admit, and my friends will tell you, I am sometimes one to cry over spilled milk. Who spilled it and how could they do such a thing to me?!

But what I’ve learned is that you can’t change the past or even destiny to a certain point. You also can’t change the intentions of other people, which may not always be so honourable.

We can however shape our destiny by the choices we make, as we are all given free will. I was taught and strongly believe that what is to be will simply be.

It is important to consider that each moment was instrumental in where you are today and to the person you have become. I talk about this further in my book, “Thinking Out Loud.”

The faster you learn to cope with the past, the sooner you will be able to reap the benefits of the present and be ready for the future when it happens.

I know all too well that different people have different coping abilities, techniques and thresholds of pain, but I must continue to stress that the mind is one of the most powerful tools we have. If we learn to condition our minds and tap into that inner strength we all possess, we can better learn to guide our lives to our desired outcomes.

It is useful to give ourselves a goal or time limit within which to push ourselves to achieve a particular milestone. Whether it’s trying to come to terms with that school we did not get into, the job or client we did not get or that relationship that ended.

We are not machines and our emotions don’t function like clockwork, but if we continue to nurse our pain, angst or grief, we will make ourselves miserable and become stuck in a time warp.

We will find that all the people we encounter are moving on with their lives and seemingly having fun and accomplishing dreams, while we are wallowing in self-despair and pity. This is self-defeating behavior and serves no purpose in our life, it can only cause us to remain in a negative state of fear and defensiveness.

Instead of becoming and remaining a victim, find things to occupy your mind and time when you feel like moping. Get involved, go out and meet new people.

If you can afford it, take a trip solo or with friends, experience a new culture, ambience and cuisine. Splurge: Treat yourself to a spa day, lunch at a new restaurant or a ride at an amusement park.

Interestingly enough, when you do these things, especially if you do them alone, you get to learn more about yourself and enjoy your own company.

You will achieve a greater sense of independence and change your perspective physically, emotionally and spiritually. As distance and time separate you from your past, you are able to transcend those situations.

You find yourself in a better place in your life, where you realize that people and circumstances don’t create your happiness, but, in fact, you do.

When you begin to find your place in this world and know who you are independently, you find the strength to get over your past and work on becoming the best you can be.

It’s 2014: Live in the moment and make it count!

The Waiting Game is When You Discover the Most

No one likes the waiting game, but it is the way of life. To not conform, is to live in a utopia and a delusion. Leaving my corporate job of 7 and a half years to move to Tobago and then back again to start my own business, has taught me a thing or two about patience and waiting. 

I am no expert on entrepreneurship, as this is my first time and I am learning as I go along. But despite the pitfalls and periods of seeming inertia, I must say that I am enjoying the ride. Something is always happening in the background. My brain is always working overtime and I have many light bulb moments of inspiration, about a new initiative to get my blood pumping and the old brain working. 

I'm surprised and amazed each time it happens. Last week I had one in the shower and then again when I was just about to doze off. Over the years I've had dreams that resemble movie scripts that leaves me dazed and confused in waking hours, as I try to figure out if it was real!

As I reflect on the most recent decade as an employee to now, I don't really miss it. In the first instance people depended on me, now I rely on others to get things started and also complete my job. I wait on other service providers to get settled in and get all the tools I need to operate a professional business: bankers, graphic artists, photographers/videographers, publishers, editors, studio producers, room rentals, caterers....

Of course you need clients in order to measure your level of success, so phone calls, emails and follow ups must be done. Not all the time things go according to your timing. It's just something you must learn to deal with as an entrepreneur.

With respect to service providers, I believe that is a cultural issue why things often times take so long and several reminders are needed. But what can you do about it?  At first, I thought it was my approach, but this was not the case as I spoke to other persons. 

It's a mindset. You must be firm, yet diplomatic. Command respect without offending and burning your bridges. Failing that, you can either do one of two things: take your business elsewhere or if it's too late to do that, make up your mind to wait.

With regard to clients, as someone told me a few months ago, you must find creative ways to reinvent yourself and diversify your product in your down time as you build your rep. If you are a naturally creative person, this should be easy to do. It will spur you on to excel at your craft and serve your clientèle and potentials well. In fact, down time won't seem so down because you're busy having fun, learning new skills and honing your talent(s). In this way, you may encounter new people and also opportunities eventually find their way to you. 

photo credit - CK Correia 2014 All rights reserved. Pigeon Point, Tobago

Patience is key and nothing happens before it's time. Most business owners usually experience a huge turn around, when they are down to their last penny...literally. Just keep occupied and market yourself the right way. Make ample use of your innate talents and utilize the free tools such as the internet.

The same person also told me that if you have a talent, truly love what you do and are doing it for the right reasons (i.e. to make a difference) you will never be broke. Besides, if you've come this far, it's pointless to turn back now. I have the support of my family so it's easy for me to say that, but nothing great comes without risk and sacrifice. 

My own journey is one of growth and faith. Others tell me that I am inspiring them, so I think I must be doing something right! Sometimes I have doubt and think about going back to a cushy job next year that can afford me the ability to travel and shop as I like, but I feel content with my present reality and the great things that are happening in the background.

It's all about perception. Every day/week I find something new to do and explore and contribute my time and talent. In fact, I find myself not having enough hours in the day to complete it all--believe it or not! I love it. It beats an 8-4 job any day. No two-way rush hour traffic. No endless meetings and phone calls. No entangled webs of office politics and bureaucracy. 

I am a free agent. 

Instead, my meetings are on location, fruitful, concise and fun. I seldom encounter traffic except if it's an early morning meeting or conference. My hours are my own and flexible. Midnight, noon or 2 a.m. I work from home and balance my time between my writing, workshops, communications, marketing, follow-ups, research, tweaking my content/delivery, family, exercise, meetings, errands, household chores and down time. Because of the nature of my work, I can work from a coffee shop, the beach or some other location. I need to explore that more however and make the most of it.

My only problem is sleep. I don't get enough. I also wish I can exercise more but I am sometimes so consumed, that I can't tear myself away long enough to go to the gym.

Speaking of which...it's now past the midnight hour. This is when the true magic begins for so many artistes I've discovered. But today there is the need for sleep. It's true what they say: "The early bird catches the worm..."

If you can relate, please post a comment or drop me a line on the contact form on your right.

Until next time.

Why Feel Bad When People Leave or UN/DIS-LIKE?

Had to share this one! 

So I usually email my blogs to some of my friends and family whenever I post. Sometimes they comment, 99% of the time positively...this morning my friend Nigel told me that he did not like my post...when I asked why, this was his response!! 

"So basically

'LIke' no longer stands for that transient, impulse driven, non-permanent, often baseless, personal element of choice, expressed in relation to things like color, cars, design or even people and jokes. But 

'Like' seems to have become linked to a definition of character, a tool of craft for the great façade of our online persona, an ever-shifting metric of acceptance, the floating currency of popularity our trifling internet economy.

Alas, I will like what I like when I like it, and if I change what I like, I will reserve that right to do so without being harnessed to the choices and feelings of the moments past. I will not be made a liar by my former or future self but will remain a reflection of the now that I am, now!

UN-DIS-LIKE that"

Had to be a QRC boy! lol...I'm still laughing...

I was in fact feeling a bit offended since whenever I speak about God and spirituality, some persons from my facebook author's page or twitter account leave...why should I feel bad if a few ppl leave right? 

Silly me trying to please everybody...it's impossible to do I know! Not everyone is going to see things your way or like the things you like no matter how strongly you feel or try to convince them.

But such is life...I try not to make this a religious blog, as I know everyone has different beliefs, but every now and then I must pay homage to the source of my inspiration and give credit where credit is due. 

I cannot sacrifice my beliefs and convictions and walk on eggshells for those that do not owe their abundant blessings to a Higher Being...by whichever name you call Him...He is ominipotent, omnipresent, supreme.

Moral of the lesson & Note to self: Don't take things soo personally.

Thank you Nigel Roach!!

I do wish that you would stay though! If you wish to follow my journey on facebook or twitter, you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

My twitter handle is @lyncorr

Until next time,
Peace & Blessed Love

Nothing in Life Happens by Chance

Saw something earlier that said: Nothing in Life Happens by Chance. While I could not endorse everything, I had to add my own personal truths...which may differ from person to person and situation to situation. We all make choices every day that determine our reality. 

We were given free will to choose right or wrong, left or right...yes or no. When we deviate from this and move away from that inner voice (of God/Holy Spirit) that lives and speaks within all of us (depending on how well you nurture it) and act on a whim or fancy, we experience pain and displeasure. 

However, I agree that nothing in life happens by chance and for every (perceived) bad thing that happens to us, there is a silver lining and benefit(s) to be derived. 

Maybe something good happened despite the bad, maybe we learnt something about ourselves or others, maybe we've cultivated good memories, developed strength that we did not know we had, shared/healed ourselves or assisted those around us. 

Still yet in other cases, perhaps we were saved from something which could have had a worse outcome had we endured.

It's the weekend. While we're shedding our inhibitions and having fun, let's still remember to listen to that inner voice and make the right choices.

Even if we falter, it's all a part of life. What's important is that we learn the lessons, let go and move positively forward.

Peace & Love.

photo credit - Lake Ray Hubbard, Dallas Tx, C.K. Correia 2012 All rights reserved