Is It Just Me Or Do You Feel The Same Way?

I must admit once again what a big addict and fan I am of #GoogleAnalytics With that said, huge thanks to ALL the new visitors to my blog from countries worldwide, even as far as Australia and Poland! It's an honour to have you stop by :) Just to be clear I can't see your email/IP address or anything like that, just how many page views from each country, so feel free to get comfortable and visit often!

photo credit - All rights reserved 2014
Turtle Beach, Tobago

Tonight I did the usual post mortem of my most recent workshop and I reflected on all aspects of the content and delivery. Of course there are always ways to improve. There are questions to ask: Did I share too much?....Did I forget to say something?....

And interactions to access: Did I live up to my objectives? Did I inspire/motivate?....Did I assist with change....a catharsis/healing?....Did people get as much from it as I initially thought? A wise person told me a year ago to never make any claims in the first instance. But I digress...

I learnt a long time ago that I can't please everyone but I can certainly try! I know it's a seemingly futile feat but it's  a challenge I am willing to undergo. Just as a participant said at the workshop last night, that they want to rule/heal/fix the world...I wrote in my second book years before, that I always wanted to change the world. As I grew older I thought I did not have to do this in a grand way as I once figured, but in little ways I can influence change through my writing and then my speaking...it all adds up. And it has started...

It first began locally (with a very prominent magazine), then regionally (Jamaica), now internationally and there are so many other things in store which I can't divulge at this time. A simple google search of my name has revealed that my articles have been shared as far as South Africa, the Philippines and a New York radio station. That blows my mind every time.

My blog which I started since November 2008 has spanned countries globally as far as China, France, Spain, Italy, various European countries, Mexico, India, the Caribbean and soo much more. Sometimes I hurt my head worrying why persons don't always comment and share, but the mere fact that they are reading I guess is motivation enough for me to continue doing what I'm doing. I must be doing something right...Right?

A person may not comment (positively) but maybe for some reason or another my thoughts/words doesn't resonate with them at this particular stage in their life, because they are not on that path. However I strongly believe that my messages have value whether original or not and the delivery coupled with my personal experiences can impact lives. It must be noted that the inspiration behind it was all original and divinely ordained.

I feel in my heart and soul that one day whether it's a week from now, a month or years from now...something I would have said may linger in their subconscious...(they may not even remember who said it)...but it's the hope that it would have caused some (however minor) shift in their thinking or modus operandi to improve their lives/relationships in some way...or allow them to find peace.

In my blog of September 18: "A Half Way Decent Life" (http://inspirationescape.blogspot.com/2014/09/half-way-decent-life.html?spref=tw), I promised a Bucket Happiness List. So here it is. 

This pretty much sums up what happiness means to me:

• Happiness or rather joy does not mean an all day shopping spree or material possessions. I've had that for many years and acquired most of what I now need to function comfortably and competently. Now that I have to make cut backs and necessary lifestyle changes for the growth of my business, I honestly don't miss it...I make do with what I have, I have fun in my own way and within my own circle of friends and family and I am totally content with that.

• My time is flexible. I am free to do the things I choose to do with my day whether it's a meeting on location, cook, go to the gym, travel or spend quality time with family whenever I want. I can write at 3 am in the morning and wake up at noon (although I seldom do the latter as duty calls...very early sometimes).

• Most of all, joy means being at peace, doing what I love and knowing that I am bringing about positive change/growth in myself and those around me. Joy means scratching off achieved goals on my to-do list of life. It means self-actualization and faith that I would get exactly where I need to be in time. It means concentrating on my own journey, less comparison and trusting God's timing and plan.

• Joy is not allowing negativity to get the better of me. It's listening to that inner voice and continuing to do/improve me.

What does joy mean to you? Do share your thoughts by posting a comment...

Peace & Love

Happiness Squared!

Today (or rather yesterday) I hosted my workshop Charting Your Destiny for the rest of the board members of an association where I am appointed. I think this trumped the very first workshop that I did. 

Based on the feedback from the first and second sessions, as well as subsequent presentations at various companies, I incorporated new icebreakers and content to further enhance the experience of participants.

It worked! :-)

The first session was good...but persons were more engaged this time around.

I look at the pictures and you know what? We had a ball in the process. 

We shared, learnt, laughed (a lot) and loved. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside:)

Persons opened up and shared a great deal of personal memories, milestones and lessons that were once buried in the recesses of their minds. I felt touched and honoured to be part of something so memorable and moving. It was amazing.

I also shared some of my own very personal experiences and "Moment of Truths" that I don't usually speak about. 

I am new to the board so the members expressed their pleasure and gratitude for such revelations, as they had the opportunity to discover more about me and my very unique personality.

It's strange...but I've only known my colleagues for a few months, yet I felt comfortable and at ease sharing my innermost feelings, projections, discoveries and even vulnerabilities. What's more everyone embraced my position and offered support, empathy and advice as they were able to identify with some of my own experiences. 

It was a learning experience for me too. I not only learned about our shared human experience, but they also gave me tips and feedback on how I can improve my future sessions.

Every workshop I gain a little more confidence as I am able to relate a story and engage the participants upon a path of self-discovery and information sharing. I am sure we are closer as a team and able to understand each other more as we continue to work together as a unit.

As I said today...I really think this is where I belong (workshops/entrepreneurship) and I can't wait for what lies ahead as I continue to Chart my Destiny and work with other groups.

To my fellow colleagues: I thank you for the opportunity to share and I look forward to what's to come. Wishing you the very best in life, work and love.

Peace & Love.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered!

So #happy to announce that the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago has purchased 35 copies of my audio book of Thinking out Loud!
I can finally say it's official! YAY!
#SignedSealedAndDelivered
#MakingItCount #AnAuthorsDreamComeTrue #DoingCartwheels  

Does Your Life Seem Like A Revolving Door?

Trying to stick to my weekly blog is hard...but not for the reasons you think. Sometimes I want to blog more than once a week since I have soo much to share...it was actually recommended a long time ago by my IT friends, but I feel as though I would be bombarding people's inboxes with too much of ME! Yet here I am. I am thankful if you are now opening your mail to read the words on your page despite all the other distractions of daily living.

I find that sometimes when you least expect it, your inspiration comes from the most

photo credit - CK Correia All rights reserved 2014
Grand -Mal, Grenada

unlikely places. These last two weeks I learnt something important about human nature. Never listen to hearsay. See and hear for yourself. Despite the appearances of what may seem like superficial interactions, your presence in another's life means more than you know. They may never tell you this, but you make an impact however small but noteworthy. 

The people you have met along your journey did not cross your path by accident. Your life and presence has value. It is up to us to sift thru the clutter and disguises, see behind the veneer of the intentions of others and reach within to find what you were placed on this earth for. I may have shortcomings, but it is not the be-all and end-all of my existence. There is room for growth and time for change. What's even greater is that my shortcomings do not define me...there's much more to me than what one or two persons may see or think. The same is true for you.

With that said, I will tell you what my friend Nigel said to me a few days ago:

"It matters not what is said or thought by others about you, but what is thought by you about you....The few that pursue their mind's meanderings remain the envy of the coward, the amusement of the fool and the admired of the sage.

He went further to say:

Carolyn

Potential is a heady spirit that should be voraciously consumed, for unlike wine potential sours with the passing of time.

Drink and be merry "

I told him he should copyright that before I steal it. lol. But I give him and God the credit.

Over the past few weeks, I have received this outpouring of love, blessings and encouragement in my entrepreneurial journey and it is so heart warming. Since I made the decision to leave the corporate world in fact, everyone that I meet has this uncanny and resolute faith and confidence in the success of my business....even when mine is flailing at times. I stopped thinking it was just politeness after the first dozen people! I guess my passion is contagious. I just need to stop jumping ahead and make this moment count. Focus and acumen will find its place with practicality and steadfastness.

I often find myself being placed in the same situations over and over. However it is not one I welcome. My friends tell me that my life is an ongoing adventure and mini-drama series. It is never boring! I plead to listen to their life story for a change, but they tell me there is no need...it's not as exciting as mine! Sometimes I wish that I could say that for a change. But I digress. 

We may find ourselves in the same old (sometimes negative) situations because something from our past needs to be resolved. We never got the closure we needed or dealt with it properly, so it manifests itself again through different people until we work through our angst. God finds a way to help us get it right. This is my spin on it which I go more in depth in my new book to be launched later this year or early 2015. 

So much more exciting stuff to report which you would read about it another blog but I thought I'd change it up tonight.

Please stay tuned to this space and keep me company as my journey unfolds...I can't do it without you!!

Peace & Love

What I Learnt About Joy

Happy November 1st!

Warm greetings to all the new and returning visitors to my blog and social media pages. I am so grateful for each and every one of you. I am happy to report that I received 6 comments on one of my last posts : "I Can't Believe What Just Happened!" (you can view it here:http://inspirationescape.blogspot.com/2014/10/i-cant-believe-what-just-happened.html)!! Many thanks to Keisha, Kai, Shelley, Brian, Arnim and Joanne. I am glad to know that you are still reading...please keep the comments coming!! It fuels my passions.

I learnt from a friend last week that HAPPINESS is a temporary state, but what we should aim for is JOY which is eternal. I know I blogged briefly about my experience last Sunday but I must share with you what I mean... 

photo credit - NALIS, Trinidad & Tobago

Last weekend I participated in a Storytelling Event at the National Library of Trinidad & Tobago, in commemoration of Library Week. I told the story of Rapunzel (with a twist) to many screaming kids  (and adults). 

I must admit at first I got cold feet when I saw the size of the audience! For a brief second I wanted to turn around and go home! But luckily I found the inner strength and courage to overcome my fears and the rest is history. To see and hear the screams and smiling faces of the kids as they responded to my questions was like a sugar rush (without the sugar!). It was amazing. 

As I walked back to my car parked on St. Vincent Street Port of Spain, suddenly the world seemed a little more beautiful as the sun was now setting in the capital city. (Can you imagine? I felt like I was still in the fairytale that I just read). With a broad grin on my face, passers-by probably thought I was a little coo coo:) lol. Maybe I'm a little emotional? But I digress.

My Mom called to find out how it went and I could hear the pride in her voice as I related the story on the phone. I also called up a friend to tell her about the event and she told me the story of joy. I told her that things like this brings me true fulfilment and happiness and imagine if I did this everyday how I would feel. I would no longer let petty things get to me or allow people to rain on my parade. She said to me that joy is everlasting and I should continue to use my gifts to bless others. 

Right there and then I knew that I made the right decision to leave the corporate world and follow my dream (at least for now). Although I am not making tons of money by which success is often measured, I feel that I have accomplished a lot within the short space of time. I am still learning by trial and error and in time I have faith that I would get where I want to be. But for now, I am exactly where I need to be. 

I could have done some things differently in hindsight, but this day is mine to explore and Chart my own Destiny! The wisdom of the past makes me more in tune with what God wants for my life. I leave it up to Him.

On another note, my SHRM exam is over and done with and I hope for the best as I await the results. That's one hurdle crossed. My magazine editing is completed (hopefully) and I await the next step. Hurdle #2 completed. 

I can now concentrate on my personal and business goals for the rest of 2014. #1 on my list is completing my book and getting it published. And also more emphasis on marketing my workshops. These things have taught me so much about people, teamwork and inner strength. I also learnt a bit more about myself, my limits, likes and dislikes or rather pet peeves.

November is here...2 more months for the end of the year...what do you hope to accomplish? Are you happy with where you are and things you have done thus far in 2014? I would love to hear from you!

Peace & Blessed Love.

Rapunzel With A Twist!

Good Sunday evening greetings to you!

I just returned from storytelling at NALIS in Association with Courts' 8th Annual Celebrity Tale-A-Thon at the main library down town Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. 

What a rush! There were tons of screaming kids and adults!!!

Although I am far from a celeb...I had a ball of a time entertaining the kids with the story of Rapunzel! It was Rapunzel with a little twist...twas fun!

At first I did not think I could dramatize...but I surprised myself.  Upon coming off the stage, one of the library's ushers said that I got a good crowd response! Wow! 

No matter how many times I've done public speaking, I still get jitters but today I celebrate putting those fears away once and for all! I am thankful for my friends who were in the crowd and backstage cheering me on! 

Here's to next time! 

Details and photos coming soon!

I Can't Believe What Just Happened!

I said I was not going to blog till after my exam, but I could not help myself. Too much excitement and good news. After all, this doesn't take long. I'll be very brief tonight.

I can't begin to tell you how great (my) God is. So much stuff magically falling into place (as always). I feel so blown away by his kind majesty. I'm humbled and grateful.

photo credit - C.K. Correia All rights reserved
Grand Mal Grenada

Just in two days I got someone to retouch my car for free, I got an offer to design the cover of my new book (again for free) and I got someone to work pro bono on strategic planning and structuring of my business!! 

Whoopee...I am elated and doing cartwheels as I type! They all said to me in different ways how much they would enjoy working on these projects as it is in alignment with their goals. 

Tonight my new Strategist Partner said how much my work inspires him and that I have a great writing style! How about that?!

I am excited to begin these new projects and work with these wonderfully talented people. I will update you as I progress. This could not come at a better time as my business is still soo very young and I am on a shoestring budget.

To make things more interesting, I received two emails also over the last couple days that made my day when I woke up and checked my phone. One was to set up a meeting to possibly partner with a reputable organization to do workshops (based on a referral), the other from a magazine in Dubai praising my writing style and confirming our partnership.

Last week the Arima library called me to be a part of their Speed Dating Meet the Authors initiative in keeping with their National Library Week, but unfortunately I don't write poetry or short stories just yet (which is what they were looking for)...so I referred them to another poet/writer friend of mine. 

This weekend I was asked to read stories to kids at the Main library instead...and maybe something with schools later on. I can't wait.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you!" - Matthew 7:7. 

In this case, I just prayed and voila! I started back saying my psalms. I feel great. Great things await once you have faith.

Peace & Blessed Love.

Fruits of our Labour

I almost forgot about this until I emailed it to a new business connection today. 

One from the archives...here it is again in a different format.

Fruits of our Labour...republished in Thinking out Loud

An article about finding your purpose.

(click to enlargen)

It's Time to Put the Pedal to the Metal

The internet is truly amazing. No matter how hard I try to focus on the tasks at hand, I keep getting sucked in. Hence the reason my real work is beginning at 12 am. Yes. I am a night owl that seldom watches television [save for The Voice (love the new judges...they complement Adam & Blake so well!), The Mindy Project and the BBC--which I've just resumed watching since I left Tobago.] 

Something drew me to two blogs tonight. Once is a friend's blog and the other just one of the few dozen random persons to whom I subscribed. I've watched countless Marketing and Life Coaching videos since I embarked on entrepreneurship this year. I'm sooo inspired by all of these ideas and thoughts bouncing around in my head. I wish I could forget about the rest and just W.R.I.T.E...and help people realize their dreams...That will also take me to a whole new level as I broaden my scope and learn more about people and life in the process. 

Books and articles and research and Self-Enhancement workshops and eventually Life Coaching. Just a random thought. If we lived in a perfect world and I didn't have to worry about earning a dollar...that's what I'd do. Why did Eve have to make life so darn complicated?! Writing truly energizes my soul beyond which words can describe. But in reality I rarely find nearly enough time to write as I much as I like. I look around with wonder and amazement and can't help but admire persons who can churn out dozens of books every few years. I am still struggling on Book #2!!! ahhh

Photo credit - C.K.Correia 2013 All rights reserved
Roxborough, Tobago

Last week I updated my sticky note on my pc's home screen. I've accomplished some tasks which I am happy about. Tonight I make a to-do list and stick to it. I'm on a tight deadline and will not get distracted. I will complete all my tasks set out for this month. And...I will make it spectacular! 

For sustenance my mind keeps wandering back to my experience on the sister isle when I exceeded the expectations I set for myself last year. I remember in one instance where I worked on a calender nearing the end of the year. I worked day and night to get it done in time for Christmas... 

I procured a professional camera some months before...thank heavens for that. I took photos. Sourced the others from some unsourcable sources! Phoned and emailed the printers and graphic artists back and forth a couple zillion times. I remember leaving work and liming one Friday night...getting back home close to midnight...taking an hour nap and then waking up to email photos through my temperamental internet hotspot. That night I never made it to bed until 4 am the next day. 

I remember waking up at 2 pm the following day (Saturday) in a daze...thinking it was already Christmas! Still managed to do laundry and cook lunch (which turned into dinner!) and go to the movies. I made site visits to the printers...one time I remember leaving work and driving to the other end of the island at Crown Point to proof the sample calenders, then drove back to Scarborough to catch my ferry home that weekend. I was happy when the day came to finally approve the artwork. 

To make a long story short: everyone including directors, heads of department, stakeholders and staff alike were pleased with the end result. And I still have my souvenirs to show for my wonderful year filled with many milestones and new initiatives:) 

This memory keeps me going to accomplish the feats that lay ahead...it seems great at times but I know through the grace of God, I will get it done...even if I have to turn night into day. It's time to put the pedal to the metal and get cracking.

Do you remember a time when you surmounted the obstacles and beat all odds to get something done?