Hit Me With Music

Bob Marley said it best.

Today I was reminded of how much I LOVE music. I was on the road quite a lot and needed to clear my mind. Saturday night also as I drove home, I found my mind racing with thoughts that should not be there. Today I found so much joy from turning up my stereo and listening in silence to the songs that played. In those moments in between verses I felt myself relax....

Today I sang and jived to Damian Marley on my travels. Yesterday it was the Jamaican gospel CD my Mom loaned me. (Maybe I'm really a Jamaican!:). Tonight it was 80s music. I loveed every minute of it!

I read somewhere recently that playing an instrument benefits your brain more than any other activity. In that case, I need to dust off the old piano and start cranking out some tunes. My Dad would love that if he could see. 

He always wanted me to be a pianist and thought I should play more. He often told me over the years that I cried for the piano they bought me at age 7! I have no recollection of this however and soon grew out of this childhood phase. Although I continued to take piano lessons for many years and aced the Royal Schools of Music examinations, I later found out that my true love lay elsewhere. 

I remember playing to him last September and he could not believe it was me. When I asked if he liked it and knew it was me, he started to clap and said: "Is so?" and his face lit up :-) At Christmastime I would sometimes play carols and the classics. Sweet memories.

It's important to find a release no matter how busy our lives get. I forgot how great it feels. 2015 is off to a good start: meditation for the mind and exercise for the body. Writing, reading and music are my other cathartic releases. A great combination to overall wellness. 

The host of my meditation sessions urged me to keep practising stillness and I would soon see a transformation. Yes, I am in good company. I look forward to getting closer to that target.

What do you do to relax and unwind? 

Divine Order.


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Happy February 1st 2015!

Happy February 1st 2015!! Ohmy how and when did we get here! It was just Christmas the other day. Guys let's continue to make it count. Make the most of this moment right here so that we would have no regrets tomorrow. Life is TOO short. 

photo credit - C.K.Correia 2014 all rights reserved
Stonehaven Beach, Tobago.

Let's live in the NOW...not in the past or the future...practice gratitude and acceptance for your present blessings, no matter how small because there's always someone with less. 

You are blessed beyond words. Do what makes your heart sing, it is never too late. 

No more excuses, 2015 is YOUR year to make your dreams a reality! All it takes is baby steps and perseverance. 

Have a great Sunday.

Peace & Love

I Owe It All To You

Tonight I listened to authors read at the Normandie Hotel. I always enjoy this evening of tea and readings. I am in constant awe of the talent that abounds in Sweet T&T. My friend and I agreed that it inspires us to continue creating and dreaming those BIG dreams. 

This was a perfect end to what began as a tumultuous day. A family member once again pointed out to me that I should give up on my dream and get a "real job." I've come to expect it, as it has been years in the making. The root of the bitterness and venom with which it was said however was baffling as this person is over a decade my senior and doesn't even live in the same country.

In times like this I rely on my little background in psychology from college days which helps me to understand the motives of others. Our belief systems are so vastly different, such that what one person thinks doesn't affect my goals or focus in any way. It also doesn't affect my purpose nor diminishes my talent. We are all on different paths in life and our ideals are different, although not always realized.

That's why I remain thankful when my friends and strangers alike appreciate my work. I don't take it lightly because I feel like my artform has purpose. My life has meaning. That in itself is enough reward and motivation to continue doing what I'm doing. 

I'm elated that even when I travel to other cultures, persons express interest in what I do. This gives me hope to know that with the right strategic direction, I can transcend my gift to other shores in living colour. This is my bigger dream. I'm #ThinkingOutLoud again. The stars are already aligning for this to happen, as fortuitously various persons in that field have already crossed my path.

My writing traverses spatial and temporal barriers and enormous amounts of time can go by before I get weary. This morning for example I went to bed at 6 am editing my book. I read the latest revised chapter for my sister a while ago and she said to me that it was "beautiful, therapeutic and calming!" 

It took us on a stroll down memory lane as I spoke about the things my parents used to do for us, especially the things my Dad did for me when he was alive and well, just a few years before when I started this memoir. My sister said my words brought her peace.

I do this for you Daddy. I owe it all to you. Without your encouragement, I would not be an author today.

THANK YOU times infinity xoxoxo ... I will love you forever.

Peace & Love

Let Tomorrow Worry About Itself!

I must warn that this blog is a bit of a rant! Be warned :/ #NeedToVent

Another Friday is here and I should be out celebrating. But I'm not. Honestly I've been stuck in a rut for the past couple days barely leaving the house. Just working on editing my book and planning for my next workshop. I was actually supposed to attend a Carnival theatre tonight but there was a change of plans. It suddenly hit me: your thoughts control your behaviour, so Carolyn: just channel your thoughts. It seemed to work.

At times I wonder what kind of world do we live in and are there no honest, genuine people anymore! Or am I just doing something wrong!? Or maybe I was just brought up too sheltered! It baffles me beyond words:( Without dwelling on the subject, I must find solace in the fact that the few good people I have in my life are true gems and for this I am grateful. I will leave the dishonest, fake ones up to God.

This weekend I engage with other writers and storytellers. It's time to let my hair down, kick off my heels and have some fun. I am by no means a religious person but sometimes the words just pop into my mind. I read somewhere recently and remember the quotations from my Dad: Jesus said: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Wise words that I need to follow.

Looking forward to a great weekend! Hope yours is out of this world! Remember to Make it Count!

Peace & Love

Sneak Peek at My New Book!

Just thought I'd share a sneak peek of what my new book is about. It's a memoir about my journey over the last 6 years. It's perfect for persons transitioning careers, seeking their life's purpose or embarking on entrepreneurship. 

It did not start out as a memoir but was however intended to be another motivational/inspirational book like my first. But last December I decided to go in another direction.

It was first inspired by my Dad who encouraged me to write books in 2009. And also by my experiences especially on the sister isle in 2013 which led me to follow my dream: entrepreneurship. 

The journey has been exciting as I've met many kindred spirits who, like me are on a path to self-discovery, self-actualization and fulfilling a deeper purpose that we did not find at our regular 8-4 job. 

It is meant to inspire and make you think about the meaning of life in the grand scheme of things...Even though we may take a detour every now and then, it is meant to keep you on track with your ultimate purpose which is to do what you were born to do and impact lives for the better. It has now become a labour of love and I hope persons would be able to relate. 

Stay tuned to this space for my progress. I can't wait to share with you!

— feeling determined. 

When we are not afraid to embrace change the possibilities are endless.

How My Mantra Helped Me Kick Fear to the Curb

Yesterday I attended my second meditation class. I got the full experience this time and it was amazing. I made my way to the venue early this time. No closed doors, although I did attempt to gain entry next door, but quickly found my way to the parish hall. 

I was welcomed by Sister Ruth who later briefed me on what to expect. She told me about the mantra or "prayer word" to be said silently throughout the meditation. I also got to listen to "the talk"/reflection on compact disc and I felt my inspiration soar at an exponential rate. I thought about all the things I had to do and how I was going to do it. My procrastination ceased for that hour and I felt like I was on fire! :-)

When the actual meditation began, I found that when I repeated the mantra, my mind became still (for once). I just concentrated on the word and the world stood still too. I not once opened my eyes (OK just once :). I could hear all the sounds outside: the crickets (or frogs don't really know which), the cars as they drove by, the other night sounds. 

I felt like I was in the forest somewhere. At one point I felt as though I was transported to a time long ago, before the industrial age when electricity was not prevalent. Or maybe just when I was a child when the power went out often! lol. That was the feeling it evoked but my thoughts were like a blank canvas. As Sister said, I was no longer thinking in the past or the future, but remaining in the present.

What I found however was that after a while, human nature kicked in and I wanted to get to all the things I felt empowered to do in that moment. I wanted to get back to my life. I used the mantra less and my personal thoughts began to trickle back into my consciousness.

But it was only really my first time. I will get better with time once I continue to work at it. I found that anything you do will yield results once you are committed. 

As I drove home, I did some self-talk. I took the opportunity to do this at night, since other motorists couldn't see me and think I was nuts! I was struggling over a decision to end a group alliance that no longer proved fruitful or healthy for me. I couldn't believe that suddenly I had the urge to tell the person who wronged me: "You are my brother and I love you" despite the explosive feelings of rage I was feeling just the night before. 

This was short lived however as my Mom told me this was a pie in the sky dream (not to use her words) because those persons in question would not reciprocate the sentiments! I guess mother knows best, especially in this instance. Today I made a decision to leave and I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders as I arose this morning. 

It feels great to be at peace and free from burden. There was no reason to fear change, because there's nothing my Lord can't fix. I surrender all to Him.

Now there's room for lots more exciting things in my life!

#Maranatha

Relativity

Today is my sisters' birthday (yes they're twins). The one I refer to in this blog had a great day. But not for the reason you may think. Every time I asked her if she was having a good day she said yes. She enjoyed it in her own way doing what she loved.

I offered to take her and my Mom for ice-cream on the bay. To this she said no. I invited her to come with me to my meditation class this evening, you guessed it. She opted to stay home. 

So what made her day so special? She got to stay home and watch her favourite shows on the tele! Yesterday she sat in my room while I read her an excerpt from my new book and watched Amy Winehouse videos. For her this was fun...and for me too.

However if you made me stay home all day to watch TV (one of my least favourite pastimes for a number of years) I would think you are punishing me. But to my older sister, she was in TV heaven! I guess it's an age specific thing as a couple of my older friends her age also love television.

So to answer the aged-old question: what makes you happy? Staying true to yourself and just "doing you!" Can't go wrong with that...hits the spot every time. To use the words of one of my friends when he described my writing and synopsis for my new book: "no forced extravagance."

Yup my sister is keeping it real.

In a few days I collect her Transformer tablet. I expect that this will "transform" her life!  lol. Indeed it would be hard separating her from that device for a greater part of the day! Ahhh!

What do you love to do on your birthday?! Do share.

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Happy Birthday to all the January babies born on this day!

Peace & Love

Which is the Lesser Evil?

Monday got off to a good start. I made a lot of progress. Then this happens. My bliss was not meant to be, but such is life. It doesn't take away from all the work I got done and connections I made.

I must say once again: thank God for good friends (you know who you are!) and thank God for technology. A friend of mine despite the waters that separate us, rescued me from a toxic situation tonight with his words of wisdom. Though I've only known him a few months, he always believes in me despite showing him my flaws and he does wonders to rejuvenate my spirit...Many blessings to you!

Someone else asked me tonight about trust. That's a very serious word. What is trust if it doesn't go both ways? Many of us struggle with this issue and never find the answer. I will keep searching until I do. 

I've trusted many and been disappointed many more times over, both in personal and professional life. I'm sure we have all been. But how does this guide our decisions going forward?

It would be great to believe that communication is the answer, but sometimes this does not work for several reasons. Even if it appears to work for a while, I'm beginning to think that people would always think and act as they please. This despite your greatest efforts to explain to them rationally otherwise. 

Deceit and jealousy I think are the two worst evils in the world. I think I can deal with anything else, but this has been the root of all evil since the beginning of time. It cascades onto other areas of the infected person's life and causes more damage. 

There are many resulting side-effects like anger, betrayal, sabotage, character assassination and reproachful behaviourial patterns. I could go on and on, but time does not permit.

The question is: would we ever be able to escape it? To be comfortable in our own skin, be grateful for our own blessings and be genuinely happy for others despite our differences? It only takes one person to poison the well and begin a chain reaction of distrust and negativity. 

If we can't be honest with ourselves, there's no room for trust with anyone else.

Peace

Sun Is Shining, Weather Is Sweet!

Happy Sunday ALL! Hope this day meets you in fine spirits. I was feeling a bit down (missing my Dad) then woke/got up, went outside and realized that the "Sun is shining, weather is sweet" (today:) and I'm ALIVE! There's LOTS to be thankful for. 

Sad days are expected every now and then, but we should not let the feelings linger too long...I know I needed to pull myself together when a friend whatsapp'd me and made me think of how much more fun awaits in life. After hearing a couple of your 'weather reports' I was reminded of how much I wanted to travel the world in my lifetime...

So far I've only been to #England, Grenada, Northern California/San Francisco/San Jose/Santa Clara etc, New York/Jersey and Texas...There's no place like home though and I'm counting down the days when I'm back on the sister isle of sweet #Tobago grin emoticon

Where have you visited? And what are some of your burning desires which you hope to do in your #lifetime?! I would love to hear from YOU!

 — feeling positive

Reunion Tower, Dallas Texas

Tower Bridge, London

Gouyave, Grenada