The Day I Learnt There's No Such Thing As 'Dead Air'

This week I conquered my fear of LIVE radio. People do this every day, but conquering this fear was a huge deal for me. It was an hour long show and what a rush! This was much different from live TV which was ironically easier. I look terrified, but I remained calm. YAY! I'm happy that I tried and grateful for the support from my team of well wishers and advisers. You mean so much to me. 

Thanks to Natacha and JD for making this easy and allowing me to share with your listeners on your Every Woman programme on Ebony 104.1 FM. Here I spoke about my books and upcoming workshop (Charting Your Destiny) and also "How to Live Your Best Life." Now I know there's no such thing as 'dead air' I can relax a bit!

It was such an empowering experience and even I didn't know I had the courage to say so much on air. lol. I replayed it over and over in my head while on the treadmill that afternoon and still couldn't believe it. I was proud of myself, but wondered what others thought. I got mixed reviews...some overwhelming, some neutral but I took all the feedback in stride on my journey to growth and discovery. 

I couldn't help but share what a (male) client said to me yesterday to make my day and cast away my doubts:

© C.K. Correia 2015 All rights reserved.

"I was offsite working with a company in a noisy factory with lots of distractions....however I managed to sneak in my headphones for my phone and got to listen to your show from the start.

You were REALLY good, you sounded professional and you made really good points...A couple of things to be aware of would be a repeated 'crutch phrase' ...but overall you did a great job. 

I was smiling during the talk, you have a good radio voice as well. You really had me thinking, with the 'know thy self' thing and some challenges that I'm going through now. 

Anyway good job Carolyn, keep it up! I am heading to the gym, to be all I can be!"

Aww...this is what it's all about. I'm glad I am able to make a difference.

Thanks to Judy and others for suggesting the idea of my own show long before I even considered this. It actually sounds do-able at this point now that I have conquered my fears.

Gracias. Merci. Grazie!

Peace & Love x

You can follow my journey on facebook for more: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

My First Radio Interiew

I am working on releasing my grip on my need to control my destiny and just relaxing in the moment and allowing it to happen. Don't get me wrong...if you want something you have to go after it...because well, you'd pretty much be left behind. 

If you don't succeed at first, don't ever give up...continue at it...your breakthrough could take months or even years, but once you're persistent you WILL succeed. Take it from me, I know. And do you know what? The reward is sweeter with time. Don't be nervous and force it, just prepare and pray and you'd be just fine.

I am talking about what I've learnt along my journey tomorrow on LIVE radio! Join me (Tuesday 12th May, 2015) between 11 AM and Noon on Ebony 104.1 FM as I chat with Natacha Jones and JD on their "Every Woman" programme. Learn how you can "Chart Your Destiny" and sooo much more! 

Not in Trinidad? You can stream live at: Ebony 104.1 FM LIVE via the link below: http://v5.player.abacast.com/v5.1/player/index.php?uid=6624

Feel free to contact me after the programme and share your thoughts.

Peace & Love! xo

What's the Worst That Can Happen?

I am unable to put into words my feelings on the past week. It was an especially difficult time, but I was able to overcome my feelings. Depression is something real. I am not sure if I was depressed or just tired. I did not know it, but my friend at the gym pointed it out to me. 

One of the sources of my pain was my feelings over my Dad who passed away in December who would have been 80 years young on Thursday had he lived. I think it affected me subconsciously in my waking moments. I thought about him sporadically all week, but did not stay long enough to allow the feelings to permeate my being. Today being Mother's Day, I was suddenly able to empathize with all of my friends who have lost their moms and dads over the years. You never know what someone else is going through until you come face to face with it yourself.

People who know me, know that I like things to happen right away. I like immediacy. Even my old co-workers liked to tease me about it when I was employed full time. Even my new friends have come to know this about me. It's not something I'm proud of...I know I need to work on my patience and tolerance. So as my impending workshop and book launch draws closer, I feel myself getting anxious and tense because things are not happening in my timing. There are so many variables out of my control!

Now that I've left the safety net of employment, I am now becoming aware of the highs and lows of entrepreneurship which is still very new to me. My friends who are veterans to this are "motivating the motivator" and they laugh as I hyperventilate with the details. We all agree however that it's no easy task, especially the nature of my business. It may look glamorous at times on the outside, but no one really knows what happens behind the scenes.

My thought for today, is that no matter what's happening in our lives, there's always another side of things....it can always be worse. There's always someone going through more. A few of my friends are battling with so many serious life-changing things which they have no control over. But things always have a way of working out, once you condition your mind to positive thinking. I told my mother about a month ago: When faced with a challenging decision, ask yourself: what is the worst that can happen? If you are able to answer this and deal with the worse case scenario, then you have your answer. Go full speed ahead. There's nothing much to lose. In some cases just your pride or ego. I need to take my own advice!

As I prepare for presentations and new partnerships in the upcoming weeks and months, I embrace the unknown and get ready for the challenges that lay ahead. I will try to exercise patience and ask for guidance as I step into unknown territory and face my destiny. Only time will tell where this story ends. In the meantime, I will try to muster the strength and faith needed to persevere to the end and to the other side of my definition of success.

Have a fabulous week and Remember to Make it Count!

Peace & Love xo

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms around the world, especially my Mom. Best wishes to all mother's-to-be and those that play the role of mother:

She…

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 heart emoticon heart emoticon heart emoticon

EXCERPT FROM THINKING OUT LOUD (great gift available on Amazon and a bookstore near you!).

Happy 80th Birthday!

Happy 80th Birthday papa. 

Today you would have been 80 years young. 

I remember your 79th like just yesterday and I kinda knew...

It's been months and I still see you in my dreams. 

In between states of consciousness, I still hear your voice...see your smile..hear your laugh and I know you are watching down on me with love and reassurance. 

I will never forget the sacrifices you made for us. 

You were my advisor and counsellor when I needed a listening ear...personal chef when I was too tired to cook...my driver when I was too tired to drive. 

I am sorry for all those times I was impatient with you....yet you loved me still. 

I would always remember your humility, patience and unending love. 

You have taught me lessons to last a lifetime. 

I will keep our memories together in a safe place as I return to them for comfort throughout my life. 

There will be NO ONE else like you. 

Thank you for encouraging me to write books. 

Thank you for teaching me to pray and have faith. 

Thank you for being you. 

THANK YOU. 

I will LOVE you forever. 

May God grant you peace and lead you to the eternal life and light of His glorious kingdom. Till me meet again XOXO

© 2013 Carolyn K. Correia All rights reserved

Don't Worry, Be Happy

"Don't stress dear. Things will work out. They almost, always do" she said to me.

And just like that they did. My prayers were answered. Things were falling into place nicely, but why do I still feel stressed?

"Faith moves mountains."

"Have some faith. Dampened soul is understandable, but keep steadfast in positivity," he said.

It worked.

Life is filled with peaks and valleys and it's the mindset that keeps us afloat during the valleys. In the grand scheme of things, there's nothing to worry about when you have life in your body and love in your hearts. There can be worse things.

The best is yet to come.

Hold onto faith.

So many things are working in the background.

Hold onto faith.

It will all work out. 

Stay tuned to this space for details.

Tomorrow would have been my Dad's 80th birthday. I know he wouldn't want me to worry. I know he is smiling looking down on me with guidance and reassurance. Last month I dreamt him every day for a week. That last dream signals to me that he is happy where he is and that makes my heart glad. 

I can't almost here him saying: "Don't worry, be happy."

Peace & Love

Relax and Watch the Stars Align in Your Favour

Last night I submitted an article to be published in a language college textbook in Dallas, Texas (will reveal details later). I came home from a book launch tonight and checked my phone to see this message from the college professor:

Carolyn,

This is absolutely perfect....from the beginning to the end and beyond...you even sent me your bio!!!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!!

And to think I doubted whether it would be a good fit! It took me less than an hour to write and about 2 hours of self-doubt lol...Even published writers/authors have those moments. 

Moral: ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. YOU HAVE THE POWER WITHIN!

Tonight my fellow author colleague said in her speech: "We like to 'little' ourselves. Don't little yourself. Let your light SHINE!" Right on Akosua Dardaine Edwards ...Congrats...and may your light continue to shine BRIGHT. Looking forward to many more books/lessons from this author.

I admit I was having a pretty rotten day...one of those off-days you know? Which we all have from time to time. I did not even make it to the gym and I had to will myself to leave the house to attend the book launch. I overcame that negative spirit in the end and I'm glad I attended the launch. I looked in the mirror and told myself that I am stronger than that. More than that, I had to support my fellow author colleague. I put on my prettiest top and lipstick and made it out the door in the knick of time! 

The stars were all aligning in my favour as I met one of my friends who was now leaving work as I parked my car. We shared some stories, laughs and even selfies on the sidewalk in the cool evening air and she proved to really come through for me in ways that are over and beyond wonderful. I really have the best friends. 

I arrived just as the ceremony was beginning and afterwards met two of my former co-workers and a radio host who's show I may appear on. If you have faith, everything has a way of working out. I was meant to be there. To listen to the author and those nice things being said about her, gave me renewed faith. I saw her so emotional about her journey which almost brought me to tears. I am glad I was able to show my support.

Her book asked the question: Madam: Why are you here? She asked the audience this several times tonight. Why Am I Here? To LIVE MY BEST LIFE and SHARE the lessons along my journey with each of YOU.

Peace & Love

Learning to Listen to the Voice Within

Tonight I resumed my meditation class after a little hiatus. I tried doing it at home all the while, but sometimes in my excitement to start my day (aka turning on my computer) I skip breakfast and everything else and jump right in. 

However I do find time in the evenings and nights out on my front porch taking in the view of the garden, mountains, sunset and birds. When I breathe in that fresh air nothing else matters. On Sunday I think I spent the entire day out there finishing a book I started reading on my kindle in January: Yesterday I Cried by Iyanla Vanzant. I did not cry (although it made you want to), but I completed the rest of the book with a new appreciation for the author and the silent struggles people go through.

Tonight after being out of practice for about a month, I tried to still the chaos in my head while meditating and somewhere along the line, a voice spoke to me. With so many things on my mind, like my workshop, my book, my mother's melancholy, I fought to regain control of my meditative practice. I focussed on the mantra and the solutions to my "problems" emerged.

Although I don't know if I have the tenacity to attend every class, I now know the value of meditation. I've been doing it for years unconsciously, but now I've learnt how to do it right. In January, my facilitator says I will be sure to see a transformation. I pray for the patience and determination to witness that.

This may sound a little weird, but the "voice" told me that the solution to one of my challenges is to "do nothing at all...just be you" and do what comes naturally: "resume blogging everyday" and let the answers find you. Though I can't divulge right now what question this was in response to, I am intent on listening to that voice of wisdom.

This is Day 1.

Stay tuned.

Peace & Love

My Second Open Mic Session Experience at the Bocas Lit Fest!

Had fun reading from my soon-to-be-published book on Thursday at the Bocas Lit Fest Open mic session! It was a rush to look up and connect with the audience as I read the words in my heart and soul that I carried with me for so long. 

Thanks to my photo-taker-outer Firstlady Abigail for doing a good job despite the windy day! Peace & Love xox

photo credit - C. K. Correia © 2015. All rights reserved.