Let go and Live your life!!

Hey folks...

Sorry about my absence this past week and last weekend....it's been a rough few days but the good news is that I'm back! Going through some life changing decisions on all fronts and trying to figure out what's my next step.

I have some more Good News!! Last weekend I was able to finally upload some of my videos from my Book Launch onto youtube!!! Woohoo!! I wanted to share them with you right then and there but there are a few bloopers and I wasn't sure if I wanted to let the world see this. Still undecided....what do you think? This is the first time you will be meeting me...Hope you won't judge me too harshly by it!

All things remaining the same...it was a fantastic event and the memories were golden!! Would not change a thing..except maybe if a couple of my other close friends could have been there: Reena, Nadia, Roxanne & Danna!! Luv you all and I hope you enjoy this as much as I do...and can share in the moment. XOXO

One thing I've learnt from this past week is that "after one time is two" as we say in trini. I'm learning about people more and more everyday....every year...and every season. When you think you know someone...something can happen to make you realize how genuine your interactions with them were. I'm not saying that I am a perfect person...by no means. 

As I said in the closing remarks of my book we are a work in progress and we're  never too big to learn from anyone...even a child. We all have flaws and idiosyncrasies - that's the whole purpose of life...to learn and grow and help each other along the way but when someone cannot accept that and look beyond their own imperfections and biases then something is terribly, terribly wrong and there's no point to continue alliances. 

Unless one party does something absolutely unforgivable and crossed the line of morals and justice and the situation/damage is deemed beyond repair then by all means...throw in the towel. But if the sole reason is pride and petty differences then perhaps a historical review has to be done of the interaction/friendship/relationship. 

What I always do is take a look back and make a judgement as to if this person was really genuine all along based on their reactions and interactions. Most times I have cause to do this, the outcome is sometimes not so surprising...because usually upon true reflection they are not that genuine. 

Anyway....enough of my ranting..."like a bridge over troubled water"...once again I had to make a decision about someone I thought was for me. In the end you are better off without people like that who are pretending to be in your favour. I've found it best to nip it in the bud, divorce yourself completely and cut your losses when you realize this. Don't ever make anyone feel that they are more important than you! #lifelessons.

Onto "happier, shinier" thoughts of upliftment and motivation. I'm compiling a list of all the things I want to accomplish this year...tangible and intangible. Can you come up with your own list? Can you give yourself a deadline as to when you want to achieve the tangible things within your control? Let's go!!

I believe in you...I believe in me...I believe in us!! "We can make it happen if we try." The sky is the limit to achieve ALL that we want to see happen materialize in our lives this year so give it your best try and Remember to Make it Count!!!

ps...I started my Spanish class this week....¡Me gusto mucho!! ¡No puedo esperar para hablar más español!

Hasta luego amigos~ 

TGIF!!!!

 ¡Ciao!

4000 hit marker!!

photo credit -orangerice.deviantart.com

Ya know ya got it bad...when you just got home from gym and all you can think about is your blog! [lol]. Not food...not washing your hair...but checking the stats on your blog:-)....Yup...so other than the weekend, the past few days weren't the best but I feel great knowing that someone other than me is tuning into my blog...:) Would like to announce that thanks to you my great audience...my blog Moment to Moment...has just crossed the 4000 hit marker!!! Woohoo:D

Everything would be just perfectomundo now if I can make a living writing full time...but until better can be done...Imma keep on pushing forward to realize that goal one step at a time. Got to see my cousin from the US yesterday and we had a great time catching up (luv ya Des). She finally got to see my book and loves it...that support feels great.

I meet with another bookstore tomorrow or Friday and I'm hoping they carry my book...can't wait to see the response it gets there. Many people have been commenting on my press promos and that's also great that the media has supported me in this effort to promote my book. Still thinking about radio....arghhhh....don't know why it fills me with such trepidation...but have to make a decision soon.

I'm also looking forward to my Spanish classes next week!! Finally signed up last November and got accepted to do it at the Venezuelan Embassy. Can't wait to habla mas espanol! Soon...soon....

Some other stuff is posing some anxiety but it's comforting to know that I have genuine friends who truly care that I can rely on. When all else fails...what's a girl to do but.....go shoe shopping!! Yup so that's what I did Friday evening after work. Also bought a few books and an audio book that day and earlier in the week. Already finished reading one of them. Thought I'd share with you...

This is my MUST READ list:

Jonathon Livingston Seagull - Richard Bach (reread this one after first reading it over 10 years ago---finished it in a day!!)

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho (half way thru)

These are on my waiting to read list:-

64 Lessons for a Life Without Limits - T.D. Jakes

Singin' & Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas - Maya Angelou

Check them out [& of course my own book Thinking out Loud Available here---->https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11764998] and tell me what you think!!

2 more days for the weekend:) 2012 is racing already:(

What I've learnt is to LIVE in the moment and revel in all it's splendour because tomorrow is promised to no one...the past is gone...so remember to learn the lessons and put it away...for this moment right here is YOURS, so claim it and Make it Count!!!

Now back to my soup-making etc [split pea btw yum]

 

Best to you & yours:)

XO

It was the Best of oatmeal...it was the Worst...

photo credit - C. K. Correia

What to blog about? That's the question I was asking myself as I sat in church tonight. Believe it or not, most times I have no idea what I'm going to blog about when I begin typing....and this is one such time. I feed off of my brain wave/inspiration at the time....or things that have happened in the past day or week. Well, this week was a whirlwind of emotions. It started off great with a public holiday of course when one of my long time friends came over for lunch with her family. It was a nice visit since we haven't seen each other in while and a good way to start the week and the new year. The work week started on Tuesday on a good note when one of my co-workers alerted me to a feature/interview with me in the press about my book. I knew it was going to be published soon but wasn't sure when sooo I was elated since I got a full page feature with photos. You can view it here (minus the photos):

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/featured-news/Carolyn_Correia_thinks_out_loud-136555353.html

While a lot of positive things were happening to me personally, a lot of stuff was happening around me that caused me to react. Sometimes, we are a product of our environment and at some point there comes a time in our lives when something happens for us to realize whose side we are on. Or in fact, is it our choice to choose sides? When we are faced with a situation that causes us to pick a side because our livelihood depended on it, are we responsible enough to remain objective or do we allow our emotions to get in the way? I am not only talking about myself but to each of us that ever had to pick a team for this is a reoccurring decimal for me. Are there any real winners and losers out there or are we all focusing on self-preservation? This is a means of venting and since I can't reveal the true source of my dilemma, I trust that only if you've been there before you would be able to relate. 

Sometimes persons have to take an introspective look and also a look at the bigger picture as if on the opposite side...as a stranger looking in and it just might reveal some startling revelations. It may reveal that in the real world there are no grandiose plots of scheming, espionage and sabotage. And what remains is our outlook and perspective. Every dark cloud has a silver lining and every disappointment is a blessing in disguise once we are able to separate ourselves from the anxiety, confusion and anger. I have certainly done that over the years and everyday I am thankful to God above that I was able to move on from some of the lowest points in my life, find the reason and meaning, learn the lessons, break the shackles that confined me and overcome EVERY disappointment without fail. You only know what you're worth once tested.

On a happier note, the year begun with me selling eight (8) books in five (5) days...I am elated:) And another book promo feature is appearing tomorrow (Sunday) in one of the most prominent magazines in the country....the Woman Express!! You can view a preview here:

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/woman-magazine/Thinking-out-loud-136873018.html

This week, I have a meeting with another bookstore in an effort to have them carry my book in their store...can't wait;) 

Stay tuned!

Have a great week folks....and wherever you and whatever you're doing Remember to Make it Count!

Feel free to post your comments and for global readers you can purchase a copy of my first book Thinking out Loud via this link:

https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11764998

 

Happy Reading!

XO

Dream a little Dream....

photo credit -tourochina.ca

The Internet and the media on the whole are great places to dream. Sometimes we don’t have to leave the comfort of our home to discover a brand new world outside of our own reality. Books are also a nice escape from reality to live vicariously through the eyes of the author. 

This new year 2012, I am like a lot of people re-evaluating my goals. I remember when I had just graduated from high school and was thinking of going to college abroad, I often imagined that after school my dream was to live in a Manhattan apartment and work for a magazine! Little did I know that there was someone else with that very dream which we would later see on television years later on Sex in the City (there was no Mr. Big in my dream however and mine was minus the escapades:).

photo credit - © C.K. Correia - North Coast Trinidad

My dreams morphed from one idea to the other over the years. Later on I wanted to move to Europe and fall in love with a dreamy stranger in a romantic metropolitan city with the bright lights and magical allure having a candlelight dinner at a new and quaint spot every night. 

Of course these things did not happen and in hindsight I don’t think I missed out on much. Since then I have become older and wiser and realized that everything that glitters is not gold and I have found my own fantasy right here where I live in the Caribbean. 

I have travelled to Europe and the US and while I loved the experience, there's no place like home. Trinidad & Tobago is a lovely twin-island Republic with lovely warm (and sometimes rainy) weather and beaches 24/7. It is rich in culture and history and there are still places that I have not visited believe it or not! 

The food is FANTASTIC! and the people are warm and friendly and always up for a good lime (or party) especially at Carnival time. Of course who can forget the many public holidays like this one today and cultural festivals year round! My parents are close by and I never get home sick.  Who can ask for anything more?! 

My life is pretty comfortable and thanks to God I am living out all of my dreams right here in my little idyllic paradise. I have everything I need and it can only get better with time (knock on wood). Sounds a bit too good to be true (some of you may be shaking your heads... but I have learnt over time that in life you have to make the most of what you have and be grateful for small mercies and simple pleasures. 

Happiness is a state of mind not an acquisition of material comforts. If it was the latter then you would always be chasing the illusion and searching for happiness. When you find it...grab onto it and don't let go!

So this New Year I have many projects in store already – one of which is to record an audio book of my first publication - Thinking out Loud. And also to launch my Event Management/Broadcasting/PR/HR Company and work more closely in my field is another goal of mine. But I decided that I would not rush the future. 

Everything happens in it’s own time once you are persistent enough and that I am. I plan to savour the moments more….(we are already two days into the new year already! Can you believe it??!) and squeeze every last drop out of life. I plan to make time to do the things I enjoy but don’t get consumed by it all…and also spend time with the people I love.

I look expectantly towards the future and creating new memories. Can't wait!!

Whatever you're doing and whichever part of the globe you're at, do remember to Make it count!!!!

What are some of your dreams and goals for this year?? Feel free to post your comments.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! Many, many BLESSINGS to each and everyone of you!!

Peace & Love,
Carolyn

XO


Don't forget my book is available locally at RIK Bookstores nationwide and for my international readers, you can purchase a copy right here by following this link:

https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11764998

 Here's a couple reviews that were published in the local press:

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/featured-news/Carolyn_Correia_thinks_out_loud-136555353.html

http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/thursday-december-29-2011/correia%E2%80%99s-thinking-out-loud-provides-fresh-bold-outlook

I wish to thank once again my global community for your support since I could not do any of this without you!!! :) 

 Happy reading!!!

XO

Happy New Year 2012!!!



photo credit -wallerpaperswide.com



It's January 1st 2012!!! A brand new year for a new beginning to wipe the slate clean and start anew!! Let's make a promise to ourselves that we won't let anything hold us back from living our dreams this year!! Let's make it our best year yet!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Farewell 2011...

As the sun sets on 2011, may we put away what is old and welcome a brand new beginning. May the Lord smile and shine His face upon you this new year and may He bless you richly fulfilling all of your dreams!! As the last few hours count down let us look at someone and thank them for being part of our lives. Let's release the past and leave our wishes up to God. Let's make it count!!

See you next year!!
XO

one for the road....last time we would see and write the date December 31st 2011!!

Auld Lang Syne

New Year Countdown!!

photo credit - theideadesk.com

The time has come again for my ole year's (as we say in these parts) ritual. I always get a tinsy bit sad and reflective as the year ends. With just one more day and a few hours remaining for 2011, I must give thanks to God for another great year. I am deeply humbled and grateful for ALL of my blessings both great and small. As I sit here on my porch having a drink of punche de creme under the moon and soaking up the last of the Christmas lights, not only at my house but in the neighbourhood I also look back on the Christmas season that passed by soo fast (in fact the entire year passed by in a whoosh! I remember last year December as if it was yesterday). In the background the silence is punctuated by passing cars and the popping of the occasional firecracker which has started already...

I must admit that when this year had just begun I was yearning for change in certain aspects of my life that I was almost positive that I was destined for before the year ended...however this was not to be :( As I always tell myself: there is a purpose for everything that happens. Fortunate for me I was able to fill my life with other things to occupy my time:) For my regular visitors to my blog, you would have witnessed this progression and transformation unfolding day by day. It was indeed a very exciting and eventful year for me. As 2011 comes to an end, I am thankful for life and all the wonderful people in it. I am grateful most of all for my health and the health and presence (and support)of my family in my life. Thanks for my friends that stayed true to me and the new people that entered my life or the ones that I got to know better and friendships forged and renewed. I am grateful for my ability to earn an honest and comfortable living. I am gratfeul for all of the simple luxuries that we often take for granted that many others may not be fortunate enough to enjoy. I am appreciative of my blessings and my gift of writing and other talents and most of all I am very grateful for my ability to share this with my readers all over the world - especially via my book Thinking out Loud that was published in the latter part of this year 2011. This was the best Christmas present I could get myself and the rewards surpass my expectations which I imagine can only get better.

I pray and look towards 2012 with hope for new blessings and memories. New people to enjoy and spend the many days with. I pray that I would be able to travel and experience new cultures and destinations that I have never before visited (and take lotsa pictures:). I pray that I will learn the lessons of 2011 and past years and take it with me in the new year 2012 and beyond. I pray that my blog and my book will help many people and provide healing for both you and myself included. I pray that I am able to live up to the expectations of my writing at every moment and be an example to others.

My resolutions are simple: that I will put the past behind me and completely let go of my tribulations, fears or unresolved feelings; that I will not let negative people or situations get the better of me; that I will let go of my anxiety for the future which is not under my control; that I would stand by my decisions and second guess myself less and of course get better control my emotions.

So as I bid 2011 adieu, I commit to learning the lessons and go boldly forward into the future with passion, fortitude, wisdom, gratitude and grace. I will remain open to ALL possibilities and welcome ALL opportunities for growth.

Wishing everyone a blessed, bountiful and abundantly rich New Year 2012 in all the ways that count - filled with peace, happiness, eternal love, humility, fortitude and wonderful people to share it with.

Many blessings to you my online readers and thanks for your readership!

XOXO

Boxing Day flash back...

These past few days have been blissful to say the least. Waking up late…not having to go to work…relaxing with family…food…drinks…liming…sweet! Christmas Eve and the day before was spent with my mom doing errands around town and Christmas Day was wonderful. Today is Boxing Day where I am in T&T and I just came from a lime at a friend’s house.

I am now watching American Idol reruns on YouTube, which I never before viewed on television. Wow! Never knew what I was missing…what amazing talent.

A song by Jordin Sparks made me reflect on some things my friends and colleagues said at my recent Book Launch, which was really amazing. I wish I could upload the videos…but it will have to wait until I sort out my technical difficulties. Two of them said that all of us have talent and some of us never find it or allow God to use us for the benefit of mankind. They said it’s good that I have allowed that miracle to happen. Every day I am thankful for my gifts and I ask God that I am able to stay true to Him and live my inspiration every day. Jennifer Hudson said that all she ever wanted to do was sing for the world once and because of Amercan Idol she is getting to do it more than once. That's all I ever wanted to do [with my writing] and I'm getting to do it everyday because of modern technology, determination and my readers.

Another song made me reflect on my own life and the people in it. Throughout the past few weeks I realized that so many of us carry around burdens and hurt that have been unresolved. Some of us are hiding from different things…some from ourselves, some from love…some of us are just afraid of what could be waiting for us around the corner. And I’m not only talking about physical danger but the intangible things that do not pose physical harm. Some of us are afraid of ourselves…of what lies within us…I may even be guilty of that. Sometimes what is needed is some soul searching in order to find that much needed healing to mend that space within ourselves or in our lives. That epiphany that can lead to our “moment of truth” to find the key to unlock/remove that distance we’ve been placing between ourselves and others that prevent us from letting go of our fear or in some cases our hurtful past. Sometimes we pray for an answer and we think God doesn’t heed our call but sometimes he does indeed work in mysterious ways. And although he may not bring us exactly what we want, if we look deeper we may realize that he has sent a real blessing in disguise and it is exactly what we need in order to evolve to that next level in order to find peace.

Much of what I’m saying may not make sense to some but somewhere out there, it may be exactly what someone needs to hear.

Can you relate? Please post your comments...
XO

Caroling, caroling!!! - Nat King Cole!!!

Just gotta share this one.....one of my favourites!!!
Can't help but sing along...Gone but not forgotten! Nat King Cole
Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a Good Night!!!