Articles & Quotes of H.O.P.E.™ courtesy of the "Self-Esteem Queen"™
Dawn Johnson, "The Self-Esteem Queen"™, is an internationally known speaker, author, serial entrepreneur, and business coach. For FREE information on products and services designed to keep you MOTIVATED while pursuing THE LIFE YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED, visit Dawn at www.SelfEsteemQueen.com
"If all misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart."
~ Socrates
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
"We are no longer happy as soon as we wish to be happier"
~ Walter Savage Landor
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
As an entrepreneur, I have found that in the past few years it’s sometimes very difficult for me to meet other entrepreneurs without feeling a sense of compassion for those who have gotten into this field by default; they were laid off or reassigned, they made a decision that they wanted to work for themselves without realizing all the work and dedication being self-employed entails, or they have always had a dream of being a perceived expert in something.
Lisa…
I too have observed a trend of what I call “haphazard entrepreneurs” and “followpreneurs”…these are people who lack a passion for business and all it entails. They leap into entrepreneurship as an escape from some unpleasant reality in their previous work or for the pipe dream of endless money, homes, cars, fame, and more under the title “entrepreneur”…and yet these same people often fail to realize the incredible amount of work and dedication that goes into being an entrepreneur in the true sense of the word – a creator, an initiator who assumes risk. After all, entrepreneurs help our capitalistic society thrive. Being an entrepreneur has almost become a buzz word. In spite of so many professionals, self-employed persons, and followpreneurs claiming the title, how many are maximizing their gifts? Ralph Waldo Emerson accurately asserted that “Imitation is suicide”. We are each put on this planet for a specific reason. We all have a mission to carry out during our time here. To attempt to carry out another’s mission is an insult to what our respective personal purposes.
Dawn…
Don’t get me wrong – I am all for entrepreneurship in a country that gives me all of the resources I need to be successful. I have had the opportunity to become financially wealthy by being dedicated to my craft and also by being a vessel for those in need. I have found my “niche” as an entrepreneur, and that niche doesn’t entail making others “financially rich”. I have never desired to be in competition with anyone simply because I was always taught that I have no competition however I feel like there is a growing trend of unnecessary competition in the field of entrepreneurship. I am finding that there are people who come into entrepreneurship with a sense of urgency because it’s their last ditch effort to make a living. With desperation comes deceit, and with deceit come dishonesty.
Lisa…
And with dishonesty comes a lack of service and with a lack of service comes the deterioration of entrepreneurship and the most fulfilling aspects of beginning and growing a successful enterprise. Ask yourself how often you collaborate with other entrepreneurs to create synergy and leverage? Entrepreneurs past and present who have realized exceptional levels of success are almost always in alliance with other entrepreneurs who have similar missions and visions. Competition is cancerous to your success as an entrepreneur. Yes, you will compete for your ideal customer’s attention at some point, but truthfully, there is abundance in the universe. There’s enough for everybody. There is no need to be needy or desperate in any attempt to be successful or make money. The best version of you will inevitably yield amazing levels of success in your personal and professional life.
Dawn…
I’m hoping that through writing this I can bring this issue to light for those who are new to being entrepreneurs and also those who are “veterans” in this awesome field. Only in America have I found that I can have the freedom to coach so many people from the comfort of my computer. An entrepreneur should want to be a LEADER, not a FOLLOWER.
Blind Trust
Going into business relationships with others without doing any background checks on the person and their business. Call me anal retentive, but I apologetically like to know WHO I’m going into business with before I make a decision to do such. Often when someone in our field goes to a seminar, boot camp, or workshop we are faced with the daunting task of meeting a number of people who want to collaborate on a joint venture with us. Most of the time when you go on enough of these websites of people in the same circle, you start to see the exact same people giving testimonials to the same exact people and the ABOVE AVERAGE person should really wonder: When did it become popular to have canned testimonials and canned copy as an entrepreneur? When did this trend start to sweep across the internet? I am baffled at the number of people who follow along with this trend because even if people outside of our field never peruse the internet and see this, it is still an act of dishonesty and should be avoided. Getting canned testimonials is not only dishonest but it shows the growing trend of people who are following which leads me to pose the question: Are you an Entrepreneur or are you a Followpreneur?
Lisa…
You should not have to pay to play! Period. An investment in your education as an entrepreneur is one thing, but paying simply to get into the circle of certain people is unwise. After all, you are viewed as a customer, not a colleague, when you pay for the opportunity to be acknowledged. You are enough just as you are! There is no need to believe that one person or a few people hold the key to your success. You are responsible for your own success. Yes, you need a strong network, but you don’t need to be a follower to win. In fact, being an entrepreneur flies in the face of following the crowd by default! Own all the power and originality inherent to entrepreneurship. I don’t care how people spin it; your talent, knowledge, and expertise can and should make a way for you without you having to pay thousands of dollars to join a congregation of people who believe they’ve found the way. Too often, those who are trying to sell the dream are the same people selling philosophies on how to attain the dream. Business can be a dog eat dog world; you have to come in with your eyes open and be certain of who you are and what you will and will not accept.
The SEQ’s Philosophy on Business…
A person should come into your life “Average”. In grade school we have a grade system that ranges from ‘A’ to ‘F’ with “Average” being considered a ‘C’. I believe it should be the same when you get into a professional relationship with anyone. My opinion is that you shouldn’t take what someone says to you. A person should either work themselves up to an ‘A’ or ’B’ or work themselves down to a ‘D’ or ‘F’. Professionally, people should not be trusted unless they can prove some key things for you: Did (s)he really go to college; did (s)he really graduate and obtain a degree, are they living what they speak (lifestyle, morally, ethically) or are they “fakin’ it until they start makin’ it”? There are many folks who have become “Internet Celebrities” and it was their marketing that got them the money before they really had it. Before you dish out any more money on impulse and emotion at a boot camp, seminar, or workshop, ask yourself the following questions:
1. What type of proof do I have of this person and the things that they say on a website are true?
2. How much of an expert is the person you’re doing a joint / affiliate venture with?
The Inspiration Icon’s Philosophy on Entrepreneurship…
You are more than enough! You don’t need the stamp of approval or validation of a guru or personality to get out there and make your dreams a reality. Be deliberate about what you choose to invest in because your investments will yield things – good or bad. Much in the way a seed yields a certain kind of fruit, you will become like those you choose to follow. Decide now who you want to become and what you want your enterprise to be and then hold to that with unwavering dedication. It’s always better to be a first rate version of yourself in all of your brilliance than a second rate version of someone else. Be inspired by others but resist the temptation to become a carbon copy. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Don’t follow the trail; blaze it!
The Self Esteem Queen’s Philosophy on Entrepreneurship…
Deep inside each of us is the ability to be, do and create anything that our minds can think of. The reality is that most of us never flex our brain muscle and therefore never understand that all you need to manifest your dream business is already inside of you. Instead of following someone else merely to become their clone, take time to understand that just as there is more than one way to skin a cat; there are many ways to become a successful entrepreneur without compromising your morals and ethics and becoming a carbon copy of someone else who is merely a carbon copy of their mentor or coach. Learn to be Above Average. Learn to read more and spend time DOING instead of talking. Forge a way where there was no path. Seek to be better than the ONLY competition you have: Yourself.
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, Sessions with The SEQ™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
We don't want you to ask for the security that comes from physical promises from physical humans. We want your security to come to you from your knowing. We want your awareness of security to be that you know the laws of the universe work, you know how to focus, you know that this positive focus that you offer will always bring you good things.
Don't try to see so far down the road. Just see what is, and look for the good things, don't demand that promises be made that give you security. This is the thing that makes the difference between someone who can stand where they are, in an attitude of belief and trust, some call it faith, but some don't like the word faith, because faith feels like be happy even though you have no evidence of being happy.
We want to acknowledge to yourself that you have much evidence that supports the power of positive thought. So just chill out.
Don't try to figure it all out at once. The mantra we want you to offer over the next few days is:
"I'll figure it out as I go"...
"Look how well I'm doing"...
"The Universe adores me"...
"The Universe is yielding to me"...
"There is not a reason for me to worry"...
"When I worry its patterns of old thought"...
"That has nothing to do with my current reality"...
You're doing extremely well!
~ Abraham-Hicks / San Diego 1-12-2008
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™, & the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
You are powerful beings, and when you do not exercise your power, you don't take it very well. When you’re not loving you don't take it very well because you are a lover! When you don't are feeling out of balance, you don't take it very well because you are enormously balanced beings, and when you don't thrive you don't take it very well, because you are meant to thrive, and at the core of your being you are a stable basis of knowledge and well being and when you deviate it because of the attention to one thing or another, you don't take it well. Friends you’re not supposed to do well in the feeling of negative emotion.
Negative emotion is your indicator that you are out of balance. Doesn't it give you relief to know that you don't have to modify the behavior of your wife to feel better! Doesn't it give you relief to realize that you don’t have to change the world in order to see the world the way you want it to be! Isn’t it reassuring to you to understand that life is good and getting better! Negative emotion means you've expanded and your not letting yourself go! We always put the emphasis on the 'you've expanded part' ..Art of allowing is letting yourself be by deliberate choice of your thoughts and words and behavior, it’s letting yourself be a closer match to who you really become. And when you are not doing that, you want to blame everybody, because it just feels rotten to not be who you really are.
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™, & the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
"It makes me understand how young celebrities get so depressed that they turn to drugs and other self destructive ways to dull their pain, when they read such trash talk about themselves at a time when they haven't yet learned the tools that would allow these words to slide off their backs. To them, I say first try to meditate and become good at letting things go"
I am fasting for Maia Campbell - I have never met her. But I don't need to KNOW her to know she needs prayer......
~ Dawn The Self Esteem Queen
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
On this day of your life, I believe God wants you to know...
..that when you pray for anyone, you tend to modify
your personal attitude toward them.
Norman Vincent Peale said that, and he touched on
something truly profound. If someone is vexing you
right now, say a prayer for that person. Send them all
of your best energies.
Nothing changes the environment like one person
deciding to love another, no matter what.
You know exactly why you received this message today.
Love, Your Friend....
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
And so, as a result of the overwhelming amount of attention that most of you give to your current situation (what-is) change comes very slowly or not at all. A steady stream of different people flows into your life but the essence or theme of those experiences does not change very much. In order to effect true positive change in your experience, you must disregard how things are - as well as how others are seeing you - and give more of your attention to the way you prefer things to be. With practice, you will change you point of attraction and will experience a substantial change in your life experience.
- Abraham-Hicks -
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
"So you’re so angry at your mate, or your mother, or someone... someone you work with, someone you work for. And they just seem to be ruining your life, Because they will not change their behavior. You do not seem to be important enough to them to change their behavior which hurts your feelings a great deal.
And then you discover “Wait a minute! They don’t have to change a thing in order for me to feel better. I can start looking for positive aspects. I can look for things within them that make me feel good.”... “Oh that’s impossible” you say... “there is so much that is bad and not much that’s good. In fact I haven’t seen a glimmer of anything that’s good for so very long.” And we say, there are other subjects to which you could give your attention. “Well maybe” you say reluctantly. “My dog. My dog is easy to love.. or my cat.” And we say... do whatever it takes to find something to be your object of attention. And as you give your attention to something that allows you to feel good, you’ve done something about this relationship that was bothering you. In fact, if you will make it your work to feel good, every relationship that you have will be one that pleases you.
...So that when you come together with this person or these people that what they mostly show you is that part that is most active in your vibration - did you hear that? What they mostly show you is the part that is most active in YOUR VIBRATION!.. It’s such a wonderful thing... did you hear that? What they keep showing you is the part of them that is most active in YOUR vibration. And all this time you thought it was their doing!"
Abraham 23/3/02 Phoenix
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™, & the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
On this day of your life, I believe God wants you to know...
....that love is sometimes shown in the things you don't
say, don't keep track of, and don't notice.
The greatest kindness is often shown in letting things go.
None of us is perfect, but we can all be perfect friends
and perfect partners by allowing those that we love to
be imperfect.
Give those around you the "break" that you hope the
world will give you on your own "bad day" and you'll
never, ever regret it.
Love, Your Friend....
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™, & the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
Most of you stand in this place of defending why you need or want something better. You say, as if you were pleading to your mother --you did that when you were little: I NEED it! I REALLY NEED it! As you plead your neediest cases, that's when Congress puts the money there. That's when your mother gives up the goods. That's when people who are weary of your complaining, cave in and say, "All right TAKE the car!"
But we're wanting you to understand that even though humans may cave in to your negative demands or pleading, the Universe never, EVER gives you what you want, when you're beating the drum of what you don't want. Every time you are justifying how much you NEED something, you are vibrationally preventing yourself from having what you want. You cannot offer the frequency of NEED, and DESIRE, at the same time. You cannot be a vibrational match to what you want, and its absence, at the same time.
- Abraham-Hicks -
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
When you discover the factor of relief that is available through your downstream intention, you will discover the path to true freedom - freedom from the bondage that comes trying to control others when your only work is to control the vibration of your being.
The best part of this understanding is that no one else needs to possess or apply this knowledge. You can apply it whether anyone else does or not; and when you do, your world will become exactly as you want it to be. And that is the "control" you have been seeking. That is the secret to life that humans have been looking for.
The Astonishing Power of Emotions, page 161
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss
to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
Re-understanding Misunderstandings: Truth and Consequences By: Dawn Self-Esteem Queen™
All of us know what it feels like to be misunderstood. Communication is extremely important to us, and when we are unable to do that effectively, is it frustrating. A lot of our frustration, however, can be alleviated once we re-understand what it means to be misunderstood. There are two things that we need to do in order to come to that understanding: first, we must accept the truth; secondly, we must accept the consequences. That seems simple enough, but I will show you how difficult this ends up being for so many of us.
Accepting the truth means exactly that: not sugar coating what we are and what we do. Sometimes, misunderstandings happen when we want others to accept us in spite of our flaws, and we are frustrated when they do not. We want people to “accept us for what we are.” That is fine. You have the right. However, have you accepted you for what you are? Perhaps it’s time you come to grips with the fact that people may not go off on you not just to “pick” on you, but because you do not accomplish what you said you would. That is not a misunderstanding—rather, that is your lack of acceptance of truth. Truth means being able to see both our redeeming qualities and our lack thereof—and accept them both.
Do not expect people to read your mind or your body language. Everybody cannot do that. I have a degree in Communication Studies and consider myself to be a pretty good judge of verbal & non-verbal communication, however there are times when I myself am stumped by someone’s behavior. You have to clearly communicate the truth—whatever that is at the time—to the person you are attempting to make it clear to. This is part of accepting the truth; if you cannot communicate clearly, then your odds of being misunderstood grow exponentially. Make your points clear and firm. Remember, it is better to be clear about your truth than merely making a statement that conveys the opposite. People will appreciate the clarity in which you bring truth, and whether they like your points or not, you will be understood.
Once you have accepted those consequences, find others who are willing to live within your world-view. These are those who you shall find comfort, friendship, and perhaps even commerce with. Aligning yourself with like-minded individuals is one of the ways that one can embrace truth, brave the consequences, and re-understand the misunderstandings of others.
Beware. While truth is not relative (despite others attempts to make it so), consequences are. Living within ones convictions can cause pain and suffering, not because you are misunderstood, but rather because you are understood. It takes courage to live within one’s convictions, but to paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, “the man who relies upon truth has nothing to fear from lies.”
Because we are all different, being misunderstood is a natural part of the human condition, and it as impossible to prevent it from happening as it is to prevent aging or hunger. However, accepting the truth as it is and accepting the consequences of those truths goes a long way toward helping others to understand us—and even helps them to re-understand why they misunderstood us in the first place.
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™ I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
Keep it real—or just keep it: A true look at the concept of friendship. By: Dawn R. Johnson, “The Self-Esteem Queen”™
There was a popular rap song in the mid ‘80’s by a group known as Whodini. The song was a pleasant ode to amicability in a musical genre that would one day become rife with misogyny, misanthropy and “the soft bigotry of low expectations”. The song was simply titled “Friends.” Part of the famous chorus, rapped in a sing-song voice, informed the listeners that friends are the “ones we can depend on.”
I sadly believe humans have lost sight of this concept. The song “Friends” seems to be strangely prophetic in these times of selfishness. The song wryly commented that the word “friends” is often used the wrong way. Twenty years later, I must agree. I observe people who call themselves friends to others and who describe themselves as “confidants” or “trustworthy” allies, but who also seem to have a tendency to turn on their “chums and pals” at the first available opportunity.
The phrase “fair-weather friend” seems to be le mote juste for those who use their alliances with others for the purposes of climbing the corporate ladder, for political gain, or for the prestige of being famous.
In these times of wealth and prosperity, we have lost the sense of camaraderie that goes with having companions — indeed, the Latin root of the word “companion” implies intimacy; it is literally “one who shares your bread.”
The biblical friends King David and Jonathan come to mind, who shared a strong friendship. There was a reliance and trust in each other that went beyond politics, wealth, fame, or background. Their friendship was tested when Jonathan’s father sought to kill David, who at the time was not the King but rather a threat to his throne. These terrible circumstances never dampened their relationship, but instead strengthened it. One wonders today if the proverb “there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother” was conceived in reference to their bond.
How unlike this friendship is to those formed in today’s era! How many people of today’s spoiled generation would not hesitate to step on a so-called friend in order to obtain their own wealth and opulence? The hip-hop community, for example, is rife with tales of one-time friends who later turned on each other because of perceived slights or because of disagreements over money; yet this phenomenon is not limited to rappers.
With all this public strife between “friends”, it’s no wonder our younger generation is so violent and angry.
Today’s younger crowd is being introduced to backstabbing by the very people they idolize. We now see celebrities who used to be “best friends forever” demean each other on camera and then wait for their faithful following to take sides. There is different phrase from within the hip-hop community that is apropos for this discussion.
Often, one will hear the term “keep it real.” Usually, that term refers to the justification of some form of buffoonery, crassness, or stereotypically ghetto behavior however, the application can be used here to combat fickle friends.
The movie “Cast Away” comes to mind. Tom Hanks, isolated from other humans on an island, invents a friend out of Wilson volleyball. After he escaped from the island, he sobbed uncontrollably as his friend the volleyball floated away from him on the waves of the ocean. That scene speaks powerfully to man’s need for companionship—for someone to share one’s bread with.
I see many people who meet and immediately call themselves “friends”. I have learned that it takes longer than a few months or even a year to develop any sort of friendship with someone I have just met .
Keep these two questions in mind when looking at your current friendships: 1. If one cannot base one’s friendship on shared values, shared goals, and shared experiences, then why are you friends? Keep it real—meaning the friendship—or just keep it!
2. If one cannot remain a friend when times grow difficult, if one is not trustworthy, if one is not someone who a friend can confide in, then why are you wasting your time? Keep it real—meaning the friendship—or just keep it.
True friends are too important in my life to waste my time with false ones. I have come to the conclusion that if one cannot offer what I define as true friendship, then one should keep that fakeness to oneself. I have learned to set boundaries around myself and only let those who help me to grow as a person around me. I do not allow those who eat away at my time, talents, and treasures to spend time around me.
Always remember this: Friendship is more than a want. It is a human need.
In a World full of CHAOS I'd be remiss to not let you know to HOLD ON - POSSIBILITIES EXIST™ I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dawn The Self Esteem Queen™ is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist. Founder of the SEQ/H.O.P.E. Movement™, Dawn uses her trials to mentor, minister, and coach people all over the World. One of today’s leading experts on teen mentoring, self-esteem enhancement, personal & professional leadership, and entrepreneur development, Dawn’s mission in life is to teach individuals how to BE BETTER Human Beings. Her goal is to raise awareness and eradicate the exploitation of teenagers all over the Globe. Her Current Projects include: SEQ Collection Clothing, H.O.P.E. Platinum Coaching™, The OFFICIAL Project Black Love Cipher™, Stop Teenage Prostitution™, What Does Cancer Look Like™, Consumer Vigilantes™,& the highly anticipated H.O.P.E. Mindset™ Program.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com
The Power of Being A Strong Woman (not for the weak-minded).
By: Dawn Johnson, MBA “The Self-Esteem Queen”™
Powerful women know that failure is never an acceptable option.
Though I’m always thankful to Adam for his rib, I know that there are some things that God only gave me in terms of wisdom.There are many women in the World who are afraid to step out from the shadow of their non-creative self due to the fear that as a woman, they will not be able to get ahead.Even with so many strong women making their mark in society as prominent authoritative figures, there is that crowd that walks around in needless fear.These women MUST know that they hold the power that keeps them in bondage and the power to get out and become what they daydream about.
Strong women have learned that influence is a gift from God that shouldn't be used to manipulate their professional and personal life.
Often the powerful woman must straddle the fence of exuding confidence while simultaneously learning how not to allow that confidence to alter her judgments when dealing with others.There are some who become alert to their power to influence others and use this to their advantage in a malicious manner to make profits from their power.Strong women DON’T manipulate those they serve.This is a fact.
I don’t seek recognition for my good deeds from earthly persons.
There was a time when I wanted to let everyone know how great I was, how wonderful all my accomplishments were, and how I was just so great.I have since learned that this is not a way to possess my power.I get power each time my path is directed in a way I cannot explain.My power lies in letting my Guide make my heavy decisions.Whenever someone steps up to recognize something I have done, I am always quick to acknowledge the assistance I received from the Universe instead of taking all the credit.
Strong women know power is in the silence of your mouth and the loudness of your deeds.
I always say, “Your actions speak to loud I can’t hear anything you say.”Oftentimes we get caught up in trying to let others know who we are and what we stand for.The art of being a strong woman is that you already exude that from the confidence of your walk to the authority you command when your actions speak volumes for your mouth.I was once told that those who speak a lot only like to hear the sounds of their voices.A strong woman knows that actions mean more to the World than a good speech any day.
I walk in awareness of my importance. I spend most of my time in a state of reflection with God.Early in my career I determined that I was not going to let people or things in life dictate my happiness.I have been tried and tested and this has taught me that being influential causes you to be a target for the “nay-sayers” and “you can’t accomplish that” venom throwers.The key, a strong woman knows, is continuing on the path that will eventually lead you to your purpose no matter what those who seek to destroy your dream will say.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - A celebrated servant-leader, internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist, Dawn Johnson, the acclaimed “Self Esteem Queen”™, is one of today’s leading experts on transformational leadership, entrepreneur personal development, and self-esteem enhancement.
To learn more about Dawn’s products and sign up to receive FREE tips on improving your life visit Dawn at www.selfesteemqueen.com.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to info@selfesteemqueen.com.
“Lecturing or demanding that others live peacefully is one of the least effective ways to inspire them; however, when we simply demonstrate that we’re living peacefully, we offer other people a large dose of inspiration by our mere presence.” ~ Wayne Dyer
In part 2 of this 10 part series, I want to touch on a subject very close to my heart today- Choosing to know who you really are despite what others say about you.
Last year when I attended Ali Brown's Online Success Bootcamp, I paid to attend David Neagle's "X-Factor - The Secret Element to Creating Wealth". One of the things that David touched on was learning to know your highest self. I listen to the CD's from this event still today and felt compelled to write about this subject especially at a time when verbal abuse seems to run rampant in personal and professional settings.
Those of us who are honest will admit that we are guilty of verbally abusing others. When people get angry, the truth comes out in the form of words that eventually will hurt. As much as we try to "turn the other cheek" we are sometimes led to say some of the most hurtful things in anger. While this feels good at the time, the overall affect can prove to be detrimental to the receiver and the deliverer. For the person on the receiving end, it is sometimes hard to let the words go in one ear and out the other as these words tend to linger far after the insult has been lashed out. In order to be successful in communication, it is important for you to know who you really are so when someone lashes out at you, your ego won't be crushed in the process.
No one ever said you had to accept the words that someone bestows upon you that you know to be untrue. How many times have you said something to someone in anger only for them to turn and say something even more hurtful to you? I know it's happened to me many times in my 29 years and there have been numerous times when I have said something to someone I love only to kick myself in the backside after when the reaction is not what I hoped it would be.
Do you really "LOVE" those around you? If you were raised a Christian, this is what you say you believe "love" is:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
~ The Bible
Yet, in relationships with those you "love", the EXACT OPPOSITE IS PORTRAYED IN ANGER: hurtful words, spiteful actions, fits of rage, hostile living conditions, and on, and on... Is this what you were taught love was supposed to be?
In personal relationships, those who were once "equally yoked" are now feeling the strain of pulling the yoke alone, and the lack of effective communication brings an end to the once wonderful relationship.
In business situations, hurtful words cause co-workers to conduct business in hostile environments and for some, these words eventually lead to unemployment.
In friendships, those who claim to love each other get angry and spend their time speaking to other "friends" about those things they know will hurt the other person without thinking of the lasting effect it will have on the friendship when tempers die down...
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - A celebrated servant-leader, internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist, Dawn Johnson, the acclaimed “Self Esteem Queen”™, is one of today’s leading experts on transformational leadership, entrepreneur personal development, and self-esteem enhancement.
To learn more about Dawn’s products and sign up to receive FREE tips on your small business and personal enhancement, visit her site at http://www.selfesteemqueen.com/.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to dawn@selfesteemqueen.com.
According to the Newsweek article dated May 26, 2008 the following is true about bipolar disorder (lowercase intended):
It is an elusive disease that no parent fully understands, that some doctors do not believe exists in children, and that almost everyone stigmatizes,
bipolar disorder STILL CANNOT be identified based on brain scans,
Roughly 6.5 million Americans are affected by bipolar disorder,
At least 800,000 children in the United States have been diagnosed as bipolar, no doubt some of them wrongly,
There are many drugs, but it's unclear how they work. Often, they don't work at all, and they may interfere with normal brain growth.
The Article starts out by saying, "Max Blake was 7 the first time he tried to kill himself."
Many psychiatrists think that in the years since Max's diagnosis, doctors have erred on the side of seeing it everywhere, mislabeling kids and creating a lucrative market for drug companies.
In the space of one year, he tried eight psychoactive medications. Despite all the meds - and in part, because of them - he was and emotional wreck.
By 7 1/2, Max was on so many different drugs that.. his parents could no longer tell if they were helping or hurting him. He was suffering from tics, blinking his eyes, clearing his throat and "pulling his clothes like he wanted to get out of his skin".
At 10, he has been on 38 different psychoactive drugs.
The article goes on to speak about the struggles that Max and his parents continue to go through after seeing their son face the affects of medications that don't work and hospital stays that are sure to leave a lasting impression on Max Blake. My heart goes out to his parents because I know what it's like to have a child that most people deem "complicated". I was considered one of them.
Bipolar disorder is a subject that I hold very close to my heart. As someone who was diagnosed with this dis-ease, I have had my share of opinions about the disorder. Because I am not a licensed medical practitioner, I feel like I can only give my opinion based upon what myself and others around me have experienced. I normally don't give "disclaimers", however I know that some of my readers are doctors and I don't want to be bombarded with scientific emails regarding this subject (I still have my psychology book from college and I STILL disagree with the diagnosis of this dis-order). You can go here to read more about how I feel on being misdiagnosed.
As a child, what we call "bipolar disorder" was referred to as "manic depression". After meeting with a child psychologist, my sister was diagnosed with manic depression as a kid. The psychologist didn't have enough accurate information to form this diagnosis because my sister didn't disclose pertinent information that would have allowed the doctors to know she was being abused, and her depression was due to this abuse. I believe that my sister was affected by being told she has this "dis-order", and so was I.
It is sometimes difficult for me to talk about this issue without remembering being in a mental institution. What I have learned is that I am a fighter. I've been fighting most of my life. I know that my purpose has been destined by the experiences I have overcome. Being labeled as having something such as bipolar disorder when I have been able to live free from medication is absurd. For me, and I will be very honest, I will and have gone to a mental institution in a heartbeat if I felt/feel overwhelmed. I don't see the problem in that. I do, however, see a problem with over medicating children and I have witnessed this process in my own family and can attest to the fact that medication was not the solution to my problems; learning to heal myself was.
Why I stay away from "labels" and "disorders" placed on me by people. One thing that irks me is when I befriend someone only to have them get angry with me at some point and call me names like "crazy" and "psycho" because I have told them about this misdiagnosis. It hurts to be called names no matter the saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt..." Being abused mentally and emotionally is horrible enough, and to have this done because a doctor didn't bother to spend the time to diagnose me correctly is a travesty.
How may children are not taught the correct mindset about life?
How many children have to be misdiagnosed in order for us to stand up and say that over medicating children is NOT the way to solve the problem?
It pays to stay informed...
I love you, and there's absolutely, positively, nothin you can do about it!!! (and I wear my label of the Self Esteem Queen™ PROUDLY, thank you very much:)~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - A celebrated servant-leader, internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist, Dawn Johnson, the acclaimed “Self Esteem Queen”™, is one of today’s leading experts on transformational leadership, entrepreneur personal development, and self-esteem enhancement.
To learn more about Dawn’s products and sign up to receive FREE tips on business, personal enhancement, visit her site at http://www.selfesteemqueen.com.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to dawn@selfesteemqueen.com.
Sometimes it takes me a while to start a new trend only because as a recovering "learning addict", it is often difficult for me to not be hands on with something new. All things intrigue me. I feel like if most people knew what a real goofball I was they might ask for their money back :)
I have decided to introduce to my dear readers my video blogs that I will be adding weekly. Feel free to comment and ask me questions. Stay tuned for more to come!
I love you (and never get tired of telling you), and there's absolutely, positively nothin' you can do about it. Have a great week!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - A celebrated servant-leader, internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist, Dawn Johnson, the acclaimed “Self Esteem Queen”™, is one of today’s leading experts on transformational leadership, entrepreneur personal development, and self-esteem enhancement.
To learn more about Dawn’s products and sign up to receive FREE tips on business, personal enhancement, visit her site at http://www.selfesteemqueen.com/.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to dawn@selfesteemqueen.com.
It's April - Who are you foolin'? A Question about FAITH from “The Self-Esteem Queen”™
I am asked on a constant basis when I encounter people in my line of work a series of questions; all of them sounding somewhat the same - They range from:
How do you find it in your heart to forgive...
How can you still smile after...
Why aren't you still mad at ______ for ______.....
How can you still believe in God after...
There was once a time I thought God was imaginary. I used to always ask myself, "How could God - this "Being" who was so loving and so kind, allow me to go through all the problems and pain that I experienced at such a young age?" I never was taught that God was going to make me deal with things I would not understand, but rather to memorize scriptures that tell me not to lean to my understanding without telling me how to lean to God. I went through my teenage years rebelling God and all He represented though I longed to have a relationship with Him; a relationship in which I wasn't judged for having suicidal tendencies when the road got too tough for me to handle, a relationship in which I wasn't preoccupied with going to Hell if I happened to die on the way to work or school, a relationship in which I wouldn't feel bad for not wanting to attend churches that rejected my having a personal opinion...and so the list went.
I went through a good deal of what some would consider to be "struggles" in my early adolescent years/college years, but I am not bitter nor do I hold a grudge against any of the people who did "bad, bad" things to me. There are certainly some persons who I don't communicate with for reasons that have nothing to do with the violation inflicted upon me, but you know - for the sole purpose of not being around negative energy. In my last blog, I spoke about how I used to be very mean. My energy was so bad that I really couldn't stand to be around myself alone for too long (may sound funny, but in retrospect that was pretty sad and a little emotional for me to write) so I worked like a dog and went to school to avoid being alone.
When my best friend died, a series of events happened that changed my life changed forever. After being suicidal due to her death being so sudden, my other friend who also happened to be my best friend's high school sweetheart died one month later. I had almost no faith; I was literally hanging on to my life by a very thin string - and then in my darkest hour, I felt a spirit over me that I cannot compare to anything I have ever felt before in my life. I asked for God to show me a sign, and as I sat quietly, God answered me. He had been there the whole time. I had not stopped to listen.
Don't you know that the faint conversation you have with yourself is a conversation with God you might be taking for granted? In theory, I was taught to believe that my link to God was based on what church I went to and how much money I gave to the building out of that church. I was told that I should turn a blind eye to my Pastor if he habitually committed adultery while acting as my leader, and then also turn a blind eye when the "Time to Build" Million Dollar Pledge never materialized any of the property that was promised every Sunday until we reached $1 million dollars. When I decided to explore other religions, I found that a lot of them are based on non-judgement and peace, and I found that most Christians I knew were giving my religion a VERY BAD NAME! God needed me to be a leader amongst a crowd displeased people - who was I to not take on this challenge?
I do have a hard time believing that most ministers are nothing more than motivational speakers who happen to speak about God like I happen to speak about Self-Esteem. Notice I didn't say all because my pastor happens to be one of the most kind-hearted individuals I have ever met, and he continues to be a intricate part of my process with having faith. There are some ministers I see on television I love like Charles Stanley and Joel Osteen . I love these two ministers because they teach that even those of us who feel like we don't deserve God can still have him; all we have to do is reach out to Him. For some people, that may mean listening to religious or gospel music while for others it may mean spending time at church amongst other people. I spent many years being ostracized from my family because my choice of church was going out on the weekends and talking to teen prostitutes while handing out condoms. My family didn't see this as ministry; I saw this as a way to have church without being confined to four walls. My family said I was crazy; I said, "God is protecting my crazy a$& out here in the church of the World". God guides each and every one of us at each point in our lives. The real question should never be, "Where is God", but rather "Lord, please allow me to be quiet enough to hear you."
Some people will tell me, "I used to be close to God, but that was a long time ago". Have you ever felt like you were so far away from God that it would take a miracle to be in touch with him again? Have you ever felt that God left you because of your habitual broken promises to redeem your thoughts and actions? Have you ever felt like you needed some sort of guidance on getting your life back on track; do you need something spiritual yet practical to assist you on rebuilding your relationship with God?
The Self Esteem Queen's™ Recommended Reading for the Month of April:
Conversations with God: an uncommon dialogue
By: Neale Donald Walsch
Some pictures of my trip to San Francisco for your viewing pleasure; I left the top picture huge so when you click on it you can see the beauty of San Francisco at night! Enjoy :)
To learn more about Dawn’s products and sign up to receive FREE tips on business, personal enhancement, visit her site at http://www.selfesteemqueen.com/.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to dawn@selfesteemqueen.com.
7 Secrets you can use now that will assist you to OVERCOME your OVERWHELM and get you focused on your success IMMEDIATELY.
By: Dawn Johnson - The Self-Esteem Queen™
1. Refuse to secretly hold yourself responsible for things you refer to as "failures". Being someone who has always paid my bills on time, I can remember the very first time I was unable to do so and I recall vividly the feeling I felt when I saw bills coming in but had no money in my account to even buy myself a nice meal. Every time my phone rang, I cautiously looked at the caller ID to avoid the creditors that I could not pay. I was at a point of desperation and depression and couldn't go down any further. Then, in an act of faith, I chose to use my mind to overcome the obstacles of life and navigate around all the distractions that life brought to me.
This is what I know for sure:
All the "Great Books" in history tell us that there will be trails and tribulations during our lifetime.
Every great leader endured some sort of trial before they were considered "great".
I am a leader, and therefore must endure trials.
I control how I let my circumstances make me feel.
I control how I allow other people to revolve in my space.
I am responsible for my own happiness, and my happiness is my top priority.
Tribulation comes with being the best.
2. Learn to understand, accept, and embrace challenge. This is what separates one type of person from another. When I hear those around me going through trials and then allowing these trials to consume them, I think back to when I lived in my Honda Civic for 88 days. Scared, depressed, and alone, I thought this was the only way that I was going to be able to survive. It wasn't until I understood why I was homeless, accepted my dreaded thought process that said my car was the only shelter I had, and then challenged myself to go out and find a place to live.
3. Focus on the end result you want ONLY. My college degree didn't prevent me from sleeping in the hatchback of my car, but my faith got me from my trunk to a studio apartment. I could have let my circumstances as I saw them consume me, but instead I took the lemons thrown at me and made lemonade, pie, and anything else I could think to make with them. My time was not spent focused on the fact that I had to sleep in my car but rather on the fact that I had a business to start and nothing was going to stop me. I truly believed this with all my heart.
4. Refuse to cave in and second guess your decisions. Someone I look up to more than she could even ever know is a lady by the name of
Alexandria Brown. Alexandria Brown, also known as the E-Zine Queen, is a person who went from overwhelm to success in less than 5 years by focusing on what she wanted rather than on what she didn't want. I admire and love this woman for her tenacity and genuine yet powerful presence and spirit. In Ali's compilation book entitled "Power and Soul", she speaks about her journey from a small apartment with a Murphy Bed on the East Coast to being a Million Dollar Marketing Coach here in Los Angeles for some as far away as the United Kingdom! At the time when Ali had less than $20.00 in her bank account, she could have given up and went back to the lifestyle she knew. But instead, she went forcefully into her purpose and now assists entrepreneurs like myself to "life our good fortune™".
Dawn with Million Dollar Marketing Coach Alexandria Brown
5. Don't (and I mean DO NOT) dwell on the past. Looking back at my life, I would not change a single thing I have been through. At 29, there are circumstances and situations that I could potentially look back upon and, with a little help from my enemies (fear, self-doubt, and worry), dissect and pick apart all the things I could have, should have, and would have done to make me the circumstances different. I REFUSE to do this though because it doesn't benefit me in any way and it doesn't allow me to focus on how great I am; so I find it pointless to dwell.
6. Know in your heart that it doesn't matter what culture or background you come from; the human ability to transcend life’s adversity is an essential feature of becoming a great leader. It doesn't matter what your background is; the one thing that ties Oprah, Bill Gates, and so many other successful business persons together is their willingness to believe in themselves and their goals so much that they transcended through the adversity they faced. Oprah; born in rural Mississippi to a poor unwed teenage mother and raised in a ghetto, had all the chips stacked against her, and the potential to accept what those around her had accepted as reality was great. Bill Gates got into the personal computer business when those around him had no idea what a computer could even do for them or their business. Overcoming adversity has been one of the greatest challenges that, once I conquered, showed me my race or culture is no indication to how far I can go with my success. I could have looked at my circumstances as a young adult and allowed them to dictate who I am today, but I refused to do such a thing (and you should refuse too!)
7. OVERCOME the INSECURITY associated with failure and ACCEPT that FAILURE is NOT a bad thing but rather a way by which you are EDUCATED by the Universe. We are often told that the Universe likes speed, and I know this to be true. If this were not true, then ask yourself why it takes so little time to get angry, and when we are doing something that we really enjoy, we say to ourselves, "Where did all the time go?"When one of my business ventures was not making the money I wanted it to make, I analyzed what I did wrong, and from that I was able to rebuild a new business with less stress and more time on my hands than I had prior to the failure. What did I learn? I learned that my attempt to immerse myself in the reasons for my demise were not only unhealthy, but were actually causing me dis-ease in my life.
One last note: Keep in mind that if your main purpose in life is to dwell on your past then I'm not here to stop you, but if you want to overcome that feeling of helplessness you will WANT to print this out and refer to it when the trials come :)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - A celebrated servant-leader, internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist, Dawn Johnson, the acclaimed “Self Esteem Queen”™, is one of today’s leading experts on transformational leadership, entrepreneur personal development, and self-esteem enhancement.
To learn more about Dawn’s products and sign up to receive FREE tips on business, personal enhancement, visit her site at http://www.selfesteemqueen.com.
NOTE: You’re certainly welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as its contents remain unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to dawn@selfesteemqueen.com.
An internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, certified business coach & small business consultant, serial entrepreneur and spoken word artist, Dawn Johnson, the acclaimed Self Esteem Queen™, is one of today’s leading experts on personal & professional leadership, entrepreneur personal development, and self-esteem enhancement. To learn more visit www.selfesteemqueen.com
