Mo' Betta Motivation
 

Sorors and SFs, I get these motivational messages every week or so, and thought I would share this one with you all. Enjoy!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif


It's often a real challenge to grow and change when you are around the same
people and environment that are toxic, negative and critical. You may feel
like an outcast because you're tired of living below what you know you
deserve. You may feel
misunderstood and even betrayed.

Success is a do-it-yourself journey. Don't allow others to keep you down and
hold you hostage because of your past, your environment, the color of your
skin or your temporary obstacles. Stand up for yourself. Speak up for
yourself. Walk away from the playa haters and go for your dream and goals.
You' can't afford to turn back,
sit down, give up, compromise, procrastinate or take your eye off your goal.
Don't settle for less, mess or stress. This is your life. This is your year
... so get in gear!

Stay in the Light, Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker and Author

I am so glad that you posted this.

About a year or two ago, I cut all ties to people in my life that I felt were not bringing anything positive to share in our friendship. It was really hard to do because some of these people I had known since grade school, and I already had a limited number of people in my life anyway. I decided to do what was best for me at the time, and since doing so I've been so much better off. It's like a load has been lifted and I feel more free to excell and there is nothing holding me back.

I can truly relate to this... I too, recently had to sever some unhealthy relationships that I had in my life, most of them were friends. But it can become more difficult when sometimes the "toxic" people are within your family. Now, I feel that things are starting to look up and I feel so much better. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Soror,

I like reading motivational notes. Where do the motivational messages that you receive come from? Please feel free to email me any message that is motivational.

Conskeeted19

Soror, the actual email comes from jewelmotivates@aol.com. I really can't remember how I got on the list to receive the emails, but I'm sure that you can email her and request to be added to the list. I checked the website, www.jeweldiamondtaylor.com, and I didn't see a link to anything to get added to the list. I love receiving these, they always seem to arrive right on time. Her books are really good, too, in case you haven't read them. They're relatively short and easy to read. Not to mention she seems like a really down to earth person. I have emailed her a few times, and she ALWAYS responds. Some of her motivational emails are actually emails that she has received from people who are going through something, and she sends their email (anonymously, of course) along with her respones. It's really cool. Let me know if you get added to the list. If not, I will start to forward them to you!! Maybe I'll start posting some of them to the board. I'm all about spreading positive messages. We are bombarded with so many negative images throughout the day, we all could use a little positivity in our lives! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Soror,

Thanks!

------------------
You are the master of your own destiny!

Anytime, Soror, Anytime! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Another bit of Mo' Betta Motivation, courtesy of Jewel Diamond Taylor:

Watch what the losers in life do and don't do it.
Watch what the winners in life do and learn from them.

Don't you dare give up just because of that challenge you're facing right now. Take in a couple of deep breathes and place your thoughts on a higher train of thought. Surely there is something you can say, think, do, pray or let go of that will allow you to stay in peace rather than fall to pieces.

Stay in the Light, Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker and Author



[This message has been edited by Ideal08 (edited February 06, 2001).]

Boy! Did I need that this morning! Thanks for sharing http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

That is AWESOME and so true!

Generally speaking, a woman's emotional enemy to conquer is the fear of loneliness and the loss of a sense of belonging. Generally speaking, a man's emotional enemy to conquer is the fear of rejection and loss of identity/status/power. We can all be hurt by someone whether it is in business, marriage, friendship, parenting or in a team effort (i.e., sports, committee). There is always the possibility that someone will let us down, not show up, leave us behind, go their own way, not measure up, not keep their promises or commitments or in some disappointing way not be who or there when we expected them to be. Take some time to evaluate your feelings, fears and expectations. Take some time to evaluate your personal and professional relationships with people. Be willing to work on them with open communication, self-esteem, realistic expectations, love and a focus on the goal, intention and success of the relationship. People in your life can either subtract, divide, add or multiple your joy or misery. Keep your distance from the "energy vampires" (you know those people who drain you of your peace of mind, joy, faith, hope, dreams and positive energy). Don't let someone drive you crazy when it's within walking distance http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif Don't spend major time on minor issues. Don't spend major time with minor people. Being too independent, too dependent or codependent is dangerous and not productive. Work on becoming interdependent which can create more happiness and rewards for everyone concerned. There are people in your life right now who are shaping your life, depending on you, watching you, praying for you, helping you, believing you, loving you. And there are those you are discouraging you, misunderstanding you or not concerned about you. Make sure you know who is on your side and nurture and develop those relationships.

by Jewel Diamond Taylor, the Self-Esteem Dr.
Motivational Speaker and Author

"What you ardently desire, sincerely believe in, vividly imagine, enthusiastically act on, must inevitably come to pass."
- Paul Meyer

"The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision." - Helen Keller

"Hindsight is helpful only if you learn from your mistakes. When you think small and limit yourself, you are shortsighted. If you are in a state of denial, anger or fear , they can blind you from seeing your solutions. Tunnel vision is only seeing what is happening to you right now. When you walk by faith and not by sight, you are believing in God's promises. Insight comes from wisdom and experience. Foresight will prompt you to be proactive, reduce stress and seize opportunities. How is your vision?

from Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker and Author of
"Success Gems", "Sisterfriends" and "You Are Too Blessed to Be Stressed."
email - jewelmotivates@aol.com
phone - 323-964-1736

Tickets are still available to celebrate Women's Month in March
Jewel Diamond Taylor's "Stay in the Light" Breakfast is scheduled
for Saturday, March 10, 2001,
9:00 AM
Reign Restaurant, Beverly Hills, CA

Group tickets available
No tickets will be sold at the door
call 323-974-2513
email - joypromotes@aol.com www.enjoypromotions.net

"Stay in the Light"

Self-esteem is not your ego.
Self-esteem is the ability to believe in yourself.
Self-esteem is the courage to stand up and speak up for your rights, your beliefs,
your dreams and your self-worth.
Self-esteem is how you see yourself.
Self-esteem starts from within and radiates without.
Others will treat you as you treat yourself.
Have the courage today to stand up to any obstacle, enemy or fear.
In the midst of a crisis, believe that you are a conqueror.

Believe in yourself right from the start.
Believe in the magic that's inside your heart.
Believe in these things not because I tell you to.
Believe in yourself, as God believes in you.

from Jewel Diamond Taylor, The Self-Esteem Dr.
Author, Speaker, Radio/TV personality
Thought for the Day 323-964-4070
Goal Mind Resources, Inc.
4195 Chino Hills Pkwy
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-899-3697

On your journey of life you may think you've taken a wrong turn somewhere. You may feel tired and discouraged. Don't give up because your plan didn't work out. Don't give up because you didn't get the answer you wanted the first time. Don't give up thinking others don't see or appreciate you. Sometimes the race is not won by the one with the most talent, but the one
with the most tenacity.

"I hated every minute of the training but I said, "Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." Author
Muhammad Ali


Stay in the Light,
Jewel Diamond Taylor, Speaker and Author

ATTITUDE

I can remember getting laid off a job years ago and feeling like I was just freed off the plantation. Other co-workers were bitter, frantic and revengeful. Now I saw it as my chance to really start speaking full-time instead of part-time. This was an open door of opportunity and I walked through it.

I recall visiting a friend in the hospital sick, feeling depressed, afraid of missing time from work and fearing death. During that same time I remember my brother-in-law feeling sick, tired and stressed and he said to me, "Well, God has got my attention now to slow down, change my eating habits and spend more time with my family."

What's the difference in these scenarios? ATTITUDE, PERCEPTION and FAITH. The same thing can happen to two people and one will see an opportunity, a blessing, a revelation or a push to grow. While the other person will perceive doom, gloom, fear, bad luck, pain and punishment.

Check your attitude. How do you "perceive" and "react" to the circumstances in your life? Can you look at your situation from a different angle? Do you see the gift, the opportunity, the hidden blesson? Life is full of ups and downs, changes and unpredictable situations. Develop a positive attitude, gratitude, flexibility, a sense of humor, health, savings, good relationships, faith and courage to endure and enjoy life more. Don't give up. When you're feeling down...God is UP to something. Your pity-party, pain and blame will only block your vision to see clearly and think clearly. Stay in the Light! Stay equipped so you can't be whipped by the troubles of the world.

excerpt from the book "You Are Too Blessed to Be Stressed" by Jewel Diamond Taylor. Author, columnist, radio/TV personality, speaker and the "Minister of
Motivation".

Ideal08,

It was meant for you to post "Attitude, Perception, Faith" today, because I need to stop stressing and get my attitude in check. I am going through hard financial changes and I just need to stay focused, positive, and let God sit in the driver's seat! Thanks for that inspirational post.

Anytime, Ania, anytime! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Here is a little more Mo' Betta Motivation to start your week!

Strive to keep your sanity and joy today. Don't allow any thing or any one to push your emotional buttons. Try thinking of an elevator going up and down when you think of your emotional and physical well being. When you allow others to push "down", you will feel anger, stress, tempted, tired,
torn, doubt, worry and pain. Don't give your power away. You have the power to push your own buttons to keep you UP.

As the British say, "Don't suffer fools gladly."

"Keep away from angry, short-tempered men, lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul." Prov 22:24

by Jewel Diamond Taylor,
Speaker, Minister of Motivation and Author

Ideal08 this is the perfect slice of motivation for me today. I was really feeling overwhemled, with 3 research papers due 2 weeks apart, attending college full-time, working full-time, 2 children, and developing workshops for my volunteer program, etc., etc., etc.

I can now smile and go on my way http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Bring on the next challenge!!!!!


[This message has been edited by buterscotch1 (edited April 10, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by buterscotch1 (edited April 10, 2001).]

I know that someone needs this today http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif:

There is a difference between stopping and quitting.
There is a difference between retreating and re-evaulating your choices and position.
A winner works through their obstacles and frustrations.
Giving up releases you from responsibility.
If you give up now, you'll never learn how divinely protected, courageous and
resilient you are.
Jill Scott sings..."Sometimes we all have to swim upstream. Put your best foot down and make your soul a winner."
Whether you are studying on campus, in recovery, job hunting, on a diet, in sales, starting your business, far away from home or dealing with relationship or financial troubles, don't give up.
Soon the pain and stress will pass and you'll be on the other side of it
standing victoriously because you persevered believing in yourself and in God.
Stay in the Light,
Jewel Diamond Taylor, Minister of Motivation, Speaker, Author, Radio/TV
personality, "The Self-Esteem Dr."

It is "I". Thanks Ideal08, I'm sooooooo glad you were obediant. (OOoooo, I used the "o" word) http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif.

Shalom Ideal08~

Soror, I love you!

Shalom2U: you're very welcome! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif LOL @ the "O" word!

Conskeeted19: I love you, too, Soror!

I returned recently from speaking at a conference in the West Indies (St.
Kitts). While enjoying a beach party to Shaggy's music, I enjoyed a new
motivational song that energized me. It's called "Keeping It Real."

Shaggy sings...
"Take a look inside yourself, you realize you're really blessed.
No matter how you're sad and blue, there's always someone who has it worse than you.
Sometimes you got to pay yo' dues,
so don't worry...just push on through.
Although sometimes I know it seems impossible, there ain't no need drowning in your sorrow.
You can be sure there'll be a brighter tomorrow.
Everything you really want is not what you need.
The standard of society is motivated by greed.
Are you prepared to follow or are you prepared to lead?
Just persevere and you will succeed.
Don't worry 'cause there will be a brighter day."

Being in the wrong relationship, wrong job, wrong lifestyle or wrong business can drain your brain. Do some spring cleaning. Clean up the debris in your life. Sweep away the bad habits, crazymakers, fear, doubt, anger and sadness. Once you''ve cleared your path of negative blockages, you'll be amazed how
the right people and right circumstances start showing up in your life. Success begins with the right decisions followed by right actions.


I've discovered two kinds of people seeking fame, fortune and the favor from God. There are those who make a way or there are those who make excuses.
Which one are you? Are you allowing distractions, temptations, frustrations
and procrastinations to keep you from success, peace and prosperity? Make up your mind today to overcome any thing or any one that would block your progress. Like Shaggy sings, "Just persevere and you will succeed."
My friend your destiny awaits you!!!!!!!!!!!

by Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker and Author

So true! So true! I love it!

Thanks for the uplift Ideal08...would you consider posting an Inspiration once a week---like a Monday Morning Motivation????

This is a great way to sip a cup of Java (or Breakfast tea) and quietly meditate to jumpstart the week! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Shalom~

I don't mind doing this at all! I get little motivational messages pretty often, I'll share them with you all each week! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Soror, you know that came RIGHT ON TIME.

I've done so much "cleaning" lately, it's a crying shame! LOL

But, it's all good. "New beginnings," that's what I call it. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

"Venting, unlike complaining, is a positive and productive process. Complaining just keeps you stuck in the complaint. Venting honors your feelings, gives you a chance to come up with a solution, clears your head, or releases an expectation."

Excerpt from Fearless Living: Live Without Excuses and Love Without Regret (pg. 201)

***I think that the author of this book's name is Rhonda Britton.***

Thanks Ideal08, I'm glad you posted this one because Saturday, brotha-man had to listen to me speak to him regarding getting things done on time (he's been lax about completing our Living Trusts) and he felt I was complaining.

I gave your post to brotha-man to read and as confirmation to what I expressed to him on Saturday---I wasn't complaining, I was owning and validating my voice and desiring for action to take place.

Thanks for the motivational post this morning! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Shalom~

It takes courage to face your shortcomings, fears and addictive behavior. So many times people want to blame or change others. They mistakenly think that other people hold their power and happiness. Once you take back your personal power and come from behind the mask of denial, your life will get better and blessed.

When actor Samuel Jackson received his recent Essence Award he stated that it wasn't until he had the courage to change himself that he saw the blessings inside himself and all around him.

Whether you're an actor, musician, teacher, artist, homemaker, poet, parent, politician or priest, the journey within is the one we must sooner or later take.

"All a man's ways seem right to him but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."
Proverbs 21:2-3

Stay in the Light,
by the Self-Esteem Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker, Author
e-mail - jewelmotivates@aol.com www.JewelDiamondTaylor.net www.JewelDiamondTaylor.com
speaking in Oakland June 23

Exhaustion and unhappiness come from constantly debating, rehearsing in your
mind and chasing after the outcomes of things that can't be possibly changed.

To dwell on unhappiness is a selfish and unproductive indulgence.

Your happiness and peace are just one thought a way.

There is no key to happiness, the door is always left unlocked.

Nuggets from Jewel Diamond Taylor's
Pearls of Wisdom: 100 Inner-gizer's - Vol 1

One reality about living is that you can't tell everyone about what you're going through (pain) or where you're going to
(new job, begin, mend or end a relationship, new faith, clean and sober, new city, new car, new business, college, etc).

Everyone is dealing with something and may not readily see, support or understand you.

Protect your self-esteem, faith, desire and determination.
Pray for the discernment to know who to talk to and who can have the privilege of your company, time, heart, dreams and soul.

Here's some musical wisdom from Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly ....
"You know what you feel
and what you feel is real
nobody knows what you feel inside
The problems you go through
no one knows like you
When things ain't going right
and you're so uptight
you're the one whose suppose to believe
If you could only tell
just how you've been through hell
nobody can take that same ride
and they can never know
the things within won't show
nobody knows what you feel inside."

Stay in the Light,
Jewel Diamond Taylor
The Self-Esteem Dr.
Speaker and Author

(a page from "Pearls of Wisdom" by Jewel Diamond Taylor)

You can't win if you're whining.
You can't win if you're waiting.
You can't win if you're weeping.
You can't win if you're wishing things would get better.
Success is the by-product of work, commitment, passion, tenacity and endurance.

You can choose today to complain about how unfair life is or you can decide to get up and make your mark.
You can decide to run with the big dogs or stay on the porch and bark!

by Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker, Self-Esteem Dr., radio/TV
personality and author

I had to post this today!! It is WONDERFUL reading!!! I am having such a good day!! I hope this lifts someone's spirits today! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

*******************************************

When I love me, things will change. I won't
be so wrapped up in thinking that I'm not good enough. I won't try to perfect the way I look for anyone. I won't need to, for true beauty lies within.

When I love me, life will be different, I won't care if people hate me, or if they don't like who I'm friends with. I won't let them judge me I'll do my best not to judge others because of my own insecurity.

When I love me, I'll be able to forget about all the bad things in my life. I'll see the glass half full, rather than half empty. I'll make choices to the best of my ability and without someone else's input. That way, I'll know in my heart it was the right thing to do.

When I love me, nothing will get me down. I'll be able to look in the mirror and smile, because I'll be happy with what I see. I won't be ashamed of what I look like or what I wear. I won't have to be someone
I'm not just to please my peers.

When I love me. I'll be able to be myself. I'll say what's on my mind and not feel as if I've said the wrong thing. I'll believe in myself and believe that I can accomplish my goals. I'll tell everyone, "Hey, I did that, and I did it on my own."

When I love, I'll be able to feel whole. My life will finally come together and I'll be truly happy. I won't have to regret what I've done in the past or what I'm destined to do in the future. I feel like I'm worth
something and that I helped make a difference.

But most of all, when I love me, I'll be able to pass on that love, so others can be happy like me. Everyone deserves to love themselves. No one should ever feel that they aren't loved by themselves; because in
the end, it won't matter how popular you were, or how you dressed or who your friends were. You only need to worry about you and if you loved yourself. Some day, I'll realize that I did..I just didn't know it.

- Laura Deegan

Right now you may be feeling mad, sad, hurt or burnt out from your job,
health, love life, family or finances.
Don't do or say anything youll regret
Stop a minute, take a deep breath.
Okay... now refocus your attention on solutions, peace and love
Remind yourself, this too, shall pass.
Stop a minute, take a deep breath
Exhale the stress, worry, anger and sadness
Inhale peace, love, gratitude and faith
Remember these letters H.A.L.T. to remind yourself to STOP if you're
Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired
because when you're in this state of mind you are more tempted, distracted or
prone to say or do something that brings negative consequences.

from Jewel Diamond Taylor's book
"You Are Too Blessed to Be Stressed"
visit popular motivational web sites www.JewelDiamondTaylor.net
and www.JewelDiamondTaylor.com

Wonderful nuggets of wisdom. Jewel Diamond Taylor is truly the "Minister of Motivation". Thanks for referring the site, Ideal08! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Here are some quotes that I found on her site that SPEAK to me. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

"Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth." by Shirley Chisholm

A man whispered, "God, speak to me" And a meadowlark sang , but the man did not hear. So the man yelled, "God, speak to me!" And the thunder rolled across the sky, but the man did not listen. The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you" And a star shone brightly, but the man did not notice. The man shouted, "God, show me a miracle" And a life was born, but the man did not know. So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God and let me know that you are here!" Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on. What's the moral of the story?
Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way you expect.

" A professional is a person who can do his best at a time when he doesn't particularly feel like it.--." Author: Alistair Cooke


" A friend is someone who sees through you and still enjoys the view." Author: Wilma Askinas


" Cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blue prints of your ultimate achievements."
Author:Napoleon Hill


" Each of us has a spark in life inside us, and our highest endeavor ought to be to set off that spark in one another." Author Kenny Ausbel


+++

------------------
I will bless the Lord at ALL times His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1, KJV)

In the age of discovery, way back in the day, mapmakers sketched dragons on maps as a sign to sailors to warn them. The dragons symbolized unknown territory. Some sailors took this symbol on the map literally and were afraid to take a risk and go into virgin territory. This is a powerful
metaphor for us today. Many of us allow the dragons in our minds to keep us from growing. Life is full of change and opportunities. You will either resent, resist or rely on your faith and yourself to cope with new changes in your life. Only wet babies like to be changed. As an adult, you're better off when you can learn to adjust to change. Risk and unknown variables come with the pursuit for success. Stop listening to fear and start listening to your faith. Become positive and proactive. Set yourself up to win. Slay your inner dragons and believe that you are a conqueror. God will not put more on you than you can handle.

Stay in the Light,
Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker and Author

Patience is power. Living in a drive-thru restaurant, overnight mail express, fax me, email me, 5 miniute rice, overnight one hit musical mega stars, quick printing, 20 minute photo development and mircrowave age, we so often get anxious and give up. Patience calls for endurance.

I read recently that Noah Webster spent 36 years preparing the first dictionary that now has his name. Webster defines patience has demonstrating uncomplaining endurance under distress.

Prayer requires patience. Relationships require patience. Physical healing
requires patience. Savings require patience. Graduation from schoo/college
requires patience. Children require patience. Dieting requires patience. Job seeking requires patience. Business building requires patience. If you find yourself impatient , you are losing your power and possibilities for success.

Developing patience allows you to overcome instant gratification, debt, anger, temper tantrums, traffic accidents, missed blessings and poor choices in all areas of your life.

Don't give up on the thing that God has promised you.

As your patience grows...your personal power grows!

" ...and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Hebrews 12 Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 10:36 Hebrews 10 Hebrews 10:35-37 For ye have need of patience, that,
after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

by Jewel Diamond Taylor
Stay in the Light www.JewelDiamondTaylor.net

Ok, this just won't come back to the top. Let's try it again.....

I hope this is the right thread for this post:

Good morning. I hope you enjoy these few words of wisdom.


We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married,
have a baby, then another.

Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll
be more content when they are.

After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with.

We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell
ourselves
that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act
together, when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice
vacation, or
when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.

If not now, when?

Your life will always be filled with challenges.

It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

Happiness is the way.

So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more
because you shared it with someone special, Special enough to spend your
time with...and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting....
--until your car or home is paid off
--until you get a new car or home
--until your kids leave the house
--until you go back to school
--until you finish school
--until you lose 10 lbs.
--until you gain 10 lbs.
--until you get married
--until you get a divorce
--until you have kids
--until you retire
--until summer
--until spring
--until winter
--until fall
--until you die

There is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

So-work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching.