The Power of Purple

I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I was never handed anything growing up. That's not to say I went without. I had everything I needed, but it was rare to receive what I wanted . I learned early in life to be grateful for what I had. I had enough to eat, I had clothes to wear, I had shoes, I went to good schools, I had shelter, and I was grateful. I grew up around wealth, not in it. I know what it's like to struggle with the decision to pay utilities or buy groceries. As a young, single mother, I faced those types of decisions several times. While there may have been programs available to help me, I was a little too independent and proud to ask for help. There were many times when my child ate, but I didn't. Thankfully, that was a short lived period in my life; but it's one of the most important times in my life. It was during that time that I realized rising up from where I had fallen was completely up to me. I made the necessary changes and began th...

We all say things without thinking about the impact they may have on others. We never really think about the power of our words, and if we do/did, we'd be much more careful in how we use them.  As children, we learned that "sticks and stones can break my bones; but words can never hurt me..." What a lie. Words can and do hurt . We see them hurt children who are bullied. We see it in adults  who struggle with self esteem, self image, and self worth.  How many times have you been told things (or even told yourself) that make you feel "less than"? You know what I mean, things from childhood all the way into adulthood:  "You'll never amount to anything."  "Why can't you be as smart as your brother/sister?"  " Why can't you do anything right?"  "You're too sensitive, no one wants to be around a cry baby."  "No one will want you, you're too fat." " You know, make up does wond...

Do you have a personal brand?  Are you even aware you need one? I've seen and read several articles recently, from Forbes to Inc., that included statements like this: "By 2020 if you don't have a personal brand no one will work with you. Having a personal brand will be what sets you apart, both professionally and personally." (Inc. Oct. 2017) In terms of a brand, what comes to mind when people ask you what you do? If you answer with tactical answers, you're not speaking from your personal brand. We all perform tactical things. In our professions these can be anything from creating marketing campaigns, analyzing and reporting data, to maintaining client accounts. In our personal lives, it can be spending time with family and friends, running errands, carpooling, and household chores. Those are tasks, they are not reflective of our personal brand. If you have a job, and every one of us does, regardless of whether you get paid or not; developing your personal b...

A few weeks ago Facebook announced it was changing its newsfeed algorithm, pushing down business and "salesy" posts across newsfeeds so users will see more personal posts from their friends. Facebook stated the change was a result of hearing from users who are tired of seeing their newsfeeds cluttered with "ads" and they are working hard to make staying connected more meaningful for users. Since the announcement, I've seen many posts, mostly from others in direct sales, warning "you'll only see your top 25 or 26 "friends" posts in your newsfeeds". They also advise that you need both "likes" and comments to push your posts higher in the newsfeeds of others. It's been proven that this is not true at all. In my opinion, this is a tactic used to get others to help push their posts higher in newsfeeds. It's no secret that posts with both likes and comments are ranked higher than one with no engagement. Back to the new algor...

Recently, during a lively and very entertaining conversation, I noticed that one friend wasn't really aware or paying attention to what was being said, although he had actually started the conversation. I had an "aha" moment...I realized that many times when engaging others we fail to focus in the moment . How many times have you been in a conversation and within 5 minutes of it ending, cannot remember half of what was said? What was the reason for your inattention? Boredom with the topic? Complete disinterest in the other person? Was the "to do" list in your head running 100 miles an hour? Think of the possibilities that will occur if we take the time to fully focus our attention on the other person in that moment of exchange. Just realizing and being aware that the other person truly wants to connect with you in some way can be pretty profound.  By slowing down, actively listening, being attentive and, most of all...

When you meet someone for the first time what do you typically do? Give a firm handshake while giving a quick "once over"? Do you smile and look the person in the eye as you shake their hand? Do you pay close attention to what they are wearing, i.e. suit, skirt, designer shoes and accessories, hair and make up "just right"? Or do you pay attention to the person? i.e. - the color of their eyes, their smile , their body language ? I've read many studies that state most people use to the superficial once over to gather information that will become a first impression. But here are a few questions for thought... 1. What if the person you are meeting is not feeling at their best? 2. What if the person you are meeting is genuine and honest but you overlook that because they aren't dressed to your standards? 3. What if the person you are meeting is extremely shy and that shyness is reflected in awkward silences and few words? 4. What if the person you are me...

It's January 8, 2018. The eighth day of a new year. A new year that brought new goals and resolutions. Statistics show that over 50%, yes 50%, of all people who made goals or resolutions, have already stumbled or given up. Are you still focused and committed to achieve what you set out to do? Or have you already slowed down or thrown in the towel? If you've already talked yourself out of or failed to take a step toward a goal, you probably have an excuse for why you've stumbled or given up. Excuses you tell yourself allow you to feel justified in not doing whatever it is that you should be doing. Excuses can be simple like "I'm too tired to work out" or "I didn't have time to read that chapter today" to ones that involve negative self talk and second guessing "Maybe I should skip that class" or "I've never been able to do that, why would I try now?".... Did you know giving excuses, to yourself and others, shifts the focu...