Tag: love

Happy Father’s Day!

Today tends to be a bit of an emotional day for many, and I want to acknowledge that. Still, there are several men who have been proud fathers that I want to affirm and encourage today, including mine!

The last time I posted here, it was Mother’s Day, and I had just shared at an event: the “Fearless Women’s Summit” in the Charlotte area (Concord, NC).

For me, preparing for that event was a bit challenging, as it had been years since I stood on a stage to speak to an audience. I am so grateful that I was able to complete my assignment well.

The challenge to show up repeatedly, regardless of whether there is an immediate ROI or not, is to be acknowledged. Sometimes we would rather not – because we’ve already decided that it won’t help us much.

Pushing past negative thoughts to continue doing what you’ve been doing – and perfecting/amplifying/maximizing it – is a skill that many tend to push into the background, or even deny that it’s a thing.

In the same way that I pushed through to deliver my speech to an intimate group in Concord NC, I want to encourage you as a father. The daily task of nurturing and providing for a child may be daunting, boring, or rigorous – but if done with love, patience, and care, you will reap your rewards.

Keep going.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you want to work with me as you draft your book, get it edited and released to the world via the independent publishing space, I can help you with all of that! Visit bit.ly/authorconsults to schedule a consultation call with me at Embolden Media Group. The company has a lot of great packages to offer you, and I’d like to help you get started!

In the meantime, enjoy some of the photos from my event in May.

Speak to you soon!

You Listened to My First Radio Show!

Thank you for listening to my first radio show today!

Thank you for tuning in earlier (9:30am ET) to listen to my FIRST radio show!

I had fun preparing for it.

To get access to the book that I was reading today, visit HERE for your own copy!

Thanks again, and I look forward to hosting more engaging shows for your listening enjoyment!

“Love Worth Reading” will air every Friday morning at 9:30am ET on www.WDRBmedia.com

Comment under this post if you tuned in Live, and share your thoughts!

Leaving a Legacy in Writing

I am reflecting on the fact that two of my clients are no longer here; one was very young and died of disease. Another was a grandmother, mother and wife and she left here suddenly. Here’s a picture of her book; the topic is very ironic:

As I think of their scenarios, I am also thinking about my oldest client, who is now 81; her book was published last year (2023). With amazing photos and a chronological timeline, she told her unique, riveting story. Her family will be grateful forever, for generations to come. Here is a picture of her book:

Telling your story helps everyone know what you saw, felt, heard, and thought. Your perspective about life, your relationships, your thought process, and so on, helps to connect generations together. Your voice is preserved as you tell your story, your way.

Although we can bequeath homes, trust accounts, IRAs, stocks, and other material items, your written prose or poetry can be passed down as well. Learning who you were will mean something special to someone else who will be related to you in the future.

So – let me know what’s stopping you from telling your story. Is it the fear that it’s no different than the next person’s book? Is it too much to tell? Too little to share? Let me know about your objections. Don’t give up on sharing what you know and what you’ve learned. Your lessons will help someone else!

Birthday Tribute to My Mom

Hello!

If you’ve known me for some time, you have heard my story of my mom’s inspiration and influence that led me to the path that I am now on as an editor, author and book strategist.

Her birthday was September 12, and I shared a heartfelt tribute to her life and her legacy.

Click on the link below to view my video tribute to Mrs E. Cameron, my first best friend on her birthday – September 12, 2024:

I love and miss you so much!

My Surprise Discovery in Relationships

I’ve been single (again) for a while; in fact, I’m approaching 10 years of separation and almost 9 years of being divorced. This journey has been by far the most rewarding aspect of my life, because the level of personal growth has amazed me. I must emphasize though that it isn’t “fun” being a divorcee or being the participant in a failed marriage. That feeling intensifies when I look at my now towering son, wishing things were otherwise. (Thankfully, he and his dad have a good relationship.)

So, I’ve recently made a startling discovery as I begin the journey to “not be single” – and that discovery is buried pain. Because I came from an emotionally abusive situation, I realized I needed to have a way (or two) to let the pain out and to begin the journey to heal. I signed up for counseling and went religiously for a few years. I started to blog (which is why this blog exists). I started sharing some of my lessons learned in convos with family members and friends.

As time went on, I had the strength to get back out and become active again; I started singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, volunteering on the dental van for the company I used to work for, traveling, and so on. I even signed up the lil guy for sports. I felt I was doing well.

Now, as I’ve opened up my heart to someone new, some of the pain that I thought was resolved started rearing its ugly head. Things that I thought I’d never see again, reappeared. I was not ready for that, and wondered what happened to all the time of counseling, journaling, praying, crying, fasting and so on.

I think I know what happened: I am still on a journey towards healing, but without being in that situation, you won’t know how complete the healing is.

Think of someone playing a sport and spraining or breaking an ankle. They are carried off the field or court and to the ER. X-rays find the extent of the damage; they receive a cast or a wrap, and they are given instructions on how to manage the injury. They may also receive pain meds to take the edge off. In about 6 weeks they return to remove the cast. X-rays show that the bone or ligament is mended. The X-rays may show this fact (the healing), but the true test occurs when that athlete goes back out there and attempts to run, jump, kick or whatever they need to do. Pain may occur. Does it mean that the X-rays were telling lies? Was the machine faulty in what it displayed to the doctor or X-ray technician? No! Healing did take place, but now the ankle needs to be strengthened and conditioned to get it back to where it was (or stronger)! So the next step needs to be some type of physical therapy, and strengthening exercises. Once the athlete has completed required conditioning for their ankle, they will be able to run, kick, jump and do whatever else they need to do, and probably even better than before.

So here’s my heart; I have gone through the process of healing. My spirit is no longer hostile towards my ex-spouse. I can honestly say that I care what happens to him as the father of our son. So these feelings that resurfaced may just mean that my heart needs some conditioning and possibly more therapy as I adjust to changes.

I can also say this: anyone who has been through a traumatic situation must consider the importance of continued counseling. Get things off your mind, heart and spirit so that you can grow and become all that you need to be. Also, if you are dating seriously, talk through your fears or issues with that person so they can begin to understand your response to things. Here is another important point: Do not neglect or ignore pre-marital counseling. In fact, I highly recommend pre-engagement counseling as well so you are assured that you are heading in the right direction with your intended. This is highly recommended for people who want to marry again.

So that’s all, until next time!

Excerpts from my New Book for Singles!

My excerpt Joshua P Smith QuoteBillie Miller Quote MGC Photo Quote MGC New Photo Quote B&W New Photo Quote   KPs Quote

5 Powerful Reasons to Get Married

This post is currently featured on BMWK!

http://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/2014/03/5-powerful-reasons-to-get-married/

Many singles (especially our ladies) dream of the day when they will walk down the aisle with their lover and friend, exchange vows before friends and family, throw an amazing reception, and drive (or fly) away to a time of seclusion and romance for a week or two. But, beautiful wedding aside, are we ready to consider why we should get married? Is there more to marriage than a well-planned wedding and romantic honeymoon?

Let us take a close look at five great reasons to consider getting married.

1. Committed companionship. It has been said that no-one usually gets married to go through divorce. The traditional marriage vows state “‘Til death do us part” and honestly, most of us who want to marry desire to live out our vows until death. Knowing that your spouse is 100% committed to the marriage and that you are also as committed puts many fears to rest. It’s easy to be vulnerable and confident in all aspects of the marriage when both are assured that they are each other’s only lover and best friend.

2. Strong Families. So many statistics speak to the strength of a family where children are raised with both parents within the same home. The children are typically more confident/secure, do well in school and are typically healthier (especially emotionally). A family that is built on a strong marital foundation is powerful indeed!

3. Partnership. Instead of having to make all major decisions alone, both can sit down together and come up with creative, workable solutions. It is an amazing thing to watch couples who are able to strategize and make things flow. Ideas on how to save money, how to reduce debt, and how best to handle issues that arise makes it easier to face life’s challenges. For couples who work together like our founders Ronnie and Lamar, the power of partnership definitely has a deeper meaning. The skills and strengths of each spouse helps to balance business decisions and the execution of ideas, which can translate into significant financial security. Dependable partnership makes life truly enjoyable!

4. Personal supporter. Knowing that you have your own personal cheerleader in your corner makes it easier to face challenges or manage everyday life. Whether it is launching into a new career, battling an illness or raising children, the cheers from your personal supporter can make the difference between giving up and pushing forward one more day.

5. Exclusivity. With 100% commitment from both parties, exclusive sex is a powerful reason to desire marriage. With the rise in STDs and emotional complications from sexual soul ties, having an exclusive lover to enjoy whenever you want to is definitely something to treasure. When both partners have made the commitment to not go anywhere else for sexual satisfaction, sex becomes more enjoyable. There is an openness in exclusive marital relationships that isn’t typically found elsewhere.

Marriage is an exciting milestone that many singles desire to experience. Can you think of other powerful reasons to get married?