Soundtrack of My Life Continued

This past weekend was really cool for me because I was able to vibe to music that did my soul a favor and made me think about ME!!!

Ginuwine- Ain't None of your friends Business had me feeling like I was in high school again for several reasons.  I was with a longtime friend from high school, it didn't matter what my friends thought then or now, and the song just made me want to be with him even more!

Musiq Soulchild- So Beautiful always makes me feel like I matter. It makes me feel that I am adored and truly beautiful.  It makes me want to close my eyes and get lost in the lyrics and bass as it thumps in a certain someone's ride as we cruise sometimes.

Usher and Beyonce-Love in the Club Remix ....such a sexy song with lyrics that allow me to imagine myself in many different compromising situations for brief moments then I always snap back to reality when the song is over.

Miguel- How Many Drinks ....I never realized how much I liked the song until my best friend said it was her favorite.  Someone also gave me the CD and I can put the song on repeat as many times as I deem appropriate.  The song serves as a reminder to seize moments and opportunities and live without regret all while having fun! It works for me!!!

These are a few of my choices for now and it really helps to have music available to take me away and make me feel carefree and jovial and remember the moments in time that make me smile!

What would we do without music????

Chowan Moore Aforo

Follow Your Dreams

      I had the opportunity to fulfill yet another Bucket list item.  I was able to go to my daughter’s middle school and speak the AVID students.  Although this may not sound like a big deal but to me it was.  For weeks I tried to figure out what to say?  What would give me the biggest bang for my buck?  I wanted to first and foremost say something profound.  I wanted to reach each and every student to give them all something to remember.  Second and most importantly I didn’t want to embarrass my daughter (who wasn’t in the program anyway but had friends in the 2 classes that I spoke too).  I finally decided to go with my gut and speak about following your dreams.  Anyone who knows me knows I am excellent at given advice but taking my own advice needs work.  I wanted to share the tips that I gave to the class in hopes it could help “US” all.  I actually did some research and came up with:
Create your own vision for your life.  I lead with the quote that if you do not come up with a vision for your life, someone else will have no problem including you in theirs.  Whether this be your parents, friends, or peers.
Be Uniquely you.   We talents and skills that no one else has.  At your age your job is to get good grades and figure out what your niche is.  I threw out some artist they may know Nikki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Pink, etc.  These are all talented individuals they are all performers but what sets each one of them apart from the others.  They each follow their own paths.
Challenge yourself.  Don’t settle for the mediocre go for the gold.  “If your dreams don’t scare you then they aren’t big enough.”  Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Put your vision to paper.  Whether it is journaling, using a Vision Board, or Pictorial Notebook.   Create your own personal road map or guide book.  I find that when you can picture yourself where you want to be and you put that out to the universe, the universe will shape itself to accommodate your path.

Self-Trust

QUOTE:  When you’re trying to motivate yourself appreciate the fact that you’re even thinking about making a change.  And as you move forward, allow yourself to be good enough! – Alice Domar

 SONG: I Got This by Jennifer Hudson

I know we all struggle to understand and not take for granted a lot of past choices and decisions we have made.  Like taking a job we didn't want, staying in dead end relationships, or to have or not have children.  In our heart of hearts we know we mean well and only want the best for ourselves but due to poor decision-making in the past we have lost our self-trust.  Ultimately you are the gatekeeper to your own soul.  Who is the best knower of yourself if not YOU!  You know what’s best for you but somewhere along the way we have lost that ideal.  Life has its way of making us turn against the only person for which we live—yourself/ourselves.

At times when we don't trust our own judgment we could pray if that helps. We can tap into our internal GPS and take some time to examine what we feel when we are faced with a decision-making opportunity. We have to oftentimes be hurting enough or broke enough or fed up enough to make a decision. We have to make sure our common sense is not stifled or discredited when we are making decisions that could impact our lives.

I think we should trust ourselves enough to say, "I will not let ME down. Also, if we do make a decision that turns out to not be the right one, we have to dust ourselves off and keep trying until we get it right. We have to build trust with ourselves just like we build trust with others-it doesn't happen overnight. Every experience has to be a learning experience and you must forbid yourself to make the same mistake twice. You have to believe in yourself and become your biggest fan and supporter. The world will do its part to bring us down so we have to be mindful of our thoughts and actions so they constantly coincide positively and productively. We must keep ourselves uplifted and spiritually fed.

Self-trust takes practice and discipline to be fine-tuned.

 

Journal entry for today:  Think about a tough decision you had to make in the past.  Write down the Dilemma and then on the following line jot down your course of action.  Next but probably the most important part follows it with Thank God for keeping me safe and bringing me through.  Reassure yourself every day that you got this.  What’s your I got this playlist and why?  What do you play when you are in the mood for self-assurance?  List your ideal playlist and don’t forget to feel the music and emotions as your write.

The Journey of ME!!

Today marks a year into the journey of ME!
A year is complete and it all began with me....

A year that marks the beginning of my destiny
A year that began with so much uncertainty
A year that started out with deciding what's best for me
A year that has brought so much clarity

A year to figure out where I'm going
and who's rollin' with me.....
A year to explore what really works for me.....

A year to examine what I love and what I hate
A year to examine which people and situations carry too much weight
A year to discover the best parts of me....
A year to focus on what drives and comprises me....

A year to Love with no time for fear
A year to decide what keeps me here
A year to distinguish the real from the fake
A year to determine what causes me to hate
people and things that I just can't change....
A year to understand why I love my name!

I have accomplished so so much....
fell in love with myself and come to respect a gentle touch...
I still believe in love and romance combined with realness and honesty

This marks a year of ME loving ME

#betterbrighterblessed

cmooreaforo-a cut above the rest
Thank You!!!!

As I think....it shall be!!

As I think....it shall be!!!

Recently I have been channeling my faith, energy, and positive thoughts towards all the good and perfect things I am hopeful for in my new life. I have pretty specific and at times elaborate ideas and dreams that I just can't shake off and I also have no doubt in my mind that they will come true simply because I deserve the innermost desires of my heart!

There are certain things that I have kept only between me and God and it's such a thrill to see even the minor details come to pass because His timing is unlike any other and I was unaware of the moment and exact occurrence  of what I wanted to experience. All I know is that I have really been envisioning myself at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, VA walking in the sand with my shoes off, listening to the sound of the waves washing ashore and feeling the breeze hit my face while I smiled and laughed and conversed with someone who "floats my boat" and gives me "butterflies" inside. To seal the deal, I wanted all of this to take place at night!!! It did! I was in shock at the accuracy and the feeling of complete satisfaction that I felt to discover that I can have things my way.

I enjoy the little unexpected pleasures in life the most at this point in my life because it reassures me that life is not all work and no play. I also understand that it's OK to schedule FUN into my weekly routine and I can afford to let go and go with the flow from time to time! Our thoughts are powerful and it helps to be positive at all times.

Hopefully all who read these words can live a life that is Better, Brighter, and truly Blessed.

Until next time-
Chowan Moore Aforo

Determination, Aspiration, Perspiration

Each of these words make me sweat as I think of them. I am able to give each of them a personal definition at this time because I am living each word literally each day as I navigate my way through this new life I have created for myself.

Currently, I am rebuilding my life since I decided to separate from my husband and the road has not been smooth. I know that I want to live a life that is pleasing to my Creator, pleasing to myself, and acceptable in the eyes of my children who inevitably look up to me. I am determined to live a life that is drama-free and a life that is uplifting, prosperous, and happy.

My determination was instilled in me from my mother who would never accept "no" for an answer when she was trying to get something we needed or wanted. She said that to be determined is part of never giving up and I have always remembered that. I won't give up on the possibility of getting exactly what I want.

Aspiration to me means constantly wanting to reach new heights and be better than I was last year, last week, and even better than I was yesterday. I aspire to outdo myself and be pleased with the results.

Perspiration is the sweat and tears that are shed each day as I evaluate what has and has not worked up to this point. I am exhausted some days and I really don't want to continue but I have no other choice. My children are depending on me and I know that I can't let myself down.

I appreciate the encouragement from all of my friends at this point and I look forward to brighter days! I can't wait to pay it forward and show my sincere gratitude to those who are making my new journey a little easier.

As with every post, I hope that any and everyone reading this is
Better, Brighter, and Blessed!

Chowan Moore Aforo

Mantra

I desire to be an active participant in my life!
No more sitting down waiting for things to get right!
Through it ALL- I will stand tall
and know that GOD is by my side.

Connected By Hope Week Schedule

It’s time again for Connected by Hope week.  In honor of the life and memory of our mother Wanda “To” Felton and others who we have lost or are still fighting cancer. We have listed daily activities that give a little insight on how to fight and prevent this deadly disease.  Since our mothers birthday falls on a Sunday we are going to do a Sunday through Saturday Week.  Feel free to share pictures, quotes, and other inspirational thoughts or memories on Instagram using #connectedbyhope. Like us on FB at www.facebook.com/connectedbyhope.

Sunday, Mar. 3
Family Day!  In dedication to everyone we have lost to this disease and everyone who is still in the fight, we would like to make this day a family day.  Spend some time with the ones you love and care about. Thank you all in advance for taking part in our “Connected by Hope Week.”

Monday, Mar. 4
Educate yourself today! Knowledge is power, if you don’t understand the disease how can you properly fight it or educate yourself enough in order to prevent it. There are many places to go to get more information on the disease you can go to your local library, area doctor, or either the Internet. Log on to CureToday.com they break down the different stages of cancer and what the different forms actually mean.
http://curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/article.show/id/2/article_id/1006

Tuesday, Mar. 5
Toxin-free Tuesday! What are toxins you ask?  According to Dictionary.com toxins are poisonous substances, especially a protein that is produced by living cells or organisms and is capable of causing disease when introduced into the body tissues. Our modern day lifestyle has meant that we tend to go for convenience and processed foods. However, these foods are generally harmful and toxic to our body. Toxins could also include people and/or events.  So today take the time to identify and avoid toxins.  We have enclosed a recipe for you to try and a list of common toxins to try to avoid.  Checkout this article on StanduptoCancer.org:
http://www.standup2cancer.org/node/3950

Wednesday, Mar. 6
Work It Out Wednesday! Studies show that people who are physically active have a lower risk of certain cancers than those who are not.  So today let’s get active.  Whether it’s playing the Wii, Xbox Kinect, or taking a walk.  Find something to do to get you moving and your blood pumping.

Thursday, Mar. 7
Touch yourself Thursday!  Do a self-check exam.  Early detection is the key.  There's a few ways that this can be accomplished. You can do a self-breast exam. Keep in mind that both men and women can become diagnosed with the disease. If you are not sure how to do a self-exam, you can log onto http://breastcancer.about.com/od/risk/tp/bse_illustrated.htm or go to your local library or health department to get informed.  You can also give yourself an oral exam. Studies have shown that some forms of cancer have signs that arise in the mouth. So while doing your daily tooth-brushing just look around your face and inside your mouth for any abnormalities. If you have time schedule a routine doctors visit.

Friday, Mar. 8
STOP STRESSING! Although it has not been scientifically proven, stress does affect the immune system.  The immune system is the body’s way of fighting off diseases such as; cancer.  So today take a moment and just relax.  Try reading a book, or taking a long hot bath or shower.  Prayer and/or meditation are also some good options. Spread the love today!

Saturday, Mar. 9
Spread The Love Today! Take some time out of your busy day to show and tell your family and friends that you love them.  Whether it is sending a text or making a call.  Let them know that they are on your mind.

It's My Time!

Lord I thank you for inspiration, innovation, and a strong will to survive.

I place my worries in your hands as my fears, doubts, and worthless ambitions subside.

I am Ready!

Ready to walk into my Destiny!

I am ready to be Free!

I am ready to wake up each day and be glad that
I AM ME!

I want to LIVE!

I want to LOVE!

I want to do what comes naturally!

I pray for unlimited guidance and mercy and the chance to show that I am worthy......

As these words were in my mind I wept and hurried to write them before they slipped away. I keep yearning for more and never take inventory of the blessings on hand today. I love this life but a few things just ain't right.....I'm thankful and hopeful for what the future holds. I acknowledge my blessings and never lose sight of my goals!

We are all Connected By Hope!

Not Sold 4 Parts

I am smart, I may not have attended an Ivy League school or graduated from high school with honors or straight "A's" or even college for that matter, but I know how to make a dollar out of fifteen cents. And I can show you how to make flour into to pancakes.  Survival skills I have learned growing up in Chesapeake, Va.

My eyes are hazel with a slant,  I get them from my Great-Grandmother a Shoshone Indian from what I am told.

My high cheek bones, they were her gift also.

My lips not to big but not to thin.  I have a round face with some chubby cheeks.

My big open heart I definitely get from my mom.  She taught me how to love and treat everyone like family. I am so trusting its my gift and curse. I welcome everyone in with open arms and a heart full of joy.

My hips I recently acquire from my son Anon, they are taking some getting use to but I love them all the same.

Biggie said it best "Petite but that ass phat" yeah I wear that badge of honor proudly I get that from my momma hey that's a song title too isn't it.

A wise woman once told me that "they pay to get the body, "we" have so "we" need to embrace it.

I have the exotic features you see on the video models, Hell I could be a video model.

All of these traits and more make up the woman that you see. You can't just pick and choose which part of me you want at any given time.

I am strong, intelligent, beautiful, loving, and kind.  I will not be sold 4 parts.

Human

I hold on to my human experiences
underneath this thick skin of mine.

I breathe a quick sigh of relief as things get better just in the nick of time.

I'm restless, antsy, anxious, and downright confused.

I'm starting to identify myself as one of those ladies always singing the blues.

I'm hot, then cold;
Consider myself young, then old.

I'm a diamond in the rough with a heart of pure gold.

Ovevrall, I'm a woman with a story to be told!

#Better#Brighter#Blessed

Let's put this faith to the test!!!!!

I now ask for and open myself to receive.....
A clearer understanding of who I am and what I am to be!

I now ask for and open myself to receive......
Blessing upon blessing to prove the faith my God has in me!

I now ask for and open myself up to receive......
A brand new life full of possibilities to achieve.

I now ask for and open myself up to receive.......
Unconditional love from a man that ain't got no tricks up his sleeve.

I now ask for and open myself to receive.......
A permanent smile with no "oooo child" eating away at me!

I now ask for and open up myself to receive......
The Freedom to be free.

I now ask for and open myself to receive......
The ability to make good choices and make others believe.

I now now ask for and open myself to receive......
The guts to tell the Devil "no longer are you holding me, my God is molding ME!"

I now ask for and open myself to receive.....
The heart to speak what's on my mind so I don't lose no sleep!

I now ask for and open myself to receive.......
The chance to prove my enemies wrong cuz HE don't make no mistakes!

#writtentherapy#Better#Brighter#Blessed#clapfoyaself#bravo

Thoughts, Emotions

There are feelings I never want to end,
There are other feelings that I refuse to let in.
Things have got to change!

As we continie to grow and identify certain aspects of our lives it is important to tap into behavior patterns and ways of thinking that no longer work. Today I plan to change some things and loosen up a little. I will allow people and/or thoughts and feelings into my life and my mind that I have previously shunned or ignored for no specific reason. Since I ultimately control my thoughts.......it won't hurt anything!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!
Be Better, Brighter, and Blessed

Defining Your Sexy

“I can make a scene that’s not supposed to be sexy, very sexy.  It’s a power you’re born with. It’s not a physical thing, it comes from inside.  It’s all in the eyes.” -Tara Reid

Song:  Beyonce “Dance for You”

What turns you on? Is ‘Your Sexy’ visual, mental, or a combination of the two? If you don’t know what turns you on, how can you communicate that to your partner? It’s best to know what you do and do NOT like in order to be satisfied 100% of the time. Take a walk with us on the seductive, sensual, appealing side for a moment in order to complete this exercise. We want you to set the scene for an intimate night. Toys, tools, etc. are an added bonus if you so desire. Since this is a fantasy exercise….feel free to imagine that you are creating this night to be shared with whomever you choose. The goal is to write down the things that get you in an intimate, cherished, and undeniably sexy mood. As you plan this night, what would you wear? What songs would make up your playlist and why would you choose those particular songs? What are some of the foods the two of you would eat? How about drinks? It’s been a while since I’ve felt sexy so as I come up with the criteria for the exercise I have a few thoughts of my own! How about fragrances? Sometimes fragrances can take you back to a time you will never forget. Do the two of you talk or simply enjoy your various moments in silence? Try to be as detailed as possible-leaving nothing to the imagination. HELL YEAH!!!!! Let’s do this!!!!!!!  It’s time to get our freak on ladies.  So for this playlist we are going to get adventurous and explore our most intimate thoughts.  What songs do you listen to when you want to get your freak on?  Don’t forget to be very detailed and descriptive when describing how you feel when you listen to them.  Next let the Romance begin.