2013: Make No Resolutions

English: New Year's Resolutions postcard

English: New Year’s Resolutions postcard (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Where did the time go? 2012 introduced so many opportunities, some seized and others re-evaluated and passed over.  I did not begin the year with a list of resolutions but clear goals and a plan.  Instead of focusing on what I no longer would do, I shifted my focus to what I wanted and what I would do to accomplish it.  So I am going to bring in 2013 the same way.  Here are few things that I have started doing now in order to ensure they are engraved in my memory in 2013.

-Starting My Work Day Earlier vs Working Later

I have been working on a new sleep schedule.  I am a night owl and sometimes insomnia gets the best of me.  However, long nights don’t work with early mornings.  I have noticed that staying up late makes it that much harder for me to start my day in the morning.  So for the past week or so I have been working towards starting my day at 5;30am and ending my work day around 9pm.  Let me tell you my mind thinks it is a great idea but my body hates it.  They say it takes 30 days to make something a habit so I am glad I am starting early.

-Lunch For Two

Typically lunch is spent either at home with my 3 and 4 year old or we go out for lunch.  I have officially gotten my 3 and 4 year old addicted to sushi, greek olives, feta cheese and Pho, just to name a few of our favorites lunch items.  You would think that the three of us were having some sort of master mind business meetings once the bill comes to the table.  Well in 2013, I will still be going to lunch but the 3 and 4 year will be going to a sitter and I will be meeting with other business minded individuals, to brainstorm, re-focus, strategize and plan.

-Creating Balance

For the past two years almost three, I have conducted a great majority of my business online.  I have built some phenomenal relationships with women all across the world.  These relationship have grown even offline to frequent phone conversations.  Now in 2013, I plan to do a little more traveling and organizing meet ups, interacting a lot more locally and balance my online interactions with my offline interactions.

So many changes are coming in 2013 and I might as well plan for them.  I am focusing on the do’s and not the don’t's.  I started the year with a clear vision.  I wanted to start a t-shirt line and now looking back I did just that.  I must say I was reluctant at first and didn’t know how it would go but it was the best risk I could have ever taken.  I started taking my writing even more serious than before and began quite a few new features to the site.  RN Series and Author Interviews stretched me and also helped rediscover a passion.  I began writing for a local newspaper which has created even more opportunities.  I am going into the New Year with endless possibilities, full of energy and a plan.

What are some of your do’s for 2013?

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

About these ads

Logan McWilliams: aka Logan Mac Sings The Chicken Song

If you haven’t heard the “Chicken Song” by now then you are probably living under a rock.  Okay maybe not a rock but have been on some sort of hiatus.  I actually heard the song a few weeks ago shortly after it had been uploaded.  Something told me then that it was going to go viral.  No sooner than the thought crossed my mine, I began to see the video being shared by various sites.  I first saw it on World Star Hip Hop, then Madame Noire and just recently the opening for the Chelsea Lately show to name a few.  At that point, I had to reach out because I knew there was something more to the story.

I was surprised when I discovered that she was a teacher not looking for a way out of her career but a way to sustain it.  Logan McWilliams loves working as a teaching in Oakland, CA.    In fact, when asked why she uploaded the song her response was, “so that my students wouldn’t have to struggle”.  Logan is a great singer and songwriter.  She has posted multiple videos of her singing various covers of different artist.  But it was something about the “chicken song’ that captured our attention. If you haven’t already watched the Youtube video, you can play it here.  My extended article will appear in The Answer Newspaper in Las Vegas.

You can also check out another Logan Mac original titled “Real Love“.

Spoken Word: My Scars

Scar

Scar (Photo credit: Tattooed JJ)

Last night, I had the privilege of performing my very first spoken word piece. It was inspired by “I show my scars so that others know they can heal” and also the story in the Bible about the woman with the issue of blood. I was extremely nervous before I went up but I did it and I just might do it again. I wanted to share it with my readers.

My Scars

They say time heals all wounds

But I’ve waited 30 years

And now

My wounds are infected

Cross-contaminating with whatever and whoever they come in contact with

And now what started off as just an issue

is bleeding

Yes there is a leak in this old building

But my…soul feels like it can’t move

Shamed by my choices

Silenced by my transgressions

And all while trying to get to the hem

Who is them?

While traveling this journey all I could find was Him

Them will leave you

Them will forsake you

But them won’t heal you

I soon realized that I was hanging by my own hem

So if I push my way through

Or extend my hand for you to pull me in

pay no attention to the stains left by my past

because in my past was a future that couldn’t last

And if time had expired

My healing would have never transpired

Blood stain, blood clots

The only thing time brings is more pain

Arms raised as to surrender

I realized that with letting go I had more to gain

So I bled from my side the hurt brought on by my mother

And I bled from my heart the heart caused by my lover

But the hem is where I left the stain

And with my healing came a new name

And now my healing will bring glory to your name

I touched you

And you are real

Now I’m showing my scars

So that others know they can heal

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

Sunday Mourning: Free Kindle Download Today Only

Free Kindle Download Today Only

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I had a great day with my family.  So great that I wanted to offer all of my readers a free Kindle download of Sunday Mourning.  For today only, you can download Sunday Mourning to your Kindle and enjoy reading.  I only have one request, authors love reviews, so when you finish reading please take out the time to leave a review.  I am signing each copy, “I show my scars so that others know they can heal”.  Happy reading!

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

Happy Thanksgiving

English: Oven roasted turkey, common fare for ...

English: Oven roasted turkey, common fare for Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  When I look back over this year, I can definitely see how God has been in all the details from behind the scenes.  I am thankful that I was obedient.  When I didn’t want to, I did.  When I didn’t know how, I found a way.  And when I didn’t understand, I trusted Him.

Past years, I would have been down because I am not with my family.  But this year, the peace that I have can’t even compare.  I am thankful that I can celebrate with my children and create traditions of our own.  We are not only celebrating Thanksgiving but also my 9 year old’s birthday!  We are eating, laughing, playing games but most importantly showing our gratitude to God for keeping us together.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  If you are reading this post, you already have so much to be thankful for.

Las Vegas: Spoken Word – Thoughts From The Heart

If you are in the Las Vegas area, come out to hear some spoken word.  I am particularly excited about this event because this will be my first time sharing a piece of my own.  As much as I write, it’s about time.  I look forward to seeing you all.  I’ll post my piece after the event so be sure to come back to check it out.  It is titled “My Scars”.

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

Branded T-Shirts: Using T-Shirts To Brand Your Message

English: various and colorful

English: various and colorful (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If there was one message that you wanted to get out into the world, what would it be?  How would you spread it? And how many people would you want it to reach?  Whatever your answers were to each question, t-shirts could in fact be the way that each answer is made possible.

Brands have definitely evolved in the way they are designing and promoting tees.  We are seeing less logos and more messages.  Words are resonating with people, not only the one that is wearing them but also the onlooker.  Words grab the attention, force peopple to read them and sometimes even seek an explanation.  Since t-shirts can be worn over and over again, imagine how many people would come across your message.

“I show my scars so that others know they can heal.”  I initially wrote these exact words in each signed copy of my  book.  The more I shared the message, the more people understood it and shared it.   Quite naturally, the next step was to produce a t-shirt with that very message.  I was reluctant at first but an image of the tee became clearer and clearer the more I entertained the thought.  The “My Scars” tee was born and additional tees have since followed.  The key is understanding your audience.  What is it that you say in the message you share that keep them coming back?  When you find it, brand it.

Evelyn Lozada, Basketball Wives reality tv star, designed tees with “You ain’t about this life” on them.  When she initially said it on the show, her fans and viewers of the show used that line over and over again.  Now they can wear it.  Nene Leakes, Real Housewives of Atlanta reality star, has done the same.  I could list more but I’m sure you get where I am going.

So are you ready to start branding?

Shop RN Brand Tees today!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

I Made It Personal: Blogalicious12

A little over a week ago, before attending Blogalicious, I made a confession.  I had come to the conclusion that I wanted more and I was the only one holding ME back.  Because of my confession, I attended Blogalicious with a clear vision, understanding the next steps to take and the connections necessary to make the transition.  Yes, I made it personal.

@MarioArmstrong confirmed that I was no longer just a blogger.  Ironically, I have already been generating an income but adding a few more avenues to generate revenue puts me where I am desiring to go.  So again, I am stretching myself and stepping out of my comfort zone.  I am developing my 90 day plan, gathering my team, expanding my reach and I am determined to enjoy and learn throughout the process.

@MissLori Taught me healing is necessary and it doesn’t hurt to share while on your journey of healing and discovery.  Being transparent not only connects you with your audience but it also inspires.  “Light the way for others.  For everyone benefits when paths of opportunity and progress are illuminated.”

Ava Duvernay Gave me the confidence and guidance I needed to make the transition.  My age no longer creates a sense of fear when I think about transitioning from the world of casework and Psychology to Public Relations.  She not only transitioned but has been awarded in the process, receiving the Sundance award for her film Middle of Nowhere.   When you are passionate about something and determined to see it through anything can happen.  Sometimes being tired of seeing the world through someone elses lens is the fuel that is needed to light the fire.

Last but not least @HarrietteCole let me know how to put all my thoughts together and communicate them affectively. “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it timely?”

The Blogalicious12 experience was priceless.  It took a few days to actually let everything just soak in.  From the organizers to the attendees to all the phenomenal presenters, making it personal was made easy. I gained so much insight and inspiration that one post simply won’t be enough.  But I’m making my list, doing my research, visualizing my success, following up and making it all count.  Blogalicious13 I will be there with bells on.

Sunday Mourning Book Tour

On Tour July 14th – July 24th…

Synopsis:

Sunday Mourning may be Friday night for some, addiction for others or the absence of a mother and/or father for a few. But its those almost unforgiveable or damaging mistakes that are made by the person(s) that gives life and ultimately teaches us. The mistakes that impact us in a way that we don’t understand until we end up repeating the same behavior.

Sunday Mourning looks into the life of a preacher’s kid whose household lived by the principle, “what goes on in this house, stays in this house”. All which included emotional and physical abuse and impacted a young girls faith in God and the entire concept of church and religion. A young girl watched her mom kneel and pray but no change. Bring forth the message on Sunday Mourning but raise hell throughout the week.

Sunday morning finally came and it opened up a revelation of hope, love and forgiveness, putting an end to the vicious cycle.

Sunday morning stopped being a weekly routine and started being a lifestyle change, a healing process and revealing of a divine purpose. Rhachelle Nicol’ was no longer the nothing, her mother told her she would be. She no longer lived in the shadows of self doubt because she was told “people are not going to like you because you have my name”.

The cycle was finally being broken, the healing was finally beginning and a new life of transparency was being revealed. The guilt and shame that had to be broken through was undeniable and at one point death was chosen over life.

About The Author:

Rhachelle Nicol’ is mother, author, speaker, writer and advocate, who discovered that her life purpose is to bring healing and hope to others. Rhachelle Nicol’ has worked with abused and neglected children, juvenile delinquents and high risk families, to reunify, redirect and assist families with accessing resources to function at their highest level for over 15 years.  She is the Founder of Mother 2 Mother CDC, an organization providing preventative services to at risk mothers and families. Rhachelle Nicol’ is very transparent in her approach when working with families. “I show my scars so that others know they can heal.” Her mission in life is to inspire others to heal and grow while allowing their dreams to take root. “I can, I will, I am…We can, We will, We are…with God all things are possible.”  Sunday Mourning is a life testament of what God can and will do when we surrender it all to him, the good, the bad and the ugly.

Tour Schedule:

7/14 Tracy Jolly – Losing My Mind, Finding My Voice – Guest post

7/16 LaTersa Blakely – From Brokenness to Greatness- Author Interview

7/17  Zari Banks – Z Writes Words -  Author Interview

7/19  Janiera Eldridge – Beauty and Books – Guest post/Giveaway

7/20 A’Esha Goins – I Am Wisdom – Guest Post

7/21 Tracy Jolly – Losing My Mind, Finding My Voice – Author Interview

7/23 Paulette Harper – Empowered to Prosper –Guest Post

7/23  Jamie Fleming – For Colored Gurls- Author Interview/Giveaway

Sunday Mourning is now available on Kindle, make sure to get your copy and join us on the tour!!! Giveaways, guest post and interviews, your opportunity to find out more about the author and also a chance to win a “My Scars” Tee.