REBUILD: What Is The Rebuild Your Life Project?

I made the first video where I introduce The Rebuild Your Life Project and its goals.

It took me a few tries because I was nervous about adding my face to this project, but I did it.


VIDEO: Below the jump.

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Geraldine Anne Ferraro Dies At Age 75

By Berlyne Julmis
News Coordinator

After a long battle with cancer, Geraldine Anne Ferraro has died at the age of 75, on March 26 at Massachusetts General Hospital. Ferraro will be remembered as the first woman to run on a major ticket for Vice President of the United States for the Democratic Party. Ferraro has paved the way for many women in politics --she is survived by her children and grandchildren.

For More Information

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REBUILD: Personal Protection For Women

As I move forward with organizing this Project one of my main concerns is my safety as I live on the streets. Although I would like to believe that I am protected and cared for, the reality is, anything could happen and having my cell phone isn't all the protection that I need.

I reached out to one of My Savvy Sisters and asked for recommendations for the best safety protection for women. She advised me to choose from any of these weapons.

"I don't know if I could use any of these things," I told her cautiously.

"If it comes down to your life or theirs, you better use it!" she said. "You're not trying to kill anyone. You're trying to get them off of you so that you can get away."

The SafeKeeper

Inferno Pepper Spray

Window Punch

All of these personal protection weapons for women and many others are available at Rugged Works in Atlanta, Georgia.


For My Savvy Sisters: Which of these weapons should I order to carry with me as my personal protection?

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REBUILD: Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway

Besides the fact that you won't know what to do, you'll be bombarded by all kinds of fearful thoughts as you make your journey toward your success. Instead of fighting them, I allow them. I think them. I accept them and I still move forward.

In order to do a project of this magnitude I had to find partners in the community. I had to make phone calls and ask for resources. I had to present myself in a professional manner. While I have no problem doing those things, I was and am still SCARED OUT OF MY MIND.

What am I afraid of? I think it's success. I'm used to rejection, but hearing "We love it. What can we do?" is kind of mind blowing to me.

So what's happening is, all the lights are green. Everything that I need comes into my life and people are willing to help.

Whoa.

That is WAY scarier than hearing, "No thanks."

I am not stupid. I am not dumb. I do not have all the answers but I can find them. I do not know the way to success but I'm willing to walk forward anyway.

Today I reached out to national organizations to let them know about my project. After my conversation yesterday with Sandra Finley I asked myself, "Besides inspiring women, is there any way I can help them?"

After much brainwrestling alone, I called my little sister and we brainstormed together. We came up with an idea to have a job fair specifically for homeless women and make a call to action for 30 businesses in the Miami-Dade and Broward to volunteer to engage and interview these women for an opportunity to work.

I am good at organizing but now I have much planning to do.

I have all of the steps outlined and I hope that the green lights keep coming.

Imagine getting into a fight with someone who is not afraid to die. Then imagine falling in love with someone who is not afraid to be hurt. Now imagine starting a new path in life and not being afraid to fail. Fear takes the POWER out of life.

I am afraid every step of the way but I just, feel the fear and do it anyway.

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Write A Letter To Your Future Self

There is a website you may enjoy called Future Me.org. This website is an email forwarding service that allows you to write an email to your "future" self. You can write an email today detailing your current situation, advice for yourself or wishes you want to make for your future. You can compare where you wanted to be versus where you end up at the time the email is delivered. You can also write letters to your friends to be delivered to the future.

This email can be scheduled to be delivered at any point in the future and will surprise you when it is delivered. Go ahead and write a letter to your future self.




For My Savvy Sisters: If you could go back in time and whisper a word of direction to your teenage "self" what would you say?

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Social Security: Tell Your Senators to Oppose Benefit Cuts

The Social Security Protection Amendment, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), declares that Social Security benefits for current and future beneficiaries should not be cut and that Social Security should not be privatized as part of any legislation to reduce the federal deficit.

This amendment could be brought to a vote the week of March 28, and we hope that NOW members and allies will communicate with their senators about the need to support this amendment. Social Security has not contributed one dime to the federal deficit and, in fact, has a $2.6 trillion surplus that can pay benefits through at least 2037. Social Security keeps millions of older women (and men) in the middle class and out of poverty, supports families when a worker becomes disabled or deceased and, in general, contributes to a safety net for communities during rough economic times.

Millions of baby boomers are just beginning to retire and many face an uncertain future due to the losses in the value of their savings and investments during the recent recession. Our leaders ought to be working to strengthen Social Security by improving benefits, not cutting them or surreptitiously trying to end the program.

You should know that the debate over Social Security and cutting the federal deficit is just part of conservatives' plan to privatize the entire program. Billionaire right-wingers have poured tens of millions into a propaganda campaign designed to eventually require everyone to invest in the stock market for their retirement. They want your money -- and their shills are working overtime to get you to think you have to give it up!

Please send a message right away to tell your senators that you flat-out oppose reducing Social Security benefits or increasing the retirement age. Ask them to support S.AMDT.207 and to join an important group, the Senate's Defend Social Security Caucus.

TAKE ACTION NOW

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Blog Carnival 4 - Resources For Women

A Blog Carnival is an event for bloggers to share their writing and expose their blogs across the blogosphere. Today My Savvy Sisters hosts its 4th Blog Carnival. Submissions were sent in from bloggers sharing their expertise and inspiration on different topics just for women. Peruse the blog posts and enjoy!


Patty Pittman presents Kihon Wasa: Fat Story posted at Kihon Wasa.

Heather Trotter presents The Top 39 Hair Styling Blogs that Make the Cut posted at Healthcare Technicians.

Amanda L. Grossman presents Save Money if You Are Living Paycheck to Paycheck posted at Frugal Confessions.

Shelly O’Neill presents 10 Signs of a Great Neighborhood posted at Satellite Dish.

Catherine Jordan presents The Power of Conversation posted at Our Pink Thoughts.

Denice Davis presents I'm always right...DEAL WITH IT! posted at Positive Perspectives.

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Confession: I Can't Hear You

Sometimes My Savvy Sisters aren't perfect. Sometimes My Savvy Sisters break the rules. Sometimes, we need a confessional to release the guilt. This is just the place for it too.

Confession: I Can't Hear You

I only pretend to be listening when you speak. I'm actually thinking about all the ways I wish I could run away and be alone. But I sit there and I'm quiet and I nod my head because I don't want to hurt your feelings.

I'm not listening. I can't hear you. I don't care what you have to say. I think you're dumb. I wish we weren't friends but I owe you money so I sit there and smile and pretend.


For My Savvy Sisters: Do you have something you need to confess and let go of? Submit your confession to confessions@mysavvysisters.com and we'll post your confession anonymously. Don't worry, we don't judge and we will never tell.

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Earthquakes Hit Myanmar

By Berlyne Julmis
News Coordinator


Today two powerful 7.0 earthquakes struck Yangon, Myanmar in less than one minute apart. The tremors were felt as far as 140 miles from the quakes’ epicenter. One casualty was reported in Mae Sai, Thailand –a woman was killed when a brick struck her in the head during the quake. Two aftershocks have followed since the initial earthquakes and tonight all are in a panic and rightly terrified. The Pacific Tsunami center has ruled out a possible tsunami since the quakes occurred too far inland.

Find More Information

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REBUILD: You Won't Know What To Do

When you are beginning a project that you hope will propel you toward your dreams you will NOT know what to do at first. Don't expect to.

This learning process is valuable because you will learn everything from the ground up. You won't have an assistant and you won't have an expert on your team. You will be your own team. You CAN make this happen, with patience, lots of studying and perseverance.

When I started My Savvy Sisters, I began with a list of resource and how-to articles I planned to publish. I didn't wait to have the money to afford my own domain name, I signed up with blogger and got started. Over time I have been able to find people who have committed to helping with this project. Yes, I had to recruit. I thought about all of the people that I know and as certain needs arose for different types of editorial content that I am incapable of delivering I found others who would be willing to fill those needs. We now have 5 regular contributors who are volunteering for this cause.

You can't be afraid to ask for help.

As I go through the planning for The Rebuild Your Life project, I do not know anything about what I am doing. All I know is that I wanted to do this to help women, I had no idea that I would have to set up a foundation to accept donations or how to do this. As I reach out to people to inform them about my project, their objections and questions challenge me to make this better.

Today I met with a league of pastors to tell them about my project and after my presentation they offered feedback on my speaking style and assistance for my project.

When I returned home I began my usual task of sifting through press releases when I saw one announcing a conference for Black women sponsored by the League of Black Women. After visiting their website, I decided to join and this was the best decision I've made all week.

After signing up I contacted the PR person to tell her about The Rebuild Your Life Project and she said that she would inform the President of the organization.

To my surprise, the President of the League of Black Women, Sandra Finley called my phone late this afternoon to speak with me. While she does not support putting my life in danger for income, she still offered me information and direction that changed the scope of my project to a degree. Her insight allowed me to develop an alternate way to make this a success. I am wholeheartedly grateful for this exchange.

Yes, I am still scared. Yes, I still don't know what I am doing. All I know is that I want to help people by learning how to help myself. I've always wanted to be an inspiration.

Today, I learned that even if you start a project and you don't know what you are doing, your help is on the way. As Florence Scovell Shinn would say, "Everything you need is on your pathway."

The answers are there, waiting for you. You have to do the research and be open to receiving them.

Take a step and see what solid ground appears beneath your feet.

Sometimes life is magic.

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Free Legal Help

Compiled by B.J. Schmidt

Do you need legal help? Are you stumbling against the odds due to the lack of resources in your area? Here are a few free legal resources you may want to try. Don't give up.

Free legal help with Family, Consumer, housing income, Work, Children and Senior issues
www.lsc.gov

Help for Families fighting for Veterans Benefits;
www.nvlsp.org

Free legal assistance for Domestic Violence:
www.ndvh.org

10,000 Lawyers that work for free:
www.abanet.org/soc/probono/pip.html

Free Lawyers will fight for your Rights:
www.aclu.org/

Free Legal help for Breast Cancer Patients:
www.cwlc.org/

Free Women's Law Centers:
www.wlcmd.org and www.nwwlc.org

Free Legal help for people with disabilities:
www.dredf.org

Legal help to fight Your Union at work:
www.nrtw.org

Free legal help for Welfare Rights:
www.lincproject.org/

Free Legal help for Home Schooling Rights:
www.hslda.org

Free Consulting in Sex Discrimination Law suits:
www.aauw.org

Free legal rights for women's Issues:
www.legalmomentum.org

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Your World News - March 24, 2011

By Berlyne Julmis

News Coordinator

Japan’s Growing Troubles

Last week we recorded another catastrophic day in world history. On March 11, 2011 Japan experienced a massive earthquake that would alter the lives of millions of Japanese. When everyone thought the worst was over, just three days later on March 14, Japan was practically wiped-out by a destructive Tsunami adding to the already increasing death toll. Now the Japanese are face even more challenges with its nuclear plants.

For More Information

Clementi Parents wants Justice

Last year Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-old freshman at Rutgers University and promising musician took his own life after his roommate secretly filmed him while he was on a date in his dorm room with another male student. A year later Tyler’s parents want those responsible for their son’s suicide to face legal consequences for the part they played in influencing his decision to take his life.

For More Information

U.S. Planes goes Down

Two American soldiers are back in U.S. hands after their planes experienced mechanical problems. Before the plane crashed they were able to eject and escape alive.

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To Be or Not to Be

In early announcements this week AT&T has announced its plans to purchase T-mobile, an acquisition that will cost $39 Billion dollars in cash and stocks. The question on everyone’s mind is, “Will this merger of two of the country’s largest communications corporations be allowed?”

For More Information

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The Power Of Poise

This life is a whirlwind of experiences, people and adventures. As soon as one story ends, another begins to push you toward an even more eventful life. Nothing ever stays the same. Stability is an illusion. We are constantly evolving and re shaping our thoughts, desires and habits.

While the world spins around us, it can cause us to fall out of sync with our true selves. We can sway and moan as we evolve or we can train ourselves to remain poised through any circumstance.

There is power in being poised. Being poised allows us to see more vividly and hear more clearly the internal nudges that will lead us away from the chaos. When we are not poised, our tears blur our vision and our hearts beat too loudly to hear the gentle whisper of our intuition.

I remember last week I encountered a problem as I went to pick up a few important documents. After an hour and a half of standing in line, I was told that I had forgotten a few things. I walked away angry and frustrated. I had woke up early after only 2 hours of sleep to catch two buses to go there. I stormed off, my insides boiling and I called up a friend to vent and release my frustration.

I sat on the bus stop crying. "I'm trying so hard," I thought to myself. "I'm just trying to do some good in the world."

I had a pity party for about 10 minutes and then I shook it off, dried my tears and stood up. As soon as I stood up, I heard my intuition speak, "Just go back in and ask for a substitute form to fill out."

Ohhhh!

I went back in and came right out with the documents I needed to complete my tasks that afternoon. If I had continued to focus on the dilemma and sat there in tears and frustration I would have never heard my intuition speak. The answers you need to any of life's dilemma's are always within you.

It is important to quiet your mind and trust the solution to be revealed. It can't be revealed if you aren't poised, waiting expectantly for it to come. It will come. It has to. You have the greatest strength within you.

Stand firm. Stand tall. Dry your eyes. Listen. The answer is there.

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5 Websites For Natural Health Care

There are alternatives to traditional health care. Long before there was modern medicine, people used natural herbs and plants to help cure disease and sustain health.

Here are five recommended websites for natural healthcare news and tips. As always, please do be mindful that each body is different and every suggestion may not be right for you. Use wisdom.




Mama Moringa

Mercola

Natural News

DHerbs

Natural Solutions

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REBUILD: Moving Forward

After I came up with the idea by listening to my inner- ME, my intuition and recognizing that it was proper guidance I then had to be certain that I would follow through with it. Not all nudges you receive from your internal system are going to be exciting for you to follow. It's the peace that comes with it and the way the idea won't go away that help you to recognize it's something you must go ahead and do.

Once I accepted that becoming homeless is something that I could do, immediately a series of flashbacks from conversations and other things I had written came flashing through my mind. These things were the confirmation that this was a good idea. I sat down and went through them which built my faith in this project.

Then I told my family about it and sifted through their fearful reactions, negating the worst case scenarios and dismissing the fear that their worries caused me. "What if you don't recover from this?" "What if someone hurts you?" "What if everything goes wrong?"

Those fears proved to me that I HAD to do this. Usually when you're trying to achieve things that no one around you has achieved your mentality about life will be so different that you feel like an alien on this planet.

You are NOT an alien. You are just not in the company of other brilliant people-yet. When everyone around you seems to disagree with your bold moves then that is a sign that you are on the right track. People can only directly lead you to the success they have achieved in life. They will pull you toward where they are. It is important to decide if you want to go there. If you don't- don't listen to them.

Once I heard the direction, faced the fearful warnings from my family and then took action by telling my landlord that I would be moving I had no choice but to move forward with the project. Because I was already so busy with running this website, writing and promoting our efforts, a NEW task added to my already active workload only increased my stamina. I decided to take the money I was going to spend on next month's rent and spend it on this website. I purchased business cards, fliers and set money aside for a press release which costs $399.

Then I took the time to make a video about what I planned to do. I posted it on youtube and then wrote up an announcement and sent it to all of my friends and people I've met in the media. I am a journalist so I have SOME media contacts but not many.

The hardest part about doing this is not letting go of my things, the hardest part is accepting the green lights that have been ongoing ever since I began this project. I was so used to the struggle, the rejection, people telling me NO that I am absolutely blown away by the support and positivity that others are showing. It kind of scares me.

I live a very minimalist lifestyle. I only have clothes, a television (that I do not use) and a bed. I'm not making a huge sacrifice because I do not have much, but my real sacrifice is in not allowing myself the luxury of having a roof over my head so that I can show women what it's like to lose everything. This is definitely scary to me. It was a constant fear as I decided to go full-time with developing this website. When I decided to create my own business and go full force with it, everyday I woke up wondering when the money would come in to be able to eat and support my living expenses. What if nothing comes from this? What if this is a failure like everything else was?

This fear of failure is universal. To most people, success is equal to millions of dollars, fame and unlimited resources. These same people, when faced with an extreme life transition will go crazy if their "stuff" is suddenly taken away.

That "stuff" does not define your success. It does not define your value in this world. Failure is a subjective term. We only fail when we don't keep moving toward our goal.

And I'm moving onward, not knowing what will come next but believing that this new direction will take me where I want to be.

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Elizabeth Taylor Dies At 79

Elizabeth Taylor died Wednesday at the age of 79 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she had been for the past two months while undergoing treatment for congestive heart failure.

Did you know?

Elizabeth Taylor was born with a facial mutation that caused her to grow a double row of eyelashes. At first this was seen as an abnormality to be ashamed of but this abnormality was useful in her screen work because it made her look prettier on camera.

Your abnormally is not a curse; it is your signature.

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Business: Promo Styles by Nhea'

Promo Styles By Nhea’

Owner: Nhea’ Duncan

www.PromoStylesByNhea.com

Service: Specialties include: Brand identity (logo designing), Book cover designing, and Marketing campaigns. Other design services includeBookmarks, Business cards, Event flyers, Post cards, Brochures, Spec ads, General business flyers, News releases, Bio writing, Stationery packages, Greeting cards (personalized) and more!

Service Description: Promo Styles By Nhea (PSBN) creates various promotional and personalized materials for print and online use. Perhaps you already have your designs, but need help marketing . . . Promo Styles By Nhea also has what it takes to present you with an awesome marketing campaign to make your business sky rocket! It's guaranteed that by using PSBN, you'll capture the positive and attractive attention you're looking for. PSBN offers world class tailor-made products and services for your world class business!

Price Range: Depends on service or product that the client needs. For example, Logo designs run $175, Book covers start at $500 and Marketing outlines/campaigns start at $125.00. Other design services can range in price.

Why do I love owning my own business? It’s all about being able to take control of your destiny and doing what you love! God started talking and I started listening. My passion is in the book publishing industry and promotional designing. Owning my own business gives me the option to challenge myself and create even higher goals. One of my biggest goals is to get Promo Styles By Nhea big enough to be able to provide employment for other people and/or financial opportunities such as scholarships for students.

**To have your business profiled, email our sales team.

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4 Clues To Find Your Passion

Sometimes we get stuck along the journey toward our individual versions of success. We may see other women prospering around us as they actively engage in activities and careers that they enjoy and thrive in. How can you find your passion? My Savvy Sisters offers 4 distinct clues.

What do you do for pleasure?

It’s a well known fact that every successful person finds pleasure in their work. Ask yourself, “What do I do for fun? What is it that I’d be willing to do for free if I ever won a billion dollars?”

What do you obsess over?

What do you enjoy studying or engaging in that has become an obsession? Your friends always know that when it comes to this topic, you are the expert. It could be anything. Whatever it is that you obsess over could lead to your financial freedom because in order to become successful at anything, you have to be obsessed with your work.

What did you pretend to be when you were a child?

Child’s play is a great clue to know what it is that you were destined to do. When you were a child you didn’t worry about mortgages or bills or promotions, you lived out your greatest fantasies from the comfort of your bedroom. Those days of play are significant to your future. They were your inner guidance showing you what you would enjoy doing for the rest of your life.

Who do you watch and think to yourself, “I can do that much better.”

There is no competition in life. Everyone can have their fair share of success, but sometimes we find the clues to our passion when we see someone else doing something and we think we could do it better. Who have you noticed doing something you are interested in? Do you ever say to yourself, “I can do that.” You CAN do that. That is your clue. That is definitely an area you should try out. Even if you can't do it better immediately, if you study long enough you will become great.

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The Fisherman's Choice

There once was a fisherman who lived in a small fishing village with his family. Everyday he would wake up early and go out in his small fishing boat to catch fish for his family to eat for the day. He then went back in the early afternoon to spend the rest of his day with his family.

Everyday he repeated this routine until one day he was interrupted by an enterprising young man. This young man had seen him climb into his little boat in the morning and row back to shore each afternoon. On this day, the young man stopped him as he gathered his gear and tied up his boat.

"Sir," he said. "Do you have a moment? I have an idea for you."

The fisherman stopped, adjusted his packages and sat down on a crate near his boat.

"Sir," the young man continued. "I know how you can make your life better."

"How's that?" the fisherman asked.

"Well, if you want to do better by your family, instead of coming out here by dawn, you could arrive just a little earlier and stay just a couple hours later. If you do this everyday you can triple the amount of fish that you catch and then you can sell it down the road at the market."

"And then what?" the fisherman asked.

"And then once you sell enough fish you can invest in a larger boat. Then you can hire some men to come with you and then you can catch even more fish," the young man coaxed.

"And then what?" the fisherman asked.

"And then, you can make enough money selling fish that you can buy another boat. If this keeps up, you can have a fleet of boats that earn you money!" the young man explained excitedly.

"And then what?"

"And then, after a few years of running your fishing corporation and expanding it overseas you can travel and expand your territory. It should only take about 10 years to do that."

"And then what?"

"And then, you can return here and spend time with your family comfortably," the young man said, a huge smile on his face.

"Well," the fisherman said as he stood up and gathered his things. "It seems as if... I do that already. No need to go through the hassle to return to where I am in life."

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Savvy Blogger We Love- The Fab Femme

Aryka Randall is the voice of the lesbian community that actively screams, “I love being who I am!” Her blog, The Fab Femme, is a meeting place to celebrate her love for her sisterhood of lesbian women. “All kinds of women love my blog!” Aryka commented. “Gay and straight, young and old. I think the women who read my blog are strong opinionated women who enjoy things like fashion, politics and music.”

Becoming a blogger places the writer in the spotlight once the word gets out about their writing. “My life changed quite a bit after I started blogging. I've met a lot of inspirational people and made connections with some amazing people within the LGBT community. Blogging has opened quite a few doors for me as far as my future endeavors are concerned,” Aryka said.

Sometimes the things we most aren’t planned, they just happen and we fall in love. For The Fab Femme, becoming a widely known blogger wasn’t a strategic move. She feels that the most important trait that made her successful is her attentiveness. “I'm very attentive and it helps when I'm collecting information for blog post,” Aryka noted. “I hope to help bring the LGBT community together by posting insightful information that everyone can relate to and enjoy. Were all in this thing called life together and sometimes we forget that. My ultimate goal is to have a youth center but that's a story for another day.”

”Being savvy is important to my success because the more energy and time I put into learning my craft and knowing my craft inside out the more creative and inspired I become,” she said. “In turn, my blog is a reflection of the things I've learned and the creativity I've developed over the past two years. I love it!”

Aryka Randall
Student
Gemini
TheFabFemme.com


Visit The Fab Femme to celebrate life with Aryka.

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Work At Home Opportunities For Moms

As women in the world recognize their skill and intellect, many are seeking the freedom to work from home to spend more time with their families. There are many options for this type of "home work" which may be sought out with consistent research. My Savvy Sisters has you covered. We've found the best resource articles and websites for you to peruse as you continue your search.


Rat Race Rebellion

Women For Hire

The Work At Home Woman

Freelance Mom

Home Based Working Moms

Work At Home Opportunities

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Free Rides To Take Your Child To The Doctor

The Federal Transit Administration has created a free transportation program which benefits individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes. Parents can use this program to get free rides on federal transit to take their children to the doctor.

For a better description of this program you may view this document or call FTA at 202-366-4020.

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REBUILD: Anything Could Happen

After telling my family about my project I then had to tell my friends. This wasn't so bad because my friends know me well and they know I'm capable of anything.

One guyfriend tried to point out to me all the things that could go wrong. I didn't listen. A week later he called to say, "Maybe you're on to something, Tee. This may just be what you need to do." Then he asked if he could have my bed. =)

In order to make sure I didn't chicken out I had to make a bold move. I needed to do something that showed that I was certain I wanted to do this. I opened my email and sent a letter to my landlord announcing that I was leaving on April 11. This is about accountability. I do not say I'm going to do something and then not do it.

I had my rent money. I had a few more days before it was due but I decided to let it go. In my mind, I played back countless conversations to overcome the fear. In a recent interview with Nancy Colasurdo, she mentioned that she felt a special connection to the homeless due to the times when she was so close to being evicted.

That helped me. I shared with her that I felt the same way. When I see a homeless person I don't look the other way, I look at them because I realize that at any time that could be me. They are people too.

I see them. I really do. And soon I will become one. It won't be like it feels when you are panicking as the day the rent is due comes closer and the images of you turning into a derelict on the streets causes you to clutch your chest and want to cry. This is real. It's going to happen for real. I'm choosing it. I'm choosing to face it and once I do I will never fear it again.

I am scared. I am a woman. A tiny woman. I'm only 5'1". I have never been in a real fist fight. I have dealt with this world all alone so far and I have survived it.

But the mission of uplifting women seems greater than the risk I am about to take. Who knows what leaders will arise after being freed from watching me work.

And what if my own dream of owning and operating my own website came true? What if this site you're reading becomes what I imagine it could become? What if ALL my dreams come true and I become a conduit for others to achieve success?

What if the BEST happens?

What if I raise enough money to redesign the website in one week and then I start booking paid speaking engagements to help me to pay for another place to live by the following week?

Anything could happen.

Anything.

I am about to teach a crash course in rebuilding your life and the scary part is, I have no idea what the syllabus reads.

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My Savvy Sister of The Week- Jackie Christie

Jackie Christie, fashion designer, model, producer and best-selling author of four books is currently penning her fifth book, "Sexual Relations: A His and Hers Guide to True Intimacy."The wife of NBA star Doug Christie and one of the fabulous women featured on VH1's Basketball Wives, Jackie has dressed many celebrities, athletes, NBA wives, and many more in her signature styles. She is the CEO of the record label Jean Rah Fya Records and a staunch advocate for women's rights.

Jackie was most recently honored as the 2011 Women of The Year by the National Association For Professional Women. She is also in the process of developing a web based talk show called Jackie Christie Knows Best" which will air this spring to help raise much-needed funds for unemployed women and single mothers.

My Savvy Sisters spoke with Jackie and she eagerly shared the characteristics she developed which led to her success. "Self worth plays a huge role in the attainment of success," Jackie said. "I grew up in a family of 5 sisters and 3 brothers and I had to fight for attention. My Mom always said that I was very determined."

The stylish go-getter suggests making a To-Do List early in life which will direct your goals. "Write down everything you think you would want to do in life," Jackie suggested. "Everyday you chip away at it, bit by bit."

We asked what her secret to success was and Jackie named 5 things:

1) Determination
2) Following her To-Do List
3) Understanding her self worth
4) Keeping God in her life
5) Never giving up

"I am rewarded when a woman comes up to me and says she has been inspired by my writing," Jackie said. "My book Proud To Be A Colored Girl, isn't really about being a Black woman, it's about women standing tall when they are colored by life."

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Editorial: Say No to Junk Ingredients

By Christina Fermin

Society & Politics Columnist

Most people are aware that what we eat and consume is how we maintain good health, but most people are not aware of how bad the foods they eat are because we trust the supermarket and the restaurants we purchase from. Food is one of those subjects that people do not want to hear about. People are content with eating what is not good for them, simply because it tastes delicious and it is an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately if it tastes so good you feel like you always have to have it then it is probably not good for you and has been chemically modified to make you feel that way or like it. Again I stress the importance of reading the labels, here is a link for a handful of popular ingredients to avoid www.living-a-healthy-lifestyle.com/dangerous-food-ingredients.html.

Obesity and cardiovascular disease is a huge problem here in the U.S. as well as the growing epidemic of cancer and many other diseases that deteriorate our health while making life more difficult and expensive. There is a simple solution to all of these problems, but most people will run to their doctors for a “magic” pill before thinking about changing their lifestyles. Think of those expenses that build up over a lifetime: doctor visits, prescriptions, side effects caused by prescription pills, deteriorating health, mood swings, disconnect from self and others. Over a lifetime you spend thousands even hundreds of thousands of dollars, waste time and precious moments when it could of all been avoided by eating a more balanced and nutritious diet with some type of physical exercise.

After doing some research in the food industry, nutrition and how food, environment and mood all affect the body I made some serious changes. I had realized that if I did not start taking care of my body NOW I would strongly regret it later in life. Like anything else, too much of something is a bad thing and that includes eating too much red meat, fish, sugar, carbs, omega 6’s, etc. Much of the food out there in supermarkets and restaurants is processed or genetically altered in some way, artificially grown and raised. Here in the U.S. almost all corn and soy is genetically modified. The next time you shop at the supermarket, take note of how many products have corn and soy. You will be amazed how difficult it is to purchase foods free of these two ingredients.

Some people will think 'So what?' The truth is we do not know the real dangers of eating genetically engineered foods, but some studies have suggested, cancer, sterility and altering the chemistry in our body, brain and DNA. In the same that I wrote about the media industry being controlled by a handful of companies, our entire food industry is that way as well. These companies do not care about our health, their bottom line is what matters and they will do anything to ensure their survival. So what do we do about it? You decide, it is your body and it is your life. How much power do you want to have and how much power do you want them to have?

Thanks to growing awareness there are many local farms and farmers markets popping up, we do not have to support these multinational corporations who control the market and mistreat animals, spray pesticide poison all over crops, use genetically modified seed and feed, add chemicals to enhance or alter our moods. Our food industry is in desperate need of a fix, not since Upton Sinclair wrote The Jungle have we been in such dire straits with this food industry. Government has done things to strengthen the corporate hold on the industry rather than fix it, so we must fix it ourselves one town, one city, one person at a time.

If you can grow your own vegetables, do it! Gather some neighbors and start a community garden, eat seasonally, support your community by purchasing foods made locally. I find purchasing fruits and veggies at a local market is often times much cheaper than buying them at a local supermarket that shipped them from overseas or across the country. Be aware of what you put into your body and how it makes you feel. Know your family history, avoid the same mistakes your family made. Preparing food from scratch is not only delicious, it is a lot healthier, eating raw fruits and veggies is wonderful for the body; candy, soda and alcohol everyday is not good. Water is a MUST, and an apple a day can keep the doctor away.

Peace and Joy,

Christina

About the Columnist

With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.

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In celebration of all the ways in which women are beautiful, My Savvy Sisters would like to honor the beauty of curvaceous women.

Love their style. Love their flair. Love them because...they are.

(pictured Camryn Manheim)

Queen Latifah

Dawn French

Sara Rue

Mia Tyler

Emme

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Serena Williams

Raven Simone

Barbara Brickner

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REBUILD: Telling My Family About My Project

To begin this project I first had to decide in my mind that I could go through with it. When you're about to make a big decision you always wonder how the people close to you will feel about it.

For me that means my sons, my Mother and my little sister. I have two sons; Sai (10) and Solomon (8). They have lived with their father for the past 4 years and he is an excellent father. While they were with him I was able to start graduate school and focus on building myself as a journalist. My sons have been by my side through the entire process and their belief in me is what causes me to make such bold moves.

I called my Mother first and I described the idea I had. "Mama, I'm going to be a homeless person to teach women to overcome their fears." She immediately said, "Oh no you're not! If you do this, I'm gonna beat your behind!"

I laughed and told her I'd call her back. Usually, when you have a bold idea that is risky most people will not agree. Most people will say that you're crazy because they would not take such a grand risk. They see the opportunity for failure more clearly than they see the reward.

I have laughed in the face of failure, therefore, I know that even if it does come, I can always begin again with even more knowledge.

I then called my little sister, Teenie. She is 4 years younger than I am. She objected quite staunchly but after her objections she asked, "How can I help?"I love that about her!

Whenever things seem to fall apart in my life, she understands how all endings lead to better beginnings so she reminds me that I have always come out on top. When I decided to quit graduate school because I knew it was not the right direction for me, she said, "You're dropping out of school, just like all the other millionaires did."

That made me laugh and I realized, she's right. So many success stories that I have studied happen when the person is bold enough to walk away from what's not working and move toward what they really want to do.

I was nervous about telling my sons. They are both very intelligent but this decision to do this project will affect them the most. I won't have a place for them to come visit me on the weekends while I am homeless.

My sons came over last weekend and as we sat on my bed talking I showed them my video and said I have something important to discuss. Their eyes grew wide as they watched and their immediate reaction was, "Don't do it!"

I patiently explained to them that I have to do this for the sake of women everywhere and for the sake of continuing my dream of owning a successful business. "This website is my business," I shared with them. "I have to do what I can to make sure it accomplishes its mission of uplifting women. If I am successful then I can do what I love to do and be able to take better care of us all."

My sons were silent for a moment and then my son Solomon spoke up, "IF you are successful?" he said. "Don't you mean WHEN you are successful?"

He's right.

Once this project is done I will have become a successful inspirational speaker and writer. This website will become what I wanted it to become, a vital source of inspiration for women and many lives will be changed by our efforts. I know how to survive and pick my chin up after I've fallen down. I want to share these methods with others so they will know they can STAND UP after anything.

My sons and I walked to the store to buy a posterboard and when we came home they made this sign to show their support.




As long as they understand and they believe with me, I know that I can do this.

I can't wait to share the tips I've learned over the years to develop the mentality of success that will guide you toward your boldest, brightest dreams!

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