REBUILD: All I Need

My son's 11th birthday was 2 days ago.

I got to spend it with him and his brother. They came over to my house and we went to Denny's and had dessert and then walked over to the movies to see The Smurfs. We came back home and cuddled until we all fell asleep. I slept ALL night, which is unusual for me but Whenever I'm with my boys, for some reason, I can rest.

Then we woke up this morning and went to the beach. It was the PERFECT beach day! The water was shallow and the waves weren't high. We played around on the coast for a while then we picked a restaurant at random and my son chose the seafood pizza which was very awesome because he usually doesn't like to try new things. The pizza was spectacular! I can still taste it right now. OMG! I'd love some more! Then I let them rent those unicycle bicycle type things to ride up and down the boardwalk while I took a nap.

We grabbed icecream cones before taking the bus back home.

All in all we had a wonderful time and man, I am so glad to have a home to take them to.

The project is winding down and I am so glad. I just have 2 more videos to make. I want to introduce my new housemates and then I want to go back to the spot where I filmed my first video for this project and tape a conclusion. Hopefully I'll get this done this week.

I have court tomorrow for the traffic tickets. Everytime I think about it I think about the man who sold me the car without the right title and then how I had to drive the damn car and I get so angry at men and I feel so stupid for always being so trusting of people.

I think I'm a very stupid person for always thinking people have good intentions. This project has enlightened me so much about the nature of people and their ways and it's not for the better. I have no desire to meet new people outside of work. I have no desire to make new friends. I think about the older man a lot because it feels good to think of him, but I have never met a man I liked who liked me back. I'm a handful and difficult and mean sometimes.

I really just want to have fun with my sons and be able to treat them to new experiences and I'd like a car and a quiet place to live with a strong wifi connection. That's really all I need.

All that extra shit, I'm not into anymore. I feel like I was trying to prove something to myself before and now I don't have to.

All I need is to have more days with my sons where I make them laugh and we can sleep together in comfort and I can afford to let them try new things. That's all I need.

Oh yeah. Let's not forget the 5 bars of wi-fi.

Very important.

Read More

REBUILD: Moving Out of The Homeless Shelter

"A big demonstration is usually preceded by tormenting thoughts." ~ Florence Scovel Shinn

This quote had been popping up in my head over the last week or so. I guess it was my intuition telling me to hold on because things would soon change as I had become extremely depressed and paranoid and hopeless about my homeless situation.

Things changed. Just yesterday I packed up my bag and moved out of the homeless shelter.

After four months of living in an old renovated motel with strangers moving in and out and fighting and falling in love and sitting in flies and mosquitoes and sleeping on a mat on the patio floor, I am now free.



I posted an ad on the internet advertising myself for a roommate. I really wanted my own home but the reality is, while I can afford it, it's not the best choice for me right now. The first person to answer my ad was a woman named Cynthia. We spoke over the phone and she invited me over to meet her husband. They have a 4 bedroom house that is located very close to my job at Denny's.

I went to meet with them before my graveyard shift and it was amazing how much she reminded me of me. She's Puerto Rican, he's white. They are 29 years old and are married. They live the life of the law of attraction and are both artists. I immediately felt that this was a situation that I could be happy with.

In fact, I come out on top because with the amount that I pay them for my rent, which includes all utilities, internet and everything, I will have money left over to save for another car. I am so grateful.

Leaving the shelter was bittersweet. After living with so many people for 4 months, although at times I hated the mere THOUGHT of being there, there were some people that I had come to love.

But I'm good at closing chapters of my life. I move on, knowing that just because an experience ended, doesn't mean it's a bad thing.

I'm changing my phone number tomorrow. I changed it just before I started this project 4 months ago and now it's time to do it again. A phone number change does the weeding out for me and I get to start fresh again.

"Now you get to buy all new clothes," my sister commented.

I paused before saying, "For what? I don't go anywhere."

I have no clothes to go out and party or socialize but then again I'm not a social person. I have a few t-shirts and some jogging pants and a couple of shorts. Why would I need more than that? I don't have friends that I hang out with and I don't perform spoken word anymore. All I do is serve tables at Denny's. I guess I can buy myself a new pair of pants for work and some new earrings. Other than that, I don't see myself going out anywhere.

Well, actually, I hoped that I would continue seeing the older man that I wrote about before- the one who makes my soul happy. Well, that has fizzled out- as usual. It's not like I am the one who lost interest THIS TIME, he actually is way too busy for me. I am not sure exactly what he does when he is not working but I think he's involved in so many community activities that he doesn't really have the time or interest to call to get to know me and spend time with me.

Oh well. I still have the good feeling I feel when I think of him. I can hold on to that whenever I need a boost. He taught me what it's like to spend time with a man who doesn't want to sleep with me immediately. He would always say, "I believe in you." I appreciate that.

My new room is just the right size and temperature. Before I even unpacked my housemate Cynthia took me to the store to buy new bed linens and I picked out a comforter set in warm colors, just the way I like it. I feel like a princess. I even bought a new night dress that makes me feel sexy and grown up, just like I wanted to feel.

My new housemates are cool, or so they seem. We talked about my need for privacy and personal space and how I hate social obligations. They talked about not wanting to be woken up late at night with loud music and simple courtesy between humans. I think we agree on most things and I do look forward to getting to know them better.

I just woke up from my morning nap after my overnight shift. I'll probably take another nap before work tonight and then I'm off for 4 days. Wow. What will I do with myself? Probably, create another life changing project or something. ~smile~

Oooh wee! I can't WAIT to focus on MySavvySisters again. I'm going to go overboard in creating content and reaching out to awesome women so they can share the secrets to their success with us. I look forward to seeing my sons and sleeping in the bed with them again.

My older son turns 11 tomorrow. I can't believe it. I had just turned 21 when I gave birth to him and for the longest he was my lil partner and we spent all of our time together. Then along came his brother and it was just the 3 of us for a while. After they went to stay with their dad I was on my own again. I'm only lonely when I'm surrounded by people and I can't talk to them because they won't understand me so loneliness isn't a big issue in my life right now.

I'm in my bed.

My own bed.

I need a TV but I won't make it an issue until I save enough for a car. I won't buy clothes until I figure out what I will need nice clothes for and then I'll have to re invent my look because I am a different person now.

Who knows what I'll rebuild my life into next. I have those things that are most important- a quiet space to be creative, my health and a job that I absolutely love.

Mmmm. Something smells good in the kitchen. I'll go and see if they'll share their food with me. I don't have a car and there's no grocery store around here or places to buy food so I'll have to figure out how to feed myself when I'm not working since I don't cook. Uh oh. My intuition just suggested Ramen noodles. ~sigh~ If I have to, I will.

I feel good.

I can't believe this is finally over.

I'm at peace right now.

Read More

Your World News Report - August 10, 2011

Berlyne Julmis

News Coordinator

U.S. Navy Seals Dead in Afghanistan

30 U.S. military troops were killed when a U.S. twin-rotor Chinook helicopter crashed in Afghanistan—22 of 30 killed were U.S. Navy Seals. The Taliban have taken responsibility for shooting down U.S. helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade. This has been the bloodiest single attack in Afghanistan for U.S. forces since start of the war. President Obama saluted the Seals and service members who loss theirs lives in the deadly attack in a private ceremony –President Obama stated “We will press on and we will succeed,” in the fight against terrorism.

READ MORE

President Chavez Return to Cuba for Chemotherapy

President Hugo Chavez returned to Cuba for chemotherapy since his tumor was removed in the country this past June. Some speculate his ailment will cause him to lose the election next year—President Chavez is confident and planning to win the election despite his current battle with cancer. Chavez has joked about the loss of his hair due to the treatment--the type of cancer which President Chavez is battling has yet to be announced.

READ MORE

London Riots Continues

685 people were arrested in connection with London riots after the death of Mark Duggan. Riots in London broke out after a peaceful protest in the police involved fatal shooting of Duggan in Tottenham erupted in violence--A Scotland Yard CO19 firearms officer fatally shot Duggan in the chest. Ballistic examination has shown Duggan did not shoot at police officers had original stated. Thousand of police officers raided the streets to cease the rioting in the streets of London. Rioters ransacked stores, torched cars, and even attack innocent residents--shopkeepers were forced to close early and residents stood guard to protect their homes and neighborhood. The rioting spread fast to other cities and has caused major damage throughout the city. Mark Duggan, 29, is survived by four children.

READ MORE

Check Cashing Store Robbery, Clerk Killed

Stanley Beasley, 33, robbed a check cashing store located at 2927 W. Sunrise Blvd, shooting two innocent victims before being shot by police. Clairemathe Geffrard, 25, a cashier on duty contacted 911 and another cash checking store notifying them that her store was being robbed. Police arrived on the scene quickly shooting Beasley in the store parking lot –Jose Aguilar, 36, an innocent bystander was shot from across the street of the checking cashing store. Geffrard was shot by Beasley and later was died at Broward General after doctors tried for an hour to save her life. Beasley and Aguilar were taken to Broward General Medical Center and are both listed in critical condition. Beasley have been arrested in the past for robbery.

READ MORE

Read More

EDITORIAL: Seeing Through the Illusion

By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society Columnist

As the world seemingly falls into turmoil, remember to stay away from fear. No matter what, we, the human potential will prevail. Fear is the friend of those who do not want change. Change is what is desperately needed now, in this moment more so than any other. Letting go of fear is the first step to freedom. Fear is what the corporate owned media and the people with the power want, fear to control the masses. As government grows ever so bigger, the very institutes that we have allowed to protect us begin to turn. Now is not the time to be complacent and comfortable. Now is the time to be aware, aware of the changes that are occurring and have occurred.

War, famine, human suffering, income inequality, greed, poverty, corruption, sex trafficking, animal extinction, climate change, natural disasters, deforestation, pollution, we have only look into a mirror. We have become comfortable, satisfied, lazy, easily influenced, preoccupied; herded together like sheep into cities in search of “a better life.” In doing so we have become parasites, infecting this planet. It is time we begin to look within, change is what the human species needs, change unlike anything before. Once we look within and discover the power that resides in us all, we can implement positive change like a shock wave breaking the airways that try to keep you herded together. Snap out of it and break free from the matrix that keeps you complacent.

Can you imagine a world where human civilization and Mother Earth are in balance. Where the needs of people, animals and Earth are living with the understanding of each other. Where cooperation triumphs competition. These are the dreams that need to be dreamt. Not wanting to be rich and famous, not the empty gratification of materialistic things. Where human suffering can be a thing of the past. This is the world that is possible. This is a world that can exist. This world will only come if you begin that journey, the journey to the inner self, the ethereal spirit that connects us all. A place where money, status, politics, profits, hunger, war do not exist.

Once we can come together and co create our future, we can open a door to the universe. A world where love and happiness can come into fruition and will prevail. For this to occur you must let go of the hate, ideologies, beliefs, traditions and begin the journey within. Seek information, seek the healers and guides, the beacons of the light that shine in a world that seems so chaotic. Turn off the televisions, radios, computer, phones, take time in nature and self. Seek positivity, change the negative attitudes, judgements, preconceived beliefs, concentrate on your power centers, such as the heart, crown of the head and sacrum.

Meditate...Meditate...Meditate, in the next few months things are going to get chaotic and that is when it will be most important for you to stay centered, positive and clear. Do not allow the negativity from the airways, friends, family, school get into your heads. If you are unfamiliar with meditation, there are many youtube videos, websites, books and meetup groups that you can learn from. By doing this you will begin to think clearer, you will be happier, more positive, sleep better, handle stress better, feel better. Meditation brings many benefits, but most importantly it brings inner peace.

We, you and I, are here for a reason. On this planet, during this time in history, we are living during this cycle for a reason. I firmly do not believe in coincidence and very much believe everything happens for a reason. The bug is biting, don’t you think its time you do something about it? Change is on the horizon, now is our time to orchestrate it. I say it is time to get rid of the actors, directors and producers; onward to a new play. A play that is the co creation of us all, to usher in a new ear of human evolution, human consciousness. I for one am excited of the future that we will bring forth, I can see the light at the end of the dark tunnel. True freedom, real happiness is on the horizon, be ready for the call because when it comes it will be our only chance. Our only chance to change the world.

Peace, Love & Harmony,
Christina

Here are some websites to check out:

http://projectnewparadigm.com/

http://www.unifyearth.com/

http://awakeningasone.com/

Cosmos Made of Many Universes

http://www.thevenusproject.com/




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.

Read More

Everyone Has A Story

I worked a double shift and I am so grateful. The early morning shifts are busy, but I don't make money on them. I miss working overnights. Next week I'll be back.

I'm tired.

I realized today that at almost 4 months of being homeless, I am now a veteran. When new people come to the shelter, they all ask the same questions about vending the newspaper, the staff, the policies. I used to ignore them but now I patiently explain things and listen to their stories.

We moved down here to find jobs but couldn't find them so that's why we're here.

I came back to South Florida to see the place I was born in and I didn't know motels would be so expensive and my money ran out.

I came down here expecting to stay with a friend but the friend ditched me and didn't even pick me up from the airport so I'm stuck.

I was running away from my husband and took the first bus I saw and ended up here in South Florida.

So many stories.

So many regular people who seemed to have run out of luck for a minute. It could be you some day. Hopefully not. Not everyone who becomes homeless stays that way. Most of the people here are all looking for a second chance at life.

Just like me.

Read More

REBUILD: Backwards Motion

"Do you want a beer?" she asked as she drove me home from work.

Shit. Why not? I took the half can of liquid and took a long swig and exhaled. My thoughts raced back to earlier in the day when I was sweating profusely in the hot sun on the bus stop after visiting the apartment that my co worker told me about which turned out to be in the projects. Nice size rooms. Very cozy but no air conditioning. In South Florida? I didn't think those places existed.

"Look at these shoes," the lady sitting next to me on the bus stop said as she showed off her white sneakers. "K Swiss. I got these from Goodwill today. It's amazing what people throw away."

Throw away.

Throw away.

Throw away.

My sun dresses.

My shoes.

My accessories.

My furniture.

My jean collection.

My hats.

My jackets.

Everything.

Gone.

Nearly 4 months ago.

For what?

To inspire.

To inspire?

How the hell am I inspiring anyone while living like this? I receive email after email from women all over the country asking ME for help with rent, with jobs, with encouragement yet, I need all of those things.

I feel like the biggest loser yet, I've been losing all my life. All of this potential and talent yet, my personality and strong stance against conformity have led me to struggle for most of my days. Food stamps. Welfare. Section 8. Me.

Oh yeah. I got a letter at work today. Child support will now be deducted from my paychecks. Ok so I called them myself so they can deduct it but it seems real now. He's still winning. But my kids are too.

These pants I'm wearing are too tight. I need some new clothes but I dare not spend any money on clothes. I have to save to move. I need underwear.

I'm serving table after table. $3. $5. $10 if I'm lucky. I walked out of work with $50 tonight. $20 a day on cabs unless I want to melt in the hot sun.

The wheels are spinning but they are spinning backwards.

I cried today. In the hot sun. On the bus stop. In front of strangers.

I regret it. I regret it. I regret it.

I regret it.

Why the hell did I do this? This ain't no way to live.

Who the hell am I inspiring? Surely not me.

What the hell am I doing here?

A youtube viewer wrote me an email. The words still haunt me.

"All those years you were searching for someone to guide you, you were searching for yourself."

Yes. Yes.

I listen to my intuition now but it's not leading me to a comfortable place. The fears that this is all that I deserve in life overwhelm me. It's what I know yet, my insides churn with the belief that I am supposed to live abundantly with the world as my oyster.

No oysters over here. Just beenie weenies and beans. Cheap cigarettes and sweaty nights on the patio.

I trust no one.

No one is on my side. Everyone is against me. I have no one to admire or look up to. The more I meet leaders, the more disgusted I am by leadership. I'm not a leader. I'm a mess.

I'm moving backwards and I'm sorry. Money's coming in slow on the swing shift.

$3. $5. $10 if I'm lucky.

And tonight's the kind of night where, I have a few swigs of a beer and I cry myself to sleep because tomorrow I have to get up and face it all again.

Read More

REBUILD: Just Thinking

I just got back from working the swing shift at Denny's. The swing shift sucks because there are no customers until around 9pm so the rest of the time you're just doing sidework, hoping someone will come in.

I generally make around $45 during the swing shift which sucks because I take the cab there and back and that's $20 right there. Thank goodness I like the people I work with or I'd be so upset. I wish they'd put me back on the overnight shift but when you're in the restaurant business, you work whenever they need you. I really like my managers too. Especially my GM. He really cares about the people there. He's respectful.

I got a text message from one of the guys at the shelter. He left for about a month, trying to make it on his own in an apartment but he ended up right back here. This is a cycle for most of the people here. For some reason they can't seem to be consistent with taking care of themselves. I would argue that its their drug habits or mental capacities but sometimes I think it's just, if you know there is something to fall back on- the shelter- you tend not to grind as hard as you can.

Anyway, he sent me a text message saying he's setting up my bed for me. I smiled. He means that he is laying out my mat on the floor and making sure I have blankets. That's sweet. He knows I like to sleep on the patio near the outlet so that I can be on my laptop until I fall asleep. Most of the men here are like that. They make corny jokes and tell me I'm pretty. They share whatever they have with me and I have met some good people here.

I've also met some assholes but hey, those are the ones I chose to be around so I blame myself.

Today was cool. I woke up at 5am like we always have to and sometimes I go to the beach until I get sleepy again but today I just sat here like everyone else who isn't physically capable of going out to vend the newspaper. I hate sitting still. I have to do something with myself in every minute or I feel like I'm wasting my life. I really don't understand how for some people, just hanging around is cool. I don't watch TV so I can't waste time doing that. I study a LOT. I used to study more. Any chance I get to learn something new about philosophy I do.

I really enjoy reading channeled material from Abraham and other people who claim to hear messages from more highly evolved beings. I think it's interesting and very helpful and yes, I do believe these messages to be beneficial. I don't question them or think they're of the DEVIL. I don't believe in the devil. The devil is the negative mind state that holds you back from believing in your own power to shape your life.

Today at work a girl told me about her new apartment. To move in all she needed was $555. No deposit, just the first month's rent and she says she likes it a lot. I think I'm going to go for it- that is- after I finish saving that amount. I have almost $300 to my name after I had to pay the shelter back for bonding me out of jail so everyday I'm hustling. I'd hope to have 2 months of rent before I move in so that I won't be pressed but we'll see what happens.

Today I was studying imperialism. The opposite of imperialism is nationalism although I don't see that as the true opposite. To me, the opposite of imperialism is a system set up where the PEOPLE govern themselves in small mini societies. I'm not sure that will work though. At least the people I'm surrounded by now, all have trouble governing themselves.

I don't have any answers, all I know is I want to help people to love themselves more and reach enlightenment so that they won't feel bad about who they are. I used to hate myself so much but it's really because I had all of these expectations from life and they weren't happening as fast as I wanted them to so I chalked it up to me not being deserving or capable and that lessened by sense of self worth.

I'm working on that. AND I'm working on being more compassionate. I love to help people but I draw a line at people who hurt me. If you hurt me on purpose then I say, "F&&& YOU!" and I never speak to you again. That's not right. Well, according to the Dala Lama. We should be compassionate towards ALL people, regardless of how they treat us.

Anyone's interactions with you is really a reflection of how they feel about themselves anyway. We take shit so personally when really nothing anyone OUTSIDE of you does, has anything to do with you. They are just releasing the energy they have stored inside and it comes out in word or deeds. If they hate themselves, they will spew hate at you. If they feel less than you, they will criticize you. If they feel like they are losing in life, they will steal or try to sabotage your success.

No truly happy person will try to bring drama and strife into your life. That's kind of why I'm not into prosecuting the man who raped me. I do blame myself for getting into that situation but at at the same time I know he was wrong for having sex with me when I said STOP- No! But I took the time to send him positive energy and I wished for his success. I know that sounds stupid but I don't think he's a bad person and I don't wish jail time for him or pain for his life. I'm over it.

The bright spot in my life right now is my job AND this older man I've been seeing. He's so different. I can't believe that I haven't successfully pushed him away yet. There seem to be a lot of difference like:

1) He doesn't call me just to talk.
2) He's so busy that I rarely see him because he does a lot of community work.
3) He's quiet.
4) He doesn't try to sleep with me.

I like him in a way, but maybe I'm more intrigued by him because he's so different and weird. Yesterday I spent time with him. He took me to lunch at this buffet and I loved it. Then he took me to the beach and let me talk and talk and talk. He's 20 years older than I am so I KNOW he has stories to share but he doesn't really talk, he just listens and smiles at me.

He called me, "Baby." I laughed. That was cute. His eyes light up when he sees me. I love that. He's also a caretaker, meaning, I have no worries when I'm with him. I think he'd chew my food if I needed it.

"Are you happy in life?" I asked him.

He was thoughtful before he replied, "Yes and No. There are some things I wish were different. Happiness is a journey."

"Happiness is a CHOICE!" I said emphatically. "You can choose happiness at any moment by the thoughts you choose to dwell on."

"I'm with you right now and that makes me happy," he said.

Smooth. So smooth. The older ladies should be jumping at being with him. He always says and does the right thing.

"Rap is irrelevant," I declared as he switched the radio station to Hip hop while we were cruising down Sheridan on our way to the beach.

"I said that 5 years ago," he said, casually changing lanes and stealing glances at me in the passenger seat.

"Yeah but I can't just say rap is irrelevant without adding something that IS relevant. It's stupid to make a criticism without a solution," I said.

"Well, talk about the economy," he suggested.

"The economy is a mind state," I told him.

"Well talk about imperialism," he said.

"What's that?"

"Something for you to look up."

So I did. And then engaged in an awesome conversation with Christina Fermin, one of the editorial writers for My Savvy Sisters. She is so freaking smart in all the ways I am not and I appreciate knowing her because she makes me more well rounded. My news coordinator Berlyne is like that too. I live in a bubble of philosophy and inspiration so without having them I wouldn't be knowledgable about the state of the world at all.

Anyway, it's after 2am and I need to get some sleep before the 5am wake up call.

Later.

Read More

Your World News Report - August 4, 2011

Berlyne Julmis

News Coordinator

Manuel Noriega Being Extradited to Panama

Manuel Noriega the former Panamanian military leader will be extradited from France to Panama. Noriega is currently serving a seven year sentence in French prison for money laundering charges—Noriega also served a 20 year prison sentence for drug trafficking in U.S. prison before being extradited to France last year. Noriega is wanted for human rights violations during his ruling in Panama in the 1980’s. Panamanian courts have already convicted in absentia where he was found guilty of three human rights charges each contained a twenty year sentence. Noriega is now 77 years old and has a month to file an appeal in French courts against is extradition to Panama. According to Noriega’s attorney an appeal will not be file--Noriega wants to return to Panama.

READ MORE

33 Dead in Ecuador after Consuming Poisoned Alcohol

33 people dead in Ecuador after consuming bootleg liquor containing methanol. 103 people were hospitalized and treated after consuming the bootleg liquor--more than 200 people are in hospitals in for alcohol poisoning throughout the country. Authorities banned the selling of alcohol for three days to check and confiscate alcohol supplies containing methanol—28 barrels were seized in Los Rios containing the illegal substance. Ecuadorean health officials have stated two glass of the contaminated substance is proven to be deadly. Authorities are warning anyone who is experiencing symptoms of nausea, abdominal cramps, blurred vision, profuse sweating and loss of consciousness to seek medical attention immediately.

READ MORE

Tropical Storm Emily attacks Haiti and Threatens Florida

Tropical Storm Emily stalls over Hispaniola and traveling southwest of Haiti. After a massive earthquake, cholera outbreak, and famine throughout the country Emily threatens to do more damage with massive winds and heavy rains. U.N. officials have already deployed aid to help flooding and storm ravaged areas--supplies from Panama are on standby to be flown in when needed. Haitian government officials issued an alert to residents warning of heavy rains and possible mudslides. Approximately 360 evacuation sites were identified in Port-au-Prince where people can seek shelter -- Tropical Storm Emily may weaken as it threatens the east coast of Florida where it may hit land form by Saturday.

READ MORE

FAA Shutdown as Congress on Vacation

President Obama is urging congress to come back after going on summer recess after passing law to raise the debt ceiling. President Obama and Ray LaHood the Secretary of Transportation is requesting congress to pass a temporary funding for the Florida Aviation Administration. Nearly 4,000 are temporarily unemployed and more than 200 airport construction projects have been halted due congress not passing funding to release money to the FAA. If the government fails to comeback to pass temporarily mandate to release funding the government will lose $30 million a day in taxes of uncollected of federal taxes--more than a billion dollar will be lost if congress wait until September to pass the bill. The FAA has been shut down for more than a week.

READ MORE

Read More

REBUILD: Material Success Means Nothing

Today I woke up around 4am. At the homeless shelter there is a 5am wake up call. By the time 5am rolled around, my stomach was growling and all I wished for was a bowl of cereal.

If you have a refrigerator with food in it, you are extremely blessed. Breakfast is served at the shelter at 7am and if you don't have snacks you will go hungry until they feed you.

This made me think of all the people in the world who have homes of their own who are depressed and sad about life. It seems so incredible to me that I used to be the same way. I was sitting up in my own home with money in the bank and a car to drive and I hated myself for so long. I kept these expectations for my life that I hadn't met yet as my marker for success, yet the attainment of those material things are what I long for right now.

This leads me to believe, or rather confirms my new belief that material success isn't the proper gauge for life success. It doesn't matter. Happiness comes from within. It is not influenced by any outside circumstances or achievements.

It can't be if I can manage to smile and laugh in THIS situation yet so many others who are far better off financially are killing themselves mentally because they have but they want MORE.

Disconnect material success from happiness. Learning to achieve the bliss of gratitude for Be~ing is the only way to truly enjoy this existence.

Read More

REBUILD: You Make The Rules

"I always lose."

"No one ever loves me."

"When it comes to work, I always get the worst shifts."

"I have bad luck."

All of these rules, are rules YOU decide for your life.

Let's change them.

Watch the video below.

Read More

Thoughts On Friendships & Love

Written By Te-Erika

The true love of your life can come in many forms. It could be your children, your siblings or a romantic partner. In order to identify it you can ask yourself, "Who or what makes my heart sing like a first kiss?" There you go. That's love.

When friends give you advice, it's because they love you. Even when it's 'not so good' advice, it's still great to have the type of friend who is willing to listen and offer the advice in the first place.

Sometimes a break up between friends is the best way to learn to appreciate them.

Love can be experienced at any time. There is no reason to feel that you have to wait until you meet your goals. Love will find you, no matter how much you try to hide.

Honest people appreciate honesty. People who play games appreciate mind games. Decide which one you appreciate and you'll figure out why certain relationships never 'worked out'. Then go and be at peace.

Try being a fool for love, it makes the BEST stories!

Those who have the courage to be their REAL selves are the ones who experience sincere love.

Love your romantic interest the same way you would love your best friend. Don't pressure them, bully them or give them ultimatums. Let go of controlling who they are and how they love you and decide to love them anyway.



Your friends will appreciate the special gifts you give them just as much as they appreciate tokens of love from their romantic partner. Shower your friends with love too.

Love is a decision and not an emotion.

Date as though you're not seeking anything.

A friend is a person who wants to know every detail of your story.

Love isn't limited in number. We were created to share love. You can love more than one person at once.

Love isn't a competition. If you truly love someone, you want them to win.

You know you love someone if you can imagine changing their diapers when they're old.

You're not unlucky at love, you just haven't met the person who deserves you yet.

There's nothing wrong with being the first to say 'I Love You'. The person who deserves to hear it will be blown away by your courage.

You don't have to TRY at love. When it happens, there won't be anything you can do to stop it.

Real love isn't confined by gender. You feel it. You know it. Go with that.

Sometimes you meet people who provide 'clues' to recognize your special someone. No relationship is a total loss because now you know what you like. Look for more of that in everyone you meet. It will lead you to your soul mate.

Most bonds are formed during traumatic situations. Recognize those who cry with you or rush to your rescue. In those eyes, you will experience true love.

Friends are people who know which value meal you like the best.



Love is when you hop in the car headed to your local diner at 3am wearing your pajamas just because your special someone wanted a milkshake.

Love has never been hidden from you. It is just waiting for you to recognize it. It's right there.

Someone who loves you, thinks the way you smell before you take a shower is "cute."

Make a list of all of your flaws. You will be loved anyway. I promise.

Read More

Your Future Depends on Multiple Streams of Income

At some point, every woman has to start over in life. It won't take the worst case scenario to make it happen. You may move to a new city, get a divorce or even change careers.

The process of rebuilding is not something to be afraid of. It is a natural part of your transition from one season of your life to another.

To ease the financial strains of rebuilding it is wise to understand that your job should never be your sole source of income. With a hustler mentality, a mentality that drives you to create multiple streams of income, your transition into your new life will be made much easier.

To set yourself up for your future success, it would be wise to:

1. Invest in your company's 401K. If your company offers this savings plan, use it. It doesn't matter if you don't see yourself staying with that company until you retire, it is a good way to save.

2. Learn how to perform a service with your hands. If for some reason, this society reverts back to a rudimentary way of doing things, for instance, all of the computer systems crash and we go back to a system of bartering, you won't be at a loss. Learn how to cut hair, cook or fix plumbing. Gain skills as a nail technician or my personal favorite- a waitress. Every city has needs for these type of services. No matter where you go, you will find work.

3. Create a product- What is it that you can do better than anyone else? Turn that into a product to sell. Forget about credentials or degrees or someone qualifying you. If you know you can do it, go DO IT. Keep doing it. Qualify yourself through experience.

4. Glamorize who you are. Whatever your situation, you should start sharing it. No one goes through unique experiences so there is someone out there who can learn as you learn. Even if you believe your life is one unlucky experience after the next, share what you have learned through these experiences through a book, a blog or a seminar and develop yourself as a brand. Your misfortune could create your fortune.

5. Investment properties. If you can manage during the upswings in life, buy properties as investments. When things shift, as they always do, you'll have income to fall back on if it means you have to rent or sell your properties.

It is essential that NEVER allow your job to be your only source of income. This creates the illusion that your job is the source of your well being. It is not.

Read More