Ways To Support Black Lives Matter

Policy reform organizations

Donations will go toward legislative efforts to overturn systemically racist policies at either national, state, or local levels.

• American Civil Liberties Union

• Black Lives Matter Global Network

• Color of Change Education Fund

• Advancement Project

• Community Justice Action Fund

• Anti-Racism Fund

• Moms Demand Action; donations will be matched dollar for dollar by Everytown, Moms Demand Action’s parent organization

• Faith in Texas

• Take Action Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, North Carolina

• Austin Justice Coalition; Austin, Texas

• Dallas Alliance Against Racial and Political Repression; Dallas, Texas

• The Refugee Dream Center; Rhode Island

• Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance; Rhode Island

Political organizations

Donations will go toward Black-voter education initiatives and supporting Black political candidates.

• Fair Fight; National, but mainly Georgia

• Black Voters Matter Fund

• Woke Vote

• Higher Heights

• The Collective Political Action Committee

Bail funds

Donations will go toward paying bail/bonds to release protesters jailed in states with bail/bond systems. If you’d like to make a localized contribution to a bail fund in a city or state not shown below, the National Bail Fund Network lists the funds you can donate to in all states with bail/bond systems.

• The Bail Project

• National Bail Out

• National Bail Fund Network COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

• Atlanta Solidarity Fund

• Louisville Community Bail Fund

• Chicago Community Bond Fund

• Philadelphia Bail Fund

• Nashville Community Bail Fund

• Dallas Bail Fund for Protesters

• (F)empower Community Bond Fund

• People’s Program Bail Out Fund; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Columbus Freedom Fund; Columbus, Ohio

Community restoration organizations and funds

Donations will go toward rebuilding businesses and other parts of Black communities where protests have occurred and/or have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

• Mutual Aid

• Minnesota Rapid Response Coalition; Twin Cities, Minnesota

• The Lake Street Council; Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Pimento Relief Fund; Minneapolis, Minnesota

• West Broadway Business & Area Coalition; Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Rebuilding Oakland Black Businesses Fund; Oakland, California

• My Block My Hood My City; Chicago, Illinois

Community enrichment organizations

Donations will go toward arts, technical, or other programs for Black and brown people.

• Black and Brown Founders

• Black Table Arts

• Embrace Race

• Voix Noire

• African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

• SoGal

• Assata’s Daughters; Chicago, Illinois

• Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha; Twin Cities, Minnesota

• Twin Cities Recovery Project; Twin Cities, Minnesota

• Black Feminist Project; New York City

• Tournament Haus Ballroom Microgrants; Portland, Oregon; Tacoma and Seattle, Washington

• BOOM Concepts; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• 1 Hood; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Youth-oriented community organizations

Donations will go toward funding initiatives for educating Black and brown youth, such as programs for coding, activism camps, and providing books for schools.

• Integrate NYC

• GirlTrek

• Black Girls Code

• Colin Kaepernick Know Your Rights Camp

• The Conscious Kid

• Pretty Brown Girl

• Gyrl Wonder

• D.R.E.A.M.

• HOPE Crew: Hands-On Preservation Experience

Police reform organizations

Donations will go toward police reform initiatives, including efforts to redistribute police funding to other social services.

• The National Police Accountability Project

• Campaign Zero

• Communities United for Police Reform

• Communities United Against Police Brutality

• Equality for Flatbush; Brooklyn, New York

Incarceration reform organizations

Donations will go toward prison reform efforts to stop excessive punishment, mass incarceration, incarceration in general, and the creation of new jails and prisons.

• Release Aging People in Prison

• No New Jails NYC

• Equal Justice Initiative

• Prison Book Program

• Dream Defenders

• Vera Institute of Justice

Legal defense funds and organizations

Donations will go toward legal aid and education for Black, brown, and other minority groups.

• NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

• Legal Rights Center

• Amistad Law Project

• Transgender Law Center Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project

• Moral Governance; San Diego, California

• Restoring Justice; Texas

• Up Against The Law Legal Collective; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Speaking Up

The way we choose to engage around race has the power to transform the world. As difficult as it is, it takes choosing compassion and confronting our fears in order to create the world you want to live in.

Watch the replay "SPEAKING UP: An Emotionally Intelligent Conversation on Race" where myself and 4 of my leadership development and facilitation colleagues shared our varying perspectives and discussing what we can individually and collectively do to eradicate racism - starting with the willingness to have difficult conversations.

(The 4 key areas we explore: Responsibility, Safety, Effective Communication, and Committed Action.)

HOW TO HAVE AN EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT DISCUSSION ON RACE - WATCH THE ROUNDTABLE

"I don't know what to say." How do help?" "I don't want to say the wrong thing." "How do I avoid offending?" "I'm triggered." "I want to make a difference." "It's not up to me to educate anyone." If you can relate to any of that, this is a must-watch!!

FACE YOUR FEAR & FIND YOUR SHINE

Why NOW Is Your Time To Shine

Do any of these sound familiar?

• "So many people are sharing right now, where do I fit in?"

• "There are more important things to be talking about right now."

• "Does my message even matter?"

Anything - and I mean ANYTHING - that makes you think your message is superfluous is a lie, with a capital L--I--E.

It's in moments of adversity that people see with fresh eyes and listen with open minds. 

It's in moments of hardship that people seek guidance.

It's also in moments like this when many retreat, fall into depression, lose their way and in the worst cases, give up on life.  They need you. 

In this moment of crisis, leaders are called to focus out and be of service. Your message is your contribution.

The leaders, businesses, and entrepreneurs who thrive after COVID are the ones who contribute now. 

How can you turn this obstacle into an opportunity? By putting people first.

The best part: focusing on helping others through the act of sharing your message is exactly what will override any fear you have of being seen and heard. 

Your message matters and there's never been a better time to share it. 

Speaking, facilitation, training, corporate culture consulting to activate passion, compassion, and community that helps organizations live their values and builds teams that experience and cultivate those values.

FACE YOUR FEAR & FIND YOUR SHINE

It's Ok To Be Ok

Recently, on a text thread with a group of girlfriends, I suggested we each share 3 things we're grateful for and 1 thing we were committed to letting go of.  (What can I say, it was a full moon and I can't resist a good mindset exercise.)

I was surprised by the first text reply, which read:
 

"It feels self-indulgent considering how many people are struggling right now."

This is for you if you've been experiencing any guilt over doing well during this time.  

Last week, on the blog, I shared how important it is to give yourself room to not be ok but it's also ok to be ok.  I repeat: 
 

It's ok to be ok.

Oh the tricks of the ego: “You're doing too little.  You're putting pressure on yourself to do too much. You're not grateful enough.  You're too grateful!!”  LOL.  Seriously, we've got to laugh at the silly stories we tell ourselves. 

Our ego is just as intelligent as we are and now there's a pandemic it can use to make us crazy! 

A coach of mine once said guilt is like bleeding out as your friend, who needs a blood transfusion, suffers.  In other words: guilt serves no one. 

If you're feeling guilty about doing well during a time when so many are suffering channel those feelings of empathy into action instead.  Contribute to causes or volunteer at your local food bank.  Focus on those who are in need.

Two reminders:
1. Whatever you're experiencing, whether pleasant or uncomfortable, it will pass.  
2. Gratitude is never self-indulgent.

Gratitude is humility in practice.

Practice often to create more of the good you have complete permission to feel. 

FACE YOUR FEAR & FIND YOUR SHINE

The 4 Steps to Pivoting Quickly

 I have big news to share with you!!  Some things have changed at Magalie René International and I've been bursting at the seams to let the cat out of the bag! 

Obligatory giphy expressing my internal excitement

Announcing:
 

The Workplace Catalyst™People-centric leadership development to feel good and do good work. 

We're activating passion, compassion, and community to help organizations live their values and build teams that experience and cultivate those values through speaking, facilitation, training, corporate culture consulting, and more (available virtually until further notice). 

We're leading the launch with several Virtual COVID-19 Workplace Trainings aimed at enhancing people-centric leadership, reducing anxiety and improving productivity in the current climate.

I just couldn’t resist

Learn about our team here.

In the meantime enjoy this quick 4-step guide to pivoting your business and shifting quickly in this unprecedented time.

 4 Steps To Pivot

1. Get Real:  Be honest with yourself and face the facts. (Pro Tip: Skip the self beat up)

2. Let It Go: Let go of any resentment towards circumstances beyond your control. Forgive yourself and others.

3. Get Grounded: Slow down to speed up.  Take some time to get clear on your next step - but not so much that you miss an opportunity!

4. Be Nimble: Be flexible, agile, and act quickly.

Sending you lots of positive energy and confidence.  Remember:
 

Leaders turn obstacles into opportunities. 

You've got this!

Don't forget these TWO WAYS TO WORK WITH ME and make the most of your time and goals while in quarantine.  

1.

Create Your Signature Coaching Program

Your signature program is the one thing you need to make money as an educator, coach, consultant, healer, or mission-driven leader.  Deliver real value and transformation for your clients and to begin charging high-ticket rates for your services. After this course, you'll be able to...

• Promise your clients the outcomes they want and feel confident you can deliver on your promise within your program's specified timeline. 

• Charge what you're worth and sell your services based on the value you deliver instead of the time you worked - hours for dollars is a business trap!!

• Articulate exactly what you offer, and how it differs from what’s already on the market.

2.

Book a Strategy Session

If you're interested in transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur or if you're ready to take your business to the next level the best time to take action is now.  

FACE YOUR FEAR & FIND YOUR SHINE

Navigating The Stages of Grief

COVID has inspired so many people to share their message and I expected I’d be one of them. 
To my surprise, I was led to do the opposite...to go inward and be still.

I've learned to trust that when a call is put on my heart there’s always a reason. So, I let go of the pressure I normally place on myself and embraced the silence.

I’ve cried for those in my family who have died and those we haven’t been able to see or say our final goodbyes to because of COVID.  I’ve cried over my plans for my business and my Find Your Shine events laid to waste by this damned pandemic.

The images in this newsletter capture some of the feelings I’ve moved through over the last few weeks.

I’ve also binge-watched (Unorthodox & High Fidelity to be exact - they’re both a MUST WATCH).  I’ve pivoted my business. I’ve been praying, meditating, and facilitating a leadership development program via zoom.

All in all, I’ve come to see even this through the eyes of love. (Honestly, as a lightworker I have little choice in that.)

I don’t really have anything profound to say except KEEP GOING! No matter how messy it looks you’re still here. You got up today and even that’s a win.  Celebrate the bare minimum, because some days that‘s the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest. Whatever it looks like is just fine.

How are you? How is your family? How is your business? Are you taking care of yourself?

I think a better term for "social" distancing would be "physical" distancing because you don’t have to be physically close to someone to touch them. Sending you all my light and love.

FACE YOUR FEAR & FIND YOUR SHINE

For Business Leaders and Job Seekers - COVID-19 Financial Support and More

When faced with adversity there are two questions I ask myself that always create comfort:

1. What help do I need?
2. How can I help?

Answering question #2 led me to create the following list for those of you who are entrepreneurs or find yourselves furloughed or financially challenged due to COVID-19.  Please share this far and wide and be the answer to someone’s prayer.

For Business Owners:

• SheaMoisture launched a $1 Million Fund to support entrepreneurs of color.  Applications open today (4/8) and have a quick turnaround.

• Spanx Red Backpack fund is a $5 Million fund targeting women entrepreneurs.  Applications opened 4/6.    

• Facebook is offering $100 Million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 small businesses.  More information can be found here. 

• Verizon has donated $2.5 million to the national nonprofit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).  LISC is targeting grants up to $10,000 to entrepreneurs of color and women-owned businesses.  To register for the mid-April round of funding, click here. 

• Hello Alice is offering $10,000 grants to help small business owners.  For more information about those grants and other small business resources, click here

• Microsoft is providing six months of Office 365 tools for free to enable remote collaboration, file sharing and video conferencing.  For more information, click here

• Tory Burch Foundation has a useful list of resources (for both funding and advice) for small businesses that can be found here. 

For Job Seekers:

Some industries — from shipping to online learning — are hiring to meet coronavirus-related demand. Here are some of the companies hiring right now.

• Instacart says it’s looking to hire 300,000 contract workers over the next three months.

• Amazon says it’s looking to hire 100,000 new workers for its fulfillment centers and delivery network.

• CVS Health is hiring 50,000 employees to serve in various capacities across its business.

• Walmart is hiring 50,000 workers for its distribution and fulfillment centers.

• Dollar General says it's looking to add 50,000 employees by the end of April.

• Pizza Hut is hiring 30,000 permanent employees to serve as drivers, shift leaders, cooks and managers.

• Ace Hardware is hiring 30,000 people to work in its stores nationwide.

• Lowe’s is hiring 30,000 employees to meet the demand created by the coronavirus.

• Dollar Tree, which is also the parent company of Family Dollar, is hiring 25,000 workers for its stores and distribution centers.

• Walgreens is hiring 25,000 employees for permanent and temporary roles.

• Papa John's is hiring 20,000 workers to meet demand.

• 7-Eleven is hiring up to 20,000 employees due to increased demand.

• Kroger is looking to hire an additional 20,000 workers across the U.S.

• See the full list by clicking here.

Extended list of funding and relief services continued below…

NATIONAL Funding & Relief programs, LOCAL funding and relief programs, WEBINARS, ARTICLES & ADVICE for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking employment:

National Funding & Relief Programs 

Small Business Administration’s Disaster AssistanceThe SBA provides low-interest loans to help small business owners and a directory for local assistance. Learn more and apply for a loan.

SCORE.org Mentoring and Business Support
Find mentors and support navigating the crisis.

National Banks Offering Relief
A list from Forbes.com of the banks offering relief services to small businesses.

Kiva Loan ProgramKiva has expanded eligibility requirements for small business loans.

Facebook $100M Commitment to Small BusinessesApplications open soon – sign up to receive updates.

James Beard Foundation Relief Fund
Relief fund for the food and beverage industry. Applications are open until April 3, 2020 at 3PM ET.

Jewish Free Loan SocietyNo interest loans for those whose income, childcare or business have been impacted by COVID-19.

Restaurant & Restaurant Workers ReliefFunding, financial assistance, unemployment, and health care resources.

Work Share Program
Temporarily reduce the hours your employees work while still retaining them during challenging economic times.

Bumble Small Business GrantsSmall businesses can apply for up to $5,000.

Local  Funding & Relief Programs

Chamber of Commerce Directory for States, Cities and TerritoriesFind your state or region’s local services.

Berkley Relief Fund
Supporting small businesses, arts nonprofits, and residential organizations. Applications open soon, sign up for updates.

California Rapid Response Services
Assistance preventing layoffs.

Chicago Illinois’ Small Business Resiliency Fund
Loan applications open on March 31, 2020. Sign up for updates.

Denver Colorado Small Business Emergency Relief
Complete the questionnaire to be connected with the right local resources.

Florida Disaster Loans
Businesses in all Florida counties may be eligible to apply for disaster relief loans.

Los Angeles City Small Business MicroLoans
A micro-loan program to combat COVID-19.

Maryland Small Business Emergency Grant Fund
$50M grant fund to support small businesses with interim relief.

Maryland Small Business Loans
$75M loan fund providing loans up to $50K to small businesses.

New Mexico Business Loan Guarantee Program
Local-level loans and additional services.

NYC Employee Retention Grant ProgramBusinesses with one to four employees in the 5 boroughs may be eligible to apply.

NYC Small Business AssistanceNew York City will provide relief for local businesses. Businesses with less than 100 employees seeing a 25% decline or more in sales should fill out the interest form for updates.

New Jersey  Business LoansDetermine your eligibility for loans and other government resources.

Philadelphia Business Relief Fund
Helping businesses avoid predatory lenders, retain employees, and maintain operations.

Pittsburgh Business AssistanceLoans to existing recipients and microloans for new borrowers.

Salt Lake City Emergency Loan Program
Loans to help businesses keep and retain employees.

City of San Francisco Small Business Resiliency FundSmall businesses in San Francisco with one (1) to five (5) employees may be eligible for relief services.

Amazon’s Seattle Small Business Relief FundIf your business is 50 employees or less based in the Seattle area, learn more about their relief fund.

Seattle Small Business Stabilization FundApply by March 25, 2020 for capital grants.

Texas Rapid Response Services
Assistance preventing layoffs.

Webinars 

Michigan’s Small Business Development Center
Provides webinars on industry-specific needs, cash flow, avoiding cyber scams and more.

Articles & Advice

Tech Stars – Advice from Our Network
A series of videos, AMAs and more for navigating COVID-19.

7 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Loan Application
Keep these important tips in mind when applying for relief funds.

Coronavirus Response Toolkit of Businesses
A guide for keeping your teams and customers safe!

Harvard Business Review – Leading Your Business Through COVID-19A guide for leaders to navigate COVID-19 and keeping your business on track.

Facebook’s Business Resource HubAccess a business resiliency toolkit, tips for emergency response plans, and how to connect with your customers during challenging times.

Small Business Administration’s Guide for BusinessesThe latest tips on operating your small business during COVID-19. 

Chamber of Commerce’s 8 Things Business Can DoFrom remote work plans to online sales strategies, here are 8 things businesses can do.

Inc. Magazine’s Overview of Remote Workplace ToolsTech companies are offering free remote working tools – here is a roundup of them all.

Stanford GSB’s Guide to Working from HomeExperts discuss effective social distancing, virtual presentations and preventing conflict while remote.

Harvard Business Review’s Tips for Reducing Stress During Video ConferencingAnd other great advice for managing your team remotely!

Quartz Work from Home WorkshopsA series of sessions designed to help you work from home healthily and effectively.

Mental Health AmericaResources for reducing stress, anxiety and maintaining mental health during the crisis.

Gusto’s Resource Hub
Features articles, news and information to navigate these challenging times.

Google for Small Business
How to manage your online profile with temporary closures and status updates.

Companies Now Hiring:

• Outschool is looking to hire 5,000 teachers to start offering online classes.

• United Wholesale Mortgage plans to hire 2,500 people over the coming months.

• CommonSpirit Health is hiring for more than 2,200 positions.

• Fidelity Investments plans to hire 2,000 people to fill roles, including financial consultants, licensed representatives and customer service representatives.

• Salesforce is hiring for more than 2,000 positions.

• Love's Travel Centers and Country Stores is hiring more than 2,000 people to meet demand.

• IQVIA is hiring for more than 2,000 roles.

• Takeda, a large pharmaceutical company, is hiring for 2,000 positions.

• Capital One is hiring for more than 1,300 roles across the U.S.

• UCHealth is hiring people to fill more than 1,200 positions.

• Tetra Tech is hiring people in North America for 1,000 roles.

• Better.com is hiring 1,000 employees — with a focus on hospitality employees.

• Success Academy Charter Schools plan to fill about 1,000 full-time positions in New York City.

• Publix Super Markets is hiring "thousands" of workers to meet increased demand.

• Safeway is hiring thousands of workers due to the demand created by the virus.

• Shipt is hiring "thousands" of people across the country.

• Ball Aerospace is hiring to fill more than 800 positions.

• Veeva Systems is hiring people for more than 800 positions.

• KLA is hiring workers for 700 roles.

• Electronic Arts is hiring people to fill 675 positions.

• New York City is hiring people for 500 non-clinical positions.

• Liberty Mutual is looking to hire more than 400 people to fill open roles.

• DocuSign is hiring people for over 400 positions.

• TSYS is hiring more than 350 people.

• FreshDirect is hiring 350 people to support its services.

• Guidewire Software is hiring people to fill more than 300 jobs.

• Akamai is hiring for more than 300 positions.

• First Republic Bank is hiring 300 people for open positions.

• Premise Health is hiring more than 300 people to fill open roles.

• Houston Methodist is hiring 250 health care workers.

• Nestle USA is hiring more than 200 people.

• RingCentral is hiring more than 200 people around the globe.

• Ingram Micro is hiring people for more than 200 positions.

• Post Consumer Brands is hiring more than 100 people for roles.

• Foundation Medicine is hiring more than 100 people for open positions.

• Cargill is hiring for an unknown number of positions.

• NetApp is looking to fill an unknown number of positions.

• Koch Industries is hiring people for an unknown number of positions.

• ServiceNow is hiring for an unknown number of positions.

• The U.S. Census is hiring an unknown number of employees.

• BJ's Wholesale Club is hiring an unknown number of employees.

• Blue Apron is looking to hire an unknown number of employees in New Jersey and California.

• Land O’Lakes is looking to hire an unknown number of workers to meet increased demand.

• Support.com is hiring an unknown number of workers for remote positions.

• SpaceX is hiring an unknown number of workers as it looks to ramp up production of its Starships.

* List compiled from Tory Burch Foundation and Linked In.

When I asked myself question #1 it led me to make the calls and do the research and receive the support that had me pivot my business model (more on that to come but for not, head to the homepage and have a look at The Workplace Catalyst).

Nothing has EVER been certain.  That may feel more true now because of what we’re all facing, but it has always been so. What’s also true is there’s nothing more powerful than community, compassion and a passion for creating a better world.  Those ways of being will have us come out of this stronger than ever.

Until Next Time,

FACE YOUR FEARS + FIND YOUR SHINE

How To Get Out of A Rut? Change The Definition.

The dreaded rut. We all face it at some point (and several friends have shared they've been feeling it lately.) You too? Then read on.

Yes, it's depressing, yes, it causes anxiety, yes, it's demoralizing.  Yes, it downright SUCKS.  It is all of those painful, uncomfortable things. But what if it's also something else, something positive you may not have considered before?

Your "rut" is actually your guide - tweet this!

At its core, a rut is simply dissatisfaction with things as they are.  Your dissatisfaction is trying to tell you something. It's the fork in the road - a sign to change direction.

First things first. What got you here in the first place?  

THE 2 MAIN REASONS FOR A RUT

1. You're avoiding something (or, pretending not to know - mmhmm)

2. You don't know what you want

If you're avoiding something...

In all likelihood, this isn't the first time this issue has come up. It's just that suddenly (or gradually) the pebble in your shoe has become too painful to ignore. Face it and do what you (already) know you must. It won't go away otherwise. Worse still, the pebble will become a boulder - that lands directly on you. Ouch!

If you don't know what you want...

• Assess and re-evaluate your circumstance by writing a list of what's working and what's not working.  

• Read this article on 5 ways to figure out what it is you really want.

• Get spiritual and go inward by journaling, praying, or meditating. Answers always come to me when I apply a combination of these.

• Play to your strengths.  Here's a fantastic book to help you do so.

It May Take Time. In this world of instant gratification it's easy to seek a quick fix but as ruts go you may not immediately feel better.  Give yourself breathing room because self-beat only exacerbates and extends a rut.  

WHILE YOU'RE WORKING THINGS OUT...

1.  Feed your mind with inspiration - even if you're feeling uninspired. Energy is a powerful thing and as you begin to seek inspiration (inspirational websites, books, Ted Talks, events, music) the EXACT message you need to hear will find you.

2. Surrender. I don't mean give up, I mean give in to the present moment... the place where you don't know what to do and don't have an answer.  Frustration, anger, and avoidance are all forms of resistance - a rope that gets tighter and tighter the more you struggle. Stop struggling and just BE. The answer will come and this too shall pass (especially if you're actively practicing the above.)

3. Set a date.  This one may seem counterintuitive, especially if you haven't found your answers yet, but stay with me.  Declarations are as powerful as dynamite and they can be the spark your psyche needs to shift gears. A date is a goal post - something to aim for. Set one and I guarantee that 1. You'll instantly feel accomplished and 2. watch how quickly you and random occurrences in your life begin to line up.  I dare you!

If you use your rut as a guide and a tool to change it up, you'll create the opportunity to level up.

Think of this as time in the lab - you're cooking up something new.  You've got this!  

I love your feedback, suggestions, and thoughts! Comment below and share them with me. 

Until next time, keep living #thatconsciouslife! 

5 Ways To Figure Out What You Want

It is absolutely possible to get somewhere if you don't know where you want to go - but I imagine you may look up and wonder how the hell you got there. It's much more effective to decide where exactly you'd like to go.  

The Universe is listening.  

Your angels and guides are waiting to support you.  In The Universe Has Your Back Gabby Bernstein talks about the universe operating as a Spiritual GPS.  I love that.  We relinquish our desires and we are guided - given hints, signs, and opportunities and sometimes we're redirected.  We are given direction. But, like any GPS - our guides need a destination. Your desire and intention is the address.  

So how do you figure out what you want?

5 practices to get to the heart of what you truly want:

1. Pray or meditate or both. They both have the similar effects.   

2. Ask questions of yourself and of others... Ask yourself: what do I enjoy?  When was I most enjoy (read: In-Joy)? Ask your loved ones: What do you see as my strengths and my weaknesses? Where have you noticed me in the zone, in my bliss? Where do I bring you the most joy.

3. Daydream...give yourself permission to fantasize and imagine a life that brings you an incredible amount of joy. You'll be surprised what you discover when you allow your mind the freedom to roam unbound by "reality".

4. Journal...set the mood.  Light your favorite candles, pull out objects that hold special meaning to you (mementos, crystals, etc.) and gather them around. Then put pen to paper and let whatever comes flow through.  I highly recommend boosting the energy of this practice by using astrology as a heavenly amplifier and doing this activity during a new moon or a full moon. Full moons are a wonderful time to reflect on and let go of whatever behaviors, beliefs or challenges aren't serving your highest good. New moons represent new beginnings and are an opportune time to set powerful intentions. 

5. Give it time.  The inclination is for us to get hung up on time.  Either it's running out or it isn't moving fast enough.  The invitation is to view time as a construct you control. The closer you watch the pot, the "slower" it boils.  Do whatever it takes to shift your perspective.  Actively say to yourself - out loud if you're really in the thick of it - "I have all the time I need" or "I am exactly where I get to be right now."  Or, call a homegirl - there's nothing like a true friend to snap you out of the emotional hamster wheel.  Know that you are exactly where you need to be on your journey in the present moment.  Be there. Breathe there.  Allow yourself the space and time this phase of discovery requires. The most beautiful roses take all the time they need to blossom. 

The one thing NOT to do:

1. Judge yourself.  Our learned behaviors - picked up from our parents, culture, community, societal norms, and expectations can drown out that inner voice of wisdom and love that whispers your truth to you. Don't shush it. You're hearing the call for a reason and your heart knows what's true. Validate your needs and desires without guilt or shame.

#beautyjoyeveryday

10 Tools To Boost Your Self Worth

When you know your ideas have merit, when you realize your voice and opinions matter, and when you are finally ready to shine - that's when the doubtful thoughts get louder.  Thought like "You're not doing it right", "you're not as good as...", "you’re not ready yet”, “you don't have it together" surface and they can result in you: 

• Undermining your leadership abilities causing your brand, business, and career growth to suffer.  

• Missing out on what you've always wanted to pursue.

• Shrinking from the meaningful contribution you're meant to make.

• Seeking validation from external sources.

To help you diffuse the feeling of not-enoughness on the spot, I’ve compiled the following 10 tools to build your confidence and worth. 

They're broken into 4 categories: Videos, Research-Based Hacks, Affirmations, and Books.  Use them to create powerful results in your business and life (minus the exhausting fight against doubt).

VIDEOS

Ted Talks

12 Ted Talks on Boosting Self Esteem

RESEARCH-BACKED HACKS

11 Research-Backed Hacks to Improve Self-Confidence from Entrepreneur Magazine

Confidence Hacks from Udemy

Science-backed Ways to Feel Confident When You're Out of Your League from Fast Co

AFFIRMATIONS

You guys know by now how Louise Hay has influenced my life and why.  Here's a beautiful meditation for Self Esteem. 

BOOKS

The Gift of Imperfection by Brené Brown

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey