“We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.” 
― May Sarton

And it came to pass

My little man

“Sometimes people are beautiful.
Not in looks.
Not in what they say.
Just in what they are.” 
― Markus Zusak, I am the Messenger

Dr. K

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson


(Image from Pinterest)

24 going on 90

This is what is currently on my mind.

1) I am in love with my nephew- He is such a happy baby and he makes me smile
2) I would like to wrap anything to do with varsity up in the next two years with two published articles in credited journals. 

3) It's time I get a job- a real job 

4) I hate being told what to do 

5) I would love a puppy 

6 ) I need new running shoes, the ones I like are a little pricey 

7) I am glad I got the opportunity to organize a conference 

8) I am ready for a change, something exciting and fun

(image from Pinterest)

We went to the zoo

My friend Lune and I went to a zoo :) All I could think about was how much I do not like animals in captivity and the movie "We bought a zoo". I must say, I have not seen the movie but the visit has caused me to want to eagerly raid a DVD shop in search of it. On the zoo visit part, I liked it, but I was disappointed not to see any giraffes (my favourite animal) but the highlight was the leopards (I was in awe). In the back of my mind, I could not help but think what a beautiful coat they would make (I must admit this mentally is absolutely WRONG!!! I want my unborn twins to one day see them so I should stop thinking like this).

There was this baboon who was standing on the tower who in my view represented solitude and peace. I was absolutely in love. This reminded me of my childhood dream of wanting to be a vet and my desire to look after animals and care for nature. So, in the spirit of my birthday month and beyond, I will do my utmost best to be environmentally responsible and to encourage others to stop killing wild animals.

(images from my camera)

   

Feeling Blue

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth.” 
― William W. Purkey

(Image from Pinterest)

Gym

I have been going to gym religiously for about a month now. I must say, I am loving it!!! However, there are a few things I am not thrilled about 1) the hot gym instructor left (who was my sole reason for busting my ass in spinning class) 2) I am still eating burgers and coke and chips on an odd day 3) I feel my gym partner and I are not working HARD enough (I read one of those post that said I should be sweating bullets at gym) and lastly 4) I am not losing enough tummy fat (If you have suggestions please help a lady out) .

My happy place

(Image from Pinterest)

Step 1

Found this article I like from Black Vogue and I thought I should share it with you.  It a 7 step programme by Tyra Banks to become your own CEO.

I am the CEO of Bankable Enterprises, but I didn't get here without starting somewhere. I took a lot of steps to get where I am now.The first thing you need to do is be the CEO of your own life. Everyone has potential for greatness - make sure you take steps to achieve the greatness in YOU. Every week I will feature a new step on how to build your way to being your own CEO.

Step One… Take a moment.
You should take a moment every day to reflect on your day. Did you miss out on an opportunity for something big/small? Did someone else steal your thunder? How about making plans? Did you let a friend decide what movie to see even though you really didn't want to go see it? Think about all the things you need to change to take charge of everything you do.

In order to run your own business, you need to be able to run your own life. Keep track by writing in a journal/your phone's memo pad/post-it notes/etc. EVERY DAY. This will help you with Step 2… Check it out next week!

(image from Pinterest)

Step 2

Build Confidence. When walking into a room, or meeting a new person,
your confidence must shine.  First impressions are key in being your own
CEO. Here are some tips on how to give off a fun, fearless, powerful
woman vibe.

1 -  Flash a Smile. Not one of those
super-fake-"I'm-trying-to-impress-you" smiles, but a
genuine-mouth-closed smile.  It will boost your mood and your attitude.

2.  The Perfect Handshake. Use your right hand.  Face your shake-ee
directly.  You need the perfect grip - between overbearing and limp
fish.  Only one to three up and down movements, don't over-do it or
you'll seem overly anxious.

3.  Point Those Pumps. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and point

them at the person you're talking to. Make sure you keep eye-contact

too!

Now go out there and practice these moves! You'll be exuding confidence
in no time.

(Image from Pinterest)

Step 3

Dress to Impress! You represent yourself and your company. When going to work or meetings you should look clean and polished.  Like I said last week, first impressions are key andclothing is the first thing people will judge you on. I don't always like to be dressed up, but I wear heels to all of my meetings.  Here are some tips on dressing to impress!

1. You should own at least one nice blazer. Ablazer is something that will dress up any outfit and make you look professional.

2. Have a pair of classic pumps. They don't have to be stilettos, but a little added height is always good. Your heels should be aprofessional color like black or brown.

3. Be comfortable! Whatever you are wearingyou should be comfortable. You need to be able to concentrate on what you are working on and not worrying about what you wearing.

Fierce & Love!

(Image from Pinterest)

Step 4

Make a plan. How are you going to make your dreams a reality? You need to have a plan for how you are going to be in control of your life. I plan out every day to make sure that I stay on track and in charge. Here are some hints on how to plan to be your own CEO.

Set goals and make timelines. You should set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Breakdown what you want to accomplish and how long it's going to take you.

Hit the library. Research what you want to do. Learn everything you can. You can't make a plan if you don't know what you're doing.

Don't be afraid to change your plans. Not everything in life goes according to plan. Don't be discouraged if you get off track. Reassess your goals.

Step 5

Build relationships! Networking is soimportant in building your business and your brand! All good CEOs got to where they are because of the relationships they built throughout their careers. Part of the reason I am where I am today is because of the all the great people I have met along the way! I never would have accomplished my dreams without the help of others. Here are some of my best-kept networking secrets!

Number one is treat every relationship like a business relationship.  Always be professional! You never know who you are going to end up working with. I met André years before I ever dreamed he would be a judge on America's Next Top Model!

Go to industry events and put yourself out there. Meeting other people who work in your field is key. Identify the top players and introduce yourself.

Always carry business cards! You never know when or where you are going to meet the person who could change your life, so you better be prepared at all times!

(image from Pinterest)

Step 6

Practice humility! Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to meet lots of super successful people and they all have one thing on common, they all are the most humblepeople that I know! It seems like the more successful you are, the more humble you become. Not sure what that means? Being humble means that you are modest about your accomplishments and never arrogant (who likes a bragger?).

Being humble is something that you should try to be no matter how much you have accomplished. Here are my top tips on how to practice humility every day:

- Take credit for what you should and give credit to those who deserve it.

- If you think that you already know it all, you're wrong! There are always things you can learn by listening to others.

- Don't take yourself too seriously and be able to laugh at yourself. I may have been a supermodel, but I can always put on a silly face for the camera!

Fierce & Love!

Tyra

Step 7

Get organized! If you aren't organized it is impossible to be successful- both personally and professionally. From my home to my office (check out our supply closet) I am super organized! It's simple- if your stuff is a mess, you are going to be mess. You don't need an assistant or a professional organizer to get your life in order.

1. Take a day (or two or three) to get your life organized. Clean out everything from your desk to your closet. Don't be afraid to throw out what you don't need.

2. Everything should have a place. From my files to my shoes- all of my stuff has a place that it belongs so when I go to look for it, it is always there!

3. It's all about labels (and I'm not talking designer!). I like to label where things go. This way, if anyone else is looking for something, they can find it too. This is especially important if you are working with a team of people.

Being organized is a lifestyle and a way that you need to live if you want to be your own CEO!

Fierce & Love!

Tyra Banks

(Image from Tumblr)