by Apatterson | Aug 14, 2020 | Personal Growth, Relationships
I don’t have to tell you about all that’s happening around us and within our midst. You see it everyday with the constant news cycles, social media’s chaos, confusion and conflict. And if you haven’t been living under a rock, you know someone who has been impacted by COVID-19, job loss, racial and gender inequality, financial struggles and more. We are definitely in a crisis.
So how do we live in a world filled with such panic and fear? I know I have felt it. I feel it each time I have to leave my house with my Pandemic Kit (mask, gloves, sanitizer, disinfectant wipes).
As I look at everyone walking around with a mask on and trying not to make eye or physical contact with me, I feel such a sadness come over me. Because as humans, we are made for connection, touch and belonging. I sometimes sense feelings of loneliness trying to creep in because I’m so isolated from the world.
Nothing is the same anymore and neither are we. We can’t be. This has certainly changed us all in some way. It has also revealed who we are and who we can become as result of this crisis.
I take hope in recognizing that crisis always proceeds transformation. I also take hope in knowing that better days are upon us.And I know that there’s always a rainbow…not just after the storm, but even in the midst of one.
Recently, I sat down to look for the rainbows in my life during these arising times. What I found was simply amazing because I discovered several rainbows that I want to share with you.
Here’s what I discovered:
Rainbow 1: Releasing Excess. I don’t need as much material things that I thought I did. As I started clearing and cleaning out closets, cabinets, attics and more, I realized that I had too much excess. I was holding onto things that I needed to let go of and would never use again. Who needs 15 pair of black pants or dishes that you haven’t used in 25 years? As I began getting rid of “stuff” I felt a sense of freedom and release.
Rainbow 2: Cherishing the Moments. I love hearing my children and grandchildren voices. Because of COVID-19, our children have limited their visits to our home. They say it’s because we are in the elderly population. LOL. Therefore, we don’t get to see them or our grandchildren like we are accustomed to. But they all make every effort to make sure we get to visit with the grands via phone and Face-time. I find myself being more tuned into these visits. Because for me, every moment, every second has become even precious. Sometimes our FaceTime visits can last for two hours. I know that when I can get to hug and kiss them again, I will never take these moments for granted again.
Rainbow 3: Reconnecting w/ Old Friends. I have had a chance to catch up with old friends. Because things have slowed down, we have more time on our hands. We were all moving at lightening speed and had little time for important things. Lately, I have reconnected with friends I have not talked with in years. It’s been so refreshing to talk with them and reconnect. I have even reconnected with some elementary school friends. Just the other day an old friend and I talked for 4 hours! We laughed and had a blast!
Rainbow 4: A Deepened Spiritual Life. I have always made my spiritual walk and life a priority. But during these past few months, I’ve made an even new effort to practice the power of “Surrender.” Surrendering to God has been my biggest priority and allowing God’s desire for my life to be mine. Aligning with the spiritual and universal principles that governs our lives is my daily intention. I don’t always get it right, but my heart is turned towards God’s highest desire and intentions for my life. I’ve released some things that thought I wanted only to tap into God’s ordained destiny for me. I can’t tell you how freeing it is to know that I can’t change things, but as I surrender to God…I can change. I love my sacred times of prayer, meditation, worship, and listening. I’m more committed to this holy journey to unfold my soul’s destiny than ever before. In other words…to live an Awakened Life. My life reimagined and success redefined.
Rainbow 5: My Health is My Greatest Resource.
How often to we neglect our health going after money thinking it’s our most needed resource? I’ve learned that my health is my greatest resource and this it’s up to me to take care of it. I’m beginning to look at what I put in my mouth more intentionally because I have taken more time to cook better meals. I order my groceries and have them delivered therefore I can only eat what I have in the house…LOL. I’m starting to move my body more…walking, Tai Chi and Yoga have been my choices. I am not where I want to be right now, but I am on my way and lost 11 pounds. I check my vital signs daily and they are looking really good. I have also added some amazing supplements needed as I get older.
These are just a few of the rainbows that I have discovered as I navigate this new normal. There are so many more and if you’d like, I will share more in the coming weeks.
Also, I would love to hear some of your rainbow lessons. So please feel free to share them with us in the comment box below.
Until next time…stay safe and don’t forget to look for your rainbows.
by Apatterson | Jun 26, 2020 | Personal Growth, Relationships
Many don’t know your name. You don’t own a business, you don’t have a brand and you’re not a social media influencer. No one really recognizes you out in public.
BUT! What you do is needed by many. You empower and encourage others through the phone calls you make, the text messages you send out, the voicemails you leave. You do what appears to be small gestures, yet these things encourage others to stay the course and never give up. You know the right times to call, the right things to say and do. Through powerful conversations, you’ve talked many off the ledge, given others hope and healing through your prayers.
You give your time, your resources and your love for humanity. You never talk about what you do, you don’t post it on social media or boast about it, even to your closet friends. You never make a big deal out of it, you don’t post it on social media and never tell anyone the things that you do. So many benefit daily from the things you do in for them. Your moves are subtle and quiet, yet intentional.
Who are you? You are God’s chosen one…God’s mouthpiece in the world. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. You are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
It’s in the those quiet moments, that you’ve even shed some tears, wanted to give up at times, but your commitment to God’s promises kept you going. You’ve held a place for everyone else to shine. But who is holding a space for you? The time has come for you to reap your rewards.
So I will close with what song writer has said and dedicate these words to you:
“Hang in there and prepare yourself for your blessing. It’s your time now. You have waited for so long. But you held on, you were strong. And for your faithfulness. It’s your time. Because you hung in there when times got hard. And when it seemed like nobody cared. You kept right on working. You kept right on doing good things. And for your faithfulness. And for your faithfulness, it’s your time. He told me to tell you, it’s your time.”– Lyrics from It’s Your Time by Luther Barnes.
by Apatterson | May 6, 2020 | Personal Growth
There are so many amazing people out there that are offering some incredible programs, services, products and events. It’s sometimes difficult to know which is best for you. There’s a ton of resources for how to pivot your business during this Pandemic and economic downturn.
People are posting information on how to get help, how to work together and collaborate and even how to find the cash cow in your business that you maybe over looking. I am always amazed at the genius and brilliance that you all bring to the table and how selfless you are in sharing.
While 100% of my coaching clients are entrepreneurs, I am NOT a business coach. I am a Life and Success Strategist because I believe you can’t have a career that matters without having a life that matters.
Over the years, I’ve built 3 successful companies literally from scratch. These companies have taken me around the world and afforded me the opportunities to work with some of the most powerful movers and shakers in the business world and the entertainment industry. I’ve produced events and shows in Los Angeles, NYC, Atlanta and Myrtle Beach. I’ve dined and entertained meetings with high profile celebrities, CEOs, Billionaires, and yes, mobsters. It’s definitely been a journey. And I am far from done.
Yet, as I look back on my 37 years of entrepreneurship, there’s one thing that has remain constant and that is people’s innate drive for meaning, direction, truth and purpose. There’s an inner most longing and knowing that we are here to fulfill a divine plan and purpose in our lives. And until we discover and live in alignment with this divine purpose and plan, we go through life sensing that something is missing. It doesn’t matter how much money you make, how much fame you achieve or how successful you become, you will never be completely fulfilled or happy until you tap into that sweet spot of living God’s original divine plan and purpose for your life. You may become successful in life, but you’re not WINNING.
I’ve sat across from folks who could buy anything in the world. They live like many of us dream of living. Yet, there’s a hollow hole in their soul because they are searching for something more meaningful, more miraculous and more magical in life. I call this, The Awakened Life.
While, I know how to help a client scale a company, position herself for bigger opportunities, increase revenues and plan their next level growth, I also know how to help them give birth to a brand that aligns with their divine plan and purpose in life. Because herein lies the key to sustainable, long lasting success.
Nowadays, I spend my time coaching clients from around the world, running my Fatherless Daughters Network and partnering in major national and international joint venture projects.
But the highlight of my work is when I get to teach the “Study of Life.”, where I am inspiring others to others embark upon a “A Sacred Journey to Unfold Their Soul’s Destiny.” As I move into my Legacy work as a seasoned woman over 50…headed towards 60, I am intentional about my next level calling.
You see, we work and rest, eat and sleep, make money and spend it, have our share of pleasures and difficulties, and navigate through many life seasons and cycles. But the fundamental pursuit and discovery of our divine purpose is what brings us true, freedom, abundance, joy, rich and lasting fulfillment. This the true meaning of life.
God has given each of us a divine plan and purpose. I want to encourage you to make this your highest priority and primary pursuit in life. When you do, you will begin to experience a life of infinite opportunities and possibilities and unleash your greatest potential to shine in the world. This is our Awakened Life. A Life Reimagined and Success Redefined.
by Apatterson | Jun 4, 2019 | Personal Growth, Relationships
Many women spend a lot of time in their busyness. We multi-task all day long. We work, we cook, we clean, we play taxi, we play nurse, we plan mom, we play sexy woman, and so much more. If you’re a business woman, it’s even more challenging because building a business brand can keep you busy almost 24/7.
We can’t possibly keep up this pace without something starting to give way. If it’s not our relationships, it’s our business. If it’s not our business, it’s our health. When you are under this kind of fast paced routines, it places a lot of stress on your mind and your body. The human body was not designed to be placed under stress for long periods of time. The American Medical Association has stated that 98% of all diseases are derived from stress.
For years, I kept up a face paced life. I thought it was the only way to become successful. I had become so accustomed to this pace that it was normal to me. If I slowed down, I would feel as if I wasn’t being productive. But I began to realize that busyness didn’t mean being productive. Busyness created a lot of stress in my body and it was starting to have an impact.
One day, I sat down and asked myself as question that had be posed to me several times, “What do you want?” A simple question, but for many it’s one that can’t be readily answered. Why? Because so many women are busy creating their lives based on other people’s version of what it is supposed to be. I know for sure that’s what I was doing. I only came to know this when I slowed it down, went deeper within myself and told the truth to myself.
As I began to answer this question, my answers surprised me. I didn’t want many of the ideas, goals and dreams that I had for years. They simply didn’t mean as much any more. My passion for them had been lost. It wasn’t a bad thing. I had changed and transformed so much of my internal landscape that my desires had also changed. But I never would have known this had I not slowed it down to seek my Awakened Truth. I would have still been going at lightening speed chasing something that I simply didn’t want any longer and no longer served me.
What I did want was a life with more meaning. I wanted each day to be fulfilling, fun and free. I wanted to make quiet business moves and make money…but more importantly, I wanted to make memories with my family and friends. And while I love vacationing to wonderful places, I also love the intimate times that I spend with my family and friends simply talking and laughing over a home cooked meal or a glass of wine. I enjoy spending time with my amazing husband talking about things that makes my heart smile and laughing so hard that I sometimes pee in my panties. I love getting on the floor with my grand babies playing and singing. It’s these kind of things that makes my heart sing. Yet, I also love teaching women how to live the Awakened Life…how to navigate through the Divine Ache™ and how to answer and advance their next level calling. I love helping fatherless daughter women move beyond the pain of fatherlessness. I simply found a better more impactful way to do it without the constant busyness and overwhelm. In a nutshell, I took my life back and reclaimed my time. I got my happy back and I’m never giving it up again.
What do you really want? Is it the life that you are currently living? Or have you taken a moment to get clear about what’s really important to you in this season of your life? One thing that I have learned is that life is fragile and it’s can seem so short. I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want my life to pass me by and one day I look up and wonder what happened. It’s about me living intentionally and getting out of the rat race, the chase, the hamster wheel and slowing it down to a pace that’s gives me joy.
I want to encourage you to take a moment this week and really look at what you want. Take inventory of your life. What’s important to you in this season? Is it a way for you to live your dreams and still be present with those you love? What about you, what do you really want?
by Apatterson | Nov 21, 2018 | Personal Growth, Relationships
Thanksgiving is the time of the year when we Americans take time to be with family and friends and give thanks.
Last year, I had to experience Thanksgiving for the first time without my mother. I didn’t know how I was going to make it through the holidays without her. Losing mom was one of the most painful things I’d have to experience.
Now, this year Thanksgiving, I will be spending it without my amazing brother Cliff. Nine months after losing mom suddenly, I lost my best friend, brother, and confidant. When he died, I wondered how would I ever breathe again without him and mom. For all of my entire life, I talked to these two people every single day…many times a day. People who knew us, knew how very close we were.
So as I enter this Thanksgiving, I must admit that I am feeling a little sad. Yet, as I think about all of the wonderful times we had together, I can feel a smile starting to form on my face and in my heart. I miss these two people fiercely. But I am so very grateful for the love we shared. I know that I am blessed because of their unconditional love for me.
This is also my first Thanksgiving with my newest grand baby Jayme. Jayme is 6 months old. She was born 2 weeks after my brother died. The joy and love that I feel each time I look into her beautiful eyes, releases such gratitude deep within my soul. It’s new life.
In the midst of so much sorrow and loss, I have been able to see the rainbows beyond the storms.
I want to encourage you to look for the rainbows all around you because they are there. It’s the rainbows that will get through the storms of life.
God knows what we have need of and He sent us the rainbows to remind us of His unwavering love towards us. So simply embrace this love and share it with your loved ones on tomorrow.
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.
