Are you an independent person?

 Part 1...

I was born at a time when in this country and your birthday certificate said M… that is part African and part European… you were looked at differently by both groups. Your skin colour said you were ‘black’ but your mother’s skin tone said you were partially ‘white’ as a child, which was quite confusing.

The advantage for me was that my maternal grandmother raised me. I was quite comfortable with her as she was a strong, beautiful black woman. Hardworking, yes! A strict disciplinarian, a subsistence farmer, a pig farmer, she also raised goats and sheep; who refused to work for anyone. She ran her own restaurant business where she made meals from the produce from her farms. I learned so much from her, the biggest being how to be an independent person and make your own money. 

Despite being exposed to those different ways to make money, she emphasized education. She told her grandchildren that she knew the difference between a red tick and a red x.  So you had better bring home no or very few red xs. 

As a youngster she pushed school Monday through Friday, Saturday on the farm with her and Sunday Church, no questions asked that was your weekly guide. In addition to that, I was required to read to certain old people two days per week. I looked forward to this as this gave me time to learn history from the mouths of the elderly. All these shaped my life.

That strict upbringing had me teaching Sunday School at age nine. I love the Bible and the stories are so addictive. If you start with the Creation and then look at the Israelites slavery in Egypt to their release and journey to the Promise Land you can sit for hours and read it over and over. Sunday School teaching led me to young people’s meetings on Wednesday and Friday evenings to Mid Sunday Bible teachings. It was amazing how much you could learn each time you met with other young people.

Fast Forward to transition time from K- 12 to college, what did I want to study? Religion, and Language Arts. My passion, to teach people to read. I love to see how people’s faces light up when they can read. What did I study? Language Arts and Social Sciences [geography, history, religion].

After college I not only wanted to teach the areas I was trained in, I wanted to expose my students to travel. It was my passion, still is. Immediately I formed a travel club, the students who did not have passports, I made sure that they got them and the US visa to travel to the USA as that was the closest country to travel to. That first group of students went to Orlando, Florida to visit Disney World, Busch Gardens, and the Miami Zoo. I was so proud of them and the way they behaved outside of the country and outside of their parents’ influence.

During those first three years, I took a group of students somewhere every year. I was home and wanted to expose my home people.

Then I was transferred to another family island…

To be continued.

Please feel free to comment and express your views…

Have you ever had to become a caregiver for someone?

 I never thought that I would have to become a caregiver.

All of that changed a few months ago when my mother who lived with us for the past 6 years stopped walking. She was feeding herself but very slowly. In a few weeks, she could no longer do that. 

When those motor skills stopped it meant that the bathing and feeding had to be done by me. At first, I thought it would only be for a short while, well it's been months and because she was not moving on her own she developed sores on both of her legs at the hip level and one on her lower back.

These require daily cleansing and dressing. It's not easy. The sores must be drained cleaned and then dressed.

At times it must be painful as she screams.

She has to eat three times per day and given enough fluid to keep her hydrated.  

I have to push through it and ensure that it gets done.

If you have been a caregiver or if you are a caregiver and could share some tips with me, please do.

Thanks in advance.

 

Equality vs Equity

 Equality is not the same as Equity.

 

Our thoughts do control our destiny and what is for us will come through us.

 

And the most powerful person in your world is YOU. This is because you can either be a good God or a bad devil. When you meet your devil you can kick it out and replace it with the Divine Power within you.

 

Read Philippians 4:6 -Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

 

If these past 13 months taught us anything it would be how resilient we really are.

 

Set your own goals, or someone would set some for you.

 

Only you know what you truly need/want and only you know your true worth.

 

So, as of today, you determine what wealth is to you...

 

Ecclesiastes 10:19 says:-

"A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things."

 

And only you know how much money you really need, there is a difference between need and greed.

 

If you have 5 hundred, 5 thousand, 5 million, or 5 billion, you and only you can truly determine what is the correct amount for you.

 

When you chase money it develops wings and 'fly' away.

 

I watched a colleague spend $69,000 in less than a year and then wondered what it was spent on. I say, make a record of every penny you spend and you won't have to wonder.

 

So equality -the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.

And equity -that involves distributing resources based on the needs of the recipients.

The above are not the same...

 

Think about it.

The COVID 19 Vaccine.

 

In March 2020, it hit me hard. I was stuck at home without any indication of when I would be able to travel... everywhere was closed down due to Covid. It was like it had a mind of its own. Every time you turned on the television it was 'dread'. The number of deaths worldwide was staggering.

Every day you hoped for 'good news' or better news but no. It was the same thing over and over the number of deaths climbed. By mid-2020 it felt like Covid would spare us but no, the deaths continued. In my small country, we were praying and hoping for the rest of the world to turn around for the better. 

 We were all housebound. You could walk around your yard but confinement was pressing down on everyone. People could not run like they used to. They had assigned days to go to the grocery store. The governments and philanthropists stepped up to help those who were most destitute. Some people had not worked for more than six months. They had to do what they had never done before, depend on others for 'food' and livelihood.

 Then the end of 2020 came and there was talk about vaccines that would help to combat this 'disease' this virus that had wreaked so much havoc on the world's population.

 I looked at the light at the end of the tunnel and could not wait for the vaccine to reach my country. I followed what was happening in the other first-world countries closely [the positive].

 When the vaccines arrived in my country, I was elated. I wanted to be among the first to be vaccinated. But, living in an island nation, I knew it would be after the capitol city was introduced to the vaccine. I felt in my heart that the major islands would be next, and we were.

 On March 30 the vaccine arrived on our island. Despite all the talk by the people who said they were not taking it when I tried driving by the 'clinic' in my town I had to 'blow' my car horn to clear the road in order to pass. The same thing occurred on the 31.

 Well, I was not the first, nor second person to be vaccinated but on that second day 31 March, I was there and my entire immediate family received the first shot... I even put my aunt's name on the list and she was also vaccinated.

 I feel great. No pain.

 So, here's my advice to those of you who have not been vaccinated as yet... and to those of you who are skeptical, ask yourself the question would you rather be in a position to ward off the variants or would you want to be in the position of not knowing if you are infected whether or not you would live or die.

 Go back and check your medical records and see the number of vaccines your parents took you to have....measles, polio, and the number of times you were taken for a 'booster' shot. You who are now adults and have children of your own would you not want to give your children the chance that your parents gave you? Would you not want to be around as they are around...

 My suggestion to you...GET THE VACCINE!

Many People are Experiencing Hurt

 The Hurt That So Many People Are Experiencing...

When I was little my grandmother used to say that every 'crack teeth is not a smile'. Now I understand what she meant. You see so many people who 'show their teeth' as if they are happy. Many are not.

Many people give a 'fake' smile to throw others off. They don't really want anyone to know how much they are hurting.

I can recall the times when I saw some of my friends laughing out loud while in the crowd, but when they felt no one was looking the sadness took over. If you looked closer you could actually see the tears glistening in their eyes.

Despite all of this it is my belief that happiness starts within yourself. External factors may appear to contribute but it is always how you perceive and interact with whatever life throws at you.

In my profession as an educator, there were many days when I had to ensure that my students got something to eat. At times I would make sandwiches for them, purchase soups or just call home and ask one of my children to send me something for them. At other times I would just send a student to my home to fix something for a number of them to eat.

I made it a point to treat my homeroom class to a full meal as often as possible. I only asked that they pay it forward.

Today if we recall the parable of the Good Samaritan we will all remember that we are capable of doing good for anyone...

So, yea, in this Holy Week as we trace the walk from Palm Sunday through the crucifixion on 'Good Friday' to that Glorious Easter morn, let's remember that we are truly our brothers'/sisters' keeper.

Let's lift up those around us who are hurting.

God Bless.

Death...

 Right now, I reflect on death. Well, it is something that every family would encounter. 

Despite that fact, not all of us can say, 'I know how your feel.' It may not be the truth.

In the past four days, I learned about the death of one of my students, then within an hour about the death of a family member's mother, followed closely by news of the death of the mother of one of my dearest friends. 

Added to the deaths, because I live on a small island, I learned of friends who had to be flown to the capital city for medical reasons; heart attacks, respiratory discomfort, possible cancer. It seems as if everywhere one turns there are heartache and pain.

Yet there is a silver lining out there. There is a healer for the sick and a comforter for those in mourning. You may call Him God, Yahew, Jehovah, Allah, Jah... He is the one we can turn to for ultimate comfort.

In a week from Sunday Christians will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ...That tells us there is hope.

There is life beyond the grave.

In All Things and in all Situations ... Give Thanks... Show gratitude.

 Well... in my Blogging, I had 14 December as my date to write. I did not. Why? My Facebook account was hacked.

Today, I am officially putting that behind me and allowing the Universe, Karma, God to take care of that 'hacker'.

It's March 22nd, 2021. A new day, a new week.

There is so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to.

What are you grateful for?

Is it the fact that you are alive and in good health?

Is it the fact that you have someplace to live, be it a home of your own, an apartment, a room in someone else's home?

Is it the fact that you have access to the COVID 19 Vaccine?

Is it the fact that you are one of the lucky people who have had the vaccine?

Is it the fact that you are bringing value to someone else, be it an elderly relative, a child in need, a stranger who needs directions?

Is it a beautiful day, sunshine, rain, what is it?

Is it the fact that you were able to eat today?

Is it the ability to see, to hear, to smell the freshness around you, to feel the breeze/sunshine on your face, is it tasting that meal your family member just fixed?

Is it the fact that you can read? Understand what you read? 

Is it that you are in school, in the physical space instead of being home and using a device?

2020 showed us the creation that we can no longer take anything for granted.

Upon awaking do you now remember to say thanks for the present of a new day?

As you go through your day, do you thank the waitress who served you at your favourite restaurant that you can now eat at, although social distancing?

As the day becomes night do you say thanks for the fact that you are still alive?

Bottom line, has 2020 taught you to become more grateful than ever?

Think about these things and if you haven't, start giving thanks.

 

Where are you in your mindset?

My title may seem strange, but lately, I have been more in observation mode.

As it draws nearer to the Christmas occasions and the world is as yet hooked by the COVID emergency and political clashes, I search internally and I can't help thinking about what amount could be better if individuals were less childish. I comprehend the significance of dealing with yourself, however, I likewise comprehend that as people we are totally interconnected and reliant on one another.

Should my reliance on you be about me bringing in cash for me and mine? Does that not outskirt on utilizing and exploiting individuals? I am suggesting the conversation starter to empower further considering what we are doing? 

On the off chance that I carry you into my hover to make it greater and don't assist you with improving it for you, for what reason did I bring you? On the off chance that I put resources into your business and you just turn my 'cash' over in your grasp and analyze how little it is contrasted with another person, would you say you are reasonable in being open-minded toward me? I am just inquiring. Further, in the event that you are making mega monetary steps and I am attempting to get it, will be it reasonable for you to 'kiss your teeth' and allude to me as lethargic and deadbeat? Or on the other hand, would it be advisable for you to converse with me, contribute your time, to discover why I am not advancing as you feel I should? It's just plain obvious, time is of more incentive than cash, on the off chance that you put away your cash and lose it, you can get it back ultimately, yet when you contribute your time, you never get it back yet you offer an incentive to the individual in whom you contributed.

I am aware of individuals who go through hours helping individuals they don't have a clue, for reasons unknown other than to realize that they can identify with what Jesus stated, 'In as much as you've done it unto these the less of your sibling you did it unto me.' They spend endless hours assisting individuals with picking up monetary help for their families, who in any case would have nothing. Indeed, that well-known adage that 'a large portion of a portion is superior to no portion.' 

Who would you be able to help? Less fortunate relatives, more unfortunate neighbors, [I am alluding to neighbor as per Jesus' anecdote of The Good Samaritan] Or are you one of those individuals when given finances that are focused for the less fortunate in your locale, you provide for your loved ones who don't generally require it and state, 'Youngster my loved ones start things out', update, it was others' cash, not yours. OK let a family go hungry just to dazzle somebody who doesn't give a poo about you to be seen giving toys in essence to youngsters who will split them up inside hours and still have an unfilled stomach?

I don't know the answer to these questions, see I am still in observation mode.

What if members of your community are lined up to receive food from the people who are so generously giving and you have a cupboard overstock with goods that you and your family can't consume before spoilage? Would you not call them in secret and give it to them? Or would you be the one who has someone filming the 'gift' so that you can brag about it later to your friends? 

Your mindset should be reflecting on the value you can bring to others. Amassing wealth can be good when you share it with others and could be bad when you become stingy. I say remember the rich fool who was told in the parable, 'tonight your soul will be required of you, then whose would those things be'.

I don't have a clue about the response to these inquiries, see I am as yet in perception mode. 

Imagine a scenario where individuals from your locale are arranged to get food from the individuals who are so liberally giving and you have a pantry overload with products that you and your family can't burn-through before decay. Ok, not call them covertly and offer it to them? Or then again would you be the person who has somebody recording the 'blessing' so you can boast about it later to your companions? 

Your outlook should be thinking about the worth you can bring to other people. Gathering abundance can be acceptable when you share it with others and could be awful when you become closefisted. I state recollect the rich blockhead who was told in the story, 'this evening your spirit will be expected of you, at that point whose would those things be'.

Let's Say NO TO VIOLENCE to Anyone and Everyone... one life lost is too many.

 Let's Say NO TO VIOLENCE to Anyone and Everyone... one life lost is too many.

This Pandemic, COVID 19, has brought to light so many things that were hidden or swept under the carpet.

This has led us as a people to realize that there is more gender-based violence than we can ever imagine.

As an outlet for all young people, teens, young adults, older adults we should encourage people to write about it. You can write a piece of prose, a short story, a poem, a play whatever to get your idea across to help rid us of this problem. If writing is not your thing, do a drawing, just do something and share it with me and the rest of the group at - eleutherasaysno@gmail.com

No matter where you are, your input can change a life or save a life.

Think of people who are being 'bullied' in this lockdown and have no one to speak to. Think of those who are not used to being locked in 24/7. Those who no longer have a job and can't process what is happening to them. Those who never asked for help and now depend on food banks, the government food program, neighbors from home and abroad.

Let's look at the situation closer, the frustration of parents and children.

Not everyone would reach out to a friend for help, many would suffer in silence.

Again, please express your feelings in writing, drawing, photography whatever mode of expression that you can use. Email your pieces to us. The email again is ...eleutherasaysno@gmail.com.

I look forward to seeing your presentations.

God Bless you all.

34 Days and Counting Down...

Indeed, it's 34 days before Christmas. Be that as it may, is it going to be a Christmas like no other? So far it's been a year like no other.

A couple of hours prior the United States of America crossed the 12 million instance of the Covid. 1,000,000 over the most recent 6 days. It is said in The Bahamas, that when the United States wheezes The Bahamas gets the 'cold'. It demonstrates that as their cases raise, our own do likewise.

I have perused and tuned in to the pundits. It was proposed that the residents shorten their movement, so as not to contaminate the most helpless against this infection. Are individuals tuning in, a few, however, there are other people who are continuing onward with no respect for the life of their friends and family. With over a fourth of 1,000,000 passing in the United States, a few people are going about as though it is nothing new. The equivalent could be said here in my nation. Youthful and old are biting the dust. Just yesterday a twelve-year-old kid kicked the bucket. That is 58 years not exactly guaranteed in the book of Psalms [three scores and ten].

This mentality of aloofness to what in particular is really happening is astounding. 

How might you say that you love your relatives but then you don't hold fast to the CDC rules to ensure the safety of your parents, grandparents, and such? 

My inquiry, is turkey supper that significant? Or on the other hand, are individuals simply being childish?

On the off chance that we need to be here for Christmas 2020 and more Christmases to come, I am of the sentiment that we ought to be sacrificial and consider others in front of ourselves. 

To my loved ones in the two nations, I beseech you, if you don't mind practice the conventions; wear your facer covers, wash/purify your hands, social separation, [that incorporates NO hugging]. 

Let us all work to get to 2021. With the vaccination on stream, we have a superior opportunity to celebrate and compensate for time lost in 2020. In any case, in the event that we don't a few of us will be ancient history.

 How amazing it is that so many people have an opportunity after an opportunity presented/shown to them and they procrastinate.

I wonder how many success stories are to be presented before people write their own?

At the very moment, we decide the ending of our story is not going to be what others want but what we want, we decide Success for ourselves.

Today unclutter from whatever is standing between you and the life you want to be living.

createyourfinancialsuccess.com

ARE YOU READY FOR 2021?

 Are you waiting for someone else to determine how you live after this Pandemic?

I mean, are you really waiting to go back to that 7AM - 4PM job? 

Do you look forward to working 42 hours per week for $250?

Are you not tired of answering to the BOSS? 🙅

Well, let's do something about it.

Would you like to be surrounded by SUCCESS and WEALTH?

Afraid of the SCAMMERS online? 

Then come, complete a 2-day Live Interactive Workshop and learn how to make money online.

Come get the proof to help you make up your mind.

If this is something you could identify with drop a heart so that I may get back to you.

Also, click like and share with your friends and family. Don't allow an opportunity to slip through your fingers.

Remember When...

 When we were growing up in the Bahamas and the month of November was near we all had to have our quarter/twenty-five cents to donate for poppy in remembrance of those who fought in the first and second world wars from this country.

No child purchase only one. Children had them on their shirts, girls in their hair, and they proudly wore them every day.

Fast-forward to 21 century and it's a whole different 'ball game'. The average child does not want to donate at all. The few who do only donate for one, possibly two.

My question is where did we as a society go wrong? Did we not teach the children the significance of the poppy? Were they not taught in the Social Studies class? Did parents and grandparents not pass on the information?

When they saw the wreaths being placed and thrown into the sea, were there no questions asked? Did the media not cover it as they should?

These are only questions that I pose. The answers should not come from me as an individual but from us a nation.

Do we need to augment the curriculum, so as to include this information?

What say you? If you think we need to please drop a fire emoji to show your support. 

  

GRATITUDE November, 9th 2020

 GRATITUDE!

It's the 9th Day of November 2020, 21 more days in the hurricane season. We are still in the season that can wreak havoc by rain, high winds, and electrical storms. Some of us live in low areas when the ground becomes saturated we experience flooding. We need to be careful. Large trees can be uprooted and fall onto cars or homes, we must be careful. It has been raining for a while now and thunder could be heard in the distance, it is important to stay indoors and be safe. If you must go out you should make sure to have rain gear, a raincoat will be helpful. Covid 19 is still a threat to our lives so, no matter what we must practice the protocols of wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, the mouth for others, the nose for yourself; please social distance and use sanitizer when you are away from the house. At home wash your hands frequently. And in all of this, let's be grateful. Some countries don't have the means that we have to do what we should be doing. The numbers are rising people in almost if not all countries, so we are not practicing everything we should be. Let's make a decision that as of today we will deliberately be safe and keep others safe. I know many of us fear the change in the weather that is upon us and may not have the luxury of going outdoors as often as we would like to or should, but if you can for even 15 minutes to get some 'fresh air' please do so. A few days ago the state of Texas recorded its one-millionth COVID case. 1,000,000. This virus is not slowing down and it may be mutating in more places than we know. So, in these 52 days left in 2020 let's be vigilant of everything that is happening around us. Keep your family safe... Help to keep your friends and neighbours safe... Stay at home unless you must do something important, like getting medications and food. We all look forward to 2020. It's up to us if we get there. God has not brought us this far to 'leave' us. Remember that disobedience is WORSE than WITCHCRAFT. Adhere to the rules. Blessings. #it'important to be safe #safetyfirst #lifematters

God is a God of Abundance.

 "The world is big enough to satisfy everyone's needs but will always be too small to satisfy everyone's greed." Mahatma Gandhi

Each day, God gives us a new start, He says that His mercies are new every morning.

He also said we should be anxious for nothing as He will supply all of our needs. I can honestly say, He supplies mine. Only you can say if He does the same for you. He also gives me the desires of my heart, then surprises me with things I don't expect.

I have come to understand that GOD is in control and He owes it all and will give us abundantly.

Blessings to all.

Death!

 What is 'death'?

I don't know how to define it. Some say it's the end of life here on earth, some say you pass from here into eternity, others say it's sleep until the rapture or the resurrection. Whatever it is it brings such sadness.

You can never, ever prepare for death. It is the visitor, that no matter how many times you speak of him, he comes when you least expect him to. You go out for a drive on a beautiful clear day and he shows up like a lamp-pole or a large tree. You go to the beach for a family picnic and he shows up like a large wave crashing onto the shore with an undercurrent. You go to school and he shows up in a simple brawl. You go to bed, tired from the day's work and he shows up like a nightmare from which you can not awaken. 

It's not only that he shows up, but he leaves everyone distraught.

It seems to me that every day someone close to you has a visit. This year 2020, I have 'lost' so many students, friends, and family members to the 'grim reaper'.  Look, I know that the one thing that is certain is 'death's visit'. Yet it is so hard to get used to it.  

Just today, another student who entered the teaching profession had a visit from death, so, not only is the immediate family in mourning but the families of the schools she attended and the schools that she taught at. She was a very young woman with a young son. So, not only has a son lost his mother, her parents have lost their daughter and students their teacher.

With only two months and a few days left in this year 2020, I feel each of us must take all precautions and look out for each other.

We look to 2021 being the best year ever.  

How are you coping with COVID 19?

The Internet is a blessing for many and a hindrance to some.

Many people are on the Internet but all they are doing is socializing, including but not limited to, playing games, scrolling through FaceBook, and or listening to music.

To do these things are not something that people should not do, but, in my opinion, if you can scroll through FaceBook then maybe you can complete a two-day course and learn affiliate marketing and then, take the year's mentorship and earn while you learn.

Why should one do the above? Whether we like it or not in a few weeks many of those food donations depots may closed and what then.  If you learn the skill of affiliate marketing you will be able to make a living working at your own pace and setting your own hours. 

You must be aware that there are some people out there who may scam you, but there are some who are honest and would help you become successful.

You must believe in yourself, you must believe that it can be done.

Belief, Faith, Action is all that is required.

Junior Anthony Provides Insider Secrets to Online Marketing. Want to EA...

It's a holiday weekend and we are 11 weeks away from Christmas...

 It's the Heroes Day weekend and parts of the country {Bahamas} are still in lockdown. It's been 7 months since we've been in this pandemic. Many people are out of work and I think many are suffering from 'Cabin fever'.

Yet, we are not the only nation in this state. If you have been keeping up with the news, our neighbours in S. Florida are not allowing their children back to school as it is still unsafe.

Parents here in the Bahamas must take ownership of their children's education. We may be a small country, but that does not stop us from contracting the virus. The majority of our citizens can not afford to pay for tests, especially those families with multiple children at different levels of school.

Over this weekend parents can become that hero for their children, use this time to talk about the virus, and how it affected family time over the 7 months, especially for those children who could not visit grandparents who live in a different household.

In addition, talk about the summer vacation that they had to forego whether it was to the US or to another family island. Talk about tentative plans for the next 11 weeks, Christmas... Now is the time to have that discussion.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT

 

These are some serious times, are they not?

We must all be on alert for new opportunities.

As the master of our craft, we are always a student so, for us, learning never ends.

When you get knocked down it hurts, we feel the pain, we survive, that's inner strength.

For my friends and family on Facebook let's take these 7 months of partial/complete lockdown seriously. It's not over yet.

We still have to live the 'handouts' will not last forever.

The Internet is the 'place' to build your financial success, but navigating it could be 'tricky'. You would require help, someone to guide you through the 'maze'.

Yes, I am going to suggest that I have a mentor who can do just that.

Invite me to tell you more about his services...

Time is running out...

So, if you have a passion for ensuring that financial success...

Join me now...

There are 79 days before Christmas...The clock is ticking down...