Creating Opportunities...

I love it - The ONLY thing that separates women of color from anyone else is OPPORTUNITY! - Viola Davis

Sometimes we have to create our own opportunities because most times when we are growing in our space and trying to live our dreams, the sad truth it, it will be our very own who will be our dream killers.  We will have to learn as women of color to raise above those dream killers, pick ourselves up and keep our heads high and keep it moving.

I write this with a heavy heart  and in tears because I have suffered so many major disappointments and setbacks just reaching out to my own asking for support and help.  You would think that your own people would be happy to see you succeed in life, but the sad truth it, is is often our very own that will let us down and shake our very belief and foundation.


Many of you by now know my story thus far if you have read my autobiography Silent Hearer available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. I simply refuse to accept my situations no matter what. Many opportunities I have had to let pass me by because of finances and circumstances. But yet I refuse to give up and still won't give up.  Even after getting more disappointing news today.

Maya Angelou knew what she was speaking about when she said "But still, like dust, I rise".  See sometimes, even when we are beaten broken and battered, we will have to gather the strength and raise up like dust to become the mythical phoenix of new beginnings.  Someone in so doing we will have to leave people and places behind.  Some will never truly understand the sacrifices that you have to make to accomplish this, but the journey could have been so much easier if those who could have helped from the start had done so.

So to all my friends, no matter what color you are, just remember no matter what life may bring your way or how challenging it may be, don't ever stop dreaming or give up your dreams.  Lift your head up and go create your own OPPORTUNITY!

5 Tips to Simplify Your Day

We all wish life could be simple at times during the hustle and bustle of daily tasks and to-do-lists and chores and assignments that never seems to get done. However, sometimes that is easier said than done!So here is my 5 tips to simply your day.

- Wake up with a positive attitude and tell yourself that YOU WILL have a great day.

- Start early and start with a good breakfast. You can't function on a growling stomach. Nourish your mind and you will feel so much better for the rest of the day.

- Prioritize! If you are a person who go by lists, do not stray from your assigned tasks. List them in priority order and give yourself enough time to get them done.  The shorter the list the better. do not try to put everything into a 24/7 day. 

- There are going to be glitches and hitches at times. Do not let anyone or anything damper your mood. Resolve that no matter what issues come your way today, you will see the lesson in it and smile and move on.

- Don't forget lunch and some "me time".  taking a much needed break helps you to keep an open mind and relieve any stress that is building up.

At the end of the day, make sure you relax and have a nice dinner and get a good night rest.  There is only 24 hours in the day, how you start it and end it determines a lot about your outlook going into the next.  Start and end on a positive note!

Cheers

Celebrate Today and Remember

A few important things:

All good things happen in due time. Just because you haven’t reached a particular milestone by now doesn’t mean you are a loser, it just means, it’s not your time yet. 

Patience is hard and being reminded of your shortcomings by looking at people’s perfect lives makes it even harder. 

It’s okay to take a break from social media every once in a while if only to spend some time with yourself and be reminded how great you are doing on your journey.

Social media can be a scary place, but it doesn't always have to be. You can use it as a platform to  spread happiness and lift up others in a similar situation. We don’t know how much our words could mean to someone and how it could really help them out by letting them know that they’re not alone.

And finally…

Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t be jealous of their lives either. Just do what makes you happy and as long as you’re happy and love your life, that’s all that should matter.

Celebrating One Year Since Completion - 9/11

Today marks exactly one year since the completion of my book Silent Hearer completely handwritten from start to finished.

It is a solemn occasion just the same as the September 11th Remembrance is to many people.  It is for me a time of looking back at the events and circumstances that has brought not only the book, but myself to where I am today and even though I do not know whether to laugh or cry, I will give thanks because I have persevere and have made it thus far.

Every month my book keep making astonishing milestones and I am truly grateful to all the amazing, wonderful people in my life both family and friends who have helped me on my journey and continue to be there for me.

If you have not gotten a copy yet of Silent Hearer you can now get your copy in Paperback, Hardback or eBook format from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Books are available in Bermuda at Brown & Company or Book Cellar in St. George and you can also order copies through Bermuda Book Store.

You can pick up your copy if you are in Brooklyn from The Gospel Den 1437 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY 11216(Between Tompkins and Marcy Avenue).

Silently,
Marcia Shury