19+ Things to Think, Do & Achieve in 2019

Well, 2019 is officially here ready or not. WHOOMP, here it is! Remember that song by a group named Tag Team?? If you do please don’t blame me for that anthem swimming around in your head today, My Bad….

However, So what are your resolutions for this year? If you’re like me and I just got this way like a little over a year ago, I threw making resolutions out of the window. This is probably why this muffin top of a waist of mine has decided to make itself a permanent home. HA HA – I’m really going to work on that this year….

Anywho, whether you still do or believe in resolutions or even achieve them. I thought this year would be great to ditch the resolutions (again, in my case) and let’s think about how we want to think, what we want to do and simple things we can actually achieve for ourselves, without feeling so guilty when 2020 arrives, okay yes I know right now that’s far-fetched but did you see how 2018 left us like Justin Timberlake left *NSYNC or maybe a little more current like Toni Braxton just left Birdman a.k.a Cash Money? So yeah, you really can’t put off tomorrow what we are going to do this year….Okay??

I came up with 19 things because, well we’re in 2019 and there’s A LOT of ground to cover mentally, spiritually and physically. So, Let’s Get right to it shall we??

LET’S THINK MORE:

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  • Positively – No matter what, try to find the good in every situation. I promise it’s there.
  • Wisely – Let’s try to think before we speak, my mouth has gotten me into more trouble than I care to say and let’s not even talk about my emotions that drives the get-away car. The bible says, a soft answer turns away wrath but grievous words stir up anger. Tell your emotions to give you the keys….
  • Thoughtfully – Let’s think more about someone else than ourselves.
  • Maturely – I know this is hard but sometimes you have to be the bigger person in a situation, even if it means saying you’re sorry first.
  • Responsibly – you know what this means…lol
  • Unapologetically – having/living without regrets

LET’S DO MORE:

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  • Exercises, Exercise, Exercise – If you haven’t been to the gym in ages (like me…hehe) then you don’t want to go out the gate committing to working out an hour or more a day….That won’t happen. A little bit a day goes a long way….trust me! (5-10min is a great start!)
  • Picking Better Food Choices – Getting fresh meals delivered to your house every week is truly ideal (I may have to check into this later) however; it’s not affordable for everyone. So Instead, start small. It may be adding green beans instead of fries to a meal and/or opting for the side salad instead of the fries for a burger or picking up an apple or orange instead of the cookies out of the vending machine at work (preaching to the choir here, I’ve done it) Take Small steps towards health and soon….it’ll be a full commitment.
  • Things for ourselves – YASSSS!!! I mean this wholeheartedly. Ladies and Gents schedule a massage once a month or go get your nails, feet or hair done. Take some ME time for you, even if it means taking some time and going window shopping or getting an ice-cream cone. Even taking some time off work, not to run errands or do things for the kids but for YOU. Know how they say on an airplane cover your nose before anyone else’s? – Yes, Exactly…..YOU FIRST!
  • Calendars on Our phonesUse It! Soooo, let me just say I know all of our phones should have a calendar on them and that’s great if you use them. I noticed last year that my brain had failed me in remembering quite a few things – a friend then asked me, why don’t you use the calendar on your phone?? I know this might sound silly or juvenile but that calendar has been a lifesaver! We get new phones and sometimes don’t use half of the stuff on them…I don’t know if you do it or not, but make use of your phone calendar and it has reminders, so there’s no excuse to miss those very important appointments.
  • Say I Love You! – OMGosh, we don’t say this enough. Practice not only telling yourself this but others as well. LOVE IS THE KEY!
  • Take Chances – We miss many of the chances we don’t take. Take more chances
  • Forgive…..Need I say more?

LET’S ACHIEVE MORE:

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  • Dust it OFF – You don’t even have to tell me, everyone has something that they put on the back burner to be written, explored or tackled for later and that later ended or ends up being 2yrs long….whatever it is, dust it off and put yourself on a timeframe to get it done (For me? Book #2 is on the dust it off list, what’s on yours?)
  • Travel – In my mind, there are A LOT of places that I go too – only for them to be just that…stuck and lived out in my mind; have you been there? This year, plan to go on that long-awaited trip – even if it’s a hike…..travel someplace you’ve never been. I’m actually working on getting my passport and visa to travel to Africa or Russia this year….fingers crossed. Let’s hope my wallet is favorable = )
  • Social Media what you Say? – Okay, we all love social media and in this world (maybe this should’ve gone under the DO MORE tab) however, I feel as though we all could use a needed break from social media. It’s amazing because once I scroll and look at one pic or statement – next thing you know an hour or two has passed by and I’m tired. An hour or two lost that could’ve been used on something productive (like the Dust if Off bit above)
  • Take Some Classes – whether you want to cook better, learn how to ballroom dance, do pottery, take those much needed business classes or even if you want to learn how to crochet (not my thing and I tried it…lol) whatever it is you want to do, Nike says “Just Do It” I say “Just Take It” let’s be more adventurous this year, speaking of which….
  • MeetUps Anyone? – Last year I signed up to do a meetup with a group of writers who were supposed to meet at our local library here in town every week, needless to say – it didn’t work out as the library had not heard of such a group….anywho, there are plenty of meetup activities and places to go and get involved in, you just have to look for them and it depends on what you like or want to do – trust me, there’s a meetup for it. Check it Out!!
  • Go to the Movies and not on your Couch! – Yes, I do I do I do LOVE the Redbox and enjoy watching a movie in, rather than out. But going out to the movies over the holiday season with my two kids (We saw Bumblebee – Awesome movie by the way!! – Thanks Mallory for the gift card) was a joy. It allowed us to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air as well as popcorn with everyone else, it was a good outing and I loved seeing an even bigger screen.

And Last but Not Least

JUST BE TRUE TO BEING YOU!!! NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS.

Life is short, don’t let another year go by without living yours out loud!!!

So, how was your holiday! And what are you thinking, planning or achieving this year!!

See Ya Soon! Roshonda =)

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How To Remain “Positive” In A Negative Environment

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In Lieu of October – I thought I’d write about “Positivity” – did you know that October was Positive Attitude Month? Uh, Yeah – it really is….in which is something we should all have regardless of the month, correct?

But not so, sometimes it’s extremely hard to keep up a “positive” image and smile in the midst of chaos or adversity and it’s even harder to always try to search for that glimmer of light in the midst of so much darkness – but guess what! You really can…

Related Post: I Bet You Didn’t Know This – October is FULL of It!

When you go into a dark room and cut on the light, it makes everything within that room visible. Light has a way of shining on the darkest situations and circumstances especially if someone is having a bad day or if things aren’t quite looking UP as we sometimes would hope or think. Darkness is allowed in some cases such as when nightfall comes, that’s a darkness that is a must because after the sun has done it’s days work and sets in the evening, darkness comes to take over its shift, to allow people to retire for the night and rest but that’s how our solar system works.

So, what about the light and darkness we hold on the inside of us? You see, we all carry a light bulb within us and no matter how our day may go or play out, we have a sure responsibility to handle that day appropriately. We have the ability to turn our light on or leave it dark; it’s a choice that can only be made by you, whether to let positive rule the day or allow negativity to destroy it.

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I’ve been told that I’m a very positive person and have had people to come to me when they either want to smile, talk or need to be uplifted from a dreadful day. So I share the light that’s on the inside of me with them. But, sometimes after I’ve given out so much light, there comes a time when my light gets dim and even dark sometimes.

That’s one of the downfalls to being an encourager – you’re the one that people call when they need to be lifted or consoled or just want to vent. But when it’s your time, you hear crickets! I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles…..

However; Listed below are a couple of strategies that help me and maybe can help you too when your positive light suddenly stop working or begin to go dim.

 PRAY!

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Now, I don’t know your religious affiliation and that’s okay, but when people are mean or have said something to me or about me that’s untrue and has totally shifted my light from bright to dark – Prayer is the first step I take. It’s a meditation route that not only relaxes your mind but calms your spirit; it brings you back into focus and allows you to think before you speak and say something that will dim someone else’s light.

TALK TO SOMEONE

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Another way to stay positive is by talking with someone else who has a positive mindset. I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve felt down in the dumps only to talk to someone to vent and they start talking about their negativity. Choose your circle of friends wisely, because if you don’t have anyone that is able to listen to you or be there when you need a re-charge, then you might need to regroup and think about your circle. You’re there for everyone else, make sure you have someone that can be there for you too.

AVOID NEGATIVE NEWS

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I almost can’t tell you how dreadful it is to turn on the news and see negative things – It’s not only depressing but discouraging. Not to be naïve’ to the news or the things that are currently going on in the world today but there are times when you need a break. That’s when I turn on some positive tunes on the radio or pop in a CD and sing. Reading positive things and/or positive quotes are also re-chargers to having a positive day.

 DON’T CHANGE YOUR STRIPES

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If you are a naturally positive person, don’t change who you are all because someone else chose to not turn their light on and have a bad day. Everyone is not going to be positive and smile like you do, but that shouldn’t stop you from being who you are when you change to accommodate a negative energy it makes you negative. People are People and everyone is definitely different – But don’t allow their difference to keep you from making a positive difference in your life and the world.

8iEbknAyTIt’s not easy sometimes to maintain a positive disposition in a negative world; but if you keep your focus and remain true to yourself, you will have a light that will continue to shine inside of you and just may serve as the source for helping to turn someone else’s on too.

 

“LOOK UP, LOOK AROUND AND LOOK WITHIN, BECAUSE THERE REALLY IS POSITIVITY IN EVERYTHING” – BY YOURS TRULY

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Weekly Announcements! – Book Review Time…

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Sadly, bullying continues to plague our society, especially our children. This book shows the effects of bullying in one school and even offers a glimpse into the life of the bully. It reminds us that our behaviors have consequences and that with God we are strong. It also reminds us that God loves us, wants us to love each other and is willing to forgive us when we don’t treat others with love. The story could serve as a great conversation starter for parents to talk to their children about bullying—how/why not to be a bully and what to do if they are on the receiving end of such behavior. At the end of the book, there is a list of resources, as well as a beautiful prayer for the bullies, the bullied and the families of those impacted by bullying.

Jacqueline M.  University Contract Manager, Retired School Teacher

Will your Review be the Next Featured?

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“Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary”

Now available through these major online book outlets

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Barnes and Nobles 

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Purchase your copy Today!!!

 

I Bet You Didn’t Know This! – October is FULL of IT!

Okay, so now that I got your attention….hehe hehe

Do you know what the month of October is???

Just Guess…

Take your time…

I’ll just fumble around a little…

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So enough of that! – Did you know that October is the National month of

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Yes, that’s a blank space because this month has 116 National holidays or months of something. And yes, I counted – don’t believe me? Check it out here:

October’s Monthly National Observations 

I was sitting, trying to figure out what to write for the month and I was like – let me see what holiday is coming up for October and BA-WOW!!! (That’s a made up word..lol) I was so shocked?? Like, just to name a few –

  • Spinach Lovers Month (Who Knew??)
  • Wishbones for Pets
  • Positive Attitude Month
  • National Ergonomics Month
  • National Cookbook Month
  • Eat Better, Eat Together Month
  • Class Reunion Month (Seriously??)
  • National, I’m Just Me Because Month (Yes, this is true!)

And of course, there are tons more – sooooo, if you’re stumped for something to write up this month – I’m sure you’ll find something interesting in Octobers month of oohs, ahh’s and oh really??? observances. You can thank me later…wink.

So, in going through the list – I found a couple of things that stuck out to me that I would like to talk about over the next couple of Thursdays (can you guess what they might be??) I actually have two for sure – the third one, I just may surprise you – it’ll be a surprise for me too. Last year this time, I took a stab at cooking – yes – I sure did!! It was a long shot but it was October and I had pumpkin fever, so heyyy….I got into the mood…

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so much so I was offering a 25.00 gift card to anyone that actually made either of the simple recipes – but no one took the bait…lol. If you would like to check out my cooking/none skillz then check out this post – it has a link to every recipe made >>>>>>>>  Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice! It’s Time for the Great Pumpkin!

Enjoy reading up on October’s National month of – I forgot to mention that I like how they have the topics highlighted, because it gives you an idea of where the “national or month of” originated from – In which you should take a look at National I’m Just Me Because Month – the meaning behind it, was very special.

See Ya Around… 

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“Look Up, Look Around and Look Within, Because there really is positivity in EVERYthing” – By Yours Truly

 

And now for your weekly Announcements!

Available Now On Amazon! >>> Click Book above to Purchase Your Very Own Copy!

I appreciate everyone who’s purchased my new and first faith-based children’s book “Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary” – It’s a book concerning bullying and hopefully it will inspire our kids as well as adults to speak up and take action. You can listen to my first interview podcast here.

Here’s another review from an author/publisher in the U.K. 

“I was captivated from the very first sentence of the book all the way to the very end. I was eager to see where the story was going. As I continued reading, I thought about my 12 year old daughter also reading and enjoying the book. Therefore, I cannot imagine a child of elementary school age who wouldn’t love reading the book too. The moral behind the story is really how children should and shouldn’t handle such serious issue – one which drastically affects lives. I love how the quietest and most unassuming child turned out to be the hero of the story – highlighting that two wrongs DO NOT make a right! What I really loved is the spin on the story from a faith-based perspective. It is a very well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed as it was very easy to read and understand. I look forward to reading more books like this by the author, Roshonda”.

Deborah Sawyerr – Sawyerrs’ House

Bestselling Author

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Will Your Review Be Featured Next??

 

 

 

 

Q&A: Okay, So How “MAY” I Help You…

OMGosh!!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, where has the TIME GONE! First there was January, then there was MAY! I can’t say I even remember too much about the months in between. Anywho, I hope you’re having a great day and hopefully the weather is sunny and warm where you are because it’s definitely been a LONGGGGGGGGG Winter, so long until it overlapped into Spring!

While I feel as though Spring is just beginning, usually the spring season brings on new ideas, it’s a time in which we can clean up the cobwebs of winter and make everything airy and decluttered and while I still have that on my to-do list to complete in my own house – I have to say, that I’m suffering from a big brain cobweb. Yep! the ideas of what to post about for this month, seemed to skip past me like the mailman does when I’m looking for a check, instead of a nagging bill.

You know?, I’ve been blogging for 3yrs now and I have to say – when I first started, I had no idea as to what I was going to talk about, it was like this blank canvas was in front of me and I had to find some way of coloring it. I was so nervous, “What have I just done?” I asked myself, right after I got the message “Your Blog JustsumInspiration is up and ready! “Oh No!!….what seemed like a good idea, now had my mouth filled with cotton balls. But, Thank God – topics, situations and life events all flooded my mind within that first month and has never stopped until NOW. Sooo, you might be wondering…Okay, Ro – so what are getting at……

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            I NEED TOPICSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Do you have any??? – I know Mother’s Day week is next week and I believe I have about two rabbits in my hat that I can pull off a couple of tricks with, but after that – I DON’T KNOW, YIKESSSS!

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McCauley Culkin/Home Alone – Gif

So, that’s where you come in at – I know for the past three years, I’ve been doing a lot of talking and kind of testing the waters with life experiences and certain topics and that’s been great, but now I have to ask you – Is there a Particular topic you would like for me to talk about? (Anything but Politics, because I’m just not that clever or knowledgeable on the subject) however; everything else is up for grabs.

I want to know what you would like to see featured on the Blog – Do you have a burning question or are you puzzled about something and need some advice? Is there a subject matter you hadn’t seen me talk about and you want me to talk about it? Just let me know!!….I’m here to serve you. It can be topics about me, about you, life, God or whatever. I’m not claiming to know EVERYTHING in the world, but I’ve been through quite a bit of things and can maybe offer some insight. Would you like more short stories?, I had a blogger (Driftyness) to state that she liked the short story posts and would like to see more of those and because of that request, I decided at the end of each month – I would post an original short story that was written by me!

So, this month – the ball is in your court. Let me me know what you’d like to talk about and I’ll see what I can “cook up” in this brain of mine.

State your topic of interest in the comments! I’ll be patiently waiting….

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If you submit a topic, I’ll be sure to give you a shout out at the beginning of the post. If you’re not a blogger but a visitor – then please send your email address to justsuminspiration@gmail.com and I’ll email you when your post is about to be featured. If you’re a blogger, I’ll also give you a shout out with a link to your blog so people can visit your site or social media site. (Hey, we’re helpers one to another – right? =) 

 

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

 

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MayHem, MADNESS & MakeUPs

What’s going on Inspirational people! Are you excited as I am that March is here? January is always too slow and February is always too….FAST! but hopefully March will be just right…

So, as I sat and thought about what I wanted to talk about this month – this topic came to mind – March Mayhem, Madness and Makeups, literally for the last two months I can’t tell you the obstacles that’s crossed my path and revved up my thought process…it’s crazy! Some was Mayhem others were pure Madness with a little Makeup (no, not the kind for your face) but the other one in which you have to say “I’m Sorry?” or “Yes, I was Wrong” sentences in which I used to have the hardest time saying or discussing.

However; all of those instances have made me think and I thought I’d share them with you in hopes that maybe they will help you as well. I’ll have tips, thoughts, suggestions or maybe a thinking session in which you may can have with yourself or someone else.

I’m a firm believer that everything we experience and/or go through in life is not just for us, I really do believe that our obstacles and tests are meant for us to PASS so that we can be an example to someone else and show them that hey, if I can do it so can you and this is how I did it….

Our experiences are just conversations in which we are to have with someone else whom may be struggling….at least that’s my two cents about it.

So without further ado, here are the topics for this Month including Sunday Thoughts!!

 

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Sunday’s Thought: My Time vs. HIS Time

Sunday’s Thought: What’s Up with 10-22?

Parents, Let’s Not Be Weary – Shall We?

The Dumbing Down Process

Peeps & Their Places -N- Yo Life!

Mindsets & Mental Stress

There may be some posts posted on Tuesdays as well, in which are my spotlight days on other people/things/places and events – gotta see what I can come up with. However; those other topics are definitely a guarantee.

So, go grab that hot brew and let’s get this month started, shall we!!! See ya in the Blogs!

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Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager