By: LeVoyd L. Carter
November 10, 2008
©2008 All Rights Reserved
For me, the election of President Obama has already positively changed the world and what history has and will say about the ability of African-Americans to compete, contribute, lead and excel in every noble field of human endeavor. Over the next four years, how will you measure President Obama's success? Equally as important, while he works to reshape our nation's presence and credibility on the world's political and social stage, how will you support President Obama as he strives to achieve his challenging agenda over the next four years? The microphone is on - so speak!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tough Times - Five Simple Suggestions for Surviving Uncertainty
By: LeVoyd L. Carter
September 30, 2008
©2008 All Rights Reserved
With all the chatter resulting from the mortgage debacle, bailout initiatives, the threat of recession, loss of jobs and soaring foreclosure rates, all of a sudden the world seems much smaller. As Congress debates about the bailout of banks that participated in predatory lending practices and earned billions as a result of these practices, what do you do now? Well here are a few suggestions.
First, take a deep breath and center yourself. Do not allow yourself to get caught up in the ebb and flow of emotions that result from the actions and opinions of others. Refrain from the temptation to participate in the endless and rambling “gossip” that can raise your stress levels and negatively impact your health. I’m not suggesting you don’t socialize, but when you do, be aware of how you feel and fight to maintain your balance and clear thinking during tough times.
Second, take a good look at what’s going on in your world. Write down what you need to work on, change or disregard (including those toxic acquaintances) so that your home and personal life in uncertain times are a bit more stable and secure.
Third, make well thought out and wise decisions about your resources and what steps to take next. For example, if you have an older car and you have been considering whether to buy a new vehicle, STOP! Take a good long look at the car you have. Can you roll with it for another year or two – especially if it’s paid off? Maybe set aside some funds for maintenance and repairs. Don’t rush out and buy a new vehicle and in doing so, request new debt so that you can drive the bank’s new car for the next four to six years while you pay off your new loan. Besides, due to the lack of stability in the current financial markets, owning a car is already costing a lot more. As fuel costs skyrocket, is an added car payment and increased insurance rates a sound decision? Again, during tough times make wise and well thought out decisions that result in the stabilization of your home and preserve your peace of mind.
Fourth, get involved. Heed the wake up call - All Politics are in Fact Local! For example, now that Congress is debating the economic bailout of banks, insurance companies and other mega-corporations, do you know who represents your interests? Did you research the candidates who asked for your vote so that they could hold either a local, state or congressional seat in order to represent and influence debate and decisions made on your behalf? If you are like most American, the answer is, “No.” All elections are important, including city, county, state legislative, judicial, congressional and presidential. Don’t allow yourself to ever be in the position most of us find ourselves in now and too often – that is, frustrated and having no one you are confident in to truly represent your interests in the debate and decision making process. Sitting on the sidelines or in the crowd while this real game of life is being played has real consequences and is no longer a practicable option. Regardless of your political party, economic status, religion or other legal affiliations or classification, exercise your right to vote and hold those who represent you accountable for their decisions made on your behalf.
Last, recognize that tough times don’t last for long. Take this opportunity to create new fond memories as you spend more quality time with your family and close friends. As the fever of hard times and uncertainty purge our unbridled negative habits, work on forming new positive habits that yield positive results. Exercise more, cook and eat right, volunteer in your community and make a decision that no matter what, your thoughts and actions will prospectively yield a positive outcome in your personal life and in the lives of others. Be well!
September 30, 2008
©2008 All Rights Reserved
With all the chatter resulting from the mortgage debacle, bailout initiatives, the threat of recession, loss of jobs and soaring foreclosure rates, all of a sudden the world seems much smaller. As Congress debates about the bailout of banks that participated in predatory lending practices and earned billions as a result of these practices, what do you do now? Well here are a few suggestions.
First, take a deep breath and center yourself. Do not allow yourself to get caught up in the ebb and flow of emotions that result from the actions and opinions of others. Refrain from the temptation to participate in the endless and rambling “gossip” that can raise your stress levels and negatively impact your health. I’m not suggesting you don’t socialize, but when you do, be aware of how you feel and fight to maintain your balance and clear thinking during tough times.
Second, take a good look at what’s going on in your world. Write down what you need to work on, change or disregard (including those toxic acquaintances) so that your home and personal life in uncertain times are a bit more stable and secure.
Third, make well thought out and wise decisions about your resources and what steps to take next. For example, if you have an older car and you have been considering whether to buy a new vehicle, STOP! Take a good long look at the car you have. Can you roll with it for another year or two – especially if it’s paid off? Maybe set aside some funds for maintenance and repairs. Don’t rush out and buy a new vehicle and in doing so, request new debt so that you can drive the bank’s new car for the next four to six years while you pay off your new loan. Besides, due to the lack of stability in the current financial markets, owning a car is already costing a lot more. As fuel costs skyrocket, is an added car payment and increased insurance rates a sound decision? Again, during tough times make wise and well thought out decisions that result in the stabilization of your home and preserve your peace of mind.
Fourth, get involved. Heed the wake up call - All Politics are in Fact Local! For example, now that Congress is debating the economic bailout of banks, insurance companies and other mega-corporations, do you know who represents your interests? Did you research the candidates who asked for your vote so that they could hold either a local, state or congressional seat in order to represent and influence debate and decisions made on your behalf? If you are like most American, the answer is, “No.” All elections are important, including city, county, state legislative, judicial, congressional and presidential. Don’t allow yourself to ever be in the position most of us find ourselves in now and too often – that is, frustrated and having no one you are confident in to truly represent your interests in the debate and decision making process. Sitting on the sidelines or in the crowd while this real game of life is being played has real consequences and is no longer a practicable option. Regardless of your political party, economic status, religion or other legal affiliations or classification, exercise your right to vote and hold those who represent you accountable for their decisions made on your behalf.
Last, recognize that tough times don’t last for long. Take this opportunity to create new fond memories as you spend more quality time with your family and close friends. As the fever of hard times and uncertainty purge our unbridled negative habits, work on forming new positive habits that yield positive results. Exercise more, cook and eat right, volunteer in your community and make a decision that no matter what, your thoughts and actions will prospectively yield a positive outcome in your personal life and in the lives of others. Be well!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Today! Right Now! Make a Decision to Lead a Better Life!
Make a positive decision!!! The act of living involves an ongoing day to day series of decisions. Where we find ourselves today, is the result of decisions that we have made at some point in our lives. Yes, these decisions have been influenced by external circumstances and obstacles. However, they have also been influenced by unhealthy cravings that tend to lead to detrimental decision making. These negative decisions impact every aspect of our lives (i.e., health, finance, family, community, education, employment, religion, and etc.). As we struggle individually and collectively to find and maintain a work-life balance, we often times consciously and unconsciously make decisions that only serve to quench that immediate urge without thinking of the long term cumulative impact and consequences. As a result, I challenge each of you to help me change that - Right NOW!!
In order to make us all aware of our day to day decision making, I challenge each of you to make one deliberate, well thought out decision that you can implement right now, that will positively impact you.
Please share with us your decision. Why it is important to you and how it will lead to positive immediate, long term and/or cumulative results. Remember, keep it simple, measurable and achievable. Thank you for sharing!!!
In order to make us all aware of our day to day decision making, I challenge each of you to make one deliberate, well thought out decision that you can implement right now, that will positively impact you.
Please share with us your decision. Why it is important to you and how it will lead to positive immediate, long term and/or cumulative results. Remember, keep it simple, measurable and achievable. Thank you for sharing!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)