What Do You Know For Sure?

I was challenged to answer the following questions recently: Given all you've learn over the years, what do you know for sure?  I can't help but think... nothing!  Everything I thought I knew forty years ago, has changed. Everything I learned even five years ago has evolve and I have evolved... perhaps what I know for sure is that as we evolve on this planet... as we grow, we change.

And anyone who stays stagnant is destined to become obsolete. It is not natural to stay the same... the only constant in this Universe is that we are continually changing.

Still I Rise...

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

~ Maya Angelou

Soy Boricua Soy...

Me preguntan quien soy?




Tratando de entender..



Soy Boricua! Soy



Que es Boricua?



Me preguntan confundido..



Soy el Mar y el Sol



Soy Playas y Montañas



Soy Arroz y Habichuelas



Soy Negra como jeiti



Soy Blanca como yu



Soy India como las Cacicas del Pueblo



Soy las manos del conguero



Soy el son del barrio



Soy la brisa del Yunque



Soy la juvia del Cielo



Soy Pecas y Pelo Malo



Soy el Español matao



Soy hija del Hermano de Amor y la Hermana de Afeciones



Soy Boricua Soy



Soy el Alma de la isla del encanto



Nacidad en Filadelfia



Soy Boricua! Soy



Soy la Madre de la Tierra



Soy las lagrimas del Rio



Soy el Rayo de Sol



Lo que soy es mio



Soy Boricua! Soy



Soy Raices Majadas



Un Mofongo de Morena con caldo de Española a la Taina



Soy el timbre de libertad sonado el timbre de esclavidud



Con la esperanza de un mañana mejor



Soy Boricua Soy



Soy hija de Guabancex y Yucajú los poderes creadores



Soy Guaracapita, de lo infinito



Cuando me escoleriza muevo el viento y la agua



destruyo los bohíos y arranco los árboles



Soy alta como la Cieba



Soy picante come el aji guaguao



Soy Ciguapas del Mar



Naneque Boricua





Soy Boricua



Pa Que Tu Lo Sepas!



~ Cacica Yve

Track Your Self Awareness...

We run around trying to get so much done in our daily lives that we often don't take time out to be in the present moment.  In those moments when we are on auto-pilot we miss opportunities that life presents us. 

Develop your self-awareness and track it by spending one minute a day jotting down notes about your current frustrations, your level of motivation, and any new hopes, doubts, or fears.

This exercise forces subconscious feelings to surface, so you can process them.

How Are You Starting Off Your Day?

How are you starting off your day? 


Are you preparing your mind with solid thought, information, and support? Are you allowing the right radio or TV personalities to get you ready (are any of them good... share one)? The right news or material? The right people at the office?  Is your outlook positive?  Are you looking forward to the best?

Be careful to what you give your attention. It all has an influence on you. (And kicking it is much more fun than mediocrity... or worse.)


Feed your mind well. It's where action starts.  Your attitude is like a clothing, you wear for everyone to see... so choose to dress in your best (attitude).  Remember, something as simple as a smile (costs nothing) but adds value to your day, because it could start a chain reaction... so go ahead, flash your pearly whites - I guarantee your interactions today will be much more pleasant.

(And life's too short to be mediocre.)

My Birthday card 2012!

Thinking About Breaking Into A Career In OD and/or Training? Here's Some Advice

Recently I facilitated a workshop on communications for Temple University.  Several ladies I used to work with attended my presentation, which was a pleasant surprise to me.  After the presentation, two of them walked up to me and asked, "Are you working in Learning & Development now?"  My answer was yes and no.  Why, because technically I had provided this workshop for the L & D department, but I still work for my regular job within the University.

So the next question was, "how do I break into that field?  How did you do it?"  I've asked these very same questions in the past and have gotten a variety of answers over the years.  This is what I've learned... there are some who want to break into Human Resources, Organizational Development, and Training fields with little or not experience, some want to change directions, and some want to add to their career portfolio.  Here's what I know, there are a variety of paths you can take to reach any one of these goals.  The most important of this is getting your name out there within the HR community and letting people know what you have to offer, that you are willing and able to provide these services.  This may include:

• Working with your present employer, offer your services - VOLUNTEER!
• Network, network, network then network some more.... you can't get your name out there enough!
• Join your local professional HR and allied HR professional associations (SHRM, ASTD, Toastmasters, ISPI, National Speakers Association, I to name a few).  Most have both international and local affiliations and local meetings and publications.
• Attend group meetings - become a regular and most importantly get involved - volunteer.
• Blog about it!  Post it to LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc.  Use social media wisely.
• Contribute to the discussions that interest you in your group affiliations and others.  
• Read about the latest trends, learn the lingo, if there is a concept you don't understand or recognize - Google it.  Familiarize yourself with it and how it's used in industry. Read discussions groups, blogs, and industry articles to learn what terms are used, what issues are important, and what kinds of solutions to those are employed, suggested, and which do not work as well.  Basically, learn from your peers.
• Take a class, learn new software that be utilized in training and development.  Question what you've learned in your degree program or on the job with prior or current employers - what you know, theory and philosophies, management methods - balance this with what you observe happening in the "real world" daily operations of Human Resources.
• Get a mentor and utilize their expertise wisely.
• Just do it!  You learn more by doing than by reading or talking about it.  It's the best way to develop your own style and to strengthen your expertise.
• Never stop learning - there is so much information out there.  The more you know, the better you'll be prepared.
• Keep your skills current and learn new ones all the time.  Don't let your skills go unused.
• When you find out about local groups who do annual conferences - answer their "call for proposals" solicitations.  Don't know of any, again - Google it.
• Check out your connection's and others' reading list - pick a book or two and read them.

This list obviously is not intended to be all inclusive.  I'm positive you will have great ideas as well about how to get your name out there or find opportunities to gain experience.  You have learn tons to information already and you'll learn tons more overtime.  Most of all, just enjoy the journey and have fun in what you choose to do with your degree and employment.  Learn something from each experience you have and will have in future.  Good luck!  Hope to see you out there!

El Poder de Afirmaciónes Positiva

El principio de las afirmaciones consiste en elegir los propios pensamientos y utilizarlos repetidamente el número de veces que sea necesario para que su fuerza creativa produzca resultados en el mundo real.

Las afirmaciones son cambios de actitud, son datos positivos introducidos en el "ordenador" interior. Son Metas del pensamiento. Son declaraciones fuertes y positivas que atraen prosperidad, curación, fortaleza. Levantan el ánimo.

Es importante encontrar las afirmaciones que te convienen y que necesitas, solo has de buscar dentro de tí mismo. Una manera eficaz de practicarlas, es en primer lugar eligiendo la afirmación que más te convenga para tu estado actual. Cada día se escribe en un cuaderno para tal fin, 20 veces tu afirmación por la mañana y 20 por la noche. Todos los días durante un mes a ser posible. Y a su lado escribir el pensamiento que desaloja. Es decir el pensamiento de rechazo o resistencia contrario que se puede aparecer en la mente. Por ejemplo, si tu afirmación es:

1.- "Yo, mi nombre, ahora tengo lo que necesito"............ (no creo que funcione)
2.- "Yo, mi nombre, ahora, tengo lo que necesito"............(y lo que necesito en mucho)
3.- "Yo, mi nombre, ahora, tengo lo que necesito" ...........(me siento estúpido)
Es necesario que búsques tu propia afirmación, conveniente a tu vida y tu momento actual. 

• Mi cuerpo es un lugar seguro, comodo y placentero donde estar.
• Merezco relaciones divertidas, fáciles y que me apoyen.
• Soy bastante, tengo bastante, hago bastante.
• Ahora reafirmo todo mi poder personal.
• Tengo todo lo que necesito para conseguir todo lo que quiero.
• Tengo derecho a sentir lo que siento.
• Soy una buena persona sienta lo que sienta.
• Merezco ser feliz.
• Yo ahora me acepto tal y como soy.
• Soy inocente.
• Me perdono a mi mismo por pretender ser culpable.
• Mi vitalidad es una fuerza curadora del planeta.
• Mi placer complace a los demás.
• La gente está a salvo en mi presencia y no necesita mi protección.
• Tengo buen natural.
• Merezco tenerlo todo.
• Me quiero en presencia de los demás.
• Mi presencia es naturalmente agradable para mi y para los demás.
• Ahora soy la persona que siempre quise ser.
• Es seguro para mi compartir mis sentimientos.
• Es bueno para los demás compartir mis sentimientos. 
• Estoy dispuesto a tener éxito aunque suponga agradar a mis padres.
• Tengo poder para triunfar.
• Confío en mi mismo, confío en mi intuición.
  
  
  El dinero es mi amigo, y siempre llega amí con facilidad.
  

  
  http://www.amazon.com/Afirmaciones-Positivas-Spanish-Carlos-Gonz%C3%A1lez/dp/1564910237/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327415807&sr=8-1
  
  

What Can Bob Dylan Teach You About Leadership?

Bob Dylan's famous line "You better start swimming or sink like a stone, cause the times they are a-changing," provides some solid leadership advice.




http://www.refreshleadership.com/index.php/2012/01/lyrical-wisdom-leadership-lessons-bob-dylan/

Amp Up Your Book Club's Success

It's your favorite afternoon of the month (except when the novel selection is boring), here are some tips for running a successful book club.


14. One Animal Memoir Per Year.  We all love animals.  Surprisingly, there are quite a few memoir about dogs.  Many of us cry our eyes out when the dog dies in the end - and these books become instant favorites because of the passion they evoke.  But too many animal themed memoirs can ruin it for most people.  The discussions become morbid and people loose interest, so limit them to one per year.


13. Once a Year, Select a Book From Childhood.  Like the Chronicles of Narnia or Alice in Wonderland.  Reliving why we became avid readers in the first place is a great way to get everybody motivated to keep on reading.  Also, studies show that reading books for children engage our creative side and leads to possibility thinking.


12.  Stay On The Same Page - Literally.  This is especially vital if your reading a play, the classics, or foreign translations.  It's important everyone borrows or buys the same edition, otherwise you spend a lot of time flipping back and forth trying to locate the passage your discussing.


11.  Take December Off.  The holidays are jammed packed with so many things to do, it's really difficult to expect anyone to finish a novel in the mist of the holiday rush.  So take the holiday's off.  If you want, have everyone bring in a poem, or article they'd like to share with the group.  One year, our book club members shared book reviews of their favorite books.


10.  Set Up An Online Calendar.   This will cut down on all the endless "reply all" emails asking when is the next meeting or what are we reading next month.  Besides, it's so easy to set up an online calendar which everyone can access.


9.  Don't Confuse Your Book Club Meeting with Group Therapy.  Reading influences the lives of the reader - and there will be times when we can empathize with the plot.  But, book club meetings are a time to focus on the books we read, not on our psyches.  It's the leaders responsibility to ensure that the group discussion does not turn into a therapy session - that is not how you want to spend the next two hours.


8. Toast to A Literary-Themed Cocktail.  Change things up a bit and meet up at a lounge that serves appetizers and literary-themed cocktails like "Godfathers", "A Kiss Goodnight" or "A Midsummernight's Dream."  Check out other fun cocktails at http://www.drinksmixer.com/drinkrq12508.html


7.  Beware of the Book Dictator.  Just about every book club has at one time or another had that one member who takes the book club way too seriously.  She wants to choose the next book, position herself in the room so she's the center of attention, reads not only the book - but every available critique and editorial review that exists so that she can pontificate at nauseum about the merits of the plot.  To avoid this, establish a rotation on for discussion leaders so that everyone has a turn and everyone has a chance to suggests texts.


6.  Set A 500 Page Limit On Book Selections.  Enough said.


5.  Keep It Fun.  At flair to your menu by having food or drink choices that are connected to the book.  Example: Serve orange mint & honey when discussing the book Orange Mint & Honey, Carleen Brice.  Atonement, Ian McEwan Serve high tea and transport your book group to pre-WWII England and the large country estate of the Tallis family.  The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini Capture some of the flavor and culture of Afghanistan in the early 1970s with this Middle Eastern menu including traditional hummus and Pomegranate Margaritas.


4. Engage The Whole Group. Share the responsibility of hosting the book club by rotating the host/discussion group leader.  Everyone should participate in book selections and developing a reader's guide discussion questions when none are available with the book or online.  Your members will feel more invested in the group and no one feels put upon to do all the grunt work.


3.  Don't Just Bring A Friend.  Once your book club gets started members bond over their love of books and past experiences.  Don't disrupt the flow by inviting a friend along who might not fit in with your group members.  A policy should be established about when and how to invite guests or new members that way no one's feelings are hurt


2.  Establish Your Agenda.  From the onset, there should be clear guidelines for running your book club group.  If the book doesn't have a book guide, establish whose responsibility it is to create one, who will run the discussion, whose bring the food, the when, where, and time.  When you take care of the details in the beginning your club should run smoothly.


1. Think Outside the Book.  You don't always have to read a specific genre or even books.  Every now and again liven things up by reading plays, essays, poetry, spoken word, articles and even short stories.  Don't confine yourself to only female writers, or ethnic books, or series.  Sometimes, it starts out like fun, but becomes limiting.  Explore your options and above all... have fun.

A New Day is Dawning...

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.


Rabindranath Tagore

You Can Handle More Than You Think

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." ~Mother Teresa

Twelve Ways to Improve Yourself ©

The beginning of the new year is a great time to take stock of your life and see if you are growing, stagnating, or digressing.  Since people seem to love lists I've decided to put together my own list for personal growth.  Perhaps you have suggestions to add to my list and I welcome all suggestions. Please feel free to share so long as you give credit and realize that this is copyrighted material. 

Twelve Ways to Self-Improvement©

12.  Take time for reflection.  Whether its through meditation, keep a journal, or quiet introspection, taking time for reflection helps you to gain perspective, re-frame situations and problem-solve creatively. 

11.  Mind your manners. It's the small courtesies in life that impact others in a big way, like remembering to say 'good morning', 'please', 'thank you', 'you're welcome', and holding doors open for others (including elevator doors).  It's shocking how "common courtesy" is no longer common to everyone, let's try to get back to being courteous and minding our manners.

10.  Cross the line.  Ever heard the quote, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything?"  You've got to know where the line is drawn in the sand, in order to cross it!

Clarify your personal values and beliefs.  Be willing to have the courage of your convictions and stand up for what you believe in. 
9. Keep it real!  Don't try to fake it 'til you make it; or be an imitator, perpetrator, or inauthentic.  Being inauthentic eats away at your credibility and besides who wants to have the reputation of being fake?

8. Don't blame, complain, vent, whine or sulk.  Don't look for fault in everyone else, re-frame how you view the world.  Whining, sulking, complaining, venting and blaming others is just not attractive.  No one wants to hear it anyway.  Stopping this behavior will make you happier, feel less stress and be a more enjoyable person to be around.

7.  Lead with integrity.  Your word is your bond and  your bond is only as strong and reliable as your word.  Therefore, when you give your word you should keep it.  Do what you say you will do, the way you said you would do it, and when you said you would do it.  And if you can't do it, then don't promise you will. Enough said.

6. Lighten up!  Don't take yourself or anyone else too seriously!  Learn to let go and really laugh! Often times, the situation is funnier than you think, and if you don't believe me, think back on the things that upset you (petty annoyances) can you laugh about them in hindsight, if so - then I'm right, things are often never what they seem.

5.  Volunteer.  When you help others, you help yourself - because it makes you feel good, connected and engaged.  It's also a great way to develop new skills, network with others and broaden your horizons.  Volunteering is a win-win for all involved.

4. Read more.  Reading helps us expand our vocabulary, relax, become more creative and gain knowledge.  And if you're reading to children or the elderly, you've found a way to share quality time with others.

3. Practice gratitude.  Be grateful for what you have and more importantly for what you don't have.  Generally giving thanks can lift depression and lead to better physical, mental, and spiritual health. 

2.  Be present.  Don't live in the past or in the future.  The only time you live is in the present - NOW!  Make the most of it.  Being present improves social skills, your creativity, you worry less, it releases stress, and generally helps you make the most of situations.

1. Be a lifelong learner.  It keeps your mind sharp, your skills on point, and helps you to continue to grow spiritually and mentally.  Lifelong learning opens your mind, creates curiosity, increases wisdom, make you (thereby the world) better, helps you adapt to change, keeps you involved as active contributors to society, leads to personal fulfillment, and if nothing else helps you meet new people and establish new relationships.

Enjoy and be blessed!