
I’m an Indie Author FINALIST

It was my honor to serve as the keynote speaker for Fresh Touch Publicity’s Annual HERoine Awards. The theme was Walking the Paved Road. Seven women were honored who have successfully overcome obstacles from all walks of life. For some, it was abuse. For others, it was health and wellness issues. For all, it was an opportunity for them to be honored for not only overcoming, but serving in the community and paying it forward to help others to do the same.
The program also served as a way to pay homage to women who’ve paved the way before us. Without their sacrifices, we would not be able to enjoy many of the rights and freedoms that we now experience. There was a magazine reveal, delicious brunch and tons of celebration and reflection.
TeeJay Jefferson, owner of Fresh Touch Publicity is a wonderful young woman whose vision, spirit and desire to uplift women goes far beyond her years. I am happy to have served in this capacity and given the chance to share my insights in such an honorable way.
About three weeks ago, I purchased this awesome shirt from a young lady named Angie Steele. I saw a young lady wearing it on Facebook. I have a lot of respect for this young lady and wanted to know more about where she purchased the shirt. Long story short, I was able to connect with Angie, and I must say, I am pleased with my purchase and the kind spirit that came with it. I think it’s simple, yet powerful. Go Be Great. I’ve had the shirt for some time now, but I’m just now wearing it. Why? I kept waiting for the perfect time and conditions. Great weather. Perfect hair day. Life to slow down. It just never seemed to be the right time. Then, it hit me. Just put the shirt on, snap a photo and do as the shirt says-Go. Be. Great!
What’s my point? At some point and time in our lives we have to quit waiting on the right conditions, the perfect hair day or the day our lives slow down. Let’s be honest. That may never happen. At least, not all at once. This shirt has different meanings for different people. For me, it’s about being great in the place and space I’m in. I can have a bad hair day and still be great. Let me say though, my hair in this picture is to my liking, as it was a change from my regular natural coils (a blog for another time). I am constantly on the move. Slowing down for me comes in the form of going to bed and sleeping. Just go be great. Do what’s best for you and do it in a special, meaningful way. Being great isn’t about being boastful. It’s about being reaching goals, dreams and aspirations. It’s about making the most of what you have where you are and creating something bigger, bolder and brighter than you could have imagined.
With that, I encourage you to go be great. Be you. Be true.
When it comes to social justice, awareness and voicing the trials and/or triumphs of our citizens, social media is one of the most powerful tools on the planet. It’s important to understand which platforms will provide the best leverage for your targeted audience. I will share three platforms that have proven to be consistently successful for individuals and organizations around the world.
Facebook. Facebook continues to be one of the most far reaching forms of technological communication to date. According to statistica.com, the third quarter of 2016, Facebook had 1.79 billion monthly active users. What started out as a social outlet to connect with family and friends and exchange ideas has now become a major go-to platform for social change. Facebook Live allows you to reach audiences in real time. Viewers can join in, opt out, rejoin, share your video and more in just a matter of seconds. The impact is instant. You can do anything from sharing your point of view to streaming a presentation. And, all of this can be done for free! If you have a budget for marketing, you can invest in purchasing Facebook Ads. If you upgrade your post or video to a sponsored ad, it will provide you an opportunity to reach an even larger target audience. Take a moment and think about how many reported current events being reported have cited a Facebook post or video as the source of its existence.
Twitter. It’s amazing the level of conversation that takes place with 140 characters. Posting in this platform are referred to as tweets. Like Facebook, you can attach photos and videos to the tweets you share. You also have the ability to tag people, follow them and encourage having others to follow you. The key to Twitter is the use of the # sign, affectionately recognized in the social, media world as a hashtag. You can host twitter parties and twitter chats with anyone around the globe. Another great feature associated with Twitter is Periscope which is quite similar to Facebook Live. It is noteworthy to mention that Periscope was 1st on the social media scene. And, just like Facebook, you have the opportunity to purchase ads for additional leverage and outreach. If you’ve ever wondered about the usefulness of Twitter, consider our recent Presidential election and any number of current social issues where a hashtag has been referenced.
Podcasts. Podcasts can be very effective as well. You can share your own thoughts or create a radio show to bring emphasis to a particular issue or take on several initiatives over the course of time. Shows can be recorded and can be uploaded to a website, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook or emailed to family, friends and colleagues with a request to share it within their circles of influence. For many people working in the trenches, it is sometimes difficult to get the attention of mainstream media. And, like the others, you have the option of a free platform or pay for more options and overall visibility.
I’m excited to have been asked to participate in the Devotional Series created by Megan Mottley. Megan is the visionary and CEO of The Glamour Girl Movement. The GGM is teaching women the benefits of getting the Ultimate Makeover. The mission is to disciple women and teach women how to disciple others.
Because of my experience and transparency regarding issues surrounding domestic violence, I was asked if I’d be interested in sharing my insights by way of monthly devotionals. There are eleven other amazing women who are contributing writers. Each of them speak in their respective areas of expertise. I am honored to have been asked. It was my pleasure to say yes! My specific devotional is featured today. Please be sure to take a read. I hope you’ll find it helpful. You can always review all of the devotionals by viewing the blog tab on the site. http://theglamourgirlmovement.com/devotions/moving-on-after-the-storm