I need to tell my girlfriend what I think about her. She is an exceptional woman who is serious about success. I need to tell her how much I think about her and what a light she is in our community. I get really busy doing my thing and I get so immersed in service and work, I just don’t get to say what I want to say. I really need to tell this woman that I’ve been impacted by her in ways she probably doesn’t realize.

I need to tell her because its been on my mind, you know, that nagging little feeling that says, ’stop and call her.’ I need to tell her that I’ve been talking about her behind her back, edifying her and giving her high fives because I’ve met so many incredible women because of her. Two of them are now in business with me! Because of her. I want her to know that when I miss her special functions, which she plans with so much love, its only because my calendar is busy because I’m serious too!

I want to tell this beautiful woman, Ms. Donna Serious Satchell how much I think of her. Donna is a model of consistency, congruency, sharing and caring, inclusiveness and she gets stuff done! She is magnetic and draws the most incredible women into her circle via WATTS, (meaning Women Aspiring Together To Succeed) that come together at each meeting, bringing smiles, sharing themselves and uplifting one another. I love her creativity and the vision board classes she teaches as she encourages others to create a strong vision for their lives and work to manifest it.

Donna is having a book signing this Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Cascade Library in Southwest Atlanta. I missed the first one last year and I felt so bad as I wanted to share in her joy. As an author I know how much it means to have the love and support of family, friends and community.

What I love most about her new book Just Get Serious are her five levels of seriousness:
1. Not Serious – All thought and no action
2. Slightly Serious – Trying it out
3. Sometimes Serious – When you’re hot you’re hot, when you’re not you’re not!
4. Solidly Serious – Success is an inside job with outside results
5. Seriously Serious – Nothing can beat the power of a made up mind

Her book is well written with excellent stories about success, creativity and all seriousness about business and I highly recommend it. I’m also happy to be one Donna’s WATTS Sisters – Yay Donna! We all love you Girl!

After doing our early morning prayers, reading, meditation and exercise on this Sunday morning, my husband turned on the TV so we could watch Joel Olsteen. Then I heard him say, "Its searching for satellite." Well, sometimes the television makes a direct connect and sometimes not. We quickly move on.

I stopped to think about that in the context of our spiritual reading that morning, which was about right desire, will and action, and prayer first or Divine invocation to start the day. I realized that praying is the same thing as searching for satellite, or connecting to our source. And often when I proceed without Divine guildance and plow ahead using my own puny intellect, I get into a mess every time. I'm good at moving on really fast, but without making the real soul-connection to soul-source.

With my habit of early morning exercises and meditations, I'm learning to train my mind to be still, listen as I search for satellite – looking for the signal or the voice, the knowing, the images or messages which will address my concerns and help me get it right. This is the real work to be done in the midst of our hectic world which keeps our focus on the outer world and constantly and has us engaged in often unproductive business which amounts to a whole lot of nothing in the end. Our job is to search for satellite – or source, whatever you may call it, do the inner work which allows us to tap into that deep knowingness where all questions are answered and where peace abides. Then I can let go.

I'm also learning more each day to let go of personal ego – (what a journey!) and make sure that my actions are aligned with true service and not some pretend thing to look good in the eyes of others. What a job letting go of personal ego, especially in this social media driven age. And with all of the things competing for my attention each day, I’ve set up little habits to remind me to stop throughout my day, (search for satellite), meaning be still a moment, reflect on what I’m doing, pray, give thanks, and reconnect to my source.

Its not the going to church on Sunday that makes the difference for me, but my awareness of how I'm showing up, how I treat people and remember the true source of my life and my supply.

A friend shared this with me today and I thought it was worth posting.

 1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING… But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION…

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER…

Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE…

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT…

A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR…

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind

7)THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE…

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8)THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION…

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

I AM Unbreakable and I've just become a best-selling author because I just told the truth. As one of thirty nine authors in the new book Unbreakable Human Spirit, I shared my story entitled Right Where I Needed to Be which tells of my horrific experience with madness, violence, death and finally, prison.

At the end of my prison experience, after I had paid the price for taking the life of another, I came through it, and I am reminded of one of the small things that helped me, a poem I found while working in the prison library by Claude McKay called Baptism , and the closing line that kept me during that experience, "…I will come out, back to your world of tears, a stronger soul in a finer frame."  That poem, and especially that closing line, helped me to know the truth and remain in a state of humility, not in justification of any sort, that something greater was there for me, inside of that experience, and also, just on the other side of the barbed wire once I was released. I quickly accepted the truth that as odd as it seemed, I was in that moment, right where I needed to be to heal and begin my journey of self-forgiveness and that I would indeed emerge from it, a stronger soul, in a finer frame. And I have. I Am Unbreakable.

My unbreakable girlfriend Lisa Nichols encouraged me to write the chapter, after all these years, because it would not only help me close that chapter for once and for all, it would also allow me to help women in a bigger way. No more hidden fears and old emotional residue that kept me wondering what people would think if they found out. The truth is strangely liberating, and the fact is – we're all having the human experience. The names and faces change, but the stuff is all the same. There is no shame, only grace.

I want you to check out the book because Lisa chose my story to be the very first chapter, and give me some feedback, even share yourself. I've even been slow sharing it with others through social media because its still a tender issue. And yet, just last night (12-21-11) a young woman called me who needed help as she was moving out of a volatile situation that had escalated.

When I got out, I did violence prevention work for two years straight. I needed to compensate for what had happened. Then I burned out. I got tired of bonding with women around negative issues. I then took a different path, and that's the work I do today which brings me incredible joy.

There is a part of me that doesn't want to talk about the past and these issues as I feel I've healed and moved past it and I have. I'm remarried and very fulfilled and in a drama-free relationship – and yet I see all of the things that are taking place in our society, on a small scale inside of families, as well as globally, which amounts to a violent mindset and a diseased level of consciousness that MUST be healed in all of its manifestations. That's my work. That's really your work too – Its Our Work. 

And now I'm free, since 1996, and yet I realize that none of us is free until all of us are free. Let me hear from you.

Human by birth. Enlightened by choice.

Your Unbreakable Sister, awakening self and others to the light,

Millicent St. Claire!

Baptism

Into the furnace let me go alone;

Stay you without in terror of the heat.

I will go naked in – for thus tis sweet.

Into the weird depths of the hottest zone,

I will not quiver in the frailest bone,

You will not note a flicker of defeat;

My heart shall tremble not its fate to meet,

My mouth give utterance to any moan.

The yawning oven spits forth firey spears

Red aspish tongue shouts wordlessly my name.

Desire destroys, consumes my mortal fears,

Transforming me into a shape of flame.

I will come out, back to your world of tears,

A stronger soul within a finer frame.

-Claude McKay

I'm loving my life. My work at Spelman College in Atlanta is done after teaching a month long College Prep Institute for 53 girls. I've had the great pleasure of teaching as part of the program for the past five years and this year they hired me as the camp director. It was a rich and amazing experience. I lived on campus with the girls and not only did I have the opportunity to "direct" I couldn't relinquish my spot teaching accelerated learning and components of the PhotoReading program and there was never a dull moment for any of us!

We had 2 – two week sessions back to back and girls came from all over the United States to participate in this wonderful program. I was so immersed I didn't even have time to tweet or post anything! The girls had my undivided attention.

As the director, I added some elements this year which enhanced the program. In addition to the academic classes the girls take, I had them engage in more personal development work. I brought in outside experts for evening workshops and the favorite was the marvelous Dr. Torri "Love" Griffin, a therapist and relationship coach. Her amazing program is called LiSense 2 Date. I realize that often there are other concerns that get in the way of focus on school work and I thought Dr. Torri's program was just what was needed to have those conversations so that the girls could get down to business. And what an excellent addition it was as young people need more help than ever learning to navigate the rocky and uncertain territory of relationships these days.

The girls also embraced the Simply Ridiculous workshop and learned to LIGMO – let it go and move on. In deeper workshops, they illustrated themselves as a "MeMe" and wrote about their commitment to let those ridiculous behaviors go in favor of the wonderful life they are learning to choose and create. The drawings will be posted on the LIGMO website in the coming weeks.

I have tons of pictures and footage I will be posting so stay tuned on comments from the girls on their expeience. It was a life-altering experience and the bonds that were forged will be in place for life. And that was just one of the many benefits! My work at Spelman is done this summer but a new life for the students has just begun. They have a new perception of themselves as GHB's – growing human beings and have finer tools to help them create beautiful lives filled with adventure, discovery and contribution. Hats off College Prep Ladies!

The COPE Conference was a success. We had a great turn out and I had the pleasure of meeting incredible people who are creating their lives and making a contribution to their communities in a powerful way. Others came to discover what else was possible, to expand their mind set and to hone their skill set. To think that they already want us back thrills my bones! We are currently planning a visit to sister island St. Thomas and are planning to extend that reach to other islands as well. Get ready US Virgin Islands (and British Virgin Islands too), here we come!

And the Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix was absolutely fabulous. If you go that way, I'd highly recommend it!

I just fininshed another private PhotoReading seminar for six book lovers this past weekend who were inundated and needed strategies to help them get through all of the delicious stacks of books they've accumulated as well as mandated business material.It may seem odd to teach to such a diverse group,meaning with adults and children together, but it has become the norm for me.

The course was prompted by Vincent Cotton from Virginia Beach Virginia who needs to keep on top of reading for his job as an EEOC officer for the government. Laws and regualtions are always changing and he has to monitor many legal concerns and he wanted new tools to help him master 'it' instead of being crushed by the mountain of information that hits his desk daily. He got new tools to help him and to stay on top of 'it'.

Biologist Karen Witty loves reading and learning and thought her two children; 16 year old Goldstrand and 9 year old George could use PhotoReading to help their with school work. They loved the course and did well. What a joy it is when parents bring their children to this course. Children tend to get it faster than adults! The other adults in class express how they wish they had learned the program at that age. I then quote a Chinese Proverb: The first best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second best time is right now!

Tinlyn Theiry is a business consultant who helps professionals work on the health of their businesses at all levels. She played full out and got it instantly and sees the many applications for PhotoReading.

Greg Kaigera-Watson, a Harvard scholar also attended. Greg is committed to transforming education and creating a school which teaches world citizenship. He understood the science behind PhotoReading immediately and enjoyed the variety of technologies we include in the course such as Brain Gym and Mind Mapping.

This course is never taught the same way twice. Each time a rich variety of people from diverse backgrounds come to learn and get access to the keys and strategies which lead them to the rich treasures that they already possess within. That's why its so much fun to teach.

Interested in learning how to PhotoRead or becoming an instructor? Just let me know!

It's great to be connected with powerful and socially conscious women who are on the move. My friend Peggy Duncan is just such a woman. She is coordinating the COPE Conference for Business Super Stars in St. Croix on Friday, May 27, 2011.

This conference is about women helping women in business. Most of the business engagements and referrals I receive are from women who know me, have heard about me or who have seen me in action. I am an advocate for women and love to tout and shout praises of others who I know have integrity and are providing outstanding services. Peggy Duncan is just that kind of woman and I am proud to be one of her collaborators.

My topic is Disorganization is Simply Ridiculous! They say that we teach the things we most need to learn and this is an ongoing lesson for me. I've got systems in place and with all of the demands on my time each day, I walk a fine line to keep it all together and it takes discipline to do so. Without the systems, I would be in complete chaos and with all of my "multi-tasking" and I wouldn't get anything done.

My specialty is education and soft skills and my part in this conference is to prime the audience with a message of letting go of the Simply Ridiculous stressors that cause overwhelm and help them to get their mind right and ready for the headliner. Peggy will then follow with the hard core nuts and bolts necessary to be more effective in business.

Some of the other presenters are: Attorney Lee Rohn, Tanisha Sykes, and Kimberly Jones. It thrills my heart to share the stage with highly accomplished and self-made women who are modeling what's possible in their communities and in our world.

And let me not forget to mention that the event will be held at the Carambola Beach Resort. Click this link to get a virtual tour of this gorgeous hotel. Peggy likes to do everything first class and this event is nothing short of that.

Do you know a woman in the islands, or elsewhere, who could benefit from attending this program? Please spread the word. Sponsor a woman, send her down to partake and develop some practical tools for her business. And a weekend get-away at the Carambola might offer a reprive from the daily grind. And who wouldn't want that for a friend, business associate or loved one?

Hope to see you there!

Once a year I join my teachers Paul Scheele and Lynette Ayers in Minneapolis for the annual PhotoReading instructor training. I have the privledge of teaching an international group of new PhotoReading instructor candidates what it takes to share this amazing program. The course is only held once a year and is fantastic because trainers, teachers and facilitators come from across the globe and spend ten days straight with us to get access to this amazing technology and new paradigm of information procesing and learning. I get to meet other brothers and sisters world-wide who are also committed to transforming education as we know it.

This year I had the pleasure of working with five new instructors including: James and Esther Gitau from Nairobi, Kenya. They have an extraordinary training company Peak Performance which offers a variety of corporate and personal development programs. They are adding PhotoReading to enhance their existing programs which will bring a new love of reading and learning to their region of the globe!

Then there is Ken Prevost in Ottowa, Canada. His company, GC Training, offers a management coures and he is also an excellent NLP facilitator. He plans to expand his services and is using PhotoReading as one of the many tools to do it.

Baard Lois Sande is from Norway and has a style of his own. He travels internationally and takes his programs everywhere, serving his corporate clients as well as offering public workshops. It is my understanding that the people in Norway love to read and will be eager to embrace this innovative program. Baard is a Sedona Method fan and is adept at helping people to heal old wounds.

Kevin Montes traveled all the way from Johannasburg South Africa to attend this training. Kevin is a firewalker and holds amazing breakthrough seminars teaching people how to get to the other side of fear. He is eager to complete his certification so that he can continue to help people to have personal and professional achievements, just as he has been through his awesome firewalking ceremonies. Kevin had never seen snow and he got a bit of it for the very first time in April! I had fun taking pictures of a firewalker playing in the snow! 

I'd like to invite anyone who might be interested in becoming a PhotoReading instructor to inquire and see if its a good match for you. We need more instructors and PhotoReading has yet to reach its tipping point. With change agents like these coming aboard, it won't be long before entire communites are "doing the thing" and realizing that PhotoReading is natural, easy to learn, and its fun!  

I was reading The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra, – he is a marvelous teacher and storyteller, and he uses this metaphor to pose the question, Do you deny yourself mastery? Here it is:

"Imagine a baby who wants to walk but has these reservations:

     1.   I don't want to look bad

     2.   I don't want to fall down

     3.   I don't anyone else to watch me fail

     4.   I don't want to live with the burden of failure

     5.   I don't want to expend all of my energy

     6.   I don't want any pain

     7.   I want to get things over with as fast as possible

For a baby these reservations seem absurd. If any of them were applied, walking would never happen and the chance of master would never present itself. Yet as adults, we resort to these reservations all the time. We deny ourselves mastery as a result."

When I think about PhotoReading, I think about all of the people who deny themselves mastery because they use these same ridiculous excuses at one level or another. Excuses even a baby dares not to use! 

Its time to heal the wounded learner, forgive the past and embrace the power and magnificence of who you really are as a GHB – a Growing Human Being! PhotoReading is easy – its just different. If you haven't started your PhotoReading journey, get busy, it will take you down the rabbit hole for sure – a journey inside yourself where self mastery – is only the beginning. And its fun!