How To Discover Your Gifts

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This week we are going to talk about understanding your gifts and callings. Many people are sitting on the isle of uncertainty because they don’t understand who they are. Understanding who you are helps you to gain clarity on why you are here. We have all been given gifts and abilities that were designed to assist, dismantle and build up ourselves and others.

So, how can I identify my gifts?

Get in touch with the child in you.

When we were kids we had great faith. We believed we could do anything and most times we are more in touch with who we really are. Because of the limited experiences, children gravitate to those things that come easiest to them. When I was a child I said that I wanted to become a Best Selling Author and Fashion Designer. However, as life would have it, I was told that those professions were merely hobbies and that I needed to find something more grounded and serious. I became a Police Officer and it was liberating at the beginning but soon it felt like bondage because my gifts were fighting to come out but as a Police Officer, I wasn’t able to embrace it.  Fast forward, 14 years later I have written 5 books and I am a 3x Amazon Best Selling Author. I am also working on my clothing line. I am no longer a Police Officer and I’m finally doing what I said I wanted to do in the fifth grade.

Funny how childhood me seemed to be smarter than adulthood me and I believe it’s because children live in the arena of possible – they just believe. They have faith that makes no sense and it doesn’t matter how many times they fall they continue to try and try again.

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Pay attention to the thing that makes you angry!

We all dislike something, whether you hate seeing injustice or children hungry, use that anger as a navigation device to point you in the direction of your gift. Your gift is the answer to a problem, so you naturally become angry at the thing you were designed to change.

You do it effortlessly.

It’s the thing that others find difficult to do, that you do so effortlessly. Because you do it so easily you believe that everyone else should find it easy to do but they don’t. It’s that thing that you take for granted. You don’t think it can truly make you rich, because it seems so simple. But that’s the thing that God wants to use to elevate your life, but obedience is the vehicle that will get you there.

Many people dismiss their gifts because they lack the educational background in that area, not understanding that the person who was taught to do it can not contend with someone who was gifted to do it. You don’t learn your gift, you perfect your gift. If you are going to school to learn a gift its not your gift. You can learn a skill- you cannot learn a gift because a gift is freely given.

Now write down all the things you said you wanted to become as a child. Then write all the things that make you angry. Finally, write down the things that you do effortlessly and find the nexus between everything that you’ve written down. What are the things that are recurring in all three areas?

Many of you may have multiple gifts so leave nothing out. After you’ve narrowed down your list take it to God in prayer and ask him to confirm what your gifts are and he will answer you.

 

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Mothering Nations Through Education w/ Dr. Moneshia Dashiell

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I am too busy mothering nations through education!

 

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Dr. Moneshia Dashiell; D.Ed continues to transform today’s young minds through books. Her latest book, ‘Hello Alphabet’ was designed for children in Pre-K through fifth grade. This book will allow children to understand letter sound, letter recognition and strengthens the child’s language skills. The alphabet is simply a collection of letters and sounds. The alphabet is the building blocks of literacy; so children must learn to recognize, name the letter both in and out of order and learn the sounds associated with each letter. Purchase this book and others here.

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Valentine’s Day Survival Kit For Singles w/ Trish McDermott (Match.com)

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Valentine’s Day can be an uncomfortable reminder to many singles that they are missing out on an important part of life–romantic love. Online dating services often see the most traffic in the period just after January’s New Year’s Resolutions have kicked in and leading up to Valentine’s Day.

I got the chance to speak with Trish McDermott. Trish was apart of the team that launched Match.com back in 1995-basically she created online dating. Today she’s a dating coach at Meetopolis (www.meetopolis.net). Meetopolis is like the Kayak of online dating, allowing singles to see the dating profiles of potential matches from many different sites, all in one place.

Here Trish shares The Valentine’s Day Survival Kit For Singles…

For singles, staking your own claim to a piece of Valentine’s Day is a great way to move past any sadness or awkwardness you may feel. You do this by making February 14th about giving, rather than receiving, love, affection, and attention. Giving makes you feel good. It’s a reminder that with small, kind gestures you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Look around. It’s likely that there are many ways you can give a little love and attention to others on February 14th.

  • Send your mom flowers.
  • Bake cookies, or buy chocolates, and bring them to a local nursing home.
  • Volunteer to help out at your child’s school Valentine’s Day party.
  • Pass out chocolates at your office.
  • Put Valentine’s Day cards in your friends’ mailboxes.
  • Call your father, just to say hello.
  • Give your bank teller, or bus driver, or someone who provides a service to you a gift card from your local coffee shop.
  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen and help feed people hungry for so much more than romance this Valentine’s Day.
  • Post a fun, appreciative or inspirational message to your friends and family who follow you on Facebook.
  • Call someone you know is struggling and invite them over for a home-cooked meal.

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If you approach Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to give a little love to your community, friends, family, and even total strangers, you won’t need to focus on the fact that you are without a significant other over the holiday.

It’s also good to understand the numbers because when we struggle without dating lives, especially around Valentine’s Day, it sometimes feels like we’re the only person not getting dating and romance right.

It can be almost impossible to avoid the barrage of Valentine’s season media reminders that while you are dateless, so many others have deeply loving romantic relationships. There are 98 million single adults in the US. If you’re dateless on Valentine’s Day, you’re in some very good company. You are not a romantic anomaly.

Much of the coveted romantic moments we are bombarded with in February, like the look of adoration in her eyes as she opens the diamond necklace he so lovingly hands her, are really just media-manufactured images of romantic love.  These might seem unattainable for some, even for those who do have a romantic relationship but never get that adoring look. It’s important to remember that these images exist to sell products.

Real love happens in life’s trenches, the day-to-day moments in the lives of ordinary people, and single people experience it too.  Kids don’t see Valentine’s Day as a holiday that excludes them because they don’t have romantic love in their lives. For them Valentine’s Day is about acknowledging friendships by exchanging cards or candy. They’re thrilled and excited and don’t use the holiday to beat up on themselves for lack of true love.  We should follow their lead.

I’ve watched millions and millions of singles search for love. This search can often be a long, tough, discouraging experience. Finding romantic love is often a process of failing one’s way to success. The trick is to stay in the game, even after an awkward, discouraging or disappointing experience. When it comes to finding love, you have to be in it win it. A good way to be in it on February 14th is to stop looking for love and to start giving some love away.

Have fun on Valentine’s Day. Play. Laugh. Feel good. Spend the evening with dear friends, Play with babies. Help out some elderly people in your town. Have dinner with your family.  Then, on February 15, ask someone out, put your profile on a dating site, take a risk and swipe right on someone.

And buy your chocolates on the 15th too – they’re half price!

Elle Clarke1 Comment

Is Pride Hindering Your Success?

 

Is pride the wall standing between your now and your next?

Many people are waiting in line for the blessings God has promised them. Many have been in line a long time and are frustrated, not understanding that they’re failure to release the spirit of pride is keeping them from possessing the promise.

Here are three things to consider:

#1 God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Your failure to obey God is prolonging your elevation.

#2 True humility isn’t shrinking yourself – true humility is submitting yourself to the King of Kings.

Your failure to live in your authentic life so that others won’t feel slighted is FALSE humility.

#3 Your blessing is closer than you think!

Once you break down the walls of pride you will create the entrance to your next level. Your blessing is literally one decision away.

Watch the video for more and don’t forget to subscribe. 

 

 

 

 

Elle Clarke1 Comment

I AM QUEEN Magazine Recognizes 15 Extraordinary​ Women

This month I AM QUEEN Magazine is celebrating Everyday Extraordinary Women. These women were nominated by their peers for their tremendous persistence in the pursuit of destiny. We understand that many times those behind the scenes are nameless because they don’t bear the name ‘celebrity’. So this month we salute the women who continue to fight for their dreams despite the obstacles. To those who continue to inspire others while they themselves are ‘going through’. These are the women who pray and cheer for you without recognition and this month we want to cheer them on!!!

 

I have made a choice to overcome my issues instead of letting them overcome me. Robin King

ROBIN KING

 

Erica Bailey is an extraordinary woman and she deserves to be on this list. Robin King

ERICA M BAILEY

I am an everyday extraordinary woman because I have defied the odds. I was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Pfeiffer syndrome, a condition the causes your bones to not properly fuse together. I was born with my skull practically crushing my brain. I have had over 30-35 operations since I was born. This condition has also caused me to be visually and hearing impaired, as well as have some facial differences. My mother was addicted to crack and my dad was an alcoholic. I was left to take care of my sister. I have been homeless, bounced from one place to another. Until I was finally placed in the system at the age of 12 where My sister and I would remain for 5 years. The bar was not raised very high for me in terms of success but I must say I have surpassed the bar set for me. Doctors said would not live past 35 – I will be 40 years old next month. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree. I am an eight-time published author as well as a disability Empowerment Coach and radio personality. The name of my show is Dreaming Beyond Your Disability. Latrea Wyche
LATREA WYCHE
I’ve overcome so much and just come from a mighty long way! Sasha L. Lightbourne
SASHA L LIGHTBOURNE
I am nominating my mother Vernessa Blackwell. She is the CEO of Life U Imagined Broadcasting Network. She is a military veteran and served for 24 yrs. She owns two businesses Life U Imagined Broadcasting Network and The Grief Helpline. She is a single mom, she raised me and my sister alone. My mom is a phenomenal woman. Takia Smith
VERNESSA BLACKWELL
I am an everyday extraordinary woman because after being in an abusive relationship, having my son taken from me, depression for 10 yrs, moved back home after 24 yrs I have finally found my way back to health & balance. Thanks be to God, and a positive change in my mindset I have been renewed and my superpowers are back in full effect. I want to inspire women young and old that it’s never too late to start loving yourself again after life’s ups and downs. LaTamra Smith
LATAMRA SMITH
With the help of God, I am resilient. Life has thrown many punches but I continue to get up daily. I’m an overcomer of many challenges and now I’m helping women do the same thing. It’s my mission to help women break free from their past so they can have a better future. I know it’s possible because God’s helped me do just that! Natalie Louis
NATALIE LOUIS
I would say I am an Extraordinary Woman because I was a mom at the tender age of 16. I’d go on to have 5 kids by 25, yet go to school, open a business, help my kids achieve great things, then step out on Faith believing GOD had greater, and that’s what I’m living now. Lasonya Taylor

Lasonya Taylor

 

I am an everyday extraordinary woman because I know and understand my power to create a positive transformation in every area of my life. Keeping God first, consistency, push through and vision are a few key elements in creating an extraordinary life. I am not superwoman, nor do I aspire to be. I cry, I get frustrated and there are times when I feel like giving up, but in those moments I remember who I am in God, and that I can do all things through Christ and I continue on. Win, lose, rise, fall and rise again, an extraordinary woman is going to keep going and build her sisters and family in the process. Chamar Logan

Chamar Logan

I am a 39-year-old mother of two amazing daughters. I am a wife to a king, a full-time Manager at Nassau Airport Development Company, Manager of the Year 2013. I am a recent graduate of a degree in Business Management, Valedictorian (at age 38) and I work out 4 times a week. Certified Parking Professional, National Parking Association. I am an avid runner and just completed the Bahamas Half Marathon(13.1) 14 out of 28. I am a parent assistant for the Dynamos Football Club where both my girls play soccer. I am also the Medic for the U18 girl’s soccer team. I don’t think any of these things are extraordinary I do them because I am first and foremost an example to my girls, it is my responsibility to be their role model. On my job, I do nothing extraordinary, other than do the job I love and go beyond what is expected to get the desired results. My health is important to me, so exercising 4 times a week teaches me, even at my age, further discipline, commitment, and dedication to getting results. Running is therapeutic, and it helps to clear my mind and show my girls the body does what the mind tells it to do. I don’t think of any of these things as extra, I do it because God has given me talent and ability, and I have no choice. Every day it’s not easy, up at 5:30am, on gyms days 3:30am, school drop off, I want to kiss my girl’s goodbye each day, then off to a 10-hour job I love. I then pick them up and off to soccer practice we go. I never miss a game, it is important to me that they hear me cheering for them at everything they do. Once we get home, dinner and homework, then off to bed for them. Then my husband must get some quality time, and whatever is left, I study for the next level of certification I am accomplishing at that moment, and then the house takes its rest – and we do it all over again the next day. My girls are my life, being their role model is all the thanks I need. So it is an honor to be considered an everyday extraordinary woman, but then again aren’t we all everyday extraordinary women? Nicole Henfield

NICOLE HENFIELD

I have survived, abuse, rape, homelessness. And because I am the daughter of I Am, I’m still standing! Pinkie Davis

PINKIE DAVIS

I am “Heart”. I have a Love and Passion for Helping People. Teja T. Campbell

TEJA T CAMPBELL

I am an Everyday Extraordinary Women because in spite of my diagnosis of HIV I refused to give up and die. I refuse to have a pity party instead I applied the Word of God and believed God for my healing. Everyday I use my testimony to encourage and empower women not to let their diagnosis affect their faith. I refuse to let my sisters, to allow the enemy to make them focus on their diagnosis instead of our mighty God. Jacqueline Goodwin

JACQUELINE GOODWIN

 

I am the founder of a non-profit organization called Love Shouldn’t Hurt NY, Inc which was birthed after surviving and cheating death from 2 consecutive relationships. I have dedicated my life to educating and empowering those who need to know that they can survive and be a powerful force to be reckoned with. Letting them know that their past does not define their future, through creative workshops, conferences and so much more. I AM EXTRAORDINARY!

MELISSA HOLMES

I am the only child my Mother has on this earth. I was 36 years old when my Mother passed away. My Mother had a Stroke when my Daughter was 2 1/2 years old! Then when my Daughter was 11 years old my Mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. I took care of my Mother and Daughter. I am still standing- I wanted to give up. God and my Spiritual Mother wouldn’t allow it. Now I am 52 Years old still pushing daily and encouraging women! I’m living from house to house and people outside of my life have no idea. I am a Queen! I keep shining and do not give up on life! Kari Wilson

KARI WILSON

 

These women are nothing short of amazing! We want you to help us crown one of these women as The Everyday Extraordinary Woman for the month of January 2019. Here’s how it works:

  1. Go to our Instagram page
  2. Like @iamqueenmagazine
  3. Like the picture of your favorite EEW
  4. Leave a comment

It’s that simple! The winner will receive a 2-page spread in I AM QUEEN Magazine’s printed issue, which releases October 2019, and a FREE copy.

Elle ClarkeLeave a comment

5 Ways To Build A Successful Personal Brand In 2019

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It’s 2019 and everyone is building a brand, and rightfully so. You want to be the one telling your story, not some estranged cousin. Personal branding is merely creating a reputation that you can be proud of, earn from and establish a legacy that speaks for you even in death.

Here are 5 ways to build a successful brand in 2019:

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 1. Define Your Target Market:

YOU CAN NOT MARKET TO EVERYONE!!!! I hope that was loud enough for the people in the back. Trying to market to everyone is marketing to no one. Finding your niche helps you to customize your marketing efforts for your ideal clients.

Many entrepreneurs aren’t seeing the revenue they want to see because they don’t know who their customers are.  Social Media has elevated the customer service experience. You now have the ability to learn first hand what your clients like and dislike giving you real-time data.

 

2. Choose the Right Social Platform:

Social Media is awesome and I love it. It gives no names like myself the opportunity to share the same stages as BIG NAMES like Beyonce and TD Jakes. However, your efforts can be greatly diluted if they aren’t focussed on the right platform(s).

Take SnapChat for example; 78% of SnapChat users are between the ages of 18-24. This platform would not be the right platform for me because my target market is women between the ages of 25-44. Understanding each social platform will help you to streamline your efforts.

 

3. Great Content *Transparency with Strategy*

Share great content! Facebook was created to connect family and friends in one place no matter where they were in the world. Now, Facebook is like a digital coffee shop where everyone hangs out to get the latest *tea*. Cultivating great content consistently will help you to develop a tribe of people devoted to you.

Allow your audience to see some imperfections but ensure that it’s all apart of your marketing strategy. People love shopping with people they know, like and trust. Before creating the product or service build a tribe. Once you’ve built a tribe, you have people who you can sell your products to who will sell your products for you……can you see it? Tons of Reviews!!!! (Reviews sell products).

 

4. Consistency:

This is the part that separates the sheep from the goat. Everyone wants instant success and viral cred, BUT for 99.9 % of us, that may not happen. Consistency is the ingredient for massive success. One brick today becomes a wall tomorrow ‘no pun intended’, we build bridges here, but you get my point.

 

5. Follow Up:

I can not tell you how much money I made simply by going back to that person who expressed interest in my service a year ago. Life happens and people forget, but as a business owner your priority is your clients and it is your responsibility to FOLLOW UP!

 

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Join me on Jan. 31. 2019 for Build A Brand Workshop where I will be helping women entrepreneurs learn how to build a successful digital brand.

Topics include :

Who am I?
What business idea should I start first?
The building blocks of digital success.
What is branding and why is it important?
Finding the social platforms right for you.
Graphic Design.
Analyzing your demographic and competition. 
Tools for the trade.
Public Relations.
Micro Influencer Marketing. 
Partnership.

What makes me qualified to teach?

As a micro influencer, I have had the opportunity to share my expertise and be featured in the Readers Digest, US News and World Report, Interviewed by Elle Magazine. I have published in the Huffington Post many times. I have worked alongside TBN, Essence Magazine, BET and more. Through my brand, I Am Queen Magazine I have been awarded many opportunities to sit with and interview extraordinary minds.

 

 

 

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How I Childproof My Home: Sol-U-Mel The Holy​ Grail!

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No need for any hype because the proof is in the photo. When I tell you that I almost cried because the results were so good- believe me. My heart was glad because now my husband and I didn’t have to purchase new furniture! I have 4 children (12, 4, 6, and 10 months) and sometimes my home can turn into a real zoo and so I’m always looking for eco-friendly cleaning products that work.

This Christmas my kids will be able to smile wider because instead of replacing furniture we will be creating memories that last!

 

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