Greetings Friends,
Success Redefined. A good friend recently gave me a copy of the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. I admittedly heard about the book several times and even added it to my “must read” mental list of books. I assumed this book was going to be jam packed with organizational tips and advice, but I am surprised - yet again- after just reading the forward, that my attitude about life determines my success.
In the book, author Stephen Covey points out common challenges among humans. One of the challenges we face is personal stagnation. “Human nature is four dimensional- body, mind, heart, and spirit...
...Consider the differences and fruits of the two approaches:
Body:
Cultural tendency: maintain lifestyle: treat health problems with surgery and medication.
Principle: prevent diseases and problems by aligning lifestyle to be in harmony with established, universally accepted principles of health.
Mind:
Culture: watch television, “entertain me.”
Principle: read broadly and deeply, continuous education.
Heart:
Culture: use relationships with others to forward your personal, selfish interests.
Principle: deep, respectful listening and serving others brings greatest fulfillment and joy.
Spirit:
Culture: succumb to growing secularism and cynicism.
Principle: recognize that the source of our basic need for meaning and of the positive things we see in life is principles- which natural laws I personally believe have their source in God. "
Covey’s words practically jumped off the page. Our society has become over indulgent and lazy – myself included. I ask you embrace today and redefine success with me. Success in 2007 is not about acquiring fancy cars, but a year that we can join together and create change in the world around us.
Let’s stop and enjoy the simple pleasures. Let’s challenge ourselves beyond belief. Let’s grow spiritually and appreciate all that life has to offer. Success redefined; make an impact in the world. Create joy for those around me. Serve those who need my help the most. Use self control. Accept responsibility and stop blaming others. Thrive like never before. Realize that you are successful because you choose to be a success. Have a wonderful month and remember to Embrace Today, because we are never guaranteed tomorrow!
Embracing your spirit,
Allison
President & Inspirational Diva
Embrace Today Concepts, Inc
Allison@EmbraceTodayConcepts.com
602-445-6420
www.InspirationalDiva.com
Upcoming Inspirational Worskshops
Need a Dynamic Speaker? Book Allison Today!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Releasing Your Inner Spirit
Releasing Your Inner Spirit
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
In recent months, I have had 3 different people say to me "You really have a spirit about you". What exactly does that mean? We all have a spirit – a soul, but what characteristics would I reveal for some who has released their inner spirit?
Our school systems and even society teaches us to ration our thoughts with facts and hard evidence. Don’t believe until you have proof. Innocent until proven guilty. What aspects about our life should we trust regardless if there are facts or not? Your spirit. Open your heart and mind to lead your life with your spirit and not your preconditioned mentality.
If you are able to lead a spiritual life – you will "have a spirit about you". You will finally remove your sense of selfishness. When you lead a spiritual life you realize life as we know it- is not about you, rather about everyone life around you. Your goals in life switch from personal/financial/individual goals to, how can I make the lives of those around me better? How can I make a difference? What life can I touch today?
How are you investing your life? Are you investing it in other people? Deep down there is a spirit locked deep within each of us that is waiting to be released. Find it. Restore it. Renew it and renew life. Transformation is possible. Spiritual change is possible. Start off slowly by doing something special – out of the blue for a relative you hardly talk to, give flowers to a co-worker who has had a rough few months, spend more time with your kids – talking to them/reading to them/laughing with them…it’s all about them – not you.
After this mind set adjustment you will feel accomplished, successful. You will have found your purpose in life, yet again. I have witnessed time and time again those who have admitted they need to make a spiritual change and never do. So – do me a favor, prove me wrong. There goes that word again – proof. Well my friends, the proof is in the pudding.
Grab a buddy, or your whole family and get them involved with those who are less fortunate. We are morally obligated to help our brothers and sisters and I promise – you will tap into a part of your spirit that will be awakened in a way like never before. For millions of volunteer opportunities in your community visit www.VolunteerMatch.org or our Embrace Volunteerism page.
Embrace your life. Embrace your spirit. Embrace Today for we are never guaranteed tomorrow.
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com . 2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc.
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
In recent months, I have had 3 different people say to me "You really have a spirit about you". What exactly does that mean? We all have a spirit – a soul, but what characteristics would I reveal for some who has released their inner spirit?
Our school systems and even society teaches us to ration our thoughts with facts and hard evidence. Don’t believe until you have proof. Innocent until proven guilty. What aspects about our life should we trust regardless if there are facts or not? Your spirit. Open your heart and mind to lead your life with your spirit and not your preconditioned mentality.
If you are able to lead a spiritual life – you will "have a spirit about you". You will finally remove your sense of selfishness. When you lead a spiritual life you realize life as we know it- is not about you, rather about everyone life around you. Your goals in life switch from personal/financial/individual goals to, how can I make the lives of those around me better? How can I make a difference? What life can I touch today?
How are you investing your life? Are you investing it in other people? Deep down there is a spirit locked deep within each of us that is waiting to be released. Find it. Restore it. Renew it and renew life. Transformation is possible. Spiritual change is possible. Start off slowly by doing something special – out of the blue for a relative you hardly talk to, give flowers to a co-worker who has had a rough few months, spend more time with your kids – talking to them/reading to them/laughing with them…it’s all about them – not you.
After this mind set adjustment you will feel accomplished, successful. You will have found your purpose in life, yet again. I have witnessed time and time again those who have admitted they need to make a spiritual change and never do. So – do me a favor, prove me wrong. There goes that word again – proof. Well my friends, the proof is in the pudding.
Grab a buddy, or your whole family and get them involved with those who are less fortunate. We are morally obligated to help our brothers and sisters and I promise – you will tap into a part of your spirit that will be awakened in a way like never before. For millions of volunteer opportunities in your community visit www.VolunteerMatch.org or our Embrace Volunteerism page.
Embrace your life. Embrace your spirit. Embrace Today for we are never guaranteed tomorrow.
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com . 2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc.
“Life Isn’t Fair”
“Life Isn’t Fair”
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
"Life isn't fair, and you better stop expecting it to be."
~Dana Reeves
Those words never carried so much meaning until after Dana Reeves died of lung cancer recently at the age of 44. Of course we all remember seeing Dana and her paralyzed husband Christopher Reeves over the last several years commit their life to Spinal Cord research.
I was taken back when I heard this quote. It’s as if we are so selfish and caught up in our own world, that we expect everything to be perfect. Would a life with no challenges, heartaches, and losses be a life we really want to live? Would we ever truly appreciate love with out misery? Wealth without poverty? Life without death?
I thank you Dana, for allowing me to understand that life is just that, Life. We should never expect life to be fair and rather embrace change and deal with life with dignity - like her and Christopher. Be aware now more than ever life isn’t a storybook. Pay attention to life’s rollercoaster and better prepare your mind, body, and spirit for circumstances for which are unforeseen.
If you can change your outlook on life, like Dana did, you will live a life with less bitterness. Instead of being angry after her husband’s accident, she focused her attitude on how she could help others with the same condition.
The next obstacle life throws you remember to expect the unexpected. A true test of your character is how you deal with the circumstances. Please join me in celebrating the life of Dana Reeves! She was remarkable and may her life lesson be a lesson to us all.
“I think we all have a little voice inside us that will guide us. It may be God, I don't know. But I think that if we shut out all the noise and clutter from our lives and listen to that voice, it will tell us the right thing to do.”
~Christopher Reeves
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com . 2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc.
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
"Life isn't fair, and you better stop expecting it to be."
~Dana Reeves
Those words never carried so much meaning until after Dana Reeves died of lung cancer recently at the age of 44. Of course we all remember seeing Dana and her paralyzed husband Christopher Reeves over the last several years commit their life to Spinal Cord research.
I was taken back when I heard this quote. It’s as if we are so selfish and caught up in our own world, that we expect everything to be perfect. Would a life with no challenges, heartaches, and losses be a life we really want to live? Would we ever truly appreciate love with out misery? Wealth without poverty? Life without death?
I thank you Dana, for allowing me to understand that life is just that, Life. We should never expect life to be fair and rather embrace change and deal with life with dignity - like her and Christopher. Be aware now more than ever life isn’t a storybook. Pay attention to life’s rollercoaster and better prepare your mind, body, and spirit for circumstances for which are unforeseen.
If you can change your outlook on life, like Dana did, you will live a life with less bitterness. Instead of being angry after her husband’s accident, she focused her attitude on how she could help others with the same condition.
The next obstacle life throws you remember to expect the unexpected. A true test of your character is how you deal with the circumstances. Please join me in celebrating the life of Dana Reeves! She was remarkable and may her life lesson be a lesson to us all.
“I think we all have a little voice inside us that will guide us. It may be God, I don't know. But I think that if we shut out all the noise and clutter from our lives and listen to that voice, it will tell us the right thing to do.”
~Christopher Reeves
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com . 2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc.
Love Vs Fear
Love Vs Fear
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
Many psychologists believe that humans have two basic emotions, love and fear, and that all other emotions arise from these two.
You are on your way to work and you are running 15 minutes late. You jump in the car to notice you are completely out of gas. After a rushed gas station stop, you hop on the freeway only to sit in bumper to bumper traffic due to a 3 car pile up. Your boss called and said your clients are waiting in your office. At this point your blood is boiling, blood pressure is at an all time high.
There must be hundreds of different emotions, feelings, reactions what would make psychologists believe there are only 2 basic emotions? "Loved based responses are easy to pick out joy, kindness, compassion, happiness, and gratitude for example. Fear based emotions can be a bit trickier to explain. How can anger, jealously, frustration, or greed have their roots in fear? Discovering the answer to that question involves the proverbial peeling away from layers."*
Going back to our scenario being late to work, clearly your initial emotions would be frustration that the freeway is packed, anger at yourself for not getting gas the day before, and irritation at the consequences of a big car accident. If you start to peel back these layers, just like an onion, the core emotion is fear. Fear of loosing these very important clients due to your tardiness, fear of loosing your job, fear of not being able to make your mortgage payment, etc. are all reasons to cause adverse emotions like anger & frustration.
Realizing that Love Vs Fear is an emotional teeter- totter back and forth can help us understand why we react in certain situations. If you are angry at your spouse, the question you could ask yourself is what are my major fears about this relationship? How does my spouse's behavior tap into my fears? When I am irritated, what fear might be set off? "Fears often snowball like this one irrational thought connected to another and it's a lot easier to become angry or frustrated than to face those fears. Soon you feel overwhelmed."*
"Fear is the energy which contracts, closes down, draws in, runs, hides, hoards, harms. Love is the energy which expands, opens up, sends out, stays, reveals, shares, heals. Fear wraps our bodies in clothing, love allows us to stand naked. Fear clings to and clutches all that we have, love gives all that we have away. Fear holds close, love holds dear. Fear grasps, love lets go. Fear rankles, love soothes. Fear attacks, love amends," according to Conversations with God, by Neil Donald Walsh. **
If we have the awareness of our 2 emotions, then we can make a knowledgeable choice of how to react to different situations. You have the power to make a different response. If you realized that you were going to be 15 minutes late for work, a better reaction with love, and not fear, would be to first accept that you are late. Call your boss or a co- worker, and explain your situation and see if they are available to meet and greet with your clients. "The key to this entire process is your ability to align yourself internally. This connection provides you with a calmness that allows you to have far more choices of how to respond to a situation. Love is the most powerful feeling we possess and if we allow it, it will take good care of us."**
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com .
2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc *Source: The Idiots Guide to Spirituality in the Workplace, by Ealy. **Source: Conversations with God, Walsh.
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
Many psychologists believe that humans have two basic emotions, love and fear, and that all other emotions arise from these two.
You are on your way to work and you are running 15 minutes late. You jump in the car to notice you are completely out of gas. After a rushed gas station stop, you hop on the freeway only to sit in bumper to bumper traffic due to a 3 car pile up. Your boss called and said your clients are waiting in your office. At this point your blood is boiling, blood pressure is at an all time high.
There must be hundreds of different emotions, feelings, reactions what would make psychologists believe there are only 2 basic emotions? "Loved based responses are easy to pick out joy, kindness, compassion, happiness, and gratitude for example. Fear based emotions can be a bit trickier to explain. How can anger, jealously, frustration, or greed have their roots in fear? Discovering the answer to that question involves the proverbial peeling away from layers."*
Going back to our scenario being late to work, clearly your initial emotions would be frustration that the freeway is packed, anger at yourself for not getting gas the day before, and irritation at the consequences of a big car accident. If you start to peel back these layers, just like an onion, the core emotion is fear. Fear of loosing these very important clients due to your tardiness, fear of loosing your job, fear of not being able to make your mortgage payment, etc. are all reasons to cause adverse emotions like anger & frustration.
Realizing that Love Vs Fear is an emotional teeter- totter back and forth can help us understand why we react in certain situations. If you are angry at your spouse, the question you could ask yourself is what are my major fears about this relationship? How does my spouse's behavior tap into my fears? When I am irritated, what fear might be set off? "Fears often snowball like this one irrational thought connected to another and it's a lot easier to become angry or frustrated than to face those fears. Soon you feel overwhelmed."*
"Fear is the energy which contracts, closes down, draws in, runs, hides, hoards, harms. Love is the energy which expands, opens up, sends out, stays, reveals, shares, heals. Fear wraps our bodies in clothing, love allows us to stand naked. Fear clings to and clutches all that we have, love gives all that we have away. Fear holds close, love holds dear. Fear grasps, love lets go. Fear rankles, love soothes. Fear attacks, love amends," according to Conversations with God, by Neil Donald Walsh. **
If we have the awareness of our 2 emotions, then we can make a knowledgeable choice of how to react to different situations. You have the power to make a different response. If you realized that you were going to be 15 minutes late for work, a better reaction with love, and not fear, would be to first accept that you are late. Call your boss or a co- worker, and explain your situation and see if they are available to meet and greet with your clients. "The key to this entire process is your ability to align yourself internally. This connection provides you with a calmness that allows you to have far more choices of how to respond to a situation. Love is the most powerful feeling we possess and if we allow it, it will take good care of us."**
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com .
2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc *Source: The Idiots Guide to Spirituality in the Workplace, by Ealy. **Source: Conversations with God, Walsh.
The Need for Love and Attention
The Need for Love and Attention
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
Recently, I went to my nephew’s 1st grade class to volunteer to be a helper for the day. The children were instantly intrigued by who I was. Are you his mommy? Are you married? Are you in school? Is that your real hair? - All innocent questions from his friends. After we got many questions out of the way, the children started getting increasingly affectionate. Can I have a hug? Can I sit in your lap? Will you read this story to me? Can I sit next to you? I had turned into the substitute mommy for the afternoon.
As the day continued, I noticed an ever increasing correlation between these 7 year olds and young women. My nephew’s classmates missed the comfort and protection mom and dad offer at home and looked to me – a complete stranger - to fill the void of love and attention. Sound familiar ladies?
In March I went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my college roommate and best friend during the peak of spring break. I noticed the same characteristics from the 7 year olds as the young women at night clubs. Girls half dressed dancing on top of bars were trying to win affection of complete strangers for love and attention. As I sat there – watching and observing (I wanted to be clear.)– I couldn’t help but believe these girls were taking every desperate measure to gain reassurance that they are special. At least the 7 year olds are honest – Will you make me feel special? Will you make me feel loved? Will you act like you need me?
We all want to ask those questions to someone with whom we share a relationship, if only our youthful innocence allowed us to be obvious and open with our weakness of needing love all the time. It’s only when we are older when we allow sex, skimpy outfits, and attention overshadow what we need in the first place – a little love and affection.
Love and affection is what we all strive for in life. If you are a young adult, try to find a rewarding relationship where you can you gain these values. Chances are you won’t find Mr. Wonderful on top of a bar. Mr. Wonderful will find the young lady who is a confident, self assured, loving, classy gal on the dance floor dancing in a way that wouldn’t embarrass her mother.
If you are a parent, make a point to tell your children over and over they are special. Send them cards, write more I love you emails, send more care packages – no matter what their age. These young girls in Mexico that looked like they stepped out of a rap video were screaming for attention regardless whether it came from mom and dad or a stranger. Constant love from your parents teaches you to love yourself. As a parent, please make sure you are discussing with your sons and daughters that the media has distorted the image of young women.
Help me restore self respect in young women. To re-establish self respect in a woman is the golden ticket for a confident, successful, and purposeful life. Self respect can be gained by introducing women to service opportunities. Every woman has a nurturing quality and getting involved in the community will validate her purpose. Volunteering for those who are less fortunate can be a tremendous confidence booster. You will gain appreciation, love and affection from those whom you serve.
So there it is. An extra hug, a long talk and serving can go a long way to renew our innocence – our need for love and attention. The fact is, every living being whether it’s your great grandmother or your golden retriever needs their “well” filled with love and appreciation everyday. Always remember to Embrace Today, for we are never guaranteed tomorrow.
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com . 2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
Recently, I went to my nephew’s 1st grade class to volunteer to be a helper for the day. The children were instantly intrigued by who I was. Are you his mommy? Are you married? Are you in school? Is that your real hair? - All innocent questions from his friends. After we got many questions out of the way, the children started getting increasingly affectionate. Can I have a hug? Can I sit in your lap? Will you read this story to me? Can I sit next to you? I had turned into the substitute mommy for the afternoon.
As the day continued, I noticed an ever increasing correlation between these 7 year olds and young women. My nephew’s classmates missed the comfort and protection mom and dad offer at home and looked to me – a complete stranger - to fill the void of love and attention. Sound familiar ladies?
In March I went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my college roommate and best friend during the peak of spring break. I noticed the same characteristics from the 7 year olds as the young women at night clubs. Girls half dressed dancing on top of bars were trying to win affection of complete strangers for love and attention. As I sat there – watching and observing (I wanted to be clear.)– I couldn’t help but believe these girls were taking every desperate measure to gain reassurance that they are special. At least the 7 year olds are honest – Will you make me feel special? Will you make me feel loved? Will you act like you need me?
We all want to ask those questions to someone with whom we share a relationship, if only our youthful innocence allowed us to be obvious and open with our weakness of needing love all the time. It’s only when we are older when we allow sex, skimpy outfits, and attention overshadow what we need in the first place – a little love and affection.
Love and affection is what we all strive for in life. If you are a young adult, try to find a rewarding relationship where you can you gain these values. Chances are you won’t find Mr. Wonderful on top of a bar. Mr. Wonderful will find the young lady who is a confident, self assured, loving, classy gal on the dance floor dancing in a way that wouldn’t embarrass her mother.
If you are a parent, make a point to tell your children over and over they are special. Send them cards, write more I love you emails, send more care packages – no matter what their age. These young girls in Mexico that looked like they stepped out of a rap video were screaming for attention regardless whether it came from mom and dad or a stranger. Constant love from your parents teaches you to love yourself. As a parent, please make sure you are discussing with your sons and daughters that the media has distorted the image of young women.
Help me restore self respect in young women. To re-establish self respect in a woman is the golden ticket for a confident, successful, and purposeful life. Self respect can be gained by introducing women to service opportunities. Every woman has a nurturing quality and getting involved in the community will validate her purpose. Volunteering for those who are less fortunate can be a tremendous confidence booster. You will gain appreciation, love and affection from those whom you serve.
So there it is. An extra hug, a long talk and serving can go a long way to renew our innocence – our need for love and attention. The fact is, every living being whether it’s your great grandmother or your golden retriever needs their “well” filled with love and appreciation everyday. Always remember to Embrace Today, for we are never guaranteed tomorrow.
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com . 2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc
Dark Corners
Dark Corners
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
As I researched various contents, for my workshops, I became increasingly aware through my friends and family that we all shared a Dark Corner. It wasn’t until I was almost 25 years old before I had ever realized that everyone around me felt the same way I did. It seems that through the natural rhythm of ups and downs sometimes I found myself in a dark corner. I had feelings of overwhelming unhappiness and loneliness that left me alone in the dark. I was replaying every negative incident that ever happened in my life – almost reassuring myself that I was without any worth.
So why all the secrecy around your dark corner? After talking with my friends and family about feeling this way, I have never felt this way again. The simple awareness of knowing that other people very close to you fight these same internal battles is extremely comforting. I can’t help but think of all the thousands of people – especially teens, who committed suicide. If only I could have shared my internal battles with them, maybe they would have felt that much better about what tomorrow brings. A dark corner can be as insignificant as a new pimple or a bad hair day, or as extreme as thoughts of suicide.
I wanted to make a point to voice that you, your parents and your friends have all at one time in their life been in a dark corner. It is a completely normal feeling and always goes away. I too have sadness and anguish every now and then - and may even cry at night, but I always make a point to wake up with a smile on my face. Our lives purposely are constructed with highs and lows, ups and downs – so embrace every emotion. For every tear, you are guaranteed 10 smiles.
Our unhappiness can stem from all different places. Make sure you are aware that happiness and unhappiness are simply choices. Try to make a conscientious effort to be happy and talk to your friends/family when you are feeling down. You never know when your friend might be going through the same exact thing, chances are they are.
You only have one life – so embrace your short time on earth with happy loving memories, you will regret it if you don’t. All you need is a little sunshine on your dark corner to brighten up everything around you.
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com . 2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
As I researched various contents, for my workshops, I became increasingly aware through my friends and family that we all shared a Dark Corner. It wasn’t until I was almost 25 years old before I had ever realized that everyone around me felt the same way I did. It seems that through the natural rhythm of ups and downs sometimes I found myself in a dark corner. I had feelings of overwhelming unhappiness and loneliness that left me alone in the dark. I was replaying every negative incident that ever happened in my life – almost reassuring myself that I was without any worth.
So why all the secrecy around your dark corner? After talking with my friends and family about feeling this way, I have never felt this way again. The simple awareness of knowing that other people very close to you fight these same internal battles is extremely comforting. I can’t help but think of all the thousands of people – especially teens, who committed suicide. If only I could have shared my internal battles with them, maybe they would have felt that much better about what tomorrow brings. A dark corner can be as insignificant as a new pimple or a bad hair day, or as extreme as thoughts of suicide.
I wanted to make a point to voice that you, your parents and your friends have all at one time in their life been in a dark corner. It is a completely normal feeling and always goes away. I too have sadness and anguish every now and then - and may even cry at night, but I always make a point to wake up with a smile on my face. Our lives purposely are constructed with highs and lows, ups and downs – so embrace every emotion. For every tear, you are guaranteed 10 smiles.
Our unhappiness can stem from all different places. Make sure you are aware that happiness and unhappiness are simply choices. Try to make a conscientious effort to be happy and talk to your friends/family when you are feeling down. You never know when your friend might be going through the same exact thing, chances are they are.
You only have one life – so embrace your short time on earth with happy loving memories, you will regret it if you don’t. All you need is a little sunshine on your dark corner to brighten up everything around you.
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com . 2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc
Lemons and Cowboy Boots
Lemons & Cowboy Boots
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
Recently I went with 30 or so people from my church to head to downtown Phoenix to feed the homeless. Instead volunteering at a soup kitchen, we actually brought 5 grills and started to grill hamburgers & hot dogs on a popular street corner for homeless people.
With in 20 minutes of our arrival, a line of hundreds of people formed around the corner to line up for food. The first thing to go was the candy. "I like the red Jolly Ranchers" people would tell me as they were digging through the boxes diligently searching for more "reds". The dum-dum suckers were also a huge hit.
As the first few rounds of patties started cooking on the grill, we had handed out all the apples and oranges. After about an hour the only fruit left was lemons. I walked up and down the line of 400+ people with a smile on my face and asked if anyone would like a lemon. "What am I going to do with that," a tall black man said. In my personal rebuttal I responded by saying "I think lemons are better than oranges". We laughed and he suggested next time we bring along some sugar and make some lemonade. He reminded me of the great colloquialism – When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
Along with bringing the food, we also brought several trash bags of clothes to hand out as well. The socks were the first to go, the T-shirts second. After 5 hours, everything was gone, except a pair of old cowboy boots. I couldn’t help but laugh. Both boots turned on their side, so lonely on the side walk. What were the reasons for no one taking the boots? It’s 2006 and people don’t wear boots anymore? Wrong size? In my mind I imagined someone saying "I might be homeless, but no thanks..."
In all my life, I assumed if I was ever in a situation where I was starving on the streets living homeless I thought you would take anything to survive on – in this case lemons or cowboy boots. I was reminded of dignity that we hold as adults. At the end of the day, all we have is our individuality – our likes and dislikes, our lemons and our oranges, our socks and our cowboy boots.
The experience taught me that you can strip me of my material possessions in life, but you can’t strip me - from me. Embrace your dignity. Remember to Embrace Today – for we are never guaranteed tomorrow.
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com.
2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc
By Inspirational Diva Allison Bell
Recently I went with 30 or so people from my church to head to downtown Phoenix to feed the homeless. Instead volunteering at a soup kitchen, we actually brought 5 grills and started to grill hamburgers & hot dogs on a popular street corner for homeless people.
With in 20 minutes of our arrival, a line of hundreds of people formed around the corner to line up for food. The first thing to go was the candy. "I like the red Jolly Ranchers" people would tell me as they were digging through the boxes diligently searching for more "reds". The dum-dum suckers were also a huge hit.
As the first few rounds of patties started cooking on the grill, we had handed out all the apples and oranges. After about an hour the only fruit left was lemons. I walked up and down the line of 400+ people with a smile on my face and asked if anyone would like a lemon. "What am I going to do with that," a tall black man said. In my personal rebuttal I responded by saying "I think lemons are better than oranges". We laughed and he suggested next time we bring along some sugar and make some lemonade. He reminded me of the great colloquialism – When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
Along with bringing the food, we also brought several trash bags of clothes to hand out as well. The socks were the first to go, the T-shirts second. After 5 hours, everything was gone, except a pair of old cowboy boots. I couldn’t help but laugh. Both boots turned on their side, so lonely on the side walk. What were the reasons for no one taking the boots? It’s 2006 and people don’t wear boots anymore? Wrong size? In my mind I imagined someone saying "I might be homeless, but no thanks..."
In all my life, I assumed if I was ever in a situation where I was starving on the streets living homeless I thought you would take anything to survive on – in this case lemons or cowboy boots. I was reminded of dignity that we hold as adults. At the end of the day, all we have is our individuality – our likes and dislikes, our lemons and our oranges, our socks and our cowboy boots.
The experience taught me that you can strip me of my material possessions in life, but you can’t strip me - from me. Embrace your dignity. Remember to Embrace Today – for we are never guaranteed tomorrow.
For more information on Inspirational Diva Allison Bell or Embrace Today Concepts, please visit www.EmbraceTodayConcepts.com or www.InspirationalDiva.com.
2006 Copyright© Embrace Today Concepts, Inc
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