10 Things I Do That Make My Life Easy

By Shanel Cooper-Sykes

www.shanelcoopersykes.com

LIFE is meant to be enjoyed. But you have to intentionally design your life to be able to experience that. Here are 10 things that I do that make my life super easy and enjoyable:

1. I spend the first hour of my day in peace and in prayer. Before I touch the phone or begin my day, I spend time with God, talking planning visualizing and praying for the things I want to manifest in that day. I get in alignment FIRST before anything or anyone has an opportunity to move me.

2. I keep my goals and plans in front of me. Directly next to my bed is a card with the current goals I am working towards and the plans that I have for myself. I read them and pray over them several times a day.

3.  I prepare my meals in advance. To prevent eating out or over indulging, I prep my meals for the week on Sunday. I cook, package and plan out what will go in my body for the week.

4.  I "reset" my mind nightly. I never go to bed with the day on my mind. I let go of my thoughts. I forgive moments that bothered or upset me. I send love and peace to those I love and to those who don't love me. I say to myself "Shanel you did a good job today!" And I rest in peace.

5.  I keep candles lit and fresh flowers all around me all day. Energy and environment shape your ability to be creative and to think on a higher level.

6.  I always look good. I make sure my clothes are well put together, clean and crisp. Even if I'm wearing sweats, I'm well put together. I never leave out disheveled or just thrown together. It speaks volumes to the way you value yourself.

7.  I don't force myself to follow a hard schedule. I let my days flow and let God move me. Because I've already written it and believe it... I trust my plans will manifest. No resistance. I go with the flow.

8. I talk to myself constantly. I am ALWAYS in intentional inner conversation with myself. I tell myself how capable, amazing, valuable and needed I am. If I pass a mirror I say "hey gorgeous" if I need motivation, I go to a mirror and give myself a pep talk. If I am mad, I discuss my feelings with myself. 

The parts of my body I don't like, I tell it "I love you and I'm going to make you better." If I don't get something, I ask the Holy Spirit to teach me. I make sure that I'm rehearsing in my mind what I want to see play out in my day.and I'm always SPEAKING OUT what I desire to see happen.

9.  I give A LOT. I over-give on a daily basis. If I stop to buy a juice or snack, I pay for two and leave the money at the register for the next customer. If I leave a tip at a restaurant I leave the full amount of what the bill is as a tip. If I get gas, I leave $20 extra for the next person. If someone asks me for a $1 on the street I give them $10. I send money to my family for no reason.

 I treat my friends to dinner and send them flowers and gifts. I believe HALF of your earnings should always be shared in someway with others. No matter how much you have. This principal has blessed ME in so many ways financially. I am never without because I give so freely. And it has PUSHED my financial limits and money mindset, so I don't have limits on how much I can RECEIVE. If you go above and beyond to GIVE financially, God will go above and beyond to BLESS you financially.

10. I rest frequently. If my body is tired, I listen to it and rejuvenate myself. When I feel stressed or overworked, I stop without worry. Scripture says REST IN GODS PEACE. The spirit of God is IN ME. So my physical body has to be fueled enough to carry it. If my body needs something I supply it, because it must be my spirit that is calling for something so that I can give something greater. REST!! Rest in Gods peace often. You will have more energy then you can imagine. 

Shanel Cooper-Sykes is a best-selling author, a successful online coach, and entrepreneur who empowers women to live confidently each day.  Also, check out her Facebook page for daily gems of inspiration and wisdom!

Necole Bitchie Announces 'It's Time To Move On'

The popular blogger, Necole Bitchie, who has taken the celebrity gossip and entertainment world by storm over the past seven years shocked many by announcing on her blog that she was walking away from what she had become most known for.

This is probaby the most difficult thing I've ever had to do, and I will cry after I write this.  I am very saddened to announce that today is my last day as a 'celebrity gossip blogger'.  It's also my last day running the site as you know it, NecoleBitchie.com.

source

She went on to talk about her difficult road to stardom in the blogging world and how she overcame personal loss and even homelessness to become a well-known figure in the entertainment world.  

Necole says over time though, she wanted to become known for more than what she could write about a celebrity's latest life events.  She really desired to live a more purpose-driven life and celebrity gossip just was not part of the legacy she wanted to leave behind one day.

I was really inspired by Necole's bold decision to step out on faith and walk courageously towards the life she really wants for herself despite the money, 'fame', and what others will say or think.  It is encouraging to see a woman aspire to want to live a more meaningful life and inspire others to do the same in the process.

Necole wrote:

As I transition into my next chapter over the next few months and hopefully launch something new and positive, I can only hope for your continued support. 

It's not a 'goodbye!' per say. It's a 'See you soon!'

I can not wait to see what is in store for Necole because I know whatever it is, it will make a true mark on our generation. Good luck Necole! Thanks for also encouraging me to continue to step out on faith and be okay with my decisions in life.   

Sunday Chronicles: My A-Ha Moment

Hi, loves! Do any of you watch SuperSoul Sunday on the OWN channel?  I call it my "get right".  I intimate interviews with authors, actors/actresses and others really help me to gain perspective and encouragement in dealing with the given situation or obstacle of the moment.

This Sunday I watched the interview with the author of The Alchemist, Paulo Coehlo, and I really got the a-ha moments I needed-- a confirmation of sorts from God on which direction I should take.

"You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it's better to listen to what it has to say." - @paulocoelho #SuperSoulSunday
— Super Soul Sunday (@SuperSoulSunday) September 6, 2014

For the past year or so, I have been grappling with a few things.  Downright agonizing and stressing about. My career plans, relationship, practicing patience, and the list goes on and on.

 One of my most pressing issues is deciding which career path to continue on and figuring out HOW I am going to get there.  One side of me thought that the most practical thing to do would be to continue in education and get my Master's of Education but, another side of me is  so drawn to the public health field.  I had previously applied to a Master's of Public Health program that I was accepted to but, due to some financial setbacks I could not attend.  Talk about discouraged and depressed!

I felt so down (I have even shed a few tears out of frustration) but, I thought that maybe it was a sign that I should pursue Education further.  However, something in me keeps telling me that it is really not what I want long-term.  I have a deep desire for something other than Education....and my heart truly knows it.

There are people close to me who tell me that Education is "safe" and given the economy, I should stay in this field because I will always have a job.

"It will be the best decision right now."

"You're getting older and it will take too much time to pursue another field."

"You can always go after what you want later."

My thoughts? 

When did 33 become "too old"?

Why should I do something I do not feel fully vested in?

What if it works out and my spirit can finally feel fulfilled?

Faith over fear (my life's motto since Jan. 1st).

I'm not sure how I will work out all of the details but, I know and believe that if God placed the dream in my heart He will also provide a way to work it all out perfectly.  It feels scary and it has been difficult for me to go against what others are telling me but, I now know what I need to do and I need to honor the purpose placed within me.

I have not read The Alchemist yet but, it is next on my reading list (right now I'm reading Me Before You by JoJo Mojes).  Seeing this interview this morning has really impacted my life and it was just what I needed.  I feel like a weight that has been so heavy on my spirit has been lifted and I can now move forward a little more confidently.


Have you read The Alchemist? What did you think?

What is your heart telling you to do?

Monday Inspiration- Embracing New Seasons

by Jessica Franklin of HeyGorJess

As school is starting back up and the weather has been getting a little cooler, I am becoming more aware of more than just the physical change of the season, but the spiritual and emotional changes as well. This past summer has been one of the toughest “seasons” I’ve ever experienced. It stretched me in so many ways– so much that at times I just wanted to quit everything. I wanted to give up on my paid L’Oreal internship, drop out of my summer class, and just lay in bed all day because of some of the confusion in my life. I literally did not know how I was going to make it– but I never stopped believing that I would. I knew deep in my heart that no matter how overwhelmed I felt, that God was going to bring me through victoriously. Even through the pain and stress–I still felt him with me, guiding me through day by day. I knew that God was using my circumstances to make me stronger and better. To develop perseverance and character in order to make me a better and more mature “me” (Romans 5:3-5).

Now that the summer is over and we are moving into fall– I am happy to say that I made it. I passed my class (barely–but I passed lol), I rockeddd my final presentation to the L’Oreal executive team that I literally slaveddd over all summer, and God has brought me so much peace in all areas of my life. It truly is a season of transition for me now. I have made it through the fire of the summer, and I am ready for this new season God has in store for me this fall.

I feel like the seasons give us a chance for a fresh start, and for change–even though so many of us don’t like it. We fear it, dread it, and avoid it because we don’t know what it will bring. But remember–change is good, and beautiful even. Look at the colors of the leaves as they start to turn red and orange, and the arrival of your favorite pumpkin latte at Starbucks (for you coffee lovers like myself lol). Change brings so much excitement and a new joy.

So as this season ends, be grateful for your past one and take in everything you’ve learned, but be open for the awesome new changes this season will bring. Don’t dwell on the past, but welcome the future with an open heart. I am sure that if you let Him, God will do so much through it.

Until next time,

Produced By Faith

I searched almost every Barnes and Noble bookstore in Atlanta for this book! I ended up ordering it from amazon. com and it got to my doorstop last week.  I am just 60 pages in but, it has already inspired me in so many ways.

The author, Devon Franklin, discusses how to hold onto your faith and beliefs while making headway through your career and other aspects of your life.  He is a successful Hollywood studio executive, a Christian minister and the husband of the beautiful actress, Meagan Good.

I feel like I could not have started reading this book at a better time in my life!  There is so much that has happened and so much more that I want to do but, at times I find myself getting impatient, down, and confused.  This book is reminding me to remember what is most important in life and to hold on to my faith each day.  I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is having issues with staying hopeful and inspired in their lives!