I decided to title this episode "COMEBACK SEASON" because I believe that after recovering from failure(s) we have to keep some things in mind in order enter into our comeback season stronger than ever!

Discussion Points:

The True Meaning of Failure

Refusing to get back up again

Letting fear have the final say

Others do not determine your fate

Perception

What is it we perceive as failure?

Is our perception true?

Our cognitions control us!

Success Is Bred Upon A Failed Attempt

In order to succeed one must experience failure

Failed attempts are one step closer to success

Continuously feed your passion in spite of failing

There is nothing more precious than self-trust!

Happy Listening!!

♥Xo

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In this last and final episode of Collaborative Thoughts, we chat with Marsha of The Finance Bar (@thefinancebar) for pt. 3 of the Crisis Change vs. Lifestyle Change series. Marsha is Certified Financial Educator and Founder of "Financial Empowerment Charlotte." In this episode we address the importance of financial readiness! Marsha has over 12 years of finance and facilitation experience including undergraduate and graduate degrees in Management & Leadership.

(For more information on Marsha Barnes, visit: thefinancebar.com)

Discussion Points:

What is the difference between "crisis change" and "lifestyle change?" (Dylesia)

How does this apply to my finances? (Marsha)

How does changing only for a certain result versus changing permanently affect my long-term financial goals? What am I missing out on my doing this? (Dorian)

Were you ever inconsistent with your finances? What happened to make you decide to make financial stability a lifestyle? What personal examples can you give so that I can better understand the contrast between how your life was then and how it is now that you've actually committed to living a financially stable life? (Marsha)

I'm ready to commit, so what steps can I take to transition from inconsistency to consistency? (Marsha)

When you are really ready for change, you will start to see a feel a shift within yourself.

Happy Listening!

♥Xo

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What better way to start off a new beginning, then with some fitness fuel to feed your mind? In part 2 of the of the Collaborative Thoughts: Crisis Change vs. Lifestyle Change series, we share information with Deanna Taylor (@dtaylor.bc). DeAnna is a NASM certified personal trainer who struggled with obesity from childhood through 2010, when she set out to become healthier, losing 85 pounds and founding "Taylored Fitness Charlotte, LLC." DeAnna’s weight loss story has been featured on several local news stations and newspapers as well as with the Huffington Post.

(For more information on Deanna Taylor, visit: broke-and-abroad.com *Deanna is also a travel blogger*)

Discussion Points:

What is the difference between "crisis change" and "lifestyle change?" (Dorian)

How does this apply to fitness? How did you discover that this would be a lifestyle change for you? (DeAnna)

How does changing only for a certain result versus changing permanently affect my health? What am I missing out on my doing this? (Dylesia)

Were you ever inconsistent with your faith? What personal examples can you give so that I can better understand the contrast between how your life was then and how it is now that you've actually committed to living a healthier lifestyle? (Dorian)

I'm ready to commit, so what steps can I take to transition from inconsistency to consistency? (DeAnna)

Consistency is KEY!

Happy Listening!

♥Xo

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The series, titled "Crisis Change vs. Lifestyle Change" focuses on faith, finances, and fitness, three areas that tend to be overlooked in all but crisis situations. With this series, we have engaged in honest subjective and objective observations. We have also recognized the need for a platform to share information on how to commit to lifestyle changes in these areas rather than situational changes, which ultimately lead us right back to the situations we were seeking to change. During this episode, we collaborate with Vernon Gordon on the subject of faith. Listen as we discuss to committing to lifestyle changes (permanent), rather than just changes in times of crisis (temporary).

(For more information on Vernon Gordon, visit: www.vernongordon.com)

Discussion Points:

What is the difference between "crisis change" and "lifestyle change?" (Dorian)

How does this apply to faith? And what does the Bible say about this? (Vernon)

How does changing only for a certain result versus changing permanently affect my relationship with GOD? What am I missing out on by doing this? (Dylesia)

Were you ever inconsistent with your faith? (Dorian)

What personal examples can you give so that I can better understand the contrast between how your life was then and how it is now that you've actually committed to HIM? (Dorian)

I'm ready to commit, so what steps can I take to transition from inconsistency to consistency? (Vernon)

Are you living based on miracles or on discipline?

Happy Listening!

♥Xo

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Question! So, what's this new obsession with the phrase "doing too much?" ...and why is it made out to be such a bad thing? ...and what do I do when because of my commitment to success, it's used in reference to me? In this episode of Collaborative Thoughts, titled,"It's Hard Being The One Who Made It," we hear from three women committed to "doing too much" in spite of what others think. If you find yourself finding it hard to transition to your next level because of those around you, check out this episode of the podcast. For this episode, the guest collaborator was Christina Kanu, Director of Communication & Community Relations for Bonfire Impact, co-facilitator for The Dream Academy, Clark Atlanta Master's of African American Studies scholar, and self-titled leadership expert.

Discussion Points:

"Doing Too Much"

What is it?

Why do others seem to think it's such a negative attribute?

How do I know I'm called to be great?

Christina's Story

At what point did you know you were different? (Christina's perspective)

How do I handle the call on my life? (Dorian's perspective)

How do I handle others being unable to handle the call on my life? (Christina's perspective)

What if I know I'm called but I'm not willing to be set apart? (Dylesia's perspective)

Examples of "Greats" throughout history

Their story

How he/she resisted the pressure to be like every one else

The outcome of his/her resistance

What can we learn from him/her?

Often times people will be able to identify your talent, but that doesn't mean they will be able to identify your purpose.

♥Xo,

Happy Listening!

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This is certainly one of my favorite Collaborative Thoughts calls! At the time of the call, (last year, and ironically, this exact month) I remember that I was in a place in my life where I no longer felt the need to "broadcast" certain aspects of my life for social media. I wanted to protect my pearls!

In this call, we discuss the correlation between privacy, discretion, and validation. The topic is derived from Matthew 7:6 --" Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

Discussion Points:

Dylesia's Perspective

Not throwing things of value to people who are sloppy and messy

Your THIRD STRAND has to be God! (You + ____ + GOD)

Create a VIP relationship with God

Dorian's Perspective

Discern WHO you give particular information to (outsiders don't always belong in)

Discretion is the derivative of mature happiness

Feed the people you love, give your issues to God

You must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world.

♥Xo,

Happy Listening!

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What is it that your happiness always seems to make someone else mad?! On this empowerment call, we discussed how to pursue, maintain, and restore happiness as well as how to identify and handle those who are displeased with yours.

Discussion Points:

Topic Overview

The Pursuit of Happiness!

How is happiness achieved?

How do you keep it?

How is it recovered when it is lost?

How do I identify people who aren't happy with my happiness?

Being aware of those you choose to keep around you

Recognizing your feelings

Keen discernment

Happiness should never be tied to people or things because they are ever fleeting.

Happy Listening!

♥Xo

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This Collaborative Thoughts Podcast titled, "Stay In Your Lane" speaks to exactly what the title states. Staying in your lane can be difficult when so many people seem to be speeding past you...especially when those people are eager to share their opinions about what you should be doing and where you should be headed.

In this podcast, we share our personal experiences while focusing on our goals in the midst of everyone else's' and provide you with insight on how to do the same.

Discussion Points:

Topic Overview

Dylesia's Perspective

Ignoring the opinions of those around you

Focusing on what God has for you to do

Be TRUE to yourself (not based on your age, your experience, etc.)

Dorian's Perspective

Going fast but not going anywhere at all

Not honing in on your potential (get out of the slow lane!)

Merging across a three lane highway (stick with something and FINISH it.)

How Do They Collide?

"Drifting over in what you used to do, when your calling in the present is not where you used to be."

Happy Listening!

♥Xo

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