Monday Work Flow: Working Smarter Not Harder

Good morning!
I have been wanting to try working standing up for a while now.  I feel like I've been a little unproductive but I have not been able to figure out why.  One morning I stood up trying to answer emails while staring down and my screen and bending over to type.  Well, I finally got the materials I needed to build my standing desk.  I'm excited and hope I don't develop exhausted feet or legs.  One of my co-workers across from me asked me to let her know what I thought about it in a week.  Of course that meant I needed to document my progress to see how things go.  DIY tomorrow after I clean my office and organize things a little better.

So here's a picture of my first day standing...I'll keep you updated on my progress.  I'll update a picture of my

Peace, Detroit Luv, & Soooooul!

Psalm 23

Good morning!

I had a situation recently where someone I received an unwanted communication from someone I did not know.  They took the liberty to give me words of corrective action and were not the most pleasant about it.  I was caught off guard to say the least.  At first I wanted to respond to defend my position and explain how they were not aware of the full situation, but I was reminded of all the times when I stood still and God faught my battles for me.  I never had to say a word.  So I did just that, stood silent as I received yet another unwanted and unprovoked communication.  I did however go back to a verse that came me some comfort.  

That was Psalm 23 which says:  

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

This Psalm is probably very familiar to most of you and to some, maybe it is the first time you've heard it.  As part of Vacation Bible School when I was maybe 5 or 6 years old, I was supposed to memorize this psalm.  My mommy did everything she could to help me prepare for it, I can see her now trying to feed the lines to me while I was busy jumping around on and off the porch.  Needless to say, because I was not able to recite this psalm by the end of VBS that also meant that I did not earn the prized white bible that I remember one of the older kids (Darcell) from on my block had earned as a prize.  I was crushed.  I had so much fun that week creating macaroni art and trying not to eat the uncooked macaroni.  Meeting other girls my age and learning songs that tied the books of the bible together and ttaught me about battle fought and won.  

This psalm has been my favorite because of the memory of not getting that pretty white bible and because when I became a young lady, I understood it, I lived it, and I'm a witness to it.  God was preparing me even then for situations I would face in the future.  So I posted this psalm as a message to those who meant evil or harm towards me.  So they would know that I am not afraid because I know my truth and who I belong to.  Look into my bright eyes and see that I am well rested.  At my age I have no wrinkles because I am not worried.  Finally, you will not find a frown on my face because no one can steal my joy!  Remember this as you move about my facebook page and other social media platforms searching for whatever you think will make you feel better about your situation.  I pray that you are finding peace of mind and seeking God for your aching heart.  

Peace, Love & Detroit Soooooul!

To Be Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Good morning,
Sometimes it has been difficult for me to explain to others my methods and my make up.  I know that I am created unlike any other being which makes me like an exotic creature something that others are drawn to curiously and facinated with.  Often times it is my gift and curse...I am beautiful like a rainbow and yet strange like snow in Texas.  A while back, I donated blood.  It is something I've only done 3 times in my entire life and for someone who is terrified of needles it is a big deal to me.  Each time that I've donated or any time that my blood is drawn, it comes out slow (yes, I drink plenty of water).  It amazes the nurses and it used to make me nervous.  I've even made a joke to one health professional, laughing through my statement about being a slow bleeder in the event of an accident could actually keep me from dying.  They didn't think it was funny at all.

But this last time when they were counting down the time that I had to fill up a pint, I asked if we were on a time limit and they let me know that I had 20 minutes and I only had about 3 left.  I cannot tell you how much had been collected at that point, but I begin to think about how I was created and that I am special.  Not in the way that I am above anyone, but that I work the way my creator intended for me to.

This was confirmed for me in bible study one night.  In teaching that we must discover why we were born, Pastor K pointed to Psalm 139:13, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I believe it, I have internalized this from the moment someone else close to me spoke it to me as tears rolled down my face from not understanding who I was during an uncertain time in my life.  Whenever faced with the fear of rejection by others who may not understand me or agree with my vision, I am reminded that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  My God created me in His image and the vision or visions given to me were given to me and not the person questioning the possibilities of what I know to be possible.
Think about that the next time someone tells you something is impossible or that you cannot do something.  Better yet, the next time someone tells you how the plans for your life should go in order to be successful by their definition.

Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!

For My Beautiful Mommy

Yesterday I arrived at my parents' home only to realize that my mother and I were dressed a like.  I cannot remember another time that it has happened before, but yesterday was the day.  It was nothing unusual, just a white top and denim shorts, but I thought we were cute enough to take a picture in the mirror with my mommy.  So after we enjoyed popcorn, a movie and dinner, we did just that!  Funny, I have been noticing myself in so many of the women in my family but had not seen who I'm most like right in front of me.  Probably because my sister is an exact replica of my mom for real!  

But I do look like my beautiful mom...from her giving heart, to her love for her family and even down to her beautiful shape.  I have so much respect for this woman.  She prays for me, she's loved me even when I'm sure she didn't like me (or at least my decisions) and I cannot say thank you enough.  

It is true that as children, our parents are the first to show us and teach us about God's love.  She still teaches me, even when I wasn't so sure that He still loved me.  I love you mommy!

Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!

Daniella

...and I've been steppin' ever since

Good morning!
Hearing the rain against my window pane this morning was like music to my ears.  Not sure why I smiled once I recognized that the tapping was rain, but I did.  I am many things, but I am really a dancer at heart and this evening my dance family, no my family is celebrating their 10th Anniversary in the community.  The Steady Steppers have been my family since 2007 at a time when I was looking to find myself.  They were warm and welcoming when I first emailed them and they have been the same since I walked in the door that cold February evening.

I was so determined to be good at Steppin' that once I moved up to the advanced level, I would bug Kammal (my current dance partner) about getting better and wanting to compete.  He thought I wasn't serious, he even told me that I had to find my own partner which is exactly what I did.  But now we have 2 back-to-back wins under our belt from the World's Largest Stepper's Contest in Chicago.

Kammal is one of half of the founding dynamic duo...Larry or Papa Smurf, as he is affectionately referred to, is just that the one keeping us all in line and on a path to greatness.  In my eyes, he has set the standard for how an organization should be managed and stay connected within the community.  Like everyone else in the SS crew, I cannot say enough about these two and how much they have impacted my life and the lives of countless dancers throughout the Metro Detroit area and around the country.  I've had the pleasure of traveling and teaching in other cities and witnessing first hand the enthusiasm in those who come to a class or workshop held with the Steady Steppers.

So to Larry and Kammal and my Steady Stepper family I would like to say thank you for your friendship, teaching me my first steps, patience, support, encouragement, guidance but most importantly thank you for your love.

Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella
a.k.a. Socks (ask me later)

Changing of the Seasons

Good Monday morning!

I'm a firm believer that people are in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  This weekend I had to say "See you later" to one of the rocks in this latest chapter of my life.  A friend I've known since I was in the 6th grade.  What's interesting about our relationship is that she's always had a presence in my life.  A quiet classmate and bandmate, the sister of a classmate, a friend of my friend, one of the girls to grab lunch with and catch up with or someone I would ask about from time to time.  We all have ladies in our lives that play different roles at different times as we stumble through this thing called life.

Well this lady became a very close confidant and counselor when my life changed and I couldn't figure it out.  Maybe I've told you the story about the time I had to face the reality of my pending divorce and she sat on the phone with me for hours as I wandered from room to room in my empty apartment revealing my fears of becoming a single woman for the first time in my adult life at the age of 30.  I remember saying, "I'm not scared to be divorced, I'm scared because I don't know how to be single."  She talked to me about meeting guys and keeping my place of peace separate and protected.  When my first relationship ended she reminded me that I thought I would never find someone new and that I had in fact learned a lot from that relationship.  She taught me how real women resolve differences and build friendships.  Most of all she accepted me when I didn't event know who I was.  I only hope that I was as good of a friend to her as she has been to me.

What's been the most interesting is that although I've known her for more than half my life, I didn't really get to know her until the last 1/3 and I am so grateful to have had Ms. T in my life exactly when I needed her.  But now it is time for her to move on to greater things.  I am so excited for you because God has greater plans than you could have ever imagined for your life.  May you be successful professionally and fulfilled personally.  But if ever you feel like you don't have a shoulder to lean on, please remember I'm only a phone call away, a bus/train ride away and really only a gas tank away.  I love you and thank you for being my friend.

Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella

Throw Back Tuesday!

Good morning!

This is a throw back post originally written on September 18, 2006.  

What’s up?!  The liquid sunshine slowed me down this morning, which is a good thing because too often I find myself in a rush to get somewhere…anywhere really and why?  I don’t have the answer to that question I just know I need to stop rushing everywhere.  So I decided to take it easy this morning and write my morning message before I rush off into the rest of my day. 

Steve Harvey posed an interesting question this morning,“What would you be in life if you knew that you could not fail?”  If you knew with 100% certainty that you would be successful, you would not worry about what others will think when you fail, or how much education it would take or where you will get the money.  Just think about what you could accomplish without the fear of failure.  So what would you do or what would you become?

Have an extraordinary day!

April 16, 2013 Update:
Funny how it is raining this morning as well and again I found myself rushing in order to avoid being late but instead I chose to arrive alive.  I am in a place where have not been more clear about how fear has affected my life.  When others peek into your life, they may believe that you have no fears, that you see yourself as invincible and that you can conquer any mountain...they really have that expectation on your life.  But inside you are unsure, afraid of failing and loosing footing on the comfortable ground you stand on.  I cannot say that I am not afraid of failing, but I am at the point where I see how not leaping has kept me in the safe zone.  

Well I am not afraid any more.  I know what I want out of life and I am pushing forward into the unknown.  What is waiting for me has to be greater.  I have too much to give, too much to share and gain in this life.  Tell me some of the chances you took in life and what you learned from those experiences.  

Peace, Detroit Luv & Soooooul!
Daniella