Focus on Fabulous

“Is all that we leave behind what is ultimately left of us?” Things that once held meaning to us are now reduced to whatever price someone is willing to pay. Why do we put so much emphasis on material things, the cars we drive, the clothes we wear, the labels we display? Instead, we should build our emphasis on the relationships we build, the stories, memories, and legacies we leave behind, on mending fences and giving whenever possible. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

yes, it's true, sixty is a number. but i can't believe it's my number. my sixty on the inside doesn't feel much different from thirty. yes, there are some days i feel 18 while others i feel 80. in fact, i remember when my mother was 60. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Feeling blue? Paint yourself a different color. But give yourself permission to deal with whatever you're going through and then focus on the good that is among you each and every day. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

As I was sitting with my friends chatting about what is going on in our world, about what some are choosing to call the “new normal it occurred to me that there has always been something. Something to fear, something to hate, something to worry over. But I want to take time to stop; to write my own headline. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Even though I utilized my quarantine time productively and seized every moment in my days, only venturing out one day a week and for just a few hours, I stayed protected, guarded, and distant, although foreign concepts for me. I felt comforted and safe. So, as I begin this new birth to the outside world on a regular and routine basis, I ask myself both personally and professionally, am I a cheetah or a snail? And which do I prefer? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Life will always provide challenges, but I find that our viewpoint and perspective can keep us from feeling defeated. Yes, some people are glued to the media, destroyed by the new normal and may even be entangled in the unwelcome effects that are occurring, but the truth is, there IS help. There is hope. There is love amidst the distress. People are reaching out; businesses are extending assistance wherever possible. It seems we actually miss the human connection. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Is there something you can change or control to ease the situation, stress or worry? If you can then what is the need for worrying? Just fix it. If you cannot solve it then what is the use of worrying? You read that right. If you CAN solve the problem, then why worry and if you can’t then why worry? It’s simple really. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Katryna joins us from Charleston, SC during the CoronaVid-19 quarantine with tips, tricks, and advice on keeping your small business alive during these tough times. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

If you're like me, you are constantly needing more time. Saying things like, "If only I had an extra day." or "I need more time in my day." and so forth. Leap year gives us the gift of having that extra day. Embrace it! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Many works of art (in this case, needlework) are beautiful to the eyes that gaze upon them. But, rarely does the viewer consider the efforts endured, the mess it took or the flaws that may be covered in creating that beauty. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I think every child at some point feels like they know all the answers and their parents are too old to really “get it.” And in the debate of logic and reasoning, we plead our case with words like “Why not?” “Why do I have to?” or “So and So’s parents let them” and so forth only to hear “because I said so.” At the moment those words hit our ears we knew there was no more need for discussion let alone trying to persuade anything else. We knew we had made a great argument but had been overruled. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Remember Sam, I am from the classic Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs and Ham? After reading this to my grandson it occurred to me that we all have a green eggs and ham list. A list of things we will not do no matter what. Not here nor there nor anywhere. For many of us, it may be something we refuse to eat. For others, it could be more complicated, such as public speaking. Think about it. What is YOUR green eggs and ham? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Helen Keller is quoted as saying, “Always hold your head high. Look the world straight in the eye.” We need to have an elegance in our posture, to define to the world not just how we walk but how we walk through life. Slouching will always send the wrong message. You have everything you need to confidently walk your path. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support photo by focus on fabulous creative photography --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Many artists have their self-portraits among their works. Back then, self-portraits were about status and importance and in effect, today they still are. Nothing has changed. Self-portraits have merely transformed into selfies, and filters and photo effects have become the artists' mediums. Although it is easy to get caught up in the celebrity culture that says unless you’re being noticed, you’re no one, that’s the crucial difference between 15th-century self-portraits and 21st-century selfies. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by OrnaW pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What would my children do if they had to make a video of my life? My memory? My legacy? Where are the pictures of my life? Especially of my life with my children. I have lived quite the life. I’ve been blessed with quite the personality and yet stayed hidden due to pride or vanity or some other silly reason. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

But if we’re being totally truthful, would we consider ourselves teachable? Are we willing to sit back and embrace setbacks that may hold lessons we need to know? Are we able to be quiet long enough to grasp when something is being portrayed to us or someone is attempting to educate us? amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by The Pixelman at Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

how could anyone truly know the real us? We are born to give, to care, to sacrifice ourselves for the needs of others. If you’re like me though this leads to you feeling like a square peg in a round hole. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Photo by Greyerbaby/Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

“The truth about family is that we don’t get really get to pick and choose who’s in and who’s out. It’s not a club.” I believe we all have our share of dysfunctional in our families. We have those soap opera situations or Maury Povich moments we’d rather tuck away safely in a locked box on the shelf. Truth is there are people in most families that we love but don’t like, that if they weren’t family we wouldn’t tolerate. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

If mercy is the act of not giving to someone that which they probably deserve, then how often are we really offering that to others? When was the last time you forgave someone without being asked? Or turned the other cheek? amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

There are many times in our lives where someone hurts our feelings, says or does the wrong thing or simply rubs us the wrong way. We tend to be selfish creatures and dwell on the impact these have on us personally with little or no regard to how they are to others. But I like to think that our attitude and overall reaction plays a significant role in how we handle those situations and how it all ends. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by CSchmidt- Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

There are often moments in our lives where confrontation, situations, and circumstances will stretch us to our limits. People are people and they rarely think like us, react like we do or approach a scenario the same way. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by Victor Benard- Unsplash --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The poet known as Ovid once said, “Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.” I hope you make those words your mantra during the difficult times... amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I think patience and perseverance go hand in hand. Through the exhaustion of the race, we discover that we are strong; stronger than we thought but also as strong as we allow ourselves to be. We must do whatever it takes to avoid discouragement and not give up our tenacity to reach the finish line because that consistency and dedication is the key to our success. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by skeeze from Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

People are human. We will make mistakes. What we take away from those mistakes is where the power lies. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support image by olafpictures on Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We examined some previous moments in my life where I felt I had no voice, say or control and discovered perhaps I had adapted this trait as a means of survival, of being accepted, heard and so forth. It wasn’t until nearly twenty years later that it occurred to me that where some may consider it control, others might view it as leadership. Some may see flaws, other’s quirks. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support image by Letizia Bordoni Unsplash --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Obstacles, especially unexpected ones can really pour havoc on our lives. But what if I told you that your struggle today is proving your story, your strength for tomorrow. Obstacles are the path. We simply need to alter the way we view them. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support image by darksouls1 on pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It is so easy to be happy and oblivious in our contentment. We often take for granted or overlook the goodness in our lives. I encourage you to take time, no MAKE the time, to tell those in your life what they mean to you. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support image by focus on fabulous creative photography --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It wasn’t until my singleness in my late forties, due to the termination of a twenty-five-year marriage relationship that I discovered and embraced my true unique self and qualities. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support image by: maarten Deckers on Unsplash --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I was going through the motions and unintentionally playing small in my divine purpose. I realized that although giving and living a life for others may not necessarily be a bad thing when you lose sight of who you are and your purpose on this planet it can ultimately be destructive. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support image by: oltre creative on pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We live in a world where offenses sit on the surface and hearts harden too easily. But what if we started to be the change we wanted to see? What if we actually lived our lives by our examples? What if we decided to see people by their intentions instead of their actions? amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support photo by focus on fabulous creative photography --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In a matter of minutes RIGHT FROM YOUR PHONE, you can make money while attending your child's football games, recitals, school functions & more. Worry Less. Live More. Robin Nazon 843.471.6056 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

When it comes to difficult tasks I think patience is on the top of the list. Why is waiting so hard for us? amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

If we are honest with ourselves and take a moment to examine a few things pertained to the reproach we may come to the realization that maybe a small nugget of truth is lying in there after all. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Photo by Marcelo Chagas from Pexels --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Whether bossy or a leader you can confidently say, "I am tough, ambitious, and self-assured in what I need and what I want. I am tenacious and sure that I can get the task done. I don't just have dreams, I have goals and the gumption to make them a reality. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Picture your day, your life or even that moment, filled with glorious hues and an arch of hope. Notice the beam of sunshine on the other side that casts this fabulous arrangement of color. How wonderful the knowledge that it takes both sunshine and rain to make that glorious arch. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support image by focus on fabulous creative photography --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

During hardships and potential disasters, when we are the most frightened, we rightfully reach out in prayer and petition for strength through the storm and safety in its wrath. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image courtsey of Pickpic --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This morning when you looked in the mirror what did you see? Ever wonder how we can require so much beauty sleep and wake up looking like a troll? Truth is, we need to stop that way of thinking. It is that mindset that makes it difficult for us to start the day motivated and ready to tackle the world. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by: Mbragion-Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

During a storm, it may be difficult to see the good, the “reason”, the lesson that will eventually arrive in due time but if we have a positive attitude the negativity we experience will become better. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by George Becker- Pexels --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

“If you hang out with chickens you’re going to peck but if you hang out with eagles, you’re going to soar.” Even lately I’ve learned that apparently, we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by free photos Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are confident we WILL have adversity in our lives. It is inevitable. But how awesome it is to know that with the troubles, no matter what, you can have peace. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Photo by Keenan Constance from Pexels --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I was reminded of the powerful message this story holds and since it is the beginning of a new week I felt the need to tell it again as many of us may approach Monday as our boulder. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

As women, I believe we set our standards high unintentionally... Yet still, we women try to “do it all” to “be it all”. We aim for the crown of perfection. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by Lloorraa on Pixabay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Every day we all wake up with a brand-new start and hope for the best. But I think, we know that we are imperfect beings doing the best we can with what we have. So, as you listen to the media (tainted and biased as you think it may be), and you watch news and hear all the promises and lies and hopes and hoaxes think about character, think about faith. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

"Be beautiful, and let the world catch up." Just thinking of those eight words even now - makes my heart flutter. What a wonderful way to say "do not be afraid to be yourself." amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by Focus on fabulous Creative Photography --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In a world bombarded with and catering to negativity, I believe we can make the choice to see things in a positive light or at least recognize the good in even the worst situations. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by:JennaHamra Pexels --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

No matter what the tiny voice in your head, the haters or the naysayers tell you, you CAN obtain the life you desire. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Think about what would happen if you woke up today with only what you were grateful for yesterday. But beyond being grateful, give back. Return the gift. Share something. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I once asked someone "look at me and tell me what you see." They said, I see a woman, a pretty smile, your colored dress." If you ask most people to look at the person next to them and tell what they see, often they will say a physical feature. amongthefabulous@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ https://anchor.fm/michelle-bryant/support Image by KaiqueRocha on Pexels

Our unique purpose explains what we should be doing in our lives. When our passions and purpose are greater than our fears, excuses, and entanglements, our lives become rich and overflowing. The purpose of life is not merely to be happy, provide happiness and share happiness but to be useful and honorable, compassionate and passionate, to share our stories that others may be inspired and encouraged, to make a difference and leave a legacy for others displaying that we have lived a happy, blessed, well and purposeful life. If you have a story youd like to share email amongthefabulous@gmail.com To check out this & other blog posts visit:https://www.facebook.com/Girlitstimetofocusonthesparkle/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app