Cycles of Intuition – Book Review

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Even though this is not a traditional business book, The Cycles of Intuition is a good resource for business owners. This book can even be used to navigate your personal life journey. I like how the book begins with the son struggling with leaving or staying an employee of the family business, only for his father to drop a bombshell on him by telling him he is turning the business over to him. In typical father-son fashion, the father imparts some valuable principles to his son that can be considered foundational business principles.

The son seems to become excited and starts writing his blueprint for the business. I like the Customer DNA principle. It’s important to know your customer so well that you can understand what the customer needs from your business. In understanding what the customer needs, you’re able to provide an awesome customer service experience for the customer. I did enjoy the outline of good points that was provided in the various chapters.

The chapters were a little lengthy, and I think some of the story details could have been eliminated from the book, I was expecting a diagram at the end of the book to help in wrapping up the information that was shared, and the diagram could’ve been used to explain the various principles that were developed throughout the book.

Overall, this book was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone that is trying to develop a plan for their business or personal life. I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The book can be purchased Here

My Thoughts on “The Beast Side”

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This book was an eye opener for me. I enjoyed the method the author used to say what he wanted to say. It’s refreshing to read a book where the author doesn’t apologize for his thoughts or feelings. So many times authors apologize for what they say, or say readers misinterpreted the meaning of their statements.

Not D. Watkins! He speaks his mind in a manner that says – yes, I meant what I said!

So many of the words he stated are my sentiments too. I liked how he was able to weave parts of his story into the current events that have touched many of us.  There are two passages that resonated with me, and I still reflect on these passages today.


He calls out Black men for allowing other Black men to speak negatively about Black women, and treat us horribly. He points out how time and time again Black women support Black men when they have no one else to depend on. He admonished Black men to take a stand for Black women!


This passage caused me to really think about the Pledge of Allegiance and what it means to me as a Black women, and I realized it’s not for me. Just as the writer realized it wasn’t for him. Now, I can no longer stand and take that pledge. I have not experienced liberty and justice for all.

If you want to read a thought provoking book that makes you question the importance of Black American lives, pick up “The Beast Side.” If you want to read the reality of living and dying while Black in America, read “The Beast Side.”

Do You Wanna Be Happy?

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When I found this meme, it resonated with the core of my being. We live in a world where some people place their happiness in the hands of others. Why would a person choose to allow someone else to have that much power over them? I want to make sure I understand: How the person feels or treats you controls your happiness?! I refuse to allow anyone that much power over me!

We watch movies, videos and TV; and believe that another’s love makes us happy. We buy into the false reality we see in the media and believe statements like:

I can’t live without you.

I can’t breathe without you.

You complete me.

As long as I have you, I’m happy.

  
Guess who’s responsible for your happiness? You are! It’s selfish of you to make me or anyone else responsible for your happiness. I’m trying to handle my happiness. Do you want to know why you are responsible for your happiness? Because you’re accountable for your actions and inactions. 

 
It’s easy to make someone else responsible because then you are able to play the “blame game.” It’s always someone else’s fault. No, it’s your fault! You own your happiness. If you’re not happy, it’s time for self-reflection. It’s time to ask yourself some difficult questions and be man or woman enough to acknowledge what’s hindering your happiness.

Here’s my Happiness Plan:

1. Self-reflection: Time to determine why happiness eludes me.

2. A Plan: What am I going to do to be happy? Write it down. Create a vision board.  

3. Make it happen: Put your plan in action.

Let me know how my plan works for you. I can’t wait to read your happiness reports!

*I am not the creator of the above memes and was unable to locate the creators to provide proper acknowledgement*

So We Said Goodbye *Book Review*

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This was an interesting read. I’m married and I tried to place myself in Aya’s shoes and couldn’t. It was a little far-fetched to me to totally immerse myself in a past relationship and create such an emotional tie. What really was astounding to me was the level of honesty between Aya and Uri. I do believe marriages need this level of honesty, and there would probably be less divorces. However, I can’t think of any husbands I know that would allow what Uri allowed without some type of demands to stop the behavior.

Another thing that stood out to me was the impact Aya’s and Yaron’s choices has on their families and friends. I did not enjoy the amount of time in the book that was devoted to their letters. I know it showed the level of their emotional attachment, but I think readers could’ve understood the attachment without the amount of letters that were included in the book. The footnotes of information, while interesting, did not add to the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the complexity of marriage that was demonstrated by the book, and I liked the ending, but I wonder what would’ve happened if Aya and Yaron had made different choices.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

 

 

Where’s Our Support?

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Black women know what it means to struggle. We struggle with the various roles we play in our lives and the lives of others. We struggle with that S for Superwoman that has been placed on our chests. A lot of times we place that S on our chests, and then there are times others place that S on our chests. Even after we successfully navigate through each day for ourselves and our families, I’m still amazed at those who treat us like we are second class citizens.

Well, second class citizens is a stretch. We are treated like we don’t have any rights. It saddens me that we feel the harsh sting of this treatment from our own Black men. I’m used to other races treating us inferior, but to be treated inferior by Black men upsets me.

You ask me why does this upset me? I’ll tell you why. Black women have always been supportive of Black men. We work and take care of our homes when Black men can’t or won’t take care of our homes. We take care of our Black children when Black men can’t or won’t take care of our children. We are the ones that give you that second, third and fourth chance, when you mess up. So, where’s our support?

Oh, you may say we have supported Black women. Have you? As a majority have Black men supported us? Oh, you will use us for what we have to offer, but where’s our support?

Where’s the support when we are being killed by the police? Where’s the marching and the public outcry by Black men? Where’s the support when another Black man hits us? Why do you turn your head and say it’s not your problem, or say that’s what she gets? Where’s the support when we are being sexually degraded in music lyrics or made fun of about our looks? Where’s the support when we are being called bitches and thots?

When are Black men going to speak up as a majority and say you will respect Black women?! You will not place your hands on a Black woman! I will not be a part of a conversation that degrades Black women.

Oh we struggle, but one area we don’t struggle with is supporting Black men. Where’s our support?

Rules To Live By

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I thank God I’ve survived so far and made most decisions using common sense. Common sense is priceless.

I just want to help others that may need need assistance navigating this journey called life.   These rules are not listed in any order of importance because they are all important.  Here’s some rules to live by:

Don’t burn bridges – 9 times out of 10 you’re going to need that person again.

Listen to your elders – you’ll have less headaches, heartaches and stress.

Practice good work ethics.

Don’t quit a job before you have the next job.

You are responsible for your own happiness. Don’t buy into this romance movie happiness that includes statements like “you complete me.”

Don’t have sex with folks that just look good. Are they responsible? If a child results, will you have to put out an APB for them to help with the child? Would you want this woman to be the mother of your child? Do you want this person in your life for the rest of your life?

Don’t have sex in every relationship.  Is there a rule you have to have sex? Everybody ain’t worthy – ijs.

Surround yourself with folks that encourage and support you.

Learn how to be a real friend. Once you learn the real meaning, you may find out the folks you’ve been saying are on your squad are not on your squad.

Have a personal relationship with God. Give Him some of your time. He’s worthy.

*photo created by Samuel Zeller

Oasis, The Last Humans Book 1 *Review*

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Previously, I wasn’t a fan of sci-fi books, but this book has definitely piqued my interest. The book starts slowly feeding you background information about the main character, Theo, and his friends Liam and Mason. We also meet Phoe (Fee); who I wasn’t sure if she was a figment of his imagination or a real person. The book takes a sudden turn when Mason disappears and is forgotten by everyone but Theo. This event leads to the basis of the book and has an interesting climax that leaves you wanting more.

The name of the book is a good play on the type of world the people are living. A world nothing like our world, and one that some may be interested: no worries but only tranquil living. However, with that tranquil living comes the loss of freedom of speech, expression and to be yourself. For a moment, I imagined being in this world and wondered would the benefits be worth the sacrifices. This book is a good read and I look forward to book two.

I received an advanced copy of this ebook for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The Torment of Rachel Ames *Review*

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When I begin reading this book, I didn’t know what to expect. It held my attention from the first page. I immediately wanted to know the reason for Rachel’s writer’s block. The reason was not what I expected. Truly, nothing is what it seems in this book, but I like how the author brings everything together and at the same time leave you wanting more. I have more questions now than I had while reading the book. I refuse to reveal any spoilers. You will have to read the book.

One of the most important messages I receive from this book is when we refuse to move ahead, and continue to allow guilt rule us; we will be tormented as Rachel was torments. However, we can be free. The choice is ours. I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

You can purchase the book here

Weight Loss God’s Way *Review*

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This book Healthy by Design – Weight Loss, God’s Way is an awesome book along with areas to journal.  You will journal work purpose because you are answering specific questions to help you on your healthy lifestyle journey.

I’m motivated because the author helped me put in perspective how I place limits on God in specific areas of my life.  Specifically, in the area of weight loss.  I’m taking the limits off!

Checkout the website here

#weightlossgodsway

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

To Be A Minority & Poor In Small Town America

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I grew up in what used to be called Pyramid Courts, which is now named Leroy McBride.  In these projects, I had some of the best times of my life.  It’s quite disturbing to read about the despair of the current residents.

Reading the article (the link is below) disgusted and angered me.  To read how those that are poor or less fortunate have been marginalized and their voice silenced further demonstrates how being a minority and poor is a double negative.

Chaos In Cairo
If you are disturbed as I am, please contact the HUD regional office and demand prompt action be taken to remedy this atrocity!

Chicago Regional Office

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Antonio R. Riley – Regional Administrator

77 West Jackson Boulevard

Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: (312) 353-5680
Fax: (312) 913-8293