We all are trying to figure out this thing we call life!

 

Have You Been Holistically Affected by COVID19?

Have you been affected by COVID-19? Need guidance, support, coaching or mentoring? Need a roadmap for holistic healing, the next steps in your personal and professional life?

Please sign up for your FREE coaching session. If you have truly been affected and need coaching, I am offering 2-weeks of coaching to an individual whose life has been truly impacted by COVID-19. If this is you, please email me at drea@browngirlfromboston.com. You can also recommend your friend or family member and I will send you a gift for your referral and support to BGFB.

Love and Light!

https://browngirlcoaching.as.me/

Be Prepared Not Scared: It's All About the Tribe and Free Resources

How are you holding up? How can I serve you? Resource List: College Students U-Haul Offer:https://www.uhaul.com/Articles/About/... Spectrum: To enroll in the program, call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. Frontier Airlines: https://www.flyfrontier.com/students-... Enterprise Car Rental: https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-ren... Online Learning Resources: https://www.weareteachers.com/free-on... The Careerist Project Masterclass: Slay Your Stress: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tcp-virt... Follow The Careerist Project on FB and IG Brown Girl From Boston www.browngirlfromboston Follow us on IG and FB drea@browngirlfromboston.com

2020 Life Purpose

2019 Reflections!

I've Learned, Lost, and Loved in 2014

“You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could've, would've happened... or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move the f%^k on.” ― Tupac Shakur

We are a 44 days away from 2015 and I already proclaim my ultimate aha moments blessed from Jehovah. I love to reflect on my life and look in the mirror to check my battle scars, have the heart to heart conversations and give thumbs up to my progress. This year I've lost friends, family members and often times my sanity. I've learned that life goes on, one person don't stop the show, and I am unstoppable and progress greatness! I've loved on myself more, learn to love my Father in a way that I didn't think I could and released my best friend with love. I've learn how to live with less, lived with some tough decisions and lived with an open and courageous heart.

While typing this blog, I felt a piece of serenity and calmness come over me because I know Jehovah blessed me with another "aha" moment that I had to share with the world. In 2014, I have found my voice, power and hope because at one point in my life I gave my voice, power and hope away in exchange for validation, lustfulship, and fake friendships. These things were a facade because it fulfilled a void, emptiness, numbness and internal struggle of ME. I did not need anyone to beat me up or torment me because I did a wonderful job doing these things to myself. I had to release myself from the bondage that I placed myself in. Being liberated gave me the opportunity to look within and look outward in the mirror to have the difficult conversations to start the healing process.

I wrote this blog post for someone who need to be liberated from the imprisonment of your self-loathing, lack of self-sense and numbness.

I've Learned....
I've learned in my 31 years on Earth that Jehovah created a masterpiece when he created me.
I've learned how to not give away my star and soul power.
I've learned how to take people's opinions about me with a grain of salt.
I've learned that I am a trailblazer.
I've learned that I have outgrown people.
I've learned who I am!
I've learned that I am dope, unique, beautiful, fabulously flawed, authentic, vulnerable, sensitive and love hard.
I've learned that it is okay to cry because crying especially ugly crying cleanse your soul, it is okay to ask for help from the right people because everyone isn't look to help you, some are secretly praying for your downfall.
I've learned that life goes on despite the drama, the emptiness, hurt feelings and craziness. You have to learned how to kick life's behind and get it in.
I've learned that despite being a dope and fly person, someone isn't going to like you and that's perfectly okay because that's their lost and you keep it moving.
I've learned that toxicity and hating is bad for your health because some people find it necessary to imitate you despite hating you. Go figure!
I've learned how to wish people well even when I didn't want to. Jehovah and Karma will handle them.
I've learned how to turn the wheel over to Jehovah and let him guide my purpose and passion
I've learned how to be unstoppable!
I've learned that my mother is also my sister-friend.
I've learned how to live on very little which humbled me to the fullest.
I've learned how to breathe, flow and let go.
I've learned how to block, delete and release some people from my life.
I've learned that I am bigger than New England, Boston and Providence. I am international.
I've learned how to be better not basic.
I've learned in 2014

I've Lost....
I've lost and released my best friend of 20 years with love. If we ever rekindle our friendship, I hope I am open to love her again in a different capacity.
I've lost sleep and energy on people who never serve an inkling of purpose within my life. Why, Drea?
I've lost a piece of peace, worrying and pondering over nonsense and what ifs.
I've lost myself trying to keep up with nobodies. What a waste because they lived in la la land.
I've lost family members to death, sickness and unhealthiness.
I've lost a lucrative job due to learning how to not accepting abuse and mediocrity.
I've lost meaningless disagreements over simple bullish and I'm thankful.
I've lost respect for some people who never earned my respect.
I've lost patience.
I've lost in 2014

I've Loved....
I've loved myself to say no and relinquish any kind of controlling nature.
I've learned how to love, forgive and become a better daughter for the sake of my Father and I relationship. We are a work in progress.
I've learned how to love, surrender and forgive people in my own way.
I've loved how people doubt me.
I've learned to love how to use my voice, power and hope to motivate people and get things done.
I've learned how to love my husband in a different capacity from our best friendship.
I've learned how to love the many facets of Andrea Camille Stallworth Imafidon.
I've learned how to love Jehovah in my own way and appreciate all creations.
I've learned how to love and appreciate my life's journey.
I've learned that my love look different from others.
I've love the fact that I am writing and blogging again.
I've learned how to love in 2014

What have you learned, lost and loved in 2014? We would love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading and supporting Brown Girl From Boston

Declutter Your Life and Free Your Mind

How many of you heard, "if your house is a mess, your life is a mess." This statement pertains to the holistic being. When you look around your home, do you find yourself afraid of letting go of things such as old magazines with Idris Elba on the cover, an ex-boyfriend's sweatpants, or old save the dates from past baby showers and weddings from five years ago? If you are giving this article a side-eye or sucking your teeth, significant because I am making you feel uncomfortable, and you know you have work to do! My mission is to help you de-clutter your life and free your mind of old ideas, grudges, unforgiveness, bad habits, and a toxic environment.

I used to watch the television show "Hoarders" because I wanted to know how people exist with clutter, and I also wanted to know what led that person to spiral out of control to become a hoarder. Well, I have learned that being a hoarder occurs over time. It is a kind of comfort and protection for that person who experienced traumatic events such as abandonment, various abuse, and just not feeling good about oneself but find comfort in their stuff and muck whether or not the property added value to their life or not. Also, hoarders usually isolate themselves from loved ones because they hide their toxic environment and mental health illness.

Unfortunately,  I actually have a close family member who is a hoarder, and I have learned that this particular family member has experienced abandonment, lost herself in a lifetime abusive marriage, and took on other people's toxic "stuff" by giving them permission to dump their toxicity onto her. My family member has many undercover strengths, skills, and abilities, but she is stuck in clutter. She is holding herself captive of her toxic environment, which has caused isolation, depression, and ongoing health issues. Underneath that clutter is a broken person who does not know how to celebrate nor embrace her light because it is dark underneath all that "stuff."

I wanted to shed light on how you can de-clutter your life and free your mind with a few tips that help me refocus, regain creativity and release harmful and toxic relationships. When I am surrounded by people's negative energy, unwanted and unused stuff, and being idle, I am held caged to my thoughts, my energy is lethargic, and my creative vibe is stuck. Whenever I feel that way, I pay close attention to my environment, such as who I surround myself with throughout the week, what I watch on the tube that got me stuck, what I eat, and my thoughts. Evaluating these things are essential because clutter will cause you to become stuck.

Here are Five Ways You Can De-Clutter Your Life and Free Your Mind:

1. Clean One to Two Rooms Daily: How often do you clean your home? Do you have time to clean your home an entire day, or do you usually wait to clean your home on the weekends? I typically wash my house daily by using the 30-minute rule. I usually clean my house one/two rooms at a time, depending on the severity of the messiness. Dishes are washed daily, floors are swept daily and mopped twice a week. I noticed that I didn't have time or energy to wait for the weekend and do a total clean sweep to clean my home. I like to hang out with my husband, family, and friends on the weekend, not dedicate my entire weekend to cleaning my house.
2. Clean Closet Every Season: I usually clean our closet every change of season. We accumulate a lot of clothes, shoes, and accessories that we usually forget about or don't wear due to them being out of season. I typically get boxes and bags, start filling the boxes and bags and donate items to those who need clothing. If you haven't worn an item for over 6 months, it is time for you to donate that item. Stop trying to save that item and think you may wear it again because you may not ever wear it. Instead, contribute to the local shelter, especially the homeless and domestic violence shelter. I had a friend tell me that she donates typically two to three articles of clothing every time she buys something. That's awesome! If you want to sell your clothes, you can check out Craigslist, E-Bay, Thred Up, and other online or local consignments shops.
3. Recycle Old Magazines/Newspapers: Look around your home and notice that year-old Essence magazine with Idris Elba on the cover. Are you still admiring Idris's handsome face? Come on now, why are you really holding on to that old Jet, Essence, Ebony, or your favorite magazine? You can take those magazines and start a vision board by cutting out pictures, words, and quotes. You can also donate those magazines to your local nonprofit agencies because some are looking for magazines to teach a media class or dream exploration class. For example, I am a Girl Scout leader, and I am always looking for old magazines to do a collage and do a dream board with my girls. 
4. Hire a Feng Shui consultant: Yes, ladies and gents, this is an actual career field which is impressive. A Feng Shui consultant helps you clear clutter, tips on decorating your home, assess the best colors and furniture positioning for a harmonious and happy. Feng Shui also helps attract positive energy, health, and a comfortable environment. 
5. Create a healthy boundary and limitations on toxic relationships: We thrive on love, friendships, and belonging to someone. We don't realize how toxic relationships affect our mindset and overall well-being. Relationships take a toll on all of us. We usually are vulnerable within our close-knit relationships because we care and love our relationships. Still, we often forget that some people don't love or care about us as people. Many people usually are emotional vampires, users, abusers, and just downright toxic. Whenever you are faced with a toxic relationship, you must create a boundary and limitation on the relationship, and if that doesn't work, you must release them with love. You don't want to surround yourself with those who will make you a better person. 

We live in a culture in which we are bombarded by materialistic things. Material things actually bog us down in which we are constantly on the hamster wheel trying to obtain more to keep up with "The Joneses." Always, we heard more is more instead of less is more. We should all strive to live a simple life instead of being consumed and swallowed by stuff. We are often consumed by people's things in which we do not need to take ownership of their property. Do practice to rid yourself of clutter and free your mind.

Coaching Question for you: What do you need to free yourself from? How will you de-clutter your life today?

Make sure you leave your comments in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading Brown Girl From Boston
XOXO,

Drea

I Was Sick And Tired of Being Sick and Tired: How Quitting My Job Led Me to My Passion

                           "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."- Fannie Lou Hamer
In 2013, I was sick of tired of being sick and tired and I decided to transform my life by becoming a certified life, motivational and business coach. 


Drea's Journey to Coaching:

I've spent the last eight years providing therapy, case management and clinical direction to those who are in imminent crisis within their life. I have worked with dialysis clients to homicidal and suicidal youth and adolescents. I have witnessed the highest of highs and the lowest of lows as a master level social worker. I have watched and groomed myself to go from a case manager to Director of Social Services at a "premier" nonprofit. God have an amazing way to let you know that you are not maximizing your full potential.

Let's take it back to Summer 2013, I was thriving and loving my career as a Director of Social Services. I love my supervisor, work environment and colleagues. Despite, supervising three case managers with various personalities type, I maintained and thrived in that position. During the transition period, my supervisor called an emergency meeting to let the staff know that he and his family are being relocated to a new territory and to prepare for his departure. At first, I went through the denial period because I had a lot going on such as planning for my vow renewal ceremony, adjusting to the position and meeting a grant application deadline. My vow renewal ceremony came and went, the grant application was turned in and we received funding and I went away for a week to St. Thomas, USVI with my husband to celebrate our two year anniversary.

I truly believe that God was preparing me for my departure. When I returned from vacation, I was still in denial until I met my new supervisor. As soon as I met my new supervisor, I had a dark and heavy spirit come over me in which it was quite puzzling. I didn't ignore the feeling, I affirmed my feeling and started making preparations to fulfill my dream. My supervisor and I tried to build a working relationship in which it never flourished due to underlying issues, pre-judgement and miscommunication on both ends. We all play a part on the breakdown of the working relationship. I had to put on my big girl panties to take accountability for my role.

The Moment I Became Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, Literally!

Fast forward to November/December 2013, I was on a teleclass hosted by Rosetta from Happy Black Woman. She had Valorie Burton, a certified coach and author on books such as positive psychology and coaching. Valorie was promoting her new book, "Happy Women Live Better" and briefly discuss her certified coaching programs. I knew I participated in that teleclass for a reason and that reason was to maximize my potential and fulfill my purpose. I remember buying "Happy Women Live Better" and it transformed my life because I was stuck, unhappy and stressed.

In December, I became extremely ill and suffered with work related illnesses such as migraines. I had migraines for days and weeks until I became hospitalized. The pivotal moment happened when my physician informed me that I need to take a medical leave and order me to bed rest. At that moment, I vowed to fulfill my purpose and never allow myself to endure injustice behavior and exist in chaos. My supervisor was furious at me because "I didn't appear sick" and I just wanted time off. Once I was cleared to return back to work, I informed my supervisor that it was my last day, turned in my keys and badge, collected my belongings and gracefully left. It was such as courageous and brave thing to do but I choose me over my "lucrative" salary and position. As soon as I left my job, I enrolled into Valorie Burton's CaPP (Coaching and Positive Psychology) Coaching Training Intensive program. I didn't know how I was going to afford and get to Virginia but God provided a way and I am thankful to him.

I am proud to say that I am a 2014 graduate of the CaPP: Coaching Training Intensive program and I am a certified personal coach. I am thankful that I went through my previous experience because I didn't know my own power and strength that I possessed. I am proud of myself because I advocated for myself and realize my worth is non-negotiable.

I tell my story because there are so many people especially women who are going through a horrific experience professional or personally. I am here to encourage and empower you to let you know that tough times don't last long and you have the power within to change the situation. It may feel and look uncomfortable and sometimes confusion but you are a powerful and amazing being. Keep pushing and remember you are stronger than what you think.

I love you all and you will get through it.

XOXO,

Drea

I want to hear from you! What are you sick and tired of? Are you ready to transform your life? Comment, share, or simply say hi.