Thoughts are Things....

Just a little something to think about as you start off your week folks! Let’s not forget that thoughts usually turn into things....and those things usually translate into money,happiness, creativity and health or lack thereof If you're constantly thinking like a "negative Nellie" lol! Never underestimate the power of a positive mind!

Whatever financial situation you are currently in, it is one that you have brought into reality through your thoughts and actions. If it is not what you want, then you have created it unconsciously, but still you’ve created it. When you can see this you will understand how powerful you are at creating. And now all you have to do is create what you want, consciously!

Rhonda Byrne

author of The Secret

Plainly said, we are what we think we are. If we believe that we are broke and constantly say we are “broke” then we will be......never, ever, ever, underestimate the power of your words or your thoughts!

The power of self reflection is amazing when applied in a positive way so watch your thoughts folks and please remember that .....reflecting is good for the Soul and as I always say...What’s good for the Soul is Smart!

Sending you hugs and love,

Niurka

Reality Check 101

O.K. So I am turning 33 tomorrow and oddly enough, I find myself, quite often reflecting on life. Suddenly I've been hit with an epiphany about it....brace yourself because what I am about to say may not appeal to most folks but then again, reality is quite often not a pleasant thing for the average person.

As I reflect on my accomplishments in my short few years here I realize that there are a few things that are vital to the individual's success on this glorious planet earth.

1. make good friends; they are few and far between and darn hard to come by
2. create a sense of happiness and peace within, this will take you far...
3. be grateful for what you have right now
4. always keep your eyes open to reality; no sense in dreaming, else you get left behind
5. love the skin you're in, you only have one you so make it the best you that you possibly can

See, most folks go through life going through the motions and accepting what is dealt to them. I have always gone the opposite of that and to date it has gained me a great deal of experience. This has given mea great deal of personal and professional development. I realize I am a uniquely resilient individual, there is noyone on this planet quite like me. Despite the fact that I deal with a myriad of dillemas and obstacles, that can be quite debilitating at times, I have been able to persevere in things that I put my mind to. Doing so has usually taken a great deal of planning and thinking on my part. It's when I dont think and plan that I get into trouble.

What I've learned is that people who come from controlled and structured environments are able to thrive above and beyond whatever obstacles are presented to them because they have a keen sense of reality. It is this sense of reality that propels them to consistently acquire things and ultimately achieve whatever goals they set for themselves. These folks have a tendency to set goals for themselves slowly, they are like the tortoise who consistently beats the hare because they take the time to think out their objectives and are patient enough to bid their time and make moves when the time is right.

See, the truth is that most of us take on jobs and situations that will keep us occupied because we are scared to do the thinking that will propell us towards fulfillment. Such is the case for many low-income or middle-class Americans. Those whom sit at the top of the income food chain per-se are financially stable enough to give themselves peace of mind, their minds are not preoccupied with responsibilities that threaten to overwhelm them at every turn. For the average person, the creative time needed to reflect and move forward usually comes at the change of a job situation, but rather than reflect and take a little time to do some thinking, we jump into another job out of fear. This fear of losing all that we have is what keeps us stagnant and running in place, oftentimes working the same job for a lifetime or most of our lives and living truly unfulfilled lives. We deal with toxic people and keep them around because we want a sense of safety and tolerate all kinds of crap because we simply wont let go of our fear to dream and do something different.

Now, most folks think I am a little crazy for starting a company in the misdt of a recession and to be honest, I have had my doubts. The more I look around and see the depressive state that most folks are in, I wonder and loathe the idea of going back to working in a crazy environment, whether it be public or private. I recognize that my strongest talent is that of writting, researching and motivating people. Simply put, I know my strenghths and my only job right now is to learn how to make those strenghs work for me. So I challenge you to reflect on your life today and give yourself a reality check....ask yourself, are you truly happy? There is no such thing as eternal bliss on this earth, from what I understand, this is something that we will ultimately reach after death. In the meantime, there is always your personal happiness today, in the present, in the here and now...so I urge you to reflect and think about YOU today! Ask yourself, what are my strenghths? What makes me happy? and finally, How can I apply my strenghths to propel me to more fulfillment and joy in life. Trust me, it's not an easy thing to do but it is definitely possible, if you just try....besides, knowing yourself is good for the Soul....and as I always say: What's good for the Soul is Smart!

Sending you hugs and love,

Niurka

It's TAX SEASON! Advantages to paying Uncle Sam

Good day folks!

Today the discussion is centered around the importance of paying Uncle Sam....yes I know, most of us look at tax season as that grueling time when we have to pay our fair or unfair share to this wonderful country of opportunity. I would like to share with you a few links that will help you get through this tax season seamlessly if you take a few moments to do things right.

Now, if you're income is above $49,000, then it is most advantageous to take the horse by the reins and file your taxes as soon as you can. Doing so will make you feel better and more secure about your financial life...you may be asking "How?" Well, the reality is that if you have to pay up, which most of you will, then it is best to do so sooner rather than later. Avoiding the little things that can catch up with you later makes good sense and will surely give you a sense of peace and accomplishment.

Most individuals will usually use and accountant or a professional tax service like H& R Block and although these mediums are great if you dont want to deal with it, it's best to take some time and file your taxes yourself...it's easy and most tax programs like TurboTax will allow you to do so online for free....so as you get ready to file your taxes, do so with a smile and take a plunge and do it yourslef, it cant hurt to try it just once , you'll save a great deal of money as well.

If you are a business owner, have bank or mortgage interest or foreign trusts then it is probably a good idea to seek outside help. H&R Block offers a great service called Second Look that allows you to file your taxes on your own and affords you a guarantee of up to $5K , which they will pay on your behalf if you have made a mistake and the best part is that it's only $30.00. Big diffenrece from the few hundred or even thousands you'd have to pay a tax attourney or accountant.

I urge you to give it a whirl, either way you cant lose and it's a great opportunitty to get a sense of your financial outlook for the previous year. If nothing else, you'll feel great about yourself, an essential component ot all success........ for sure, it's good for the Soul folks and as I always say, What's good for the Soul is Smart!

1. urbotax.intuit.com
   
   
   www.HRBlock.com
   
   

   www.taxslayer.com/

   
   

   turbotax.intuit.com/

   
   

   Sending you Hugs and Love,
   
   

Niurka

FAMILY MATTERS YA'LL!

Today I had the pleasure of working out with my family and to be honest, it reminded me of exactly why I get up and grind hard every day. See, I’m a single mom of three. I am raising two beautiful teenagers and an outspoken eight year old who can drive me bananas some days. Couple that with the fact that my love life is nearly stagnant, it’s enough to drive me batty and not appreciate the beautiful blessings that god gave me so long ago.

See, most of us take advantage of the fact that we have family.......we have family ya’ll! So as I hit the YMCA with my clan and I watch my little guy running on the treadmill trying to keep up with mom, it only makes me wonder, Why did I not think to do this before?

Perhaps it’s because I work 10 hour days and by the time I get home I just want to pass out? You know, I honestly think the American way of life is designed to keep families apart, I mean honestly, if mom’s at work and so is dad and they’re both emotionally unavailable, where does that leave the kids?

So to all my parents out there, I leave you with a tidbit to reflect upon.... the next time you get a chance, spend some quality time with the kiddos, no matter how old they are. Believe me, the older they get, the more they need you, so find some creative ways to share the best of you with them, even if it's taking funny pictures before you go to church! (hope ya'll liked the pic)..... it’s worth it and good for the Soul, you know! So read and enjoy the following quotes because I looked them up just for you and always REMEMBER...... what’s good for the SOUL is SMART!

Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.
-- Anthony Brandt

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.
-- Desmond Tutu

Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.
-- Jim Rohn

Sending you Hugs and Love,

Niurka

Eliminate Hate and Experience the Abundance You Will Create!

Ever wonder why from time to time we will see or experience a reappearance of the things we dislike in our lives? Sometimes it seems like the more we say we dislike something or hate something or someone, it or they wll make it’s make into our thinking and life experience time and time again? Well, if what The Secret book says is true, then, it seems like the more we say or think we hate something, the more it will manifest in our lives in the ways that we least expect them. Here’s an excerpt we can mull over further......

The law of attraction cannot change anything in your life that you hate, because hate prevents the change from coming. Since the law is giving us exactly what we are putting out, when you hate something, the law must continue to give you more of what you hate. You will not be able to move away from it. Love is the only way.

If you focus completely on the things you love, you are on your way to a beautiful life.

Rhonda Byrne

Author of The Secret

Ironically, most people thought Martin Luther King was crazy for promoting non-violence and love for one another as a means to achieve world peace, equality and brotherly love. See, the circumstances folks faced in the 30’s ,40’s and 50’s were pretty dire and inhumane, for the most part. Participants n the Civil Rights Era had every reason to hate their oppressors, but rather than focus on hate, they focused on exercising Agape Love, a different frame of thinking where love for one another is the central focus. It was Martin’s deep love for humanity that allowed a movement of such magnitude to take shape and create the massive political, social and economic changes that came about in that era.

See, when we apply this concept of approaching all things with love in our hearts, the changes we’d like to experience in our lives can be attained that much quicker. When we approach problems and obstacles with love anything is possible. So remember this tidbit the next time you’re experiencing a dilemma whether it be in a personal or professional relationship or situation....the more love we have in our hearts, the easier it will be to find solutions because were coming to the table with a positive attitude understanding that all change has one of two outcomes...either positive or negative.

So why not approach everything with a positive attitude and a premise of love first. Love yourself enough to experience the amazing way in which obstacles and dilemmas you thought would never have a resolution will gradually dissipate and resolve themselves......experience the power of love and positivity today folks! Your heart will thank you for it! If nothing else, it’s good for the Soul folks! And as I always say, What’s good for the SOUL is SMART!

Sending you Hugs and Love,

Niurka

Ask For Others and See the Abundance Increase In Your Life!

Today I have the pleasure of sharing a daily quote from Rhonda Byrne, the infamous author of The Secret. She sent a really inspiring text regarding how together we can achieve more and truly get what we want for ourselves and others. Now, I know most folks have a hard time praying and asking the divine force to lead and guide them through adversities and obstacles to achieve great success, but ironically, Rhonda brings an interesting and useful concept to light, I share it with you in the following excerpt, just a little something to do if you’d like to increase the abundance and blessings in your life, she says.........

What is the most powerful thing you can add to the process of creating what you want? Ask for others, as you ask for yourself. An easy way to do this is to ask for ALL, which of course, includes you. Ask for a good life for all, peace for all, abundance for all, health for all, love for all, and happiness for all.

When you ask for others, it comes back to you, so the law of attraction is always working and has it ALL covered.

Rhonda Byrne

Author of The Secret

I know this concept is so simple, it’s hard to think that something as simple as asking for health, wealth, peace and abundance for all, could actually work. But think of this, if you and all of your loved ones were consistently asking for good things for all of you, that directed energy gets transformed to generate the type of positive energy that can transform a person indefinitely. Dont get me wrong here, good things don’t come overnight, but directed, focused prayer and positive attitude are key and essential in getting what you want....so, next time you sit down to talk to that almighty being (our creator), pray for everyone around you and in your life, ask others to do the same, and you’ll see and feel the difference in your life gradually.

As you begin to pray for good things for everyone around you and not just yourself, you’ll see how the law of attraction will bring more people and create more situations for you to manifest what you want to be, do and have....if not for anything else, you’ll feel better after having experienced asking for things for everyone and not you alone.....I urge you to try it and experience the difference you’ll feel when you send positive, loving thoughts out to others, as well as yourself, it cant hurt to try. Besides, spending a little time asking for good things and building up hope is good for the SOUL folks, and as I always say, what’s good for the SOUL is SMART!

Sending you hugs and love,

Niurka

Smart Tips for 2010

Hello folks,

In light of everything that has taken place in the last few days, I thought I'd post some really great advice I received via email a few days ago. Below you will find all that you need for 2010...it is a guidebook to keep things in perspective and live a little better in the new year....enjoy!

HANDBOOK 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

10a. Excersise, excersise, excersise whatever it is. Get that heart going! Come dance with me!

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy
in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past.
That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the
curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Know Thyself

40. Read more about your history both here and in Africa

41. Get inspiration to be strong and perservering from your Ancestors that you love and admire

42. Teach Black history to family first, and to the world

43. Acquire books, videos, DVDs, Tapes on African History, Ancient African History, African History of the Diaspora

44. Plan on visiting your motherland before you leave this Earth

Economic Development

45. Join together with the best plan for Cooperative Economics, check out, Marie's plan "Elegant Living"

46. Save your money and pool your money, stop spending it on foolishness

47. Less is more!

48. Stop being selfish, live together and save money for a common goal, like immigrants

49. Buy Black, Buy Black, Buy Black as much as you possibly can

50. Start your own business

…We do not have the luxury as African Americans to engage in esoteric thought that avoids the concept of hard work. Stop romanticizing African thought and philosophy and do something! Get some money and build a school. Open a business. Build stores that sell merchandise that we need. Design fashions that make us look good. …….Let’s build houses, factories, museums, institutions,. ….This is real power!

By Na’im Akbar “Light from Ancient Afica, p.24

Sending you hugs and love,

Niurka

REFLECTING ON OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN HAITI

As many of you are probably aware, Haiti suffered a major catastrophe 3 days ago that has left the entire island in shambles. There has been a lot of dialogue regarding why this happened, online. As I read the commentaries, I am both proud and elated that our President has stepped up and made other world leaders do the same. What has troubled me are the perspectives that continue to pop up from leftists radicals claiming that somehow Haitians brought this natural disaster on themselves? I was in transit yesterday and a West Indian woman with a thick accent went as far as to say that she hates Haitians and wished they were all swallowed up by the quacke! Makes you wonder why folks dislike a people whose only vice is that they never allowed themselves to be enslaved...by ANYONE. Because this is such a loaded topic, I leave you with this little bit a of food for thought..........

There is not a single instance in history where hate has brought joy to human beings. Hate destroys those who hold it in their minds and bodies. If humanity released all hate, fear, and resentment, then no dictator could ever rise, and we would have peace on earth.

Peace on earth can occur only through peace within each of us.

-Rhonda Byrne

Author of The Secret

I send this mesage to all of the crazy radicals that somehow seem to think that the Haitian people deserve what they’ve just endured.....and will continue to face. I reiterate, NOYONE deserves to lose everything in the violent manner in which so many Haitian people have over the last few days. Noyone deserves to live in agony, not knowing if their loved ones are alive. Again, I commend the actions of President Obama and other world leaders who are finally stepping up to the plate to aid a country that has been in dire need for more than a few decades. There is absolutely no real, creditable reason why this country has not received the foreign aid it’s needed to build infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, empowerment and stabilization and we all know that the world an no longer turn it's back on this country.

SMART MONEY TIP: Donations to charitable organizations and relief organizations are tax deductions that reduce your tax liability, make a donation to relief fund today and do something good for your conscience and your tax status. Below is a list of organizations you can go to donate to HELP HAITI!

• Doctors without Borders – has already set up emergency relief clinics on the ground, give $$ (may need supplies later as well)
• Grassroots Online – partnering w/local social justice organizations to help distribute food, medical supplies, & other needs identified by Haitian social justice workers; asking for: Donate $$
• Haiti Emergency Relief Fund – has been inworking on social, political, and human rights issues in Haiti for 6 years, asking: Donate $$
• International Medical Core – currently deploying medical aid, asking for: donate $$
• Madre – works with community based Haitian women’s organizations, will be helping women in crisis, needs: water tablets, antibiotics, medical supplies, also distributing food & clean water asking for: donate $$ or supplies, call for more info
• Medical Teams International – sending teams to Haiti, 1st leaves tomorrow, asking for: donate $$ or medical supplies
• Mercy Corp – putting together aid packages, sending ppl to help soon give $$ or volunteer
• Operation Blessing – religious organization providing food, clean water, and basic medical supplies to Haiti, asking for : Donate $$
• Operation USA – mobilizing to send medical aid, asking for: donate $$
• Oxfam – you can donate over the phone @ 0300 200 1999, at any Oxfam shop, or online
• Partners in Health – has clinics in Haiti, asking for medical supplies: Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages.
• Quixote Center – long term grassroots organization working in US & Haiti, works w/ women’s groups & is sending earthquake aid
• Red Cross has already allotted funds to relief effort; you can give money via link or text “Haiti” to #90999 to give $10; NO volunteer opportunities @ this time
• Salvation army: asking for: donate $$
• Save the Children emergency team already in Haiti give $ or volunteer
• ShelterBox – has deployed a response team, needs donations
• UNICEF – emergency teams already in Haiti give $ or volunteer
• World Concern – offering food, clean water, blankets, and temp shelter to victims, asking for: Donate $$ (special link for Canadians so they don’t have to convert to dollars)
• World Food Programme – provides emergency meals and clean water, sking for: Donate $$
• World Vision – has existing Christian based children’s services in Haiti asking: donate $$, sponsor a child, pray for Haiti
• Yele - the site has crashed due to so much interest in helping out but you can still donate $5 by texting the word “yele” to #501501 (I believe the $ is going to the red cross)

Stay tuned later today for a video commentary my two sidekicks (Bob and Mike) put together in response to the plight in Haiti....sit back and listen, the teen perspective, albeit, crude and somewhat immature at times, is very real...... despite the evident verbal venting...they say some pretty insightful things......check it out!

As always, sending you hugs and love,

Niurka

Don't Fret....Yours is Coming Soon:-)

Welcome to SoulSmart, Folks!

Hola Everyone!

So I had this great idea about a year ago to publish my daily thoughts so that they may be shared with the world...the ultimate result being this lovely blog called SoulSmart. See everyday we experience things in our lives that leave some form of an impression on us, yet we are so busy dealing with the rat race we call life that were unable to reflect on our collective experience. We also all share the collective desire to be personally and finacially healthy. Similarly, we never take care of ourselves, so hopefully you'll enjoy my smatrpicks on books regarding wealth buliding and other personal health items that i'll post from time to time.

So I welcome you to SoulSmart...it is a place to read my thoughts regarding things that everyday people are thinking about but don't have the time to explore...if you're the type of person who likes to read things that are insightful and continually pique your interest, then you'll want to hit this blog regularly...TRUST ME! No entry will ever be quite the same as I am naturally uninhibited and will continue to deliver my thoughts as I see them. I do have my uber funny moments so I welcome you to come laugh, reflect and vent with me and my main sidekicks Bobbie and Mike LeBron, who will be guest blogging from time to time to give us a teen perspective and a whole lot of humor! My daily interactions with family and other crazy individuals or events that I deem necessary to talk about, will be daily tenets on this site. And hopefully you'll gain some insightful tools around dealing with life's toils and become more balanced personally and finacially literate as well:-)

So save yourself a trip to the therapist (smile) and come talk, read and listen here. TRUST ME, with all the crazy stuff we see and experience from day to day...you gotta have somewhere to figure things out..

Soulsmart can help you do that!

Hands down, it's good for the Soul....and remember my motto :

What's good for the Soul is Smart!

Sending You Much Love and Hugs,

Niurka :-)

Welcome to SoulSmart, Folks!

Check out smart money tips for 2010!