Say “I Do!”

“There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” ~Kenneth Blanchard

Time to make a commitment! It doesn’t have to be the beginning of a new year or one’s wedding ceremony to pledge allegiance to a goal and/or person.

Personally, when I hear the word “commit” I wonder if I’ve ever done such a thing, wholeheartedly.The answer is yes but not for as long as I would have liked. Although it is great to say “I’m all in!” It can also be kind of scary, without realistic planning.

It is as simple to start out with an idea, as it is effortless to not see it through. This goes for relationships as well. Of course there is a difference between no longer being passionate vs. quitting. So, before you devote your time and attention to a subject, THINK. Be certain. Then embrace discipline. Meaning for better or worse, in sickness and in health, you go through with your decision…On the days you feel like it and especially on those days you don’t.

Michael Phelps, American swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time, once practiced EVERYDAY for 5 years straight to make it to the Olympic team. 365 days he said “I do!” to HIS dreams. Sean Garrett aka “The Pen”, one of the best songwriters in the music industry told me, “As a writer you should be writing every day. Even if you just sit there for an hour and nothing comes out on paper…dedicate the time to your craft.”

If you want to start your own business, declare “I do!” Then YOU must live and breathe it. Become the business… If you want to act, sing, teach and/or build houses, whatever it may be, work your way to that goal! Prepare and practice steadfastly. Memorize lines, rehearse songs and even “elevator pitches”, should an opportunity present itself with the right person.

I’m going to make my personal discipline sheet and everyday besides what I do in my spare time, I will set aside one hour to write and 15 minutes to read. I might have to give some activities up, like going out, watching TV, talking on the phone, etc… but I’m going to focus and commit. It would be my honor if we could start together and encourage one another to FINISH. Will you join me? If so, please say “I do!”…

On the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/) find an excerpt from “The Power to Commit” by Author and Motivational Speaker, Jill Koeing.

Posted under Ohemma’s Words, (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) find some of my original creative writing.

Lastly, “It is Written…” (“https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/) features one of my FAVORITE poems, “Live for You” by Sara Gunderson. I read it when I was twelve and loved it ever since. Hope you do too 🙂

Stay you & enjoy,

~Queen

Appreciate the Darkness

I am a New Yorker & this past week certainly was tough. Hurricane Sandy came slow and left quick but made quite an impression. Ms. Sandy had me living in the dark! Some people still are. No electricity and I had no hot water. I actually thought I had it bad, until I went outside the morning after and noticed I wasn’t the only one without electricity. Everyone in my neighborhood was without power. As I read the paper and listened to the news, I learned there were many others throughout the tri-state area who had also been affected and lost their homes. Tragic stories of flooding, fallen trees, etc… I realized I didn’t have it bad at all. So I did not complain. I just learned the lesson.  As everything has a lesson wrapped up in it…

Until this hurricane and being without electrical energy, I never cared about being able to charge my phone and/or laptop. I flipped on switches in my house naturally and water was always cold and ready for me in my fridge. It took complete dimness to make me value the light and not just in my house but within my life.

It may sound crazy but I am actually grateful of being stuck in the house post Hurricane Sandy. The silence allowed me to calm down and think. I was able to go outside, look up and really see the stars at night and whenever the wind did pass by, the sound was music to my ears.

I am truly thankful for the darkness because I got to spend time with my family, as well as my friends.

All this to say, in your moment of darkness, don’t always be so quick to run from it because there’s a blessing in everything and things could always be worse.

In life, appreciate the darkness. It is a teacher but it doesn’t last forever.

Prayers go out to all who are still recovering from the storm…

On the “Be Encouraged” page ( “https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/” https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/ ) find a video clip of the GREAT Mike Tyson. He’s giving a lesson you don’t want to miss!

Posted under “Ohemma’s Words”, (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) find a poem written by me at age 15. It’s titled “Days Like These”. I’m sure we’ve all had one….

Lastly, “It is Written…” (“https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/” https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written/ ) has the “ABC’s of Success” by Wanda Hope Carter 🙂

Stay you and enjoy,

~Queen