Musings on a wedding happening soon

Marriage is treated as a concept from the past. Its become a watered down version to commitment to many with divorce preparations as part of the wedding plan.

My son is getting married and I am damn proud. I'm as pleased as punch that he has 'stepped up' and decided to make that forever after commitment. I'm even more pleased that he is deeply in love with his wife to be and ready to make it work forever after.

At this point, I'm taking as much kudos and 'back-slapping' for raising my son right. Hell yes! He is a great son and an even better man. He has developed a strong back bone and excellent work ethic when it comes to taking care of his family. He is humble and sincere in his dedication to us all, and God sure blessed me when I decided to have him. I have no regrets, and would have him the same way, in the same circumstances, because he is who he is because of all we have been through.

My heart is a bit sad though because now someone else will be his main focus and I am not quite ready for the changes to come. Nevertheless, I am confident that my son will make his wife an excellent husband. He won't be perfect, but he will be the very best he can be, and that's a lot more than most men in this world. I'm his mum and I'm allowed to be biased!

When we raise our children, there is that hope that they will become people of commitment and good purpose, at least that is how I imagine most mums think. Being a mum is much harder than being most things, and its the only role where the outcome is not based on what we do but the way our children make their choices. We are happy once they are happy.

I prayed for this day, and now it is here, I am grateful to see him walk towards his next chapter, and wave me towards my own.

Children are a blessing, and I have been blessed abundantly to be a mum.


A short brief about me: I’m a corporate business veteran, with practical experience in a diverse range of industries — Safety/ HVAC / FMCG /Industrial Equipment /and much more . Sales ,Marketing, Business Development & Coaching are combined to deliver over 30 years experience. As an entrepreneur and blogger (Dwordslayer) I’m right now living an adventure, and looking forward to the next opportunity to challenge mediocrity.

Thank you for reading, sharing and commenting. You are appreciated!

Support the author: I've added my PayPal account , if  wish to support my writing with any contribution.  Its very safe and secure. You can choose to send any amount that you are comfortable with. Please check it out . Thank you!

paypal.me/dlewordslayer

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com Credits:Image - pixabay.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

Grow into the best you:Create a career story you are proud to own

‘Homeless to Harvard’ is the 2003 Movie - ‘ Liz Murray’ story which inspires me when I need a reminder that my life is good. We need a reminder sometimes, because even your rock bottom can be bested by another.
What matters most can sometimes be hidden behind survival mode. On other occasions the action of surviving is the trigger which explodes, fueling our passions. Our dreams can breathe life at these times. There is nothing quite as powerful as climbing a hill when you leave nothing behind. The same can be said for climbing when you know you have everything to return to.
The things which act as catalysts to success are different for everyone. Here are (3)from my past I remember fondly;


1. The ‘adrenalin rush’. We were not rich, but my mother always found a way to ensure we survived. She was a teacher and published an anthology of poems ‘My Fist Fifty’ when I was twelve years old. I thought she was a star for doing so, and greatly admired her ambitious drive. I’m not sure when I decided to ‘hustle’ my mom but I did. She agreed to give me 20 books to sell ,just for me ( bought my first pair of Jordache Jeans)- if I helped her going door to door conducting sales. She had 500 copies and there were 500 at a major bookstore who sponsored the book in part. We went on weekends to some affluent neighborhoods and within a couple months, every copy was sold. When I sold my books I tried to get more than what she charged for her copies (adrenalin pumped by the hustle). What does a school teacher know about making money (I also had a big ego)? She thought it was not possible, and I thought it was. Guess who won


2. The sheer determination of accomplishing the unthinkable when the odds say NO. If you get my back up against the wall I will find a way through that wall! I recall negotiating for the very best technical trainer my supplier had, and convincing him to work with me on a certificate conference session in 2010. There were 80 persons attending the session from 6 Caribbean islands. They also registered for two days at a trade fair we exhibited at, and it was a filled 4 day affair. Whoever thinks that a huge budget is necessary to pull off the impossible needs to get creative. From a gala hotel distributor dinner night, to a few hours on the beach at the end, and training and tradeshow in between - it all happened. I was also a facilitator, driver and sandwich maker . Yes- dream big and live to execute.


3. Taking a risk and being a small fish in a big ocean swimming into the great unknown! I don’t think small, never could. The same energy it takes to think big, is the same to think small — don’t waste time. Going beyond where you are to accomplish the impossible is possible.
What are you prepared to do to prove to YOU that you are capable? I was ridiculed for my lack of academic accomplishments, and insulted for attending an interview which I was invited (by a company director)to apply for. It seemed no one in the room at the time, looked beyond my basic schooling. Then my audacity took hold, and I recall advising the interviewer and the others sitting with him, “It seems to me that you really need someone with my skillset and lack of academics. My expertise and proven ability is why I was invited to come. I’ve sold toothbrushes, medical supplies, film and other products. I’m sure I can sell your ‘capital goods’ aka industrial machinery and make your customers happy. Isn’t that why I was asked to come for this interview?” How do you think it ended? Yes, I was hired at that moment!

I can be badass bold when I’m riled up, but I believe it is possible to do anything you set your heart and mind to do. So what if you did not finish school, or don’t come from the best neighborhood? So what if you were a teen mom or dad, struggling to find yourself? Who you are is not who you will always be. Where you are is not where you will always be. You get to determine your destiny. Why not live a life you can feel inspired by. Its always up to you!

I’ve always wanted to attend Harvard. Simply could not afford it, and I had my babies to take of. We make our priorities and choices. You don’t need to take the easy road and turn away from challenges. I did the next best thing. I read as many articles as I could find on Business Operations, Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Marketing, Communication, Information Technology, Conflict Management, Risk Assessment, Sales, Consumer Behavior. When I was finally able to pursue a business diploma, it was not that difficult. When I started my MBA (a work in progress) I sailed through marketing and helped the folks in my group. The five core modules were completed during a very challenging time, and I had major surgery during one course.

Life is filled with challenges, and there are always reasons why we can’t pursue our dreams. Life is about growth and its about risk. Choose to grow ‘into’ who you are passionate to become.

I’m proud of my career to date. I’ve had many wins and a lot more losses than can be counted, but I took the chances and own those damm experiences! Its mine, and I’m always willing to add more. Own your career experiences & choices!

When you start sharing your story are there chapters with cliff hangers? Do you have the emotional dramas that still bring tears to your eyes? What about the chapters which were thrillers? Let’s never forget the chapters filled with moments of laughter, satisfaction and love. For many, your career is your life, and you get to write those chapters! Now go out there and live yours!

Special thanks to Sarah Elkins, Arnie McKinnis, John White, Chris Spurvey for holding me accountable to this blog!

If my story resonates with you please let me know. Thank you for reading and sharing!

Support the author: I've added my PayPal account , if  wish to support my writing with any contribution.  Its very safe and secure. You can choose to send any amount that you are comfortable with. Please check it out . Thank you!

paypal.me/dlewordslayer

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com

Credits:Image — pixabay.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

Originally published  at The Marketing and Growth Hacking Publication on May 14th, 2017

Have a Happy Daddy Day: A father but never a dad

It’s Father’s day once more, and I wonder about the man whose DNA is woven in my life. Last year, I shared my thoughts on being a DAD v Father, from my own life experiences. This year as I think about him, I hope he is okay wherever he is.

My father died on 13th June, 2013 of throat cancer My birthday is 14th June, and his was 15th June. He died as he lived, secretly not wanting any of his children (all daughters) scattered around the world to know. He died with his wife of thirty years (not my mom) and their daughter (my sister by his seed) close to him. He died afraid, trying to keep his secrets yet knowing they would all come out. He was a man, who was influenced by material things, status and the façade of ‘living a good life.’

Growing up I loved the man I thought my father was

It is difficult for a child of five years old to understand divorce and life, when it changes from a happy place to anger. My earliest memory of my father is of shouting and a fight between him and my mom. When they separated, my reality and fantasy worlds meshed, and I saw my father as a hero and my mom as a stand-in parent. For many years I listened to hateful words and disparaging comments about my father, and his lack of love for us, his four daughters. It would be many years before I realized, my mom was not the villain, or a default parent — she was the rock, the heart and loving soul of parenthood.

My father left us, my mother had a mental breakdown

My mother loved my father and his leaving made her crack — she had the first of a few major ones. We were placed in the local orphanage run by the Catholic Church for six months, because she was a teacher at the Catholic school. My father came to visit us there, on two occasions but never returned, because (as I would later discover) his new adventure and life ‘in London’ was now beginning.

My mother struggled with us financially, emotionally and yet she found the capacity to care for us, and raise us to be young women. My father was quite cunning and did eventually earn his fortunes, becoming quite wealthy. He never sent ‘child support’ as agreed by the court of thirty pounds per month, and my mother loved him too much to make the practical decision to force his hand. He was a master at manipulation and deception and played on her emotions whenever she wrote to him.

Reaching out as a grown-up

In the last decade, I was able to visit my father at his home in London on my business trips, and tried to establish a relationship with him. He assumed if anyone knew of his wealth we would make a claim to it, and this was not so. Sadly all his daughters around the world (six on my last discovery) wanted was his love, and he died without having the capacity to give what he did not have.

It was a privilege to spend the times I did with him and his family. His wife was warm and kind as was my sister, before he died. Finally my fantasy father became real, dispelling a childhood creation, a false representation of the real person. I also saw quite briefly, on a few occasions a look of remorse, quickly hidden by his bravado and sarcastic humor. He met my children, his grandchildren and appeared to be proud of having grandsons.

There are a lot of negative emotions a child learns when rejected by a parent. However, there is a lot we learn about love from rejection, and the value of it. There is a lot to learn from dysfunctional relationships and the lack of core relationships, the biggest lesson being –not to dwell and reside in negative sadness!

Understanding truth and complexity of life

I did not know my father, the man who for a short while loved my mother, married her, and then left us all. Father’s day reminds me of the hurt I felt when he died, because the opportunity and hope for a ‘dad’ died. I did grieve, cry and pray for him. We do not get to choose who our parents are, we come forth from a coupling and hopefully there is love.

Can I love the man who did not know how to love us? Can I love the father who chose to pursue his dreams at any cost? Can I love someone who did not understand the value and responsibility of life? The answer to these questions is yes. I can love him because he was a part of my life’s journey. He was my father, but he failed to become my dad. He died without finding the most precious wealth of all on earth — the love of his daughters. He died quite poor.

Happy Father’s day, and to the Dad’s — Happy Daddy’s Day. It’s about being more than a father graduate and become a dad. Be the best dad!

If my story resonates with you please let me know. Thank you for reading and sharing!

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com

Credits:Image — pixabay.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

---

Originally published at dwordslayer.blogspot.com on June 18, 2017. Adapted June,2017

To Manchester and the world ...with love

Unity not fear!

" To allow extremists to take over our feelings and lives is to give them power. The behavior of the USA President does that. Extremists and people like that want to rule through terror. As a world people we are sad, devestated and inconsolably sorry for those who lost love ones. To be judged by someone who is afraid of terrorists, is not good, however to give their fear power is foolhardy."
(quote from Dwordslayer 4/6/2017)

I cried as I read and watched Ariana Grande's performance benefit for the victims of the  horrific bombing at her concert recently.
As I lay on my bed, my thoughts flew to the families experiencing loss, and felt loss for them.
Hate brews hate. Hate brews war. Leaders who are autocratic and dictatorial, who push the boundaries of fear and division should never be made acceptable by allowing their rule. I feel this strongly.

These haters are few, yet they are encouraged by their power and twisted religious beliefs of Islam. Some are fueled by power and greed not religion. They are not many but the fear they encourage, perpetuate and instill are far reaching. Do we bow to the fear or stand up to it? We will stand, it will never be allowed to succeed.

Twitter has helped us to see who will divide and who will encourage unity. While all the world leaders were sending condolences and compassionate expressions of support their was one who sought to divide for his own gain. This man was quick to attack the Mayor of London - a man busy helping his people, with no time for childish bullying. That country leader did so for his personal gain, hoping it would influence the 'Muslim ban' all the USA courts have so far rejected. He is beyond words to describe despicable.

The war is not between the hard working civilians and citizens living in their countries. This war is one of power and extremism by those wishing for their beliefs and their doctrines to become a rule of law over many. This war starts in the minds of the powerful targeting the vulnerable people who are willing to place their trust in others. Power-mongers  who hate others because of their religious beliefs, race, gender, and social status should never be encouraged to become leaders.

Looking towards that rainbow of hope

"Somewhere over the rainbow" is a song I learnt as a child. It was a song of hope and inspiration for me then. As I listened to Ariana Grande end her benefit concert with this song my tears returned. There were others crying, and we are united in loss, love, and hope.

To all the families in Manchester, London, England and the world who have lost someone through terrorism , had loved ones injured, I cannot imagine what you are going through. From my Caribbean island looking in just needed to say, you are not alone as you mourn. You are not alone as your tears fall from eyes swollen with pain. You are not alone ever.

So here is 'Somewhere over the rainbow' from ' One Love Manchester' :

and I just have to share this one because it says it all also;

You will never walk alone. This is the Liverpool Team song. Sprung from tragedy to strength, and hope.

Terrorism will never be allowed to win in this world. We will stand up to the extremists of all types. Hate will never win. Love will prevail!

Credits: YouTube , Gerry & The Pacemakers: You will never walk alone

Variety: Ariana Grande- 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' -One Love Manchester benefit concert

Header image: pixabay.com

Dwordslayer, 2017

Music to my Mood - It speaks for itself!

I Look to you.
I sure look to my savior Jesus Christ when I feel the overwhelming hatred of the politics of the world and its negative impact on the people of the world. I sure feel for refugees / immigrants and displaced people, the homeless and those fighting to keep their families together and alive.

When You Believe.
Yes, I sure believe that we can be better people if we pause our busy lives and look closely at those we can bless with a miracle. Maybe it may seem hard if you think miracles can only come from God, but he has blessed your life with a heart which can be opened up if we allow it.

Maybe Heaven sent an Angel called you - I need an angel

When you figure out what you can do, keep it quiet. There is no need for the right hand to know what the left is doing. Just do it, without desiring accolades and enrichment. The joy of helping others and being an angel of love, hope, kindness, compassion and mercy. What could be greater, than being a blessing to others - nothing - in my opinion!

These are just some random thoughts with music from YouTube.

All credit for listening inspiration goes to be given to musicians, artists and persons uploading videos for our shared enjoyment.

Failing Up

There is only one ‘F’ word we fear as business people

The thing about life is we don’t ever know when we will succeed or when we will fail.

Yes, I’ve said it. The most difficult F word we try to avoid as business people is Fail. Its considered a negative word and one which should be replaced by a few words or phrases, such as “ it was an interesting period”, “ we did the best we could based on the circumstances”, or maybe we can simply say, “it was the result of an unexpected challenge.” Well let me change the way we admit when defeat happens. I failed. I thought I had all my bases covered, thought the challenges would eventually be overcome. I failed to prepare for the possibility I would need an exit strategy sooner than expected, and one day I had a head on crash.

Of course after the fact, there are many things I could have done better. At the time though, when the walls were closing in survival was not as important as not failing. That ‘F’ word happened but I gained much more than I expected from my experiences.

The next step is …UP

The greatest thing about being at the bottom of your business plan, is getting up and being ready for round 2. In a boxing match there are as many as 9 to 12 rounds and it can get really bloody and messy.

To be a successful business entrepreneur, you really need to get up and get going to the next round. Sometimes a referee will halt the match, allowing one of the fighters to get help and catch his breath. Take that opportunity and breathe, the business can wait, while you regroup and focus on the next round.

After a few moments for a boxer its time to jump back into the ring and give it your all. Even when the match is over, it does not mean the fight is over. It just means the person who lost has a chance to fight another opponent or to have a rematch. The loser may have failed the battle, but once his spirit is not broken, he gets back in and is ready for the next match. The businessman who has taken risks and lost, is the same one who can win the next time he takes a chance or invests in another opportunity.

I’ve finished one fight, and the battle scars are there. Its no longer a question of if I will fight again, but when I will be ready for my next business venture! This is it. I’m “failing up” and I’m going to hit the rings like I’m Muhammed Ali!

The Knock out punch

Here are somethings to remember when you land on the ground face first;

1. There is no reflection looking back at you. The ground only feels your presence. Get up, and sit for a moment. Take in your surroundings and have a cup of coffee as you do your brownie leg squat .
2. Find a mirror, and make sure you look at yourself daily. You are alive and its just another day in paradise. You took a chance, and the ride was great while it lasted. Time for a new ride!

Even with a gazillion bills, you need your health, so take a walk, go to the gym, plan some time out for you. At this point, you’re probably broke, but the nearest savannah is free. Walk because you can.

Everyone around you continues to do their job. Life has moved on, and you need to also. Don’t beat yourself up. You did well actually. You’re going to master the art of failing soo well you can convert that experience to ‘Failing Up!’

Only those privileged to face the floor can face the sky when getting up. Convert the missteps to something only experience can propel. Take your expertise to the next stage. Congratulations, you just Failed Up!

Feeling inspired, check the heart and let it click so I can see your heart glow :-) Thanks for being awesome!

A short brief about me: I’m a corporate business veteran, with practical experience in a diverse range of industries — Safety/ HVAC / FMCG /Industrial Equipment /and much more . Sales ,Marketing, Business Development & Coaching are combined to deliver over 30 years experience. As an entrepreneur and blogger (Dwordslayer) I’m right now living an adventure, and looking forward to the next opportunity to challenge mediocrity.

Thank you for reading, sharing and commenting. You are appreciated!

Support the author: I've added my PayPal account , if  wish to support my writing with any contribution.  Its very safe and secure. You can choose to send any amount that you are comfortable with. Please check it out . Thank you!

paypal.me/dlewordslayer

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com

Credits:Image - pixabay.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

Originally published  at The Marketing and Growth Hacking Publication on March 16th, 2017

When Life Pisses You Off...

I cannot save the world.

I've been blogging for some time now, and its been an eye opener for me. Who we really are comes from the things we just don't want to change. I'm sorry, just can't stop trying to help others and myself be inspired to want more. Sometimes I can be a pain in the butt, and  can be brutally honest to others, but moreso to myself.

This year has been on of those defining times where who I am and what I say matters to me. What I do is even more important. There are so many things to get off my chest, and maybe, instead of looking for the soft words I need to spill the beans.

1. I am appalled that there are people in this world who support 'the pussy grabber' aka new USA president .
2. I'm really tired of being the good girl and keeping quiet about the fact, someone tried to kill me by running me over with a car in November, 2014. Working on the forgiveness angle. I'm no longer angry, but where the hell is justice when there is none.
3. Totally pissed that the people trusted to take care of me in the corporate world , decided that my life  was not important. Hiding truth or covering weakness can be more important to others - reality check.
4. Simply cannot understand why a good friend would choose to complain year after year about the same thing over and over, and do nothing. Pissed when someone wants to live in a bubble, and close friends can only watch them self destruct.
5. I'm friggin pissed that crime in my country seems totally out of control, and the police commissioner can't be fired, because he simply cannot do the job.
6. It pisses me off when I read the news and what's real is being projected as fake because a man cannot accept that he had to use underhand an sinister methods to win an election - USA elections.
7. I'm pissed that the Dakota pipeline will be destroying the heritage of the owners of the land - the Cherokee Indians .
8. I'm pissed that folks don't understand that all lives matter only when black lives matter. We have to accept minorities to understand the real value of life.
9. I'm pissed that I can't make a bigger difference in the world, and that many children and people will be sleeping without shelter tonight.
10. I'm pissed that many preachers and priests are wealthy beyond what they need and keep taking from the poor,"in the name of Jesus" for their own personal gain. Where is the WISDOM of the people to keep away from scammers?
11. I'm not embracing being a victim, but I'm pissed that human kindness to give what is due to me by our national insurance services, requires losing all dignity. Its like getting hit over and over again. Eventually faith is hard.

Yes, I'm angry. I've seen life ended for folks and friends I knew, and I've experienced the hope and restorative nature of having a relationship with God. I don't know how folks live without that light and beacon of hope - my savior Jesus Christ.

I'm not perfect, and get pissed off a lot (as you can  note above). Does it make me less of a Christian or does it make me a human? Am I less of a leader because a vulnerability is shared or a better one because I admit this?

I wrote this a couple months ago and it still rings through! Life happens, so if it pisses you off sometimes, let it out. Move forward. Seek out solutions to make a positive difference.

Getting back to a positive position

We should never remain pissed or upset and angry. These are emotions which should be released before they fester and become toxic to ourselves. Some conversations or words need to move from the inner storage before they become a part of our DNA.

We have the choice to make a difference in the lives of others. Every little bit can change the world and make it a better place. Become a piece of thread being used to 'seam' the lives of others, closing separation and connecting unity.

The struggle is real.

Thank you for reading, sharing and commenting. You are appreciated!

Support the author: I've added my PayPal account , if  wish to support my writing with any contribution.  Its very safe and secure. You can choose to send any amount that you are comfortable with. Please check it out . Thank you!

paypal.me/dlewordslayer

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com

Credits: Image - pixabay.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

Not buying the fairytale…

When love goes south!

Well its Friday, and I'm still trying to figure out how to share my thoughts on some topics. Love is not very easy to write about, especially when you've had a lot of 'experience' in falling off the passion rollercoaster.  I've been reading a lot this year on almost every imaginable topic. However some stories scream , respond- respond.  So here is a link to a story I read and my 'well meaning, no bullshit' response!

this is how you lose her by "Emily s "

"A beautiful romantic story of loving and losing. I’m not drinking the same Kool-Aid from many years ago. It’s quite possible the mixture has changed.

For love to work it has to be a two way street with both parties going in the same direction. People change. As we get to know someone sometimes that love emotion cools and is different for one person.

Here is some advice to girls like her;

1. If a man loves you he will show you, by the way he responds to being with you.
2. If you are willing to be the only one trying to have a relationship, then you’re in it with yourself, and that's very sad for you.
3. Hey, do not go giving all this great love from this great person for free. Anything of value in life- we have to work for it. No one treats what’s given for free the same. Its like getting ‘fashion jewelry’ or precious gems. You can buy one yourself or wait for someone to give you ‘the ring’.
4. Please stop whining and crying about how good you treat the man and he treats you badly. Seems to me if you are willing to accept crappy behavior he will keep giving you crap.
5. Choose to walk away when you are no longer happy. While we know relationships have ups and downs, if you are stressed and unhappy, its not working for you. Would you keep a pet that makes you unhappy? (hopefully the answer is no)
6. So maybe initially he was nice and then he changes. Wake up please. Read the signs he is giving and not the signs you want to believe. Love should be real. Do not live in your imagination.

I’m sorry to be the one to clue you in, but when you walk away, chances are he will not be missing you. He will not be sorry you are no longer around. He will probably have more time to check out his side-chick.

If it sounds tough my friend and fairytale heroine, maybe you need to read Steve Harvey’s book on thinking like a man. Better yet, watch the movie and find the strength to love yourself . When you love yourself , you will know your worth, and won’t be hoping he regrets hurting you. You will put your big girl panties on (even if its a thong) and dance in front of your mirror in heels to “Shake it off!”

Do I sound harsh? Well, here are some other thoughts I shared that day on that post;

"...One person in love with the thought of being in love and having a soulmate. Totally oblivious that the other person is seeing through her eyes she is not ‘the one’.

I wish he told her it would not work. I wish he had hurt her up front and broke her heart, so she could grieve and maybe get over him in a few years. ( If she’s as psycho as you think, it might take medical intervention). Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is to not give hope of a relationship or any benefits. So you both can either gain a respectful parting or become the people who end up hating each other :-) "

Maybe its the passion which clouds reality when it comes to love. Just something to think about!

This is a keepsake story, which will remind me every time I go 'off the passion rails' there is a reality called anchor to be held onto at all costs :-)

Thank you for reading and sharing your comments. Stay awesome!

Credits: Image- pixabay.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

Originally published on  Medium as a response to 'this is how you lose her' February 28th, 2017

 

Creativity, Innovation, Recycling: Opportunity waits for your action

Most entrepreneurs are not afraid to take risks!

I started my first business at eighteen. There was a demand for a product which was always out of stock and decided to make my own. At the time I was not thinking about business plans or securing financing, and was clueless about manufacturing. Nevertheless, with boldness and more bravery than ever, I decided to ‘make some money’. Here is the story.

Creativity, Innovation & Recycling

Shoulder pads were the ‘in thing’. All garments especially ladies dresses, suits and shirts came with shoulder pads. I bought a ‘shoulder shaved pair of foam’ uncovered for $6 to $9 a pair. If it was covered it was upwards of $10. I liked to sew and design and made all my clothes. I was know by the owners and employees at most of the fabric stores because I was always looking for deals. My wages were small, but my desire for fashion was big! Everyday, I went to work for eight hours and returned home after collecting my newborn son from the babysitter. He needed food, clothing, and I had rent to pay. One day, while visiting a friend working at a furniture factory I noticed they were dumping large pieces of sheet foam after removing what they needed. An idea was born in that moment and I asked if I could leave with some of the dumped foam.

Using scraps of fabric in a neutral color I made a semi circle cutout and eventually got three sizes made which I thought would fit smoothly in the shoulder area. I carved a wooden mold of each size and then placed it on the foam and cut. After preparing dinner, fed my son, and started covering the foam. That first night I made 12 pairs. The next day, I stopped by a few stores on my way home and all my pads were sold between 3 stores. I had orders from one store for 12, and was asked to check the other stores the next day. For the next month I continued like this. I collected foam from the factory at no cost ( got a ride home) and bought a couple yards of fabric every few days from the discount counter. My pads were sold wholesale for $3, $4, $5 and everyone wanted them.

Eventually, I stopped getting the foam for free. I had to pay for the foam, and this reduced my profits. My sewing machine, which was very old, died, so I borrowed one. It was hard to keep doing the two jobs, and then the competition started, and I was unable to keep up. Overall this business lasted approximately six months!

Does this sound familiar? What do you do when you see an opportunity, and you’re young and willing to take a risk? That experience shared was from 1987.

Dreams and reality

Today, there are many resources available for young entrepreneurs, innovators and scientists. If you can dream it, you can ‘make it happen’. I truly believe that. But, what are you prepared to risk to develop, create, grow that idea?

I had no training at the time in developing a product from ‘idea to market’, yet I was willing to try, and fail. When I started there was not a thought about if I would ‘fail’. Something needed to be done, and this brain just used what it had available. We did not have technology and awareness of many things, and this is how many businesses started.

My business could not be sustained because it was ‘a part time hustle’ in every sense of the word. There was not a business development plan, no materials management, no machinery investment, and no one who I could turn to for advice. I was a single mom, doing what I had to do to earn a living and care for my baby. Academically, I had not done well in secondary school, and had many challenges to avoid homelessness and hunger X2. I could create and sell — those were my resources!

Options available

Now, there is so much available to entrepreneurs around the world. There is also social media and the internet. For many folks in the USA programs like Third Frontier — from Cleveland Ohio, offer capital investment, mentorship and business support to people in the area. You can access funding through ‘seed accelerators’ , which are well developed Angel networks.

There are ‘philanthropists’ who invest in organizations and individuals to promote entrepreneurship, and of course there are Venture Capital companies who will offer investment financing for equity and shareholding in your business. The list of support is endless, and many countries have their own entrepreneurial programs being developed in some way.

There are options available, but many times they are difficult to source due to a lack of awareness. We still have a long way to go when it comes to ensuring the entrepreneurs who need information can access it. Google will only work when you know what to type as you search. I recently did a program on Coursera called ‘Beyond Silicon Valley’ with Michael Goldberg of Case Western Reserve University (online), and I wish everyone with an ‘idea/ dream’ will check it out!

Sharing this story, I hope, will stimulate thoughts to advance your dream, and take a risk. Looking back I learnt from my experiences and its good sharing the risks and rewards that come from pursuing your dreams. Hey, I used garbage aka material waste recycled to advance my dream, and that’s got to mean something. For a while, I did it, and I learnt from my mistakes. Thus I gained from the ‘school of creative innovation’. Take that chance — you can do it!

Hoping you enjoyed reading and will share your thoughts through commenting or 'liking' the posts. I like hearing from all my readers, good or bad, the fact that you take the time to read, is greatly appreciated.

I've added my PayPal account , if you value my words and wish to support my writing with any contribution.  Its very safe and secure. You can choose to send any amount that you are comfortable with. Please check it out ! Thank you -You are greatly appreciated

paypal.me/dlewordslayer

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com

First published in Marketing & Growth Hacking Publication via Medium (May10,2017)

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

A Compendium of Experiences: 2017

Hello to all my followers

I've got another update which I hope you will enjoy! Its a compilation published on Thrive Global via Medium to April 2017!

"It is only at the point of death a man discovers the value of life as it flashes before his eyes!"

There is a lot going on right now in my life. Even with an empty nest there can be many things taking place which are time consuming and mentally & emotionally draining. Life is an ongoing process which only stops when we cease to exist - die.

When someone passes away and we feel the pressure of the finality of life, a wave of sadness creeps up. Sadness for all the times you did not meet and all the things you never said or shared. The introspection can be a weight itself, or it can free us of the urgency of  being busy with the unimportant things. A man who receives news that is about to die in a few days, weeks or months, understands the value of what he leaves behind, so he changes. It is at that moment when you realize that everything which kept you busy, is not important then the real living starts.

As I share my compendium of  writings published on Medium via Thrive Global to this point in April, I'm happy that there is a part of me which will always be here. Write your words and share it with the world, your family , friends and others. Someone is waiting to hear your story. Share your 'beautiful' and amazing life!

When you think about what matters

Excerpt: Recently I had lunch with a friend who asked if I had figured out what I want from my life. We don’t live forever, so maybe its good to understand what we want. Change happens all the time. At school we look forward to moving to another level. At work we keep looking for more money, and that great promotion. Does it really make you happy?



Finding The Lost Runner *

Excerpt: Being fit is a way of life. It does not happen unless you make it happen. Looking at others won’t make you fit. Inspiration can only plant the desire, you have to make it happen. Sweat comes from action. Everything in life comes from action. When is the best time to do something — today, now.





Mental Misinformation and the child who did not understand.

Excerpt: My mother was the first of five children and my grandmother was one of more than five, and my great grandmother was also from a large family. No one told us about mental illness or what caused it or why it happened. We simply thought it was an unfortunate curse on at least one member of the family, and prayed never to ‘get it’! Some of the ‘folklore’ facts I grew up just knowing were;

Watch Me Walk *

Excerpt: Being empowered to make decisions and operate with authority and autonomy has certainly been a topic of discussion for women for many years. Its time to close the gap of awareness and start as early as possible. Empowering our girls from an early age requires giving them the tools to move forward, and ensuring they have guidance and support systems to help them along the way.

PTSD — In Absentia *

Excerpt: I still don’t understand PTSD fully. What I do understand is the feeling which sometimes creeps up. It makes the world seem different for a while. It can be like seeing reality in a different way. During awareness it can be hostile. It’s easy to give up control if unaware or absent when time shifts.




The posts with the * asterix have been published before right here but have been updated with some changes. 

Hoping you will enjoy reading these and share your thoughts through commenting or 'liking' the posts. I like hearing from all my readers, good or bad, the fact that you take the time to read, is greatly appreciated.

A short brief about me: I’m a corporate business veteran, with practical experience in a diverse range of industries — Safety/ HVAC / FMCG /Industrial Equipment /and much more . Sales ,Marketing, Business Development & Coaching are combined to deliver over 30 years experience. As an entrepreneur and blogger (Dwordslayer) I’m right now living an adventure, and looking forward to the next opportunity to challenge mediocrity.

I've added my PayPal account , if you value my words and wish to support my writing with any contribution.  Its very safe and secure. You can choose to send any amount that you are comfortable with. Please check it out ! Thank you -You are greatly appreciated.

paypal.me/dlewordslayer

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

I sit alone with God: A spontaneous heartfelt rant

Disclaimer: Not all reflections are good

I walk among criminals. You define these monsters as professionals because they dress and speak a certain way. They are educated ( or so they think) and in most cases are able to assume a role of power and status because of the occupation they call their career. Let’s be real, the face of corruption is just as bad in the corporate world, as the drug lord hiring the pushers to destroy a community’s youth.

There is much to dislike in this world.

There is so much abundance and yet the level of poverty rises,
just like the tides of hate.
Who the hell do you think you are?
Who are you really when you pay your taxes and bills and everything
which is declared as compulsory on your paycheck?
Who the hell do you think you are when you go out to work
every single day and expect a fair days pay for a fair days work?
How dare you live your life anymore with expectations of anything good?
Who the hell died and told you that you can be someone other than who you are?
How dare you live your life with such hope and expectation?
Let the winds catch your skirt
and unleash the wrath of life upon your hopefulness.
Faith, what is your faith to you when you fight
that unending battle of relentless optimism.
I do not feel your pain I have my own.

We do not wish to live forever. We just simply wish to live.

I hear you.
I feel for you because I can feel your heart
as it rushes out of your chest in anger.
Your rage mounts,
yet the criminals around you, laugh in glee.
Why do you hope for something the world forgets was once present?
Your life makes a mockery of you.
You are indeed a fool, if you cannot look around
and see that the world sits upside down on its axis.
You were taught it was a sphere,
but one day a man will say its square,
and the ‘alternative fact’ will suddenly be accepted as truth.
So who do you really think you are — loaded full of a belief in a dying humanity?

Screech, Oh Shit…bang, bang, bang…
yes, you get hit again, and again, and again.
It won’t stop because
the weak must suffer the pain of their foolish weakness.
It is the law of the land.
Who the hell are you to expect good service from anyone?
Third world, fourth world, fifth world.
Who the hell are you to crave compassion and understanding?
Don’t you read the news?
Can’t you see the world unfolding — and the people
have lost their way and soul!
Whoever you are, wherever you are- Disabled,
Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Refugee, immigrant,
transgender, black, purple, green , white — whatever your story,
in the very depths of this moment I feel your tragedy, and your pain.
For a few moments I am borrowing the sorrow I try to hide behind.
My present feels soo much more painful than my past.

I sit and bask in the understanding, that my resilience, needs to get some time out. This moment is here and in the now, I sit alone. Just me facing God.

And finally,
now I can exhale.
I can let the reality walk into me.
I believe, because I trust my maker whom I cannot see.
He is here with me, in my moment of agony.
I am okay now he is here,
and my faith, and hope come out to greet him.

Thank you for reading, this spontaneous heartfelt rant.

If you can identify in anyway with this and if it resonates, share your thoughts and share this post with a friend! Stay awesome!

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com

I've added my PayPal account , if you value my words and wish to support my writing with any contribution.  Its very safe and secure. Please check it out ! Thank you -You are greatly appreciated.

paypal.me/dlewordslayer

Credits:Image — pixabay.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved

We Do Not Make Forever

Just thinking out loud...

There are many times we wait for tomorrow. It is not promised. We may wait for life to change and become more palatable sometimes. Then, there are moments when we wait longingly for hope to step in and make all the changes we desire. Hope is waiting for the future. To wait means standing still and allowing 'hope' to take charge. No matter how you spin it, the future is something we may never see.

Yet we believe that change can happen, and we hope that tomorrow will happen today. Then, time passes. We grow older. Our expectations and wishes may come to fruition or the waiting game will continue.

As you read my words I'm sure you are waiting for the subject of this post. Every word that passes should take you to 'what is this all about'. If this is your thought, you have experienced the subject. It is about time. It is about our forevers which can be happening as we speak in real time.

I've been waiting for my kids to grow up. Waiting to get married. Waiting to attain that Ph.D., waiting for all my family problems to be solved. Waiting, waiting , waiting in motion. Doing what I believe is my part, but waiting for the more to come. I'm waiting to give that big donation, and waiting to go to do missionary work, waiting for everything to be in its perfect time. What is a perfect time?

We do not make forever, but we are blessed beyond what is measurable with today. Today, I will stop waiting in motion. Today is my forever, and its your forever. I thank God for today. He holds all the forevers, and everyday I get to experience one!

Make use of your today. Cherish your today, because in it you have found forever. 

A short brief about me: I’m a corporate business veteran, with practical experience in a diverse range of industries — Safety/ HVAC / FMCG /Industrial Equipment /and much more . Sales ,Marketing, Business Development & Coaching are combined to deliver over 30 years experience. As an entrepreneur and blogger (Dwordslayer) I’m right now living an adventure, and looking forward to the next opportunity to challenge mediocrity.

Credits: Images- Pixabay

 

Find me on: Twitter https://twitter.com/DLE41 or email:dwordslayer@gmail.com

© Donna-Luisa Eversley and D-WORDSLAYER, 2017. All Rights Reserved