Saturday, April 30, 2011

Maximizing Your Time

It has been said many times before that "Time waits for no man."  This is so true, and that's why it's important to make sure you're making the most of the time given to you in a day.  After all, when it is gone, it will never return again.  Whether you have personal or professional projects to complete, simply take a few minutes out of your day to work on them; you will find yourself that much closer to finishing them.  Just don't let procrastination set in.  We've all been guilty of letting that happen from time to time.  Tackle big projects one step at a time, and start working on them early so the work doesn't pile up.  Reward yourself even if you take a small step toward completing a task.  A step is a step no matter how large or small.  Let's get moving.  The clock is ticking!!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Happy National Poetry Month

The poem below is from my new book, "Bare My Soul."

 I Choose

I'll choose to be happy
Whether friends walk away
Or even if they stay
I'll wear a smile
Come what may
I'll live with a higher purpose in mind
Dealing with life's matters one day at a time
I'll rid myself of every care
Turning everything over to the Master
because I know He'll always be there.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Spring Cleaning

The title "Spring Cleaning" was used for this blog to emphasize the importance of getting rid of unnecessary stuff or putting away the things that are no longer needed.  That's essentially what "Spring Cleaning" is.  It may also consist of cleaning your house from top to bottom.  When I thought about the title, I wasn't thinking about the type of "Spring Cleaning" we're all familiar with, but I wanted to use the same idea to get my point across.  We're in the fourth month of the New Year, and perhaps it's time to nourish those New Year's resolutions a little more if you haven't already.  If something or someone isn't benefiting you or your life in a positive manner, maybe now is the time to eliminate it or them.  Rid yourself of negativity.  Surround yourself with positive things and positive people.  Immerse yourself in warmth and love.  Nourish your soul with beautiful melodies and poetry that marinates in your heart.  Put away your fears and doubts, and replace them with courage and faith. 
Happy Spring Cleaning!!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Network! Network!

Whatever profession you're in, it is essential to do some networking.  You never know who you're going to meet at any given time.  Keep business cards handy, and always remember that a first impression is a lasting impression.  I was afforded a great opportunity on yesterday to attend "The Big Apple Conference" in Manhattan, hosted by The International Women's Writing Guild.  I met some great people, and we all intend to correspond with each other in the near future.  I not only left there with some great contacts, but I also left there with an extra shot of confidence.  I had done something for me, not anyone else.  Connecting with others in the literary industry was absolutely awesome!  I am humbled by the experience, and I hope to attend next year's conference, and other events hosted by the organization in the future!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

What Motivates You?

Do you speak positive affirmations over yourself daily?  Are you surrounding yourselves with positive people? What goals are you setting on a regular basis?  These are some questions that I ask myself often.  In this day in time, the world in which we live is not the greatest place, but we can make our world "great."  We can do this by finding ways to stay positive despite certain circumstances.  Even in times of adversity, we can all still find something to be thankful for.  When we begin to take an accounting of what we have instead of what we don't have, we can count our blessings even more.  Maybe it's your family or friends that have an influence on how well you excel, or the things that you want to go after.  Ultimately, you have to want the best for yourself first, before you can concern yourself with what someone else wants for you.  That's just a little food for thought today.  Thanks for reading!  All My Best, Robin

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Taking Small Steps Toward A Bigger Goal

Good afternoon everyone. I hope everyone is well. I'm in the process of working on my novel, but I've taken a little break this afternoon in hopes of finding the inspiration to write the next chapter. It's a lot more tedious than any other projects I've had in the past. Normally, I write poetry and short stories. The novel is ongoing, and it's definitely a process. I am determined to finish it though. It's just like anything else you set out to do; it takes a lot of focus and discipline. I've decided to set small goals, like write so many words per day or per week. Even the smallest paragraph will be a portion of the novel, and will get me that much closer to finishing it. I'm not one of these writers that can write an entire book in a weekend or even in a couple of weeks. I have to put it together in bits and pieces. I guess for now I just want to encourage anyone else who's writing or wants to write. Just get your pen and pad or your laptop, and put those ideas to work, and if you're stumped, look for things around you or even outside of your box to inspire you. If you don't write, how will anyone else be able to read your innermost thoughts? You never know who you'll be able to inspire. Even if it's not writing, take a step today toward achieving your goals, whatever they might be. You're never too old to follow your dreams. All Good Things, Robin