Tag Archives: @thegclife

HUMP DAY HOPE WITH WEDNESDAY WORD WITH DR. JAI: THRIVE

Wednesday Word, , , ,

To thrive is to become ‘strong’ and to ‘flourish’!! We feel joy when we overcome the challenges that may be presented as we move toward our ultimate goals!! When we continue to pursue our dreams, goals and aspirations, it makes sense to actually expect the unexpected! If it doesn’t happen, great! You move forward with ease; however, when challenges do arise, you can approach them with the expectation that THEY WON’T LAST!! You have to have the drive to thrive!!
thrive1
Think about a flower in the Spring: it buds; it flourishes; and continues to grow. Despite the rain, the storms, the challenges of the elements, the bug infestations, etc, the flower has a game plan… it grows new leaves and pedals. It moves itself toward the sun and stretches to gain as much nourishment and power so that it can continue to flourish. Some flowers can produce other buds so when the main flower is ‘taken down’, the ‘legacy’ flowers still remain! Flowers grow in a deep foundation; they are well-rooted! Their strength to ‘live’ allows them the flourish and so THEY THRIVE!!

There are many stories I can tell about my desire to thrive. I have lived a challenged life that, in retrospect, I created for myself!! Were there motives? Yes, but the ability for those motives to take control of my life was MY doing! The consequences were felt tremendously and when I desired not to feel the ‘pimp slap’ of a trying life any longer; I yelled at it and made MY choice to thrive!!!

Do you have a game plan? When life presents the ‘preview’ of its challenges, are you setting things up so that you can handle its ‘debut’? To whom will you stretch toward to gain YOUR power!?!? Tell yourself that you are on this Earth for a unique purpose; tell yourself that you want to LIVE out that purpose. Put it out there…into the universe and say, “Help me GET TO my purpose!” Pray, plan, implement, move, live, flourish, andTHRIVE!

~ Dr. Jai, the leading lady (www.lihkleaders.com)
“Discover what you LiHK; Become who you Love!”

Do Hip Hop Artist Give Back?

Round Table Discussions, , ,

hiphop
Hip hop music is the most controversial form of music. Most people thought that it would be a fade. Well over 30 years later it still stands strong today. Hip hop music is one of my favorite forms of music. I grew up when most rappers told stories and actually took time to perfect their craft. Now, I do not believe that is the case. What happen to pure talent, charisma and hustle getting you over the hump.

I am tired of seeing 30 and 40 year olds trying to fight each other, to bring attention and hype to themselves. Not only that they are millionaires. If I want to see millionaires fight, I watch Boxing or MMA. 90% of the rappers are not thugs anyways. They are actors. Now they might be surrounded by gangsters and thugs. But, there reality to real life has gotten mixed up somewhere in their pursuit for fame.

Where is the leadership and devotion to your community that you glorify? If is funny how much you continue to say that you want people to know where you came from and how hard it is to grow up in the inner city, but no one seems to every see you anymore. Screaming your hoods name on records surely is not enough.

You wonder why I am not calling out other forms of entertainment. Well they are not making money off the name of their city, hood, street, clique, or block.
If you know a rapper that is an active part of his community please let me know. I mean giving back to his communities through foundations, parks, time, money, ect…………. I am not just talking about coming around during Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Remember to Keep It GC,
Counselor Adrian

Gentleman Spotlight

Relationships, ,

bro
I want to talk about someone that is near and dear to my heart, my brother. Kenneth Taylor Sr. is my not just any brother but my blood brother and he is a true gentleman. I figured I could at least talk about someone I felt was a great man. It is funny how things happen. My brother told me that he was envious of me but the truth is I am envious of you. You have three beautiful children that I have seen you raise from birth. You have always been a stand-up guy, even if you had to stand alone. You have always been a hard worker. I never have seen anything different from you. When I was 15 years old my brother took me in and let me live with him. At the time he was 21, and married with 2 kids. I know it was hard for him to let me come into his home, adding another mouth to feed; but he did not complain and because I am his little brother he took on the challenge.

My brother attends Forest Heights Missionary Baptist Church, where he does a lot of work with the youth ministry. My brother is also a single father, raising 3 children; two girls and a boy: Alexus, Kiera, and Kenneth Jr. There are not enough stand-up guys like you. I want everyone to know that my brother is a not just a good man but he is a great man. I look up to you big bro. So just like you support me and everything that I do, I support you. People need to know where I get it from.
Remember to Keep It GC,
Adrian Counselor

Dr. Janice Armstrong

Round Table Discussions, , , ,

Jai_front_headshot
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Janice Armstrong (Dr. Jai) to discuss her life as a wife, mother, author (From the Street to the Executive Suite) and business woman and how she is able to balance so many work hats.

Adrian: Good Evening Dr. Jai it is a pleasure having you on the call.

Dr. Jai: Thank you for having me. It is my pleasure.

Adrian: Let’s jump right into it. Please tell everyone a little bit about yourself.

Dr. Jai: My name is Dr. Janice Armstrong. I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. (Go Ravens!) I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland. I eventually moved to the Largo, MD area and basically, I have been staying in the DMV. I am currently a Program Analyst in Washington D.C. and a part-time professor at Prince George Community College. That is my work life; in my personal life I am married to my husband Jay, we have two children a boy Jason and a girl Jaden.

Adrian: Man, sounds like you are a busy woman. How do you balance your work life and your family life?

Dr. Jai: Well it started back when I was in undergrad. I was so actively involved with everything (residence assistant program, Delta Sigma Theta, SGA, etc…) I would not say I had a nervous breakdown but I remember being dead tired. I really could not function, so my Dr. told me to stay home because I was totally exhausted. I told myself that I would never do that again. I started scheduling everything that I did. Especially my leisure time, because I saw it getting less and less. When I went for my masters and my doctrine I did not do school work on the weekends. That was my family time. So I made sure to make them a priority first, and then scheduled everything else around them. Now that I am done with school I do not have to worry about that. My family always came first.

Adrian: That is great! I am taking notes. (Laughing) Now, does your husband understand your schedule?

Dr. Jai: He is very understanding of my schedule. He is 100% for everything that I am doing. It is a blessing to have that as well. He tells me to “stay on my grind!” We met when I was pursuing my master’s degree, so he’s seen me trying to progress in my career. So when I have questions, he is always there for me or if I just need a shoulder to cry on, he is always there. (Laughing)

Adrian: How did you and your husband met?

Dr. Jai: Believe it or not we met online. Woohoo! Black Planet.

Adrian: Ok I have to stop you right there, Black Planet? I remember black planet I did not think that would have been a place to meet a nice man/woman. So you have to give us the story behind this one.

Dr. Jai: We met in 2000 on Black Planet. I sent him a message telling him I liked his picture. I thought he had a very distinguished look. He was suited up, so I thought that was very cool. So we chatted back and forth over a few months. Next thing you know he asked me out on a date to see a gospel group that he was managing.; I said cool and we have been joined at the hip ever since. We have been together for 12 years and married for 10 years.

Adrian: I have never heard of someone finding their mate on Black Planet. I guess you can find love anywhere.

Dr. Jai: Actually there are a few of us. (Laughing)

Adrian: Woooww the interview is over; there is no need for any more questions. (Laughing) Ok I’m back, what is most important to you in a relationship?

Dr. Jai: Trust, Honesty and friendship. I think people should remember how they meet and remain friends. Don’t ever loose that. I think that after people get married they have a false sense of what marriage is supposed to be like. Of course you should be more in love as the relationship grows but everything is based on that bond of friendship that you have built. That is what will keep your relationship going.

Adrian: I love hearing that. Anytime I can get advice about that next step, I am always taking in that information. I know I only want to do it once when I decide to do it. Now let’s get to this book that you wrote, From the Street to the Executive Suite. How did you come up with it?

Dr. Jai: It actually started with my doctoral project. I have an applied degree; so we had to show the concept would work in the community, corporate world, etc… Since I teach psychology I always wanted to be relatable to my students. Let’s be honest unless you are really in psychology, it could be very boring. So when I started writing this book about leadership, me being a city girl, I felt like people in the inner city were not being reached on the subject of leadership.

Adrian: What is your target audience that you are trying to reach?

Dr. Jai: It is for all ages. I am taking my life experiences and breaking them down in laymen terms; so whether you are 15 or 51, this book is for you. I have teenagers that have the book and I have executives that have the book.

Adrian: How long did it take you to write the book?

Dr. Jai: The book started back in 2009 when I started my graduate program but I did the bulk of the work was from April 2012-July 2012. So about 4 months.

Adrian: I wish I could say the same thing. (Laughing) Now where can people purchase your book?

Dr. Jai: It is available on Amazon.com, LuLu.com, itunes bookstore, and Barnes and Noble.com, however if they would like an autographed copy they should go to my website LiHkleaders.com

Adrian: Ok, tell us a little bit about your website?

Dr. Jai: I am a certified leadership coach. I provide services to help build people their career. I help them set goals for their lives. I become their cheerleader in a sense. My book serves as a guide because at the end of every chapter there is a worksheet. It helps you plan out your goals and each chapter helps you achieve those goals. At the end of the book there is a template for a full action plan and you can make it a living document. You can also start over once new goals enter in your life. So, for the people that need more one on one sessions; I provide them with my service to help them achieve the goals that they want. I am not a counselor; I am a coach here to keep you stay motivated and ready to tackle your goals. You are solving a problem but not to the point you are researching and analyzing. I do leadership, executive, life and career, and collegiate success coaching.

Adrian: I really think there is a reason that we met each other. Last question, do you have advice for young men/women trying to do the same thing; write a book and balance family/work life?

Dr. Jai: Be willing to take your time. Do not rush it because you want be sure that you do not waste your time. Live in the moment and take your time. Refine your skills. Make sure that is what you are supposed to do. I did not think I had a book in me. I am a trainer by trade, so I was thinking maybe I should create a curriculum. Then I realized there was a tool that I could provide not only for the corporate world but also the community; I realized I could write a book. When you decide what you want to do, don’t try to be the best just try to be better than the day before. In time, your craft will get better with practice.

Adrian: I really need to listen to those words. Rome was not built in one night! Is there anything else that you want to add?

Dr. Jai: I want to congratulate you on your book. I am very proud of what you are doing. I think it is very necessary especially in generation Y. I think you are leading an effort in young men and also encouraging young women on relationships and how you interact early. So before they get into that life long relationship, you are showing them how to build that foundation. So I want to thank you for actually putting that out there, to your generation.

Adrian: Wow thank you for those encouraging words. I will continue to be led by God with everything that I am doing. I want everyone to support Dr. Jai, follow her on Facebook Janice A. Armstrong. Go out and get her book, I know you will enjoy it. This lady is doing great things.

Remember to Always Keep it GC

Reflections…………

Poetry Corner, , ,

Filled with water are the bottom of my eyelids
but I’m doing that fanning thing to keep the flow of tears
from rolling down my cheeks. I’m not weak.
I speak…loud enough to be heard by the one who chooses
to hear me. I know God is listening.
My tears are my strength; you envy me for what I’m not afraid to do
because I embrace my fate
for God has already stamped my date.
I let go and let Him, never holding back what’s within
that is me.
Who am I to decide what I should be?
Look at your reflection
before you dare to consider the inspection
that you will conduct of me.
You don’t know the half of my rites of passage that has led me to be…
in front of you. I once knew…a man who never told the truth
and when he tried not to lie he would cry inside
and die would his spirit 99 times.
Don’t hold me back from being what I naturally am.
Instead, understand that a woman is a woman and a man is a man.
Yet, do see me in you, as we were created by the same hands.
Forget yesterday and live today, stop reflecting on past faults.
When Lot’s wife looked back, she turned into a pillar of salt!
I see beauty, I see change, I see growth and I see pain.
I see a woman of valor who has very much to gain.
If you never have known love or inhabited its space,
it’s the tears of a woman whose heart has been misplaced.
If you’ve seen her, then you have seen yourself….
Reflections…

Leslie Saint-Julien

Memory Lane

Poetry Corner, ,

I remember meeting you for the first time
And being exaggeratedly mesmerized
For looking into your eyes
Allowed me to see purpose in my life
It’s like… I could actually feel
My internal pages flip to a new chapter
I didn’t immediately think of wedding rings
Or living happily ever after
But I knew the crossing of our paths
By God was strategically planned
And your attention was instinctively
My mission to capture…
All of a sudden, out of the norm was familiar
What you saw was no character or actor
But a man dutifully going after
Something he absolutely had to have
Your smile, eyes, hair,
Curves, and complexion – all factors
Your personality – uniquely spectacular
The sweetest sound I’ve ever heard
Was replaced with your voice and laughter
Your touch resulted in my heart beating faster
And we all have a sales pitch
But yours had me straddling the fence
With such a spiritual and physical magnetic pull
That I wanted to speak in tongues
With you like a pastor… I’m just being real
Because of life, in every aspect
No matter the pitch
All I could think of was ‘catch her’
But the truth is… you caught me
And because of that I’m a better man
They say behind a great one a woman stands
But what they fail to mention
Is that in front of a great one
A man should turn and kneel
And take her by the hand
It’s implied, but in acceptance
You made it a requirement
That I own and wear a pair of pants
For a Queen you are
And because of God and you, I am
All I need form you is a glance
When facing this world
To be even more confident in my stance
My safari has been illuminated by your smile
My future, with you in it
Has exciting and meaningful plans
I just wanted to take a trip down memory lane
To reflect on when we began
And to thank you for saying ‘Yes’
And most importantly….
For giving me a chance
Darian—

memory-lane

Day 10 Relationship Advice for Men

All About Men,

Accept her emotions – let her cry! Women cry, and sometimes we do it for no reason at all. This is something men just don’t understand, and that’s okay. You don’t have to understand, but don’t ever make her feel bad for being emotional or crying.

Most of the time, it will not be your fault she is crying, and sometimes, tears are because she is happy. I know it can be confusing for you guys to know the difference, but don’t automatically assume that if she is crying you have done something wrong. Allow her feelings, and don’t feel you have to DO anything except put your arms around her and make her feel safe and protected until the tears pass.

A woman will tend to feel safe with a man who simple allows her to feel emotions and express those outwardly with no fear of recrimination or accusation when she is emotional. Men, you don’t have to understand it, just accept that’s the way it is, and you’ll do just fine.

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