Rising Strong: A New Dawn

Overcoming Adversity

"The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible." - Charles Kingsleigh

Welcome to Day 1 of our "Empowered Essence" series! Today, we embark on a journey of resilience and self-discovery, focusing on the theme of overcoming adversity.

Life's challenges may leave us battered, but within each trial lies an opportunity for rebirth. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, our resilience defines us. Remember, the difficulties you face today are not roadblocks but stepping stones toward a stronger, more empowered you.

In the face of adversity, believe in the power within. It's easy to be overwhelmed, but your strength is limitless. Your journey, though challenging, is sculpting you into a masterpiece of courage and tenacity.

As we navigate this theme, reflect on your own experiences. How have you risen strong from adversity? What lessons have you learned, and how have they shaped the person you are becoming?

In the days ahead, we'll delve into various aspects of empowerment, from self-discovery and community support to professional achievements and the celebration of individuality. Each day is an opportunity to embrace your strength and celebrate the resilient spirit that defines you.

So, my fellow warriors, let's rise strong together. Remember, the journey may be tough, but you're tougher. Embrace the challenges, for they are the raw materials from which your strength is forged.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's exploration of "Empowering the Spirit: Finding Inner Strength." Until then, stand tall and face the new dawn with unwavering courage. You are stronger than you know.

#IamWillaJai💜💜

"Empowered Essence: A Journey of Strength and Triumph in African American Women"

 

In the tapestry of life, the threads of resilience woven by African American women create a vibrant and powerful narrative. To my former self of 2023 and to the countless sisters facing the echoes of adversity, this blog post is a celebration of your enduring spirit, a mosaic of strength and triumph.

The intersectionality of race and gender places African American women at a unique crossroads, where challenges can seem like mountains. Yet, within each struggle lies a reservoir of strength waiting to be unleashed. It's a testament to the unyielding power within, a force that transcends circumstances.

To my former self, battered and beaten, understand that your journey is not a reflection of weakness but a testament to your incredible strength. The struggles you endure are not roadblocks but stepping stones, shaping you into a force to be reckoned with. Your resilience is a beacon, lighting the way for others who may be traversing similar paths.

In acknowledging the struggles faced by African American women, we must also celebrate their victories. From breaking glass ceilings in boardrooms to creating waves of change in communities, their accomplishments resonate as triumphs over systemic challenges. Their stories inspire, illustrating that the human spirit can rise above any circumstance.

Empathy is the bridge that connects us to the unique experiences of African American women. Society may attempt to stifle their voices, but within the tapestry of their narratives lies a symphony of strength. The struggles they face are not merely obstacles; they are chapters in a story of perseverance, fortitude, and empowerment.

As we delve into the diverse narratives of African American women, it becomes evident that their strength extends beyond personal triumphs. It manifests in the bonds of sisterhood and community support, creating a network of resilience that empowers each individual to reach new heights.

To every African American woman reading this, know that your strength is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration. Embrace the complexities of your journey with pride, for you are not defined by the challenges you face but by the grace with which you overcome them.

This blog post stands as a testament to the empowered essence of African American women—a tribute to their strength, triumphs, and unyielding spirit. 

To my former self and to all the remarkable women out there: stand tall, continue forging your path, and let the world bear witness to the brilliance that is uniquely yours. Your journey is not just a story; it's a legacy of resilience, and the world is richer because of it. 

#IamWillaJai 💜💜

20 Things to do while social distancing

Hey World!!!

Since March 13, 2020, there haas been a drastic change in our world.  Ever since this virus pandemic a.k.a. COVID-19 a.k.a. Coronavirus has hit, three have been many people that have gone into panic mode and there have been more people staying home.

Although this is a very serious matter that is not something we can control, one thing we can control is how we spend that extra time while being socially distance from others.

So, in an effort to help, I have put together this list of 20 things that you can do while being home and staying safe.

1. Read a book: Remember all those books you were told about, the ones you purchased but did not have the time to read any of them?  Right now is the perfect time for you to catch up on your reading.  

2. Prayer, Worship & Meditation: Light some candles, pick a spot where you feel most comfortable and turn on the worship music.  Take yourself to another place in your mind.  Pray to your higher power and block out the negative energy.

3. Watch TikTok videos:  My daughter had shown me something on this app on her phone from some other people around the world making the best of this bad situation.  I laughed so hard at the different creations that these people have and it lit up my life.  In this season of panic, turn it around and do drown yourself in fear.  Yes, this is serious but don't allow it to take away your spirit.

4. Start a binge watching session: Netflix, Hulu, & Prime Video have some great shows.  My husband and I began a week ago and we found some amazing shows, some are listed below

     *Netflix                                *Prime Video                 *Hulu

  1. Locke & Key                      1. Carnival Row.             1. Will & Grace (new & old episodes)

  2. Love is Blind                      2. Roseanne                    2. Mixed-ish

5. Write a Book: What better time than any to start writing.  If you have ever wanted to write your own book, this is the perfect time to get your journals, notes and diaries and start building your story.  As a Book Writing Coach I help others realize their dreams. So let me know of you want to join my Write Your Story Masterclass.  Click here to sign up. 

6. Listen to a Podcast series:  Instead of cluttering your mind with bad news all day, listen to a new podcast.  

7. Read a new blog: With the growing population staying home, many people are picking up their computers and laptops and starting a new blog every day.  Start an account on Pinterest if you don't already have one and read new blog posts from people that have given their inner talents somewhere to help others seek out theirs.

8. Start a blog: Learning from others who have taken their talents to another level, share your talents with the world by starting a knowledgeable blog to help reach a greater audience and find virtual friends.

9. Have a Self-Care day: Do your nails.  Give yourself a pedicure.  Try a new hair style or even a new color.  Give yourself a facial mask.  

10. Learn a new dish:  Watch the Cooking Channel or Youtube and learn how to prepare a new dish you have never had before.  Put your spin on it, add different spices into your life, be creative and have fun.

11. Clean out Your closet:  As most women know, we accumulate clothes that we purchase and sometimes forget about, especially if we lose / gain weight, those ensembles are no longer wanted.  This is a time to go grab a bag, look through your closet and pick out the clothing you have never worn, or never will wear again and donate them.  Helping not only your home but someone else in need as well.

12.  Watch a church service online:  Get in touch with your inner spirit-man and start watching the word being given via internet and start a new devotion.

13. Have an online dance party:  I know some amazing DJ's that have been doing virtual parties and let me tell you, it is one of the best ways to have fun virtually with friends and hear great music.  If you don't know of any DJ's personally, look up some on Facebook or Instagram.

14. Get a workout schedule:  There are plenty of different workout apps online and in your phone (iPhone or Android) to get you in the best shape of your life.  Make a schedule to have your workouts a specific times of the day / week.

15. Start an online business:  During this time, many people have lost jobs due to quarantine so this is the best time to start your own home-based business.  Build up your portfolio and keep your finances coming.  Fortunately for my family, this is what I had to do as well.  I started my own health and wellness company with mazing products that keep my family healthy and boosts our immune systems.  If you are interested, click here to start your journey.  

16. Invest and learn the stock market:  Read up on the different stocks and which ones to invest in.  Do not think this will be a get rich quick opportunity but look at it as investing in yourself while this "recession" is on.  Come out of it a winner buy investing in stocks that are most interested in.

17. Bake up some goodies:  Sometimes baking can decrease stress and also give you the opportunity to get super creative.  

18.  Take an online course: Learn a new skill or enhance the skills you already have.

19.  Feng shui your home:  Place your bed, desk, and stove in a command position, pay special attention to your entryway. "Activate" your front door.  Balance out your bedroom, be mindful of color choice, blocked doors, broken objects and overstuffed closets.

20. Have an indoor picnic:  Turn on some jazz, lay down one of your favorite blankets, prepare some great snacks and have one of the greatest picnics of all time.  As a bonus, you can Facetime a friend or friends and making a community virtual picnic.

And vas an added bonus to the list and one of my favorite things to do...

21.  Have a bubble bath:  Take your best bubbling oils, light a candle, turn on your favorite music.  Add in your favorite body salts or bath bombs and let them take your body to that magical place in your mind.

I hope anything on this list was helpful in this time, stay safe, wash your hands and love yourself during this time of rest.  

Disclaimer:  Although I am a medical professional, please consult your mental health professional for any and all reliable information.  To get more information on the COVID-19, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/.

It's time to stop blaming yourself.

I understand that when we are children, we tend to get into things.  We can't help it, it's part of our DNA.  But that is when we are kids.  We have that innate nature to touch, smell, taste and look at things out of our curiosity.  But when that very thing is holding us like a crutch, we have to stop ourselves and say, "It's not my fault!"

I know you may be scratching your head and wondering, "What in the world is Ms. Willa talking about?"

I'm talking about abuse.  The abuse we experienced at the hands of the family member, family "friend" or even that parent.

No one can tell you that it was your fault.  How is it your fault when you barely knew right from wrong?

I am coming to you from a place of remembrance when I was abused at a young age.

I was always told, "If you wasn't being so fast" or "if you wouldn't walk around like that..."  Walk around like what?  I was a child!!

These are not the things a young girl wants to hear when she is trying to tell the person that is supposed to love and protect her, that someone is hurting her.

I grew up thinking it was all my fault and no one would EVER believe me.  So, I never told anyone else again and the abuse kept coming.

I allowed the feelings of that abuse fester up into ways of coping by being promiscuous.  I mean, no one cared right?  I was told I was fast anyway so why should it matter what boy I let fondle me in the locker room, at his house when his parents won't home or in the abandoned apartment down the street?  I felt ugly, ashamed and unwanted anyway.  It was like it wasn't even happening.

The unhealed emotions caused me to not care who I allowed near my body because it was a defense mechanism to shield the pain I was suffering.  This is what I am here for, nothing more.  No one will ever love me anyway, so why not just lay with any boy, right?

Wrong...

After years of suffering, I finally told someone who made me feel safe enough that I didn't have to hide anymore and I thank God that she was there and SHE believed me.  And the words she said to me were, "It's not your fault.  Stop blaming yourself."

So take these words to heart and understand when you are being abused, it's not your fault.  Don't allow the abuse to go any longer.  Tell someone and get the help you need.

I have included a copy of my eBook "Removing The Bandage: A Guide to Uncovering the Hurt" for free to help you get started on your journey.  Click here.


As a woman who has been there, I understand.


If you'd like to schedule a session with me, click here to set up an appointment and I would gladly open up a slot for you!


Be blessed in all you do and remember......

It's time to STOP blaming yourself!!!!


Peace & Blessings,

Willa Jai

From Pain to Purpose

Greetings & Blessings to you,

Over the years I have found that most people go through life have experiences that others may deem to be intolerable.  We look at influencers on Social Media and want their lives, want what they have and want to live the high life but we forget that with all of what you see on their photos and videos, they had to go through something to get to where they are today.

But of course, that's not what we are interested in.  We want that life and we want it NOW but we are not willing to go through anything it to get to it.

What is it that you want out of life?

Are you taking the necessary steps to get there?

What vehicles are you using to take those plunges to accelerate you to your success?

One way is to use the pain you have suffered in life and turn it into your purpose.  In life, we have all had certain things we have gone through and made it through, of course, with a few bruises and bumps but that gave us strength, wisdom, and character.

So I say today, take all that pain and turn it into fuel to propel you to your purpose.

Don't know where to start, well I can help.  click here to get started on your life's purpose today.

See you on the other side.


Love & Light,

Willa Jai💞💞

Was It Needed??

Hey hey hey friends!!

So today is the day after Christmas!!  A day to reflect on the gifts you received and the gifts that were never given, but most importantly, it is the day of our savior being born.  Now, give me the stink face and look away, do not judge me by the beliefs I have because they may be different from yours.  Just embrace it and move on.

Now back to what I was saying...

As you get older, you start to understand that the gifts that were never received are not always a bad thing.  There comes a time in your life where you have to realize that you do not get everything that you want in life & sometimes it can be a good thing.  One thing I have learned is that when you do not get something that you really hoped for when YOU wanted it, at the point in time that YOU think YOU should get it, God does not allow that.  "You'll get it when it is needed."

I pondered over this statement for years because I felt with all the b.s. I went through, I should get EVERYTHING that I say out of my mouth!!  (you're probably thinking, what a spoiled brat, and you would be right).  All of the pain, heartache, trials, tribulations, and crap I had to deal with all of my life, I figured this should be a time where I should be reaping the harvest of all of that b.s. right??

Well, as I stated before, "You'll get it when it is needed".  I hated to hear those words but I hear it in my thoughts often when God reminds me that He strategically places things in my life when I need them not when I want them!!

I learned that all of the people, places, and things that have crossed my path over the years, were placed there for specific reasons and very valuable lessons were learned in the process.

So, just because you may not get what you want in the immediate time of which you want them, does not mean that they will not come.....When it is needed.




Love & Light,

WillaJai💞💞

#iamwillajai

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Did This Really Happen??

Hey friends,

Okay so let's talk about one of the most horrific days I have ever had...

To give you guys a little information about myself, I have been in the medical field for over 18 years.  Majority of those years I spent as a Phlebotomist.  Now for those that are not aware of what that is, we are also called... the Blood Suckers, the Day Walkers, the Vampires, etc. etc.

For the past 4-5 years, I have become a traveling phlebotomist.  Basically I travel to different facilities nationwide, on assignments 8-13 weeks, depending on what the facilities require of me.

On this particular assignment, I am in a facility that has a terrible turnover of employees, mainly in the lab and mainly their Phlebots ( as they call them).  Over the last few months, I have definitely figured what the main reason is for their turnover...the management team SUCKS!!  

I mean no disrespect to anyone, but come on!!  How is it that you do not have a PRN person (as needed employee), On Call list (a person(s) signed up every weekend in case there is a shortage) or any sort of backup for when there are times when others will not be able to make it for whatever reason, is beyond me!!  But, as I stated before,  I understand and again...MANAGEMENT SUCKS!!

This one particular day, I came in early, as I seem to do often since there is a shortage, and after I clocked in and made my way to the front to prepare myself to go up on the floors, I am informed that several people called out due to illnesses BUT the team lead for the morning shift did not call anyone to come and replace the people that would not be showing up for the evening and I would be alone on the floors.

Now, walk with me as I tell you how LIVID I was at this situation because this is a 350+ hospital with several floors and I would be ALONE doing all of the work.  There are two processors in the lab that needed to be down there for the evening, because one of their fellow employees called out as well for the evening.  So all I could say was, "Ok. I will do what I can, so please ask the nurses to bare with me."

Even though I knew this will be difficult because there will be labs that will be late for their timed tests, as well as the ones that are labeled STAT (which basically trumps any other testing because it is very detrimental to the care process).  One person came in from another facility that is within this particular healthcare system and she was able to stay with me for a few hours but then she had to leave due to her having to be at her facility at 4am the next morning for her shift.

We cleared as many of the floors that would could together but then at 7:30 pm she had to leave.  So for the next 3 and 1/2 hours, I had to run the entire hospital alone.  Granted, I did everything that I could and there were times I was at least 1 hour behind with the patients, but I was able to get ALL of the patients done on my own.

The night shift came in and when they had learned of what I had been through, the pain on their faces was non other than how they could not understand why they were not called earlier in the day so that one of them could come in earlier to assist.

I just met their glances and stated... "I don't know, I just barely work here" and walked off with a giggle.

I finished giving report, which was nothing to give because I had finished all of the floors, there were not patients that needed any labs and all floors were cleaned and maintained so they would not have to come in and do any clean up from anything that was left from my shift.

Fast forward to today....

In our daily afternoon huddle, the supervisor congratulated first shift on getting 96% lab draws and nothing was said to me about my horrific night.

Not an "I'm sorry this occurred to you" or "thank you for handling that situation without any incidents" not even a hand shake of appreciation that even though some labs were late, NOTHING was missed for the entire night.

It just goes to show you that not everyone is made for management.

Just like in any relationship...appreciate your employees and treat them right or someone else will because they can NEVER, EVER EVER ask me to come back to this facility or extend my contract.  No ma'am, no sir, NO WAY JOSE!!


Love & Light,

WillaJai 💞💞

#IamWillaJai

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