There are many things that I like, value and treasure in life.
For starters, I like a good sale. I am not a woman who trolls the internet looking for them, however if a good one comes my way, especially involving shoes and handbags – I’m all in!
I value my time. I work hard, so that I can play hard. Therefore, when I commit to an appointment or an event, I expect it to be worthy of my appearance. With there being only 24 hours in the day and my needing approximately ten more of them, I am very protective of every precious moment.
Without hesitation, I treasure my spiritual connection with the Almighty. I know that it is his presence and power that keeps me blessed in ways that I can’t thank him enough for. I realize that not all people feel the same. However, I am unapologetically grateful for his mercy and his grace.
Now if you ask me what I am hands-down, no nonsense about and just love, love, love- without a doubt it is my role of a parent.
Nothing Trumps Being A Parent in my life. Nothing!
I have repeatedly said that if I have failed as a parent, all successes are meaningless.
There is nothing easy about being a parent; however, the challenges that exist for a single parent far exceed those of two. Just my opinion.
The challenges can be exponentially greater when the status of single/co-parent is thrusted upon you unexpectedly, by way of Death, Divorce, Deployment or Detachment.
Been there, done that and have gotten the t-shirt.
However, despite those challenges I have always been of the mindset that my children didn’t ask to be here. That was a choice made by myself, their dad and the Almighty. Therefore, when Suddenly Single by Way of Death status made its way to my doorstep, the need for me to be a parent continued. Failure was absolutely not an option. #no excuses.
Was I perfect? Absolutely not! For starters, I don’t believe in the word perfect. Did I strive for excellence? Every single day. Why? Because I owed it to my children, and I owed it to myself.
While being focused on being a good parent, I also had to take care of me, the woman. Oftentimes I lost sight of my own needs. I routinely found myself on my knees, feeling as if my prayers were not being answered, on my timetable.
However, I recently heard the following statement that sums up for me what was clearly happening in my life:
“The moment that you take care of yourself, is the moment that you tell God that you are worth it.”*
Needless to say, I subsequently began to take care of self. No more unconscious outings to run errands in my pajamas; more to come on those “keeping in real” moments in my upcoming sessions.
The journey has not been an easy one. I have had more sleepless nights than I care to remember. However, I am proud to know that I have raised two young men who I am proud to call my sons.
The road was not easy, not by a long shot. Road blocks, potholes, you name it. I experienced them. However, I have always believed that the only difference between a setback and a stumbling block is what you choose to do with them. Define, destroy or drive you. My only option was the latter.
This 12 1/2 year single parent experience has allowed me to grow as an individual and to accumulate a wealth of knowledge that I have been able to share with others.
I was born to serve and yes, I am cognizant now more than ever that I am my sister’s and brother’s keeper. If more of us operated with that attitude, what a nicer world we would live in. I have discovered that the more that I give to others, the greater the blessing I receive in return.
Amazing, isn’t it?
With experience, comes growth and acceptance that we are all here on earth for a purpose.
Now that I have gotten out of my own way and allowed a higher power to open the doors that HE feels should be opened and not vice versa, I am in a good place.
Empowering individuals to stand in their parenting power, because they and their children are worth it. What an awesome feeling to be able to follow my passion AND to be of service to others.
I have a phenomenal circle of love around me, filled with people who support, respect and encourage me daily. They are my tribe. Priceless!
Lisa Nichols and the Motivating The Masses Team
In this final month of 2014, I am knee-deep in preparation for what I believe will be one of the most exciting years of my life.
I affirm this: As long as there is a breath in my body, I will always give 100% to my God, to my children and to the entrepreneurial ventures that await me.
I am blessed to have my life in order now, for I am fully aware that one can not have a booming business, with a busted life!**
And yes, a good shoe and handbag sale will continue to get my attention as well!
What’s your affirmation for 2015?
*Stephanie Bavaro
**Darnyelle A. Jervey
Inspired by the Women Bringing Incredible Back 2014 Virtual Conference and the PHENOMENAL women who bared their souls.
Make the Facebook Connection with Jacqueline DuJour:
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December 12, 2014
I will value my “knowingness”*
* Ellen Rohr, #WBIB2014
December 14, 2014
Wow. If only I could have rendered more assistance to my my sister who lost her husband to a drunk driver two years ago. I felt powerless to contain the tragedy that followed. Her children suffered behind her drinking into stuporous benges and nothing I could do as her brother could help except have the children come be with me. Her so-called friends abandoned her.
I applaud you on your rise to the challenge Ms. DuJour. I am definitely going to make her aware that there is help available and that there is hope. Thank goodness I was able to get her pastor involved. He and his wife rescued her from a downhill spiral into the abyss. I am sure everyone’s experience is different, however, losing a loved one is no joke. I have pointed her in your direction and yes more of us could do better to help our brothers and sisters in times of crisis.
Thanks again,
Cornelius