Goal Setting | Why Yet's Words

Happy New Year 2022!

Posted on January 1, 2022 by Why Yet

2021 refused to go away quietly. In a last ditch effort, the year snatched Betty White from us. I used to watch the Golden Girls with my mom as a child. As a curious 7 year old I couldn’t understand why Rose seemed so clueless. It angered me because I felt girls were always shoved in a box and told to stay there. “Don’t ask questions, don’t speak out, don’t point out wrongs, just go along with what you’re told.” As a young black girl in a world constantly telling me to shut up and sit down I wanted Rose to fight back. As I got older and saw Betty White in other acting roles, I understood. She has always fought back but in her own way. I am grateful for her being who she was.

For the past couple of days I debated whether or not to even write about the new year. I feel like I’m fighting the same internal battle I vowed to end several new years ago. But during part of 2020 and 2021 I did a short series of Facebook lives where I spoke my thoughts on current events and internal conflicts I had been working through. These lives were to release the conversations in my mind. I ended my lives with encouragement, more so for myself than for anyone else who may have watched. “Recognize you are dope. Share your dopeness. But be careful who you share your dopeness with because not everyone is equipped to handle it.” This is the encouragement my teenage self needed, so I share it for any who may find comfort in it.

Encouragement is more important now than ever before because the world has grown so desensitized to pain and suffering. Growth and progress requires quiet self-reflection and planning and that is not encouraged much in today’s world of chasing riches and fighting for survival. But during the holidays I came across a decorative piece that was simplistic and to the point: Progress Over Perfection. So instead of writing down an entire to-do list for 2022 I am choosing a theme for this year and progress over perfection is fitting.

May you maintain good health and a keen sense of what is right for you, and defend that firmly. Happy new year and may you create the life you’ve always wanted!

Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway!

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Why Yet

When the pandemic shut the world down last year I felt angry and relieved at the same time. I was angry because I was drafting a plan to cross a few travel plans off of my bucket list. I was relieved because I was challenged to interact more on social media via video. I felt (at the time) that since the world was shutting down, everyone’s forced to stay inside, so nope, can’t do it.

That was my fear speaking loud and clear. Fear had my full attention. The world (as we knew it) was ending, people were stockpiling bleach, toilet paper, soap, spaghetti noodles (but no sauce) and microwavable dinners from the freezer section of the market. 🤦🏾 But fear had me gripped, worrying about whether or not the world was heading into Book of Eli/Mad Max territory. So, streaming live on social media was the least of my concerns… or so I thought.

Chatting on line with a friend about the current state we were in, they casually said “How about you go live and read some of your poetry?” *insert record scratch* What now? In the middle of a pandemic? Read my poetry, on camera? I was shaking in my pajamas at the thought of it. I immediately started to panic. I hadn’t performed any of my poetry live since 2018 and that was at a church’s open mic night event in my neighborhood.

I started to say as much but instead replied with “that scares me.” I hought that would be enough to back them up until I received these words that stuck in my mind like Gorilla Glue, “Face the fear and do it anyway.” A few days after that, I took a deep breath (I was considered an essential worker and still had to report in) and started live streaming during my morning commute. I did this for about 16 weeks before I stopped as I was receiving static from work. Smh.

But as I think back, I had fun. It was scary but I did it anyway. In this digital age I know I will have to return to it, but until then, should there be anyone considering jumping into the live streaming pool (no matter what social platform), give this article a read Learn To Live Stream , you’ll be glad you did. And if this helps, drop a comment below!

Checking Off Goals…

Posted on February 17, 2018 by Why Yet

Hello. I haven’t posted sinced NaNoWriMo last year and for good reason. Exhaustion. I needed to decompress from the stress of typing all the words so I can continue to write all the words. Before I go any further, happy new year to you all and I hope you are making everyday count for you. This post is to share what I’ve been up to…

When the New Year comes in we are all flooded with the same “New Year, New You” ads to guilt you into signing up for health clubs, insurance clubs, etc… Me personally, I stopped writing resolutions years ago. They’re usually forgotten by Valentine’s Day anyway. Instead, I think of a few goals I want to accomplish during the new year to improve myself. This year, among my usual take better care of my health goals, I vowed to tackle 2 things I am afraid of and something I have been procrastinating with. I was afraid to knit a pair of socks, afraid to re-enter the realm of spoken word and procrastinating with ending a toxic relationship.

Heh, heh, heh… Growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistent effort. I completed my first pair of knitted socks in January and on February 3rd I recited one of my poems during a podcast interview with Sabreen on Soundcloud, Author Event.

Then on February 9th I attended an open mic night where I performed for the first time in a few years. Along with facing those fears I am pursuing what makes me happy – helping, supporting and promoting others.

With the same heated fervor of the Black Panther release, I strive to reach those who need encouragement through my poetic words. My first collection, Entangled Hearts, is available on amazon.com. My second collection, Reflections, is due to be released later this year. Order your copy of Entangled Hearts and remember to challenge yourself to face your fears. Check them off of your list one by one!

The End of 2016

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Why Yet

I haven’t been on here in months… What can I say, life happened and some things had to be put in hibernation mode. This year has been a doosie for sure. When I started this year I had several things in mind that I wanted to accomplish and for the most part I have accomplished most of them.

Personally, I have had what some would view as set-backs. For me, they were set-ups for something better. The set-ups I encountered placed me in a position to accomplish a few of my goals and to position me to accomplish more in the future. I know I’m being cryptic but I don’t mean to. Although I haven’t been posting on here much this year I did chronicle much of what I encountered, endured, accomplished, etc… on my Facebook and Instagram accounts (for those of you who follow me – for those of you who don’t, you should start. I can be hilarious at times).

Many are tired of 2016 snatching our childhood entertainers but I say heaven is preparing for a final showdown. Look at our president-elect. You can not get any more disrespectful to the human race than that – a clear sign the last days are fast approaching (2016 snatched Sting, Prince AND George Michael!) But I don’t want to talk about politics.

I spent this year exploring myself and pushing the limits of my comfort zone. I still have a way to go, but I’m moving and that is always good! I tried Painting With a Twist, where you drink wine and learn to paint a gallery quality picture. I loved it and want to do it again. If you haven’t tried any of the paint venues (Painting With a Twist, Paint Nite, etc…) grab a friend or two and try it!

I went to several comedy shows this year: Laff Now, Laff Later hosted by Coby Jackk (also on Facebook and Instagram). I started a new 9-5 which took most of my writing energy. The gig is okay and is a catalyst that helped me begin positioning for other goals I want to accomplish. *Drum roll* Now that this year is coming to a close I will not make any resolutions. Mostly because by January 4th I have forgotten what I had resolved to do and misplaced the list I wrote them down on.

What I will do is work on self-improvement, that is always my goal, to be better than I was yesterday. This year (2017) I am getting passports for me and my two little ones, I am getting a new vehicle, I am getting a new house and going back to school to complete my degree in accounting. Thoughts of compiling a second collection of poetry have been floating around but I am undecided on that right now. In 2017 I do want to stay consistent in writing everyday because my mind isn’t equipped with an on/off switch. Shonda Rhimes’ book Year of Yes has been a huge influence on me for 2016 and I will continue to use her wisdom as a guide to more possibilities in my life.

As the new year comes in, stay safe, enjoy the end of an interesting year, welcome in the new year and say yes to you more, yes to endless possibilities – I will. See you in 2017!

On Why Yet’s Watch with Mya Kay

Posted on August 28, 2015August 28, 2015 by Why Yet

I am truly enjoying my radio hosting gig at BRPP Radio on blogtalkradio.com. I have the pleasure to meet and interact with the coolest artists, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs. I have been hosting since March of this year. I started out co-hosting a show, Sistahs With Purpose, with my real-life sister, The Author Yani on BRPP Radio. She had to go on hiatus for a bit just as our “boss” Kim Morrow started a sister station – BRPP Presents: The Interviewers. It was scary when I began hosting interviews by myself in May. Since then I have learned to relax and have fun with my guests. That makes the show less stressful. Tonight’s show was proof of that.

Tonight I had the pleasure of interviewing Mya Kay. She’s an author, writer, philanthropist, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, whose energy and upbeat attitude is contagious. From growing up in North Philadelphia to teaching English in South Korea for a year – Mya is not afraid to open the door when opportunity knocks. During her year in South Korea, Mya took the extra down time she had after work and wrote three books. After many rejections from Barnes and Nobles, Mya succeeded in having one of her novels, A Song For Jordan, booked in one of their locations in Atlanta, GA for a book signing event where she ultimately sold 11 out of 20 books! Proof that positive persistence pays off.

Not slowing down, I asked Mya about her newest venture – Empress by Mya Michele, a nail color line she just launched. Mya stated she was inspired by Tammy from an episode of Basketball Wives who had started a similar business of signature nail colors. Inspiration can come from anywhere as long as you remain open to it. To celebrate the launch of her new nail color company, Mya is currently promoting a giveaway. You can read about it here: I Love A Good Giveaway. I asked Mya for advice that she would give to new authors and entrepreneurs and she stated these three principles to follow:

Grace over Grind
Keep God First
Believe in your vision before you tell anyone about it

You don’t have to take my word for it. You can hear it in her own words On Why Yet’s Watch with Mya Kay.

5 Goals For 2016

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Why Yet

I recognized this morning

that I must change how I perceive life around me in order to change life around me. I’ve read it on websites and heard people say it, but when I woke up this morning it clicked. Like a long awaited answer to an irritating problem. So I started writing down things I want to do in 2016 that will help me grow as a person and as a writer.
1) Attend the Writer’s Digest Philadelphia Writing Workshop on April 9, 2016
2) Attend the AAMBC Awards, June 10-12, 2016 in Atlanta, Ga.
3) Attend the annual Roots Picnic concert in July 2016 in Philadelphia, PA
4) Attend the Harlem Book Fair in Harlem, NY in July 2016
5) Attend the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA in July 2016.

Just writing this list gave me butterflies so I know I can accomplish this.

Taking The Plunge On Etsy

Posted on July 23, 2015July 23, 2015 by Why Yet

Okay. Writer’s block is setting in again and I am in panic mode. Especially since I am writing in spurts around my little one’s sleeping schedules (they are rebelling hard against sleep schedules). So the crack of dawn has seen me typing away for a little over a week now and sleep deprivation is fogging my brain. My determination to remain a stay at home mom, to be creative and to actively pursue work I can do from home is also beginning to wane because of the lack of sleep.

Well, yesterday I made the decision to do something that terrifies me – open my Etsy shop. I had been debating it back and forth for months. Since I love to crochet, knit and make all natural body care items I figured, eh, why not? I spent months researching how to open an Etsy shop. I hopped on Pinterest and pinned just about everything I could get my hands on relating to opening up a shop on Etsy. There are quite a bit of pins on SEO marketing as well as shop design. How did we ever get along in the world without all of these nifty ways to connect and market?

As scary as it is, I needed to do it because I enjoy being able to watch my children grow up. And should I be able to make a living at the same time then that is a double blessing! And what mom wouldn’t want a chance to be available for her children and earn a living doing what she loves? So, with the children gearing up to go back to school soon and the holidays right around the corner – give my Etsy shop a visit. And keep an eye out for more items!

The Library Is A Treasure Trove

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Why Yet

I stopped by my local library this afternoon to return some children’s books. The cool air invited me to look around a little bit. Especially since it was so hot outside, bleh.

So I figure I would search for books about selling on Etsy. You know, like Etsy for Dummies or something of that nature. No such luck, at first.

Tucked between two acrylic painting books I found a book on how to sell handmade items online. Bingo! I silently eased the book off of the shelf, peering around to see whether anyone was watching, and began flipping through the pages.

It felt like heaven. I had the sensation that all of my questions would be answered. That is until I glanced on the shelf across the aisle. My eyes landed on Starting Your Career As A Professional Blogger, by Jacqueline Bodnar. Wow, I can take a hint. So I grabbed this book much faster and decided to make haste for the circulation desk to check out. Once I finish reading this I’ll let you guys know how it is.

The Harlem Book Fair 2016 On My Bucketlist!

Posted on July 18, 2015July 18, 2015 by Why Yet

I found out about the Harlem Book Fair in 2013, by accident of course. Upset that I hadn’t known about it sooner I became captivated by the amazement of what I read online and vowed to go. All of the authors in an open marketplace setting so you can browse and purchase to your budget’s content. Imagine, a book fair that lasts three whole days and in HARLEM of all places?! It’s a book reader’s/writer’s dream!

I spent so much of my childhood and early adulthood discovering amazing stories by wonderful authors. When I became a mother I wanted to pass that love of reading down to my children. Expose them to a world of exploration and wonder. So once I found out about a massive, weekend long book fair in Harlem, NY I made it my goal to attend. Imagine the authors I’d meet! I had always dreamed of meeting some of my favorite authors at an event like this. Stephen King, Patricia Cornwell, Terry McMillan, Zane, Michael Baisden and such. Even though the possibility of those authors being at the book fair are slim to none (a girl can dream can’t she?).

Since I haven’t quite made it to the Harlem Book Fair for this year (it’s happening now) I have made it my goal to make my preparations now so I can attend next year. I have also found out about a few other book fairs going on across the country. And I do miss traveling. So guess what else is going on my to do list for next year? You guessed it! Travel time – I’m planning to attend at least two other book fairs next year in addition to the Harlem Book Fair. I hear the ones in Baltimore, MD and Atlanta, GA are hot spots also. Time to get my read on so I can get my book fair on!

Books, Books, Everywhere!

Posted on July 11, 2015July 11, 2015 by Why Yet

I logged in this morning with the intent of getting some writing done while the children are sleeping. Of course, they would sleep in after disturbing my quiet writing time last night. As I procrastinated by checking my email and scrolling through the wonderful messages (that I could no doubt read later) I stumbled upon a reminder. The Harlem Book Fair is on July 17th!

Immediately sad because I will not be attending AGAIN this year I vowed to add it to my goal poster for 2016. Not only will I be in attendance but I will be one of the author vendors! There is nothing more addicting than a good book. I recently began reading The Cougarette by Eliza David (free download available on smashwords.com) and I realized that this is the first ‘grown up’ book I have read this year. *Hangs head a little in shame while the theme song to The Backyardigans plays in my mind* Although I interviewed Eliza on Thursday I was very excited to discover her book to be captivating. That’s what I want to experience at the Harlem Book Fair.

This book fair is set in Harlem, and we all know from the roaring 1920’s and 1930’s that Harlem is always a creative place to be. I have yet to visit (again on my MUST do list for 2016) but all of the depictions and descriptions I have seen and heard exude this magnetic energy that pulls you, fills you and encourages you to find your inner artist.

Well, I guess my quiet writing time is up because my daughter just discovered that I’m awake. Harlem Book Fair 2016 – I’m coming! Have you attended or plan to attend the Harlem Book Fair?