Smart LifeStyles

Start Where You Are: Lessons 1-10

How many times have you heard that before? If you want to be successful...Start where you are.  If you want to become a Christian...Start where you are.  No matter what your goals and aspirations...Start where you are.

It has been a long, hot, and tiring summer.  Philadelphia Freedom School is over and I am out of a weekly income, for now.  I am not panicking.  I know that I have in my hands everything that I need to build an income producing lifestyle.  It may begin as a trickle, but I envision a river of opportunities flowing my way.

I am currently reading, "Start Where You Are" by Chris Gardner, author of "In the Pursuit of Happyness".   I decided to use this book as a mentoring tool to get myself beyond the level of a "trickle" and up to the level where my bills are covered each week, not each month, but each week. I plan to sustain a savings that will yield a six-month cushion in the event of a catastrophe. 

I have three weeks before I am committed to return to work in the After-School Program in Philadelphia. Follow me as I design and implement my action plan to build a more stable business that will generate a solid and consistent income.  I ask that you accept my transparency as a tool that may help you move beyond the trickle that you may be receiving as an income.  Why is working more than one job the only option our people have to climbing out of debt?

 

The Tree of Life
"I am ready to bear Good Fruit"

Overview: Start with resources you already have.

Lesson One: Pursuit
Use Chris' C-5 Complex ingredients to a healthy plan.

• Be Clear
• Be Concise
• Be Compelling
• Be Committed
• Be Consistent

"Do not operate only by dreams and inspiration."

My personal question: What do I hope to accomplish before September 8, 2009?

1.    CLEAR AND CONCISE GOAL AND ACTION STEPS.

Design and implement a plan to pursue the following:

• Become a bestselling author
• Broaden my publishing network of services

What are my immediate goals?

Goal One: Get Back to Basic Self-Training

Action Steps:

1. Listen to my tapes "Power Publishing" by Lori Prokop & Janet Switzer.
2. Listen to my tapes "by Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield.
3. Re-read my books and articles on marketing and publishing.

Lesson Two: Empowerment

The Power of Choice

Focus on completing my own book because I have the track record as a traditional publisher, co-op publisher and contract publisher.  Empower myself, as well as others, to produce written work.

Definition of a publisher: "A company or person engaged in producing and issuing the work of an author."

Books I have published by other authors:

1. No, Nonsense Nathan! Written and Illustrated by Paula Nolte (1999)
2. Before the Smoke Screen by Dave Goerlitz and Gary LaForest (1999)
3. Matthew Mouse by Iris Calaci Illustrated by David Gonzalez (2001)
4. Animal Talk by Donald Morse (Pre-Publication Phase)
5. *Aunt Debra and My Favorite Things Poster by Debra A. Pedrow Illustrated by Sarah Reynolds (2002)
6. Alphabet Soup a Poetry Jam Edited by Deborah Karper...Collection of Poems written by the first graduation class of Creative Arts High School, Camden, New Jersey.
7. *Aunt Debra and the Snack'n String by Debra A. Pedrow - Illustrated by Sarah Reynolds (2004)
8. Eyes of the Dragonfly ---Poetry by Alonzo McCoy
9. CEO of Your Life by Theresa Dozier-Daniel (New Release - 2009)

*I am happy to share with you Debra Pedrow's personal blog. 

"Don't confuse desire to please people with desire to empower them."

Lesson #3: Attitude

"Maintain hope at all times"

Have a Can Do, Take Charge and Self-Reliant attitude.

Inventory

Where am I personally, professionally, emotionally, and physically?

1. Personally - doing fine with the help of the Holy Spirit who guides my every step; and forgives my mis-steps.
2. Professionally - not quite working at the level that brings in financial stability.  Nevertheless, I enjoy what I do.
3. Emotionally - balanced and stabilized by my Father who blesses me everyday.
4. Physically - I need to get back to my Tahitian Noni regiment and daily exercise.

"You have dominion over your mind, your beliefs, and your attitudes."

"The most important weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed."
Steve Bilko, South African Freedom Fighter

"The Habits of thinking often take longer to change than behavior."
Chris Gardner

Lesson #4: Ingenuity

"What's in your hand?" God asked Moses.

"The story of Moses illustrates that we should not place limitations on ourselves because of perceived lack of skills or resources, or we feel we are not at a high station to dare to do great things." Page 38

For years I lacked confidence because of my limited college education. For ten years off and on, I took courses in the evening while working full-time to get my associates degree in Business Management.  I knew I wanted to have my own business and only focused on business and marketing courses.  I didn't see the relevance in the liberal arts courses, plus I didn't have the funds to continue my college education. I had been laid off in 1985 and could only afford the two remaining classes in 1986 to graduate from St. Joseph's University in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia.  In spite of the fact I had been self-employed, worked with Fortune 500 and top corporations throughout the Philadelphia, New York and Washington, DC areas and published nine (9) books; it wasn't until 2005 that I finally accepted my abilities and skills. 

Now, I have gotten into the habit of seeing what resources I have available before I move forward with an idea. It's amazing the gifts and skills you accumulate over the years.  Remember, your brain is a storage facility.  Tap into it.

Lesson #5:  Purpose

"Baby Steps Count Too."

"You may not see the entire staircase, but it is important to take that first step."
Dr. Martin Luther King

Stick-to-it! Remember the greatness of your purpose.  Page 45

My sense of purpose came to fruition after completing the six-day Philadelphia Freedom School Training Course in Maryland Eastern Shores University outside Baltimore and my role as Servant Leader Intern, teaching the six week PFS Program at Lea Community School in West Philly. 

Lesson #6: Instigation

1. Stop Hesitating
2. Take Action Now

"I have what I need to move forward.  I will write and follow a concise and clear plan of action."

Lesson #7: Inspiration

1. Who inspires me to move forward?

            a. Father, Son and Holy Spirit
            b. My husband-Willie
            c. My Pastor - George Holland
            d. My passion to serve

    2.    What inspires me to move forward?

            a. The Bible - 2 Timothy 3:16
            b. Biographies
            c. Well-written movies and books

Lesson #8: Perspective

"Peace be Still" Mark 4:39 (KJV) Page 56

"Take time to calm yourself and rediscover your strength, passions, and establish new goals.  Pray and wait for the clutches of anxiety to peal away."

Excerpt from Page 59:

To overcome despair, maintain perspective and make your way to solid ground.

Tips:

• Remove yourself from the crisis.
• Take a brisk walk or drive.
• Pray and meditate in a quiet spot.
• Journal your thoughts and feelings.

Lesson #9: Research and Development

Action Step:

Traditional Publishing Resources

1. Bowker
2. PMA
3. Library of Congress
4. Baker and Taylor and other distribution resources
5. Local bookstores
6. National bookstore online programs

Self-Publishing Resources

1. Onine Services
2. Distribution Services
3. Marketing Services

Lesson #10: Passion

When you find your passion, accept it fully and completely.  Be confident in your pursuit.  Never stop researching and developing new projects.

Goal: Fuel my passion for writing daily.

Action Step:

1. Talk to at least one writer a day.  Their enthusiasm for their projects will keep me fired up and focused.
2. Write one article each morning.
3. Work on my manuscript in the morning.
4. Work on client projects in the afternoon or early evening.

Post note:

I began reading "Start Where You Are" yesterday afternoon around 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon.  I knew immediately that it was the tool that would help me get back on track.  I love writing and I love working with people who write.  Experiencing a birth of a book or website is an awesome experience.

I began this post at 9:00 this morning and it is now 2:30.  Even though I am ending today's post, as soon as it's published, I'll take a short break.  I will then begin reading Chapter Two which covers Lessons 11-19. 

So until next time, identify your passion and start where you are.  Start today.

Your comments are welcomed. Please let me know if this post was of value to you.

Countdown to Forever

Yesterday was my birthday. I've completed another year, and I especially look forward to June 24, 2010.  Genesis 6:3 - Then the Lord said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is moral, his days will be a hundred and twenty."  The Lord says we all have one hundred and twenty years of life in us.  Next year I will reach the half-way point.  I see no reason to doubt his words.  

That is one of the reasons I am working very hard in changing my current lifestyle of not eating foods that will do more harm than good; and not carrying more weight than I should.  This is why I use the Tahitian Noni International's Tepoema Skincare Products and drink the original Tahitian Noni juices. I am a Trim Plan 40 advocate of daily nutritional supplements for women. These supplements help balance hormonal changes as I age.

I'm also supplementing my income. Tahitian Noni is not just a business, it's way of life.  I am actually paying myself to stay healthy.

Our mission statement is "To bless the whole earth with the natural goodness of Tahitian Noni and Tell the Story of lives transformed."  

The Lord has transformed my spiritual life. I know that as long as I am continually fed by scripture and live out my life here in this realm with honor and truth; the life that he has prepared for me in the hereafter will go on forever.  One Hundred and twenty years plus Forever...why not live the best life that you can during your time on earth.  Why not live it in good health and good spirits.

Join me in pursuing a healthier lifestyle.  Visit my website: Tahitian Noni International.  

Servant Leader Intern! Humbly I Serve...Boldly I Lead

This morning I am looking forward to a major event in my life.  This is the third challenge that I have undertaken in less than a year.  The first was, of course, my marriage to Willie last August. The second, taking a part-time job, after 23 years of independent consulting,  as an After-School Instructor.  Tomorrow I will begin my six day Servant Leader Intern training.  As part of my application process I had to write an essay on how I will contribute to the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. Here is my essay.

"I have been blessed with many opportunities during my lifetime.  Because of my eclectic experience, I bring several talents and gifts to the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. My first gift is the desire to serve.  Without that gift, I know I would not be adding anything of value to the movement. My second gift is my capacity to understand the needs of the individual scholars; not in an intellectual capacity, but in an empathetic awareness of their day-to-day need for recognition.  Each scholar carries a burden to survive whatever their home life had given them the night before, or that morning as they left for school.  Although the burdens are different from what I faced as a child, I clearly remember the need to be accepted and valued.   My desire to listen to the scholar is also an asset.  I take time to find out what their challenges are and try to address them appropriately.  I am committed to the growth of our community, as well as, the individual scholar.  I am especially committed to my own growth which allows me not to be rigid in my inter-action with the scholars.  Overall, the gift that I bring to the movement is my desire to teach relationship building.  Building relationships, through writing and communicating through the arts, builds a lasting foundation in a scholar’s life. A scholar who can write and communicate will lead a more successful and rewarding life."

Even now, as I re-read my essay, I have to remember to "die to self" and let the Holy Spirit guide me through this rigorous and rewarding process that I challenge myself to complete.  Today I am 21 days shy of 59 years old.  I'm overweight, but by faith and commitment I will complete the six day training and come out a much better prepared Servant Leader.  A servant to my Lord and his people and a leader to guide them through their personal challenges.

No, I don't have a problem!! Really...Maybe

Well, on Thursday I will begin a journey into the unknown.  I've talked about lifestyle changes in the past, and I've asked you to search your souls regarding your current lifestyle, and if it's where you want it to be. 

Financially I can say, "definitely not." I'm underemployed. 

I've been on Facebook a lot this week. There are a number of my friends who have recently lost their jobs.  Although in my secular abilities, there is nothing or very little that I can do for them. Nevertheless, as a child of God, I know that He hears prayers, and miracles are performed everyday.  Therefore, I place each and everyone of them in my prayers.  But...what about me?  Well, I also know that the Lord wants us to come to Him directly with our requests and petitions. I read scripture and have conversation with the Holy Spirit who shares my soul.

I took a part-time job to help bring in extra money as an After-School Instructor.  I am working to build the Tahitian Noni business with my husband. Finally, I work with writers to get their books in print.  I am not a vanity publisher or traditional publisher.  I am a Publishing Consultant. I do the technical layout and preparation for the printer. The current project has been a little harder to finalize. I am using Lulu Publishing for the first time, and a number of adjustments had to be made. It should be turned over to Lulu before the end of Wednesday this week.

Physically I can say, "definitely not happy with my weight." 

I'm overweight and feeling sluggish each day I stuff my face with chocolate bars and cookies.  Intellectually I know what I'm doing is not good for me, but emotionally I need to feed on "Hershey bars with almonds and almond laced cookies."  Now I rationalize that the candy bar only has 190 calories per serving size.  That's 5 blocks and there are 15 blocks total.  Not bad.  Not bad if I could stop at 5.   The almond cookies are sugar free.  I don't have the package around because, "I ATE THEM ALL."

I just finished my three day Trim Plan 40 cleanse.  I did okay on it, but I cheated two out of the three evenings.  I ate cookies Sunday and Monday evening at around 9:00.  It's seems this is my witching hour. I'm off the computer and I'm bored with TV.  We are both tired from our long day, but not ready to go to bed.

So looking back what have I learned?  I have a problem.  I need discipline.

Well on Thursday, June 4th I will be facing the hardest series of challenges in my life.  At 58 (59 on the 24th), I will be working side-by-side with youth 30 and 40 years my junior.  Teambuilding and preparing for my summer vocation in the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. I will be training to be a Servant Leader Intern. 

I will write a daily account of my experience, no matter how difficult or embarrassing.  I believe that it is never too late to change an unfulfilling lifestyle.  My lifestyle journey has been successful, with minor trips along the way.  I recently found this quote, "A trip is not a fall, it's a forward motion." So, as long as I moving forward, I'm advancing to a life that I believe the Lord has in store for me. A lifestyle that is abundant, and financially stable, with good relationships abound. 

If you need help or assistance, why not follow my blog and be a witness to my journey. 

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Money Magic...Ka Ching!!!

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10

Can money destroy? Yes it can.  Look at the high paid athletes and movie stars.  Can money build up? Absolutely.  Look again at the high paid athletes and movie stars.  It's not money, but the love of money that brings on grief.  It's not just money, but the love of material things that bring on grief.  We have all been there, especially as children wanting everything that we see.  We say "I want...I need...I gotta" have to our parents and like magic...we receive.

A Balancing Act---Tilt!!!

Tilt...game over!  It's 30 minutes before the end of April and I haven't completed my article for this month. April, not May.  It has really been a busy month. I try to wait until a big event occurs before writing my entry for the month. April has been an unbelievable ride.

Body, Mind and Spirit

    Exercise...Exercise...Exercise...Exercise.  If I say it enough, maybe I'll begin.  I had hoped to get back to my walking routine.  But, my late hours keep me in bed past 8:00 am. Not sleeping, but watching "Morning Joe."  I have really gotten interested in politics and I like the balance that his team and guests bring to the table. I do not always agree with the direction of their opinions, but I always have an opportunity to learn more than I knew the night before.

    Balancing my writing, twittering, publishing, and "after-school instructor" jobbing has been less of a challenge than you might think. Yes, I am tired when I come in after my 3 1/2 hour job. Working in an old brick and concrete elementary school in West Philly is physically challenging for my aging limbs. But, on the other-hand, my mind and spirit remain young and exuberant.  I especially enjoy working with the 9 and 10 year old girls.  I made the observation in a previous blog that I believe most of us, especially me, are emotionally stuck in 3rd or 4th grade mentalities.  We act and respond based on our emotions, instead of wisely acting and responding based on our thoughts and intuition.

    Balancing my time between projects; Theresa Daniel's "CEO of Your Life" and mine, "Joy Comes Through the Mourning" and "The SPA Hour" has been a bit one-sided.  I had planned in April to schedule my hours for each project. I believed I could complete all three and ready them for publication. After all, when I worked in corporate, I worked on multiple projects.  For the 20 years as an independent consultant, I traveled between clients, installing software and training clients.  For the past, six years...oh that's right; for the past six years I have been struggling to find my voice again.

    In 2004, I captured my first year as a widow in "Joy Comes Through The Mourning."  I never felt the ending was right.  In 2005, I put together "Pearl." A collection of adventures of a young girl living in a foster home; based on my childhood experience spending the summer with my godmother.  In 2008, I began an inspirational book for women entitled, "SPA Hour-Seeking Peace in Abundance."  It is a book and tool for women of all ages to set time aside for themselves.  "SPA Hour" guides them through a process of balancing their body, mind and spirit; once or twice a day.  Preferably twice a day.

    On May 1st, I send Theresa Daniel's book to be published.  On May 2nd, I begin the process to publish my three books.

    It's 12:05, May 1st.  Tilt!!! The balancing act did not work in April.  I burned the candle at both ends.  I over committed my time. I found twitter. I'll do better in May.

    Although my mind is full of great ideas and my body is tired, my spirit soars.  I truly have found peace this month through all of the challenges that have come my family's way.  I've laughed. I've cried. But, most importantly I've prayed.  God is so good to me.  He gives me the peace that I need to get through the rough times. Tilt!!!

    Life is not always smooth. It is just life.  It goes on and on and on; even if you do not. Be good to yourself.  Take care of yourself. If you should hit "Tilt!!!" may it tilt toward your hearts desire. 

Happy Spring!

 

I've Got What You Need...There I Said It!

It has been a long time coming that I finally get mad at friends and family who ignore the signs of deterioration.  They are overweight (obese), short-winded, their bodies wracked with aches and pains and they are depended up a number of prescription medications to sustain their quality of life. 

On Saturday, March 28th, my family and I were fortunate to participate in a health and wellness conference sponsored by Living Faith Christian Center in Pennsauken, New Jersey.  The conference title, "War on Sickness and Disease." LFCC has declared an all out war, and just like the French in the Revolutionary War who join in with the Colonist, my family who are not members of FFCC have joined their cause.  We have been fighting skirmishes within our home church with little success.  So we are estatic to be a part of a local church movement that is committed to bringing healthy lifestyles to their congregation.

Saturday's event was skillfully and masterfully executed.  The congregants and their family and friends came out with open minds about how their ills could be addressed wholistically with natural products and services.  Dr. Don Colbert was the keynote speaker and was on hand to sign his books which are available in the Kingdom Bookstore and Cafe.  We had an opportunity to follow through on our mission statement handed us by Tahitian Noni founders, "To bless the whole earth with the natural goodness of Tahitian Noni as we tell the story of lives transformed."  Our lives and lives of many of our friends and family members have been transformed by the noni fruit, seeds and leaves. 

We know that we have what you need to feel better each day.  We have what you need to help you lose and maintain a healthier weight by balancing hormone levels.  We have what you need to ease the pain of arthritis; fibromyoligia; and other joint and muscular pain. We have what you need to increase your immune system so you don't catch as many colds and other illnesses brought on by a weakened immune system.

It's okay to say no to wanting these products...but it is not okay to say no to the fact that you need our products.  It's not okay to continue to make excuses because the prices are too high.  The prices for anything is relative to how much you want something.  It is a fact that there are flat screen television sets in poor neighborhoods, as well as, in the middle-class.  I felt the same way about our prices, but as time went on, I took a hard look at how and where I was spending money.  Even before our price cuts in February, I had begun switching the products that I purchase from the supermarkets, super stores and pharmacies with TNI products. 

If you are serious about living a healthier lifestyle, call or write to me, We've got what you need.  To be able to be a blessing in the life of our family and friends, for us, is fulfilling God's charge for us. To show what a Godly family can do together...we are working this business together. And why not, we worship together, we pray together, and we go through together.

If you are local to Clementon, New Jersey...come and join us on Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM for the War on Sickness and Illness.  Come learn how you can live a healthier lifestyle, and find out how you can get paid doing it with our Member Rewards program.

GREATNESS CALLS - Telling the Story

Greatness Calls was the title of our Tahitian Noni 2009 International Leadership Conference.

    Our Jersey Team traveled to Las Vegas February 23-26th.  Traveling with us for the first time, our newest business partner, Alfronia Smart, my mother-in-law.  At 75, she admits to never in her wildest dreams ever experiencing the sights and sounds of our ILC family of 3,000 IPCs, and the generosity of our five founders.

Pictured from left to right: Deborah Smart, Faith Simmons, Alfronia Smart and Willie Smart

    Mom also had an opportunity not only to meet the founders, but to also meet and be greeted by one of our more famous business partners, Mr. Danny Glover.

GREATNESS CALLS

"Greatness Calls" is the rallying cry for those who understand the growing problem of poor health.

Consider the following:

• 2/3 of adults are overweight or obese
• #1 cause of death in America is heart disease; a major cause is obesity
• 59 million Americans have diabetes or are pre-diabetic
• #2 killer in America is cancer
• 60% of cancers are preventable through better health and wellness

The top preventable causes of death in America can be largely controlled through choice, including avoiding smoking, consuming a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.

I, along with my family, am committed to our company, Tahitian Noni International's Vision Statement to "To bless the whole earth with the natural goodness of Tahitian Noni and Tell the Story of lives transformed."

I, my family and business partners, are committed to the following:

• Building a worldwide brand
• Making our opportunity attainable for everyone
• Making available the health benefits of our products to everyone
• Blessing the entire earth with the goodness of Tahitian Noni
• Transforming lives with the benefits of noni and the opportunities of TNI

Lives have been transformed by Mr. John Wadsworth's vision.  To transform your life, you only need to make one decision, and that's to contact me.  I have been given the tools to help you. I can help you achieve your goals for yourself, your family and your community. 

I would be failing our mission if I did not share these products and business opportunity with you, my friends and family.  I have seen friends lose, and have also personally loss, family members to effects of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.  I lost my previous husband, Donald and my father to cancer.  Noni fruit has beneficial properties that supports immune function, increases energy, maintains cholesterol levels, supports cardiovascular health and is supported by science.  The beneficial properties are not deluded out of our products, because of our patented process.  There are many phony noni copycats out there, don't be fooled.  The Price Is Not Right...when it comes to maintaining good health.

I am passionate about blessing you and your family, call me at (856)628-2647 or email me at dmsmart@gladstonepublishing.com. 

Deborah Smart
Independent Product Consultant #2452425 and
One Smart Lady

"The Story of TNI"

 

Our Founders [Kelly Olsen, Stephen Story, John Wadsworth, Kerry Asay, and Kim Asay]

TNI History

1993 - John Wadworth travels to Tahiti and confirms the existence of a commercially viable source of noni.
1996 - With a combination of food science expertise, industry experience, and business and Marketing acumen, the foundation is laid for the creation of a revolutionary new venture...Tahitian Noni International.
1997 - TNI posts $33 million in sales during its first year in business.  International expansion begins.
2000 - TNI founders and French Polynesia government sign agreement that brings the country new jobs and significant investment.
2001 - TNI is ranked #26 on Inc. Magazine's list of 500 fastest growing private companies in the United States.  The company's new 150,000 square foot world headquarters opens in Provo, Utah.
2002 - Griffin Hill, an independent marketing research firm, publishes study stating that "Fewer than ten private companies in the history of the world have been able to equal Tahitian Noni International's first six years of growth.
2003 - Cumulative sales reach $2 billion with more than $1 billion in cumulative commissions paid back to IPCs.
2004 - Dozens of new products are introduced, all of which center around the key elements of the noni plant: fruit, leaf and seed.
2007 - 8,000 Independent Product Consultants gather in Las Vegas to witness the launch of TNI's industry-changing functional beverage line called HIRO^TM.
2008 - The company reaches a sales milestone of over $4 billion in cumulative sales and over $2.1 billion in cumulatie commissions paid back to IPCs.  TNI has also paid over $100 million in addtional incentives to its IPCs.
2009 - The company launches functional extensions of TAHITIAN NONI Juice, preserving all the power and integrity of the original TAHITIAN NONI Juice combined with additional natural ingredients to benefit specific needs of the body.  TNI also announces powerful incentive and recognition plan offering even more reward to IPCs above its lucrative compensation plan.

EXCELLENCE IN NUMBERS

MORE THAN 100 MILLION
Number of 1-liter bottles of TAHITIAN NONI Juice that have been sold

$100 MILLION
Quantity of incentives and recognition paid to TNI IPCs in addition to the regular compensation plan commissions.

42
Number of topical product clinical trials providing data on at least one element of noni: noni juice, noni leaf juice, noni leaf extract, and noni see oil.

$2.1 billion
Quantity in commissions paid to TNI Independent Product Consultants.

75
Number of countries in which TNI is operating

NEARLY 200
Number of TNI millionaires.

$4.5 BILLION
Sales of TNI products since 1996.

213
Number of global patents and patents pending owned by TNI on its products, development and processing.

20
Number of bottles of TAHITIAN NONI Juice sold each minute.

$500
Average monthly income of TNI's first leadership position (JADE)--one of industry's highest.

1million
Number of cans of HIRO^TM sold within the first month of its launching.

13
Number of clinical trials on Tahitian Noni Juice completed, published, in-process, or pending.  All prove the benefits of the noni fruits.

Introducing: Tahitian Noni "Smart Extract"

• Calm & Relax: experience the calming, stress-relieving effects
• Healthy Heart: Naturally support a healthy heart
• Endurance: Reduce Fatigue and use energy more effectively
• Mental Clarity: Improve your memory and concentration

Stuck in Third!

"Stuck in Third" is a concept that has been swerling around my brain this month.  I just can not get this term out of my thoughts.  I work with 13 third and fourth graders, so the title could be "Stuck in Third/Fourth!"  Their silliness, chattiness and emotional ups and downs have infiltrated my soul.  They have taken me back to my innocence as a third grader.  In third grade I was excited about life.  I enjoyed my friendships and my family. I have fond memories of my third grade teacher, Miss Holman.  She was an African-American woman in her thirties or forties, soft-spoken and compassionate.  She introduced Marian Anderson to the class as her heroine and her love for the finer things transferred to me. 

My mother always joked that I'd better marry a man with money.  I always wanted more out of life, but I did not know how to get them, except in my dreams. I wanted to be a great dancer; but alas I couldn't really dance.  In my mind, I dressed in ballgowns and danced with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.  These were the male role models that I had in the 50's and 60's.  Of course, there was Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, but his dancing was limited to dancing with Shirley Temple up and down the stairways of the plantations where he worked as a butler.

But, here I am at 58...struck once again with the excitement of dancing.  The excitement and tintilation was resurrected when I watched Barack and Michelle Obama dance across my television screen at the Inaugeral Balls.  At last, we have role models that our young boys and girls can look up to.  Being stuck in the third grade mindset brings forth a sense of excitement and hope, anything is possible.

I highly recommend "Dreams of My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope" written by President Obama. As you read, you hear his voice telling you that he knew from a very long time where he was going. He planned it well.  Now is your time to not only dream and plan; but to work toward achieving your hearts desire.  There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord walked each step of this man's climb to success.

Our pastor, Rev. George E. Holland, Sr., has challenged us to change our mindset, to be more disciplined in our living.  What a blessing it has been for me.  I have so many things that I want to accomplish this year.  Meditation, simplifying my daily tasks and staying in a celebratory frame of life will keep me stuck in third.  Who would have thought at my age, I would be still accelerating instead of slowing down.

My husband and I are looking forward to working with others and growing a lifestyle that benefits not only us as individuals, but our community and our church.  This is not just lip service. This is truly our goal. Stuck in Third!  Excited about life and the possibilities.

Mindset of a Mentor; A Heart of a Counselor

I waited until Christmas Day to post my message for this month. I wanted to wait until I could put into words or select pictures to talk about what 2008 meant to me. Smart LifeStyles is a product of my year in review.  It has always been my dream and goal to write on a regular basis, but I lacked consistency and commitment to this goal.  This year, however, I achieved something that I am very proud; my personal transformation into the person who I really am very comfortable being.  The process has not been a very easy one; and it is still in progress.  This month's blog reflects what I have experienced during the past year.  One thing that has come out of it is, that I do have a mind-set of a mentor and the heart of a counselor.  I enjoy sharing with others, while trying to maintain humility. I hope and pray that what I share with you and others will help to motivate you and them to achieve your personal goals in 2009.

I have to begin with November 2007 when I was certified as a Group Leader for Tahitian Trim Plan 40.  It's the first women's weight loss program designed for women over 40.   Below I'm shown with Arlene Olsen, Founder of the Trim Plan 40 product line.

In December, I was asked to read to ten young children at a group home around the holidays.  In 2004, I had created a personality that I called, Mrs. K, The Book Shepherd with hopes of creating programs that I could market to schools throughout the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.  So, I resurrected the book shepherd, but because we could not bring a religious character into the group home, I dubbed myself Ms. Deborah, The Book Publisher.  I read one of the five books that I had published, "Aunt Debra and My Favorite Things Poster" by Debra A. Pedrow.  It was a great success and each child was given a copy as a holiday present.

It was a wonderful experience for me.  Although we couldn't speak about Jesus, the children knew that we were from a church, and only they were allowed to bring the subject up.  I tried to get them to talk about what they wanted to do when they grew up; or if they ever thought about writing their own stories.  One of the boys said he wanted to become a preacher; another told us about a story that he had written about tornadoes.  They were all precious and my heart went out to them. It was the holidays...some were Christian, one I believe was Jewish and another Muslim.  But the one thing they all had in common, was that they were away from their families. This experience helped me reconcile that I needed to continue my work with children.

During the year, I also worked with the Camden Police's MALL Program.  It was an after-school program designed to give young boys and girls, who were non-violent offenders, a place to come and learn after-school activities; as opposed to doing jail time.  I offered reading and writing projects.  I volunteered Friday afternoons for two hours. Out of this program came a program entitled, "Nibbles and Bites." I designed other activities that gave the students opportunities to not only read, but to discuss and write about their experiences.

In December, I also completed my two year program to become a Certified Biblical Counselor.  Through this program my spiritual growth took off exponentially. My graduation was set for June 2008.

In January 2008, I didn't set any resolutions, because like every other year, I knew that I would not keep them.  So I just became more focused each day on obtaining my goals for my various business ventures and my personal happiness. 

In February, I went in search of my bridal gown, the wedding was set for August 3rd and time was marching on. I knew that a Cinderella wedding was out; nevertheless, I wanted to be a "beautiful" bride. Even though according to the media, at 57 I was a senior citizen, I didn't feel like one.  I also didn't want to act older than I felt.  I was in love and happy and everything that came along with being engaged. I felt really young again.

I found a beautiful gown.  But, in spite of how young I felt, I knew I needed to work on my weight and my hair. I began to earnestly follow the Trim Plan 40 program and set out to lose 20 pounds.  I turned the transformation of my hair over to Wendy Williams at OhDrama and Glamour Studio in Clementon, New Jersey.

February also brought a business trip. We flew to Orlando for the 2008 Tahitian Noni International Regional Meeting. Below is a picture of our business partners, Brenda Njoku, Faith Simmons, Heather Isham, that's me next to Willie Smart, and Terence Reddick.  Brian Battle is manning the camera. 

This business venture is an experience that has shown me that my father was right. He told me many years ago, "You cannot make it in business by yourself."  He knew personally because he had a business for over 20 years, and by the sweat of his brow and back he kept it running; while working full-time at Merck. My father and my grandfather worked hard all of their lives and died in their early 60s. This is not what I want for myself, especially since I am two years shy of my 60th birthday. 

I believe that network marketing is the key to building a viable and long-lasting business, without the undue stress of carrying the burden of business building on your shoulders alone.   Three-gets three-gets three and so on.  It's a way for folks like myself to build financial stability and leave a legacy for those who follow. Some people think that "network marketing" is synonymous with pyramid schemes.  In most cases it's not. Before entering into a network marketing venture, take a look at the company structure and its track record.  In the past year and a half, I have personally witnessed the growth of several individual businesses.

Tahitian Noni International has an eleven year track record; paying out over 2.5 billion dollars in commissions and five major product lines. Tahitian Noni Juice, Healthy Beverage Hiro Drinks, Tepoema and Moea Hair and Skin Care, Trim Plan 40 and our new NatureBorn Super Vitamin. 

The business is built on consumption and product sales. The TNI business is very rewarding, not only financially, but the relationships that are formed and developed over time are lasting. 

In April, Faith and I did a program for some of the men and women from Back On My Feet.  "Back on My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of Philadelphia's homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem." http://www.backonmyfeet.org

Because of my involvement with Tahitian Noni products and my strong belief that whatever I do I do for the Lord and for His purpose, I created a program called, The SPA Hour...Seeking Peace in Abundance. The coordinators of BOMF heard about our SPA program and asked if we would participate in a Stop Smoking Program.  If individuals stopped smoking for a specified period of time, they would be allowed to have a free facial. It was a wonderful experience and everyone including the organizers enjoyed themselves.

In March I was back in Camden working with the PAL organization. We had a five week, Creative Writing Program with ten young people.  From it I have a book project that I must complete. Because of my focus on the wedding and subsequent marriage, this project along with a couple of others have been pushed back.  I have put together an action plan to get these projects published, and will report their progress in LifeStyles.

In July, just a few weeks before the wedding, we participated in a multi-cultural festival at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. In the picture below we have our products on display and we met quite a few people who didn't realized that Tahitian Noni had more than just the juice to offer. In the picture are Faith Simmons, Beverly Lucas, Eric Wilson and my fiance Willie Smart.

On August 3rd, the Lord shined down on us with a beautiful day, and I must admit, I was a beautiful 58 year old bride.  Below is a short slide presentation with music (so if you're at work, turn your volume down, or put on your ear phones). 

In September, I took a part-time position at Lea Community Elementary School in Philadelphia as an After-School Instructor.  I truly found my home. I thoroughly enjoy working with my ladies as I call them. They are third and fourth grade scholars.  They remind me the importance of paying attention to our children...not to wait until they are in High School, but to start when they are young.  They have the capacity to love and be loved.  They can learn how to respect others; as well as themselves.  It's not too late to build strong relationships and keep them through out their lives.  This I learned from my husband.  We have been approached many times by young adults who at one time came to him as troubled teens or considered damaged goods by others. But, because of his love and respect for who they were; not who people labeled them as, they were able to survive to go on to lead productive lives.

At last...not only has my love come along in the person of Willie Smart; but my love for life and children is growing everyday.  I look forward to continuing my story in 2009.

May you and your family have a wondrous adventure in 2009. May the Lord bless you and yours. Good night.

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