Mahogany Vida's Community Connection

The Inner Strength Within

De Vida Bell — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:04:16 GMT

"You don't need anyone else's permission to be happy. Your life is magnificent not because someone says it is, but because you choose to see it as such." -- by Ralph Marston

We all have an inner strength within all of us most of which is hidden, caged and ready to be unleashed. It is formed within layers of our personality, internal cognitions and external experiences. Some of our strengths are easily identified by either ourselves or those around us whereas others only manifest within the diversity and challenges we face personally, professionally, and/or privately. We seek refuge in remembering words of wisdom set before us by others we cherish (eg. mom, dad, preacher, and teacher). Other times we seek guidance from coaches, mentors, therapists and friends. Yet in still, each one of us trail back to our personal experiences and the triumphs we’ve overcome to find some peace and understanding in times of trial and tribulations.

Take heed in knowing that your strength within is only a layer away preparing you to: just stand in the wake of the storm; enabling you to be open as you embark upon your breakthrough; creating gratitude within your success; and offering patience and solitude in the meekest of hours.

Capture the moment, take the initiative and create the time to identify your emotions, characteristics and instincts that are the beacon to your strengths. Identify and choose your circle of influence, inner circle of friends and confidants wisely and allow the chosen few to assist and direct you in peeling away and unleashing your inner strength within. It is within this realm that you will give yourself permission to be happy and open to unconditional love and support by not only yourself but others as well.

For more information on balancing your way to success, visit http://www.mahoganyvida.com

© 2012 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it.

Author, Speaker, & Certified Success Coach - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their personal, professional and private life creating increased self-worth, growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

The Calm Before The Storm

De Vida Bell — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:24:48 GMT

“Difficulties in life are intended to make us better not bitter” -- by Dan Reeves

How do you term the word “difficulty” and how do you define it? What are the traditional affects it causes in your life and is it solution focused or a mere ramification of an action you took. Difficulties are but life’s challenges that are a detoured roadmap to throw us off our destined path preparing and equipping us with the skills and mechanisms we may need to either enhance our lifestyle or improve our personal, professional and/or private development.

Are we listening? I would say no, not usually. Nine times out of ten, we are stuck in a tornado of flying cars, buildings, and cracked roads, consistently trying to dodge fires versus shifting our mindset to find safety first. Once safety is secure, our mind and body will then allow for our minds to be open enabling us to identify potential solutions to challenges eventually allowing lessons to be learned and understood in the calm after the storm.

If we begin to make a conscious effort to redefine our verbiage such as “difficulties” into “challenges” and put our mind on optimistic autopilot, we can then be proactive in looking for the lessons versus standing by waiting for disasters to strike first only to pick up the pieces of debris later.

For more information on balancing your way to success, visit http://www.mahoganyvida.com

This Is Our Time!

De Vida Bell — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:01:12 GMT

"When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’" – Sydney Harris

“These are the best of times, these are the worst of times, but today, is our time,” USC all-star basketball player Paula McGee said, at a USC Alumni Women’s Conference.

I remember listening to those words and thinking to myself, she is absolutely right. No matter who you are, what you do, or what your background and/or experience, your life will be filled with challenges, that I can guarantee. I can also guarantee that at some point in life you will question yourself, your abilities and the decisions you make personally, professionally and/or privately. But what is the message? With each situation, there is a lesson that you are given to learn but whether you seek to understand it is completely and utterly up to you. And once you receive the message, then what? What will you do with the information? Will you process and embrace it, or ignore and throw it away just so it can be repeated at a different point in time for you to rediscover.

The life we live is made to do just that… LIVE! Yes, at times life will be hard, it will be challenging and it may not even make sense but it will also be filled with infinite possibilities and opportunities. At any given point you can decide to change things up, have a “do over,” and start another day, another minute, and another hour anew. Would you take that challenge if it was given to you and what is it worth?

Sometimes being comfortable isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes it could be the very thing to kill your spirit and decompose the very essence of your personal, professional and/or private progress without even knowing it. Change is difficult, yes! But so is laying idle and doing nothing to enhance and improve your own well-being. Make time to process your life, who you surround yourself with, and what you do for a living. Are you happy and fulfilled or are you just living and content without being and feeling ALIVE? Only you can answer that question. These are the best of times, these are the worst of time, but today is our time… lets make it count!

For more information on success and lifestyle, visit http://www.mahoganyvida.com

Does Living A Lavish Lifestyle Mean Success?

De Vida Bell — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:21:04 GMT

"Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to achieve it." – Dalai Lama

Whether we are reading a magazine, watching television or listening to the radio, the media is creating the buzz over what’s hot and what’s not in all the latest trends and fashions. Industry professionals utilize celebrities to entice their products by sending a different message directing us to believe that we too can live that lavish lifestyle, if we purchase their products. But, is all the hoopla fact of fiction? Does living that lavish lifestyle mean success?

We can work hard all of our lives and save every penny but the reality is, is doesn’t whole heartedly guarantee success. In the midst of the dream, what have you given up and why?

Leaving a relationship that was toxic or fueled with standards and ultimatums to be independent and follow your destined path…

Leaving a home that was financially driving you into bankruptcy to an apartment, condo and/or townhouse with less overhead, less stress and within a closer mile radius of your dream city and lifestyle…

Leaving a dead end job with no emotional support to a career you are passionate about, believe in and that which fulfills your life’s work…

All of these scenarios are but a few of the examples that people go through daily to establish greatness. Therefore, the question is not necessarily what is success but what have you had to give up to achieve it. Sometimes it takes small pebbles and even huge boulders thrown at you to clear the path to open your eyes. Once that path is clear, it is up to you, and only you to make your final decision and be congruent with it. There is no magical wand and no easy answer; only time will tell. Have faith that you will make the right decision for you and success will be knocking on your doorstep. True success is not about money or material goods but about growth, personally, professionally, and privately. It’s about the journey and the lessons you learned in the process to achieve greatness.

For more information on success and lifestyle, visit http://www.mahoganyvida.com

A New Year’s Resolution… Or A Bucket List?

De Vida Bell — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:54:56 GMT

"Another fresh new year is here... Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give!" -- William Arthur Ward

Another year has come and gone and so often many of us use this time to make New Year’s Resolutions… but why? Can’t we just create a bucket list? I mean what’s the real reason why the beginning of the year has to be the time to make a change or transition? And, why is this time any more promising than last time, last week, last month, or even the next few days?

The reality is we talk a good talk and our intentions might be all well in good but the bottom line is that until we are both consciously and unconsciously ready to get our affairs in order from our finances, to our relationships, and any other area within our personal, professional, and private life, there will always be that next time or date change … and then unfortunately, tomorrow never comes.

So, what do we do with this? We start by recognizing our curable patterns of behavior. We recognize our “what if’s” and our “maybe’s” and remove our limiting beliefs of what and how we feel about ourselves. We figure out what, if anything is causing us not to move forward toward our goals and dreams and disseminate the “why” behind our unhealthy belief system. Then, we make a change.

We create a bucket list using our senses of things we want to see, do, hear, and feel. These are things we want to accomplish and want to experience so we set small goals for ourselves utilizing a life coach, if needed to keep us accountable and on track. We write our goals down and put a deadline on it to move it from a pipe dream to an action item that we place in our daily planner. We check off and celebrate each accomplishment no matter how small or large it may be to embed a joining of celebrations within both your conscious and unconscious. And we allow ourselves to enjoy the process for when we enjoy the process, the journey will not seem so long and the outcome will be sustaining.

For more information on coaching, time management, setting goals and lifestyle balance, visit http://www.mahoganyvida.com

© 2012 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it.

Author, Speaker, & Certified Success Coach - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their personal, professional and private life creating increased self-worth, growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

The Power Of Words... Or Is It Tone?

De Vida Bell — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:23:09 GMT

"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails." -- John Maxwell

Regardless of the era from which you were raised, you may have heard your parents or another adult say, "it's important to go to school so you can get a good job." But, what you didn't hear as often, if at all, was how to handle the power of words, the richness of tone, and the camaraderie of bullying "within the workplace."

Yes, I said workplace. We advocate for anti-bullying for our youth, we stand together for shared values, yet we constantly turn the other cheek when we see, hear, or experience bullying by peers, clients and/or administration. But why? Why should it be any different? Isn't the impact and the aftermath just as important, prevalent and irreprehensible as with a child? Should age really matter? I think not.

The reality is it's just as illegal, unethical, and morally wrong regardless of age, gender, title/position, etc... No one deserves to be bullied and feel less than. We look across the span of life from infancy to the senior years and we often wonder what experiences made them the person they are today? What did they go through to help them endure and succeed and/or fall short of their goals and dreams?

We look at the development and the core areas of one's life, understanding that each area is interdependent of the next and wonder how one "character building" day at the hands of another can possibly cause so much grief, turmoil or listless state...

Emotional Well-Being (eg. depression, isolation, fear) has the potential to impact and/or affect other aspects of one's life: Family (eg. how they treat/interact with their spouses, children, loved ones); Physical Well-Being (eg. overeating, undereating, loss of exercise); Career (eg. termination, low job performance, stress); Spirituality (eg. belief in self, belief in a higher being, faith); and the list goes on, and on, and on...

So the question is... what do we do? We educate others on the continuous maltreatment of others and existence that bullying in the workplace is alive and well and NOT to be tolerated! We advocate for others who can't stand up for themselves. We make a conscious choice to speak up and stick to our values and not minimize the seriousness of a threat, a remark, or a command while paying close attention to not only the words but also the tone. Is it appropriate? Is it professional? And, is it constructive?

If we, as a community, can train on harassment (be it sexual or any other), than we can and should certainly make an amendment to add bullying to the list of things not to be tolerated both within and outside the workplace. They go hand in hand and is just as important.

The time to do something is now! Often times the stand we take is one of immediacy (eg. hospitalization, medical leave, or seeking new employment) but is that the only answer? I think not. I think it's one solution but they're are several others to the increasing problem that's within the taboo of "hear no evil, speak no evil" or "workplace secrets."

Another solution is to take a stand and advocate for what's right, make its presence known so others left behind or those to follow will not have to endure the horrific wrath by another based on the position, prestige, or popularity within the agency, program, project, and/or community. Remember, part of being is.. Service To Others, which is also another core area of a person's life within the Mahogany Vida Blueprint of Success System; so why not start with yourself. Don't you deserve it! Stand tall, act now, and embrace your Mahogany Vida!

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it.

Author, Speaker, & Certified Success Coach - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their personal, professional and private life creating increased self-worth, growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

Obstacles are Inevitable - So Embrace Them

De Vida Bell — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:14:34 GMT

"Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star doesn't change in mind." -- Leonardo da Vinchi

Having obstacles is a fundamental part of life. It's fundamental because within each challenge you have the rare and unique opportunity to create, grow, and build on your identity, your character and your strength.

You have the innate ability to decide how you are going to proceed and then make a conscious decision of how, and to what degree, you are going to allow the obstacle to effect you within your personal, professional and/or private lifestyle - even if the outcome is less than desirable. The choice is ultimately up to you.

Will you choose to allow an obstacle to beat you down and destroy the innermost part of you resulting in defeat, depression and/or low self-esteem OR will you "get your Mahogany Vida in check" and utilize it as a growing mechanism to challenge yourself, step outside of your comfort zone, and come up with alternative resources, methods, and/or unconventional and nontraditional means to create the path you desire. It's your achievement, your success, and the choice is in your hands.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it.

Author, Speaker, & Certified Success Coach - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their personal, professional and private life creating increased self-worth, growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

What's Love Got To Do With It?

De Vida Bell — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 22:27:08 GMT

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections." -- Author Unknown

The word "LOVE" overtime has been so misused and misunderstood on so many different levels that many are afraid to use the word anymore let alone trust that the very word means anything at all. Is it "LOVE," when you're in a relationship yet still venture off to - other pastures - whenever the mood is right?

The verdict is still out. Some say yes while others say no. Many times the explanation is "it didn't' mean anything," or "it was only one time," or the common phrase "it wasn't me" but does that make it right? The answer... no.

Regardless if you're a male or female, infidelity is something that people may forgive but will never forget. It's an action that can leave others angry, powerless, useless, hurt, used, etc... For some, it can result in a series of negative reactions (eg. fatality, abuse, hatred, depression, retaliation, etc) while in others it may produce increased strength, power, determination and assertiveness.

The reaction is different for different people and is also situationally based. Sometimes you will never know the deep impact it has laid on the other until it is too late.

It's important to define what the word means to you and set your values accordingly as to what your looking for in a relationship. What are you willing to tolerate? What are your boundaries? What are you willing to sacrifice, if anything?

It's important to be clear of what you want and hold yourself to a certain standard of how you want and should be treated.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it.

Author, Speaker, & Certified Success Coach - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their personal, professional and private life creating increased self-worth, growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

Happiness is...

De Vida Bell — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:32:16 GMT

"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." -- Burton Hills

I ask the question, what is happiness really? Do YOU know? If you could define it in technical terms, how would you describe it?

The answer is simply this. It just is...

Because happiness can mean so many different things to so many different people one cannot say that happiness is one particular thing and/or event; that would be an injustice. Happiness can be a mood, an emotion, a feeling, an experience, a sense of being, etc...

I guess the mere fact that we have lived thusfar to talk about it and have personally experienced it in one time or another in our lifetime is but an example of how powerful "happiness" can be.

Yet, with such a feeling, we still prey victim, at times, to allowing others to kill our inspiration, minimize our accomplishments, ridicule our shortcomings and massacre our dreams. But why? Whatever the reason, it's time to stop the madness and take the control back in your life.

Remove yourself from nay-sayers and negativity; shift your mindset and associate with other like-minded positive individuals; take action and be responsible for your actions, your destiny and your day to day activities. Allow your actions, your emotions and your future to be your choice versus someone elses.

The reality is... you are in control of your happiness and even when things are looking down, you have a choice to determine your outcome, your circumstance and/or your outlook to a brighter more prosperous tomorrow.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

Character vs Reputation

De Vida Bell — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:10:05 GMT

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are" -- John Wooden

What's more important to you - your character or your reputation? Living in the public eye, you may venture to say your reputation, concerned about what others say and think about you, while on the other hand struggling to find that happy medium of allowing your emotions to venture outside your comfort zone. Containing your emotions creates another side of you that begins to become apparent, not recognizable at times to others and maybe even yourself resulting in vulnerability - another element that can manifest the exposure you may not want nor intend to share with others.

So the question bares then, when is it appropriate to just be you... The answer, at all times! Your character is who you really are, for all of your strengths as well as your limitations... It is through all of your characteristics that you find the inner strength to endure all of life's challenging moments and character building days. It is through your character that people appreciate your genuiness and uniquess and for that, it's something worth talking about. Remember no one is perfect, but if we live life with purpose and embrace in our own uniqueness and that of others, imagine what we could find; a life full of interesting conversations and shared interests.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

Should Celebrities Have Privacy...

De Vida Bell — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:55:00 GMT

"Responsibility is the price of greatness." -- Winston Churchill

The question begs should a celebrity be entitled to their privacy? I think it depends on who you ask... People fall into this "elite" category becoming celebrities for different reasons:

Their God given talent;
Philanthropy and service efforts;
Family connections and/or friend-acquaintance associations;
Public display of strong opinions whether positive or negative;
Actions and/or behaviors that are questionable and inappropriate instilling overnight success;
Career of choice;
And others...

But regardless of how they were initiated into the "group," the questions still remains, should aspects of their personal life stay private, away from preying ears and eyes?

Celebrities like Oprah and Donahue, Beyonce and Usher, Magic and Shaq, Obama and Bush, Trump and Gates reputations are highlights in the media (past and present) and are or have been role models for some.. and questionable by others. And, because of "others" opinions, their private life is deemed open for public discussion, with "people" trying o dig up anything and everything regardless of how far in the past they must dig to find "the story."

But why? Is what they're doing now have anything prevalent or any barring on who they've dated, how well they did in school or how their family life was as a child?

If we shifted the same context to mere citizens outside of the spotlight - YOU - and your current status at work, home and/or in the community, would it be acceptable for others to investigate your past accomplishments and indiscretions, childhood and teenage years through today? What if there was a hidden video of you from the time you were born to today. What would be discovered and is there anything you would hope would not be on public display? What would you never post on social media or better yet hope would not be posted about you?

The reality is we are all subject to public ridicule in one form or another... from the clothes we wear, to whom we associate, to our thoughts, words and deeds personally, professionally and privately. And, because of that, regardless of status, those that prefer to keep their home, family or other part of their life private should be able to unless there's a legal or questionable entity that warrants such evasion.

A career is a choice, a viewpoint we can agree to disagree, and a lifestyle we can change... but a person is who we are and should be respected all the same.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

What's Really Going On... In Life?

De Vida Bell — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 02:49:37 GMT

"One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine who have interests." -- John Stuart Mill

What's really going on? We moan and whine about our financial situation, stress at home and work, kids, spouse and/or significant other, the economy, the community, etc... yet we take minimal action to assist in changing the current situation. Instead, we choose to gripe and complain exhausting any and all excess energy into limitless, menial conversation.

We individually may love politics yet we don't vote, don't advocate, don't support and don't educate others on the important issues of our times past and present.

We individually may love helping others yet when the paycheck doesn't meet our needs and/or in line with our own standards, we decline to assist, refuse to volunteer, or don't have time to guide and support someone in trouble. Yet, we choose to embrace philanthropy when media is widely available enabling us to promote our own endeavors and attention.

We individually may love our families yet outcast those that do not meet our expectations, challenge our decisions and views, and can't and/or won't offer monetary assistance at a moment's notice.

The list can go on, and on, and on. Having preconceived standards and expectations is one thing but helping to improve the quality of life is another.

Negativity surrounds us daily, it's inevitable, so why add to it? It's better to leave well enough alone. Live your life on purpose and be a change agent vs adding to the constant deficit which is present whether we want to believe it or not. What position do you take and where do you stand?

Will you be an agent for change to improve the quality of life, a squatter watching others do the work while your reap the benefits, or a trash talker spilling out negativity where ever you may go? Where do you stand in Life? What's really going on?

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

What Side Of The Fence Are You On?

De Vida Bell — Thu, 05 May 2011 04:03:00 GMT

"Don't let your past steal your present" -- Cherralea Morgen

What side of the fence are you on? Regardless of your background, we all have the opportunity to live up to our "true" potential. It's how we choose to invest, learn from our challenges and misfortunes, and seek resources that will determine our outcome.

We can choose to blame our parents, our circumstances, or our first grade teacher for our current situation if the result we're looking for is stagnant, futile and motionless.

On the other hand, we can thank them for a life filled with teachings enabling us to embrace our uniqueness, understand and/or conquer our fears, celebrate small and minuscule successes, and strengthen our senses.
Thus, enabling us to remain flexible, open-minded, encouraged and attune to what awaits us.

So, what side of the fence are you on? Are you the pessimist or the optimist? Do you see defeat or do see opportunity?

The answer lies within.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 .

What's In A Word...

De Vida Bell — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:47:00 GMT

"Success will not lower its standards to us. We must raise our standard to success."
- Rev. Randall R. McBride

How many times in your life have you heard someone saying the words, "I Can't"... probably more than you can count. "I Can't" because I'm too small; "I Can't" because I don't know how; "I Can't" because...

Using the words "I Can't" is not something that you generated on your own but rather someone, at some point in time, told you you can't do something for one reason or another. And, without realizing the impact, it unfolded on you. You unconsciously adopted those words in your vocabulary as a response to something you've never tried, never experienced, and/or something that appeared too difficult and inconceivable to accomplish.

So, because it's a learned behavior and thought process you have the choice to delete the use of those toxic words and replace them with a more positive tone "I'll Try." "I'll Try" because it's different; "I'll Try" because it might be fun; "I'll Try" because it sounds interesting; "I'll Try" because...

Changing your use of negative words can be done if you shift your mindset to "I'll Try"...

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 or following her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

Time Is Of The Essence

De Vida Bell — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:36:00 GMT

"Most people who fail in their dreams fail not from lack of ablity but from lack of committment."
- Zig Ziglar

The words "I Can't" are used so frequently as the words and, or, and be , that it's amazing how we as a society get things done, at times.

We are afraid of failure yet we won't take the action needed to succeed.

We are afraid of the unknown yet we stop before realizing the amazing opportunities that could be awaiting us if we just start asking questions and connect with others.

We are afraid of doubt yet we learned how to walk and ride a bike which we had to learn with practice and perseverance. Even though we fell when we first started we kept trying till we achieved our desired goal.

Life happens whether we want it to or not. The reality is we all have the same opportunity - to succeed - but what are, as individuals, willing to do to take our life to the next level... are we going to stop because we're afraid to take action... what if Thomas Edison Stopped, Martin Luther King Stopped, your Parents Stopped, Teachers Stopped... then what...

Time is of the essence to commit to your dreams... if you're not going to take action, then who will...

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 or following her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

The Ultimate Gift

De Vida Bell — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:12:00 GMT

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." -- Mother Teresa

Whether we live lavish and comfortable or well below our means, the ultimate test of a person is character. It's not the degree(s), the job(s), the money assets, friends, or lack there of ... as these things are materialistic in nature and can go just as well as they came.

A person's character, to give of oneself unconditionally is the ultimate gift. How is that defined? It's defined by honesty, trust, dependability, morals, values, beliefs, love and how we treat others. It's how we carry ourselves in good and challenging times and how we give from the heart. It's not about how often we give, where we give or to whom we give but more so why we give because the most cherished moments are given unconditionally via a thought, word or deed without forethought. It may be a smile, a friendly gesture or a helping hand but whatever it is... what may be small and inconsequential for one may be big and surmountable to another. We never know how one act of kindness can affect another.

Isn't it time we become an agent for change and give the gift of the heart.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 or following her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

Get Your Ducks In A Row

De Vida Bell — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 01:53:00 GMT

"He is able who thinks he is able." - Buddha

Most of us have heard the ole' adage "Get your ducks in a row," but what does that really mean? Does it mean to get organized? To wipe the slate clean? To get our priorities in order? To follow up on something?

If we'd survey 100 people and ask them the same question, I'd bet we would get a variety answers. Regardless of whatever interpretation you may personally choose, we all have the innate ability for a "do-over." At any point in time we can start fresh. We can stop what we're doing that's not working or needs to be improved upon and shift our mind-set to a new perspective, change our lifestyle, make our actions follow a different path, and/or do something that's refreshing and new.

How often do we see people in their more seasoned years go back to school, professionals of all ages returning back to achieve yet another degree or certification, people changing professions/careers and others leaving corporate to purse non-profit or entrepreneurship.

The reality is, the world is our oyster but it's up to each and every one of us to decide what we are willing to do to obtain it. Procrastination is at the forefront idling opportunity. It's knocking on our door but we have a choice not to let it in. We know, by experience the ramifications if we don't choose wisely. If we don't choose "the oyster" now, when? What will it take for us, as individuals, to get our ducks in a row?

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 or following her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida.

Analyze To Action

De Vida Bell — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 23:49:00 GMT

"When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world we lose connection with one another and ourselves." - Jack Kornfield

With busy schedules and active lifestyles, life can be placed in a state of vulnerability. Vulnerability toward emotional turmoil, depression, loneliness, anxiety, burnout and loss. But, it's also prone to strength, endurance, empowerment, fulfillment, organization and structure. How you define your individual lifestyle has an impact on your perception and whether you have the mindset and ability to balance successfully.

Ask yourself: What course of action needs to be taken to improve your lifestyle personally, professionally or privately? Have you enlisted the help of a therapist, coach or mentor? Have you educated yourself via books, seminars or workshops on specific topics to increase your knowledge and improve self-development?

If not, there's no time like the present to invest in yourself and your well-being. Your lifestyle may not change but how you perceive it, structure it and embrace it can.

For more information on services focused on taking control of your life, visit my website at https://www.mahoganyvida.com. You will find information on products, services and upcoming events to assist you on our journey.

© 2010 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 or following her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

What Would Your Time Management Tell About You?

De Vida Bell — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:01:00 GMT

"In every area of our lives, we get back what we send out." - Marshall Sylver

It's a wonder what goes on in some people's heads when they're explicitly told to be at a specific destination at a specific time and they still arrive late. The words "around" or "approximately" were no where in the context nor the delivery of the sentence yet the assumption of arriving beyond the time allotted was "okay," based on their perception of what was heard. So, as a result, their arrival of ten to fifteen minutes up to one hour or more late with without regard would or should bare no consequence in their eyes... Hummm.

Although some may have the best of intentions and mean well, it leaves little respect to those who have planned, coordinated, or waited for the other to arrive. The nonchalant response when they arrive of, "okay, lets go" or "well, I'm here now aren't I," appears to be a mere play on words and total lack of regard toward others.

But, what if the roles were reversed. What if those same individuals were hosting, coordinating, planning or were waiting for you to arrive to attend the event and you were delayed as such. What would the response be then? Would they be so inclined to be late themselves... let's take some time to really put this into perspective.

The traditional time management is only a portion of the equation to balancing life. Another is what's in the mind frame of those who don't pay attention to the fundamental details or neccessity of others. Whether within your control or outside of your control, it's important to consider that of others time, energy and commitment.

© 2010 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 or following her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor

Whose Knocking On Your Door?

De Vida Bell — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 03:22:00 GMT

"The only safe thing is to take a chance." - Mike Nichols

Do you ever wonder whose knocking on your door before you answer? Is it a friend, neighbor, family member, sales person, or a representative from a collection agency?

At times you may even question whether or not to answer due to not wanting to be bothered, dodging the inevitable or simply, you just don't feel like getting up off that comfortable couch. The same holds true for how we live our "life." We get so comfortable with our daily routine that we are either too afraid or don't want to be bothered answering the door. Instead, we either think that maybe the person will go away or pray that someone else will get it.

Most of us are afraid of the unknown - who or what may be standing on the other side. Instead of wondering, think about would happen if we took the time to shift our mindset and flip the script toward a different outcome. For example, what if the person behind the door was offering you that all expense paid dream vacation you've always wanted, what if it was a long lost family member who held the key to your past you always wanted the answer to, or maybe it was a stranger hand delivering one million dollars in cash to you because of something you did, something you said, or who you represent?

Regardless of the situation but knowing that IF you were to open the door it would make a substantial positive impact on your life - would you then answer the door? If you answered yes, then ask yourself why? What's the difference?

Living life by our fears or just plan procrastination or laziness can result in lost opportunities that could potentially change the outcome of our lives.

© 2010 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker - De Vida Bell - teaches people with "busy" schedules and "active" lifestyles how to balance their life, by channeling into each one of their core life areas, while focusing on their growth and freedom. Visit http://mahoganyvida.com for more information. Discover tips on how to maintain balance between your personal, professional and private life by getting her FREE monthly ezine Lifestyle 'N Motion at http://www.mcssl.com/app/join.asp?merchantid=159227 or following her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mahoganyvida.

© 2011 Mahogany Vida Enterprises, LLC WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it. Author, Speaker, Certified Success Coach, Lifestyle Balance Specialist & Licensed Clinical Social Wor