New Single Is blog entry: Lessons From A Child

Please support Single Is. An awesome organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring women. 

Check out my new guest blog entry for Single Is at: Lessons From A Child by @delesaj http://ht.ly/5B2wP

Check out our new Feature!

Check out my new feature on Single Is: http://singleis.com/blogpost/one-woman-spotlight-jasmine/ thank you to #SingleIs and @ShontayeH for the feature!

We are excited to publish our first article for Single Is, stay tuned for details!

~Delesa J

Faith Will Get You Through

Hey guys here is a quick free write that I did one day. There has been a lot going on in my life recently; both good and bad. I feel like I am being pushed to my full potential only to breakthrough into a stronger, wiser person. 

The journey has been hard and I am nowhere near the end (although, I'm closer today then I was yesterday) but I wouldn't change it for anything. So please take from it what you need and/or pass it along to someone who may need it. 

Faith is what keeps me going; faith is that little flickering light at the end of the tunnel, faith is that tiny mustard seed, faith is seeing someone worst off than you, faith is hope, faith is...

So when in doubt, despair, pain or whatever the case may be just remember Faith will get you through.

Faith Will Get You Through

We often do things on our own and seek God’s help after we have failed. Then we have the nerve to question why he did not save us or how could he let us struggle?

Here is a wake up call: He does not operate like that. The problem is you.

You have to remain faithful to the Lord and pray everyday. Pray before and during a crisis not just after.

The most important lesson you can learn is that prayer works and faith will get you through the darkest hours. However, you have to make God your plan A instead of your plan B. He cannot be placed on standby.

Challenge yourself this week: increase your faith and mediation time. Then watch miraculous things take place right before your eyes.

Remember; when in doubt always remember that faith will get through. 

²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20

New International Version (NIV)

Passage taken from: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A20&version=NIV

~Delesa J

Question to ponder: What is Faith to you? Please feel free to share. 

Look at me Now!

Hello all! A lot has been going on recently and I feel so blessed and favored. I recently became a writer for Feva La Bella Magazine and one of my articles was recently published in the June edition of FEVA!!

According to Fevalabella.com: 

The mission of “FEVA” LA BELLA MAGAZINE IS TO GIVE HOPE TO THE LEAST, THE LOST, AND THE LEFT OUT!

“FEVA” LA BELLA MAGAZINE seeks to provide insight into issues that affect and impact women of color, to inspire women to achieve, to educate women in both practical and intellectual subjects, and to create a supportive and nurturing community.

I am so excited to begin this new relationship and to write articles that will inspire and motivate other women and women of color. Everyone knows, I'm a feminist at heart ;). So once again I am blessed to be combining my passion of helping others with my passion for writing. Who could ask for a better job? 

So cheers to my new journey! I look forward to continuing my work with FEVA as well as building new relationships with other magazines and newspapers. So let the writing begin!

Note: In order to view my article (page 56) (and other upcoming articles) you must purchase the magazine, either in print or digital. Here's a link if you are interested in purchasing: @FEVALABELLA officially welcomes @delesaj in June with “Recession with a Lemon Twist” http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/200221 “FEVA”!!

Thank you all for your continued support. 

"So remember when life gives you lemons, do not just make lemonade, plant your own grove of lemon trees."-Delesa J (quote from my June FEVA article)

~Delesa J 

How to do it Yourself: Resume Writing and Business Workshops, act now!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to write your own resume? Delesa J Writing Services is giving workshops that will teach you hands on skills and prepare you to write that eye catching resume and to put you on the right track for starting your own business. Sign up today to lock in the $25 cost!!!

Resume Writing Tips by Resume.Com

During this tough economic time it is important to have a strong resume. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself; your resume should stand out and make a bold statement. See the tips below on how to write a strong resume. Get ready, set, write!

Resume Writing Tips

Resume.com | Resume Tips

10 Resume Writing Tips

Keep in mind when writing your resume the importance of using PAR statements.
PAR stands for Problem-Action-Results, in other words, first you state the problem that existed in your workplace, then you describe what you did about it, and finally you point out the beneficial results. Essentially, you use action verbs to portray your accomplishments and briefly describe the results.

1. Your resume must be presentable; that means it has to be neat and error free. No room for typos or grammatical errors. Always have someone proofread your resume for errors and clarity.
2. Presentation is important. Format your resume so that the employer can peruse it quickly and identify your strengths. This is the opportunity to make a first impression.
3. Use specific key words and buzzwords in your resume. Keywords are related to your job skills, experience, and qualifications. Buzzwords are words related to the industry you are applying in or employer’s business type. Do not abbreviate words.
4. Remember to use action verbs to portray yourself, such as active, accomplished, contributed, transformed, improved, etc. Managers and supervisors can use a different set of action verbs, such as Managed, Supervised, Directed, etc.
5. Avoid Personal Pronouns such as “I” or “me.” If you use them in your first draft, remember to remove them in the final resume document. For example if you write “I helped with the creation of a recruitment program…” You can say “Created a recruitment program that…” or “Contributed to the creation of a recruitment program…”
6. Be specific and to the point. Highlight accomplishments and key points. Accomplishments can be listed; key points can be highlighted in bold or italics text. Bullets are key to minimizing text.
7. Your objective should read clearly throughout your resume. Emphasis should be placed on skills and strengths. Personal traits (hard worker, responsible, self-motivated, organized, etc) may be important depending on the job you are applying for. Your personal traits will show in the resume and the interview.
8. List only recent information. The general rule of thumb is to show your work experience by most recent experience first; and keep it relative to the position you are applying to. Avoid experiences that go back many years and are irrelevant. Keep it concise, well organized, be honest and keep it positive. Remember your resume is a reflection of you.
9. Avoid vocabulary, or words, that do not reflect who you are. The person reading your resume will not be impressed. Keep it simple and use words we all understand. Having someone else, say, a Resume Writing Service, write your resumes may not reflect who “you” are.
10. Use clearly identified section headings. Section headings are your Objective, Employment Experience / History, Skills, Summary, Summary of Qualifications, Education, Professional Affiliations, Publications, Licenses and Certifications, Honors, and References (if requested). Accomplishments and Strengths should be reflected in the body of your résumé.

Note: Never write in your resume or cover letter, that you are interested in the position because you want to “grow” or “advance” your career with them. You do not want to make the company feel like you are using them to grow your career; they will not risk having you move on to another company with what they have taught you. When a company hires you and they train you, they are making an investment. Companies are not in the business of teaching their employees so they can move on to other companies – hence advancing their employees’ careers.

You want the position to establish a long lasting relationship with the company so you can contribute your past experience and knowledge, and at the same time grow with the company. Mention that you want to utilize your past experience but at the same time, enhance you knowledge to the benefit of the company.

Resume Tips

A resume is the tool that, if written correctly and presented accurately, will help you land a job. It outlines your experiences, accomplishments, qualifications and skills. If formatted properly, an employer should be able to see immediately if you have the right qualifications and skill set he or she is looking for and whether you can contribute to the company. If you cannot communicate that in your resume within the first 30 seconds, almost by glance, then you have most likely failed the first round. Your resume will end up in the rejection pile and filed away.

To be effective keep your resume clear and focused. Highlight previous employers, city and Job Titles. Your previous employers’ job description / duties should focus around the requirements, as much as possible, of the position you are applying for. Mention accomplishments. Use key words. You should know as much as possible of the duties and skills of the job you are applying for.

Before you begin to write your resume, write down in chronological order (with the most recent position listed first) your past jobs, dates of employment and responsibilities or duties. Include only the most relevant duties and responsibilities, in addition to accomplishments, applicable to the position you are applying for. Again, the more you know about the employer and position, the better you can organize your resume. Avoid superfluous information (things that are not relevant).
You will note that the more experience you have, the easier it will be to write your resume. High School or college graduates will have a difficult time organizing a resume, for lack of work experience. In this case coursework, part-time jobs, summer internships, and volunteer work can be just as impressive. Good luck!

"You’ve got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it. It’s called perseverance." – Lee Iacocca

~Delesa J 

Are You a Writer? by Dr. Wayne Dyer

I loved this blog by Dr. Wayne Dyer. If you know who Dr. Dyer is then you know no further introduction is needed. If you don't know who he is please visit: http://www.drwaynedyer.com.

Author: Dr. Wayne Dyer
Source: http://www.drwaynedyer.com/blog/are-you-a-writer

Are You a Writer?

3/2/11 at 11:00 am | by DR. WAYNE W. DYER

People ask me about writing all the time. How does it work? How can they get their message out to the world? On the recent Hay House I Can Do It cruise, I spoke to the Writer’s Workshop which was one of the programs given on the ship. What a great group of eager, empowered, and energetic people! I told them that it all hinges on what Abraham Maslow taught me many years ago when I was a young doctoral student. He told me to put forth what I wanted, my work, my message, and then detach from the outcome. This is true for any life work because the work itself must be what is satisfying and fulfilling for you. Writing is challenging work because it’s so easy to get consumed with how it’s going, what’s going to happen to it, who’s going to like or not like it. You want to get all of that stuff out of your head and just let the work flow. If you incarnated to be a writer, if that is your passionate calling, then you’ll be getting messages from Source, from Spirit, leading you in that direction.

If you are thinking these thoughts and being guided to write, remember that you incarnated to be a writer, not necessarily an editor. Your first job is to write and not to apply a critical eye to your work without first letting it pour forth. Writing is like anything else—the more you do it, the better you get at it, the easier it comes and the less concerned you’ll be about what’s going to happen to it, where it’s going, what it sounds like, whether it’s right. After my four decades of writing, I have a practice that works beautifully for me. I just let the ideas flow through my heart. I don’t write with a machine. I write with a pen and a paper which is what is most comfortable for me. I just let it flow, and I have a wonderful editor who’s been with me for 32 years. I let her take care of all the details.

To get started, forget the details and let your ideas come out on paper. Get your passion on the paper. Let the passion that you feel come through. You won’t be able to stop and it will be the best writing you ever did. Detach from the outcome. Forget about whether it’s going to get published, whether it’s good or not good, whether it’s the right thing. There is no right in this. Let it come; be an instrument of flow. It’s the practice that makes it work out. If you told me you had a lousy backhand in tennis, wouldn’t I tell you to go out and hit 1000 backhand shots this week? Keep doing what you love to the best of your ability. Stop judging and get out of your own way.  I always tell audiences when I talk about writing: Writing isn’t something I do, writing is something that I am. I am writing—it’s just an expression of me. Is that how it is for you?

"Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind." - Rudyard Kipling

~Delesa J

Product Review for Miss Tee's Beauty Products

Finally! I have found some natural hair products to call my own. Miss Tee’s Beauty Products are exactly what a natural girl like myself needs. I had the opportunity to try the Herbal Shampoo and Misty Hair Spray.

 I have had my Sisterlocks for over the last three years and it has been tough finding a suitable shampoo that would not harm my hair but will also help my hair lock. So when I came across the Herbal Shampoo, I could not wait to give it a try. I love trying new but inexpensive products and this shampoo definitely did not disappoint. I loved the light scent; it was not overbearing or too light. Afterwards, my hair felt very clean and refreshed.

As for the Misty Spray, I have fallen head over heels in love. I was previously searching for a hair spray for my locs. I did not want to try the traditional hair sprays for fear that they may contain harsh chemicals or not be suitable for Sisterlocks. I also did not want my loctician coming after me for damaging her precious work J.  So when I was sent the Misty Spray sample, I literally jumped for joy. I love being able to get a couple of quick spritz’ in after I style my hair or if I need to refresh before running out the door. The Lavender oil, Rosemary oil, and Peppermint oil provide a fresh and soothing scent and a great pick me up while your in-between shampoos sessions. 

Here is a quick recap of both products.

Herbal Shampoo

Positives                                                            

                                     -Assists hair with locking process                                                          

-No harsh chemicals                                                                                

-Inexpensive-$8.00

-Light scent

-Leaves hair clean, soft, and manageable

Negatives

          

-Does not provide much lather-This can be taken care of              

by pouring some of the shampoo into a spray bottle.

Misty Spray

Positives                                                            

-No harsh chemicals                                                                    

-Inexpensive-$6.95

-Light scent and weight (Will not weigh hair down or make it greasy)

-Great fragrance

-Great for on the go and in-between shampoos

Negatives

-Sometimes the spray bottle will clog and prevents it from working correctly. 

-Addictive! (Lol) I found myself running out very quickly because I always carry the bottle with me just in case. 

To learn more about these or other products by Miss Tee’s Beauty Products or to purchase online please visit: http://www.naturalhairexpressions.com/shop/.

Thank you and please feel free to leave comments or share your personal experiences.

‘Stay Natural and Proud’

-Delesa J

 *Pictures courtesy of http://www.naturalhairexpressions.com/shop/. 

Overcome your FEAR Today!

Greetings to all of my Sonny Essence readers, known and unknown.
Overcoming your FEAR can be such a troublesome task. Many people find their fears to be the cause of why they have regrets in their life and the reason for their unhappiness but have you ever taken a moment to truly understand the word for what it is? FEAR= False Evidence Appearing Real.
I first heard the acronym for Fear in past FICS and business training. It just makes so much sense and is an important term that has stuck with me till this day. 
According to Dictionary.com fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Now notice the definition states that it is "a distressing emotion aroused by...".
Fear is a feeling that we conjure up within ourselves. We create our own fears and allow them to dictate our life thus making that emotion appear real. 
If you don't believe in the fear it cannot exist. Therefore, Don't let fear prevent you from living the life God has planned for you. 
We hinder our blessings when we give into our fears. Don't block God's blessings. 
Here's my testimony. 
On Tuesday night I arrived home from the gym. I decided to check my email before taking a shower and to my surprise I received an email from Demand Studios, the subject line read: You have been approved as a Demand Studios Writer.
Jumping up and down, my mind began racing at all of the possible opportunities that this position will open up for me. Immediately I thanked God then I updated all of my social media statuses with the news. 
Quick back story: A couple of months ago I past up applying to the same company for fear that I wasn't a strong enough writer or may not be what they were looking for. Don't judge me, I had the newcomer jitters. Look at what I would've missed out on if I didn't overcome my fear.
I figured the worst that can happen is I wouldn't be accepted and it would be on to the next company. By having faith and believing in myself and my work, I knew my worth and went for it. The newcomer jitters are gone and I'm on fire, I can't wait to get more No's so I can uncover my Yes'!
Bottom line: Don't let False Evidence Appearing Real prevent you from your purpose in life. What fear do you need to overcome?

P.S. I apologize for the delayed postings. I've experienced some great blessings for Delesa J Writing Services and I have been focused on how to prioritize my schedule and time constructively.


"Find what you love and sacrifice for it"-Delesa J (oldie but a goodie)


"...Working jobs you don't like to buy shit you don't need"-Fight Club (movie)


~Delesa J~