Monday, December 31, 2007

Get Excited About 2008!

..... 'cause I know I am. I have my red party dress laid out on the bed even as I type. No matter what did or didn't happen in 2007, I am so excited just thinking about the possibilities that 2008 has to offer.

Because you know what? The quickest way to turn a bad situation into a blessing is to get excited! Things may not look so good right now. You may be facing more trials and tribulations than you ever thought possible. Your job may suck and your love life non-existent. You may even doubt your ability to hold up under the pressure or the scrutiny of trying to make things different. You may think you’ve done something to deserve the storm that circles around you.

It's all okay! You can still choose to be excited.

Excitement is the opposite of anxiety. It brings a new energy into any situation. Excitement gives you power and puts you in charge of what you do and how you react to what’s going on in your life.

Just imagine how you will feel when the situation is over. Think about what you will do with the knowledge and experience you are gaining. Think about the stories you can tell, the people you can assist, the fact that you will know what to do if you are ever in this situation again. Isn’t that exciting?

In any situation, you have the right, power and ability to choose your experience. Old habits and negative thought patterns will be the first to show up, but we can choose a new way in which you affect the outcome. Rather than slipping into fear, resentment, or anger; you can get excited! Be excited that this has come to an end. Be excited that you are equipped to handle it! Be excited that life is trusting you to do the right thing! Be excited that you will do your best, no matter what happens. Be excited that your best is more than good enough.

And be excited that in any given moment, you can change your life.

Wishing you the best of everything in 2008!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

TOUCHING MILLIONS On Blog Talk Radio

Hello All!

I just wanted to send out information about the premiere show for TOUCHING MILLIONS hosted by myself - Nikki Woods (www.myspace.com/nikki_woods) and Tonya Shirelle (www.myspace.com/tonyashirelle).

It will air Sunday, December 23rd at 4pm EST/3PM CST.

Our first guest is LISA NICHOLS from The Secret and The Oprah Winfrey Show (www.lisa-nichols.com/). She will discuss The Law of Attraction and how to apply it to everyday life.

Plus we will introduce a ground breaking organization - A MILLION WOMEN STRONG and also talk about the meaning behind Christmas and share holiday stories. There will be prizes, real talk and a whole lot of fun.

TOUCHING MILLIONS is sponsored by A Million Women Strong (www.myspace.com/amillionwomenstrong) - and organization designed to inform, connect and empower women across the globe!

We would be honored if you would join us! Plus, become a friend and supporter by saving the date and sharing the information with others you think may be interested.

Sincerely,

Nikki Woods

Sunday, December 16, 2007

As We Go Into A New Year ...

... maybe you should ask yourself a new question.

The question is, what are you willing to do to get what you say you want? Are you willing to discipline your mind and your mouth? Are you willing to get up early, stay up late and work hard all the hours between? Are you willing to work for free? Are you willing to do it with excellence? Are you willing to do it even when your best friend shakes her head, laughs at you and tells you that you're crazy?

The question is, what are you willing to give up to get what you say that you want? Are you willing to give up bad habits, negative thinking, and negative people? Are you willing to take a risk and put your butt on the line when all the signals indicate that you are totally insane? Are you willing to stand up for yourself? To speak for yourself? Are you willing to walk away from the people who will be very upset when you stand up and speak up? Are you willing to walk away from everything you now know to get to something and someplace you can only hope will be what you want it to be?

The question is, who are you willing to be? Are you willing to be a free and independent thinker? Are you willing to be the one who calls the shots? Are you willing to have fun? Are you willing to live in total peace and joy? Are you willing to have fun and joy in total peace all by yourself, if necessary? As long as you can find one excuse not to answer these questions affirmatively. You will never have what you say you want.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Yesterday I Cried

I had to post this poem TODAY because YESTERDAY I was too busy crying. I think sometimes people are ashamed to admit that they cry - especially men. That crying is a useless and embarrassing thing to do.

But even crying can have a purpose.

Shedding tears can be a healing experience. If you know why you are crying. Yep, it's called CRYING WITH A PURPOSE.

We've heard it all before. Situations show up in your life to make you stronger. I get that. But haven't there been certain times in your life when the situations just keep on coming and it begs for the question to be asked ... just how strong can one person be? I mean really - when is enough ... ENOUGH?

Yesterday was that day for me.

So yesterday - I cried tears of frustration and tears of confusion because there are times when I just don't get it. Days when the devil has so completely knocked my off my square that I don't see the path that shone so clearly just the week before. Thank goodness those days are few and far between.

But I had one yesterday - and I cried tears of pain - not only for myself but for everyone that has ever felt the same way. I cried until my eyes stung too much to open and my nose was too sore to blow. I cried so hard - I exhausted myself. Cried until there was nothing left to do but go to sleep. Funny how what was so distorted while you are awake becomes crystal clear when you are still enough to allow the divine light in you to shine. Even if that opportunity comes only when you are quietness of sleep.

When I woke up this morning - tears were a thing of the past. Today - I know I can still be stronger - so yes, the situations will continue to appear ensuring that I continue to grow into my purpose.

And I'm sure tomorrow I will cry again - but this time - they will be tears of victory.

I share this poem with you by Iyanla Vanzant. She says it much more eloquently than I ever could.

Yesterday, I cried.
I came home, went straight to my room,
sat on the edge of my bed,
kicked off my shoes, unhooked my bra,
and I had myself a good cry.
I cried until my nose was running all over the silk blouse I got on sale.
I cried until my ears were hot.
I cried until my head was hurting so bad
that I could hardly see the pile of soiled tissues lying on the floor at my feet.
I want you to understand,
I had myself a really good cry yesterday.

Yesterday, I cried,
for all the days that I was too busy,
or too tired, or too mad to cry.
I cried for all the days, and all the ways,
and all the times I had dishonored, disrespected,
and disconnected my Self from myself,
only to have it reflected back to me in the ways others
did to me the same things I had already done to myself.
I cried for all the things I had given, only to have them stolen;
for all the things I had asked for that had yet to show up;
for all the things I had accomplished, only to give them away,
to people in circumstances, which left me feeling empty,
and battered and plain old used.
I cried because there really does come a time when
the only thing left for you to do is cry.

Yesterday, I cried.
I cried because little boys get left by their daddies;
and little girls get forgotten by their mommies;
and daddies don't know what to do, so they leave;
and mommies get left, so they get mad.
I cried because I had a little boy,
and because I was a little girl,
and because I was a mommy who didn't know what to do,
and because I wanted my daddy to be there so badly until I ached.

Yesterday, I cried.
I cried because I hurt. I cried because I was hurt.
I cried because hurt has no place to go
except deeper into the pain that caused it in the first place,
and when it gets there, the hurt wakes you up.
I cried because it was too late.
I cried because it was time.
I cried because my soul knew that I didn't know
that my soul knew everything that I needed to know.
I cried a soulful cry yesterday, and it felt so good.
It felt so very, very bad.
In the midst of my crying,
I felt my freedom coming,
Because...

Yesterday, I cried
with an agenda.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Women are SiNginG, DaNCinG, BreAthing and LiVing

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Something quite phenomenal is going on.
I’m not so sure what it is,
but quite frankly,
I don't care!
I simply know that, whatever it is,
it will be great!
It has to do with change, healing, growth, and evolution. And it has to do with women.
If I were pressed,
I would put it in words like these:
There are changes taking place in the hearts and minds of women
that are going to rock the world!
Women are changing their minds about who they are and what their role will be in the world order.
Women are learning to be responsible for the healing of their mental, emotional, and spiritual selves.
Women are learning to love themselves and each other.
Most of all, women are evolving to the point
where they are no longer willing to accept crap
from themselves or anyone else.
I love it!
How you ask are they doing it?
Well, I can only tell you what I know.

Women are learning how to breathe.
They had forgotten how to breathe.
Now, they are breathing consciously. They are breathing deeply.
Breath awakens the divinity resting at the core of our beings. It brings light into the soul.
It lightens the mind, body, and spirit of women. It brings light unto the world.
Women are learning how to lighten up.
Women are praying.
They know that prayer is the inner communication between themselves and their Maker
which turns on the force-the power of the creative nature of life.
They are realizing that prayer can get into places they cannot.
Prayer can reveal what cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Women are learning that prayer is the best weapon one can use when one is engaged in spiritual warfare.

Women are singing.
Somehow, they know that singing stimulates the forces of the Divine
and they are realizing that it is their responsibility to sing to the glory of God.
Women are singing:
"Ain't Conna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round" because
"Momma Said There'd Be Days Like This."
Sometimes, they sing, "My Soul Looks Back and Wonders How I Got Over,"
but they know "There's Something Inside So Strong"
and they sing, "1 Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!" and
''I'm Every Woman!" and
"Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now!" and
"Everything Must Change!"
They know "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" and
''I'm Gonna Pray Your Kingdom Down!"
'cause they know "You Got the Right One, Baby!"
Women are singing loud.
Women are singing joyfully.

Women are dancing.
Women are dancing playfully. Women are dancing seriously.
When the pelvis of a woman swings in the movement of dance, the energy she emits heals the world in which she lives.
Women are coming to understand that one of the major problems in this country
and the world
is that it is being run by people who cannot dance, who have no rhythm,
who are out of step.
These people are stepping on other people's toes.
Dancing women are women in rhythm,
women in time with the beat of life.
Women are beginning to boogie their way to peace and prosperity.
They are doing the Hustle,
Electric Sliding themselves out of darkness, and waltzing into the light.
They are creating new steps and dancing to their own music. Women are beginning to realize that their ultimate dancing partner is the One Mind, One Spirit, One Power of Life called God.
It is a beautiful sight to behold:
Women - breathing, praying, singing, dancing, and living from that place of divinity that can change the world.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Weapons of Mass Seduction

(Giggling to myself. I just love the title.)

I just had to share this wonderful book by Lori Bryant-Woolridge called, "Weapons of Mass Seduction". It's been sitting on my desk for a while but time just has not allowed for much recreational reading. But since it was raining and cold - and I couldn't do what I would normally want to do on a day like this - a book (preferably a romance) is usually an adequate second choice.

Who knew I was going to be taking a partial course in sensual living?!?!?!?!

AND I loved it. I think as a woman gets older she gets a better understanding of her own sexiness but sometimes forgets how to use it. Especially if she has been through a bad break up or difficult relationship and just wants to shove the drama to the side ...... aka be by her damn self. It's so easy to shove that part of yourself to the side and get caught up in the day to day.

So it was refreshing to get some tips on how to continue to grow in your sexiness and embrace your sensual side - not just during intimacy with a man but everyday for no other reason than it makes you feel good. I also appreciate the fact that Lori stresses that your physical attributes are not the only thing that makes a person sexy. More than anything, it's being comfortable in your own skin.

I love it.

SO if you're ready to further explore your sensuality, swing by Lori's blog and get some tools to how to bring your sexy back!

And then unleash your weapons of mass seduction!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

RoAd TriPpIn'

And trippin' we were ......

Consider this: Close to three thousand miles, more than 5 states, at least three days of steady rain - and two women on the edge. It's lucky we made it back home alive.

But we did pick up the dubious title of Thelma and Louise (Thanks V!) midway through so that should give you some idea of the level of madness that was achieved during our stint. Most of which both will take to our graves.

It was actually a business trip - Tonya is an author and we were on an East Coast book tour. She doing the actual signing and I doing whatever in the hell she told me to do. That's the kind of relationship we have.

Never mind that we were scheduled for several outdoor book signings and it rained for more than three days straight.

We made the best of it and learned some important lessons along the way.

Number one and most important - There are different levels of "Gettin' your hustle on". And thanks to the DC Bookman and his lovely better half - Tiah, Tonya and I sprinted through all levels of hustledom in one afternoon. I will break these down in a later blog!

Number two - Harlem (and New York in general) is not for the faint-hearted. Especially when you're trying to sell a book or cross the street while looking like a tourist (see pic below). But once again, we were saved - enter Lester from the Harlem Book Center who not only took a considerable amount of books off our hands but saved us from being a permanent bumper sticker and taught us how to safely cross the street in the big apple. If you're like us and think the big red "do not walk" sign actually means something - think again before you go to NY.



Number three lesson - you always want someone in your corner who tells you the truth (straight, no chaser) but tempers it with love. There's nothing like six days in the car with your girl to learn about all the B.S. in YOUR life. :)

And number four - the new Keyshia Cole album is DA TRUTH. If you haven't listened to it yet - I would recommend that you do. Best part is Anthony Hamilton's verse on Losing You.
Baby, I know what you've been through.
So I'm here to relieve you.
Remind you.
Renew you.
Rebuild you.
Girl, I'll do whatever it takes just to reshape what he messed up.
Cuz real love needs real love.
And I'm here love cuz I need you.

Whooooo wee! Now that's what I'm talking about.

But then maybe I'm still TriPpin'!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

A MILLION WOMEN STRONG CO-FOUNDERS FORM NEW COMPANY DESIGNED TO TELL THE STORIES OF WOMEN!

DETROIT, Mich.- The co-founders of A Million Women Strong have announced the creation of a new company – Independent Xpression – created to provide quality publishing services to writers and give a voice to the stories of women. Independent Xpression is a subsidiary company of Infinite Xpression – an established publishing company.

“There are a plethora of self publishing opportunities in the publishing arena. An author should research those opportunities and make wise choices. Every self publishing opportunity is not beneficial to an author. Independent Xpression gives the author a fighting chance at being successful in fulfilling their dream,” says AMWS co-founder, publisher and author, Tonya Shirelle.

Independent Xpression will serve as the catalyst for your editorial, production, marketing and distribution capabilities to complete your book project. Although recognizing that each project will have its own needs, the services Independent Xpression provides are designed to meet the general needs in order to get your book to print.

“Every woman is powerful in her own way, but together, a million women can overcome nearly any obstacle,” said Nikki Woods, organization co-founder, author and publisher. “And every woman has a unique voice with a story to tell. The marriage between AMWS and Independent Xpression is the perfect way to showcase the strength and inspiration of women.”

By providing the support and infrastructure necessary to accomplish the goal of getting your book to print, Independent Xpression helps aspiring authors fulfill their dream of being published with the assistance of a proven publisher.

About Infinite Xpression Publishing
Infinite Xpression Publishing is a dynamic provider of quality literary works from traditionally underserved authors across the country. The company strives to provide a proactive voice for aspiring and established authors. Infinite Xpression is committed to developing the social, intellectual and creative minds of its authors and readers. To find out more about the publishing services offered by Independent Xpression or Infinite Xpression Publishing, visit the company’s website at www.ixpublishing.com.

About A Million Women Strong
A Million Women Strong is an organization designed to inform, empower, and connect women across the globe. This organization will encompass the key components needed to equip women to being the best that they can be in the new millennium by addressing real issues and providing real solutions. Send an email with your contact information to amillionwomenstrong@gmail.com and become part of a movement … A Million Women Strong!

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The Original Video Vixen?!?!?!?!?!

I was just talking about this YESTERDAY! I did an interview with a magazine recently and this is one of the questions that was asked.

Mike TRIBE!: It's not an easy thing being in the media is it?

Nikki Woods: No, it's not but I know it's what God has called me to do.

Nikki Woods: Young girls need to see women who really care about them and want the best for them.

Nikki Woods: Women who are strong and beautiful and don't need to shake their butt to get ahead in life.


So it was more than a little interesting that I should get an email today containing this documentary about a woman named Sara Bartman. The content speaks for itself but I have to say as I sat and watched it - I started crying. It hurts to see women being exploited so visciously centuries ago but it hurts moreso today because a lot of it is by choice. Sure we can get political and say that some make the choice because they feel they have no choice but when are we (and I'm talking to the Ladies) going to stand up and reclaim our power. It's the main reason why Tonya and I started the organization A Million Women Strong. We want to empower women to do what they really want in life - not what they feel they have to just to survive. We are in the trenches. We are ready and willing to do what it takes to make a difference. Are u?

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Quote and Thought for the Day


I stumbled across a quote from Maya Angelou that said, "If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities." My heart jumped in my throat and I immediately called my partner in crime - Tonya Shirelle and excitedly read the quote to her. It perfectly summed up what we see as our mission in life. We both wanted to create a network that would allow women to embrace themselves and each other; a safe haven to network, vent and support one another thus A MILLION WOMEN STRONG. Our individual dreams merged into one solitary fantasy that we know will touch one million lives. It is no longer a hope but a realized goal just waiting to be manifested.

Today I ask you - what is your solitary fantasy?

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Join Me in Baltimore and Harlem!

Hello,

I love to write, it's very therapeutic for me. But, as an author there is a lot more to writing to be successful. The promoting aspect of this business is certainly a task! I cannot complain because I have had phenomenal success. Just to be honest with you the entire process of sitting at a table watching people come in looking specifically for me is surreal.

Well, I just want to drop a line and let you all know where I will be this weekend. If you are in the area drop by and see me. If you have family and friends in the area send them to see me, and of course purchase the book. Thank you for your continued support or me and my debut novel Circumstances. It means a lot!!

September 28th from 4-6 pm
Urban Knowledge Bookstore
2301 Liberty Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215

September 29th and 30th - all day
125th St. Vendor Area
125th Street
Harlem, NY

For more information on me and my book Circumstances, log onto the website!

Friday, September 21, 2007

A Million Women Strong SPOTLIGHT

GET INSPIRED!
Shattering HIV Stereotypes

Meet Cherrell Edwards. When she started feeling ill four years ago, at age 18, doctors told her she was OK. But Edwards still felt that something was seriously wrong with her health — and she was right. "In 2003, I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend of three years, even though we had safe sex more often than not," says Edwards. "Soon after, I began to get migraines that were keeping me from functioning at school and work, so I went to the emergency room and was admitted." Though she was tested for HIV at the time, the results came back negative, and Edwards was diagnosed instead with gonorrhea. Things went even more wrong after that. "They started treating me for a lot of different things that I didn't have," like hepatitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. A few months later, with her health still suffering, Edwards broke up with her boyfriend and concentrated on trying to take care of herself by staying spiritually grounded, physically fit and maintaining a healthy diet — all while trying to figure out what was causing her physical issues. In February 2004, a little Internet sleuthing inspired Edwards to get retested for HIV. "The entire time I was sick, I was looking online, trying to figure out what the cause was," she says. "I had symptoms of the disease — the swollen lymph nodes, the pain, the diarrhea — so I went back to be tested again." After the results from the second test came back positive, the teen joined a support group of other HIV positive women. "It was a great place, but a few months later, the agency folded, and that's when I began to take the initiative to start another support group for women with HIV."

Read the entire story!

Friday, September 7, 2007

Radio Personality & Author Nikki Woods
And

Author Tonya Shirelle

"PRESENT"

A Million Women
Strong
THIS IS A VIP INVITATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS YOU MAY FORWARD TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS BE AMONGST THE FIRST TO JOIN!!

Launching Nationwide September 8, 2007

TO JOIN SEND US AN EMAIL: amillionwomenstrong@gmail.com and we will forward you the information to complete your registration.

Members have the ability to connect with other members through sharing, venting and open discussions. Join us in celebrating the real stories of everyday women. A Million Women Strong will serve as the multi-faceted catalyst for information, empowerment and connections. Together we are … A Million Women Strong!

A MILLION WOMEN STRONG MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Basic Membership: $5.00 yearly
A Unique Number
Membership Certificate
Fifty A Million Women Strong Information Cards to handout to curious non-members.

Bronze Membership: $15.00 yearly
A Unique Number
Membership Certificate
A Million Women Strong Key Chain
Fifty A Million Women Strong Information Cards to handout to curious non-members.

Silver Membership: $35.00 yearly
A Unique Number
Membership Certificate.
A Million Women Strong T-Shirt and Key Chain
10% discount on all events, workshops and merchandise purchased
Fifty A Million Women Strong Information Cards to handout to curious non-members.

Gold Membership: $70 yearly
A Unique Number
Membership Certificate.
A Million Women Strong T-Shirt and Key Chain
20% discount on all events, workshops and merchandise purchased
Fifty A Million Women Strong Information Cards to handout to curious non-members.

A MILLION WOMEN STRONG ON THE ROAD

A Million Women Strong will travel to you bringing workshops that focus on health, relationships, finance, fitness and empowerment. A Million Women Strong will also hold several informational seminars like “How To Become A Published Author”, “Developing Your Brand” and “You Too Can Be A CEO.” There will be several networking opportunities at various retreats and conferences that will be held through out the year.

A MILLION WOMEN STRONG VIA THE WEBSITE

Nationwide Network: Members of A Million Women Strong will have the ability to stay abreast of issues and governmental policies which affect women and collectively make a difference.

Job Postings: A Million Women Strong will provide links and job postings to available positions nationwide through various employers.

Health/Nutrition: We will bring you online health information including assessments, expert advice (fitness, nutrition, wellness) and online discussions.

Entrepreneurship Training: Information to empower women to successfully start and run a profitable business

Financial Advice: Our financial experts will share their expertise and answer your questions in our quest for financial empowerment.

Educational Programs: Know when and where important seminars, retreats, conferences are being held.

Monthly E-newsletter: Touching Millions provides information to empower, inform and connect you on a monthly basis.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

What WE Are About!

Informed Empowered Connected


Radio Personality & Author Nikki Woods And Author Tonya Shirelle “Presents” A Million Women Strong ........

A Million Women Strong is an organization designed to inform, empower, and connect women across the globe.

This organization will encompass the key components needed to equip women to being the best that they can be in the new millennium.

Knowledge is power and in our increasingly busy lives, we need all of the power we can get. We will address real issues and provide real solutions.

We will have the best experts on hand and when you need to relax, the best literature. We will laugh together, cry together and attack the issues and diseases which try to bring us down.

When you join
A Million Women Strong you will be issued your own number. Your number will remain active as long as you do.

We will share stories, allow you to vent on our blog, and do all that we can to empower you and support you…..
A Million Women Strong!

Send an email with your contact information to amillionwomenstrong@gmail.com and become part of a movementA Million Women Strong!