Yvette Bodden's Blog, page 27

Would You Like to Develop Your Intuition?

“You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.” -George Michael

Women are known for their intuition? Whether or not you believe it, we all have a sixth sense to help guide us. Have you felt at anytime there is more you can do to heighten your intuitiveness? I discuss a few ways this can be accomplished in my most recent article published in The Best Hollistic Life.

Read more in ”A 3-Step Way to Develop Your Intuition.”

Please post comments! Would love to hear from you.

Protected content. 2019 awakened-woman.com

The Female Entrepreneurs Network Featured AW!

The work never stops as we look to materialize the dream. Cultivating relationships, pursuing opportunities, and knocking on doors that may open a window that will bring us closer to our goals.  Many women wake up each day with a desire to take a seat at the table or get recognition for their efforts at home or work. Meanwhile, there is plenty of other things that occupy our time like playing mother and partner, wife or girlfriend. But none of these things should hinder you from seeking the best self or finding your truth. Your dreams matter too!

Just a girl from New York raised in a modest home. A Latina born in Manhattan to Dominican parents. I didn’t dare to ask more of myself growing up. Doubts, insecurities and fears can set a stronghold on one’s courage. Today, I am becoming the woman my mother always knew I could be, finally understanding that mistakes don’t define me. My actions moving forward create my future. There is nothing that is out of reach if we are willing to do the work.

Belatina gave me an amazing opportunity this year. Writing for the platform is challenging me in many ways which I am grateful for. Penning a book and maintaining a successful blog takes a lot out of my nights but well worth the investment. Helping other women in life’s voyage is a passion. I believe exposing my personal journey can help empower other women. The stories may inspire others to light the fire under them and do something different.

The Female Entrepreneurs Network (FEN) was kind enough to host an interview on AW. The feature discusses the journey, inspiration, ambitions, and purpose. I hope you enjoy the read and post your Comments and Likes via AW, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Stay inspired! Good things happen when you keep knocking on doors – if not start opening some windows!

“Protected content. 2019 awakened-woman.com”

 

 

AW Challenge, Week 4: Putting My Body to the Test!

Our bodies are one of the many wonders of life. If we treat it with respect and kindness it may very well take us into the late decades. Teaching it good habits is essential to our well being. Nurturing the physical and mental state of your body provides a potential to produce high returns.

Youth unleashes euphoria that makes one feel forever young. You believe everything is possible because the fire ignited is empowering. But time takes a toll, life settles into a groove. Sometimes, compromising and ignoring the body’s needs. Many reading may be guilty to some degree of the same neglect for different reasons.

Life’s priorities are powerful. The list rules our universe including my own. This week’s challenge was slightly more demanding because it required me to push myself harder. Like a lot of you, my hours are acccounted for on a daily basis. The time left after holding down a job, playing mom, romantic partner, friend and writer leaves little time for self-care. Visits to a gym or initiating an exercise routine at home were not viable. However, I could not continue putting off caring for my health. The sounds of a creaking body kept me up at night!

I invested close to a year visiting a boxing studio but stopped going due to intense stress. My body caved depleting itself of all energy, limiting physical activity. I was tired of being exhausted though and recently, I was reminded that I hold the power for change .

This past week, a return to the gym sparked a rebirth. Plenty of men and women in the world do not get a chance to live out tomorrow. Don’t we owe it to ourselves to do everything possible to create the best self? Setting goals that benefit the mind and body.

The decision to start exercising again was not easy. How many times have you contemplated a commitment that you are not sure to keep? This is part of the challenge, seeing the pursuit through to the end until a goal is accomplished is key. Big or small, the main idea is to fulfill an objective. The icing on the cake is getting positive results!

Start an initative this week that poses a challenge, it isn’t necessary for it to be grandiose. The most important element of the task is for it to require effort that takes you out of your comfort zone.

Design a better self that can withstand hard work. Dare yourself to do something you fear or intimidates you. The first step is scary but once off to the races, you will pick up traction.

What are you planning for Week 4?

Here is what I have, so far: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3.

Post Comments, results to AW or Instagram, Twitter or Facebook! Can’t wait to hear from you.

Protected content. 2019 awakened-woman.com

Why Buy the Cow, If the Milk is Free?

“Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?”

Growing up in a Dominican household can be tough. The men leaned towards a male chauvinistic, old school mentality. Women were assumed better off barefoot and pregnant. Thankfully, those days are long gone. At home, we had sporadic moments when roles were reversed, for example, seeing mom attend night school. Although her adventure was short-lived, it provided a vision of what was possible before guilt tricked her into dropping classes at the nearby college. A mother’s desire to care for her tribe has unforeseen strength. The 70s had not quite caught up to a different type of woman.

Despite the glimpse of modern living, my mother carried some of her own old-world thoughts which she eventually shared. During my early dating years, mom’s initial advice reflected some of these archaic views. Once, I got old enough to think about love and long term relationships are when things got challenging. Defining the woman I wanted to be versus who I was supposed to boggled my mind. Last week in conversation, a particular piece of wisdom mom offered at youth came to mind. I was reminded of the topic during the particular chat.

Our daily verbal exchanges with co-workers, friends or people we see on a regular basis provide a wide spectrum of views. The probability of disagreeing with one or more of those people is almost certain, no matter where you are in the world. There are opinions, a dime a dozen but the most important is yours.

Nothing about my tale is uncommon, surely you have a few stories of your own. Ever have a moment where something in your brain just clicks? In friendly conversation, while sharing anecdotes, a man in my presence uttered an old adage. It’s an idiom that has consistently irritated me through the years due to its antiquated message, ”Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?”

You are likely to have heard the phrase at some point in your life. It refers to the idea that a man doesn’t need to wed if he’s already receiving the benefits of a husband without actually marrying. Ever felt yourself getting comfortable in a relationship while performing the duties of a pseudo wife? Do you think doing the job eliminates or diminishes your chances of him proposing? The vote may be split, however, on a personal level, I refuse to believe that mom’s reservations about pre-marital relations and living together have merit in current day society. Women have come too far to be brainwashed into thinking they are less worthy if choose to take part in an adult emotional and physical relationship.

Men and women don’t always know what they’re looking for in a partner but usually, there is a sense of whether or not they want to enter a legally binding commitment with that person. There are people with a natural desire to find a partner to share life and build something together. A man who believes in marriage and has a strong conviction of his love will be indifferent to the “milk” he is getting from you while dating or residing under the same roof.  As an empowered and powerful woman, never be afraid of being yourself. If he does not marry you it isn’t necessarily because you are doing something wrong. Men tell you what they want, we sometimes block out what we don’t want to hear. Chances are he has expressed a lack of desire for marriage at some point in the relationship.

We should own who we are and live out a life that is true to the things we hold dear, such as love, respect and trust not only for someone else but ourselves, too. My mother’s ways of thinking have evolved but not everyone will have the same growth. Long as you do not place your value in anyone else’s hands and make the best choices for yourself, the cow will never be free!

Proetected content. 2019 awakened-woman.com

Happy Thanksgiving 2019

Each year, men, women and children gather on this day to indulge in a wonderful feast of different foods and treats. Friends and family near and far sit together to celebrate the start of a magical holiday season. Our favorite tunes on the playlist with a Thanksgiving football game in the background. Glorious fun to be had on this day!

While you gather around the turkey, remember an important reality. Being thankful is necessary to stay grounded. Acknowledging our countless blessings helps keep us in a state of gratitude. Don’t take anything for granted, as we are never certain of what the future holds.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.

Protected content. 2019 awakened-woman.com

AW Challenge, Week 3: Secret Snowflake

The AW Challenge for Week 3 had to be an act that would shift the focus away from me. Instead, I wanted to do something to make a difference in another person’s life. The end goal was to make it a positive experience. I was set on what I wanted, although, how I would achieve the objective wasn’t as clear. Until recently, when things fell into place.

Secret Snowflake came to me by way of a community relations group. It is a donation drive that benefits children living in New York City homeless shelters and foster care homes. The drive is organized by the City of New York’s Mayor’s Office and NYC Services for Children.

Secret Snowflake is the Mayor’s Office annual holiday gift-giving initiative, which mobilizes mayoral and private sector employees to answer hand-written letters from children-in-need and provide crucial necessities, such as clothing, shoes, and coats for the winter. Letters are written by/on behalf of children ages 0-16 who are in the foster care and shelter system. Our agency partners are the Administration for Children’s Services, which protects and promotes the safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare and early care and education services; and the Department of Homeless Services, which aims to prevent homelessness when possible; provide temporary, emergency shelter when needed; and help individuals and families transition rapidly into permanent housing. In 2018, nearly 2,000 volunteers served over 3,000 children through letters.

I am participating in the Secret Snowflake drive 2019. There are many children that will be without Christmas this year. It lifts my spirits to help put a smile on a child’s face by helping with items needed. As a mother, woman and human being, it’s tough not to feel emotion when you consider the painful existence some of these kids are going through at such a young age. The smallest act of kindness is enough to bring some happiness to their lives. The reality is that there isn’t enough compassion in the world these days. Some people are hardened by life’s throws. Often others’ apathy creates our own emotional barrier to protect ourselves. The holidays offer an excuse to be a bit less skeptical and more giving.

This week’s challenge is to do something thoughtful for someone else. It is not the magnitude of your offering that will make the difference. As little as your gesture may be, for the recipient, it can change everything. Bookmark someone’s life story. Be the page that makes them believe, possibly providing a new chapter that gives hope. You have the power to impact other people’s lives more than you realize. Take part in a coat drive, volunteer your time for a good deed, give back to a child that was never offered the chance to choose his fortune. One act a time can make the holidays brighter for a whole bunch.

Stay grateful.

Post and share your challenge, if you decide to take on this week’s task. Would love to hear your Comments below or Instagram!

”Protected content. 2019 awakened-woman.com”

The Major Reason to Rethink Sharing Personal Passwords with S.O.

Recently, I overheard the story of a woman’s demand for her significant other’s phone password. The tale did not shock me but got me to thinking about my own behavior in a relationship. What reason would drive me to ask my boyfriend for the password to his social media, email or phone? In a world where oversharing is acceptable, sometimes encouraged. Is it okay to share each other’s passwords? Should you be giving your husband, lover, boyfriend or partner free reign to all your personal details? Responses are mixed depending on gender, relationship history or experience, as well as, the person.

I asked a few women this question. Most of them provided answers similar to my own. Over the course of several days, I considered the different scenarios. None of which altered my conclusion at the end.

We enter relationships without necessarily having a foundation of trust. Confidence in a partner is earned over time as you get familiar with the person. Understandably, if past love experiences are tainted by betrayal or deceit then it could be harder to allow yourself to let the guard down. It may lead someone to ask for proof of trust. For example, if he has nothing to hide, or she is trustworthy then sharing passwords to demonstrate good faith can be just what the doctor ordered. True or False? You are entitled to your opinion. Everyone should do what feels right for their situation. Evaluating the state of the affairs and your feelings is key.

Personally, I have never volunteered passwords to my devices, email or social media accounts. On the contrary, my adamant negative response may have caused friction in some relationships. It has not been an immediate trust issue that stops me from fessing up the information, more for privacy. The biggest problem with handing over or exchanging passwords is the complete surrender of one’s power, not only as a woman but as an individual. Being part of a relationship does not require anyone to give up their personal identity. It isn’t a necessary stipulation that you and your partner act as one-person. Rather, I challenge you to consider being two equal parts in your relationship. It should feel like separate beings making a conscious decision to share their experiences and lives as they choose without relinquishing the self.

The art of compromise is already a prerequisite for carrying out successful relationships. A give and take hoping a significant other (S.O.) reciprocates the gift of our unselfish ways. Unfortunately, it isn’t always a 2-way street as there are those that may take advantage of a predicament. Sometimes, exposing such vulnerability can leave you at a disadvantage. I’m not stating that partners shouldn’t believe in one another but there has to be a fine line drawn in the sand. You can always go back and tweak without giving away keys to the kingdom.

Passwords are valuable in business and personal lives. The cryptic codes allow access to a world that has important information about your behavior, finances, personal matters or anything that is not meant for public entry.

If you decide to share any passwords, ask yourself these questions:

1. Can the confidential details you are sharing lead to your personal information highway? Could it be damaging in any way, if got to the wrong hands?

2. How much trust exists between you and your partner? Is this person offering equal access to his or her life?

3. Motive – are you being asked for passwords out of someone’s desire to control you physically, financially, socially or emotionally?

The questions are meant to help readers look at the big picture by empowering themselves strengthening personal security. Sharing is your prerogative but be safe.

Protected content. 2019 awakemed-woman.com

 

AW Challenge, Week 2: Rose Wine Mansion

AW’s #livemylifechallenge is on way! It continued this week with a visit to The Rose Wine Mansion in New York City.

The newest fad in the city that never sleeps is a growing number of experiences you can take part in to wake up the senses. Various locations are being used to create a living, breathing scenarios that will heighten excitement.

SpyScape , Arcadia Earth, Museum of Illusions, Discovery’s Ocean Odyssey are among a few of the venues looking to get our attention. There is something for everyone including wine lovers, which is appropriately named The Rose Wine Mansion. A pink palace that is both visually pretty, and entertaining. It provides a unique experience to share with friends while enjoying eight colorful, playful themed rooms to entertaining the palette and eyes. The tastings are part of the indoor adventure to be shared with your gal pals. Fabulosity is written all over this visit with individually decorated spaces to unleash our Instagram diva!

I contemplated the visit, as I wasn’t sure the $55.00 USD expense was worth the ticket. Also, I wasn’t convinced it was right for me. Well, one of the keys to this #livemylifechallenge is to do things out of my comfort zone or never done. The experience was a blast, it helped me remember to play silly and enjoy the carefree moments. We don’t always have to play a serious part as adults. It is good to open yourself up to laughter as much as possible. It keeps the joy in our hearts and brings positive energy into our lives.

What challenges will you try next? Is there anything you want to do that might feel silly but looks amusing?

Follow AW, as I continue posting the results on my social media feeds via Instagram and Facebook. Look out for the next challenge!

Please send comments. I want to know how your challenge goes. It’s not too late to start, there are 6 weeks to go in 2019!

Protected content. 2019 awakened-woman.com

AW Challenge Week 2: Rose Wine Mansion

AW’s #livemylifechallenge is on way! It continued this week with a visit to The Rose Wine Mansion in New York City.

The newest fad in the city that never sleeps is a growing number of experiences you can take part in to wake up the senses. Various locations are being used to create a living, breathing scenarios that will heighten excitement.

SpyScape , Arcadia Earth, Museum of Illusions, Discovery’s Ocean Odyssey are among a few of the venues looking to get our attention. There is something for everyone including wine lovers, which is appropriately named The Rose Wine Mansion. A pink palace that is both visually pretty, and entertaining. It provides a unique experience to share with friends while enjoying eight colorful, playful themed rooms to entertaining the palette and eyes. The tastings are part of the indoor adventure to be shared with your gal pals. Fabulosity is written all over this visit with individually decorated spaces to unleash our Instagram diva!

I contemplated the visit, as I wasn’t sure the $55.00 USD expense was worth the ticket. Also, I wasn’t convinced it was right for me. Well, one of the keys to this #livemylifechallenge is to do things out of my comfort zone or never done. The experience was a blast, it helped me remember to play silly and enjoy the carefree moments. We don’t always have to play a serious part as adults. It is good to open yourself up to laughter as much as possible. It keeps the joy in our hearts and brings positive energy into our lives.

What challenges will you try next? Is there anything you want to do that might feel silly but looks amusing?

Follow AW, as I continue posting the results on my social media feeds via Instagram and Facebook. Look out for the next challenge!

Please send comments. I want to know how your challenge goes. It’s not too late to start, there are 6 weeks to go in 2019!

Protected content. 2019 awakened-woman.com

What’s This All About? AW Challenge, Week 1:

Every year we make promises to others but most importantly to ourselves. The year 2019 was full of wins but there is much more to go. As this year winds down, the time has come to take things into overdrive.

It can seem as if life moves at the speed of light. Often times we can’t move quickly enough to seize the moment. Days turn into weeks, months and before you know it years have gone by. Our youth is replaced with wrinkled skin, spider veins, and a library of stories from when we were young.

Aging has a way of affecting us, not only physically but mentally too. Many of us stop challenging ourselves, deceived by our body and mind. Getting comfortably familiar or settling into a life that is routine is normal. Putting others’ needs first also puts our wants in the backburner. I am as guilty as many other women (and men) who do the same, until now.

One week ago, I made a decision to start a 7-week #livemylifechallenge.

Every week for the rest of the year, I will do one thing to challenge myself in some way. Big or small, the activity, action, or dare should enhance my life physically, mentally, culturally, or in any manner that is positive. The crucial element for each task? It must force you to to step up to the plate.

Life is for the living and we should make it the best possible. Live fully in the knowledge that once it all ends, you do not get do overs.

Not everything requires money. Be innovative, creative, for example, volunteer your time one Sunday, an altruistic act for someone less fortunate. A hike in a park you have never visited or dinner reservation for one. You get to choose what you would like to do. Try something new today, why not?

I dare you to join me.

Week 1: I attended the Jason Moran Jazz Show at the Whitney Museum in New York on my own. Fun, chill time reminding me of the joy music can bring to the soul.

Follow AW, as I begin posting the results on my social media feeds via Instagram and Facebook. Check out what I do next!

The exercise is meant to empower and inspire you to begin creating the life you deserve. Remember, to have fun where you can, the activity should make you feel good in some way.

Send Comments, I want to know how your challenge is going. READY-SET-GO!!

Protected content. 2019 awakened-woman.con