Sometimes you lose sight of your personal goals...never again! #mefirst

Happy Teacher Day!!!!!

So how many opportunities have you taken advantage of so far this year?
How many have you passed on because you were unsure of your ability to thrive?
This is an important question to ask yourself if you are looking to develop both personally and professionally.
 
Sometimes finding a way to add yet another item to your plate can cause a bit of panic.
But, is it okay to pass on amazing opportunities that may not present themselves again? Well personally my answer would be no. You have determine that on your own. There comes a time when you have to just say yes and make the time to extend yourself.
 
I like to call this “the power of yes and figure it out”.
 
I am a big believer in listening to the universe. Listening to the signals and seeing the signs that are telling you to just do it you are capable of success!
 
I have decided that 2017 would be the year of yes! So far so good, I am taking opportunities that are offered to grow and progress professionally and personally.
 
I have said yes and I will figure it out!
 
Determined.
 
~CJB

Speak Up and Speak Out!
Support ALL Women!
Happy International Women's Day

New Year, New Me...Nah.
 
So, New Year resolutions overrated to some, yes, but goal setting is definitely not overrated!

How are they different? One is made just because another year is starting, the other because you want to achieve something when you feel it is your time to do so.

Can goals be set at the beginning of the year, of course! Set new goals because you want to make a change in your life, not because time is casually rolling along.

I try to set new goals that are attainable and seemingly unattainable.

I think that it is always a good idea to set goals that are a wee bit farfetched. Why? Setting goals that are long-term and farfetched push you to make small steps towards achievement.

So, I say always set one big goal and chip away at attaining it by setting “mini-goals” to help you on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. In doing so, you may achieve something you never thought possible.
 
My goal this year is to be awesome to myself and others around me.


I want to make a difference in someone’s life.


 
~CJB

Let's make things happen!
 
I know it has been a while since you have heard from me. Honestly, life happens and being involved in community based organizations is a hefty undertaking at times but very rewarding!
 
So, I am not big on the holidays but that is no reason to not help others during this time of year.
 
I am challenging myself to do more, be less selfish with my time, and most of all be the change!
 
I ask you to do the same.
 
Do one nice thing for a friend, family member, student, teacher, professor, colleague, or stranger. It doesn’t have to cost anything or be super extravagant. Just one small deed can have a transformational effect on someone’s day, week, month, year, or life!
Remember good deeds are important year round but during the holidays they become extra special to people in need.
 
Need Ideas?
 
Here are a few organizations I work with year-round:
United Way of Greater Stark County Young Leaders Society
Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County
Akron Urban League Young Professionals
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
HeadCount Organization
Akron Hope
CORE Young Professional Akron/Canton Regional Foodbank
Lead Akron
Human Rights Campaign
College Now Greater Cleveland
Pro Football Hall of Fame
ASPCA

I love this time of year! Not just because of football season which I love; but because it's also college admissions travel season. I get to meet amazingly talented students and reconnect with higher ed colleagues. I will be exhausted by November but every year is totally worth it! Happy Travel Season!

I know it has been a while since I have posted. Sometimes work, life, and other distractions come into play. I am refreshed and refocused with Spring in the air…well kinda Spring. I live in Ohio where there is a chance of snow in May. Weather aside; I have been making strides to accomplish a few professional and educational goals.

My last blog post talked about setting a daily, weekly, or monthly goal infusing one of my DIVA EDU© principles.
 

Here is a brief recap:
I am challenging you to dip your toes in the pool of opportunity.

Start with choosing one of my DIVA EDU© principles and taking one action a day, week, or month for the remainder of this year.

Determined, Inspirational, Valued, Altruistic, Educated, Daring, Unique©

What do these words mean to you? How can you make small changes that bring forth transformational opportunities?
 

Well I have decided to take my own challenge very seriously and become even more educated! I have applied to a counseling program in the hopes of attaining another Graduate Degree.

I am a firm believer in being an eternal learner, inside the classroom and outside the classroom. Learning though everyday experiences, is just as beneficial as theory based learning that occurs in a traditional classroom setting.

The challenge is finding purpose both professionally and personally in your own life. Sometimes you have to "hit pause" to determine what is truly important to you.

After some thought, I decided that I want to do for others what I have done for myself…help! In my current position I have the capacity to do just that help and educate others on how to attain educational goals. I would love to continue to help others not only reach educational milestones but personal milestones as well. I believe that learning more in the field of counseling will greater enable me to assist others more comprehensively.

So if you have not embarked on your own challenge…do it!

What have you got to lose expect for opportunity.


Happy Friday!

CJB
 
P.S. - If you love Dave Matthews Band as much as I do…I hope you giggled at the title of this post ;)

As one of my favorite seasons arrives, I look forward to new beginnings and a renewal of inspiration. I am excited for what the rest of what this year will bring. I am continually practicing what I preach! I am committed to being open to new opportunities and truly putting myself “out there” in a very different way. Those who know me personally know that I love a stage, but this is different and forcing me to expose my true self even more.

I want to help others realize that they have the tools to accomplish anything big or small, I want to motivate those who are ready to act, but need a little kick in the a$$. I want to inspire those who are struggling with finding the courage and self-esteem that is hiding within. I want to educate people on how to stay true to their goal and be UN-apologetically authentic to whom they are.  
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I am challenging you to dip your toes in the pool of opportunity.

Start with choosing one of my DIVA EDU© principles and taking one action a day, week, or month for the remainder of this year.

Determined, Inspirational, Valued, Altruistic, Educated, Daring, Unique©

What do these words mean to you? How can you make small changes that bring forth transformational opportunities?

I am working to develop workshops based on utilizing these principles to enhance your everyday life and help you push through to your goal whatever it may be!

Stay tuned and stay true!

Cheers,
 
Courtney 

Reflecting on this blog post 4 years ago, and realizing that I had a vision without a clear path. What a difference 4 years makes!

Posted 4 years ago

Ok so my week and a half of substitute teaching (For my husband) is coming to an end. I have learned something about myself…1. I would make an excellent teacher in one week increments, 2. Im still not sold on the idea if having kids, 3. I forgot how much I love history. On the other hand, I am thinking of a Masters or PhD in school counseling or psychology. I want to help kids and or adults in some capacity be it educational or personal. Now decisions need to be made…
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I have a new found respect for educators, especially my lovely husband. I vow from now on to be more understanding and give you no talking quiet time. Tomorrow is Friday and Thank God It’s Almost Freaking Friday! 

"I would rather fail being myself than succeed pretending to be someone or something else…stay true." ~CJB 

I posted this four years ago not knowing what my future may hold. Little did I know that I would find a path that would lead me to living my truth. Life is beautiful and everyday is a gift.