Welcome

Embracing Me is an opportunity for us to connect with ourselves...learning to embrace the God within. The post that I share with you are very real. The experiences of my life (whether good, bad or indifferent) sought to develop me into a Woman who honors the God that dwells inside of me.

For over 10 years I fought against sharing my life's experiences with the world but I also neglected to fully share my gifts. You may ask why I denied myself to live and the answer is fear! After relinquishing the fear of my own thoughts as well as the thoughts of others I have decided to do and be all that God has ordained. He chose me to share my testimonies through songs, poetry, short stories and encouraging words.

I invite you to travel with me as I journey into yet another fearful place, seeking to please the Father while providing healing, restoration and inspiration as chosen. It is my hope that these words will improve your daily living.

My charge to you: Think Well. Do Well. Speak Well. Be Well. Live Well.


"For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:10-11

Friday, January 29, 2016

One hundred and Fifty Percent Invested

Greetings!

This week I spent a lot of time thinking, mapping, planning, expecting, praying, and then believing my efforts and faith will lead me to my destined end (over and over again - visionaries understand that in this life, you will continually arrive). I studied, researched, and meditated, but most importantly; I invested in ME!

Most of us look at successful people like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Les Brown, the late Steve Jobs and so many others as if they possess something unique or different. Those thoughts make most of us feel inferior, while a small group will profess, "I'm capable too."

Each day I begin with prayer and worship. Then I listen to motivational speeches. Why? Because I am affirming that I AM indeed all God created me to be, but besides that, I am listening to how others arrived in places I've dreamed of and am now planning for.

Yes, I've been successful, but in pursuing my goals I have also fallen flat on my face. Those disappointments may have discouraged me for a moment, but ultimately, tough times, pain, and even despair taught me valuable lessons.

Ok, here's my point: Over the last few years, I learned, I am my greatest asset! And yes, YOU are your greatest assets as well so invest in yourself in order to achieve your goals. We are all uniquely different beings filled with various gifts. Don't be afraid of failure.

It's easy to think of success in terms of fortune and fame. However, I have always measured success in my own way. My greatest achievements up to this point includes: successfully graduating two of my children from high school and sending them to college (one more to go -- Woo-hoo), becoming a published author, acquiring multiple college degrees, learning to love myself (the list could go on and on).

Today I encourage you to:

1. Take inventory of yourself.
2. Stock the empty shelves within with affirmations
3. Be 150% Invested in YOU! This means commit yourself to what YOU measure as success for YOUR life, because only YOU can!!!


Blessings of love,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Two Thousand Sixteen Reasons...

Happy New Year!!!

It's been almost seven months since my last post. (My how time flies)

Many significant milestones have happened since this time last year. I left my place of familiar (Baltimore) and opened a new chapter in my journey (In Georgia). Until this very moment, I had not realized how much courage it takes to do something different. I suppose my natural curiosity, boldness, faith, and the fact that I'm a risk-taker should have informed me that I am a woman of courage. Still, I had no idea how much courage resides within until I did something new. I learned to let go of people, places, and things that I outgrew or that simply were not helping me develop.

Turning 40 was certainly one of my greatest highlights. Most people hate getting older, but me, I embrace each year with gratitude. Since doctors (and others) counted me out early in life, I tend to look forward to living probably more than most people. I found two gray hairs and was ecstatic! Even  that freaks people out, but again, I feel like I'm growing in wisdom with each new hair.

Life is about living, learning, and growing. This year I encourage you to focus on two thousand sixteen reasons to live life to the fullest. Learn things you didn't know (even the "small" and "insignificant" things). Go somewhere you've never been (you don't necessarily have to relocate but visit, even if it's in your own city). Meet new people or in some cases, let old ones go.

You don't need a New Years resolution to live. Embrace each day with gratitude and give everyday the best of you!

Blessings of Love,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris