What is Freedom?

Since becoming self employed, I feel extremely FREE.

I have chosen to use some of my additional time surfing Facebook and twitter. Social media for me is a tool to access the articles and world news that has been made accessible by millions of people and companies.

This time off has turned into some major TIME ON, and has led me to believe that freedom is the ability to comprehend communication.

The power to know what is being said, written, or implied; to understand the context of a subject, and to be able to apply a topic to your life or situation, is freedom.

Communication comprehension has allowed me to gain the following capabilities:

• Quality reading and verbal skills, although not always the best with formal writing.
• Efficiency at following directions (except while driving).
• Thorough ability to process information in a way where people do not have to continuously repeat themselves.
• I can complete tasks without much guidance.
• I seek information and examples of finished products that connect the dots between how my work integrates with others.

I believe that these assets all stem from greater than average comprehension skills.

The ability to comprehend communications, allows you to make informed decisions while understanding the consequences of your choices.

In October I attended a Latino Diversity training that focused on the dynamics between English-speaking youth and their families/ parents whom could not speak or understand English. The trainer provided examples of how parents lose parental power in circumstances in which the child has to relay/translate information from adults or authority figures, especially when it relates to the child’s behavior or academic progress.

This reality-check, made me begin to think about how I take for granted my ability to comprehend and communicate with others. Overall, I began to look at language and communication differently. I have become more aware of communication comprehension as a tool to success and a form of FREEDOM,if not FREEDOM itself. 

My feelings about comprehension were further confirmed after I learned about George Dawson while watching Oprah. At 98 years old Dawnson made it a priority to learn to read, having not even known the alphabet at that time.

I also believe that optimism and positive thinking are critical elements to Freedom. During trying times, I have remained positive, and the results have been amazing. But, it is about more than just seeing the victory on the other end. Positive thinking is about interpretation, and choosing to interpret life in the fashion of solution seeking and hope.

I have grown a lot in this regard (positive thinking) over the past 4 months. Freeing myself from an environment (the workplace) in which I was constantly on-guard has allowed me to dismantle the on-guard attitude that was beginning to seek into all of my existence.

By making the choice to live a positive life, I have found Freedom. 

What is freedom to you? When and how did you discover freedom?

Below is a link to the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) website that discusses the Freedom Rides and much more.

http://www.core-online.org/Features/what-is-core.htm

JUNE OPPORTUNITY

during the month of June I will offer one complimentary consultation for the top 3 individuals with the highest levels of engagement on my blog. (Once selected, the winners can defer their consultation to a friend or family member of their choice). My complimentary consultation will focus on business and marketing development, grant writing services, and strategic development for a topic of your choice.

I am defining engagement as:

• commenting on various entries sharing on facebook, linkedin, and twitter and tagging me or notifying me of the share
• emailing post to your friends or networks (bcc me on the email-ashleyscwalls@gmail.com)
• And any other creative ways of engagement you can think of!

 

Success Formula: Chanel Ballard

I have yet to meet Chanel Ballard.

We have 57 mutual “friends” on Facebook, and only about 15 of them are my friends or associates in real life.

In mid-February I saw her status feed. She was looking to start a network resource of people doing “big things”. I sent her my information. A few weeks later, she referred a friend to me for business development services. We did not know each other and it did not matter. Her goal was clear: help others so that they succeed.

Currently, she is the Chief Inspirational Officer (CIO) of her growing entity, Rise2Power Network. I asked Chanel how she arrived at the title CIO, “Things come to me”, she said. “When I started developing the Rise2Power Network, CEO did not fit, but CIO did. Everyone that knows me, knows that I live to inspire.” The Rise2Power Network focuses on helping people create the process of inspiration. Through social media and product development, including, t-shirts and wrist bands with motivational quotes (to name a few), Rise2Power encourages individuals to stay inspired during challenging times.

Although Chanel thinks it is great that people choose to serve with a group, she wants individuals to know that they can still serve by themselves. Rise2Power is her personal initiative to inspire youth and young adults. It is only one of MANY projects this superstar 20 something’s has going on.

Chanel has a two-year old son, she is planning her summer wedding, she is growing the seed of Rise2Power Network, and she has co-founded and operates Inspired by Grace, a non-profit for young girls. Furthermore, I was in awe when I found out that she is involved in GEMS- The Girls Education Mentoring Services.

GEMS has helped hundreds of young women and girls, ages 12–24, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and to develop to their full potential.

Chanels outreach efforts include males and females of all ages, but her passion is women- girls, mothers, and grandmothers. “I am a prosperity advocate bringing resources and support to the community.”

On many occasions her Life Plan has been revised. Chanel is finally at a point where she has the clarity of language and the know-how, to clearly define what it is she wants, and most importantly, what it will take to get there. The most up to date edition of her Life Plan includes a list of degrees or educational endeavors she must accomplish to attain her vision, as well as future titles she wishes to own.

She has a slew of other tag lines, catch phrases, and key words that help to brand her unique product of inspiration. The one I enjoy most is found under her signature “Annoying Teens into Progression since 1984”. The story goes that when Chanel’s mom was pregnant with her at the age of 16, she began to live a more productive life, motivated by motherhood. Chanel annoyingly became her mother’s motivation for success.

Did I mention she is a full-time marketing professional? TALK ABOUT DOING IT ALL!!!!! I have a lot of friends that are active community servants, professionals, and more, but motherhood usually slows some of us down; Not Chanel “Ambitious” Ballard!

Chanel Ballard Success Formula: Wisdom + Inspiration + Refusal to give up

More on Chanel Ballard

How do you multi-task to multi-achieve?

My passion for helping. It is hard, especially with having a two-year old. If I have to stay up late, I stay up. If I have to get up early, that is what I do. I take the bus to work and I do work on the bus. That is an additional 45 minutes of work time each day. I write my blog, write follow-up letters, send out my emails. Do what you have to do. Make it simple.

Chanelisms

“Inspired to Give- Destined to Serve”

“Nurturing Minds for Greatness”

What is your idea of community development?

Nurturing what is already there. It is a lot of talent in our communities. But it is about having someone organize the talent, build and uplift the people in the community and bring out the best with what we already have.

S.M.A.R.T. goal

A Star- Studded launch of The Rise 2 Power Network as a business by August 15th.

My favorite quotes from the interview

“I know when opportunity presents itself”

“I do it all. I can be anything from a maid to a Queen depending on what the situation calls for.”

Contact

chanel@bgrise2power.com
www.bgrise2power.com
@MsBrandBoss

Mobile Office: 773-701-1853

Update from Chanel on 7.21.2011

The Rise2Power Project is still an inspirational vehicle to watch. We continue to build our inspiration fan club and encourage youth and young adults to be active participants in their destiny. I’m confident that we’ll have a soft launch for The Rise2Power Project August 15th.

 

Community Asset: Xubex (and other healthcare access providers)

Image via CrunchBase

I have joined the ranks of MILLIONS of Americans without health insurance. Unfortunately, I have a health condition that requires me to take medicine daily. Since becoming self-employed, I needed a quick fix to ensure my health until I am ready to tackle buying independent health insurance.  I knew that although Walmart was cheaper than both Target and Walgreens, there had to be another option that would not cost me $108.

I asked my health care provider about local clinics that could provide me with medicine at a low-cost. She gave me a few numbers and addresses, but they were income-based and put me at risk of switching medicines, as they did not carry my current prescription. This was yet another unfavorable option.

So, I hit the internet with a quick search and fortunately I came across some GREAT services that offer a variety of low-cost medications. Each provider has its own set of reasonable requirements, but nothing that should prevent you from taking advantage of the services offered.

The provider I chose was Xubex. Xubex offers a variety of medications, but other patient programs as well including:

• patient discount cards
• co-pay assistance program
• diabetes services

What I appreciated MOST about Xubex is that they did not require proof of income.  #SCORE. I consider this to be non-intrusive AND shows that XUBEX takes into account that working people may still need assistance and that your healthcare should be be sacrificed because of that. Not to mention that if you are actually taking the time to complete the form, you must think that your money can be better used than on overpriced medications.

Other programs you may want to look into are:

• RxOutreach
• Bridges to Access

Although I am sure there are a lot more services that provide medication assistance, I want to hear from you about healthcare programs or other Community Assets that can help those in need. Please share in the comment section.

Lastly, I do not usually encourage you to share on your social networks or via email but I am SURE that a lot of people would benefit from this information. Please find a way to share with them in a way you are most comfortable.