Don't Forget the Woman Behind the Mother!

I can speak about this because there was a time in my life where I got so busy being a mother and a wife that I forgot to BE a woman. 

Too many wives and mothers are caught in this trap and it's disturbing to know and see this because the reason we become mothers and wives is because we can do and BE it. I know one thing for sure is that God never gave us those blessings to wear or tear us down. In order to BE an amazing wife and DO all that it takes to BE a mother, you've got to fill up your gas tank on a daily basis. It needs to be filled with gas / fuel. And that fuel called SEL-LOVE. 

Eating healthy, exercising, getting at least 7 hours of sleep (or more), building healthy relationships, spending quality time with friends, having hobbies, laughing a LOT, feeding your mind with positive reads, spending quality time alone, enjoying the water while it beats on your skin in the shower, having a prayer life, setting goals and watch them unfold, living with passion DAILY, have boundaries, attend self-development workshops and conferences, invest in your own education and dreams...if we cannot do and BE these things than we are nowhere near ready to become mothers and wives and if you already are one than it is NOT TOO LATE ladies!

I do not claim to know all things, but one thing I know for sure from experience and working with girls and women on a daily basis is that if you do not invest in yourself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, you WILL crash!!! 

Come on woman get up and do something today!!!!

For no other reason but because YOU DESERVE TO LIVE!!!!

Join us July 9th at the 'Healthy Me' Networking Event as Kiesha Francis speaks on Self-Love branding. Whether you're a mother, wife, entrepreneur, new in business, and employee or a boss, you don't want to miss this! 

For more information, please email us at shecanbookings@gmail.com

Who Are You vs Who You Are Not

Have you ever had to introduce yourself in a workshop or classroom setting? Ok, so you know how it is, everyone gets up when it's their turn to speak and they say their name and tell everyone in the class something or a few things to describe who they are. Something like this, "Hi my name is Sandra. I am a mother. I am a nurse. I have 3 children and I love dogs." Well, I don't do it like that-anymore. I use to until I experienced an AHA moment about 2 years ago-while introducing myself.

I got up to tell the classroom who I was and instead of doing the 'norm' I did something a little different. I got to sit there and listen to about 17 people introduce themselves and then I went last. But I sat there in aw as everyone followed the exact same pattern. Everyone shared their occupation. How many children or pets they had. If they were married or divorced and hobbies. I got up and said something like this:

"Hello everyone. I am so excited to be here with you all. Well, Elizabeth is the name my father gave me. He named me after Mary's cousin-in the bible. He never explained why, but I get it now and personally think it's a beautiful name. I am kind. I am a giver. I am compassionate. I am welcoming. I can be very silly. I am passionate about empowering women and youth. I am courageous. I am a go getter. I love LOVE and I am loyal....." I probably said a few more things. But it went a little something like that. Let me tell you, the look on everyone's face was priceless. They were waiting for more but at the same time they were totally intrigued. I then said, "oohhh and God has given me the awesome privilege of giving birth to two rock star boys whom I personally feel are the coolest kids in the world"

One woman spoke out and asked, " ummm can we do this all over again?" And the entire class laughed.

Please get this clear, you are not your occupation. You are not your marital status. You are not how many kids you have or don't have. You are not broken. You are not a victim. You are NOT the titles you wear or have been given. You are not your name.

The next time you are asked to introduce yourself to a classroom or group setting, tell them who YOU ARE!

I have created a small list here for you to read and pick out a few words that resonate with you. You may also add to this list. Print it out, circle or highlight the words that best describe YOU.

Which of these traits do you possess and value:

• Kind
• Dependable
• Great Listener
• Energetic
• A child of God
• A woman of God
• A believer
• A woman / man of faith
• Funny
• Open
• Self-aware
• World changer
• Compassionate
• A giver
• A problem solver
• Grateful
• Humble
• Happy
• Warm
• Trustworthy
• Responsible
• Sympathetic
• Lifelong Learner
• Sociable
• Strong
• Courageous
• Committed
• Loyal
• Empathic
• Confident
• Self Assured
• Romantic
• Optimistic

These are just a few. Go ahead and add your own.

P.S
Tell yourself:

How's Your Heart?

While today was another fantastic day filled with love, laughter, growth, new friendships and bonds, I had quite an AHA moment- in a moment. Don't you just love those?

I came home this evening, got settled in and took out my paper and pen to write in my journal and out of what I wrote I came up with a blog post.

I asked myself, "Lizzy how is your heart?" I opened my Word (bible) and began to search for scriptures that speak of 'the heart'.

I came across Proverbs 4:20-27: 'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.'

We, especially women, are so quick to keep our homes spick and span, our clothes ironed, our cars smelling sweet and our hair and nails done! But how much attention do we give our hearts? Like really?

When the bible says that the heart is to be guarded because everything flows from it, it means that it is from our hearts that the rest of our attitudes get their cue. Feeling depressed? Stressed? Frustrated? Check the contentment quotient of your heart. Once we really check our hearts we know why things are happening in our lives- the way they do.

Rather than cleaning up the other parts of our lives, we'd be wise to pay attention to the deeper parts of ourselves. Our minds. Our hearts. Our words. By running a vacuum through a few ventricles, we may discover a layer of jealousy, anger or envy that we've stuffed out of sight. When it comes to cleaning up, most people stick the surface; what others can see with their eyes.

There's no use to try and trick the world by putting on a happy face and a fake positive attitude in public for others to see, if our hearts are stuffed with hidden issues. What's cluttered in our hearts will eventually spill over into our daily lives with our friends, children, co-workers, neighbours and God!

Yes your house looks good and ready for a gathering, but how's your heart?

Lizzy



































































































































































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My Love Letter

Have you ever written a love letter?


Ok, so maybe it's been a long time since you've written one but I am sure even if it was in grade school or high school, at some point you've written a love letter to a boyfriend or a crush. Maybe even your husband.


Now, I know this might sound frivolous or even challenging, but I am daring you to write YOURSELF a love letter. If being loving to yourself doesn't come easily, imagine a secret admirer is writing this to you. Or your mom, dad, best friend. What might they say to and about you? Something that would make you smile in return.


Loving yourself clears the way for others to love you and make you see what real love feels and looks like.


When you are finished with this letter, I invite you to post it somewhere you can see and read it everyday for 2 weeks or forever; as a reminder of who you truly are, what your purpose in life may be, what you deserve, all that you have overcome and survived, the difference you make in this world, the wonderful friends you currently have, all the things you are determined to accomplish and how much of a brave girl you were to walk away from toxic things and people in your life.




Now I will let you into my life a little and share with you:


My Love Letter:


Dear Elizabeth,


Wow it's been 39 years since I've known you and I must tell you, I think you are a pretty awesome chic! Like seriously I hope you know just how wonderful you are.


I think it's phenomenal that you enjoy spending quality time with your sons, family and friends. I just love how you spend your time on a day to day basis. I love how you got so hooked to reading from an early age and have self educated yourself on so many different aspects of life. As a young girl your favorite thing to do was read and write and although you dropped out of high school in grade 10, you never gave up those 2 things and you were always determined to go back. And you did!


I adore that you have such a youthful heart and you can be so silly at times. I also love your realness. You're bold and you've never been afraid to speak your mind. Geeze, I don't think I've ever even seen you get intimidated by anyone. Not in a boardroom or the streets.


Yes, ok, we all know how cute you are, but I must say, you have protected your mind, heart and body in the last 5 years and high five to you Lizzy. You see your body as a living temple and you know who's it is. You weren't always protective with it growing up in your adolescence and gave yourself away to the wrong men, BUT you found Christ and that all turned around. Without God, you KNOW it wouldn't be as easy to keep yourself from the wolves! I think it's so fly that you will NOT ever settle for a man (again) who doesn't KNOW God. It's absolutely so awesome that it's the FIRST thing you look for in a man / partner and if he doesn't love and serve God, you don't even look or think twice. I especially appreciate the strength of your commitment in turning every aspect of your life around in regards to choosing a lifetime partner. I love how you love yourself. Because you're simply perfect the way you are and you have so much to offer a relationship. Wisdom and knowledge- above all things. Oh by the way, remember God told you He was sending THE ONE, when you are right where He needs you to be- in your purpose :-) (told you so).


Your brain! Let's talk about how smart and wise you are. I respect that you have a strong opinion about purpose and destiny and how street smart you are as well. Because you know without that, you've would've fallen even deeper. I love that you never want to forget where you came from because it's what humbles you every day. You know who you are Lizzy. You know who's you are. You are confident with what you have to offer this world and what your calling is. And that my dear, rocks!


You are more than just a survivor. You are a leader! You are a walking testimony!


Mama I just want to thank you for letting go and forgiving. Forgiving yourself FIRST and for seeing those who have hurt you in the past as children of God. Thank you for loving them. Thank you for seeing the spirit behind their actions and not the person. It takes a courageous woman to do what you have done. To embrace them. Like how amazing of you. You're a great example to girls and women all over the world of what a free loving spirit looks like. An example to everyone that their current circumstances does NOT determine their final destination.


You've accomplished so much but I love how unsatisfied you still are. You want to do so much and yes yes you can get a little too busy at times but I've noticed you take less on your plate lately and are more focused on your true purpose; leading and empowering young women / youth. Because THAT is your calling Miss!


You've got great plans and BIG ideas and I believe that Gods Will- will come to pass in your life. After all, He called you- so He WILL prepare and provide you with all the necessary tools.


Ugggg has He failed you yet??? NOOO!!! And never will!


P.S


I love how much you love God. I love how often you speak to Him and ask Him for His guidance. I love how since the surgery, there isn't a day you wake up and praise His name. I love how you've allowed Him to do spiritual surgery on you- at the same time while the doctor's performed the brain surgery. Thank you for choosing Him as the man of your life. Thank you for seeing Him as your father, after your own earthly father abused and hurt you baddd. Because even though you've felt so unworthy of love and affection, you opened up and allowed Him to do what He does best, LOVE you. Now that you know real love, you are ready to LOVE!


I love you girl. Always and forever! You're my superstar!


Love, Elizabeth Correia

Loving Me!

Just a few years ago, I was not able to speak on this topic from a place of truth.

Knowing how to love yourself is extremely important. Self love is at the very core of wellbeing, joy, self-empowerment, peace and your ability to create and enjoy the kind of life you want. You cannot enjoy happiness if you are not at peace with yourself. Your relationship with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever have. And you will not have healthy lasting relationships if this is not in place because every relationship you ever have with someone else exactly mirrors one or more aspects of the relationship you have with yourself.

Not knowing how to love yourself can be crippling. At the very least, you’re life will function on self doubt. And then of course you will give birth to depression and self hatred, which cripples you in every area of your life. The internal negativity cuts you off from your connection to your Spirit; God.

Until you know how to love yourself there will be a constant inner war going on that will prevent you from feeling fulfilled and knowing what inner joy truly feels like. Until then, you will have temporary feelings of happiness. Remember, happiness in an external feeling. It comes in spurts. When I get my nails down, I feel happy. But soon enough that feeling goes away.

I know this all too well; if you lack your own self love, you attract people and circumstances that mirror your crippling beliefs about yourself. You attract what you are. Yes that's right, I said it. When I was a victim; hurt, anger and confused, that is EXACTLY what I attracted. Even though I knew it wasn't what I wanted, in order to change anything about my circumstances, I had to first change within!

Until you learn how to love yourself, you will not be able to move forward or go after the things you truly desire and want. Cut out all the negative self-talk and beliefs about yourself that aren’t even based on reality. Their usually things that come from our parents, care givers, teachers, siblings, and other people around us during our early years through childhood.

The first step in loving yourself is to cut out NEGATIVE TALK! Period. I don't just mean about yourself, I mean about others. Because usually when you are complaining about others or gossiping, it is something within that is screaming out for help or attention. This negative self-talk is a symptom that shows up constantly until you learn how to love yourself. Be alert for inner negativity. Stop it. Don't allow yourself to go there. Sit down with a pen and paper and write a love letter to yourself. Whatever you are going through right now, you WILL get through. Tell yourself that in the love letter. Post it up somewhere in your bathroom or maybe on your desktop.

If you don't like the way you look (physically) then do something about it. You want to gain 10 pounds, then start drinking more smoothies or do what you have to do to achieve that goal. You want to loose 10 pounds then...well you already know what to do. Ladies, we got to love ourselves.

Can't nobody love YOU like YOU!

Don't just LIKE yourself, LOVE yourself!