by Natasha

The Hypocrisy in Hate: From Anti-Obama to Anti-Immigrants

Jason Thompson, whose father, Tommy Thompson, is running as the GOP nominee in a tight contest in Wisconsin, is caught up in a web of hypocrisy and ignorance for his ‘birther’ comment he made this past Sunday that may cost his father some much-needed votes. Jason stated that, “The election here in November will chart our course as a country not only for our generation, but our kids’ generation. We have the opportunity to send President Obama back to Chicago…or Kenya.”Thompson’s words were captured on video at the Kenosha County Republican Party fall brunch in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Attendees were not stunned or silent as he spoke, to the contrary, he was interrupted several times by applause and comments from attendees. One woman even yelled out, “We’re taking donations for that Kenya trip.”

Thompson’s father was not at the brunch but supposedly had a ‘talk’ with his son according to the GOP nominee’s communications director, Lisa Boothe who emailed a statement to CNN that said, “The Governor has addressed this with his son, just like any father would do. Jason Thompson said something he should not have, and he apologizes.“

But you have to ask yourself, “what is he apologizing for?”

If Jason Thompson truly feels this way about the President and he believes like others (who speak and act the same way he does) that is okay to utter such ignorance (repeatedly), then why apologize? He knew before and after he said those words that his father is in an extremely close race against Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin. He knew after the woman chimed in with her comments about taking donations for the Kenya trip that what was being said was cruel. He knew that he was not only speaking to a group outside of the confines and comfort of his home, but that he was being videotaped. He knew that this video could be released to the public and media. Yet it didn’t stop him from saying it or stopping it.

So then why did he say it? Because that is obviously what he thinks, believes, and feels. So is his father’s apology on his son’s behalf sincere or is it vote-motivated? Why isn’t Jason standing in front of more cameras and making a personal apology?

The Hypocrisy

Why do we have all of these educated people saying the most ignorant things as though they are not intelligent enough to filter their thoughts and the words that come from their mouths, or better yet, just think? Why do these people have uncontrollable mouths one moment and then later they want to apologize? Because the truth can never be hidden. Your true self will always be revealed. You can only fake it for so long. People like that want to apologize for their inability to hide their beliefs—based on ignorance, bigotry, racism and sexism—they are not apologizing for being ignorant bigots, racists or sexists. They want to apologize for revealing their true selves because they have done such a great job at showing only the mask that they want voters and supporters to see. They are not apologizing and seeking atonement, and an opportunity to right their wrongs. They are embarrassed for being found out and exposed. Let’s not even start on the so-called Christians out there flapping their lips while they are brewing up hate.

It must be painful that they spend so much time smiling in the faces and shaking the hands of people they despise, fear, and hate. They tell lies to get votes and financial support. Then they have the audacity to tell someone else to be honorable and truthful. A bunch of hypocrites is what I see. So you apologize for speaking what is on your mind and in your heart, and then you later apologize because the reality of losing a political race (or financial support) is now your focus.

Gotta get those votes. Gotta get that money. Gotta love this country—because if we were in several other countries that I’m thinking of right now, many people would not have the luxury of the First Amendment or any bill of rights. Some people would be punished for treason if they (were in other countries and) said and did what they do here in the U.S.

I say to anyone who has no problem speaking, breeding, and nurturing hate behind closed doors to stop being cowards and liars in public (especially after your ignorance has been highlighted on the Internet and TV). You said what you said because you meant it and you still mean it—isn’t that the right you claim to have under the First Amendment? Isn’t that what they yell, scream, and fight over when they are in their rallies, conventions, and meetings?

It’s Not Isolated

No different than the person in Morgan Hill, California (within the county of Santa Clara) who was protesting against President Obama last Tuesday with a “birther” sign (designed to look like a teleprompter) that read “Go back to Kenya you idiot“. Nearby was a chair that held watermelons with nooses around them, and a sign supporting Mitt Romney posted on a fence behind the chair. The Santa Clara property owner, Blake la Beck refused to comment when contacted by the media but did say that the display speaks for itself and didn’t mind if a picture of it was posted online. I agree, it definitely speaks loud and clear. Check it out for yourself.

Thanks to Blake, now you and I know that Morgan Hill, California exists. Go Blake!

Some people think that maybe Blake wasn’t being racist, that somehow it’s tied to Halloween approaching. Yeah okay. Hmmm or maybe Blake and others around the country placing nooses on/near watermelons with “Go back to Kenya” signs are actually telling the government and consumers to send watermelons back to Africa (the origin of watermelons). Maybe their message is speaking directly to the President so that he can make an executive order to no longer import or produce watermelons. Maybe that’s the real reason for the hanging watermelon and signs. Maybe just maybe. I hope you can truly sense my sarcasm here.

Some of you not from California are probably a little shocked to see a lynching scene displayed in California. I’m not. With so much anti-Mexican, anti-Latino, anti-immigrant, and neo-nazi nonsense throughout that state, nothing surprises me. Heck, American Third Position Party is a political party that was launched in California with a mission to protect the political interests of White Americans, and it is on the radar of numerous watch groups. Fear and ignorance is everywhere and comes from even the unlikeliest of people.

Some of you have an expectation of racism and bigotry coming mostly from the south, such as the stories that I recently read that came out of Texas (Bud Johnson’s lynched chair) and Virginia where property owners created their own lynching scenes with wooden chairs and anti-Obama signs. I chuckled when I read that someone in Iowa spray-painted on the building of Obama’s local headquarters, “Muslim Lier” and misspelled ‘liar’. That’s a shining example of the ‘other side’ of what we’re dealing with.

So it seemed as though Bud Johnson from Texas was going to stand by his First Amendment rights when he told a journalist, “I don’t really give a damn whether it disturbs you or not. You can take [your concerns’ and go straight to hell and take Obama with you. I don’t give a shit. If you don’t like it don’t come down my street.” He even later added an American flag to the chair. Maybe Bud would be one of those I’m-gonna-speak-my-mind kind of people who have no problem telling you how they feel even if it’s mean. But Bud changed his tune, somewhat, days later when he takes down the hanging chair and flag, and then claims that the symbolic lynched chair representing the President was not racist. Some of his neighbors were upset by the image and said that they are glad he took it down. Watch Bud taking down the chair here

A Solution

We have a ton of imbeciles amongst us my friends, both educated and uneducated. If I had the money and resources I would give them all DNA tests and then tell them, “Now go back home to Africa!”Now that’s a sight I would love to see and experience.

Sources:

Jason Thompson video: http://youtu.be/ahav7acT30E

Thompson “apology”: http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/political/jason-thompson-obama-birther-joke-tommy-thompsons-son-apologizes#ixzz29TfqFHhR

Morgan Hill/ Santa Clara article: http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/political-display-morgan-hill-home-called-racist/nSX3C/

Bud Johnson article: http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/12756/republican-lynches-empty-chair-in-racist-presidential-effigy-in-northwest-austin

Virginia article: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/20/13989510-empty-chair-lynchings-anti-obama-protests-gone-too-far?lite

“Muslim Lier” article: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20121005/NEWS01/121005003/-Muslim-Lier-Poor-speller-vandalizes-Obama-s-Iowa-HQ?nclick_check=1

01.06.12

by Natasha

Natasha’s Thought of the Day: Dream Big!

Children are huge dreamers before adults destroy their imaginative spirits and tell them to start thinking smaller, to start being “realistic”. The huge dreams of a child is exactly where God wants us to be. There is no fear connected with dreaming big and setting goals to attain what we desire. There is fear in thinking small. The most successful people in the world open their minds to what most people would consider the impossible, the inconceivable, and the insane.

Think of President Barack Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg, Mary Kay Ash, Bob Johnson and others who had big dreams and didn’t stop thinking, pushing, and working even after those dreams materialized. Even after they passed away, King, Jobs, and Ash’s legacies continue to live on through the work they started…their passion serves as the fuel for their mission. Their brand continues to grow.

We must realize that our actions and lack thereof impact us and others for generations. The native Americans have a saying that every decision we make today impacts seven generations of the future. So consider the decisions you make each day. Make sound decisions but don’t limit yourself in fear. Allow yourself to dream big and have the intense imagination that you did as a child. Free yourself!

Picture by SoggyPigeon at deviantart.com

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
Excerpts of this thought were first drafted for Breaking Bread with Natasha on WordPress and Blogspot.
Artwork source: soggypigeon.deviantart.com

12.14.11

by Natasha

“Frankie Leg”: A Fun Image of Grandmothers Shedding their Frail Stereotype, or is this Adding to a More Negative One?

I’m really not sure what to say about this video, its message, and the impact (if any). I also am not sure what it says overall about the people it will ultimately reflect upon and clump together into one classification. Is this a fun and possibly healthy image of grandmothers and grandfathers shedding and shaking away the frail stereotype normally associated with getting older? Or is this somehow only adding to the negative stereotypes about Black people?

I start thinking of the buffoonery we once used to fight so hard against, and I wonder if we really have gone full-circle and found ourselves smack-dab in the middle of where we once were; if we have grown to accept not only other nationalities laughing and mocking us, but also embracing it as a reality for ourselves–so we too take part in this…we too find it acceptable; so we laugh, dance, smile, shuck and jive, and roll around comfortably in mediocrity.

Are we really in that much pain that we would rather entertain ourselves in this manner than uplift ourselves out of our pit of shame and despair? What message are our children really getting? Where is our dignity? When is enough truly enough? I believe that music and dance is healthy, healing, and cleansing–but does the “Frankie Leg” fall into those categories?

I am still letting all of this soak into my mind (which may be dangerous). But let’s have a healthy conversation about it shall we?

11.26.11

by Natasha

Natasha’s Thought of the Day: My Definition of a Coward

A coward is a hilarious yet pitiful sight to see and experience. A coward hides behind aliases, anonymity, avatars, masks, lies, and other people. A coward yells loudly behind mommy’s dress and daddy’s coat, but never stands out and speaks up for the world to see. A coward spits venom like a serpent but is too scared to face those they attack. A coward has little to no self-esteem, self-worth, dignity, or grace, so lacking a spine they sneak around trying to drag others to their level. A coward will hide behind a title but never live up to it. A coward is never dependable, reliable, or consistent…except in their cowardice. They simply exist, but never live, and even in their existence they don’t leave much of an impression.

I’m not too sure if I should feel sorry for the cowards of the world, sympathy, or nothing at all. They are a sad group of people. They can never stand on their own, they can never fight their own battles, they can never truly lead, they always make excuses for their inadequacies, and blame others for their shortcomings. Cowards are always the victim, always the damsel in distress, always the ones needing saving, always the ones complaining about what’s wrong and why they can’t do something. The words, ‘can’t’ and ‘impossible’ begin and end their sentences, and sometimes their days.

Cowards live for revenge, wanting to pay back those who hurt them, but they don’t have the courage to actually face this person head on. Cowards like to pick fights, but never stick around for combat, or they find a way for others to join the fight so their weaknesses are never revealed. They are the ones who spread rumors and cause drama, but in a sneaky, cleaver kind of way–that always make them look innocent. They pretend to be someone they aren’t because they don’t have the courage to be who they were created to be. They are weak-minded, weak physically, weak morally, and weak spiritually. They live in constant darkness; for only in light can one find true strength. It’s no wonder why cowards always prefer playing devil’s advocate, because for them it is too great a mountain to climb reaching up towards hope, possibility, and excellence, when they can use less effort kneeling down towards mediocrity.

I have encountered many cowards in my time, some as recently as today, and I am amazed at how much time they have on their hands to focus their energy on doing absolutely nothing of relevance in our world–except in their minds. It is pitiful that these insecure people spend so many hours of their day thinking about me, plotting and planning against me, and envious of what I have that they wish they had. We all have had our run-ins with cowards like this. See, cowards have plenty of time and energy to spread lies and hate, try to destroy other people’s reputations, families and businesses, yet they don’t invest the time and energy to bring goodness and love into our world. They don’t have the time and energy to make a positive contribution to society, yet they can waste all of their resources trying to drain someone else and destroy their dreams. They don’t have the time and energy to build, create, innovate, inspire, embrace, uplift, and shine. Yet they have the time and energy to tear things apart, destroy, manipulate, deceive, and play childish games. They have time to send stupid messages and make phone calls to others hoping to make them feel as miserable as they do; post idiotic things on the Internet for even the tiniest bit of attention; make claims without supporting evidence; and just take up much-needed space in the world. They eventually leave this world as they entered it and lived it…clueless!

I have more respect for the person who tries and fails, than the one who never tries. I have more respect for the person with bumps, bruises, cuts and burns from falling down in life, because in their walk I see that they found a way to get back up. I have more respect for the person who comes to me directly, without masks, anonymity and code names, and just speaks their mind. I have more respect for the person who comes right out and confronts me with the goal to fight, than sucker-punch me in the dark. I have no respect for a person who isn’t brave enough to stand up and speak their mind. I say what I want to say, and clearly say my name when I’m speaking. I don’t post to my blogs or anywhere else as “anonymous” or with some made up alias, or using a picture not mine, because I have the courage to speak up, speak out, and back up what I say. My parents didn’t raise a punk, so I don’t cower over like one. I’m no bully and I won’t be bullied–never have and never will!

So I have one last thing to say to the cowards of the world…you can say what you want and do what you want, because just like your anonymity, you really don’t exist!

05.03.11

by Natasha

Some of our Leaders Seem to Have a Problem with “Brain-Mouth Disconnect Syndrome”

By Natasha L. Foreman

Some people need to just think before they speak, or simply refrain from answering a question when they have absolutely nothing of intelligence to say in response. Case in point…again… Oklahoma state Representative Sally Kern.

This woman appears to have what I call, “brain-mouth disconnect syndrome” whenever a microphone or reporter is nearby. Her mouth gets to yapping but her brain is totally disconnected from the process. She needs a handler who does a better job screening what comes out of her mouth. Do you remember when three years ago she made the comment that gay people are destroying the United States and were a greater threat than terrorists? If not, I have included the link to this footage at the end of this post. Do you remember Kern’s Divorce Bill that would have made it hard for people to get divorced in Oklahoma? Yes, I included that link below as well.

Well Ms. Kern has really stepped in her own mess last Wednesday during an affirmative action bill debate she back-handed both women and African-Americans by saying that women don’t work as hard and earn as much as men because they are more concerned about raising their families, and the high incarceration rate of Black people must have something to do with them not wanting to work hard in school.

“We have a high percentage of blacks in prison, and that’s tragic, but are they in prison just because they are black or because they don’t want to study as hard in school?…I’ve taught school, and I saw a lot of people of color who didn’t study hard because they said the government would take care of them.”

But let’s hear it directly from the horse’s mouth shall we? Oh and look at the body language and reaction from her constituents in the audience! Thank goodness for YouTube…

Yep, she said it and after coming under attack and her people returning from their extended lunch break (I’m joking about the latter) she tries to clean up her comments by saying that women are some of the hardest workers in the world, and that what she said didn’t come from her “true spirit“. Okay so where did it come from? Will people have to question which spirit (true or false) she’s speaking from every time she opens her mouth?

Maybe it’s time for Ms. Kern to take some sensitivity training, or re-training. Anthony Davis, the President of the NAACP Oklahoma chapter is cutting Kern no slack and is standing firm in his call for her resignation, and urging Kern’s constituents do the same- saying, “Let’s send a message out that in Oklahoma we will not tolerate racism at its ugliest level.”

See the Oklahoma news KOCO report that covered the story and interviewed both Anthony Davis and state Representative Mike Shelton:

I’m all for freedom of speech but when do we draw the line especially when words of hate, bigotry, and racism come from the mouths of our country’s leaders, influencers, and those who intend to lead?

If we are to be the example for the rest of the world to follow why then should we be surprised that there is so much hate spewed about our country and our people? We talk about athletes and entertainers being role models and that they should watch what they say and do, but what about highly visible business people and those in government positions who serve the people of this nation? What standards are set for them, or are they not considered role models?

What are your thoughts?

Oh and by the way here’s the link to her Divorce Bill recommendation: http://youtu.be/tXYKe4gdeRo

And her remarks about gays in 2008 in case you never heard it or need your memory refreshed:

05.02.11

by Natasha

A Focus on Dignity and Non-Violence at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy

By Natasha L. Foreman, MBA

On April 15th I was honored to lead a Dignity Day session as a HOPE Corp Volunteer through Operation HOPE (HOPE) at the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy (CSKYWLA) in Atlanta.

What is amazing is how the majority of this class of ninth graders were initially completely turned off to the idea of having to listen to yet another speaker that day as they were just returning to their classroom from an assembly that focused on the theme of 100 days of Non-Violence…so they were shifty and closed off. But about 15 minutes into our conversation some of the girls who had crossed arms were soon raising their hands and answering questions.

I started off by talking about the concept of legacy and that that day we were laying the foundation and road map for them to create and eventually leave behind a strong, dignified legacy. I had them define the term legacy in their own words and then share some of their dreams, goals and aspirations. Then as our conversation deepened I shared with them the history of how HOPE was founded, the services and programs that HOPE offers, and I started to weave a story where life included them and their legacy.

I think helping them share the names of empowered and dignified women they see in their family, community, and elsewhere who had similar or worse lives growing up helped them to see that they too could be those same type of women- that they are these women but in-training and with the potential to do more and help more in the long run because they are being equipped with the tools at a young age; and our adversity isn’t an excuse to let life pass us by or a crutch to coast through life doing and expecting the bare minimum, but a reason and motivation to excel and succeed.

These young ladies were shocked to hear that the civil rights movement as it pertained to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and Ambassador Andrew Young was sparked, motivated, and pushed along due to their wives Coretta Scott King and Jean Childs Young- two women who endured and overcame adversity and strife. Hearing this information made many of these girls sit up straight in their chairs and listen intently.

When I spoke about not holding grudges, and that forgiving people is not to benefit the person they were forgiving but to help themselves heal, grow, and overcome- some girls shifted in their seats their seats, a few others rolled their eyes in disbelief; but then when I mentioned Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Iyanla Vandzant and their ability to forgive their abusers and using strife as a launching pad towards success- some of the girls started naming other people like Fantasia and Tyler Perry who was sexually and physically abused and how he also overcame and pushed himself to success.

We discussed the concept of family and that it isn’t just our immediate family we need to be concerned about but our neighborhoods, cities, state, our country, and our global family. Because I know that girls can be equally as cutthroat as boys, I made sure that we had a heart-to-heart chat about trash-talking and “clowning” people and how although initially it can be lighthearted and funny, it can also be crippling and tear apart our “extended” family.

We discussed being relevant not only in this country but globally, and that true wealth (spiritual, financial, etc) can only be maintained long term by leading a dignified life, not by living up to the negative stereotypes that are projected globally about Black females. We discussed self-empowerment and not waiting on the government or specific programs to help us, that we have to help ourselves. That we shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to pick up trash on our sidewalks- we should pick it up ourselves.

We shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to cover the graffiti on our walls and buildings- we should paint over it ourselves; we shouldn’t wait for someone else to beautify our streets and parks with trees and flowers- we should plant them ourselves. I explained that they should be volunteering in their community through church or some other organization taking pride in restoring, building, maintaining, and beautifying their neighborhoods.

We had a pretty good time. We laughed and talked about boys and expectations of being respected by males and all people when you carry yourself with respect and dignity. We discussed the language of money and being financially literate, and how this literacy will empower them. It was refreshing to see that many of them have savings accounts and that two of the students had traveled abroad- one to London and the other to the Bahamas. Two young passport carriers living in an underserved and underrepresented area of Atlanta- doesn’t that give you hope? It gives me hope and encourages me to continue my work in the community, and my work through Operation HOPE.

I hope more men and women find it in their hearts to invest one hour of their time at least once per month to volunteer in a church, in a class room, or in a youth center through Operation HOPE. One person can make a difference!

Copyright 2011. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
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12.20.10

by Natasha

>Fearing What We Want Most Because of Control

>In my honest opinion I think that people fear loving, giving, receiving, sharing, and caring because these are elements that we can't truly and fully control. You can't control how others will respond, you can't control the outcome, and you can't control your feelings and emotions. So what do we do? We hold back. We filter ourselves, we tiptoe around issues and situations. We give only a small fraction of ourselves to others, but oddly enough we give more to those who shouldn't matter, and give less to those who should matter most. We give our time, attention and affection to people who are leaches, and who spend their lives secretly and slowly sucking the life out of others- us included. Yet we neglect the ones who bring added value to our lives.

We applaud the ones who spend their days exclaiming (although trying to act modest), "look what I did", "look who I helped", "look at what I bought", "look at what someone gave me" rather than honoring the person who gives without announcing it to the world, the person who doesn't need to show off like a peacock what they possess or were given. We carry on our backs the victims who spend their waking moments showing off their symbolic 'cross' they have carried since childhood. We tell ourselves, "they need saving, they need us". We merely pat the backs of those who are humble survivors and fighters, who make no excuses and need no "oh woest me" stories to gain sympathy or empathy. They instead get up each day and do their job to the best of their ability. Those are the ones we should be walking beside. Those are the ones we should be soaring with- instead we hang with the scum eaters.

More energy is given to the show-off and to the victim, than the doer and fighter, and this troubles me.

It is more comfortable uplifting someone who spends life taking from others, because in our minds we can control that situation and we can possibly 'fix' and save them. Everyone wants to be a hero, because you think you can control your interaction with the person you're saving. When in reality the more you try to save them the more they need saving- and soon a co-dependent relationship is formed. You need the ego-stroking and cheerleading, and they need the savior. Sounds ridiculously draining to me but I see this scenario regularly.

You would think that people would avoid this type of interaction, but I believe that it is uncomfortable for some of us to build a life with a person who is comfortable rising to the top with you; giving, rather than taking, sharing rather than expecting. We can't control our feelings with this person. They are our hero as much or more than we are theirs- and this scares some of us. We can't control falling into the light of love with them- so we would rather walk in darkness and hope that the pocket-sized flashlight with weakened batteries is enough to help see us through. Instead of living a life that feels effortless, we would rather expend unnecessary energy enabling someone and give to a person who lives with a sense of entitlement but perpetrates as though they are charitable.

We think that it is safer to live in the unknown of potential mania, than the unknown of limitless bliss. Wouldn't you rather embrace the idea of how good something can be, versus the unknown of how devastating something could become? Are we then not drama queens and kings? Are we not setting ourselves up for hurt, embarrassment and failure? Are we not forming cancerous relationships?

How is there comfort in being with someone who has less to lose by being associated with you? Less to lose if scandal splatters upon you? How is there comfort in being with someone who would jump ship, throw you under the bus, and turn their back on you if something bad came your way? How is there comfort in associating with a person who is only around you for what they can get from you and from knowing you? Where is your true span of control in this type of relationship?

The reality is, being with the wrong person, even temporarily, just because we think we can control the circumstances actually leaves us in less control than if we were with the person we're supposed to love, and who truly loves us. If fear is False Evidence Appearing Real then why wouldn't we embrace truth? Why wouldn't we embrace the realness of life, love, joy and happiness? Why wouldn't we want to be super-charged by a shared energy with a person who gives as much or more than we do?

Are you willing to miss being with the person who is your better half because you are a coward? Are you willing to lose the best thing that you may ever have, the person whose love is priceless- for something that can be easily replicated, and quickly bought and sold? You can let go and experience true love, or you can close your eyes and wake up to the nightmare of having your joy stolen from you.

Which option seems to provide you with more control now?

Natasha L. Foreman

11.22.10

by Natasha

>Natasha’s Thought of the Day 11.21.10

We hold on to things and people because we’re afraid to be alone, to go without- or to be seen as a failure and fraud. We hold on because it feels so good even when we’re in pain. We’re closet masochists. We don’t realize that if it’s meant for us then it will always be there. If it was meant for you to have then you will have it- and there will be no pain or drama associated with it- and there will be no doubt. If what you have or want is meant for you then it will be made clear without having to read between the lines, jump through hoops, or ride on any emotional roller coasters.

But when the signs are clear that we must let go and walk away- we must comply or face greater heartache. It truly is that simple- we just choose not to see and believe it. What is- simply is and what will be, will be! The goal is to learn our lessons quickly so that we can continue on our great journey, and experience what life has to offer. When we linger, when we fear change and fear letting go we become enslaved to a life of darkness, chaos, and pain. We also prevent something better and greater from entering our lives. True freedom is letting go. What’s yours is yours and no one can take that from you. You have the key to your shackles. Free yourself!

– Natasha L. Foreman

09.13.10

by Natasha

>Analyzing and Leveraging Your SWOT 9.13.10

>You have had quite some time to look over your SWOT, possibly adding more and refining traits. Now you must do something with this. You must act, in order to leverage these traits and grow. Want to know how to begin?

Look at your SWOT and take the first one or two items in each category and put them into a separate document so you are only focused on those. Do not skip around and select one or two; just take the first one or two from each category.

They say it takes 21 days to make or break a habit; so let’s work diligently the next 21 days to build our weaknesses into strengths, increase and secure our strengths so that they do not become weaknesses, turn our threats into opportunities, and capitalize on our opportunities. Every single day we will focus on these items, and not detour until we have successfully mastered them. At that point we will progress by adding more items to our list until we have completed the entire SWOT.

Now I know some of you may try to convince yourself that you can take on the challenge of four, five, or even more of these at one time, but remember that there are four categories. Sure you could work at maintaining strengths and opportunities, but while you are doing that you have to work harder at turning weaknesses and threats in your favor.

This is not a sprint. It is a marathon. We must pace ourselves, know when to stride, when to pick up speed, when to grab that drink, and when to let it all out and go for the gusto to win the race. Now let me clarify, we also are not running at a snail’s pace; this is a high intensity race where only the strong survive. There are no short cuts.

Now get your running shoes and gear, make sure you’re well hydrated and ready for a light warm-up, because the race begins today…RIGHT NOW!