Thank so much to our Small Business Sponsors like Norah Clair Aesthetics our FIRST Small Business Sponsor of the Cross Generational Reading Project! Small Business Sponsors support this project by buying books for young women who volunteer their time for this community service project thus defraying some of our costs for this effort!
Please Visit Our Sponsor Websites Below!
Nora Clair Gourlay, R.N.
Cheryl A. Lofton
CHERYL A. LOFTON & ASSOCIATES EXCEPTIONAL ALTERATIONS & TAILORING
FLOATATION THERAPY-LET YOUR MIND FLOAT
TORO MULTICULTURAL-IMAGINATION IS THE BUSINESS SOLUTION
A WOMAN’S VISION-DON’T STOP UNTIL YOU FIND IT
How YOU can Help? It’s easy! Just click this link GIVE THE ADVENTURES OF ISABELLE and *purchase as many books as you like. Note (when purchasing) if you want to include a special note to the young lady who will receive the book.
Benefits of Being a Small Business Sponsor: Shout outs and links on this blog, Twitter, Instagram and on our various Facebook pages as well as a spot on our Women Owned Business Wednesday Facebook page, for Women Business Owners. (Of course all this in addition to knowing you are supporting women.)
Ballou STAY High School South East, DC
Our Goal? 100 books!
What is the Cross Generational Reading Project? Vision Quest Retreats presents cross generational readings and book discussions of The Adventures of Isabelle Book I: The Embryo Goddess and the Morpho in which young women and older women and all ages in between meet in senior centers and homes to learn from and support one another.
Benefits: These events provide a unique opportunity for elders and young people (especially women and girls) to enjoy and learn from one another. Because of the literacy component they also provide learning for the young and intellectual stimulation for the elders. The life events and challenges presented in the story of Princess Isabelle of Xamayca are used to spark discussion of the real life challenges and joys of those in the group. Both the elders and the young have an opportunity to share their stories (experience, strength and hope) and we all learn from this sharing. Learn More…
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*Note there is no shipping costs added as books will be hand delivered to participants.
I created the following success coaching exercise a few months back while working with a young success coaching client who had come to me to improve her self esteem and increase her ability to NOT be affected so much by the opinions of others. A beautiful, creative and talented high school student yet she felt unattractive and did not believe in her abilities. The written journal exercise, which I also did, seemed to work pretty well so I thought I would share it here. I thought it appropriate for Women’s History Month (you will get why when you read the suggested steps below).
Step 1: Reflect on Women You Admire and create a list of at least 5.
Step 2: Reflect on and write down the attributes they have that you admire.
Step 3: If you can, pick your favorite of this list. Reflect on and write down just a few notes about the legacy that she left the world or is currently building.
Step 4: What challenges did she overcome in her life and how?
Step 5: What challenges have you overcome? What challenges do you currently face?
Step 6: Reflect on and write down a few of your best attributes.
Step 7: Write a brief paragraph on the legacy that you wish to leave the world. What will history say about you and the work you have done?
Step 8: Step back and read what you have written and reflect on what comes up for you.
After the above if you wish to take it a step further by creating a plan to achieve your goals check out FREE Success Coaching Tools
I have been working on a series of cross generational reading and book discussions using my heroine’s quest adventure cosmic fairytale The Adventures of Isabelle Book I. On March 10 I had the pleasure of discussing these events on WUSA Channel 9’s morning show “Great Day Washington” along with one of our participants a senior from Ballou STAY High School in Southeast, DC. Please check out the segment below.
Are you interested in bringing a Cross Generational Reading event to your organization? Please contact us at 202-669-5777 or Dr.Cutts@nicolecutts.com
Get Your Copy of The Adventures of Isabelle Book ITODAY!
Prefer e-books? The Adventure of Isabelle on Amazon Kindle
What are Cross Generational Reading Events:
These events provide a unique opportunity for elders and young people (especially women and girls) to enjoy and learn from one another. Because of the literacy component they also provide learning for the young and intellectual stimulation for the elders. The life events and challenges presented in the story of Princess Isabelle of Xamayca are used to spark discussion of the real life challenges and joys of those in the group. Both the elders and the young have an opportunity to share their stories (experience, strength and hope) and we all learn from this sharing.
More Benefits of Cross-Generational Activities
1) Increased creativity given that creativity relies on a number of different and divergent perspectives being brought to bear onto a situation or problem. A diverse cross-generational group has the potential to come up with more perspectives.
2)Improved knowledge sharing. Since different generations possess unique knowledge and skills. There is also a built in mentor structure available to be used if harnessed effectively.
3) Better solutions to life challenges in the long run, as long as we are able to listen to the diverse views. Having divergent perspectives and increased creativity leads to the ability to generate better solutions to the problems life throws our way.
4)Increased pleasure and fun through the opportunity for all parties to be of service to one another.
5) Increased self-esteem and confidence that comes from taking the risk of putting oneself out there and using one’s voice.
Contact Dr. Cutts Today to Set Up an Event 202-669-5777.
BECOME A SMALL BIZ SPONSOR OF THE CROSS GENERATIONAL READINGS.FIND OUT HOW!
I hope you are having an awesome 2016 so far and are making progress on your goals. For many years my goal was to publish my book The Adventures of Isabelle Book I and last year I did it! With my busy schedule I don’t think I could have ever finished the book without all the fabulous writing retreats I took. This year I want to share this experience with other writers. If you have ever thought of writing a book or are in the process and could use some time, space and inspiration to do so, READ ON…!
Fellow author Maria Leonard Olsen and I are hosting a Writer’s Beach Retreat and we hope you can join us!
JOIN this women’s weekend retreat to free yourself from distractions, and reconnect with and strengthen your writing muscles.
Do you dream of getting away from it all, heading to the beach for some inspiration and quiet creative time to write? If so join us for this relaxing and rejuvenating experience by the Chesapeake Bay.
On this retreat published authors and a success coach will guide you through helpful writing exercises and teach you skills to help improve and SELL your writing. Join others in a supportive creative environment for this special event. Spring is a great time to awaken and strengthen the connection with your writing muse!
Carve out this quiet time to concentrate on your writing.
Learn best practices around publishing, marketing & selling your books.
Receive feedback & inspiration from likeminded talented people who are living their visions of success.
Rejuvenate with healthy meals, yoga, meditation & relaxation.
Receive individual attention to help improve your writing & editing skills.
Register Today:EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $139.00 (Regular Price $179.00 after March 25) Day Only Option for $60.00
For More Info Contact the Facilitators: Maria Leonard Olsen, Esq. 301.520.6548 or Nicole Cutts, Ph.D. 202.669.5777
Meet the Facilitators!
Nicole Cutts is the author of The Adventures of Isabelle Book I a fantasy adventure heroine’s quest novel. She is also a clinical psychologist, success coach and master facilitator. Her passion is helping women unite with their passion through their life’s work. Read more about Nicole HERE
Maria Leonard Olsen is a Bethesda-based attorney and writer. Her first book, “Mommy, Why’s Your Skin So Brown?” is a consciousness-raising children’s book about biracial children. Her second children’s book, “Healing for Hallie,” will be published this spring by Mirror Publishing. Her adult nonfiction book, “Not the Cleaver Family–How the Typical American Family Has Changed,” is in production by Tate Publishing. Maria graduated from Boston College and the University of Virginia School of Law. She practices civil litigation part time. Her writing has been published by The Washington Post, the Washingtonian, Washington for Women, Parenting Magazine, Babytalk, among others. She has presented at the Washington independent Review of Books, and numerous book fairs and diversity festivals. You can learn more about Maria HERE
It’s hard to handle jealousy of your success and your own jealousy of others. Sometimes this is in your own family. Listen below to learn how to handle haters…
Check out my interview on Fox 5 DC with Annie Yu below…
One of the biggest decisions a potential author faces is whether to self-publish or to seek a literary agent that can hopefully attain a traditional publisher for her book. While there are still benefits to traditional publishing there are several benefits for entrepreneurs and authors who want to bring a book to market via the route of self-publishing.
In the following article I will be sharing “The Top 4 Benefits to Self-Publishing” from my perspective as an entrepreneur, author, success coach and psychologist. I will also discuss some of the peculiar challenges and joys of self-publishing my book The Adventures of Isabelle Book I: The Embryo Goddess and the Morpho
The Top 4 Benefits of Self-Publishing
1) Financial Benefits
You get to keep more of profits you control this decide what you want to invest and make as profit
Higher royalties i.e. 40-60% vs. 10-15% for Hardcover, 8-10% for Softcover and 25% + for e-books that are traditionally published. Note the higher margin for e-books.
Good passive income stream once book written esp. e-books. Print on Demand (POD) allows you to print books for customers as they are ordered thus avoiding keeping a large inventory or having unsold books.
While you have to pay for editing, design and printing you can shop around to get good price
No wait on royalties but also NO ADVANCE as in traditional publishing.
2) Adds to Client Offerings.
Having a book means that you have a product from which your clients can benefit.
Feature in the Jamaican Gleaner*
You are able to help more people by sharing your knowledge and expertise.
You own all rights of truly self-published books. No constraints set by publishing house.
You maintain control of the creative aspects i.e. cover art, design. I’ve known authors who are unhappy with cover art and design when using traditional publisher.
On the Fox 5 DC set with Anchor Annie Yu
Question: What would I say has been my biggest challenge around publishing “The Adventures of Isabelle” a.k.a. What are the cons of self-publishing?
Answer: It’s difficult to do marketing and book promotion on my own. It’s challenging to get the work out there and it’s hard to get bookstores interested in self-published books but it is possible.
Question: What have I most enjoyed about the process a.k.a. more pros?
I also love the intimate events like the Cross-Generational Readings. I love when people tell me that they have gotten real enjoyment and a message from my book. It makes me happy to feel that people are actually getting something from my book!
What are some of the Additional Benefits of Self-Publishing?
Process is relatively easy with online publishing and programs that authors can use to create their books.
Faster process to bring books to market.
Self-published books can attract traditional publishers for future publications.
Self-publishing has empowered authors in new and exciting ways. One thing to keep in mind before you go this or the traditional route is to do your research and have a goal and a plan for your book.
If you want to consult about this or any other aspect of success coaching then let’s Connect…
Listen to my interview on WHUR 96.3 FM The Daily Drum with Harold Fisher below…
Embracing Your Heroine’s Quest at Work: How to Build Self-Confidence in Your Career
Self Confidence is simply trust in one’s self and one’s abilities. It involves self-love and compassion. Self-confidence is seeing yourself as imperfect and loving yourself anyway. Below I’ve shared a few tips that have worked for me and others to increase self-confidence.
I. Self-confidence starts in the body. Your link to emotional intelligence is in your physical body. You have to become attuned to how you feel, build self-awareness then be able to control your body and emotions to your advantage. This also helps you to be able to influence others which you must do to be successful in your work and career. Confidence is also self-love and when you truly love yourself you care for yourself and your body. You can build your self-esteem by showing love and compassion for yourself by how you care for your health and body. Important: Have some form of exercise and meditation.
II. See yourself as a heroine and your life as your heroine’s quest. You must clarify what your mission is and what YOUR vision of success is. The trials and triumphs of your life and career will have much more meaning when you recognize that you are on a quest and that you have a mission to complete while here on earth. Obstacles will be easier to overcome when you see the meaning and purpose in what you are doing. Realize that you are writing your story. I turned my story into a fairy tale adventure in The Adventures of Isabelle Book I.
III. You mustn’t fear success. You have to root this fear out and be rid of it. You can not simultaneously be self-confident and fear success! I have a another blog post at the Vision Quest Chronicles titled “Overcoming the Fear of Success” that can help you with this. Please check it out if you suspect this fear is holding you back.
IV. Put an end to perfectionism! Recall Don Miguel Ruiz’s fourth agreement; Always do your best, nothing more and nothing less. Don’t be afraid to fail. Focus on what you do well and what you accomplish and DON’T beat yourself up for what you don’t do. I suggest that people write down 3 good things they do each day and 5 things for which they are grateful. This builds self-esteem and keeps your mind focused in a positive direction.
V. Build your bravery muscles. Take risks. Take a chance on yourself. If your heart says go for it…go for it! What’s the worse that can happen? You can also build up your courage muscles in areas unrelated to the area in which your goals lie. You can get brave by taking risks and challenging yourself in other areas as well. Some suggestions include a) do one thing each day that you are afraid to do, b) learn something new, like a sport or skill, c) get physical with it, like rock climbing, SCUBA diving or even doing head stands or warrior pose in yoga! Being brave will get in your emotional and muscle memory with practice. Find and root out self-defeating beliefs, stories and thoughts. i.e. “no one will love me.”
Check out this helpful article Fearlessly Forward by my friend Tamara E. Holmes
VI. Confidence is not a substitute for Competence. Know your stuff. Build your skills and work hard. There is no substitute for a good work ethic and being skilled. Get training, put in extra time and focus on being of service at work. Present yourself professionally in dress and speech. You must create and maintain a positive professional image if you expect to get ahead and this will give you more confidence. Know how to take feedback and seek it out. Don’t take things personally and do your best (two of Miguel Ruiz’s other four agreements). Being highly emotionally intelligent is a must! Again this starts in the body.
I hope these tips were helpful. Feel free to leave a comment. You can check out my success coaching services here SUCCESS STORIES
*Note there is no shipping costs added as books will be hand delivered to participants.
