How do you know when it’s time to change gears?

Holay! It’s been a while since my ‘last’ … b/log. I woke up this morning with an idea and new energy for this blog post as I get asked this stuff a lot (over the years).

Since starting this blog in November 2008, I (and it) has[ve] been through so many different changes. Back then I had a full time job, then when I switched jobs (and careers) in 2013 I still couldn’t be separated from my first love (writing).

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

I found new ways to incorporate my love into my new job (via newsletters etc). And on weekends and after work I blogged my heart away.

Here’s a bit more about how this journey and way of life sort of came together subconsciously through intent.

(I promise I won’t start from the beginning since that may be another book!)

 

After 15 years of various forms of expression, I still don’t get weary of pursuing this passion. Whether it’s for money or a hobby, I will never retire (from writing).

Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash

In those days I often looked to my co-workers for feedback and advice since I was unsure of the impact I was having with this new type of lifestyle writing as it’s now being called. 

They were all very encouraging. Soon my sideline passion morphed into column writing for one of the largest and most read local Sunday magazines (circa 2008-2010). The response though not overwhelming was very moving and re-ignited my passion.

Disclaimer: What I’m about to describe is in no way meant to boast or brag about my accomplishments; but to demonstrate one simple, but life-changing point.

How much you do with your unique talent(s); how much money you make and more importantly – the impact you make is totally dependent on what are your ever-changing goals, how hard you are willing to work, reinvent, engage and put yourself out there.

It all comes back to your true love. If you don’t love what you do, there’ll never be any drive to continue reinventing to attract what and who you need to enjoy more fruits of your labour.

While still holding down a full-time job (I had plateaued at); pursuing post graduate studies and a broadcasting course, I volunteered, contributed and found more ways to grow my talent and skills at and outside the confines of my job.

The column writing filtered into writing for regional and international magazines during that same period. That then morphed into book writing, which later morphed into public speaking, presenting and poetry (you can also say humourous writing + speaking).

That then morphed into (documentary) scriptwriting, content writing, human interest stories, workshops and [self-produced] entertainment events. And well, I guess the rest is the future!

(There’s more though … please scroll with me 😉 )

Photo by Alok Sharma on Unsplash

To reinforce the reason for sharing this, I’ll say that most of those adages that have become so cliche are true to the letter. Most apt here is: ‘nothing worthwhile happens overnight‘.

Here’s another shocker: I really did not choose this profession. It’s a vocation I was led to every step of the way.

My heart was not completely into my full time jobs and careers. Though there were many priceless moments and learning experiences I enjoyed and people I met along the way, many would say to me that I had way more to offer the world.

I myself didn’t fully believe it. I thought some were patronizing me (to be honest).

But in retrospect those moments in between is what led me to this rich life experience I now enjoy daily doing what I love on my own terms (most times).

Even on the days I’m not super busy (rolling in $$$, or being positive because of the rain), I silently build on what I learnt during those decades that helped me to finally ‘JUMP’ and begin building my brand.

It was a huge risk at times, but somehow there was always a stronger positive ‘force’ leading me back to my rightful destiny (which ironically is still sort of a mystery).

When the challenging times arise, I fully immerse myself in them to go way beyond the surface to find solutions for overcoming and share with others in some form.

Many of the great incomparable life gurus who have (visibly) made it BIG personally, financially and spiritually tell us that one of the surefire ways to receive abundance is to give what you have been blessed to have/enjoy.

It does not always have to be monetary, but simple unconscious (natural) gestures may mean more than we know. A thought, a sincere prayer, an apology, a hug, advice. Or just knowing that someone believes in you wholeheartedly with no strings attached.

Whether or not the other person truly appreciates it, or receives what you ‘give’/extend in the same way you intended, matters little if you give from the heart.

Photo by Josh Shaw on Unsplash

People receive gestures and express appreciation and loyalty based on where they’re at on the journey. 

Our socialization, history, hang-ups, insecurities and burdens all influence the dynamics of human behaviour.

 

 

Of course it may sting a bit if you expected to be treated in the same way, but time heals most wounds and new experiences allow you to forget (though the memory may never be totally erased under ‘normal’ circumstances).

Photo by Kate on Unsplash

In life, you always have 2 options: be the victim, or the victor. It’s not always an easy choice or action. But if you are pure in heart and passionate in thought, nothing in life will be difficult.

If you find yourself stuck, attracting the same people and situations in different ways, remember you attract what you are and what you exude.

It’s truly a balancing act between confidence + humility and assertiveness + aggressiveness, depending on where you find yourself at any given moment.

If you find yourself having to explain; justify and defend yourself, your decisions, your stance, your words and your abilities multiple times and in multiple ways, then attempting to placate and compensate, then you have a pivotal decision to make.

Photo by Melinda Gimpel on Unsplash

In order to find our catharsis and progress in all aspects of our life, we either have to find a way to change/shift our energy, change/shift our surroundings or change/shift the people with whom we closely associate as required.

(Of course, this is easier said than done. If it was as easy as drinking a potion, then there would be world peace, no crime, no hate, no poverty, just love + understanding 😉 ).

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Best wishes for an amazing Thursday, Friday and weekend. Remember we are being led.

Be still, reflect, observe, discern and obey the signs.

Stay true to the undeniable truths anyone (past or present) has ever said to you throughout your life.

Listen to your heart and go with your gut to make the choices that are right for you at any given moment.

At the same time, keep in mind that everyone is coming from a different emotional, spiritual and social place, so don’t take it for granted that each person we encounter understands our words and actions and can receive them in the same way.

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

www.carolyncorreia.co

Photo by Camille / Kmile on Unsplash

Advertisements

Oh October!

So we’re here … another month has ended and another one just beginning.

Like most things in life it brings with it new lessons, joys and perspectives. Depending on how long we choose to focus on the previous month(s) it/they can provide us with a different spin to guide our future.

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash

What may seem obvious to some, may be an illusion to others. We sometimes take it for granted that when we speak, the intended party gets us (totally).

But alas!

The ones who are meant to receive the message, obtain from it what they can at that particular juncture on their journey.

Over the years I tried to almost force the point (if you catch my drift), so others would receive what I wanted to convey in the way I intended.

It intensified over time, so much so that I would literally find it frustrating that others can’t (or won’t) see the glass from where I sit. 

Recently a random stranger said the wisest thing to me which was essentially to stop expecting others to change. He said unless you have supernatural powers, the people in the world have been existing in their ways since time immemorial and things aren’t gonna change drastically any time soon.

As a young girl I somehow thought I could have changed the world. As I grew older and wiser, I tried within my own sphere. I again attempted to do it with my writing and speaking and some of the careers I choose or rather that choose me.

It seemed to only go so far. Change I’ve realized matters little to those who don’t see it’s value, or hang with a crowd that are wary of real and sustained change.

Change can be scary.

It can seem ominous.

It can seem surreptitious.

It can even seem duplicitous as the ‘forces’ fight again positive change.

I remember working from an employer’s house (many years ago) and the housekeeper said to me the adage I now seem to repeat whenever I encounter someone as obstinate and stuck in their ways as a bull that sees red.

“A leopard can’t change its spots.”

Indeed. We are now entering into a very serious era. The end of another year. The countdown to a new one.

The past few years have been a whirlwind of changes – personally and globally. Some good, others not so much.

I lost so many beautiful souls who were dear to me around this time of year. My dad, a client and a co-worker. Each have touched me in different ways that are indescribable.

Photo by Abdul Azis Nurrahman Febrianto on Unsplash

Never having to look death in the eye until then, it was a tragic loss I can’t seem to place into words.

I almost came face-to-face with my own death a few times in my life from the age of 9, then more recently over the years.

I seemed to ‘magically’ escape it each time.

Life is never what it seems. Almost every experience and person I have met taught me so much about life … and death.

Who matters and who matters not.

How much you really matter in the grand scheme of things and their life, regardless of what you did or they did.

Or how you made each other feel in those moments in time.

It taught me why I am the way I am, and why change is such an illusive thing to many people.

Of all my years, the quantum and intensity of joys and despairs seem to be getting more and more intense. This allows me to journey deeper within my mind, heart and soul to understand the meaning of life with each new year that finds me.

I learn to navigate the storms without the ones who I thought would be around to hold my hand and heart for what I thought would be forever.

To continue to live your life with joy is a mystery I thought I would never master, until 2018. Few capture it in quite the same way, especially in the face of adversity. 

For some, joy means a silent inner peace and contentment. For others, it’s a ball of fire which in itself is in a constant state of flux as the world and people around us change.

The ability to process experiences and discern situations and people, gives us the justifiable right to own our reactions to adversity and injustice and stand by them without shame or regret, until we find our catharsis and healing.

It is easy to say we don’t have to prove our prowess or love to another. But as the world continues to change and we realize we have less control over the loyalty and character of people we thought we knew, we are left with changing ourselves with the self-knowledge of what we know to be true and what we consciously choose to allow to unfold in our lives. – Carolyn Correia

Here’s to an October to experience in all its intensities and shades as if there’s no tomorrow. Regrets are for the faint hearted. Procrastination are for those that lack a sense of self. Carpe Diem!

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

Photo by Viktor Juric on Unsplash

Is this YOUR life?

Another week and another opportunity to make it count. Hurray!

I’ve been lucky, or blessed, or privileged (choose your preference) to have been exposed to so many different people and experiences with the ability to absorb and digest it in a way that is truly meaningful not only to myself – but others.

Photo by Jess Watters on Unsplash

 

The greats of all time tell you that success comes before material wealth. Since you must be recognized for obtaining a certain result, in order for others to (continue to) pay you any kind of money commensurate with what you have provided for them.

When all is said and done, we were all placed on this earth to serve others using our unique combination of gifts – talents, abilities and qualities as human beings.

In order to obtain the desired results, you must enjoy doing it. You can say this is how the (now cliched) buzz concept ‘passion + purpose’ came into being.

I don’t know about you, but when I was a wee tot at school, growing into adolescence and having to choose subjects, I did not realize that this was going to determine how the rest of my life would play out. I did not even have a clue what passion and purpose was.

p.s that pic isn’t supposed to represent me per se, since I am a girl and well, my hair is dark brown.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

In fact, I don’t even think my teachers, or their teachers or my parents knew what it was. At least it wasn’t coined in that way. All we knew is that we had to choose subjects that would give us a certain sense of a comfortable, secure and stable life.

A life that would allow for us to move out one day, pay for stuff on our own and do all the things we wanted to including bring home a nice boy/girl and give them some grandchildren when it’s that time.

A life where we won’t need to depend on them too much – especially in their twilight years. One where they would not have to live in anxiety about our well-being and continuously work to support our needs and wants.

Photo by John Moeses Bauan on Unsplash

The reason for me explaining this is to [re]connect the dots which I’m sure you would have (subconsciously) observed in your own life and that of your family and peers.

I watched an old Honeymooners rerun and though I laughed my heart out, there were some fundamental life and business lessons that will never grow old.

 

The most important one is “the grass is not always greener on the other side!” We were indoctrinated to believe that certain professions make lots of money (the stuff that makes the world go round and pays our bills).

These careers are revered as prestigious, lucrative, glamorous … coveted even (I can see you nodding in my mind’s eye). Accounting, medicine, law, anything in computers, the media, a chef, pilot, business owner or director of any kind are sought after careers.

The ones doing them gain the respect and popularity of the masses who place them on pedestals and want to be in their presence.

Teachers, drivers, garbage collectors, maids, nannies, admins, clerks, food attendants and the dreaded (travelling) salesmen are considered menial jobs. The ones doing these are frowned upon and even ran from in some cases! Am I right, or am I right?

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Some may not know this, but the latter jobs once ‘worked right’ can spin any which way with the right mindset and ‘execution’ if you may. The careers in the first group also come with a string of negative side-effects most try to hide from the public.

They include huge student loans to repay (with interest), long hours, higher taxes and bills, stress, people management (stress if you have the wrong team with the wrong mindset, or if they see you as a threat/’bad guy’, or if you of yourself are a poor authoritative leader!)

Also when you are doing these jobs, you have a lot of expectations to live up to which in itself is a lot of pressure to handle. You have to represent buttercup dreams joy, peace, composure and prestige all. the. time –  even if that is not the case.

You may have your parents, siblings, spouse/partner and children to satisfy as you continue the charade of happiness, conforming to a life you never really understood or even wanted in the first place.

Depending on the profession and level of the ladder you attain, there’s even more pressure piled upon you, as others see you as a beacon of hope (and cash). You can just imagine what that is like – living on the edge.

Photo by Ahmet Ali Ağır on Unsplash

Even if you are doing it purely for the love and fulfillment it brings to yourself and others, it can be perceived as ostentatious or showy for those who are striving and can’t find a way out beyond their state of being.

Even if they are happy and you appear happier simply by living your life by your own humble terms (though this is relative depending on how you’ve been socialized), this may pose a threat to the egos and esteem of humans, just by our very nature or baggage.

This is especially so if it seems effortless, or too easy for you. When in reality, if the other person digs deep enough, there may be several things that seem easy for them. In fact, some aspects of the way they live their life may hold the allure for countless others, including the person they are silently and grudgingly coveting.

If you’re (still) nodding, then I can (hopefully) rest my case as I know you’d want to attend this first nET-MIX at More Vino on Sunday 30th September. 

One where we can each carve a comfortable niche to bring sustained change and solutions to the gaps in our respective businesses or creative endeavors.

Surrounded by like-minds passionate about busting the illusion of competition which tears us apart from each other and our true purpose for choosing a business or career in the first place.

Photo by Jiroe on Unsplash

I don’t have to quote cliches to reinforce what you already know in your hearts. But I will end this blog by paraphrasing these here classics:

There is strength in numbers. To achieve true and sustained greatness; we have to stand on the backs of our ancestors’ strength and legacy passed to each of us in our DNA, honouring and respecting our individual strengths and remaining open to the lessons.

True security + confidence in the prowess of your abilities and ‘wealth’ lies in having an open and willing mind and heart.

The surefire way to creating more and more abundance lies in helping others with whom you feel an affinity – ungrudgingly and without expectations or strings attached.

In this way, if the person disappoints or surpasses your level of perceived success, you would have already let go of that gift with love. I say perceived for the simple reason I identified above.

If you have already achieved success and you align with the above definition – which is to be a master of your ‘purposeful passion’ and genuinely serve others, then there will never be any contest. You won’t have to compare, defend or prove your worth.

It will be an accepted given because you have worked and continue to work for and towards it. In this way, no one can ever truly surpass you and it won’t matter because your heart, mind, body + soul is in alignment with your calling and passion.

The key is knowing when you have achieved true success. Figuring out what is your true ‘secret power’, learning to harness it, being in the right ‘space’ to be at one with your innate energy to attract more and more abundance by your very nature.

Remember your energy is a direct result of the company you keep, your environment/space which ultimately affects your mood, mindset and productivity.

Ever notice what makes you happy, uplifted, inspired and motivated? Observe the trends. What colours, clothes, people, places, foods and activities energizes you and what depresses, angers you or fills you with self doubt, self-loathing and regret.

You’d want to practice more of THOSE things and less of others, won’t you?

If the answer is yes and you have passionate ideas and solutions and want to be part of this pure, wholesome conversation, register by simply (sms) texting/emailing CHANGE along with your name and contact info to 798-8596/ hicomegaconsulting@gmail.com.

You can also enter your info via this link. Feel free to share! See you on the inside 😉

My Endless Love,

Carolyn

www.carolyncorreia.co

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

Men and their Sons & Daughters in a Changing Society

When I was first asked to write this article I was on the fence about tackling this very ‘heavy’ issue. When I began to write I admit to sounding like an aged psychologist or someone who watched one too many Dr. Phil episodes at best.

Needless to say for a [deeper] reason unbeknownst to me, the article which was intended for Father’s Day was never published.

Upon observing an alarming trend in the news and daily life, I realized there may be a need for me to at least publish this to my personal blog if it can ‘shine some light’ on what’s happening in society today.

Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash

After reading midway through you’d probably be asking yourself, “Who gives her the authority to write on such matters.” So this is my preface.

Having borne no children of my own, nor seen too much of any of the above named episodes, I can only admit to studying a couple psychology courses at university along with my main course of study (viz. literature and communications).

Even prior to this I was always fascinated by the stories of others and ironically enough, I seemed to attract people who loved to share them with me.

One can say it was a Divine gift received at a young age. As a result, my mind was always in overdrive with thoughts that manifested itself into almost all my jobs and careers as an adultier adult.

Photo by Hutomo Abrianto on Unsplash

Thinking out Loud from time to time, I’m sure you may have these thoughts when you look at your peers on social media, or on the grocery aisle and say to yourself:

‘Hmm, what a perfect GQ couple they make, with their cute little GQ kids!’

For modern day people who are busy living their lives the way in which they like; this may bear no real significance.

Based on where we are on our emotional and spiritual journey, this may still affect us on some level, since for generations we were socialized by the media and society to believe that a two parent picture-perfect family is the ideal.

While fatherhood and parenthood are serious lifelong commitments and roles which everyone may not be able to embrace when it comes, it is a personal decision.

Often times, sexuality and pro-creation is such that, it may seem that you have little control over who you meet, partner with and eventually have offspring.

At times looks and charms can be so deceiving, that we may get fooled into believing that this person who showers us with the attention and promises we’ve secretly craved is our ‘ideal’ soulmate.

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

 

One thing may lead to another – marriage and the baby carriage; sometimes not in that order and before you know it, a little one is calling you daddy or mommy and it can feel like either a dream or nightmare again depending on where you are in life.

Some may feel trapped and deny, or give up their role to mould their sons and daughters to be the future parents and leaders of a civilized and productive society.

As a result, one day we may wake up to find that our offspring have spiraled out of control due to the lack of care, attention and affection to make them into upright citizens.

In the same vein, though one may have the discernment to ‘separate the sheep from the goat’, that relation[ship] may not turn out exactly the way you would have liked either.

In my honest opinion, from where I sit two people who are meant to be together for life would be compatible in every way.

They would possess the emotional maturity and spiritual grounding with the ability to communicate effectively their challenges and find solutions to have a harmonious, trusting, committed and long lasting relationship that would stand the test of time.

They would balance each other out with the qualities that can weather the storms of co-habituation, cultural and social nuances, children, family, society, the media, career, finances and perceived adversities.

I agree [with your silent thoughts] that not everyone may have the willpower to hold out for their perceived ideal soulmate, or blessed enough to meet someone equally yoked during their childbearing years.

Especially so for females, since men can father a child at any age with little effort and their ‘settling’ capability somehow kicks in much later – if ever in some cases based on how they were socialized.

Many men were taught or had it inculcated into their psyche that the rite of passage to manhood was to sow their wild oats as far and wide as possible (no pun intended).

As a result; many Baby Boomer and Gen X kids found themselves to be raised in broken homes, or without the proper grooming to function holistically and/or respect women or humanity when they became of age.

Photo by Sebastián León Prado on Unsplash

Due to insecurities in their manhood or upbringing; the ability to show affection, communicate their feelings honestly and openly, or draw boundaries in romantic, platonic and even professional relationships may affect their intimacy.

It may also affect their ability to commit to one person (for too long) or be a proper role model.

One’s childhood and socialization may affect different people in different ways; even if raised in a privileged home where essential things were missing (viz. proper guidance, communication or affection).

As a result, this may negatively impact a person’s ability to function in the way they should – especially in romantic relationships and the ability to nurture offspring.

All in all, for change to occur we must be conscious and take responsibility for our actions, especially when choosing partners and making the decision to become parents.

The detriments of a few fleeting moments of pleasure may have lasting repercussions not only for yourself; but collectively create a society of little people who end up being unprepared for the world and the ability to lead us into a new generation of productive and caring citizens of the world.

Carolyn Correia is an author, speaker and communications consultant. For more: www.carolyncorreia.co

Let’s get ready!

So hey! I’m back. But just for a very brief update about our nET-MIX on Sunday 30th September, 2018 at More Vino, More Sushi! In case you missed the previous post, here it is again along with the flyer.

 

Lots of folks were asking about THE … agenda. While I never have an ‘agenda’ for doing what I love and what most times feel natural, for the very reasons contained within the first blog promo I sorta hold my most private thoughts close.

For the sake of the famous ‘hook‘, here is my very plain agenda, which I might add are not especially unique. But I am getting to the jab – so wait for it.

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

I don’t like to make grandiose announcements of the stuff I’ve done, people I’ve had the privilege of meeting and places I’ve been – unless it can really help others in a practical way. But I must say this to connect some of the dots.

During my time as a freelance journalist, writer, contributor (and blogger) for newspapers and magazines not limited to the Caribbean region, I stumbled upon some interesting finds. Especially where diverse working and business people are concerned.

Of course, I can never take credit for everything I share, but I do try to put a different spin on the info and give credit where credit is due (and required by law in some cases!).

The main topics for this first event are outlined below:

1. Improving service excellence. We’re gonna go pretty deep into this based on the group of unique minds that attend. We will keep it succinct with suggestions to add a different level of customer service, quality and aftercare required for sustainability.

There will also be drivers to take home the point aka positive reinforcements.

As our personalities, exposure, experiences, comfort and confidence levels vary, we may at times find it difficult to adapt, relate or break into different markets/customer bases.

Sometimes no matter how hard we psyche ourselves up – that fear or reluctance, due to our socialization; disposition or the past, can be very present and very real.

No matter how much corporate or work experience we may have doing same, it’s just hard to maneuver (kinda like public speaking, or networking based on where we’re at).

We may feel that we can’t seem to account for it, or get around it.  

We may create all sorts of mental blocks + excuses that manifest physically stymieing business progress. Even if we do get past it, it may manifest itself to the next person as fake, forced and needless to say not received in the best way to reap the results we wish.

Photo by Pâmela Lima on Unsplash

2. Discernment, target marketing + negotiation. Not to trivialize the very serious agenda; or the singer I’m about to name, but I believe Lady Gaga sang about poker face (that’s not her on your right btw).

 

The point is, many times due to our physiological make-up and level of exposure, we sometimes allow our emotions to take over the business or professional aspect of our life.

There’s so much to say here about communication (which by the way is my primary training).

The mixer will pave the way for more conversations on presentation, networking and understanding how to identify, find, ‘read’/discern and engage your customer.

This will prevent that feeling of a forced and painful customer or business interaction or transaction we try to avoid many times.

Just a reminder: There’ll be lots of fun activities and segues to keep you smiling and excited for more. Look out for the next blog where I’ll get into some of that (without giving it all away and killing the buzz).

I’ll also talk about why you would want to leave your comfy abode on a Sunday to experience the More Vino, More Sushi experience like never before experienced, and also a bit about the pop-ups.

I do promise you this ONE thing (though I was warned against doing this when I was first urged to do public speaking). By the time we’re through with a few sessions, everyone will be amazed by the talent, creativity and drive replete within our land.

So much so, we’d want to put down the gloves (if we ever had uses for it), join hands and sing each other’s praises to almost everyone we meet and form meaningful linkages and/or partnerships to improve economies of scale (cost cutting and capacity building).

Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash

THIS of course is the ultimate goal and agenda, once everyone commits to staying on the same page for the greater good of all involved 😉

To register simply text or email CHANGE to 798-8596/hicomegaconsulting@gmail.com or sign-up via this link. To take part in the pop-up fun and sell/showcase your nifty work please indicate this in your communication to us as well. We’ll hit you back with the deets 😉

Let your tomorrow be promised! See you on the inside😉 Stay tuned by subscribing via www.carolyncorreia.co + other social media handles.

Until next time.

My Endless Love,

Carolyn xx

Photo by Arisa Chattasa on Unsplash

Nice Like Sugar & Spice: Just What The Doctor Ordered!

A reblog via Nice Like Sugar & Spice: Just What The Doctor Ordered! to my 2nd trip to my mother’s land lol aka The Spice Isle aka Grenada circa October 2014! You can read a bit about it in my memoir on Amazon: How To Find Yourself & Claim What’s Yours! 

Nice Like Sugar & Spice: Just What The Doctor Ordered!

A reblog to my 2nd trip to my mother’s land lol aka The Spice Isle aka Grenada circa October 2014! You can read a bit about it in my memoir on Amazon: How To Find Yourself & Claim What’s Yours!

Your Perfect Travel Companion

Hello my loves….

I am back home after 3 days of bliss. Grenada me love yuh bad! This is my mini blog, as I am still surviving on 4 hours of sleep. I reconnected with old friends, made new ones and just had a ball of time. 

It was a personal trip to my friends’ wedding which was so beautiful and emotional, but in the process I learnt a lot, changed my perspective and renewed my spirit with a ton load of new experiences. 

photo credit – C. John 2014 © All rights reserved  Grand-Mal Beach Grenada

Though not my first visit to the spice isle, I was met with open arms and so much hospitality from those I hardly knew. 

Thanks to Curlyn and her friends George and Merlin who opened their home to me and welcomed me with open arms after the mix up with my hotel…I…

View original post 323 more words