You are Never Alone

Real friends don't have to speak to or see each other daily to remain in each others heart always...

        

I know today is Monday and I usually talk about BOOKS, but something else was placed upon my heart. With everything going on in this world, I feel like someone needs to hear this message.

Often times I wonder where I would be if I didn’t have the people I have in my life. We don’t always agree or talk or see each other, but I do know that when I need them, they are right there. Many times we go through life feeling isolated like we don’t need anyone; being alone when we don’t have to. As soon as we face it, we all need someone, the better our life will be. Now I’m not saying we cannot do things by ourselves or that we cannot make it through life without others, but it’s a known fact that God created Eve because He witnessed how lonely Adam was. Companionship is normal. Wanting and having companionship is human nature. It is God’s will for us all. There is no fighting it, no matter how hard we try. It’s okay to need others. It’s okay to be needed or wanted. It’s okay to be around people who love and care about us. Don’t ever feel like you have to face challenging situations alone.

My friends and I were having this conversation about a week ago. A few of us felt like we would be a burden or bother to the others for reaching out during our time of “darkness”. I say darkness because, at some point in time, we all face some form of darkness whether it be, a breakup, blow up, or simply life beating us down. It happens. We all experience it. And those of you who have never gone through “darkness” please let me know your secret.

Let me just say, I truly love my circle of friends. Before our conversation was over we came to an understanding that no matter what we are going through, feeling, or how busy life has us; we are never too busy for each other. We may not talk daily, weekly, and sometimes monthly, but we can always count on each other. I find it therapeutic spending time with people who truly want what’s best for me, and I try my best to reciprocate the gesture. Don’t take for granted the people God has placed in your life. 

I have friends who saw a natural disaster happening in an area where I live, and called or texted me to see if my family and I were okay. People I haven’t seen or talked to in quite some time, people I love dearly whose friendship I cherish deeply. They didn’t have to make time for me, but they did. I am overwhelmed with joy knowing that they did. They are my family and I love them very much. How many of you know that family doesn’t always share the same DNA? God gives us people who become our family along our journey. Those are the relationships that last a lifetime. If you are blessed to have people like this in your life, tell God thank you. They are the rarest of gems! Treat them as such.

Feeling alone can open doors to other ailments such as depression, anxiety or stress.

Depression is real! It creeps upon us when we least expect it. We try to avoid it, but it refuses to listen when we tell it to go away. I am a survivor of depression. That time of my life was some of the worse moments ever. The only thing that helped me, besides God, was finally realizing I was never alone. What I found out after my battle, during a conversation with one of my best friends, took my breath away. We were talking. I confided in her. She begins to say “Jesus” “My God” and “Thank You God for the spirit of obedience”. She told me how every Sunday at church she was led up for prayer, to stand in the gap for someone close to her. She didn’t know who it was. She certainly didn’t think it was me. We had never talked about my depression. The more I revealed to her, the better I felt knowing she had my back when I thought it was against the wall. I immediately began to cry. My heart was touched in a way I still cannot understand fully. Thank you, God, for deliverance!

I tell you these stories to say, even when you feel alone, think you are undeserving of friendship, or should endure pain and suffering due to something that happened in your past; you have never been nor will you ever be, alone. Like one set of footprints in the sand, God will carry us even when we don’t realize it, thinking we are walking alone.

I pray this post blesses someone on today. I pray it gives you peace, encouragement, and revelation.

Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged & be YOU!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

There's a Miracle called friendship that dwells within your heart, and you don't know how it happens Or when it gets its start. But the happiness it brings you always gives a special lift, and you realize that friendship is Life's most precious gift.

     

Let's Talk BOOKS...

Hey Yawl,

It's Monday! I'm doing something different on my blog today, as will I on each following Monday. This day will be solely for discussing books. I want you to know what authors I'm reading and let you know book selections, and such. This will keep the literacy flowing out in the universe. Don't you agree? And please feel free to let me know what you all are reading. I'm always looking for new authors and great books to read. #READINGROCKS

What's everyone been doing? I took the month of February off. I've been busy working diligently to finish up my newest book project. Not quite there that, but I'm getting there. It's a paranormal suspense, and I'm super excited about it. I cannot wait for you guys to read it. It's called Silence.

Here's the synopsis:

April Rose was abducted from the Milledgeville County Fair when she was only eight years old. After searching for several months, all hope of ever finding her alive vanished. Her body was never found. The town grieved the loss of such an amazing little girl, yet someone knows what really happened that day. When April Rose returns, she isn’t quite what the people she encounter imagines. She isn’t the sweet, cheerful, happy little girl they once knew.

Seeking revenge on the town’s residents for not protecting her and finding out the true identity of her abductor is the only way April Rose gains any sense of justice and peace. Will she solve the misery of her death so that she can finally transition or will her spirit stay trapped forever? Will the town of Milledgeville still exist once her mission is complete or perish before making good on the oath, that was taken centuries ago?

As April Rose unleashes her wrath, secrets  of Milledgeville meant to be kept hidden forever are exposed. Total damnation lives in the woods surrounding the quiet, close-knit town. It is up to the remaining founding-family members to keep the deal made by their ancestors intact before destruction wipes them off the map.

Listen to the warning signs of the goosebumps that chill your core, pay close attention to the shadows lurking in the distance everywhere you turn, and lastly, beware of the total silence.

What are your thoughts based on what you've read?

As the release gets closer, I'll do a cover reveal. I can truly say, it's awesome! Go over to my website to check out an excerpt from Silence. www.thekekechanel.com. Click on the ABOUT section.

What's the last few books I've read? 

So nice of you to ask. LOL

Both books were great!! Check them out when you can. I promise you won't be disappointed. 


What am I currently reading?

So far, it's interesting! The sexual tension between the two main characters is a bit annoying becasue they don't seem to notice it when they are in each other's presence, but I'm anxious to see how it all unfolds. Farrah Rochon is a Louisiana girl like me. For more information about the author, visit her website: www.farrahrochon.com.  

There you have it, Yawl! This is what I've been reading and up to. Until next time, be inspried, be encouared, & be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

 

Let's Talk About Books!!!!

Heeeyyyy yawl!!! 

Today we're talking books and literacy. My love for books began at the age of three. I was read to every day by whoever I handed a book. It didn't matter. They all took the book, picked me up, and read to me. My Aunt Janet (Moonie) took my siblings, cousins, and me to the library every summer, challenging us to read more than the one before. My love for books grew and grew and grew. Books became my first love. 

Literacy is important! We have to install reading and writing into our kids any way we can. The more we do, the smarter our next generation of leaders will be. Try to incorporate literacy on a daily basis to keep it relevant. If we don't, we are doomed to a world where ignorance reigns freely. Read to them. Read with them. Allow them to read to you. This builds confidence, comprehension, and creativity. My seven year old son reads to me daily. We are reading chapter books together. He loves when I read in silly voices. We are currently reading:

 

When I'm not writing, I am snuggled up with a book. I love all genres, so I always have something to read. I will take a book over a movie or television show any day! Reading is fundamental, whether we believe it or not. You can go anywhere, just by picking up a book and reading.

Literacy is the ability to read and write. You cannot master one without the other. Once upon a time, everyone wasn't allowed to learn how to read and write. Know why? Because knowledge is power! People are threatened by intellect. 

Women were considered disobedient if education was higher on her list of priorities than finding a husband and having children. Thankfully, the world we live in today has evolved. Even though many prejudices still insist, literacy is promoted and we are required to apply it to our everyday lives. 

Everything we do requires some level of literacy. 

Listed below is a few things you can do to promote literacy around you:

1. Make it fun. 

Play games. Use funny voices during reading time with your kids. 

2. Act it out.

Put on a show for family and friends. This boosts confidence and self-esteem. Re-enacting scenes from books will make reading exciting and enjoyable.   

3. Engage

Ask questions about the story to see if what is being read, is comprehended. Give the reader your undivided attention. 

4. Reward

Reward the reader. Incentives can produce better effort. People tend to give their all when they are rewarded for their participation. Give rewards that promote literacy e.i. books, notepads, journals, games, accessories, etc.

Here are a few websites that help promote literacy:  

www.literacy.org. 

www.literacyhow.com.

"Hello, my name is KeKe and I am a BOOKAHOLIC!!!

 "...And I'm proud of it. I love, love, love, love books."

What I like to read?

I love all genres when it comes to books., but my favorite is suspense. I write suspense-fiction. I love creating drama and intrigue in my stories that leaves the reader wanting more with each page. Twists and turns, plots and sub-plots, characters that are unique but realistic, are just to name a few things I incorporate in my books when I'm creating storylines. No one wants to read a book that's predictable and boring. I don't, so I don't write them. I know many people who are not readers, as they refer to themselves, that have read my books and are now reading on a regular basis. Now I'm not taking credit for their sudden enjoyment of reading; but I do know that had my book been boring, they wouldn't have finished it or been inspired to read another one. 

KeKe Chanel books are Da BOMB!! 

For more information about my books visit my website: www.thekekechanel.com.

Authors I love!

I absolutely love Eric Jerome Dickey, James Patterson, Stephen King, Brian W. Smith, Omar Tyree, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Elle Wright, Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, and Lynn Emery. There are many others, but the list would be too long and we would be here all day.  Check out any one mentioned and I promise you won't go wrong! And, you definitely won't be disappointed.

What am I reading now?

I'm reading Sisters & Husbands by Connie Briscoe.

Last three books I read: 

Let my know if you have read any of the authors mentioned above. Did you enjoy their work? If you decide to read any of their books, please share your thoughts with me by sending an email to kekechanel2012@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you. Your review could be feautured on my blog.

Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged & be you!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Follow Your Dreams

What’s Your Dream?

In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, I wanted to take this time to inspire anyone who has ever had a dream, and didn’t think it would come true. Take my personal experience for example: I have been writing on and off, all my life. I started writing in the third grade after my teacher read us a poem one day in class. I don’t remember the name of it, but I do remember the impact it had on me. The way the words flowed together, creating a story, captured my attention and introduced me to what would become my first love, poetry. 

Even though over the years I tried to shy away from writing, it wouldn’t depart from me. Every milestone in my life, poetry was there, writing was there. When I was too emotional to speak, all I had to do was pick up my pen and paper, and my feelings flowed endlessly; scripting poem after poem, short-story after short-story, and now full-length novels. Others would read my work and feel inspired. Others sought me out to compose pieces for their significant others and other life-changing events, as well as tell their journey through time, in a book. 

Writing is my passion! Once I figured out it was (is) my purpose, my dream became a reality. Most people go through life without discovering their purpose. I am so thankful that I have. I pray you will discover your own if you haven’t already. Going through life unfulfilled brings regret, which leads to resentment and bitterness. I noticed lately that I have talked about those three things a lot. I know there is a message for someone. I pray clarity to you right now, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If Dr. King wouldn’t have followed his dream, I wouldn’t be here to see mine come true. My dream of writing my first novel came true in 2007. My dream of becoming a published author came true in 2012. See the time-gap between the two? I didn’t give up! I stepped away from my dream not knowing it was my purpose yet. My dream of becoming an award-winning author came true in 2014. I get to travel and meet people from all over the country, doing events, book signings, and workshops. I’m not where I want to be by any means, but I am living the dream…My DREAM! 

So know that if you can dream it and believe it, then ultimately, you will achieve it; see it manifest. Life is too short to live in regret, to be stagnant and complacent. Someone once told me, “If your dreams don’t frighten you, you aren’t dreaming BIG enough!” I truly believe that. Take a risk… Challenge yourself… Put forth great effort… and watch your dream turn into reality! It’s well worth the pursuit. But, don’t go chasing rainbows without thinking there won’t be any storms. Pack your all-weather gear, and get going. Obstacles will happen to throw us off course, but I believe this is only a test of our faith and determination. “There are no testimonies without tests.” Remember that!

I hope this post inspire you, motivate you, and bring hope to your journey; so that you will follow your dream(s). I pray you peace, purpose, and prosperity…

NEVER ALLOW ANYONE OR ANYTHING  KEEP YOU FROM PURSUING & ACHIEVING YOUR DREAM...

Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged, & be you!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Feeling Stuck??

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

                                     -George Bernard Shaw

Often times, we find ourselves at a breaking point, feeling stuck in our daily lives. Our routines seem too predictable, too convenient, and less important. But, those routines make us who we are. People depend on our daily routines in order to complete their own. Whether you are an overworked executive, a stay-at-home mom, or school educator, what you do each day matters.

Don’t allow self-doubt or negativity to creep inside what works for you and make you second guess every decision you make, the decisions you have made for more days than you can count. Know that you are not the only one. We all get stuck at some point, but the question is, what are we going to do about it? No one should stay stuck. Life wasn’t designed that way. The world keeps on turning and so should we.

Usually, feeling stuck leads to overkill, burnout, insecurities, and stress. Never allow your life to create such anxiety. This can lead to health issues you don’t need. Change things up a bit. Switch up your routine. Instead of drinking coffee each morning to start your day, drink tea or orange juice. Take a different route to work. Let the kids help fix their lunches. Dress up a pair of your favorite jeans with a blazer and wear it to work. You’re still accomplishing the same things, just in a different way.

And when you need others things to incorporate into your daily routine, try these:

Sell Yourself…

Show everyone in your life how important having you around is. Even if you need to step back from a few of your daily responsibilities to prove a point, sometimes it’s a sacrifice we all have to make so we don’t feel inadequate. Once they realize how valuable you are, change will commence. The spouse who thinks you always have it together will take on more tasks around the house. The boss you never tell “no” to will reward you as a form of appreciation. The kids will pick up after themselves. And in turn, you get some me time.  

Time for Something New…

Do something new! Plain and simple, try something you normally couldn’t. Take that painting class you have been putting off for years. Start that book club. Join a gym. Take that Zumba class, salsa lessons, or anything else you have secretly desired to do and felt selfish for thinking about. Create enjoyment in your life. Being fulfilled leisurely, will make the stuff that matters most, so much better, why not try it? 

Relax…

Make sure to get a good night’s rest. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your brain sharp and your body working the why it should be. Listen to music to stimulate your mind. Dance around the house in your underwear. Find a quite spot and put your feet up. I sometimes take a blanket outside to my backyard and lie there looking up at the sky. This is very relaxing for me. If you live close to a beach or lake, go there. Spend the day doing absolutely nothing, except enjoying yourself and the tranquil waters surrounding you. When you feel stressed or worked up, stop! Take a deep breath and just relax. 

Have No Regrets…

Live with no regrets. Life is so much better when we are happy with the choices we make or have made over the course of our lives. Living in regret gives flight to resentment, which leads to bitterness. Don’t give anyone that much power over you, not even yourself. In my opinion, there are no bad decisions, just lessons needed to be taught and learned to make us better people. Every decision I have ever made, impulsive or not, made me who I am today. I am a better friend, parent, spouse, and person. There are some things I would go back in time to avoid or re-access, but there is absolutely nothing I would change because I live with no regrets. Take it or leave it…I am who I am!

LOVE LIFE!!!

And that’s all folks…

Live…Laugh…Love!!!

          “IF YOU ALWAYS PUT LIMITS ON EVERYTHING YOU DO, PHYSICAL OR ANYTHING ELSE, IT WILL SPREAD INTO YOUR WORK AND INTO YOUR LIFE. THERE ARE NO LIMITS. THERE ARE ONLY PLATEAUS, AND YOU MUST NOT STAY THERE, YOU MUST GO BEYOND THEM.

                                                                                        --Bruce Lee

I hope these things are helpful. Here is a link to an article that also deals with what to do when you feel stuck.

http://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Feeling-Stuck

Until next time: Be inspired, Be encouraged & Be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel