It is time to wake up. Have you decided to make a drastic change in your habits? Have you decided to go back to school and become an influential person in the community? Are you ready to be the person that you know you ought to be? These questions and more are becoming common conversational topics among each other. We are all searching for purpose, understanding and unconditional love. This Monday take a look at your overall self and decide who you choose to be in this moment. Making the choice could be a continuing factor of who you should be and who you will be in life.
Author Archives: Jenice Armstead
Wisdom Wednesday – Life Sources
The life source of the human body is sustainable food. If you eat food loaded with sugar and high in fats, it will not sustain you. You will be hungry all the time and gain weight. Eating highly fatty foods will cause you to have bad health in the long run. Understanding and growing your health knowledge by learning what food is actually good for your body. Healthy food will increase your focus, your ability to think clearer, and improve relationships with people. Yes, it’s true – eating nourishing and sustainable food will provide a lifestyle change that will ultimately increase your ability to have a better overall life. Take small steps, make a list of what you currently eat and then decide to implement more fruits and vegetables into your diet. You’ll be surprised at what small changes will do for your mind body and your soul.
Dr. Jaye
Monday Morning Mindset – Keeping Your Word
Keeping your word is important. The average person means to keep the word, although there are situations where a person may have to break a promise or the word in reference to something they said they would do. Back in the day, keeping your word was as good as a contract. If you broke your word, you broke contract. In many instances, breaking your promise to do something meant losing notoriety and credibility in the community. It’s important to do what you say and say what you do. This week think about being honorable in what you say and in what you do.
Dr. Jaye
Kick Off for the Veterans Business Initiative III
Dr. Jenice Armstead was honored as a special guest speaker of the Kick Off for the Veterans Business Initiative III. The room was filled with Trustees, Sponsors, Employers, Academic partners, Friends, Guests and Honored Veterans. The Veterans Business Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Disability Chamber of Commerce for Central Florida, Manpower, and other affiliates. Dr. Armstead spoke about the changes in the new workforce and how education and interviewing skills are vital when looking for a job. The audience was captivated by Dr. Armstead’s ability to share her personal and professional experiences with recently obtaining employment with Saint Pete College. Dr. Armstead gave a speech about staying positive and focused on your goals. “I am working in my dream career, and it is because of the VBI program that I was able to properly transcribe my military experience within my resume for civilians to understand.”
The Veterans Business Initiative is an eight-week program that assist veterans with obtaining employment with businesses. The program is free of charge for all veterans who are seeking entrepreneurship opportunities, employment, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, CLICK HERE: Central Florida Disability Chamber
Dr. Jenice Armstead
Dr. Jenice Armstead Speaking at VBI
Dr. Jenice Armstead with VBI Staff
Monday Morning Mindset – Being Creditable
This week’s Monday Morning Mindset focuses on “Being Creditable.” Being credible implies that you are a person of virtue and substance. When you think of the word credibility, what do you think of? Credibility implies that you are honorable and understand the value of keeping your word, keeping your promise and keeping track of your own ethical purpose. Although there are times in life where we are unable to keep a promise, being credible adds to the conversation by explaining the reason for changes. Within situations, it is important to be honest when changes arise. In today’s world, credibility is lacking. In order ensure you were being credible, take note of how you were being, how you were acting, and how you respond in adverse situations. Being credible is more than just doing something, it’s about being a certain way on purpose.
Dr. Jaye
Forgiveness Friday – Excepting Imperfections
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Today’s Forgiveness Friday focuses on “excepting imperfections.” We all have the ability to strive for perfection. In striving for perfection, we must also realize that is ultimately impossible to do anything perfectly. It is time for the acceptance of imperfections and to allow our imperfections to enable us to be better today than yesterday. Our ability to strive for perfection comes from the notion that we must be better than somebody else. The realization that everybody has innately natural gifts which allow for everyone to bring a little bit of something different to the table. This enables us to appreciate other people’s gifts, abilities and thought patterns. Imperfections are not weaknesses, and rather they are a reminder of our need for one another. It is time to forgive yourself for the imperfect thought of perfection being necessary. Take some time and examine your imperfections, and then find the best parts of the imperfections and use them to grow. It’s important to remember that everybody isn’t good at everything all the time. Embrace your imperfections, share them with people that can grow and learn from them. The truth is you are imperfectly perfect just the way you are, live and grow in that truth.
Monday Morning Mindset – Inevitable Change
This week’s Monday Morning Mindset focuses on “inevitable change.” Change is something that we all have to deal with at one point in our life. We change careers, relationships, clothes, we even our minds. In today’s global market, it’s important to understand the changes in your profession as they relate to professional growth, development and sustainability. Organizations go through changes in management, policy and other significant factors to stay competitive. Individual change works in the same way. It’s important to make constant changes in working habits to clarify and define expectations for efficiency and practical actions. Many of us avoid change as much as possible, and this can cause anxiety and an inability to move forward in life. Although change can be unsettling, it can also be an empowering experience to embrace. There are many ways to prepare for change, manage change and reinforce change. Preparing for change can be adopted directly or indirectly by gaining education and experience in your field. Managing change can be effective in setting goals and creating detailed plans to manage the changing environment. Finally, reinforced change involves data gathering and corrective action to take action. No matter your environment, change happens. It’s important to embrace change and find positive ways to deal with your ever-changing circumstances.
Dr. Jenice Armstead
Forgiveness Friday – Validation
Today’s Forgiveness Friday focuses on “Validation.” There is a constant need for validation in today’s world. We have the tendency to look for validation from friends, family, work and even ourselves. Validation often disguises itself in the form of approval. As children, you may recall the first time you sought out the need for validation. Validation often comes up in conversations with strangers when trying to make a point or decipher information. Many people see validation as a part of life. The real truth is, validation is necessary when it comes to basic human rights. Today the U.S. Supreme Court has finally validated the basic human rights of the LGBTQ community. Today is a day that will go down in history books as a day of validation. All of our love and commitments are now truly equal.
Happy Pride 2015
Dee & Jaye Wedding Nov 14, 2013
Monday Morning Mindset – Challenges
This week’s Monday Morning Mindset focuses on “the conqueror within.” In life, we all encounter opportunities for growth. The differences between those who succeed and those who accept defeat is the ability to push forward regardless of circumstances. We are innately built to conquer, overcome and strive. Challenges enable us to decide the type of person we choose to be in life. When one receives an opportunity, a challenge is not far behind. The decision on whether to accept the challenge can be life-changing. Life-changing moments happen at the most opportune times. It is important to stay aware of your ability to do all things, knowing that it may not necessarily be easy to obtain. The sooner one realizes the challenge assists in establishing one’s character, the easier it will become to overcome the challenge. The real question lies in the ability to understand that struggle is not always necessarily bad. Challenges and struggles often provide us with the capacity to reflect and see how strong and resourceful we are. Take some time today to reflect on past challenges that you have overcome. Then make a list of current goals. Challenges are difficult, but you have everything you need to conquer and overcome within you.
Dr. Jaye
Career Source Tampa Bay – Veteran Employment Services
Dear Veteran Career Seeker,
CareerSource Tampa Bay offices are staffed with a network of professional certified Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists who will assist veterans or eligible military family members with their employment needs. These staff members work only with U.S. Military Veteran who have Significant Barriers to Employment (SBE). To find out if you have an SBE please visit your local CareerSource office to complete an initial assessment.
When arriving at a CareerSource Tampa Bay center, a Veteran will be asked to fill out an Initial Assessment and will meet with a Core staff member. The assessment will be reviewed and a determination of whether Significant Barriers to Employment (SBE) are identified. All Veterans with a Significant Barrier to Employment may choose to meet with a DVOP staff and enter case management to receive services such as career planning and counseling, referral to On-The-Job Training (OJT), employability skills workshops, and other services. Veterans who do not have a Significant Barrier to Employment are welcome to meet with Core staff for additional services if needed.
Core staff members are experts in helping our customers use technology to conduct an effective job search. Our Resource Room can provide you with access to:
• Fax, Copy ,and Telephone
• Computers, Internet Access, and Printers
• Basic Office Software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Interest Inventories and Assessments
• Workplace Skills for the 21st Century
• Salary and Job Market Information
• Information on Community Services
• Assistive technology for sight and hearing impaired customers
Note: Full registration at www.employflorida.com, includes an on-line resume for the employers to review and to assist us in helping you identify suitable employment.
For more information on veterans services and eligibility go to: http://careersourcetampabay.com/pages/veteran_services
Additional information on our services is available at our website: http://www.careersourcetampabay.com
CareerSource Tampa Bay is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY (813) 930-7699
VETERAN EMPLOYMENT EVENT
For those looking for employment, Career Source Tampa Bay is hosting a FREE “Veteran Career Fair” on Thursday, April 30th from 10am to 1pm. Location: TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th Street, Tampa Fl 33610. The career fair will be open to the rest of the public from 11am – 1pm. Veteran entry will begin at 10am. For more information or to register go to: www.careersourcetampabay.com.
Earth Day: Plastic is Everything
Earth day has vastly changed over the years. When I was younger, Earth Day consisted of picking up garbage, recycling bottles or reusing items found around the house. On this day, it is time for a human awareness about what really needs to happen in order to save our earth. As humans, we must take responsibility for our actions. The human awareness of the harmful affects of using plastic has reached an all-time high. The chemically engineered product has interrupted the health of the earth. We use plastic for cups, bags, clothing, hair products, hair extensions, technology, cleaning products, bottles, eyewear, straws, windows, flooring, baby products, food products, lawn decorations, dental replacements, lip sticks, tires, cars, audio equipment, construction, paint, toys, guns, eye contacts and any other item that you can think of. Plastic is not biodegradable. In order to reuse plastic items, they must be recycled. But, most plastic items are not considered recyclable.
The truth is, plastic exists forever. Plastic pollutes our oceans and causes some types of cancers. We use and rely on plastic as a convenience factor without thinking about the negative consequences it has on the earth. Instead using a several plastic disposable cups for your morning coffee, bring a cup to your local coffee shop. Instead of using several plastic bags for groceries, bring reusable bags. Be mindful of purchasing clothes that are made of polyester and reuse plastic items around your home. Being mindful of the harmful affects of plastics is just one way we can improve the earth and become more aware of the affects. Remember, there are small things you can do to make a big impact on decreasing plastic consumption.
Jenice
Reference information: Mother Earth Living
April Events
Employment Event: Career Source Florida
For those looking for employment who may need some extra assistance with preparing and finding a position, a job club will be held next Friday April 24, 2015 from 0900 am until noon. The location is 609 North Powers Drive, Suite 340, Orlando, Florida 32818 at the West Colonial “Career Source” Office.
The job club will consist of networking, open dialogue about issues concerning finding the right job, resume critique and referrals to open positions that may interest you. If you would like to attend, please email Jaime Quarnoccio, Veteran Representative-LVER Email Address: JQuarnoccio@careersourcecf.com or phone 407-531-1231 x7339 for more information go to Career Source Florida for more information and event announcements.
All the Best,
Jenice
Monday Morning Mindset – Accepting Miracles
This week’s Monday Morning Mindset focuses on “Accepting Miracles.” We have heard the old saying “Miracles happen everyday.” This can be true for you if you so choose it to be. Where we fail in our understanding is what constitutes a “miracle.” A miracle for you may not mean the same as what it may mean for me. I choose to “see” and “experience” miracles everyday, for instances waking up. Waking up is a miracle; we slumber all through the night without any awareness of what it takes for the human body to function without our being awake. We tend to think of things being a miracle when we “can’t believe it.” Isn’t that just the opposite of what a miracle is supposed to be? We need to revaluate what we consider a miracle. Food for thought, actively think and look for miracles you can believe in – then be thankful for the experience.
Forgiveness Friday: The Forgiveness Formula
Today’s Forgiveness Friday focuses on “The Forgiveness Formula.” Forgiveness takes time and efforts. Once you realize that you will never be able to “press a button” and forgive and forget the easier the path toward forgiveness will be. It is important to realize that you are a part of a larger “Forgiveness Formula.” The book “The Forgiveness Formula” talks about the “pathology of forgiveness which you were born into.” Yes, you have our own ways of forgiving, but you also have family dynamics which have shaped how you forgive. How does your mother forgive? How does your father forgive? How do your siblings forgive? How does/did your grandmother or grandfather forgive? These are patterns have shaped your “Forgiveness Formula.” Take some time and write out the forgiveness patterns you have and those of your close family members. Then connect your forgiveness patterns to those that you have similar forgiveness patterns. Do you see a pattern? When I completed this exercise, I noticed huge similarities. The good news is you can change your “Forgiveness Formula” with time and efforts. Focus on who you want to be and the part forgiveness plays in your own life.
Barnes and Noble Book Reference: The Forgiveness Formula
Monday Morning Mindset: Compassion for Others
This week’s Monday Morning Mindset focuses on “Compassion for Others.” Compassion starts with the ability to have self-compassion in any given situation or moment. Often, we equate compassion to the ability to relate to somebody else, compassion is also the ability to understand when another is disappointed with something or someone whether the action occurred purposeful or indirectly. It is common practice to want others to feel how we feel about a situation, but the related aspect of emotions has a tendency to misdirect our intentions to show compassion. With practicing of compassion, I’ve come to realize that it first starts with the ability to have compassion for self. Being that each situation will be different with different people, it’s important to understand that compassion is an active aspect of every relationship you have. It is important to remember that just because you may practice compassion towards another, does not necessarily mean that your compassion will be received equally. Instead of finding excuses for why something isn’t or is, find a relatable factor to show compassion within the situation and then except the fact that your compassion may or may not be by the other person(s). The real growth comes when you have the ability to exercise self- compassion and then transfer it over to compassion for others.
Satisfaction Saturday: Satisfying your need for Energy
Today’s Satisfaction Saturday focuses on “satisfying your need for energy.” Many of us have hectic workweeks and find ourselves exhausted by Friday. On Saturday, all we want to do is relax, sleep in and taken the day in our own relaxing way. Although it is tempting to sleep in and do nothing on Saturday, try to think of ways to increase your energy by going out for a walk or having brunch with a friend. You have the ability to satisfy your need for energy without tapping out your time or ability. Find out where your local fresh vegetable and fruit market are and find a new recipe to cook. Whether you are going to the gym for a workout or going for a stroll through your neighborhood, take time out to satisfy the need for energy and replenish it with the nutrients needed to sustain a healthy balanced life.
Monday Morning Mindset: Taking it one step at a time
This week’s Monday Morning Mindset focuses on “taking it one step at a time.” There is an old saying that goes “Rome was not built in a day.” This is not only a metaphor but also a practical life lesson. Accomplishing your goals takes diligence and day-to-day tasks in order to be successful. I can recall joining the military at a young age and initially wanting to earn my associates of science degree. When I initially started school it was overwhelming and I often found myself discouraged. I would think about how long it was going to take me to finish my degree. After speaking with my academic advisor I realized that I was thinking about my goal in the wrong way. Instead thinking about how long it was going to take me to get my degree, I refocused and concentrated on one class at a time. With any goal we have in life it’s important to understand the end goal, but equally important are the day-to-day tasks in order to accomplish the goal. Don’t be discouraged by how far you have to go to get to your goal, instead try to remember how far you’ve come. Becoming mindful of how you think about goals provides an overall foundation for positive growth and development towards actually accomplishing your goal. Give yourself a break; take it one step at a time.
Monday Morning Mindset – Building Up
Today’s Monday Morning Mindset focuses on “building Up.” You have an important part to play in this world; we all have a life purpose. Your purpose may be to influence, motivate and uplift. You purpose may be to provide encouragement or to promote goodwill. Either way, you matter and your purpose is significant to the lives of others. Take some time this week to seek to find your natural ability to commit to your life purposes and become actively significant in the matters of “building up.” When you choose to build up, you build up others around you. Everyone has a purpose, find your purpose – no matter what it is, you matter and you have the power to build up and promote goodwill from where you are.
Jenice
Monday Morning Mindset: Your Health
Today’s Monday Morning Mindset focuses on your health. Many people make goals of losing weight at one time or another in their life. The actual ability to lose and maintain a healthy weight depends on the food you are consuming. It is important to exercise and drink water daily, but what you eat is even more important than how much you exercise. This is something that we all hear time and time again from commercials, society, our families and sometimes even our self-conscious. The most important thing is what you actually put in your mouth. With commercialize processed food it can be hard to make healthy food choices on a regular basis. Instead of making an outlandish goal of losing 100 pounds within a certain amount of time, make smaller more realistic goals for yourself. You will allow yourself to succeed one moment and one bit at a time.
Reference: Health.com