A New You is Emerging

Congratulations! You've made it to another year! It's 2019, and that means past hurts, disappointments, decisions and even some of your past connections/relationships, should now be left in 2018.

I am so motivated and encouraged about 2019! Every new year provides us with an opportunity for new destiny doors, new relationships, and new pathways to travel and look forward to. Whatever you did not complete in times past, you have a chance to now move forward in 2019!

Is it a ministry that you would like to start? A project that you began but didn't complete? A book you'd like to write? Or, what about finally becoming the entrepreneur you've always dreamed of?

You never know what you can do until you try! This year, do not allow fear, apprehension, a low self-concept or others' opinions, to stop you from pursuing your dreams and goals! THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO MAKE AN IMPACT - in your community, your church, your family and society!

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) tells us that, "God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

You CAN make it! You CAN achieve your dreams! You CAN leave a legacy - just GO FOR IT!

As in the famous words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." This is your year to go after the very thing you've always wanted to do! This is the year to not allow anything or anyone to hold you back from fulfilling a lifelong dream and/or goal!

In 2019, live a life of purpose and intention! Know that your confidence is in Jesus Christ, the son of God, and in Him you can "do all things" (Philippians 4:13).

I am excited about your 2019! May this be a year of dreams realized and goals manifested!

Are you ready to make your mark? Check out I AM Des Taylor to learn more about your purpose-driven life! Cheers to a very prosperous and fulfilling 2019!

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I'm not dying in 2019 ...

I don't know about you, but 2018 has been quite a challenging year for me. Honestly, I felt as though I could not push through or move forward. It appeared that my long awaited dreams/visions were not taking flight as I had initially hoped. In many ways, I felt STUCK.

Have you ever felt stuck? Like you couldn't move forward? The Apostle Paul in the book of Philippians lets us know that we have to "press toward the mark for the prize ..." (Phil 3:14).
In recent weeks, however, I have felt at peace with my life so far and inspired by what the future holds.

As 2018 comes to a close (just 27 days away) I want to encourage you that no matter what you've faced all year long - whether it be disappointment, defeat, a loss of a loved one, sickness, etc., 2019 is a chance for a fresh new start.

Many theologians and scholars say the no. 19 - which combines the numbers 10 (God's order and commandments) and nine (fruitfulness) is a divine number. When I think about "fruitfulness," I think about harvest (abundance) and the fruits of the spirit, which are highlighted in the book of Galatians Chapter 5: "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience (longsuffering), gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self control (verses 22-23). Even in the midst of personal challenges, I believe the Lord has allowed me to develop "his fruit" in full maturity this year.

I can definitely see that I have more "love" (even toward my enemies); more patience (especially in uncomfortable situations); and peace (that is really beyond my human understanding).

Life may throw lemons at you or cause you to question your existence. With the passing of every year, be assured that the New Year offers a better and brighter future, filled with opportunities!

No matter what you have experienced this year, do not give up or lose hope! Two-thousand and Nineteen offers a chance for you to be fruitful (Leviticus 26:9) and to experience the harvest of the seeds you have planted. Let 2019 be the year that longings/desires are fulfilled (Proverbs 13:12)!

Don't look back at what could've, would've or should've happened, but stay the course and be open to a better tomorrow!

In 2019, it is time to FLY! It is time to MOVE FORWARD! It is time to ADVANCE!
Happy New Year!

Are you ready to move forward into your abundant life -- filled with joy, peace, and opportunities? Click here to learn more!

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Time for a New Beginning

It's almost the end of August and in the past several months I've been thinking a lot lately about the need for a "new beginning."

It may sound cliche but it's true. We are all in need of a new beginning on some levels. Whether you are a mom or a wife or even a student, you've probably felt the need of a "do-over" at one point in your life.

August is the eighth month in the Gregorian Calendar, and it's been said that "eight" is the number of new beginnings. No matter what stage of life you find yourself in, know that you have the opportunity for a new beginning.

Do you need a new job? Do you want to tackle a new project you've been putting off? Do you need to move geographically? What about endeavoring something you've never experienced?
A new beginning may feel scary at times, but is absolutely necessary for growth!

In the Bible, Isaiah 43:19 let's us know that God wants to do "a new thing" for us. Have you recognized it? He also states in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that "if anyone is in Christ, he (or she) is a  new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." The opportunity for your "new" may be closer than you think!

Even if you feel as though you have wasted time or lost time due to past mistakes or the choices of others, as long as you have breath in your body, it is never too late to begin again!

I think what I've said bears repeating:
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BEGIN AGAIN! YOUR FUTURE LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER THAN YOU THINK!

Don't look back, but keep moving forward! Embrace the new that is in store, whatever that may personally mean to you!

One author quoted: "the past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power."

The new beginning you seek is up to you! You hold the keys! Believe that all roads lead to a BIGGER, BRIGHTER & BETTER future!

Take the leap of faith and walk into your new beginning - NOW!

Are you ready for a new beginning? Check out I Am to learn more!

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Who is the Prettiest of Them All?

Comedienne Amy Schumer's latest film I Feel Pretty showcases a woman's ongoing feelings of "insecurity and inadequacy." After a fall, Schumer's character wakes feeling that she is suddenly "the most beautiful" and confident "woman on the planet." The ironic thing is, Schumer's character's appearance NEVER CHANGED.

Actress Natalie Wood

In the 1957 musical West Side Story inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Maria, played by Actress Natalie Wood, sings the lyrics to the popular song I Feel Pretty, after she discovers she's in love with someone whom her family does not approve of.






Below, are some of the song's lyrics:

I feel pretty

Oh, so pretty

I feel pretty, and witty and gay

And I pity

Any girl who isn't me today ...

See the pretty girl in that mirror there:

Who can that attractive girl be?

Such a pretty face

Such a pretty dress

Such a pretty smile

Such a pretty me!

What makes you feel pretty? Is it a new outfit? A new relationship? Your positive outlook on life? When someone tells you that you are?

Everyone has different definitions of what "pretty" means. What is attractive to one may not be attractive to another.

No matter the ethnic background, body shape or size, nationality or heritage, know this: 
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE PRETTY. YOU ARE WORTH IT. YOU ARE SPECIAL.

Do not rely on others' views of you to dictate what/how you think about yourself.  Find out what makes you unique and/or special and celebrate it! Share it with the world!

Like Maria of West Side Story, tell yourself, "I feel pretty, oh so pretty!" Do this daily until it sinks in. You may not always feel pretty - feeling insecure or inadequate at times, but that does not mean you are not!  The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 that we are made in the "image of God." That means you are not a mistake or an accident, nor are you junk! Everything about your appearance or personality was intentional and purposeful. When God created you, He was pleased (Genesis 1:31; Revelation 4:11)! 

We are all different and all beautiful!  It's time to rise up and know your worth! 
It's time to embrace who you are! 

Want to learn more about who you really are? Get your copy of I Am by Des Taylor on Amazon.com, BN.com and Booksamillion.com TODAY!

Women's History Month: Celebrate Your Womanhood!

Hillary Clinton. Reese Witherspoon. Joyce Meyer. Wendy Williams. Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Rosalind Brewer. Esther (in the Bible). Sonia Sotomayor. What do all of these women have in common? Other than being some of my favorite people in history (lol), these women were/are trailblazers in their own right! They are highly intelligent, resilient, courageous, witty, confident, and embraced their womanliness! Further, they are/were not afraid to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe(d) in.

Man! I Feel Like a Woman! made popular by Country music icon Shania Twain (also a personal favorite :-) is a song that epitomizes female empowerment. The catchy lyrics and infectious melody earned Shania crossover success - challenging women everywhere to be bold, to embrace femininity, and most importantly: to not be restrained by society's expectations of how a lady should think, feel or act.

One of my favorite lines from the song is, "I want to be free .. to feel the way I feel."  So many times as women we are bound emotionally and psychologically, not being able to express ourselves as individuals. Many of us have felt devalued or unimportant. As a result, we have become withdrawn or silent in so many ways.

In celebration of Women's History Month, I encourage you to embrace who you are as a woman! Do not be afraid to express your thoughts, to share your gifts and talents, and to "have a little fun" from time-to-time. Whether you are a daughter, friend, wife, sister, or mother, one thing is certain: YOU ARE WOMAN, so be proud of it!

Do not silence your voice, but instead empower and inspire others with it! Your voice matters and can/will make a difference in someone's life!

Remember: You are beautiful. You are strong. You are beloved. You are totally awesome!
It's time to show the world what you are truly made of! 

Want to learn more on how to discover the person you were always meant to be? Check out I AM  by Des Taylor on Amazon.com TODAY!
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Just Be You: Everyone Else Is Taken

Beloved Old Hollywood actress Judy Garland once told her daughter Liza Minnelli to, "Be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of someone else."

The above statement remains one of my favorite life quotes. I've held these words near-and-dear to my heart most of my life, making a conscious decision to break the mold of what society says I should be. I've been determined to remain authentic to who I am. Of course, the journey hasn't been easy, but I'm appreciative of the process and the things I've learned along the way.

As women, we are expected to be a certain body type, fit a certain standard of beauty, and think a certain way. We are expected to be amiable, non-controversial, and go-with-the-flow so to speak. More times than not, when women express themselves in a way that goes against the status quo, they are ridiculed, criticized, or ostracized.

Women have so much to offer to the world - variant perspectives, intelligence, style, gifts and talents. Women add value to the world - excelling in academia, sports and other careers across a wide spectrum. We women can do anything we set our minds to -- and with excellence!

Ladies: Don't get discouraged when others put you in a box or expect you to be a "better version" of someone else. The truth is, you can't be. You can only be who you were born to be - authentic and uniquely you. Psalm 139:13-14 says it best:

"For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made"

There is simply no one like you - nor will there ever be! Find out who you are; embrace it; and make your mark on the world!

Make a daily, personal commitment to improve yourself and be 'first-rate' in all that you do! Don't waste your time trying to be someone else. The result will be exhaustion, disappointment, and unhappiness.
 Just be yourself. After all: "Everyone else is already taken."



Need motivation or encouragement? Check out I Am Des Taylor on Amazon.com, 
Books-A-Million, and Barnes & Noble!

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