DEC 2020
PEACE | JOY | GOODWILL
The Giving Issue
PRESENTED BY PREMIER LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
A WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT MAGAZINE
Building Your
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcoming words from Dr. Kreslyn
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PREMIER LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION,INC. A look into PLF's Programs & Services
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FINDING COMMON GROUND Holiday cheer can bring people from multiple backgrounds together.
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MEMBER HIGHLIGHT Meet PLF member, Ms.Chantelle Hawkins
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THE POWER IN CREATIVE GIFT GIVING
THE “NOT-SO HAPPY” HOLIDAYS!
This season be creative and purposeful in your gift giving.
How to cope with the holiday blues.
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24
THE POWER OF GRATITUDE
MAKING THE SHIFT
A little gratitude goes a long way.
Looking Forward to 2021 & Beyond
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
letter letter FROM
Thank you for your subscription to Building Your Powerhouse Magazine. Welcome to the second issue where the focus is, “Peace, Joy, and Goodwill.” Imagine living in a world where everyone possessed these three qualities. What do you think you would see? Let me tell you what it is like. Last month, on a Monday night, I suddenly fell ill, and after taking several medications for what I thought was just an upset stomach, the pain only grew worse. Around 3:45 a.m., my husband rushed me to our local hospital’s emergency room in my pajamas because I was in too much distress to change clothes. We just moved to the Houston, TX area in January 2020, two months before the pandemic hit the U.S., and had not yet obtained a family doctor. Therefore, I was just as much a stranger to the medical professionals at the hospital and the healthcare workers who greeted me as they were to me. While doubled over in agony, totally incapable of walking on my own, carrying a bag to catch the rest of my indigestible dinner from the night before, all the healthcare professionals from the security guard at the door, to the lady behind the registration desk, to the nurses, xray technicians, and doctors, appeared to be drinking from a Fountain of peace, joy, and goodwill. They greeted me with purpose, patience, compassion, and care. In this, they exercised goodwill towards me. I was at their mercy and they did not take it for granted. One nurse rubbed the back of my hand and told me she was sorry I was in so much pain. In my state of helplessness, my husband, who has a forceful presence, was my greatest advocate and, with his very domineering disposition, he asked all the hard questions and made all the special requests. Yet, even with him, they were graceful and understanding as they remained gentle, relevantly joyful, and focused on their purpose to serve. Once I was admitted to the hospital, this type of care continued with all the other staff members I encountered. I was in a world where joy, peace, and goodwill were the culture.
My prayer is, during this holiday season, we intentionally spread good cheer and give to the less fortunate, but we also make it the beginning of creating a culture where these holiday ideals will become our everyday norms. In this issue, I chose and compiled articles that I hope will bring you a sense of joy, peace, and goodwill, too. Meanwhile, it is up to each one of us to create a world in which we love living, working, and playing together. I promise to do my part. Will you? I wish you well during this last season of 2020 and in the upcoming year 2021. God Bless!
Power-up,
THE
EDITOR
There is something to be
thankful for
o t e r e H r e w o p m e y ou www.DrKreslyn.com CONTACT, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE
FINDING COMMON GROUND WITH
Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is upon us, and depending on your culture and beliefs, holiday time is filled with festive cheers. Through various traditions and celebrations in December, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are the three most popular December holidays in the United States of America.
On December 25, Christians celebrate Christmas, the day of Jesus’ birth, by attending church, exchanging gifts, and spending time with their families. A typical Christmas decoration is the nativity scene, which displays the birth of Jesus. People also celebrate Christmas with non-religious
By Dr. Kreslyn Kelley-Ellis
While Christmas and Hanukkah are thousands of years old, Kwanza is a newer holiday. Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that celebrates family and community, most importantly, culture. The holiday encourages African heritage with family and friends gathering together and reflecting on seven African values. One Kwanzaa tradition involves lighting the kinara, a unique candleholder. Throughout Kwanzaa, a unique custom called Zawadi, in which adults give children books, is also celebrated. On the last day of Kwanzaa, celebrators are encouraged to reflect on who they are, who they want to be, and what it means to be African.
traditions of decorating trees, singing carols, and decorating
Whatever holiday you choose to celebrate this year, remember the
their homes with lights. It has become quite a commercial
unique message of unity in diversity. These holidays may be called
phenomenon, with Christmas-specific sales beginning as early
by different names, but they all focus on a celebrating a specific
as Thanksgiving each year.
cultural and/or spiritual understanding, enjoying families and
Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah for eight days as a remembrance of the battle that gave them religious freedom. Families celebrate Hanukkah by setting up a stand that holds eight candles - a menorah. With similar Christmas cheer, families also offer blessings, exchange small gifts, and celebrate with games, songs, and eat food like latkes or potato pancakes.
festivities, and giving to others. That said, during this season, I challenge you to not allow our differences to divide us. Instead, consider the common ground in which we stand, while soaking up the sun in the bright winters and enjoying the season of being safe in togetherness. Happy Holidays!
Hanukkah Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,� celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.
Christmas A Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ.
Kwanzaa The holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate family, culture and heritage, and is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in Africa.
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Building Your Powerhouse
PLF
Premier Leadership Foundation, Inc.
Programs & Services
Building Your Powerhouse Magazine (BYPM) This is our newest project which has been in the works since 2016. The BYPM is a magazine for women to provide information, inspiration, and empowerment. The magazine is comprehensive in that the content will span the most important areas in a woman’s life. LIFE (living with ease), LOVE (living in unity with all mankind), and LEADERSHIP (living in a life worth modeling). We intend its contents to nourish the mind, body, soul, and spirit. Believing that all people have the potential to realize their greatest version of themselves but do not always have access to the resources that help attain it, we have made this personal development tool “FREE” and easily accessible. There is a minimal fee of ($2.99) to download a PDF file of the magazine. All fees go back to PLF and help support publishing the BYPM.
Project Uganda We have been fortunate to partner with local Rotarians and serve women and children in Uganda. Since October 2018, we have contributed $1,400 to student uniforms (the children only had one); $3,500 to sponsor the education of nine girls for years, and $700 for a year of free internet for a small private school, online training for the teachers, and $400 for a week of food for 80 women boarded at Set Her Free.
PLF PROGRAMS & SERVICES
MAGUC “Mentoring Adolescent Girls Under Construction� Two years ago, we launched our girls mentoring program for girls (grades 9th -11th) who are doing well in school, but need personal development, resources, and other assistance. We could only take on 5 girls because of limited funding. We bring speakers, host meetings at off-site facilities, provide meals for the students, to provide exposure, empowerment, and assistance that prepares them for college and career. However, this year we serve eight girls and have extended our support to them through their senior year in high school. Our 2021 goal is to raise the funds needed to provide scholarships to our proteges once they graduate from high school, track their education process, and provide other incentives to promote college attendance.
PLF PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Sisterhood Holiday Social We served over 900 women through this program over the past seven years and have honored over 25 female unsung heroes and given more than $10,000 to women experiencing extreme hardship in the Huntsville/Madison Co. area. We also partner with other organizations in our community and internationally to provide resources and services. Our 2021 goal is to host a Sisterhood Holiday Social in Houston, TX, to honor more women and increase our giving to $15,000 total. We also plan to host the "Building Your Powerhouse� Women’s Conference where women will pay a minimal fee to learn more about improving their mental, physical, and spiritual health and how to pursue their life dreams.
"One of the best parts of the holiday season is spending time with the special people in your life." - Barack Obama
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Building Your Powerhouse
“
“
BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHT:
Ms.Chantelle Hawkins
Chantelle Hawkins, a native of Huntsville, AL and current resident of Atlanta, GA. She is a servant leader in healthcare at Northside Hospital. Besides her service in the healthcare industry, Ms. Hawkins is one of the most philanthropic people I know. When Premier Leadership Foundation was established, Chantelle was there to make sure it was formed correctly and has served as one of our greatest champions. She is more than a board member; she actively engages in the everyday life of the organization and gives regularly and generously. Therefore, I thought it would be fitting and inspiring to capture Chantelle’s thoughts concerning giving and service. You are in for a treat. Enjoy!
The Importance of Giving... Kreslyn: Thank you for taking time to share your heart and thoughts with the Building Your Powerhouse Magazine Subscribers. Let’s dive right in and begin with, why do you give? Chantelle: Giving for me is fulfillment, it is a selfless expression of love. The greatest example of this is, “God so loved the world that He gave.” Giving is my purpose, it is an act of service, this is the essence of who I am. It is an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute to something greater than myself. Kreslyn: Wow! I love that. How does giving contribute to something greater than yourself? Chantelle: Giving for me is worship, it is an expression of gratitude for the bounty of goodness that has enriched my life. To whom much is given, much is asked, and much is required. I am here to serve and make a difference in the well-being of others. My goal is to live a meaningful life on purpose. We all have something to offer, no matter how big or small the contribution. Kreslyn: Giving as worship is a powerful expression. Thank you for sharing that. I believe I am also hearing you say, our purpose is bigger than us, and we should give because of what has been afforded us. Is that correct? Chantelle: Yes, absolutely! Kreslyn: You shared that giving is service, an expression of love and gratitude, a form of worship and a contribution to something greater. Now tell me, how does giving benefit you? Chantelle: Giving for me is empowering, it gives me the autonomy to act freely through giving of my time and monetary resources for the betterment of mankind. Giving creates space to connect and experience humanity in the most authentic manner. Through these experiences I am humbled and reminded of the many sacrifices of those who have poured into me. Ultimately, giving allows me to experience God in an intimate way and for me that is the GIFT of giving. Kreslyn: I must say, your sentiments on the importance of giving is a fresh perspective. I am certain many will be blessed and inspired by your words. Please allow me to say publicly, “Thank you!” for the generous contribution of you time and resources to Premier Leadership Foundation. You make service possible! Chantelle: My pleasure!
BUILDING YOUR POWERHOUSE
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THE POWER IN CREATIVE
GG ift
iving
Wait‌..before you give your power to the perception of the seasonal gift giving persona, straighten your crown and give your power to your creativity. This is not just for those who love to shop. It is also for those who are thoughtful enough to share a small piece of yourselves with your close friends and family.
I absolutely love shopping but for different reasons than most. I enjoy the conversations with people, I have never met, and sharing our thoughts and ideas concerning those we cherish. Of course, the gift is our purpose for shopping, but our true gift is sharing.
Shopping can be intimidating especially if you have many gifts to purchase or if the gift ideas suggest a hefty price tag. Well, I am going to free you right here‌.It is not where you shop, it is how you shop. Be open to shop ANYWHERE! I have purchased beautiful jewelry on the side of a country road. I find beautiful furniture in thrift stores. I have purchased the most delicate eats from a furniture store. Let your imagination take you on the best shopping trip you have ever been on. When you select the perfect gift, meaning thoughtful and suitable, the receiver will never ask where you made the purchase. They always love it and are filled with a sense of gratitude.
There are a few gift ideas that have been the most impactful and never cease to amaze me with a warm heart. The first is a personal note to those who have shared special moments throughout the year with you. The second is a Christmas theme bouquet of fresh flowers that also make perfect centerpieces. The third and final is fellowship. This is by far my favorite. The gift of your time is momentous and keeps on giving.
This season enjoy being creative yet innovative in your shopping. Share love, peace and kindness to all you encounter. It may be the only gift they receive and the best unwrapped gift you give.
Holiday Holidays,
Sonja Greene
Business Owner & Creative Visionary
That is all.
Here we go! It’s the time of year where days are shorter, and decorations are anxiously displayed for the holidays! On November 1st stepping into any store was literally a step into Winter Wonderland.
THE “NOTSO HAPPY” HOLIDAYS!
Holiday fragrances, merry music and endless festive décor demand attention. Yet, despite what is all around, for many, the holidays are not-so happy this year. Year-end tasks can be overbearing. As normal routines have halted, everyone is now enduring a holiday season amid a global pandemic. You may already tackle taking care of home with spouses or significant others and children, making plans to see other loved ones by Zoom, decorating, cooking, hiding gifts and the list goes on. Whew!
Arrogance Winton Wright, MS, ALC
Your mood may decline and transition to a clinical diagnosis vs typical stress if you are isolated and lonely, grieving, homesick, lack finances, having a custody battle, overwhelmed, afraid to introduce a same sex partner to family, etc. It is important that you know, no matter the situation, YOU ARE NOT
BYP MAGAZINE
ALONE. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to cope with mild holiday blues.
Breathe. Inhale counting slowly 1-2-3. Exhale counting slowly 1-2-3.
The “Not-So Happy” Holidays! CONTINUED...
Here are some practical self-care activities to maintain mental and emotional stability: Prioritize seasonal tasks. Set Healthy Boundaries- Kindly decline certain things that are asked of us. Set a reminder for 10 minutes of undisturbed “Me-time” twice weekly. Listening and dancing to your favorite music. Stretch or take a short walk. Meditate with a new candle for aromatherapy. Take a bath, not a shower. Relax! Avoid overeating and overindulging alcohol. It’s normal for anyone to occasionally have a touch of the Holiday Blues. Nonetheless, self-empowerment is fruitful. Push through, “Power Up” and try some of the above activities!
Happy Holidays! ***Stress can lead to anxiety or depression.Professional help is advised for further coping guidance. Seek immediate treatment if suicidal or homicidal thoughts onset. For more information, contact Mrs. Arrogance Winton Wright, Associate Licensed Counselor at alc35808@gmail.com.
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Building Your Powerhouse
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Building Your Powerhouse
The Power of Gratitude
By Dr. Kreslyn Kelley-Ellis
Gratefulness is gaining popularity, and rightfully so. Grateful people are happier, less lonely, and have more robust immune systems. Becoming grateful does not involve denying the reality of life’s hard edges and sharp sorrows. Instead, the art of gratitude develops a vital sense of humility, while the discipline of gratitude seeks greater mindfulness and awareness. It calls us to be more present and sharpen our powers of observation and thus discover more layers to everyday life. It turns our gaze outward instead of inward, which helps us realize that we are not entirely independent and instead exist in a web of interconnected relationships in need of nurturing. What greater way to enhance those relationships than showing people that we are grateful for them?
T H E P O W E R O F G R A T I T U D E C O N T . . .
As Willian James once said, “The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated,” so here are 3 simple ways to get started with practicing gratitude:
1. Practice Visualization
3. Show Compassion and Gratitude to Yourself
Start by closing your eyes, and as you breathe in and out, visualize sending gratitude and light to one person in your life. As you continue breathing, visualize the light coming back into you. With each passing breath, create a loop, and imagine the gratitude flow between you and your loved one.
Through trials and tribulations in life, you realize the importance of getting up after every fall. Your experiences were not in vain as they have helped you rise with every set back. Regularly thank yourself for showing up every day and be proud of yourself. This is something people don't practice enough, but now is the time to silence the innercritic and give voice to self-gratitude. You deserve it!
2. Say “Thank You” to Others
Every night, write down all the positive things that happened throughout the day. Of course, you can’t deny the existence of life problems, but this habit lets you concentrate on the brighter side of life. Also, reflect on the things you accomplished because others made your day possible. Think of those who made you smile or laugh and who went the extra mile for you. Now, write down their names and tell them “Thank you!” in person, via text or email, or by handwritten letter. This is an excellent exercise especially on the days when you feel like nothing went right. By doing this, I promise you will find at least one reason to smile!
Dr. Kreslyn The strongest actions for a woman are to love herself, be herself and shine amongst those who never believed she could.
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Peace Goodwill Mankind
SHIFT M A K I N G THE
Looking Forward to 2021 & Beyond
By Dr. Kreslyn Kelley-Ellis
Optimism and pessimism are choices that shape a person's reaction to life events. This becomes relatable, especially in 2020, which has been a really long year. While some of us might have suffered a personal loss, our mental health has definitely been affected due to being holed up during nationwide lockdowns. In the present reality that we live in, coronavirus has wreaked our lives - both personal and professional. While the ill effects of the worldwide pandemic have taken a toll on us, it becomes essential to make sure that we hold onto the hope that bad times won't last forever.
MAKING THE SHIFT: LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021 & BEYOND CONT... Sometimes, it is hard to be an optimistic person in a cynical
"S om it eti is me ha s, op rd tim t o ist be ic an cy pe nic rso al n i n a wo rld ..."
world and be positive and choose to live that life every day. But it is harder to be around people who always complain about all those sad things that are happening.
During his time in the Auschwitz, Frankl observed that holding on to the hope of future happiness separated those who survived the brutal concentration camps and those who perished. Even if hope may not alter your present situation, it will expand your capacity to respond courageously.
As Viktor Frankl wrote in Man's Search for Meaning, "When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
Our brains, which are wired for negativity bias, seek out the undesirable and then continue to dwell on it making our reality worse. However, we can shift our own thinking at any moment. Right now, take a minute to express gratitude for the good things in your life. Remember, ships don't sink because of the water around them, but because of the water that gets in. Keep the water and negativity out and put your eyes on the horizon since 'this too shall pass.' It is my hope that you continue to believe in yourself and seize the beautiful opportunities life is ready to present you in 2021 and beyond! Quoting Nelson Mandela, "May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears," let's all make our future something we all look forward to.
Building Your Powerhouse
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