How To Deal With Mockery

When you maintain your dignitiy and self respect you rise above the mockers. What matter most is what you think of yourself, and your destiny. Know the vision believe in it and make it plain. Go after it and do not look back.

Until the next one
Michelle
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Welcometomichies:Education

As we celebrate successes and look forward to a new school year, lets all remember Education does not stop in a school building, it's a life time thing. You cannot grow without learning.



Until the next one

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INTERVIEW WITH AFROZIMVIBES RADIO DJ BLESSED

So I was honoured and blessed to have the oppourtunity to interview a two time Zim Achievers nominee, Gospel music radio DJ -  DJ Blessed. We hope this interview inspires you to do what you love and never give up on your dreams regardless of what other people think, there is only one you and you get to live with you. 
You can catch DJ Blessed on air 8pm GMT UK Time - Mondays at http://afrozimvibes.com

So who is DJ Blessed?

DJ Blessed is a UK based Gospel DJ who is a two time nominee for the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards 2013 (ZAA2013) in the categories (Radio Presenter of the year and People's choice award). 

How did it all begin?

My love of music has been my inspiration and It has always been in me. I was exposed to music in the 90's through many influences from my family growing up. The interest grew further to internet radio in 2006 when I was searching for zim local music and was fascinated in hearing local content - music being streamed online and in 2008 I decided to take the plunge and attempted to join radio stations but had no idea as to how to do it. 
In 2009 I came across a radio station where I used to listen to ZIMNET Radio, I made enquiries and was told who to contact. Later on in that same year joined Hwamhanda Radio (Now Gospel) radio station where I had my test run show.

I then went to join ZIMONLINE Radio and my playlist was basically "loverz rock" reggae/dancehall. I then later stopped being a DJ to pursue further education and in 2012, joined Afrovibes radio hosting a mixture of shows (mixed blend). 

I left the radio station joined Dzimbadzemabwe Radio where I finally switched to Gospel music which led to being latter nominated for the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards in two categories which where  Radio presenter of the year and the people's choice award. In 2014 I then took a break from being a DJ to concentrate on building my career (a wise man has many talents) 

After a long break by God's grace, came back in 2016 to a new radio station Afrozim Radio (Now afrozimvibes radio) and the show is back in full swing.

Where did the name come from?

The name soley came from the content of the music being played on the show, as initially I was known as DJ Will but then later changed to DJ Blessed as I made the transition to Gospel music. The essence of the show is to bless and enrich people through music as I believe music is a powerful tool and has impact on people. Through playing music people get blessed and are minstered to.  

Why Gospel music?

Gospel music is not something many people go for, making the switch from circular music into gospel music was a big change as the audience that followed the show dropped, which can be a hit on your confidence as a DJ, however I was determined to stick with my decision and continued on. So, little by little by the grace of God, I gained confidence within the gospel scene and saw the audience begin to grow again. I believe that the bible is very much relevant today as it was relevant in those early days and one way to be sure of this was the words of Jesus when he commissioned us to go into the world and preach the gospel. So with this vision, to have church in form of music on the go where ever people are in the world they can still be blessed. I am fulfilled knowing that someone is being blessed by the show.

What is your favourite gospel tune of all time?

Oh wow, I have many songs that come to mind but I can say this song by House Fires - I will build my life, is a song close to the heart and an everyday tune, I encourage you to listen to it!

Any advice for upcoming DJ's in the gospel industry?

I would say this: In the book of Joshua 1: 6 - 9 God instructed Joshua to be strong and courageous. This was to prepare him for what was ahead of him.

The opposition that you will get for chasing your dream may cause you to think otherwise but stick with it. God is not a man that he should lie. He gave you that platform to share with Gods' people so do not be shaken. Base your trust in his firm Foundation and you will fly high.. 

And, This goes out to anyone and everyone with a dream do not let anyone discourage you from fulfilling your desire, believe that you can achieve the goal, work hard, be focused and do not be swayed or discouraged by what you see, #keepinyourlane and run with the vision.

Where can people find you? - social media et

FB                 : https://www.facebook.com/DJBlessed.GM/

Twitter           : @dj_blessed

Email              : dj.blessed@rocketmail.com

Show Name : The Global Gospel Show

ON Air :  Mondays from 8PM - 10PM GMT (UK TIME) 

Location : http://afrozimvibes.com  TUNEIN APP: afrozimradio

Until the next one...
Michelle. M

My Wash and Go Routine

Hi all,

So decided to do a wash and go routine. All products used are from dark and lovely and this is what I usually use. Hope you enjoy the video!

Until the next one

Michelle

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ROME WASN'T BUILT IN A DAY

Today's youth want things fast and now, we don't have the patience to wait and go through the process.

No wonder they call us the microwave generation. We get so frustrated over minor issues, from slow internet, slow phones, low batteries and slow customer service.

However our fast passed processed lives are no match to that of our grandparents. Ever noticed how some of the things they purchase from cars, televisions and clothes last longer than ours? Or anything they build stands the test of time from businesses, relationships etc

Well it's because they understand if something has to be done, it has to be done right, even though it may take longer to execute.  

That's a lesson I have been learning the hard way in the last couple of months. Don't get me wrong I love having what I need available to me when I ask for it, however it may not stand the test of time and anything rushed 90% is not done to the right standard.

No wonder they say patience is  virtue!

Indeed Rome wasn't built in a day - no wonder it's still a beautiful city till this very day.

Until the next one

Michelle

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Photo credit to: Italyguides.it and make sure to check out their YouTube channel on what to see in Italy.

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ItalyGuides

Website: www.italyguides.it/en/

If "Plan A" don't work the alphabet has 25 other letters

So it's now May the 5th month in the year and you are looking back to January, especially those first 2 weeks of January where you felt fired up, motivated and ready to take on the world.
I bet you don't even remember the goals you set, do you?
Or maybe the plans you had haven't worked out, well it's a good thing the alphabet has 26 letters and  "Rome wasn't built in a day".

The great thing about life is as long as you are breathing you still have the chance to implement your plans it may be too late to do it the way you had planned in Plan A, but never too late to implement Plan B. Learn from your mistakes, evaluate on what went wrong and put into action Plan B.

So it's task time and I hope this helps you out:

1. List all the things you wanted to do or the goals you origionally set in Janaury

2. Next list the reason why you thought you could accomplish them, why were they achievable?

3. Now list the reasons why nothing has happened yet (don't be harsh on yourself, however be, honest with yourslef. When you lie you only cheat thy self!)

4. Now List what you are going to do better this time around be sure to list physical actions and I would strongly suggest bite-sized actions - one brick at a time.

Hopefully, this has helped you and if you want someone to talk to or lend support you can always email me: michiek@live.co.uk

"good intensions are useless without good actions"

Be sure to check out previous blog post on personal development plan (it has a little table to help you plan): https://welcometomichies.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/personal-development-plan.html 

Managing Stress

Definition of Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Stress has the power to take over your life if you allow it. We all go through stress at some point in our lives but if you do not know how to manage it and "nip it in the bud" it can rule your life.
One thing I have always been taught is to take action over the situation that is causing stress, now taking action can be a number of things whether the stress is a result of your decisions or someone else's decisions.
That said I have compiled a list of the top 5 things I have done to cope with stress and hopefully they help you out.

1. Check your attitude 
 Honestly speaking this is one area at times I struggle with, it's so easy to have a negative attitude towards the situation, human nature demands us to automatically feel sorry for ourselves and believe that we are stuck in that particular situation. Keeping a positive attitude I have found puts the problem/issue at hand into perspective not only that but when your attitude is positive you think straight and 8/10 times you find a solution to the problem quicker.

2. Laughter
Laughing brings ease to your mind, it helps to lighten the load mentally- when you laugh you stimulate your organs and allow rich oxygen to come into your system. Laughter increases the endorphins that are released in our brains, which increases our mood.

3. Focus on helping others
Shifting the focus from yourself to help others and have a positive impact on other people helps put your problems into perspective. Sometimes you realise that you are not the only one going through problems and sometimes others may have even much more serious issues than those you are facing.

4. Listening to uplifting messages
When under stress the last thing you want to listen to is something that will bring you down, I have found that listening to uplifting and impacting messages helps me and increases my faith. The main people I listen to in terms of messages are Joel Osteen, he is forever smiling, TD Jakes whips you into shape and Joyce Meyer, she speaks from deep experience.

5. Listening to good music
Music is very powerful it can increase your mood or completely dampen your mood. One has to be careful to what music you listen to when stressed i.e Listening to music - where the lyrics are aggressive will lead you to boil up inside and want to fight, whereas if you listen to uplifting encouraging music it will lighten up your mood.

 There are many other things you can do to help you manage stress and if this has helped you please let me know and of any other things you do to manage stress.

If you want someone to talk to you can always email me:

michiek@live.co.uk

Until the next one

Michie

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Naturelle Cosmetics - Royal Coffee Scrub - Review (Organic)

    

Naturelle Cosmetics - Royal Coffee Scrub - Coconut

I have always been a fan of natural organic ingredients in beauty products. Naturelle Cosmetics have a different range of Royal Coffee Scrubs and I was fortunate enough to review the Naturelle Cosmetics - Royal Coffee Scrub in coconut.

Ingredients:

Coffea Robusta Seed Powder, Coffea Arabica Seed PowderPersea Americana (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil

Prunus Dulcis (Almond) Ground Seed, Refined Cocos Nucifera (Coconut)Oil 

Organic Fragrance, Water

My Review

Coffee is a well-known beverage for giving us that kick in the morning and is enjoyed by many people in the world. However Coffee is also great for the skin: skin exfoliation, skin softening, treating dark circles, puffy eyes and as an anti oxidant

This was my first time trying a coffee beauty scrub, when I first felt the product in my hands I was not too sure how this was going to work in getting rid of dead skin but to my pleasant surprise after using this scrub my skin felt super soft and well moisturised, and the best thing is it was all organic ingredients.

Despite the strong smell of coffee and coconut when using the scrub, this has definitely become one of my favourites.

This can be purchased: https://naturellecosmetics.com/natural-body-scrubs-and-exfoliants/royal-coffee-scrub-coconut.html 

Until the next one

Michelle 

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*Sponsored Post

Finding a Mentor

The definition of a mentor: A mentor is an experienced and trusted adviser

As a young woman in her 20's I have come to understand the importance of having someone who has gone through life experiences, who has wisdom and lessons to share. I understand the need to want to make your own mistakes and learn from them however when I can avoid making mistakes why not avoid them.

I am extremely blessed and grateful to have my parents advise and mentor me with many issues in life, they have been the biggest influence in my life. Apart from God, my parents have contributed far much more than I could ask in me being the woman I  am today and I thank God for them. 

As well as having my parents I have had a few mentors in my life, all had a purpose and a season. From education, to religion, to business etc they have been there to provide advice and guidance.

It's really not easy finding the right person to speak to about certain issues in your life trust me I know that feeling. So that said I have come up with a 5 step guide to help you find the right mentor for what ever area in your life. 

One thing to remember and keep in mind is that as you grow and evolve as a person so should your mentors. There is nothing wrong in having more than one mentor not everyone is good at everything, some may meet certain needs and not all. And the mentor is there to advice you and to not tell you what to do, as a human being you are responsible for your own actions.

That said lets get on with it:

1. Your area of need:  Before even thinking of having a mentor, think about the areas of your life that you need help in, be specific. It's important for you to know your area of need so to make the relationship with your mentor very clear. This will help give direction and it puts you in charge of the relationship and gives focus.(I found making a SWOT analysis helps -a bit OTT but it helps)

2. Your Integrity:  Before approaching someone and asking them to be your mentor, you need to be very clear and aware of your principles and values. Ask your self

- what is it that you stand for and believe?

- what will you not tolerate ? 

 This is very important as if you are going to some one for advice, you need to make sure they have the same values and principles as you.

3. Who are they : Now that you have established the first 2 points, you need to critically study the person you are thinking of approaching, have casual conversations with them, get to know them on a level without making your intention known.
 Do your research! For example, a business mentor -  look at their business, how they run it, how they treat their employees, how are they when it comes to planning and making time for people, their schedules, how do they handle failure as well as success, what do you admire most about them etc.. 

It's important to know whom you are trusting a specific area of your life with.

4. Your motives and their motives: Now you are ready to go in for the kill and approach your potential mentor. You have asked them and they have said yes, now before the relationship is fully established and set in stone its important that you make your motive for the relationship known and for you to understand their motive for wanting to mentor you. It allows you both to know where you stand with each other.

5. You are in Charge: Now that the relationship has been established, you have to understand that you are holding the button of the relationship. You have to take the lead and set the pace as they are there to cheer you on and advise you which way to go. Do not try to impress and hide things from your mentor, it defeats the purpose. You need to be honest so you get the best assistance you can possibly get.

Mentors are there to help and advise, ultimately it's your life, you only get back what you put in.

If you need someone to talk to you can email me: michiek@live.co.uk

Until the next one 

Michelle

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The Beauty Collective - The Simply Essential - Pro Series

So I picked up some really good makeup brushes the other day, to be honest this was overdue as my other makeup brushes have been with me for more than 4 years which in the makeup world is an abomination to keep makeup brushes for that long especially for someone who has acne prone skin like mine. Don't get me wrong I cleaned my old makeup brushes regularly but they do recommend changing up your make tools ever 2-3 years.

So that said these where a good cheaper alternative to some of the brushes we see out there, I mean to be honest I don't have the heart to pay more than £30 for makeup tools.

I got mine at TK Max for £19.99,

This brush set is the beauty collective - Simply Essential range. It comes with 10 brushes:

• F1-Flat Top Kabuki Brush
• F2 - Round Kabuki Brush
• F3 - Angled KabukiBrush
• F4 - Tapered Kabuki Brush
• F5 - Angled Flat Kabuki Brush
• F6- Flat concealer Brush
• F7 - Precision Concealer Brush
• F8 - Small Highlighter Brush
• FE1 - Face and Eye Blender Brush
• FE2- Angled Blender Brush

Their website: http://www.thebeautycollective.co.nz/brands/simply-essential/ 

Until the next one 

Michelle 

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It's not the background, it's the mind!

People who know me personally know that I am the world's most quiet and softly spoken individual. I don't make it a habit to speak much, only when I need to I speak and I hate shouting. One day I will give my testimony.
I started this blog because I wanted people to know that even the quiet ones can be important, good standing people in society. My mother and my inspiration always tells me that I'm a fighter and reminds me of where I came from compared to the woman I am today. I always do my best to thank God for blessing me with great parents, siblings and relatives and for cultivating me. I'm not perfect but a work in progress master piece.

So that said today's post is a reminder and I'm sure you have heard this - It's not where you are coming from but where you are going that matters.
Sometimes we get so caught up about our past and we allow that to limit ourselves. We base our future on the things we have done, accomplished etc.
For example someone might have not necessarily attended the world's best University, heck the school did not make the top 100, however they graduated with a really good degree and have amazing skills. They see a job advertised for a top law firm, they read the job spec and they see they have the skill set to do the job. Now they hear that there are a lot of people from Cambridge/Oxford University applying for the same job, so because of that they automatically disqualify themselves and do not apply.

If that is you, I have a question: Who told you, you are not qualified for this job? Just because someone went to a russell group University does not make them more qualified than you. They might have had the brains to get into a top university, but brains does not mean they have the right attitude or skill set to do the job. Be brave and put yourself out there, you never know what the outcome will be. Never label your self a failure because of your background, be bold and fight for your position. Prayer, Attitude, Application of knowledge (action) and Self belief beats a degree at a top university/ private education.

So go for it, YES YOU CAN!!!!!

Until the next one
Michelle x

If you have any questions or need someone to talk to feel free to email me: michiek@live.co.uk

Personal Development Plan

As the saying goes "fail to plan, plan to fail" after I left University I had to figure out my next step, now the good thing about Uni is they encouraged you to think about your next step and what you are going to do after Uni. They help you prep and achieve the next step, however they never give you the tools that you need to keep the momentum going on your development after University.

I got in a position where after Uni I was in a bit of a limbo in terms of development, I knew I had to develop but didn't know how to approach it and had no guide to keep me in check. Not until a very good close friend asked me "what's your PDP?" 

I couldn't answer her and she explained to me that a PDP is a personal development plan, a very important tool one has to have.

It is usually a 3-5 year plan on how you will develop. It helps you go into detail what, how, when and where you will develop and it's something most people overlook.
From my personal experience having a detailed plan of development objectives and how you will achieve them keeps you in check as I have found over the years it's very easy to loose focus. I still use it to this very day and it's something I intend on using for a very long time.

So that said, I have created this template to help you plan your own personal development. If it helps you please do email me and let me know.

Until the next one 

Michelle

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NB; this is a guide and can be tailored to suit your own specific needs.

YOU ARE RELEVANT REGARDLESS OF YOUR AGE

I was sitting down one day and preeing people online just you know doing the normal thing we all do when we don't have anything better to do. One thing that I noticed is there is encouragement and so many programs out there for people between the age of 16 to 24 years, which is amazing as the saying goes catch them while they are young. However there are ages from 25+ who are still trying to figure out where their path is taking them and what the next step is?

And unfortunately for some they have given up on those very initial things they wanted to do, whether that be Education, a Change in Career, a Business etc..

Some feel their years are done, they are now irrelevant and it's better to settle with what they have now. If that is you I say to you that it's never too late. YOU ARE STILL RELEVANT! You still have something to offer, don't live your life in regret wondering what if. Be bold and throw yourself in that fire (figure of speech) and GO FOR IT!



Until the next one

Michelle

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Consistent Reflection

Happy New Year!!

I love the month of January as it's a month of reflection and planning. As we start the new year with all our plans and with what we need to achieve, lets also remember to be sober in mind and truly reflect on where we have been and what we need to do to move further ahead. One of the major keys to planning is reflection and reviewing on a consistent basis.

It is very important that you measure your progress against your yesterday self and not that of your neighbour. The biggest way to self sabotage is compare your success and failure to someone else.

Strive to be a better YOU!!

Until the next one

Michelle

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