​I shared this recording with my friend and business partner a week ago.  She thought I recorded this while handling business in Dominican Republic. 
“No, chic,” I exclaimed. “This was recorded back in February 2020 when I was planning the Women Who Win conference 2020 in Atlanta, Ga.” I spoke this for women around the world; I really wasn’t thinking about myself.
When I watched this forgotten recording last week, my mouth dropped open.  With all of the transitions of existing, pivots in purpose, and some major losses, I had no time to recall these words I uttered.  Little did I know I was speaking into my own life. How in the world did I manifest a global vision in a matter of months and during a global pandemic?
Back in December 2019, my event planning business – A Signature Flair (www.asignatureflair.com) in partnership with the Government Contractors Association, was geared up to premier an intimate women’s conference on March 19, 2020. I invested my personal time, relationships, and money in what was I hoping to make an annual pilgrimage for women worldwide to experience. Then COVID murdered this dream. I was more hurt for the vendors and partners who were vested in this than for myself. My partners in crime, @Myra Cisse, @KimYang, and the latest Rockstar @JacquelineJuarez, were all set to enjoy mimosas over brunch, massages, shopping, and oh yeah the speakers were going to be lit too. All of our plans came to a screeching halt. The governor of Georgia issued a mandate that no gatherings could host over 10 individuals in the fear of spreading the virus.  Not only was this event postponed and eventually canceled, my entire schedule and business for the year was turned upside down.
After some long intensive prayers and evaluation of where I existed in life, I figured I had absolutely nothing to lose by taking the chance on my own dream – experiencing life outside of America. If it didn’t work, then I can always come back to what I know. The fear of not attempting was greater than me settling for a solution from the government.
That fear…or maybe the lack thereof…has propelled me to expand my existing 15+ years of investing and selling real estate exclusively in Atlanta, GA into servicing homeowners and renters nationwide and in Dominican Republic. (www.ihaveproperties4u.com & www.pathways2properties.com or @pathways2properties)
Last but definitely not least, we are launching The Living in Liberty tour where adventurous individuals & business owners are invited to explore opportunities and vacation in the Dominican Republic . See more details in link in bio.
Once I realized this pandemic matter and the fallout from it would be around for awhile, then I had to set new goals and plan for a new level of success.  It is just amazing that subconsciously I was speaking my own desires for my life without knowing it.
What new goals are you planning for 2021? How did COVID affect your 2020?
 
#CourageToLiveMyDream #WomenWhoWin #internationalrealestate #InternationalEvents #livinginliberty #thelifeofliberty #Atlanta #DominicanRepublic #manifest #globalcitizen #realestate #homesforsale #homesweethome #feelslikehome #inspiration #faithoverfear #womenempowerment #womenbusinessowners #bosschics #ladyceo #paradise #beachlife #nolimits #dreamscometrue #hope #nevergiveup


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Special thanks to Ms. Kim Yang for capturing this moment. Love ya chic!

Living in the Dominican Republic has its benefits.  From beautiful weather to affordable accommodations, and quality food, I feel as if I am living the simpler side of life.  However, there is one major hang-up that I haven’t worked through completely.
The first day I arrived at my bungalow in Cabrete, I was greeted by a dried-out frog near the window in the master room.  I had already planned to clean out the place anyway, but I still didn’t expect to see that.  Lucky for me, I didn’t see any other critters in my domain for a few weeks.  Coast is clear…..well at least that is what I thought. 😊
I have seen several other critters lurking around, but last Sunday took the cake.  While working on my laptop in the livingroom, I saw a fast-moving shadow cross my floor.  I sat in silence for a few minutes as I tried to make sense in my head as to what could that have been.  It never crossed my mind that I would see an arana (spider in Spanish) the size of my hand crawl quickly up the wall.  I screamed for my life!  Yes, this spider was coming for me.
Without going through the long details of that night of fright, just know the story ends with the landlord coming to save the day by removing the dead critter.  He told me this species of spider wouldn’t bite or jump on me.  That it was my friend who was more scared of me than I of it.  Nope!  Can’t believe that.
However, even through my entomophobia, I am at more peace here in the Dominican Republic than in America.  I will face my fear of these bugs any day than to deal with senseless hate, racism, and abuse from my home country.  It appears to be a competition between each jurisdiction to see who can kill the most Black men and women. 
I will continue to pray for peace for my homeland, but in the meantime I will fight my own battle with these bugs versus the bullets from America.
Check out more on my Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-7egTx_J_X8msfEHNv2Pg? 
Instagram: instagram.com/1worldwithnoborders_ 
#CourageToLiveMyDream #TheLifeofLiberty #Bugs #FaithOverFear #DominicanRepublic #visitDominicanRepublic #ExpatLife #WorldTravel #GlobalCitizen #WorldTraveller #Manifest #Travel2020

Sixty days ago, I decided the time to explore options abroad was now.  I talked about living abroad for too long and the moment crept up on me unexpectantly.  With no kids or husband in tow, I have no obligations to any soul except me. 
Now that I am gone, I see this as one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.  So how was I able to pack up in less than a month to make a temporary transition away from the U.S.A.?  

1. I prayed and asked God to grant me the desires of my heart.  Without Him, I have nothing.  The permission and guidance came straight from my Creator and no other source.
2. Review of finances to decide what it would take to live abroad.  As of today, the D.R. is one of the most affordable islands that expats from worldwide relocate to and live off their retirement pensions of $2500 per month and less.  Depending on your needs, you can find housing from as little as $275 per month to thousands of dollars.  Utilities and internet service averages under $100 per month.  You determine how much food and drink you can handle.
3. I downsized all expenses in America.  I used to go to Ross almost every month to buy cute clothes.  That habit quickly stopped when I realized I was wearing the same thing over and over anyway.  Reduce your cell phone bills, car insurance, even your home may need to be downsized if you want to relocate temporarily or permanently.
4. Research!  Start looking a little bit everyday at what others are saying about the ideal land you want to go to.  Do they allow citizens from your country?  What is the equivalency of your currency to theirs?  Are you able to get employment abroad?  What is the climate like?  What is the cost of living?  What type of government is in place?  Read their local newspapers.  You can never do too much research.
5. Build relationships.  Start contacting people in that area to see if you will like it.  Even schedule some trips to visit in during seasons.  Relationships will get you into doors that your money won’t be able to do.  Do not underestimate the value of a great connection.

There are many other things to consider when living in a different area, but these are some of the fundamentals I used when deciding to go for it.  Although my decision seems rash as I really didn’t give people any notice, I have been working towards this goal for over 10 years.  Hopefully you don’t take that long to live your dream.
#livingabroad #international #couragetolivemydream #traveling #DominicanRepublic #expats #lifegoals #travelabroad #newbeginnings #newlife #expatriatelife #aworldwithnoborders #lifewithoutlimits

How do you describe the most joyful ball of sunshine in life?  Who do you know in your business or professional life that can bring clarity to confusion and still deliver a smart wit on the fly? None other than my bestie, Ms. Myra Cisse.
God granted me the blessing of meeting and joining the entire GCA team of Abe Xiong, Richard Brooks, Renzie Richardson, Mario, and Myra Cisse back in June of 2016.  Learning government contracting knowledge was cool while I planned all the events for GCA, but the real education was being able to observe Myra at work.
Myra possessed the ability to articulate reason and logic in many of the discussions held at GCA.  I wish in my heart I could do that!  Her heart and intentions were always pure for others and she would celebrate your win in anything just as if it were her winning.  I can’t think of one idea of mine that she didn’t support…in fact she quickly became my #1 fan as she always cheered me on to victory.  You could NOT feel failure when you were with Myra.
And if you truly knew Myra Cisse, then you knew her infectious laugh.  She had a heartfelt laughter that made everyone fall over laughing, too.  No person I know could walk in a room and brighten everyone’s day like her.
We quickly became the best of friends as we enjoyed community hour socials with our girls and even traveled to Costa Rica last year.  It feels as if I didn’t get enough time to tell her how much I appreciate her for all that she has done for me.  A few of her last words to me the night before she left us were, “Tell everyone that I love them. And thank you for being the best friend in the whole wide world.”
What you all should know is that even while Myra was hospitalized during this last month, she worked and served until the very last breath.  She was still making phone calls, helping business owners to get certified, and even helping a nurse to get her PPP paperwork together.  So in honor of Ms. Myra Cisse, I ask each of you to please consider doing one or all of the following:
1.Make a donation to the American Cancer Society
2.Make a donation to help with provisions for her daughter, Bianca Smith
3.Provide a short story/statement about how Myra’s business helped your business to grow (certifications, contracts, registered in SAM.gov, provided guidance or inspiration).  Myra was an avid reader and providing your story will serve as a lasting legacy as I work to create a book about her legacy of helping business owners.
And to Myra….I know you didn’t hear me say goodbye on our last call.  I couldn’t do that as I had to try and beg God to please create a miracle.  Now that you are gone, I know that you are the angel who has joined my Grandmother Alice in looking out for me here.  I love ya, chica.  Miss you too much already!

For laughs, please view our last engagement with Myra at her home.  https://youtu.be/w-OYljsSHR8