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

​We were on our way to launching a phenomenal LIVE experience in Atlanta, GA on March 19, 2020.  A Signature Flair and the Government Contractors Association (GCA) lined up an all-star cast of successful female entrepreneurs from all walks of life to share their stories of triumphs and trials in launching their ventures.  Ladies were also going to experience relaxing massages, sipping on mimosas while enjoying an appetizing menu, free professional headshots, networking, and shopping.  It was going to be a memorable first day of Spring.
Then corona changed everything…..
I remembered Abe (founder of GCA) coming in the office and asking me and the team what did we want to do about the Women Who Win event.  My assertive, almost cocky spirit was adamant that Women Who Win must go forward.  “We don’t quit.  We got this, “ I exclaimed as the women of the group joined me in unison in carrying out the vision.  The event was to go on as planned and we were all going to be fine.  Yet to my better judgement and looking back in review, GCA made the wise and final call that we would have to postpone the event.  Here is the link to view us announcing the postponement of the Women Who Win event - https://youtu.be/TkMZwHC4CiQ.   Within 48 hours of our announcement, the governor of Georgia also announced that no events in the state were permitted to have over 25 guests in attendance (those numbers quickly dropped to 10 in attendance).  I was in a state of dismay.
Spring blossomed on, but life as we knew it changed right before our eyes.  Businesses’ doors began closing.  Venues and events were immediately closed and cancelled.  The lineup of Spring festivals and social gatherings were halted.  Recreational centers, gyms, clubhouses were all reducing hours and limiting access to their facilities. Schools immediately closed.  Grocery store shelves became bare. The airports and travel ceased. Hospital beds were overflowing. Unemployment hit an all-time high as the global markets began tanking all around us.  All of this turmoil occurred within the first 30 - 60 days of the COVID catastrophe
However, even through these tumultuous times, I witnessed you, Women Who Win, never giving up.  I witnessed you, Women Who Win, taking inventory of what matters most in life.  You found the heartbeat of your worldwide purpose being more defined in moments of challenge now than ever before.  God has allowed the entire world to stop so that you would have the time to pause, reset, and go.  Even during the curse of these times, we can still find our blessings.

Share with us how you have adjusted your brand and business.  What do you envision for the rest of 2020 and beyond?  What suggestions do you have for other women?


#womenwhowin #triumphovertrials #WWW2020 #asignatureflair #onlineevents #globalevents #inspirational #motivational #business #femaleCEO #BossChics #LadyBoss