Who are you listening to?

Are you listening to yourself? Well, maybe you shouldn't. That's if you're telling yourself your too old, too set in your ways or too financially strapped. Colonel Sanders was 65 when he introduced the masses to his world famous Kentucky fried chicken. Lily Ledbetter, now retired, was a devoted employee of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company when she discovered she was paid less because of her gender... became a household name after President Barack Obama signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into Law guaranteeing equal pay for equal work without fear any kind of discrimination. Chris Gardner, a single father and the inspiration behind the movie, "In the Pursuit of Happyness" starring acclaimed actor Will Smith, rose from homelessness to become a self made millionaire and the founder/C.E.O of Gardner Rich and Company, a stock broker firm located in Chicago.

Are you listening to other people? Stop! Unless they are offering you encouragement, support and motivation.

Drop That Heavy Load

Drop that heavy load. That load that you've been carrying around inside of you for years. The one drenched in fear, guilt and shame. All because of an action you took years ago that is continuing to hold you captive--even in this moment. It's time to bring it to a head. It's time to deal with it in a manner that sets your conscience free. It could be a confession, or perhaps an apology or an acknowledgement, the time has come for you to forgive yourself.

In the fifty plus years that you've survived here on this earth, it stands to reason that perhaps you've made choices that you now regret--and that possibly caused you or someone else a great deal of pain. A choice that perhaps you would not have made in today's state of mind. But you made it--and yesterday is gone forever. You've got to let it go! You've got to pull the cord that's plugging up your creative flow. You've got to be free. Free to bring into expression the person you were born to be. You once thought you had a life time. But now more than half your life is gone. Wake up! Every day, Spirit is calling you closer to home. When you arrive, assure yourself that you will be greeted in the form of your true design. Begin etching your pattern now. Drop that heavy load!

copyright (c) Patricia D. Barnes, 2009

Lessons from Obama

1. Dream a dream bigger than yourself. Step outside of your comfort zone. Go for the thing that's really inside of you.
2. Believe in yourself. Believe that you can have it when all others say it's impossible.
3. Act boldly. Go inside of yourself and pull from your inner strength. Act with integrity.
4. Keep your eye on your vision. No matter how others may try and demean, intimidate or unjustly condemn you, do not get distracted. Keep your eye on the prize. Don't allow anyone to make you feel unworthy.
5. Be persistent, consistent and take methodical action.
6. Don't be a know it all. Surround yourself with good, solid and talented people.
7. Be a good listener.
8. Know that everyone is inclusive. Every life is important. Everyone has a story and could possibly have something to offer.
9. In the eye of a storm, keep a calm, cool head; but know when it's time to roar.
10. Let your life be an inspiration.

What lesson did you learn from Obama or what was reaffirmed or magnified in your life? Email below.

5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Jump Start your Business Idea

Now that you've claimed exactly what it is you want to do; and decided to go for it, here are five things you can begin doing right now to move your vision forward regardless of your situation.
1. Work on improving your health: For most of us, the older we get, the more sedentary we become. We also note that the pounds have inched on, our vision is diminished and our joints (especially the knees) ache a bit more. Embarking upon a new venture means new energy. We must work on improving our health with proper exercise and healthier eating habits. Let's seek out foods that stimulate our minds and bodies.
2. Begin NOW learning everything you need to know about the venture you are about to undertake. Do research. The Internet is a gold mind of information. Maybe even, find a mentor.
3. Learn new technology. The way you envisioned doing things 20 years ago may not work for the 21st century. You can begin now to learn the new technology, especially as it relates to marketing.
4. Seek out as many entrepreneurial workshops as possible. Many are offered in your community for free. Also, check with your chamber of commerce for information.
5. Whatever you're planning on doing will take some money. Why not begin a savings plan in the name of whatever it is you're planning. Deposit something each pay period--even if it's $10.00. And you can begin improving your credit score by paying bills on time.
AND don't forget your grand children. Let's not get so caught up in what we're doing that we neglect our loved ones. Include them in your personal planning.

Copyright 2009 Patricia D. "Satorie" Barnes

What Can You Do Now to Begin your Idea Closer to Fruition?

With 4.5 million (and counting) of people out of work nationwide, one is more inclined to feel they are simply blessed to have a job. It may not matter that they don't like their job; or that it's no longer fulfilling to them--they've resigned to stay--relishing in the thought "well, at least I have a job." It's good to be grateful, and I agree. It is always better to have a job than looking for one. After all, your rent is being paid, family needs are met and you like the privilege of eating. So yes, be grateful for your work. Still, there is a dream inside of you that simply won't die. A dream of bringing this thing you love to do so much to life--and actually make it your livelihood. Now, in the midst of what is perceived to be a faltering economy, now could be a good time to act on it. Look at the attitude of a 71 year old lady who lost her life's savings in the 50 billion dollar Madoff ponzi scheme. Working and saving all of her life, she thought she would be enjoying a wholesome retirement by now. Instead, she's finding it necessary to reinvent herself. In a recent televised interview on MSNBC's American Greed and Scandals, she tells the reporter that she has no income, with exception of Social Security. She goes on to explain that she has to find other ways to earn a living. Paraphrasing, and speaking very confidently, she says " At my age, I can't take a job from anyone. I can't stand too long...so I can't work as a Cashier...but what I can do is make jewelry, in particularly watch bands." And the camera focused on her in the back ground diligently at work making her watch bands. I thought "I'll bet this is what she's always been passionate about." What will it take for you to act on your passion? Do you, too, have to lose everything before you muster enough hunger to take action? I say, act NOW! Ask yourself "What is the first step I should take in bringing my dream to reality?" Meditate on the answer. Then boldly take the step.

an object in motion tends to stay in motion

copy right Patrica D. "Satorie" Barnes, 2009

Who is Patricia D. "Satorie" Barnes?

Often times, you hear this question being asked by many well directed ministers, "If you had only one day to live, how would you spend it?" The question is designed to get one to focus on what is really important in his/her life. I answered this question myself, and it didn't take a lot of time to wonder about it. I would spend the last hours of my life in deep penetrating hugs with my family. I would let them know how much they mean to me...and how much I love, honor and appreciate them. I would encourage them to continue growing, seeking and believing in God and the good. I would leave a special message for my first born grandson, Devon, whom I have not seen for more than 13 years. I would let him, and the four sisters and brothers he had at the time of his birth know that my memory nor love for them never faded. I would want to spend a little time with special friends, just to let them know how much I appreciate them being a part of my life. And as the hours continued to drift away, I would spend more time in meditation and in preparation to deliver my final message...my undying belief and that is we are here for God. We were created by God, for God to express His goodness, His grace and His love. And we are to express it in service to one another. As we have been taught in both the spiritual world as well as the secular, each of us has been endowed with a passion. Entwined in that passion is our purpose...our reason for being. It is when we are living, giving and serving from this innate passion that the best of us is released...and in this moment, we are experiencing the fullness of God. Who is Patricia D. "Satorie" Barnes? I am one whose entire being is deeply rooted in the belief that we were created for a purpose, and if we want to experience the fullness of life...we must begin to live life from that purpose. Even as a child, the question of purpose was always a part of my belief system. As a child, I thought only people in the professions of helping people such as teachers, doctors and nurses were purposely created by God. Evil people, people causing harm to others, I felt could not have possibly been created by God. I felt their parents were simply having fun and they arrived by accident. As I grew older, because of life's experiences, my faith in God became non existent and my thoughts on purpose vanished. It was not until the early 90's, after attending Della Reese's church "Understanding Principles," that I began to understand the workings of God and the power of His existence inside of me. The idea of Purpose began to resurface, I began to study, teach and live it. In 1994, I was ordained in the Metaphysical Ministry under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Leon Masters, founder of the University of Metaphysics with 50 years of teaching experience. It was also during this time that I began to feel a spiritual name change; and Satori, (I added the 'e') a martial arts term meaning 'to be here now' ingratiated my spirit. It was important that I remained in the presence because of the pain I was enduring after the mother of my first born grand son ripped him from my life. In 1998, I wrote my first book entitled "Serving God on Purpose," a booklet devoted to helping one discover his/her divine passion/purpose and then embracing it as their life's work. I've delivered many sermons on the topic of purpose, and wrote articles, hosted public access show and published a newsletter called "Abundance Within." During these later years, I have been employed as a Case Manager, dedicated to the cause of housing homeless families. But the desire to teach purpose in its full glory has never really diminished. The Bible tells us in Acts 2:17 that our young people will see visions and our old will dream dreams. These are the dreams that have been lurking in our hearts, mind and spirit perhaps for decades and they are still speaking to us. And I would, perhaps not in my final, but certainly in finest hour urge you to listen.

Feature Boomertarian

As promised, we are bringing you a special feature on those boomertarians who are living life to the fullest. Our first tribute goes to Shane Coleman, founder of Heroes of Life, a non profit organization whose purpose is to teach at risk youth and young adults ages 8 to 28 all the facets of the entertainment and broadcast arena... including audio/video, music and graphic arts. Founded in 1989, the program is based in Pacoima California. It also collaborates with a For Profit organization known as "Our World," whose creating economical shifts by employing top students from Heroes of Life and engaging them in work such as stage management, sound enforcement and camera work for concerts, festivals and video/film production. Shane is married to his soul mate, Paula Coleman, who is not only a staunch supporter of his work; but is key in helping him bring the vision into fruition. Together they have ten children, 14 grandchildren and one great grand child. Shane, in all his wisdom, loves giving others the spotlight but today, in this defining moment, we salute him. Click on Spotlight: Shane Coleman

copyright Patricia D. "Satorie" Barnes, 2009

Spotlight: Shane Coleman

It was in his 6th grade class in a South Philadelphia school that Shane Coleman received divine revelation of what he wanted to do when he became an adult. He wanted to help people. In the 9th grade, he says his vision became more focused. He wanted to help change the world through people and the arts. And that vision brought him to Los Angeles, and the founding of Heroes of Life, a non profit organization that embraces the talents of at risk youth and young adults between the ages of 8 to 28. "There are many talented young people who have dreams of working in the entertainment industy...but because they are in a poverty situation, they don't have the money or even a place to get training or operate equipment. They can receive this at Heroes of Life... that's if they are determined to succeed and can abide by our rules of love, respect and absolutely no negativity or profanity. " Shane admits that often times, it's difficult to convince a young person that it's possible to produce hip hop without cussing. "I tell them that if they've got a problem with life or society, they have to come up with a solution in a positive way by the end of the song." In the end, he says, they are surprised that they can deliver a strong message without the use of profanity. It is this spirit of love, respect and determination that has amassed Shane a large number of successful graduates now working in the field of broadcast, from radio, television to record companies, the training they received in song writing, script writing, video/audio production, camera work, stage performance and other techniques have prompted many to testify "I got my start with Shane." And while many of his students did choose to make a career in the film/broadcast industry, some have elected to go to college, become entrepreneurs or simply join the work force, the love, discipline and focus received at Heroes of Life have made a lasting impact. Some students, Shane says, faltered along the way; but he says when he sees them on the streets even if they are gang members, there is always lots of love, hugs and respect when they meet. "They know that even even if they are suspended from this program, with a change in attitude and after a time period they can return." Presently, he working with different gang sets who have learned the truth about gang life and are coming back into the community to share their experiences and to write positive hip hop... using it as a vehicle to produce change. In December, 2008, Shane and his crew produced a scarry movie entitled "Did You See That?" and is presently working on two others, Breaking the Cycle" and "The Bobby Cohen Story." Rooted deeply in the community, Heroes of Life is also producing a 20 minute DVD featuring community children who have had trouble with the law, their parents, physchologist and other experts to be utilized by community networks to produce intervention techniques. When commenting on the question of whether or not he has any particular challenges in working with the music of today as compared to yesteryears, Shane declares "Absolutely not!" Music, he says, is a universal language...transcending from generation to generation. He shares that they recently completed a Christmas album featuring Jeannette Hawes, formerly of the Emotions and Marcus Paulk, best known for his role as the little brother on the TV sitcom "Moesha." "In Heroes of Life, the old school heads and the youngsters often come together to learn from each other." And where does he see his program in five years? Shane shares that he would like to see Heroes of Life on a national scale...bridging young people from different states and countries working together. He reveals that presently, he and other group members are planning a concert tour in 2009 whereby named talent will lend there skills to community based projects to help create economic shifts; and as a means of helping the have nots to have. He concludes by telling us "This is what I love to do, it's what I've dreamed of doing and now I'm doing it!" Shane Coleman is a Boomertarian in Flight.

copyright Patricia D. "Satorie" Barnes, 2009