MONDAY MOTIVATION: Jay Leno Gas Pump Couple Show Us How to Have Fun With Your Partner

Recognize this couple? I have to tell you that their video cracked me up, made me smile from ear to ear and completely started off one of my Saturday morning in such good spirits. The couple became an Internet sensation recently when a video of them happily singing for a free tank of gas as they were surprised at a Costco gas pump by the Jay Leno show became a favorite and spread over social media. If you haven't seen this video, trust me it's a must see!

Well, that video surfaced a few weeks ago and since then the couple has been doing many interviews as people have been interested in finding out not only who this couple is but also, are they really that happy? I just read a great interview with them over at Essence.com and they say absolutely yes! They are high school sweethearts who will be celebrating their 12th year anniversary and say they are happy because they make having fun a priority.

I think people often start off having fun together in relationships during the dating phase or honeymoon period but once that bliss starts to fade, many people aren't as proactive about remaining in sync and making time to simply enjoy each other, to laugh. As a comedian, I truly feel that laughter can heal all things. What I found interesting in what they had to say, is that their pastor told them when they were newlyweds that the best thing they can do for their relationship is going on vacation regularly. So, they made a commitment to sticking to that advice and make sure to take vacations together or even just a night at a hotel locally.

Not everyone can afford to go away often and the difficulties of planning who will take car of the kids often leads people to abandon plans, but it's so important for couples to spend that "we" time together to experience new things and continue to connect in different ways.

It's always nice to know that you are in a relationship with someone who is genuinely your best/ great friend, who you just have such a fun time with you couldn't imagine spending it with anyone else in that moment.

So this week, if you are single start thinking about all the things that you love doing individually, start doing them regularly (if you don't already) and be open, keep your eye out for a cutie that you can share this interest with. If you are a couple or married, start planning a full vacation, one night getaway or even just a fun date night that is different from the usual.

Check out the full interview here and video below.

Have a happy & loving Monday!

MONDAY MOTIVATION: Jada Pinkett's Message to the Dream Stealers

 

One of the most important aspects of being in a relationship is having someone who supports not only  the person that you are within the relationship, but also the person you are becoming or have always dreamed of being. If you have a dream of being an actress, a writer, singer, CEO of a Fortune 500 company, whatever the dream is that you hold in your heart, your significant other should not only support that but be actively engaged in your passion. If you are a writer, at the very minimum, your partner should read a few of your pieces. I received an amazing email from a man a month ago who wanted to inquire about my coaching packages and upcoming Millionaire Artist workshop for his girlfriend. In the email, he spoke about his belief in his girlfriend's talent as a designer despite her own doubt and that he wants to help her take the steps towards pursuing her vision. I loved this because this is what a partner should be!

Another issue that many people relate to is the feeling that one has to give up on their dreams once they settle down and have a family. While taking care of a family and pursuing a dream that may not initially offer stability can be overwhelming and scary, it is possible. Jada Pinkett Smith, a womyn who has successfully juggled a career and family, had a few things to say about this problem:

Dream stealers…
I think one of the worst atrocities we can commit on people we say we love is to steal their dreams through our overbearing expectations. Whether we steal dreams consciously or unconsciously, it renders the same effect…RESENTMENT.

Someone we say we love should NEVER be forced to choose having your love and support over having their dreams. There is a way to have BOTH.

The scary part is that most of the time we may be infringing on the dreams of others in order to fulfill a dream of our own. Partnership, parenting, marriage should reflect the desire to help each other build fulfilling lives for all parties involved. You’ve got ONE life ( that we know of ). LIVE IT…to the FULLEST!
BUILD on your dreams and on the dreams of those you love…TODAY!

Surround yourself with people that believe in and support your dreams and stay focused on the vision that you have for yourself. If not, you will find yourself living a life filled with doubt, regret and resentment. Think about what an awesome example that will be for your children as they will look up to "mommy / daddy" who made their dreams happen despite having to put food on the table and provide for X amount of kids. If you believe that it is possible, then your children will believe this as well for their future dreams.

I will be sharing a few stories of my own at The Millionaire Artist workshop this Saturday February 2nd. Secure your seat and register here: Millionaire Artist Eventbrite. Only a few spots left!

Do at least 1 thing today that focuses on and invests in your dreams. I dare you!

Happy Monday!

Rihanna and Chris Brown marriage rumours draw judgement and anger

Rihanna announced her new album name today and it’s got the twitterverse and other media buzzing! Her album is called “Unapologetic” and many have interpreted this to be related to rumours that she and Chris Brown are getting back together.

There has been a lot of talk in the media lately about Brown’s recent breakup, Rihanna’s interview on Oprah where she admitted to still being in love with him, and the fact that they’ve been seen together a lot lately.

Well today, even though neither of them have actually stated that they are back together, people have taken to the internet to criticize and mock the couple. Many of the comments are aimed at Rihanna.

Donald Trump (who is known for controversial tweets) tweeted the following: If @rihanna is dating @chrisbrown then she has a death wish. A beater is always a beater – just watch!

VH1 tweeted: Rihanna’s dad and Oprah are cool with Chris Brown dating Rihanna. Are you?

And most disturbing of all, this is trending on twitter right now: Damn I just hit that flight of stairs harder than Chris Brown hit Rihanna.

Am I the only who finds it shocking that people feel they have the right to judge and mock this young couple? These are not their families or close friends. In fact, their family and friends seem to be supportive of them. Why is it is so easy for people to judge Rihanna and Brown, when we all have issues that we need to resolve in our own lives and we know very little about their lives?

And what exactly are people judging Rihanna for? What has she done that has people so angry? She is a young (only 24 years-old) womyn who is navigating her love life under the microscope that is celebrity culture today. OF COURSE I am not condoning violence against womyn. But I do believe in forgiveness. Brown admitted to what he did, apologized repeatedly and served his sentence (including community service and domestic violence classes). If Rihanna can forgive him is it really anyone else’s business?

Life is about making mistakes and learning from them. As Oprah said “I think that if she is prepared to deal with that and is prepared to help him help himself then so be it. I have no judgement about it.” What do you think?

PS. Don't forget there is just over a week until The Artist Millionaire Workshop. If you haven’t registered yet please click here to sign up. Tickets are on sale for only $47.