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EARLY BIRDS CATCHES THE WORM: Morning Habits Coffee or Tea?

The early bird catches the worm with coffee or tea?

There is no doubt in my mind that we have all heard that saying, the early bird catches the worm? But before we continue with my choice of caffeine. I want to give you full disclosure.

Full disclosure: This is an affiliate program post with Amazon. Clicking on the links below will result in commission to the writer of sisterslikeus.com.

Still interested? Read more on about my grandmother’s morning habits and how I self-power my day and self-care.

Getting out of bed by 5 am is supposedly one of the best habits to practice if you want to win. And I can attest to getting a lot more done when I rise early.

My grandma, deceased now, was a retired factory worker who used to rise before the sun had time to tuck the moon to sleep.

She spent early mornings cleaning her house each day, and a cup of joe (coffee) was her jump-starter.

Early bird preference

Growing up in grandmas house, I witness how much could be accomplished in a day rising with the birds. She would be up before the sun had time to peek through the rolling clouds and be finished cleaning before the sun reached noon temperatures.

By 10 am she had swept her house: yes, and with a broom, baked biscuits from scratch, scrambled cheese-eggs, fried okra, and fish; washed, and hung clothes on the clothesline out back, washed dishes, and dusted her tables and knick-knacks.

During the summer months when I slept in, I would awake to find grandma catching a breath on her swept front porch with a second cup of coffee, enjoying the Ohio summer air before her scheduled soap operas started at twelve.

She owned one of those then-popular Kirby heavy-duty vacuum cleaners but preferred cleaning her main rooms of wall-to-wall carpet floors with a bucket of hot water and a straw broom. I like to think this was her way of working out her arms or working out stress but more likely, it was just how her generation grew up cleaning and perhaps reminded her of a time.

Unlike grandma

Personally, I’m a tea kind of girl. I enjoy ice coffee from time to time but, unlike grandma. I love the taste of herbal and spice tea: hot or cold.

I recently found this organic probiotic kombucha tea brand, Brew Dr. on Amazon, and have fallen in love with its flavorful taste and health benefits.

It is a chilled tea because of its active probiotics (must keep refrigerated). It comes in a dark glass bottle, unlike some tea brands that would otherwise be great tasting teas if you could not taste or smell the plastic bottles, they are packaged in.

Being a diabetic, I don’t feel guilty about opening a bottle of Brew Dr. Kombucha tea. Unlike some brands, I feel as though I am drinking sugar water.

Brew Dr. tea taste like the ingredients listed on the front of the bottles. You can open a bottle and taste the ginger and turmeric or and be able to pronounce the ingredients on the back. We all know what ginger and turmeric are and taste like, right?

Though I am not a huge coffee drinker, I know it is someone’s morning and afternoon preference booster: and I am not knocking it. But I am reaching for a good herbal tea filled with many health benefits.


(see video @sisterslikeuswin Instagram Reels)

I grab the Brew Dr. Island Mango tea when I need to rejuvenate or self-caring. The ginger is refreshing, and it is a way I support my gut health where a large part of our immune system is. I do, however, want to suggest talking to your doctor before ingesting any type of probiotics if you are taking medications. Some herbs and spices could interfere with prescribed medicines.

If you are looking for a new way to drink tea (#whatmug), click the link below, and leave a comment to let me know which is your favorite flavor.

-Dawn

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Business Minded: Starting a Business

Starting a business.

Everyone wants to start a business. But is everyone mentally ready to journey down the road of business ownership?

Is it Easier to Work for Someone?

Yes! It is easy to work for someone else. You submit your resume online, and fortune enough, the hiring person: usually someone in human resources will reach out after gone through hundreds if not thousands of people hoping to land the same job. You are contacted to see if you are still interested in the position. If so, you schedule an interview by phone or in-person to see if you are the right fit for their company and you, as well, get to ask questions to see if the company is a good fit for your career goals.

Nevertheless, you show up, give your best first impression, and, if you are lucky, you are either offered the job or scheduled to return for a second interview with someone higher up within the company or who you will be reporting to each workday.

If you accept the offer you, agreeing to their terms and policies, you get a beginning date, work, and roll in some dough. But, as I said above, hundreds if not thousands have applied for that exact position so, the odds of you getting it can be like winning the lottery. And if not so lucky, you are back at the drawing board, computer searching the internet for another position you may qualify to perform.

Mentally Hard Business

Searching for employment is hard work, especially since the pandemic hit. But searching is a full-time job; in itself. And starting a business is even much harder.
As stated above, working for someone else’s process; but when working for self be mentally ready to wear many hats and the long work hours.
People tend to think owning a business is easy. I am here to tell you that it is not!

Business ownership requires a certain level of mentality and discipline, not to mention a lot of time and money. Because it can get stressful and lonely if you do not have a team, people around you to support and encourage your idea.

When starting a business, if you are going at it alone, you must be your therapist, cheerleader, and staff unless or until you have revenue flowing in to outsource or hire staff.
Not everyone can visualize your business idea, and honestly, not everyone wants to see you owning one and succeed.

It is not necessarily because they are haters but because they either have not or do not dare to start one themselves or can’t understand why someone would go through the trouble when someone has already done the hard work for you.

Equipment and Skills Needed to Start a Business

Besides being your own biggest cheerleader, you need to be strong-minded and have thick skin.
Being a published author (Cracks in the Pavement series), I have always admired J.K. Rowling’s tenacity in never giving up hope of getting Harry Potter out into the world.

Starting and owning a business requires a certain kind of mindset everyone’s equipped with.
Self-motivation and self-awareness: knowing your best skills and weaknesses are a good way to gauge if someone has what it takes or is cut out for business ownership.

The List

Below are a list of equipment and skills needed to set up and grow a business because the owner will wear many hats early on.

1. Mentality: Your brain is the computer operating what goes in and what goes out. Should virus-like stress or doubt infiltrate the owner’s mind, the operation can be temporarily put on hold if not shut down.

Having a business plan to refer to staying focused and positive thinking is a way to protect viruses from getting in. It is a requirement to not only run a successful business but our daily lives.

2. Discipline: This requires a strong mind and desire to stay on track with getting the tedious day-to-day task done.

There will be things about growing a business you will love doing and completing the task you dread having to do. But compiling an email list or cold calling can pay off. Think of JK Rowling. Discipline and persistence will eventually pay off.

3. Consistency: When smartphones are reimaged for upgrade and or, updating; data and functional capabilities are consistently being considered and added for better output or use for the consumer. The same is for a business. What you put into it is what you get out of it. So little efforts put in, small results come out.
Keep working at it. The payoff will come.

4. Drive: like a computer drive, one must hold onto and keep (store) in mind the why they started the business in the first place. Holding on to the why you started, the purpose, and intentions will drive out passion and motivation to keep going even when those tough moments arise.

Conclusion:
Being mindful and mentally aware of doubt or stress getting in, staying disciplined, being consistent, and keeping the why at the forefront will drive you, business awareness, and consumer connections.

Like any life goal or success, a business simply blooms with deciding to start one, an idea, and hard work.

Daily Affirmation: I have the mindset to start a business and see it through.

Whichever flower you choose to be BLOOM!
Dawn

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Behind a Name and Branding

What is behind your name or brand?

I once overheard a colleague pose this question to another co-worker:

“What if Dawn Dean isn’t her real government name?”

It ticked me off, seeing how I had come so far to adore my name and its meaning (first light, to begin).

Yes! I had a problem with my name growing up because it did not have more syllables. I know, crazy, but I love it now and wouldn’t change it if I got paid to; then again, maybe I would consider it for a tax-free cool million. Nah!

See, I have always believed if I had nothing else, I had my name, my character summed up in a nutshell, representing me when I am not present in the flesh, sort of like a business card.

I quickly got over her ignorant remark and asked God to forgive her cause she clearly, did not understand that her words or actions could influence others and turn a person’s life upside down.

Besides, I know, and God knows my name.

Over my life, I have learned people will attempt to write your narrative to suit their desires of how they wish to perceive you instead of getting to know the nonfiction version of someone or something.

It’s just unbelievable how people are always so quick to spread untruths to make themselves feel good. Anyhow a name, brand, company is the sum of its character (products and services).

A business name

A business name and its logo represent the character behind the brand.

The name and visuals draw attention to the company or person and are, in most cases, if not all, the deciding factor if one should buy into the brand or try out the product.

Buyers first see or hear the product advertised via radio, television, magazines, and social media. They may or may not click the offer button or google the name and buy.

Once they like the products or services, the name becomes the face of the brand or business but, the quality of the products or services keeps consumers coming back for more at any cost.

The quality behind the name

Take this Hermes silk top and this power red yet sexy Escada skirt that will forever hang in my closet. Why? Not so much for the name per se. But because I love them, the quality of the materials, the classic silhouette and print, and their versatility.

Are you beginning to see why someone questioning my name, my character, my identity would tick me off? LOL

But like with poetry and painting, people will have their preconceived notions and interpretations of what the author is conveying or what the artist’s thoughts were behind the painting.
Sometimes that can be good if that is what the artist wanted but sometimes, in real-life, with people, it can be harmful to assume.

In my blog, the business look has changed as my life has changed. But the intention behind the concept has not.

Take Dominos. It started with the name Domino’s Pizza, offering a variety of pizza toppings and crust options. As the menu evolved, adding sandwiches and other products, so did the name.

However, some companies’ names are better left alone IHOP as an example. IHOP, the International House of Pancakes attempted to change its name to IHOB, International House of Burgers. Now, I will say, their buffalo chicken sandwich is delicious, but in the twenty-plus years of eating there, I have chosen to eat their airy, fluffy pancakes on most visits.

Adding products or services to your brand or business is a great way to expand your brand, reach and help others, but what I found most difficult in building my brand/business is choosing which product to be the star. Should it be my books or my story of how I have overcome adversity?

I’ve struggled, questioning if I should have two separate entities or merge the two things I wake up passionate about; writing and helping others together (blog).

Escada Jumpsuit

Though my name is important to my brand, it helps build a relationship with my readers but getting the right message out is most valuable, and your sis intentions. Should my name never be remembered, but something I said or wrote is, I have served my purpose, met my exceptions, and won.

Because if I changed my name to Michelle or Kenya, it wouldn’t erase my life experiences or my desire to inspire others through writing books or blog posts. And like those restaurants I have mentioned above, I have my special recipe to offer sisters like us that encourages us to win.

Whichever flower you choose to be BLOOM!

Cracks in the Pavement series by Dawn Dean
Books on Amazon.com

And check out your sister YouTube spot Dawn Dean Sisters Like Us Win.

-Dawn

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Inspiration: Feeding Your Mind Junk?

Feeding the Mind and Thoughts

Are You Feeding Your Mind Junk?

We have all heard that phrase, “You are what you eat.” True of our brains. We input junk; we output junk.

Should one consume four donut holes every morning with their morning joe (coffee), overtime eating four donuts every day will develop into extra pounds on the hips or rolls around the waistline (without a balanced diet and exercise).

The same can be said feeding our brains garbage. If one spends time strolling social media feeds, intaking unbeneficial content, eventually junk will show on the outside. Through our accomplishments (unproductive), actions (habits), words (communication), and way of thinking (self-thoughts or view our circumstances).

If calories are to spent on strolling social media feeds or binge-watching TV, slip a few encouraging or challenging options into your daily mix that simulates your creativity or inspires you to be less than a couch potato. Inevitably a stack of potatoes turns to mush but mindfully feeding and challenging the brain keeps our minds healthy and sharp.

Self-help Book

What to Feed the Brain

To feed the brain, to grow and rid self of bad habits, try watching self-help tutorial videos like TED Talks and Sisters Like Us Win to transform your thought process to win or, get a copy of my book Cracks in the Pavement 2: Butterfly Effects to start the journey of healing. I have personally learned many techniques on how to be mindful of my thoughts and how it affects our overall well being.

By watching these types videos I have little to no negative thoughts throughout the day and I do not give much attention to my daily body aches and pains. I set a goal to achieve for the day and push through taking breaks when needed.

But in those moments when I do begin to doubt, I am mindful it is occurring and quickly change the negative narrative to positive one by thinking of how far I have come, my trust in God, and faith in my capabilities to achieve more.

Sisters, I hope this dose of inspiration nourishes you and remember, Whichever flower you choose to be BLOOM!
-Dawn

©Dawn Dean-Sisters Like Us
Dose of Inspiration: I will not feed my brain junk but nourishments that birth life!

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Rattan Furniture: Beyond Coastal Living

Beyond Coastal Living.


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Rattan, cane, and wicker furniture are not just for beachfront or resort living anymore.

These beautiful and natural materials started making a comeback hitting cities and the burbs dwellings in 2019, lending a light and airy feel to many homes.

Popular more so today due to many having to work from the dining room table and homeschooling. These products not only offer functionality but brings nature indoors.

This material goes back centuries, fading in and out in interior fashion though it has been widely used in coastal and resort décor.

Light in weight, cane furniture is made from the rattan tree, where approximately 70% is grown in Indonesia. Other countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh grow and supply rattan trees as well.

How Sweet the Cane: Rattan, Cane, and Wicker Furniture.

How sweet cane is? Like most accent pieces, versatility is a plus. Rattan accents and wall art offers the same versatilities with the benefit of being raw and natural-looking. Larger pieces like beds, chairs, and tables are adhered to other woods or metals to give them durability.

Not to be mistaken for sugar cane. The rattan tree is a stainable plant much like the bamboo tree. The woven wicker appearance and cane furniture’s are created using the same rattan tree simply, using a different method in the weaving process separates their look and feel.

Thinking Back

When I think of rattan furniture, I think back to the hilarious 80’s hit TV show Golden Girls, where four women (including Betty White) retires in the sunshine state of Florida.

Cohabitating, the Golden Girls rattan, bold and floral cushions set the stage of their living room filmed at Walt Disney from season 2 until the last episode aired in 1992. The first season was filmed in Los Angeles, where these aging women brought viewers to tears with their gut-boosting and witty punch lines.

Today, updated florals and print pallets in pastels, greens, and blues mimic the same 80’s aesthetics paired with new and old abstract blonde and expresso-stained cane and rattan pieces from headboards, dining tables, and chairs, plant holders, and wall décor to name a few.

Like plants, rattan furniture brings a natural element and warmth to any room especially, when many of us are operating from home for health safety.

If you are not sure if this interior trend suits you, try adding a planter or small table to see if this natural element could bring nature into your home décor.

Whichever flower you choose to be sister BLOOM!

Dawn

See more of us on Instagram @sisterslikeuswin and latest videos on YouTube sisters like us win

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Body Wednesday: YouTube Post

Body Wednesday on YouTube

My Workout and take on the yellow fashion trend.

Having nerve problems, diabetes, and maintaining my weight is a task. But one that must be checked off.

My weight fluctuates with the seasons and, these past months, the pandemic, I have blamed my waistline spreading beyond my hips from emotionally eating.

It is no one’s fault except my own, but sometimes, it is easier to blame it on something or someone else. But doing so doesn’t help me or anyone to grow.

Today, on my YouTube channel, sisters like us win I am working out my lower back because extra weight seems to inflame my back and hip nerves, increasing the already daily aches and pains.

In the exercises I perform in this video, I have either learned from physical therapy sessions and or practicing yoga. These positions stretch the back and hip tendons and muscles, easing the nerve pain that runs along my spine and pelvic bone.

I find stretching exercises (next to cardio for the heart and energy levels) to be the best workout for feeling good.

So, moving forward, my goal is to be sure to do some type of workout every day, even if it’s just stretching my body to get and keep the weight off.

Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPHGDijIbsU&t=108s and be sure to Like. Share. Leave a Comment. Subscribe.

On a different note, if you are looking for self-help or personal development that inspires change, then check out my books on Amazon.com.

Cracks in the Pavement Struggles of Butterflies and, Cracks in the Pavement 2: Butterfly Effects are self-awareness and healing books filled with poems, quotes, and personal stories written to overcome life’s circumstances and to self-empower. Because change comes when we are aware.

We all face challenges in our lives, and sometimes we lose our way and become stuck. Get motivated to transform your life today with these books and following sisters like us win on YouTube.

Whichever flower you choose to be BLOOM!

Dawn

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PoeTea Tuesday!

POEM: DAWN

When day awakes,
dawn would have brought renewal

And when she awakens,
Dawn will be new

This is my night affirmation when I end a stressful day.

The morning is new and so should be you. It is a day of moving forward, another day of opportunity and endless possibilities.

Aspire to Inspire!

Whichever flower you choose to be BLOOM!

Dawn the Poet

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Overthinking: The Problems it Cause and How to Conquer it!

I believe I have done more harm to myself, my life; overthinking.

Overthinking and the Problems it Causes

I had always believed it was better to look at the bigger picture when making small or large decisions. I felt it was the best way to avoid disaster and be prepared for whatever came my way, to protect myself from unforeseen harm.

But the bigger picture always led to overthinking before doing anything. That “what if this happens” question always popped into my head. More so, after becoming a mother and later when I could no longer tolerate emotional stress and physical pain.

Today, in a new place and time and with a much different mindset, I say, “what the hell; just do it!”

If I am not causing harm to anyone and the consequences fall solely on me. Why not go for it without much thought? The outcome will be what it will be, if nothing else; I have learned something about myself or how to address a situation should it arise again.

I think singly raising three kids, I could not throw caution to the wind because whatever I did would affect my children. But before becoming a mom, I’d hop on a bus without a second thought from Union Station in Washington, D.C to Downtown New York and as far as Texas without hesitation.

But old habits can be hard to break. And honestly, asking what if saved me from getting into a lot of mess.

But I have drawn a conclusion. That question “what if,” demonstrates a lack of faith, negative thinking, and keeps one stuck from getting ahead. Often more than not, its terminology is used in a derogatory manner especially when pondering over thoughts.

Overthinking leads to self-doubt, procrastination among other things. So why not be aware of its existence, face it, and cut it off.

Facing the Problem

Believe me when I say it was no easy task debugging my mind of that “What If Syndrome.” Though today I still find myself overanalyzing to write a blog post or record a video when I have already planned out a whole month of content. I tend to overthink it. However, I no longer utilize the term what if unless I am poising a suggestion because the lightbulb came on in my head with a great idea.

Truthfully, there have been times where I’ have wondered if I had ADHD because my mind doesn’t want to shut off once it has revved up. Although in most cases, my thoughts are creative ones. Still, I find myself at times overthinking how to present my content or handle the days’ agenda. Hell, I went back and forth compilating to blog or vlog this topic.

However, I have learned the key to conquering overthinking boils down to being consciously aware of when I am doing it. When we are aware, we can make the choice to probe why we are overthinking and address the emotions that sometimes occur when we overthink.

I can’t speak for everyone but when I overanalyze. I get overwhelmed, stressed, and therefore procrastinate in getting things done. Is this you too? If so, below I go into detail about how I solved whether to blog or vlog about this subject. If you are reading this, you know which form wins.

Overthinking: Problems and Conquering

When I find myself overthinking longer than three minutes over anything. I stop; acknowledge what I am doing and the emotions I am feeling, then I take deep breaths and ask myself a few questions listed below. If that doesn’t work and I feel my body tensing up I chant the OM mantra. I am no expert in meditation chanting but holding the OM sounds some breaths, repeating it a few times clears my mind: literally.

This ongoing pandemic hasn’t made it easier for those of us who overthink. It has only given us more to think about.

If you are suffering from anxiety more frequently because of the happenings in the world today. See if the OM mantra is right for you. I was shocked at how quickly it washed away my anxiety and stress. If it doesn’t conquer your anxiety or stress levels brought on by overthinking. Try asking yourself these three questions: They have worked for me under several circumstances.

1. Why are you giving this so much thought?
2. How does overstressing/overthinking help your or the situation?
3. How will this affect me today or tomorrow?

Here’s a scenario where I practice the meditation chanting and the questioning method. This example may seem small to some, others may relate; it brings on migraines.

Example: Going to the store.

When I think I need to go to the grocery store for food or; just get out of the house. At times I start to rethink the whole idea of leaving the house (safety…essentials).

I contemplate what clothes to slip on because I’m comfortably relaxing in my PJ’s or workout wear. I think about the weather, if my body is up to shopping; which store has the better sales and has recently stocked. On top of that, recalling every item I’ve run out of or is low on because I’ve lost my list plus, making sure I have my protective gear such as a mask.

Unavoidably, anxiety kicks in, sending my stress hormones into a frenzy. I get overwhelmed putting it off a few days. I used to love shopping, fashion retail, and food. But since the pandemic; I’ve found myself procrastinating more and more. And in no way can it be beneficial.

Procrastination is a side effect of overthinking. It is more than just a delay in getting something done. It can add up to multiple tasks placed on hold, stuffed, or piled in a corner or closet.

Eventually, the entire room or house has succumbed to it, and overthinking has become a mental clutter of mess and stress. And it is not just with our spaces it affects but our overall well-being.

Get it Done!

Getting it done prevents a long list of things-to-do and overthinking where to start. Prioritizing, and starting with the most important tasks probably should be tackled first. But should it become too much to handle. Take a ten-minute mental break (nothing longer) breathe in and out, then, attack the smaller projects first.

It is human nature to feel great about accomplishing. Knocking one thing off the list will give a boost of confidence to handle the bigger projects.

Tip: Where you begin to overthink, replace it with self-reflection, what you have accomplished, or take a self-care timeout. Just remember when reflecting, revisit those things that made you feel good or deserves a pat on the back (accomplishments).

When I think back over the dark moments I have come through, how far I’ve come and grown. It brings a smile to my face and a feeling of pride. My therapist instructed me to always acknowledge and cheer for the small wins as well as the big ones.

I hope I have given you something to consider when dealing with overthinking.

Whichever flower you choose to be BLOOM sister!
Dawn