After a bunch of folks have asked, or complimented what I've been doing as a parent in this crazy 2020, here is my quick summary of what's working for US!  If you have tips for what's working for you, or if you try any of these suggestions and they work for you, shoot me an email at, [email protected], and let me know! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

The week before the covid-19 shutdown, I was interviewed by Melerick Mitchell, Leadership Consultant and host of The Color of Wisdom podcast. It's even more important to make connections in this virtual new normal.  I hope something said with help you make better connections. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

This week I let you all in on a convo with me  and a friend, also from the Bay Area, Dr. Ijoma. We chat about a plethora of topics from, how our upbringing affects how we choose partners, how we parent, to the principles of sowing and reaping, giving and receiving, and how we all fit into the ecosystem of life. Dr. IJ is also a co-host of 2 Dudes and a Chick podcast. Check them out on IG @2dudesandachick. Make sure to subscribe, rate and review!  Send me a note, or topic ideas at scratchingandsurviving.com. Follow me on Instagram @ariesww --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

So much has changed in just a week! While all of this COVID-19 stuff is going on, and we are all stuck at home, focusing is going to be that much more difficult during this time. This week I talk about ways we can take care of ourselves and still focus on our goals. Send me a note with ways you are focusing during this time. Don’t forget to rate and review the episode. Website: Scratchingandsurviving.com Email: [email protected] IG: @ariesww --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

I'll pick back up next week and talk about focus, as a part of this "preparation" series.  But this week I want to address this fear associated with the Coronavirus. I'm encouraging everyone to do your best to filter how much information you are taking in regarding this.  Take it seriously, but you only can control what you can control.  The rest is up to God. Stay safe physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Don't forget to help someone else that may be in need at this time, and doesn't have the resources to prepare as they would like.   Head over to scratchingandsurviving.com if you want to connect with me about this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

This week I discuss goal setting. If you don't have a plan to achieve your goals, it's just a dream.  So, I walk through ways you can create goals, and actually take action towards accomplishing them. Brainstorm goals - paper, post it notes, white board, quiet time, thinking music, Prioritize and narrow your goals Make sure your goals are SMART      Specific - Describe what that goal is      Measurable - How are you going to track your progress?      Achievable - Is it doable? Who’s going to help you with your goal? When will they check in with you?      Relevant - Does this fit your life mission?      Time Bound - What are your check-in dates? Develop an action plan for gaining those skills and achieving the goal Describe the resources you’ll need to achieve your goal Define the relationships that can help you reach your goal Put bite-sized deadlines on your action steps Make a plan for reviewing your progress Affiliate link: I mentioned the book, The One Thing, get it here https://amzn.to/2PNyVAH Make sure to rate and review the episode. Send any comments and questions to [email protected] Follow me on IG @scratchingandsurviving Twitter @scratchsurvive Join the newsletter at www.scratchingandsurviving.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

This week, I talk about discovering your purpose. It’s a must, in order to foster more focus, peace, patience, and endurance as you navigate through this journey of life, while also leaving a lasting impact.  Resources:  Spiritual gifts assessment: http://gifts.visitonecc.com/  7 part sermon series by Dr. Conway Edwards, Know Your Why: http://www.visitonecc.com/sermon-central/?sapurl=LythYTZjL2xiL21zLytrd2JmNTJzP2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZQ==  Affiliate links:  Simon Sinek, Start With Why, https://amzn.to/39d9NLq  Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life, https://amzn.to/2IhI14V  Make sure to rate and review the episode.  Send any comments or questions to [email protected]  Follow me on IG @scratchingandsurviving  Twitter @scratchsurvive  Join the newsletter at www.scratchingandsurviving.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

On this week's episode I talk about protecting our energy, curating a space to allow you us grow, and allowing ourselves to be exposed to positive things.  Some of the things I do to expose myself to new things: Constant learning.  I read books and listen to things that will open my mind.  Podcasts and audiobooks are my ish. There are a bunch of online courses you can take for free, like Coursera, LinkedIn learning. Or super inexpensive courses on Udemy, or places similar to that. Travel.  You learn so much about the world and what others are doing, by going out in it. Talk to people who do what you are interested in. You may decide, you aren't really interested in something once you learn what it really entails, from someone actually doing it. Stay open minded and take time to dream.  If you are set in your ways you will block your ability to see what’s even possible. Lets all try to limit the negative and focus on the positive things we can expose ourselves to.  Your growth may depend on it. Rate and review the episode.  Send any comments or questions to [email protected] Follow me on IG @scratchingandsurviving Twitter @scratchsurvive Join the newsletter at www.scratchingandsurviving.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

On today's episode, I continue in the spirit of Preparation, by talking about our emotional ups and downs they may be holding us back.  I've been the queen of allowing other people, situations, and circumstances make me the "victim".  Blaming others, and being emotionally puppeteered won't get you to your destination, wherever that may be.  It's worth it to implement tactics to help you stay in control of you, since that's the only person you can control anyway.  Let me know if you agree or if you like this episode. Follow me on IG @scratchingandsurviving Twitter @scratchsurvive Join the newsletter at www.scratchingandsurviving.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support

I realized that after last week’s episode about mindset, we need to break that down a little more and discuss how to self assess. We may need to do a personality assessment, therapy, talk to friends, and/or write out our current state and desired future state, and find the gaps. It’s not easy to look at these things, but necessary. Do you want it? *Forgive the audio, I was on the go :)  Follow me on IG @scratchingandsurviving  Twitter @scratchsurvive  Join the newsletter at www.scratchingandsurviving.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scratchingandsurviving/support