ShaniquaCousins.com
"Seek Purpose Live Dreams"
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SLC & Associates, LLC President
Author/Motivational Speaker/Life Coach
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Life's Questions 
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- Quote:
"People respond when you tell them there is a great future in front of you, you can leave your past behind. " Joel Osteen Question: Use our online journal to respond to today's question
With our busy schedule taking time to simply “smell the roses”, is always a great thing! Often times the phrase "smell the roses" it taken lightly, however the meaning behind it has more power than we sometimes give it. Smelling the roses, means taking time for ourselves to reflect upon the blessings we have and enjoying them. It means giving yourself the down time our Mind, Body, and Soul so desperately need to rejuvenate and replenish. Thus, Life's Question!
Dare to dream then believe it will come true; our theme for the New Year. This week's journal assignemt is to list at least five dreams you have or had for your life. Five dreams that seem so far fetched, that even to you, the dreamer, they almost seem impossible...Now let's begin!
Record responses using our online journal.
Come on, share your story and be a blessing to someone else! All are encouraged to share responses to questions by sending an email to questions@shaniquacousins.com or by completing the feedback form located on the Contact Us page. Also the "Life's Questions" should be shared with as many people as we know. So let's not forget to invite friends, family members, and co-workers to visit the site and submit a response as well.
Image below brought to you by jupiterimages.com all rights reserved- Previous Life's Question
Have I done all that I could do in this one day to have a positive impact on someone's life?
Shaniqua's Response:
I must say that I am a huge fan of Joyce Myer. Her direct approach, no fluff attitude, and ability to capture your attention, is something I truly appreciate and admire. While tuning into her broadcast one morning she said something that has never left me. She said we should ensure that the we effecting people's lives vs. having others infect our lives. Once I heard it, the light bulb went on in my mind, like wow this makes perfect sense.
Let's make sure that we are having positive effects on the lives of others, really having an impact that will last a lifetime. Be on the alert for those infectious personalities and continuously take your stand in an effort to eliminate them.“Acceptance leads to understanding” Shaniqua Cousins Past questions/Shaniqua's response.
8/12/08 -12/31/08
How do I move beyond the feeling of being stuck? Stuck in a rut; Stuck in my circumstances; Stuck in unhealthy relationships; Stuck in the past; Stuck because of lack of motivation! How do I move beyond the feeling of being stuck?
Shaniqua's Response:
No fluff or fancy words this week. You just simply put one foot in front of the other and you move. Come on do it with me, right foot then left foot. Stuck is a state of mind. Putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward is the action that will take you beyond. Mind over matter! Have a great week!
8/6/09 - 8/12/08
If asked to the fill in the blank to the following question, what would your response be? I love myself because________________.
Shaniqua's Response:
We often forget to love ourselves just as much as we love our spouses, kids, pets, families, etc. Some may even think of this as a selfish thing to say aloud, or to give much thought to. I say love yourself! Love who your are, faults and all. Because when we truly love oursleves the possibility of settling for anything else lessens.
7/29/08 - 8/5/08
Where has my confidence gone?
Shaniqua's Response:
Confidence, the comfort that surpasses all. It is relentless; It is the belief from within; It is the sense of peace and the knowing that things will workout for the best. Smile and be confident in all you do today!
7/1/08 - 7/22/08
Fill in the blanks to the following questions
Why am I so afraid of_______________? Why have I allowed ______________ to control my life?
Shaniqua's Response:
Fear can become this debilitating aspect of our lives, that somehow takes form in one way or another and inhibits our progression, if we allow it. If we never face fears we will never really be free. Set a goal for yourself to understand what you fear and why you have made the desicion (be it consciously or subconsciously) to allow it to control you.Week 6/4/08 - 6/30/08
Is my happiness based upon Today (this day); Yesterdays(past days); or Tomorrow(future days)?
Shaniqua's Response: My response this week is also my thought of the day “Be happy in this day as it is unique in what it brings. It's not yesterday nor is it tomorrow, but it is today. Enjoy it, live it, and be happy in it. Have a great day friend!” S. L. Cousins.
Yesterday can’t be relived, changed, altered, or recreated; Future days are not here today, instead it’s simply tomorrow; But today, it is here, it is this moment. Most importantly you have the power within to embrace it, live it, and be happy for what it has brought you.Week 5/28/08 - 6/3/08
This weeks question falls in line with the thought of day, "Inner Peace, Outer Beauty". A similar topic was discussed several weeks ago however, because of it's importance an extension of the topic will be discussed this week.
Have I arrived to the place of inner peace? Or are the internal battles on going and steadfast?
Shaniqua's Response: Allow inner peace to be your escape from the world that surrounds you, the world(s) we sometimes create. Allow it to speak for you, by not speaking at all. Allow it to be just what it is, internal calmness; serenity from it all; a radiance unlike no other. You hold the key to your inner peace! Many Blessings.
Week 5/21/08 -5/27/08This week’s question was inspired by one of my very own quotes from the book Life, Experiences, Preparation, and Purpose (pg58). “To prepare is to condition the mind and heart to receive what’s to come”, S. L. Cousins.
When was the last time that I enjoyed time spent alone? By myself, no one else around, and zero distractions. Just myself, a great book, nice tasty drink, and my sofa. Goal for the week: Carve out time and spend it alone to recharge, relax, and enjoy MYSELF! Week 5/13/08 - 5/20/08
Will I be prepared for what awaits me, for what is destined to be mine?
Week 5/06-08 -5/12/06
This week's question was inspired by a passage from the book (pg 66) A New Earth by Eckart Tolle. “The past has no power to stop you from being present now. Only your grievance about the past can do that. And what is a grievance? The baggage of old thought and emotion.”
This week’s question is as follows: Am I living in the past (what once was), for the future (what’s to come), or in the present moment (now)?
Week 4/22/08 - 5/05/08
Viewer Response, IT Professional, Great Mills MD:I work in the information and technology (IT) field as adatabase/software developer. I've worked in this field for a long time- approx. 18 years. Even after all of that time, the work is still enjoyable and keeps my mind challenged. I also have the pleasure of working with a group of people that are both enjoyable and fun - which isn't always the case for many people. So when thinking about how to respond to your question of the week, I had to think hard about what category my 9 to 5 would be included. To say that my 9 to 5 is a 'job' makes it feel like I just clock-in and clock-out - with no attachments.
But I don't see my work as just a 'job' because many of my co-workers are very good friends and I wouldn't have developed those incredible friendships without it. And again, I'm often challenged with somewhat difficult tasks so that makes it 'fun' for me. I think my work would fall more into the 'career' category. I think a 'career' means that your work is something you enjoy, you plan on doing on a long-term basis and it works to sustain your lifestyle, i.e., it "pays the bills". But is my work my purpose/passion? Nah, I wouldn't say that. I feel tested and engaged in my work, but I don't feel it's a passion. And maybe that's not such a bad thing. My passion in my life right now is my family. I have an amazing 4 yr. old and I'm very passionate about her and I'm passionate about working to raise her in a loving family environment. I think at this point being a great parent is my purpose AND my passion. And any parent would know that raising a child is 'work'! So, now that I think about it, maybe I have the best of both worlds. :-)Week 4/15/08 - 4/21/08
From what source(s) is my happiness derived?
Shaniqua's Response: See chapter 3 Titled “Happiness” of the book Life, Experiences, Preparation, and Purpose.
Week 3/31/08– 4/07/08
If given the opportunity to give someone good advice, knowing what you now know, what would it be and why?
Shaniqua's Response: Knowing what I now know, I would have to advise another person to “find out who they are and always be true to who they are”. Being true to ourselves has to be best gift to ourselves as well as those we encounter. Understand who you are, and live out life as that person everyday you're blessed with, would be my advice.
Knowing who we are creates the world we see. Knowing who we are keeps us in constent communication with the one who created us and the purposes for our creation.
Know who you are! Be Bold enough to BE who you are! Love that which you are!Week 3/18/08 - 3/24/08
Take a few minutes and fill in the blanks for the following two statements. When I think of a successful person I think of ________________. This person is successful to me because of __________________. Once you have filled in the blanks, recite the statements aloud.
In giving your response this week, it is my sincere hope that that name of the person listed above was the name on your birth certificate. It is my hope that the reason for success was a reason taken from a chapter of your life.
Shaniqua's Response: You are succesful because you were created with success in mind. You are successful because your design is like no other and your purpose here on earth does not exclude you from success, instead you’re an all inclusive package. This inclusive package of success covers every aspect of your life. However you must See it; Believe it; Walk it; and Talk it. You are successful!
You owe it to your creator and to yourself to live up to the standards set before you. As they to have been designed to support your success. You are successful!
Week 3/10/08 - 3/17/08 Welcome All! Last week’s question was an extremely popular one, as the site recieved an influx of emails and feedback forms with your responses and or comments. It appears that this question was one that resonated very deeply with so many of us and forced a deeper look into one’s inner and outer being and how the two correlate. With that said, and per so many requests, the decision has been made to allow this question to remain in effect for another week. Thank for your responses to the question, as well as the tremendous amounts of emails received regarding this topic.
Let’s challenge ourselves as well as our family, friends, and fellow co-worker, this week by asking this question, giving the response, and focus our concentration on understanding the importance of the question. Again thank you all and your emails are greatly appreciated.Week 3/3/08 Does my outter beauty align with my inner beauty?
Shaniqua's Response: Often times we are led to believe that our outer beauty has no connection to our inner beauty. That how we feel on the inside has no affect on the smile or frown displayed on the outside, well I beg to differ. For me outer beauty is an amplification of inner beauty. My inner beauty is the foundation of my smile, my walk, my conversations, the people I attract and or avoid, the places I go, and even the relationships I enter.
Shaniqua's Response: Inner beauty for me means knowing that I am loved by God, and knowing that what he has placed within can not be concealed, made-up, shadowed, blushed, eyed-lined, or erased. He has given me the kind of beauty that can only be discovered if I seek within; appreciate it; love it; and celebrate it! Then, and only then, my outer beauty will follow.
Note: Test the level of inner and outer alignment by simply replacing the word "beauty" with words such as, peace; self-esteem; confidence; being.
As always, have a great weekViewer Response, Hair Stylist, Houston TX: " Does my outer beauty align with my inner beauty? I would have to honestly say not. So many times people have the heart of gold like myself-wanting nothing more but to help everyone around me to be happy and at peace and if I can contribute to that I am astounded. I am very happy with my inner beauty because I know I am a caring person but I know my inner beauty does not align with my outer beauty. How often are we ever happy with our outer beauty. I can't speak for anyone else but for myself I'm not happy. I don't think I'm ugly but I'm not happy with my weight which at the time I have no control over due to medications. I still don't think it would matter though because I would do anything to get down to 162 lbs and I remember like it was yesterday when I did my weigh-in in my 1st term in the military I was exactly 162 and felt like I was 400 lbs-So the real questions is are we ever really happy with our outer selves- I think not. I think we need to practice positive reinforcement with ourselves. Practice not saying things to ourselves (bad, put-me-downs)that we would not necessarily say to someone else. For example we might say to ourselves gosh I'm fat-you wouldn't tell a person to their face gosh you're fat (I hope not) I think we should love ourselves as is cause it could always be WORSE :). If you dont like who you are work on making a better you."
Week 2/25/08 Have I forgiven myself for mistakes made in my past? or am I still carrying around the weight of those mistakes on my shoulders?Shaniqua's Response: A friend of mine, gospel singer Latrice Carr, invited me as her guest during her church service this past Sunday. And I must admit, the energy and inspiration found in every detail of this Church service, is something that has to be experienced first hand. I can’t really put into words how I felt, but I will say I absolutely loved the entire service. The sermon delivered Sunday was centered around self condemnation, self love, and possessing the ability to self-forgive. And I thought to myself, this would be a great topic for the question of the week. So here it is!
I will admit that a few short months ago, I still carried around the burden of a few mistakes I made. Not only did I carry them on my shoulders, but I’m sure a few were in my pockets, on my back, and especially in my thoughts. I carried them, and the sad part about it, is that I wasn’t aware the effect it had on me. I believed that I was guilt free. “My past had nothing to do with the current.” Well I was wrong, because my past could have an affect on my current. Especially if I had not taken the time out to free myself from the bondage of my mistakes. The way I see it, I am not the mistakes I have made. Instead I am free from them, and they have been released from me. My shoulders are erected, my head does not hang low, and my posture speaks the following words: “I have made mistakes, and I probably will make more. I have not always been proud of my past; however I am proud that I have learned from it. I refuse to allow my past to determine my future.” The weight therefore has been lifted from my shoulders.
Viewer Response, Auditor, Charleston SC: "Have I forgiven myself...Yes I have...but it took a lot to do. Some mistakes you can dwell on forever if you let your self. Not until I sat down and thought...what if I didn't make that one mistake. Just how many other mistakes would I have made in its place for me to get to the point I am today. I may not have gotten this far in my life if I were to undo that mistake...so I take mistakes for what they are life learning experiences. Learn from them and move on.."
Week 2-18-08 How can I tell whether or not a situation is right (healthy, inspiring, and purposeful) for me.
Shaniqua's Response:The response to this question resonates with me very deeply. It is one those questions that I'm often better at giving advice about, rather than taking my own. However, after an inspiring talk with myself and a listen to the voice from within, this answer normally surfaces.
The initial response that normally comes to mind is "get out quickly and don't look back" however, there are times that this action becomes delayed. Therefore I would have to say that a feeling of peace and calm comes over me when I am good fit for something and it for me. It's when I am able to look in on the situation with opened eyes and able to recognize myself that I feel at my best. When circumstances have not overcome me, instead I've overcome it. It is when my ego relaxes and allows the situation to be what it is, and I have not interfered with the plan, purpose, and seasonal benefits of that situation, that I am for certain that it is right for me.
Viewer Response, Lexington Park MD: "For me it’s about knowing in my heart that I am making the right decisions. Most times things are not always what they seem…so I have to look deep into the pros and cons concerning these situations. We live and learn new things every day, and our most valuable lessons are taught while being faced with adversities. It’s all about what is morally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually right for “you” and only “you”. Thanks!"
Week 2-11-08 Am I better at making excuses or making decisions? (See below Affirmations Forms)
I would have to say that I’m better at making decisions. However there are times that I make excuses for things and can talk my way out of doing something. To break free from the luxury of making excuses, meant a change in my thinking pattern must occur and a heavy and persistent reliance on the following two thoughts would have to take place: Decisions= taking the first step to begin action in a certain area of my life. Excuses = will keep me stagnant, hone the feeling of fear, and postpone my accomplishments.
Breakaway from excuses; refuse to accept fear; believe in myself!
Get your Question Posted!
Would you like your question to be the "question of the week"? Send Shaniqua an email with the question as well as your response. All questions and responses will reviewed and taking into consideration. If your question is chosen, you will receive an email notification with the dates your question will be posted along with Shaniqua's response. We look forward to hearing from you!
