I WAS talking to my daughter Shonta on the phone and I heard our princess and my grand-daughter Peyton’s voice in the background. She loves to sing, and it was such sweet music to my ears. I have no idea what she was singing, but hearing her beautiful voice full of life reminded me that I owe it to her to help create the world she, Jaidyn, and other kids need to live in. I have said this before, but I will say it again: of all the resources we possess as a country, the human resource is the most valuable of all our resources; even though that is evident in many cases, I am passionate about personal and professional development because I am a testimony to the advantage it affords an individual.

I believe that is one of the reasons I connect with Philipa Morrish, who will be hosting the upcoming programme “Etiquette for Tomorrow’s Leaders.” We both are passionate about contributing to the human capital. I have witnessed participants from the Confidence Becomes You and Healthy Thought Challenge making a difference in other lives. The great Maya Angelou said, “When you get, give and when you learn, teach,” and if we live by those simple words, the world will be a better place. I believe it is an honour and privilege to impact lives virtually and otherwise. I thank God every day, but I say an additional thank you when I read testimonials as what I am sharing below.

“Are you living or are you just existing? Whichever is your answer, it either leads you to question if you are living the life you [are] suppose [sic] to and if so, are you being intentional about each passing second of life?
Before I began taking these programmes, I felt as if I had lost myself among all the adversities life presented to me. Like many, I found myself blaming and creating all the realities I didn’t want in my life. It’s a bold step and to be the bigger person to admit that you are where you are because of one person and that’s you. Today I’m in a better place mentally and physically because of the will to change my life, rediscover myself, live a purposeful life and share this with the world as many are suffering silently, but need the right tools and people to help on this journey.

Transformation takes time and effort and I commend those who were strong to overcome on their own; but like so many like myself, I needed a hand and I was fortunate to have a community who were happy to support and see me grow. Investing in yourself is the first step if you want to create a better world. These programmes have presented opportunities that I never imagined. With my increased self-confidence, enhanced communication skills and overall self-empowerment, I am ready for what the future holds for me. Confidence becomes you and healthy thoughts challenge has been one of the best gifts gifted to myself” Sherica Ambrose.
Sherica was able to share what she learnt when she went back to her village and she said it was very empowering.

Rubeina Khan also did both programmes.
The healthy thoughts challenge course has enabled me to retrain my mind to focus on more positive thoughts. Before this course there was so much going through my mind about things that happened to me in my past. I would normally overthink a lot. Now I am able to replace every negative thought with positivity. When these negative thoughts started to attack me I would listen to motivational videos, gospel music, meditate, take a walk, call a friend or practise yoga. There is a video by Wayne Dyer: “101 ways to transform your life” that I would highly recommend for you to listen to daily; it will help you transform your life and be a better person. Miss Sonia Noel is a great role model and inspiration to me. During this course I learnt a lot from her excellent presentations.

I want to encourage you to enrol for one of these courses by Miss Sonia Noel. You wouldn’t regret it. This course also helps people that are battling with depression, anxiety and stressful situations. Step out of your comfort zone and into your purpose. Don’t allow negative thoughts and small minds talk you out of your dreams.”

David O Mc Kay said,”Your thoughts are the architect of your destiny” and I have witnessed that to be true.

“Being a part of the “Confidence Becomes You” programme made me realise that my capabilities are limitless. It has made me realise that with a positive mindset I can achieve my goals. It has also taught me to align myself with like-minded individuals, which further helped me to become my best self,” Zoning Ngqondo. Zi lives in Linden and always wanted to host an expo for small businesses like hers, but lacked the confidence but after this course, she was able to plan and execute a successful EXPO and every year it is growing.

We all can make a contribution to lives in a big or small way and I must extend my gratitude to people such as Clinton Urling, Dr. Raquel Thomas-Caesar, Jame Ogle, Kenneth Williams, Cecil Adams, Lisa Insanlly, Christine Neblette and Tanni Mc Allister. We have also had past participants such as Dr. Latoya Gooding, Kelly Clarke, Clemency Goddette (Toya) and other participants sponsoring people because they know first hand the value of these programmes.