“MERRY Christmas and Happy New Year to a dear sister from another mother. I just feel compelled to say that, at this time, we are going to change the world. In fact, we will change the world’s understanding of Caribbean people through the portal of our fashion and style. We believe in our own style and show [sic] the world that we have a place internationally. We are the new world-style frontier people.

“I want to say that whatever we had before was just a fragment of what I feel for you at this time. We have morphed into something inseparable and unmovable. Love is beyond the world. It’s larger than life. We are going to stick together till the end, affecting and transforming through the creative sector.

“It wasn’t an accident that I met you, and certainly, it has changed and mutated into something really special. Not only you, but your children are part of my soul. I’m taking this day not just because it’s Christmas, but because it’s an appointed time for us to recognise that love, compassion, and empathy are everything. This is a time of renaissance, of new thinking and new beginnings.

“I’m using this time to express what I feel, but I’m not limiting it to this time. I love you shamelessly, as I said before, and we are going to make a difference. We are going to change how people perceive us, how we perceive each other, how people perceive themselves, and how people perceive this part of the world. We’re using creative energy to do it because creative intelligence is the way of the future. Love you, my dearest Sonia Noel.”

The above sentiments formed the best Christmas Day message ever from Richard Young, one of my best friends and more like family because my mom calls him her son.
This message reminded me that I am making a difference and motivated me to continue to make a difference by partnering with people who desire to make a difference.

A few days ago, I posted a pic (below) of Richard and me with the caption: “I am blessed to have a few genuine friends, and Richard Young is one of them. LOVE HIM SO MUCH.”
It is a blessing to have a front row that will be honest with you no matter what. Having yes people around you will not make you a better person. I hope some other people receive similar messages for Christmas. How was your Christmas holiday?
Mine was different, and I loved it! The plan was to exercise early, go visit my mom and work for a few hours. The email that provided some fuel for the day came from Lolona McDonald Fraser.

“Life-changing experiences are often attained from meeting and interacting with people. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Noel. My life has not been the same since. It was the first time I had even heard of a Vision Board. When I researched the concept, I could not wait to attend the Vision Board Party. I don’t remember the date, but I remember feeling I had carried most of what I needed because I was determined to use the new experience fully.

This was just at a time in my life when it seemed I had lost my compass. Listening to other women sharing their experiences, first of all, made me realise that my situation could have been worse. Despite being an educator for over 24 years, this was the very first time that I was brave enough to share so much about myself with total strangers. It felt great. Today, I look at my vision board almost daily, since it is mounted in my closet and I must pass by it daily. Sometimes, I just rush past, but when I am not in too much of a hurry, I pause and do a mental review. I’m pleased with my progress so far. The Vision Board experience made such an impression on me that I signed up for the Confidence Becomes Me course.

While it was a challenge completing and submitting the modules on time, the long-term benefits have been phenomenal. This course taught me so much about myself and taught me to look inward for the strength needed to face my challenges. It showed me that I was on a collision course to self-destruction, but it also provided me with the tools I needed to regain my footing. I was finally motivated to keep a journal. This exercise has been very calming to me. I was exposed to motivational speakers, who [sic] I previously never took the time to listen to. Though the course has ended, my learning continues since I was guided to find the tools needed to continue on a path to confidence, self-love, and growth.

I continue to look forward to this journey with Ms. Noel.” Miss Fraser has shared a few reasons why you should join the Vision Board parties in January and the next Confidence Becomes You in February, because you owe it to yourself to do better in 2024. I have already identified the programmes that will contribute to my growth journey in 2024 because for me to serve effectively, I need to equip myself. One of my Christmas gifts was a room at the Pegasus Corporate Suites.

I checked in on the 23rd to be alone and in an atmosphere that would push my mind beyond boundaries. My first reaction was to draw the curtain to admire the view, and within seconds, I was inspired to revisit my vision board. The walk to the boardwalk was just a few minutes, and I sat on the sand for approximately an hour to meditate and enjoy the breeze. The deep breathing brought me calm, and I started to meditate, thinking about my vision beyond the vision. It is important to be present for these exercises and, most of the time, the best present in life in the present.

The sand between my toes was therapeutic, and it reminded me of being back home in Bartica. My mind drifted to the massage I was scheduled for soon, so I returned to the hotel. A complimentary bottle of Chilean cabernet sauvignon arrived just before the masseur arrived, so I had a few sips. A two-hour massage from Benjamin’s Nature Spa was exactly what my body needed. I was not only working on my mind because the mind, body and soul have to be in sync.

Two things I always take with me when I travel domestically or internationally are my bible and my prayer mat. They allow me to re-create my prayer corner away from home. I found the perfect spot in this beautiful executive to create that corner. My spiritual growth has elevated my life in a major way and I will continue to be intentional about growing more in that area and many others; they are reflected on my vision board.

I have not watched TV in months and decided to watch the History Channel. The feature on Rawanda in Africa has reminded me why I need to visit soon. I was intrigued by the documentary, “Places that seem unreal” and I added money to my bucket list. Watching TV was worth it because now I am even more excited about the travel part for my vision board.

I enjoyed the short walk to Sunday breakfast at the cafe, then stopping by to chat with GM before going chilling at the pool.
I believe the rooms at Pegasus Corporate Suites can be ranked with hotels internationally. I am very proud of my Guyanese brother, Mr Badal, for his vision. I must commend Mr Montenegro and his team for understanding Mr Badal’s vision, because understanding people to execute can be a challenge.

Travelling abroad is great, but fantastic to have a vacation in the city and make it memorable. Maybe just a day at the pool with your friends and forgetting the noisy world can benefit your mental health, which should be important to us all. Today is New Year’s Eve, and many people are preparing to ring in the new year in grand style or very simply. I plan to be with my Love and Faith, and I have been doing this for over a decade. What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?

We are still in the season of giving, and last week, I mentioned some names that contributed to the gift and needed to add attorney Sammy Legall, a friend who had supported me over the years, from buying shirts and supporting missions such as Bread Basket and Gift of Confidence. As you make your goals for the new year, add or expand on philanthropy as we continue to celebrate this last day in 2023!