This Sisterhood Sufferring … No more. Not okay. This 2012 42nd Annual Mother Earth IS A New Day! So… This one goes out to all the Ladies… In honor of the Ones who were courageously vulnerable enough, to Love, to Trust and to Give so selflessly, “The Message”, to those of us still here. Our Selves, our sisters, our mothers, our daughters, our best friends, our Whitneys,

OUR WHITNEY …

Thank You QueenSong Sister.  The Message is Clear as your Voice.

Know ThySelf, Honor ThySelf, Love ThySelf, Heal ThySelf,

Re~CLAIM ThySELF!

… and for all the brothers, who as supportive Kingsmen,  with wisdom filled egos respect and treasure, that the Heart of the sandwhich, is what dances in unison, between the two pieces of equally, sensationally sliced bread.

Peanut Butter & Jelly

It was 8:45am. 

I was setting up the auditorium, as usual, preparing my performing arts session for my students. 

One of the teachers came in. 

Walking behind her was a little boy… head down… hands behind his back. 

Teacher said, “Ms. Salaam, Justin’s parents called me last night.  He has something he wants to say to you. 

His mother said that on Monday, he asked her if he could prepare something for you, for Thursday.”  Mom told him, “It was late and Thursday is 3 days away.”

Justin told his mom “Ms. Salaam said to always be prepared in advance”.

Mom insisted that he go to bed. 

Justin insisted that he could not.

Dad came home saying. “I remember being in love with my teacher.  Let him stay up and do what he needs to do to prepare his gift to her.”  “Mom laughed and obliged”, said the teacher.

I smiled, bent down and extended my hand to him.

“Justin, what do you want to say to me?”

Justin said sweetly, “Ms. Salaam, you come here every Thursday and you work with music for 4 hours of classes and you never take a break.  You just keep working and working until all of the children are happy.” 

I replied, “Yes Justin.  That’s because I love my work.  I don’t need a break, but thank you so much for thinking of me.  I appreciate your being so thoughtful.” 

Then, Justin brought his hands from behind his back, revealing a white paper bag.  He said, “Ms. Salaam, you are too beautiful to be hungry!” He gently handed me the bag.

In it was one half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, 2 plums, 2 fruit juices and pack of cheez-it crackers. 

He said, “I am going on a class trip now.  I know you finish at 12:30.  I will eat my lunch at 12:30 too, so we can feel the spirit together.  I have the other half of the sandwich in my bag.  Let’s eat at the same time.” 

Justin touched my face, looked me directly into my eyes and said, “Okay?”

His words took my breath away.

His kindness exhilarated my heart.

At that moment, I truly realized, no man had ever loved me… Well!

I hugged him, kissed him on his forehead, held the bag close to my heart and barely said, “ok.”

I left school at 12:30, ready to eat my sandwich on my walk to the train.

At the streetlight, there pulled up the school bus.

Justin was peering at me through the window, his half of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich in his hand. 

Our eyes met. We both smiled and bit into our halves.

An 8 year old boy had set the standard.

I thought I had lived and learned.

Justin revealed that I had never experienced unconditional love before…

Until Now.

Native New Yorker P. Salaam Jaha is Founder/CEO of SAI, Salaam Arts & Inspiration LLC, President of The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom, Proprietor of Eve’s Room Wellness Studio, Eve’s Elixirs and Eve’s Aromatherapy Organics, Founder Executive Director of GirlSpirit~WomenSong Inc, Co-Principal of Jaha International Wellness Ministry, National Holistic Health Practitioner, National Family Development Professional, Universal Life Interfaith Minister, Whole Life Spiritual Guide, Wedding Officiate, Author Publisher of Pocket Books with Power Truths, Recipient of a plethora of Achievement Honors & Awards, 6^th Child and 4^th Daughter of her Savannah Georgia born parents, Mother of 2 Dynamic Daughters, Husband of one Devoted Husband, Grandma GiGi to Sonnet, Bam Bam & Chloe Flo, Lover of Life, Teacher/Mentor to Thousands of Deserving Humans and most importantly, Happy Humble Honorable Servant to and of The Most High* 

Enjoy a Glimpse of her Blessed 5 Sensory Whole Life Success at  

www.SalaamArtsandInspiration.com 

Her Life is Her Magical Motivating Message*

“I Don’t Believe in Saving” he said. “Everyday is that day! What you make is for the moment. It’s not for yesterday or tomorrow. It’s not for worrying about how much to spend and save. The money I make is for whatever I want to do when I want to do it. I travel. I pay my bills. I drive my cab off and on. I have a business. I sell my business. I go study in another country. I learned import export in china. Now I am driving because I don’t have the money to start the import export business. Yet, I am going to Taiwan in April to celebrate the anniversary of my coming to this country from Pakistan. I will continue to live and learn more. Life is so good!  I don’t have stress like my father, who built a house for 17 years, a house that was more like a palace… then it burned down. In my country, we don’t have insurance. So, my father just starts again, saving to build another house … another thing to show off.

I am not like anyone in my family. Everyone in my family says work hard… Work hard to get what you want. But me, I am the first in all generations of my family, to own a business. Me I am happy all the time. They are not. They are always stressed. I believe in God and I will always do good. They are good too, but they don’t understand why I am not working like that, all stressed out working hard for things that mean nothing.  I live life everyday, not hard but happy!

What is your name?

Salaam!?

Oh what a beautiful name!

Peace, right?

Salaam Means Peace.

Salaam…

Did you get your lottery ticket?

No????

Thank you for your sister putting in your numbers and getting tickets for you, but PLEASE Salaam…

Get your own.

Salaam… Listen.

I want you to get your own.

You have to get your own ticket Salaam.

Always  “YOUR OWN”. No one should be doing that for you!

This is too big.

Please, when I drop you off…

Look we have 3 more hours… when I drop you off, please Salaam, please get your own ticket.

Thousands of people are on line. I saw on the news, so many people on line in the dessert, where there is only one lottery location, just to have a chance at one of the biggest  winnings of money ever!

It’s so crazy Salaam! The energy is high. This has everyone wishing, hoping and getting excited!  

Yes, I have my ticket and I want to win!

What?

Oh wow, I will do so many good things for people who really need it.

Please. you have to get your own ticket too and feel it in your hands Salaam.

WHY???

Because. Now… in this nice ride in my car, I meet you and we are talking great things like two wonderful people in the world. Imagine what could happen if we both, two God loving wonderful people WON?

You see.

I can see you are thinking Salaam.

I have my ticket, now thank God for your sister, but PLEASE Salaam… now that we talked, I know who you are. We are introduced at this time, at this moment today.

I know that good people meet to help each other.

I also now know that if I win, I will remember your address. I will come to your building and find you and share my winnings with you.

Because we are … We are both good!  Only good people will do good things with that money.

Please Salaam, get your own ticket.

Yes, that is my name.  

Salaam, I will never forget you or this moment.

Ahhh yes, that is a much better way of speaking it Salaam.

How wonderful are these ideas we are talking about!

*J15. Yes, yes that’s me.

What’s that?

Thank You Salaam.

You are right.

I will do great things for other people and still get my dream car.

Yes Salaam.

I promise.

You are so kind and your heart, it is so good.

You make me happy to be your driver on this night.

Of course Salaam.

I do want to win.

But now, I am most sure…

You Must Win Too!

“Who else with me realized this irony?” 10:24pm Friday the 13th 1999… the Day of Alfred Hitchcocks 100th Birthday. This was that day… that telling day that most refer to as my accident, yet I came to know as “My Experience”.

13 years later, another life experience joined the ranks of my most defining moments.

What is this 13 thing I have going on?  In my dreams, on my flights, I consistently have before me, 13 roads. 13 Choices, 13 Journeys, 13 Paths of Power. For as far back as I can remember, 13 has consistently been laid out before me, eyes wide shut, heart  wide open.  Now, in 2012, my “calendar mania character” has me in a mindset of “Who shall I become in 2012, so that I may be ready for the impending magic of 20″13″?

What I know for sure is that all of those experiences, those defining moments that brought me extreme pain, challenged my emotional and mental stability and sometimes even … my faith. I call those moments “My Experiences” because I know they were not accidents. Nothing ever really happens by accident… does it?

I believe that in the Divine Order of things, for every song there is a season and for every happening there is a reason. In my opinion, an accident can happen IF you have an experience YET instead of growing from it, you embrace the role of victim, wallowing in self pity saying “why me, why me?”

I pray it is an accident, when one voluntarily places themselves on the starting line, on the race down the road to despair.

In my evolution, I have come to appreciate, that accidents do not compute.

I am most grateful, to have been blessed with the Wisdom, to overstand that…

 I grow from the scariest and toughest of Experiences.

If you believe in the Illuminated Power of the Human Spirit, if you overstand that from sleep interrupted to a serious injury, your life force continues to propel itself through your Will and Dreams, if you believe, I mean truly believe to the very core of your soul believe that there is a Masterful Creator of the Universe and all things within, you will know that there are no such thing as accidents, yet quite probably instead, you will know that “To Be Challenged is To Be Chosen”.

How else can our spirits fly? How can we become greater daughters, sons, parents, sisters, brothers, friends, husbands, wives, families, communities, nations and people?

How do we become our personal best, if we dont pass an ultimate test?

How can we comfort and uplift a loved one, when they have “their experience”, if we have never graduated from an “experience” of our own? To be challenged is to be chosen! No accident there! It just may be the Creators way of saying ‘You Are Ready”, to see more, to hear more, to know more, to do more! From that, you are more empowered to learn more, teach more, earn more! Then, you and all who cross your path may “Be More!”

Dont get me wrong. Better yet, please get me right!

This is “My Experience” , my enlightenment I am sharing.  I confess that I have not weathered every storm like the undaunted captain of a most majestic ship! At times, I have been frightened, hurt, confused and angry. Then… one day… the day when I was clearly ready…. my inner strength, my God, the One that I call My Soul, showed me visions of wisdom, courage, beauty, serenity, health, survival and love.

This is my Gratitude Letter to the number 13, as well as to all of you heaven sent angels who helped me, inspire me, to keep my wings from falling, all those moments in my life, as I again, learned how to FLY! Your messages, sweet note cards, texts, smiles and personal assistance have all been essential stepping stones on my road to my excellence! My experiences have been such for you too. You had to learn to deal with me differently than usual, if I allowed you at all. In those moments, I was a different self. Still, you were there… You are there, spirit lifting mine, our hearts growing forward. For that, I express eternal gratitude.

Lets be ecstatic to be alive! Lets embrace all lifes happenings, with an Attitude of Gratitude and feel blessed to be chosen! We are a new birth! We can give each other greater worth!  All we have to do in 2012 is our absolute Divine Human best.

Then, 2013 can be all of our LUCKY number*

Native New Yorker P. Salaam Jaha is Founder/CEO of SAI, Salaam Arts & Inspiration LLC, President of The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom, Proprietor of Eve’s Room Wellness Studio, Eve’s Elixirs and Eve’s Aromatherapy Organics, Founder Executive Director of GirlSpirit~WomenSong Inc, Co-Principal of Jaha International Wellness Ministry, National Holistic Health Practitioner, National Family Development Professional, Universal Life Interfaith Minister, Whole Life Spiritual Guide, Wedding Officiate, Author Publisher of Pocket Books with Power Truths, Recipient of a plethora of Achievement Honors & Awards, 6^th Child and 4^th Daughter of her Savannah Georgia born parents, Mother of 2 Dynamic Daughters, Husband of one Devoted Husband, Grandma GiGi to Sonnet, Bam Bam & Chloe Flo, Lover of Life, Teacher/Mentor to Thousands of Deserving Humans and most importantly, Happy Humble Honorable Servant to and of The Most High* 

Enjoy a Glimpse of her Blessed 5 Sensory Whole Life Success at  

www.SalaamArtsandInspiration.com 

Her Life is Her Magical Motivating Message*

Happy New Year !!!! Healthy New You!!!

Now let’s get on with the business of “Legitimate Living” and cut right through the chase!

I know.

You were expecting me to gently slide you in to this all foreboding 2012 calendar .

Well fellow humans……. My assignment this moment is otherwise. First, you must realize by now that I am predictably, unpredictable. Secondly, far better than gentle, my intention is to point you face forward, spot on, straight into the bulls eye, of your Individual Greatness.  Why such intensity you ask?  Because, dear Hearts, in this University I call Life, your Individual Greatness is the pre-requisite for Our Collective Good and The Collective Greater Good is what our planet needs!

 2012 Celebrations all respected…Now is the time to PUSH.

We could discuss many details here, yet that time has passed. You have been blessed with a whole year of data and direction from Us, via our Monthly Motivational blog DrSalaam.com. You may even revisit such motivation in our archives, if you need a refresher course. For this January 2012, this here and now is for Progress … and to make Progress in this new “Era of Enlightenment”, NOW is the Time to PUSH… To PUSH Past the Pain and PUSH into The Power.

WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE BY DECEMBER 21^ST 2012?

If you don’t know what your purpose is, if your are still in the process of discovering or “unveiling” who you truly are, because The Creator is not finished with any of us yet, consider this as a novel idea….

 One of the reasons “YOU ARE HERE”, on this planet, is To Discover “Your Purpose”!

There comes a time in your life when you realize that if you sit still or stand still, you will likely remain at that same point all of your life. Perhaps this time already came. Perhaps this “new year” is it. You realize or realized, from personal or external examples, that if you fall down and then stay down, life will probably pass you by.  

“If I sit here… just sit here, I will always wonder what would happen, if I got up… and walked over there… and sat there… just sat there… instead of here.”

Newsflash… in order to discover anything, you have to Stand Up, Stand Out and Explore!

Life circumstances may not always be what you want them to be.  Nevertheless, they will always be what you allow them to be.  It is not the circumstance that makes or breaks you. It is how you handle the circumstance, your response to the situation that may make or break you. What we want to do is to Remember to Remember to PUSH… To PUSH Past the Pain and PUSH into The Power! For once you step into your Power, Obstacles may become Opportunities.

 Take that “P” out of Pride and RIDE!!!!!!

Ride the wave of the one and only thing you need to get going. Only living people have it. It is with you while you sleep. It is with you each time you wake up every day.

Yes.  Breath.

Are you breathing life into your hopes and dreams or are you holding your breath, angry at the people, (including yourself), places, belief systems and things holding you back?

Come on Baby. The Time is NOW.  Join your Own Journey and stop watching, holding your breath, from the shadows.

PUSH Past the Pain and PUSH into The Power!

Enough about what happened and what you are going to do if only……

Yesterday has made you the survivor you are today. The past is merely a reflection of what you are capable of making it through…. A blueprint actually, of where your strengths anxiously await the wonder of your arrival.

WELCOME HOME SELF! 

YOU ARE ALIVE in one of the Most Significant Eras in Humankind!

Instead of worrying about or questioning the road your life has taken, celebrate the fact that “You Have A Path” at all!  Truth of the matter is, the journey is far more  growing than the destination. Walk your path with FEVERISH PASSION screaming “I AM HERE”. Faith Restoration is at hand. Review yesterday ONLY so you may revive today.  The Journey The Journey The Journey is A GIFT! It always brings you the Point … Powerfully Progressive ”PRESENCE”. 

Launch this Enlightenment Era with your arsenal of brusises, then kiss them goodbye with your liberating lips. Set your table to devour the Divinely Driven You…. Savor Your Survival Sister! Butter Up Your Brilliance Brother! Be Confident and Courageous with what you bring to the table!

And if you don’t have any value for the meat of the sandwich, then you may as well “Just Eat Toast”!

Native New Yorker P. Salaam Jaha is Founder/CEO of SAI, Salaam Arts & Inspiration LLC, President of The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom, Proprietor of Eve’s Room Wellness Studio, Eve’s Elixirs and Eve’s Aromatherapy Organics, Founder Executive Director of GirlSpirit~WomenSong Inc, Co-Principal of Jaha International Wellness Ministry, National Holistic Health Practitioner, National Family Development Professional, Universal Life Interfaith Minister, Whole Life Spiritual Guide, Wedding Officiate, Author Publisher of Pocket Books with Power Truths, Recipient of a plethora of Achievement Honors & Awards, 6^th Child and 4^th Daughter of her Savannah Georgia born parents, Mother of 2 Dynamic Daughters, Husband of one Devoted Husband, Grandma GiGi to Sonnet, Bam Bam & Chloe Flo, Lover of Life, Teacher/Mentor to Thousands of Deserving Humans and most importantly, Happy Humble Honorable Servant to and of The Most High* 

Enjoy a Glimpse of her Blessed 5 Sensory Whole Life Success at  

www.SalaamArtsandInspiration.com 

Her Life is Her Magical Motivating Message*

I have missed you.

Shucks… I have missed me too

This months blog is weeks after my “regularly scheduled blast”… not because I was too busy or procrastinated or grew weary. What happened was, life showed up and gave me a big scary surprise.

I was literally sitting at my computer, enthusiastically typing away at what was intended to be my “Growing Up or Growing Older” blog post, when in the midst of it, I began to experience a major discomfort within in my face. The best way I could describe it… it felt like a balloon was inflating behind my nostrils at the top of my throat, in the back center of my skull! I jumped up and began to spin around, all the while pulling at my face and head in an unsuccessful attempt to rid myself of this seeming involuntary asphyxiation.

What is HAPPENING I tried to scream, running into the bathroom….. hot towel, steam, neti pot/nasal wash… into our wellness studio… aromatherapy, stretching, bouncing, breathe baby BREATHHHHHE!

Within an hour, healthy happy me began to see my life flashing before my eyes. In fear of suffocating, I threw on my clothes to make my way to a hospital emergency room, one of my least favorite hang outs in the world. In that mindset, I knew I had to immediately begin the process of shifting my thoughts and feelings into a more favorable state, IF I intended to continue to be Gods primary player in the saving of my own life!

I could use this next paragraph to discuss the unfortunate foolery and unethical bedside manner I initially received, yet I will progressively defer to the points of knowing and care that led me to my ability to write to you this day.

Heart….

It came down to decades of wear and tear of my heart (based on western medicine), an imbalance of pure heart giving and not enough receiving (based on indigenous medicine) and a perilously low deficiency of hemoglobin (both worlds agreed).

Truth….

My diagnosis does not define me.

Though my reaction to it, very well may have. 

Joy…

My conscious human lifestyle, 3 years of integrative healing studies and my daily “kitchen kures”, likely sustained my existence, while my heart was silently suffering.

Resolve….

Time for me to regroup & restore… Ya Think!!!

In this fight to regain my physical freedom, I had to Choose My Weapon Darlings!

• Growing old or Growing up?
• Growing Up or Glowing Up?
• Getting Older OR Aging Grace-Fully.
• Aging Gracefully or Gracefully Growing & Glowing?
• None of the above?

I GIVE THANXXXXXXX, crazy loving thanks, for The Courage to Modify my Mindset, The Power to Magnify my Minutes spent, The Wisdom to Know Who I AM and the Passion to Pursue Who and What I further intend To BE!

I will “Remember to Remember”…

“Healer Human … Hug Thyself”

In this new world order year … How about You?

I beseech you beloved..

Please …. Choose your weapons wisely, too!

Align your Power Pockets!

Equip your arsenal with your Wit with your Wisdom because 2012 is proclaimed to be a fiery one!

Start at the end by embracing the Blessings of LIFE and Give a very special “Thanks” to the Big Graduations as well as to the Seemingly Simple Successes of 2011!

If you are sad or struggling, Look “Confidently” in the mirror and say “It’s been REAL 2011, yet you did not know who you were messing with! We have scraped our kness on your hills, slid to edges of your cliffs and alas… We have weathered storms in your shade.”

EVERYBODY……..

Join me and “Start Now” on your “Healthy New Year Happy New You Resolutions!”

Visualize standing at the top of Mystical Magic Mountain 2012 and Join Me, Join Healing Hearts, as We prepare for Our Enlightened Liberating Landing!

Click your heels three times and meet me at the flip side of the calendar!

Baby Just Do It because “The Best Is Yet To …..

Here We Come!

Native New Yorker P. Salaam Jaha is Founder/CEO of SAI, Salaam Arts & Inspiration LLC, President of The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom, Proprietor of Eve’s Room Wellness Studio, Eve’s Elixirs and Eve’s Aromatherapy Organics, Founder Executive Director of GirlSpirit~WomenSong Inc, Co-Principal of Jaha International Wellness Ministry, National Holistic Health Practitioner, National Family Development Professional, Universal Life Interfaith Minister, Whole Life Spiritual Guide, Wedding Officiate, Author Publisher of Pocket Books with Power Truths, Recipient of a plethora of Achievement Honors & Awards, 6^th Child and 4^th Daughter of her Savannah Georgia born parents, Mother of 2 Dynamic Daughters, Husband of one Devoted Husband, Grandma GiGi to Sonnet, Bam Bam & Chloe Flo, Lover of Life, Teacher/Mentor to Thousands of Deserving Humans and most importantly, Happy Humble Honorable Servant to and of The Most High*

Enjoy a Glimpse of her Blessed 5 Sensory Whole Life Success at

www.SalaamArtsandInspiration.com

Her Life is Her Magical Motivating Message*

Why are so many people leading lives of quiet depression?

Do you?

How did we get here? ….

Yes… I said A Collective WE!

How did we get here….

this unnatural point of spiritual demise,

focused on social judgements, physical measurements and material possessions?

How did we allow ourselves to get here?

What’s the payoff?

Huh?

The world will get better…

Beloved Human, Your World, My World, OUR WORLD is going to get better when WE get OUR Individual EGOS and OUR COLLECTIVE heads out of the sand, BACK into the Ray of the Sun and RISE to the Opulence of Mother Earth….

 of which we are Divinely designed.

Why are so many people leading lives of quiet depression?

Do You?

Are You?

So what are you going to do about it?

The Miracle is not that you are just waiting for something better to happen.

The Miracle is that,

with you all you have done to make it to this day,

You have still yet to discover,

that The Actual Miracle…

Is YOU*

Think Different. THINK DIVINE!

Native New Yorker P. Salaam Jaha is Founder/CEO of SAI, Salaam Arts & Inspiration LLC, President of The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom, Proprietor of Eve’s Room Wellness Studio, Eve’s Elixirs and Eve’s Aromatherapy Organics, Founder Executive Director of GirlSpirit~WomenSong Inc, Co-Principal of Jaha International Wellness Ministry, National Holistic Health Practitioner, National Family Development Professional, Universal Life Interfaith Minister, Whole Life Spiritual Guide, Wedding Officiate, Author Publisher of Pocket Books with Power Truths, Recipient of a plethora of Achievement Honors & Awards, 6^th Child and 4^th Daughter of her Savannah Georgia born parents, Mother of 2 Dynamic Daughters, Husband of one Devoted Husband, Grandma GiGi to Sonnet, Bam Bam & Chloe Flo, Lover of Life, Teacher/Mentor to Thousands of Deserving Humans and most importantly, Happy Humble Honorable Servant to and of The Most High* 

Enjoy a Glimpse of her Blessed 5 Sensory Whole Life Success at  

www.SalaamArtsandInspiration.com 

Her Life is Her Magical Motivating Message*

Count Down… 7 whole days to my 49^th Earthday! It started with a quiet, giggly review of my list …“All The Things I Ever Wanted To Accomplish, Have or Experience by the time I Make 50!”  It’s a good list. I won’t say a great list because I already have a great life. Okay, okay, it’s a Great Good list.  Ha!

For more than four months, I knew I was having an all out dance party on that special day. Yet, on the 7^th day before September 27th, I realized a 49^th bday bash was not actually on “The List”.

Hmmmm, what was on the list that would launch me into this new era, “My Road to 50”, with style? Something that I’ve always wanted yet never had the confidence to do. Excuses included everything from my tummy pouch to not wanting makeup. Truth was… I was afraid of not looking HOT! So what did I decide in place of that mere mortal predictable bday bash? “My long overdue Sensualexy Photo Shoot!”

It was a party I never imagined… just the 5 of us. Alzarah the Producer, Aminah the Videographer, Shannon the Photographer and Fatima the Makeup Artist… WHO WOULD HAVE THUNK IT? I was nervous and excited all at once. “Super Ready Me?” … a year ago I could not even imagine “Me” allowing four people to run my heart, let alone direct my life, for a whole 6-7 hours!

Nevertheless, I was determined to schmooze myself into an experience of “letting go and letting God”. Yes, yes I know I do this all day in service to others, as well as in fulfilling my daily life assignments. Still… my being vulnerable in front of the camera? Wwwwelllllll, even though I articulate lectures to hundreds, I have never completely ever felt photogenic or comfortable with all eyes on me. That my friend’s is why the photo shoot WAS on the list in the first place. Yesss. I confess. I HAD a discomfort with allowing the Fun me to undress.

Oh, you thought the list was just full of things that were shiny or fun? Did I mislead you darling? (lol) You must know by now, with me, there is usually almost definitely a life lesson in the mix! With the shoot, I knew I would have to put myself on blast, because “the camera does not lie”. I was determined to submit to my insecurity of being focused on and reverse such madness to having the courage to show more of who and what I truly am… Fun, Fierce, Free & Fabulous… without apology ©

Knowing I would use this shoot for my forthcoming campaign, the experience forced me to go deep into my buried feelings about society’s expectations and obsession with body image…. Size, shape, weight, complexion, hair, age…. Oooh People… I promise you… untamed curves and wavy nerves… I want to publicly thank and applaud my Team of 4, for the graceful professionalism they honored me with. After blasting that music, singing with the girls, with them patiently, lovingly treating me like I was a Delectable Doll … Baby… the Sensualexy Photo Shoot was ………….

Can you spell H-O-T-T-T-T-T!

Every girl should do it! Alright fellas, you can do it too. Yet, the emotional journey of being comfortable in your own skin, for women and girls… well, if you are not conscious, that emotional vampire somehow can find it’s way to infiltrate every atom of your existence. With this act of defiance, a photo shoot or a like act of vulnerability, surrounded by people who love and respect you as you are, this act brings self truths to the surface, adding a chapter in your book where the face of vulnerability can sweetly become Victorious!

This was how I set off my 1^st 30 days on my road to 50 and the sweet just got sweeter! The only official appointment I made on the actual day was to engage in a enlightenment reading with my Spiritual Advisor. All week, I was blessed to receive beautiful cards, well wishes and earthday songs, from near and far. My brother and his wife blessed me with something that was on my list for at least 25 years AND they did not even know it! Yes Elvis, eat ya heart out baby! I finally got my first pair of blue suede boots!!

To top it off,  my mom sang her classic happy birthday song. At the end she asked, “how old are you now my beautiful daughter?” I thought jokingly of course. When I charmingly replied “49”, she gasped, coughed, lost her spit and with sheer disbelief, mom exclaimed “Whaaaat? When did that happen? How old is your little sister? Does your husband know?”

That my friends was the most ha, ha, ha, hilarious moment ever, letting me know for sure that this journey is going to be Alllllll Gooood!

Phew. So now I have 335 more days on this Remarkable Road to 50! Just enough time to learn guitar, barter with a vocal coach, start a band, get my pole dance on, launch a global motivational campaign, host an international retreat, secure at least one multi million dollar book deal, have my school become professionally accredited so to educate thousands more, become Spiritual Advisor to the Stars, officiate a gorgeous group wedding,  produce a LOVE concert to help heal (as some call them) the terminally ill and a dozen more BIG little things to propel Light & Wellness throughout Our Universe ****

I hope you have a “Good List” too!

If not, be inspired to write one now! How about you write one before your next 30 days. Whatever you ever wanted to do, to be or to feel, “The Moment Is Now”. Who guaranteed you tomorrow? Make your list and check it twice. Yes some things can be naughty and some things can surely be nice.

If you are really living Dear Hearts, go ahead and kick any and all worries of tomorrow to the curb! Embrace loving yourself as you are today!  For Heart sake, wear your fancy clothes to the cornerstore! Find “FUN” in the courage to fulfill your own dreams, regardless of those insecurities in your head.

BABY JUST DO IT! FOLLOW YOUR HEART LIST!

Best case scenario …

You may actually discover that contrary to popular opinion, Your Life Can Be Truly, Vulnerably, AMAZING!!!!

Native New Yorker P. Salaam Jaha is Founder/CEO of SAI, Salaam Arts & Inspiration LLC, Principal of The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom, Proprietor of Eve’s Room Wellness Studio, Eve’s Elixirs and Eve’s Aromatherapy Organics, Founder Executive Director of GirlSpirit~WomenSong Inc, Co-Principal of Jaha International Wellness Ministry, National Holistic Health Practitioner, National Family Development Professional, Universal Life Interfaith Minister, Whole Life Guide, Wedding Officiate, Author Publisher of Pocket Books with Power Truths, Recipient of multiple Achievement Honors & Awards, 6^th Child and 4^th Daughter of her Savannah Georgia born parents , Mother of 2 Dynamic Daughters, Husband of one Devoted Husband, Grandma GiGi to Sonnet, Bam Bam & Chloe Flo, Lover of Life and Teacher/Mentor to Thousands of Deserving Humans*

Enjoy a Glimpse of her Joyful 5 Sensory Whole Life Success at www.SalaamArtsandInspiration.com

Her Life is Her Magical Motivating Message*

In July 2010, I experienced one of the numerous blessed journeys of my lifetime, thus far. I was granted the outrageously outstanding opportunity to study, at The University of New Mexico, Traditional Medicine … African/Native American/Mexican Medicine of Mother Earth with Indigenous Healers. Not only was the journey a learned one, addressing all aspects of our human experience … physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, it was too a journey that left me with many many answers, yet just as many questions!!

Last month, in the midst of my 30 day Restoration period … the countdown/count up to my 49^th Earthday… as my spirit danced throughout my own heart and head, enjoying the ongoing perplexity of “which comes first… the question or the answer”, I reflected on my first day back in circulation, in my Harlem NYC neighborhood.

“D*** Girl! You look great! You are way too sexy to be spiritual! How old are you now anyway?”

“Seriously sis… You Look HOTTT! What the hell? How can you still be a Minister looking like that? You’re going to have to cut your locs!”

“Salaam… welcome home!!! I thought you told me you were going away to study. You look like you had an incredible vacation! Where did you go again? Who did you go with?”

“Within” I said. “I went With – In.”

As I approach this age of 49, with girlfriends, sisters, colleagues and clients ages being a decade or so above or below mine, I find myself inundated with questions, conversations, belief systems, fears and insecurities about aging, menopause, weight gain, lost elasticity in thighs, crows feet, unhappy vaginas, fear of being alone, fear of dying alone, self anger due to settling for less than harmonious relationships, not marrying “The One”, dissatisfactory careers, jealousy of daughters and twenty year old girls, envy of those who got boob jobs, wishing they had the money and courage to get a boob job, fibroids,  lack of orgasms, longing to travel, caring what everyone else thinks, too tired to do it now that you retired, “why are the children I raised so ungrateful” and dozens of more ravings with the ultimate question to my ears having been…

“Is this all there is?”

 In my Heart … I quietly sashay from listening… into sad … into, “This is not okay”.

Hearing, seeing, feeling, KNOWING that so many women, the Mothers of civilization, with all that we are, with all that we have contributed to humanity… how did it come down to so many saying, “I don’t have the means, faith and/or courage to become and love who I truly am?”

As a Human, as a Servant of The Most High, as a Wellness Professional, I have cradled many people in my arms. My shoulders have absorbed rivers of tears. My ears, yes, my ears have been a safe haven for thousands of confessions and heartaches. Yet my eyes dear hearts, alike our beloved brother Reverend Dr. King, “My eyes have seen the Glory!

I GIVE THANKS for MY WONDERFUL LIFE and I am CHEERING for your Wonderful Life Too!

The good, the bad, the ugly, the indifferent, I embrace the attitude of ‘I Always Win!”. Nope! I don’t have an incredibly fit body or a flat stomach, though I am in the process of it! Yes, I have confidence, a sweet smile and a sensational sense of purpose. YET, I also still cry from burying my sister and my brother, 3 life changing incidents that still wiggle me, stretch marks, scars from falling in the gap of a train platform. Nope, my children husband, students and friends don’t always listen to me. Yes, I am honored and respected by many… surely because I express honor and give respect. Nope! I was not born into a trust fund or death benefit, still looking for that rich uncle, nor was I the recipient of any financial scholarship. Yes! I started my businesses from scratch, always lived within my means and maintain to this day, 49 years strong, a profound appreciation of life learning & love, with a reputation of Absolute Integrity!

After some bold, brave pondering, I ultimately made the decision to celebrate… to honor my 49 Fabulous Years by flipping the switch… by turning up the volume on “Aging Gracefully”, inspiring our Sisterhood and our brothers too, to mentalities, spirits and lifestyles of “Faith Yes … Fear Not”, letting the whole world know that “growing up never meant getting old” … that “Life is for the Living AND It Is What You Make It”, that, that… that, that ever running commercial “Be all you can be” boasts a slogan that may too, “inspire you” and not solely be an opportunity for high school and college kids, in search of self… that being “BLESSED” means sharing your gifts, spreading your wings, singing your joy and showing what it looks like to have breath, to have life… that you appreciate, value and love, Love LOVE YOURSELFFFFFF … Like its going out of style!.

September 27^th 1962 marked the beginning of my unwavering, wholehearted embrace of my life assignment of Love & Leadership Servitude! So what did this perpetual teenager actually say she was doing for her 49^th Earthday?

I intend to continue to inspire humanity by being “Free to be my Spiritual Sensualexy Self! On this Revitalizing Road to 50, by the Grace of God, I WISH to inspire “Millions” by being More Faithful, Fierce, Fabulous, Funny, Focused and Fantastico Than Ever!!! Bookmark my SAGA and get ready because I am about to step out of my (even if you never knew it) step out of my shy shell!  Oh, you thought I was brave already? Well, family, I promise you that, whatever I did those first 49 years, “THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”

Soooo, Sing With Me, Talk With Me, Walk With Me, Fly With Me yall … with a BIG JUICY Happy B’day to All of Us! Why live in fear of the end of the world, when you can live in peace & prosperity, exhilarated about every single brand new day? I Give Thanks for our miraculous meeting, on this extraordinary journey, we call Life. Let’s Do This!!!!! Meet me on the “Just Do It … Make It Happen Road” from now through the whole of 2012!

P.S. I Truly, Truly Love You and Thank You for Being My Faithful Friend*  Lets Sing …

 ©     “There’s A Ribbon In The Sky” … Stevie Wonder

©      “Living My Life Like Its Golden” … Jill Scott

©     “I’d Risk The Fall, Just To Know How It Feels to Fly” …. Alicia Keys

©     “Whisper Words of Wisdom ” … The Beatles

©      “I’m Going to Live My Life ~ The Whole World Would Know, I Was Here” … Beyonce

©     “I Could Have Freed More, If Only They Knew They Were Slaves” … Harriet Tubman

©     “Live As If You Were To Die Tomorrow. Learn As If You Were To Live Forever” … Gandhi

©     “Do Ordinary Things with Extraordinary Love. If you are humble, nothing will bother you… neither Praise nor Slander. Because, you know what you are. We realize that what we are accomplishing is a drop in the ocean. But if this drop were not in the ocean, it would be missed.” …  Mother Theresa

Native New Yorker Pamela Salaam Jaha is Founder/CEO of SAI, Salaam Arts & Inspiration LLC, Principal of The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom, Proprietor of Eve’s Room Wellness Studio, Eve’s Elixirs and Eve’s Aromatherapy Organics, Founder Executive Director of GirlSpirit~WomenSong Inc, Co-Principal of Jaha International Wellness Ministry, National Holistic Health Practitioner, National Family Development Professional, Universal Life Interfaith Minister, Wedding Officiate, Author Publisher of Tiny Books with TALL TRUTHS, 6^th Child and 4^th Daughter of her Savannah Georgia born parents 7 children, Mother of 2 Dynamic Daughters, Husband of one Devoted Husband, Grandma GiGi to Sonnet, Bam Bam & Chloe and Teacher/Mentor to Thousands*

Enjoy a Glimpse of her Joyful 5 Sensory Whole Life Success at www.SalaamArtsandInspiration.com

Her Life is Her Magical Motivating Message*

That’s right, I said it …“Who are you calling a Single Parent”?  I suppose that if  the term “single parent” did not have a disapproving connotation, I would not choose to ask such a question.  In my almost four decades of serving … working with and for young people, educators and families, I have discovered that students, parents and teachers alike use the term “SP (Single Parent)” as a reason for being “less than”, “incapable” and/or  somehow “deprived”. At times, even young people, who I know to be of exceptional skill, attribute their lack of attaining a particular goal to being a child of a single parent home.  Now, do you truly think this is a natural way of being OR is it possible that this belief system of an otherwise “I know what I like” child, is a learned thought pattern and/or behavior?

What about homes that do have the traditional two parents? Would I say this is an automatic winning model? Guess what loved ones, my vast expertise of experience has assured me that its ABSOLUTELY about Quality and not quantity!  Yes, I bear witness that a harmonious two parent home may be the ideal environment for raising a healthy well balanced child.  Such is natures design.  For that matter, a home of four leading adults, two parents PLUS the blessing of grandparents is a magnificent, almost extinct, traditional blessing for growing and guiding our children. Nevertheless… if  the relationship of the adults in the family is not peacefully positively progressive, the quantity of two remains minimal and the quality of living is less than a child deserves.

What about teachers, educators and the school/classroom setting? From where I sit, it seems that our country is more focused on test taking and making the grade in a few specific academic areas, than it is on the “whole” life learning role, the role I know that most teachers played in my life as I grew up. Whatever happened to a healthy balance of academics with inquiry, penmanship, sportsmanship, exploratory skill/trade development and educators working hand in hand WITH parents?

Children of all ages, learn what they live! If the adult generation today has to constantly be reminded of the courageous men and women who paved the way for our greater human rights experience and socioeconomic existence, who are we to expect that our children will automatically “get it”? As the people whose shoulders our children stand on, it may behoove us to “Remember to Remember” those whose shoulders lifted us all up! “Progressive Presence” is the Gift we are charged to bring to our children! If “Progressive Presence” is the gift teachers bring parents and “Progressive Presence” is the gift parents bring teachers, “Progressive Presence” may likely be the gift our children bring to their own self worth … confidently contributing to their lives, our lives and the world!!

If a husband/father goes off to war and loses his life, do we commonly refer to the mom then, as a single parent or a widow? 

Now before you ask it, let me say it.  I am happily married to a wonderful man.  Yet, before my beloved and I graced each others lives, I was divorced from my childrens’ father for 17 years!  I know first-hand the dynamics of one adult heading a household with children.  I simply made an adult decision, dedicated to the “Whole Wellness” of our 2 daughters and proclaimed, “Our living separation would not define our children’s situation”.  

If you find this concept mute or pointless, I beseech you to humor me for a moment and consider how embracing this formula could revitalize parenting and teaching alike.

100% + 100% = 200% divided by 2(50%) = 100%. 

Explanation …

If each parent is responsible for 100% of 50% of the parenting partnership, then technically this will give the child a total of 200% of Parent Power. 

Therefore, if any circumstances remove one parent from the household, the child is still blessed with a 100% Whole Parent!

Now isn’t that a revolutionary concept… a Whole Parent!  I suppose with this formula some may say, “see… the two parent home is greater!” Alas… remember its “Quality over quantity darling! Too, it’s merely an example to get your attention.  The fact of the matter is, if we all believe from the start that we are 100% capable, no matter what the circumstance, then we have a win-win situation. This, beautiful people, applies to parents, teachers, aunty’s, uncles, all of us because ALL ADULTS ARE PARENTS!!!!

What I know for sure is “All of our futures” depend on All of OUR CHILDREN receiving the best that we have to offer!

So, how did I, Madame Salaam, as both a parent and a professional serving tens of thousands, develop and maintain a whole parent mindset that helped and still helps me to sustain a solid foundation for the global community? Strategic Forward Thinking Goals with Love and Solution Driven Actions with Care!  No need to twist my arm. Here… I’ll share a few tips from my Whole Teacher Whole Parent Hit List;

• Always make sure that Strengths stand out greater than challenges (individual, family and classroom), so you can “Build with Confidence” on what you have, being clear to identify “How” these strengths may help Overcome Obstacles…
• Always live within your means (balance your household budget and don’t overspend), simultaneously including your youth in the family/home managing process…
• Set goals and action plans and share them every week (at least)
• Surround yourself with “Progressive People” and be sure your children know who these people are and why they “Sit in the front row” of your life… 
• Make a firm, yet loving commitment to take great care of Yourself, doing the best you can, thereby being the greatest role model! My 8^th grade English teacher, the Beautiful Ms. Usdin, was “immaculate” in her demeanor and presentation every class for 2 years. She remains my greatest inspiration for “Presentation”. My mother and father ALWAYS looked healthy, were well groomed and left the window wide open, to the family and professional responsibilities they both cried and cheered about…. Even if they did not know I was watching so intensely* wink wink!

*And about that Back to School Shopping…..

The GAP is more than a retail store!

Okay. It’s less than a month into school. Your back to school shopping could be over by now.  Students are looking good and fresh.  Your children are ready to wear the latest and hottest gear.  Even if your child is sporting a school uniform, you still may have had to spend time in the stores to purchase footwear, jackets and educational items.  What’s next?

I am sure that by now, you realize that one of  most children and especially teenagers favorite pastimes is shopping.  Specifically, when teens shop, they experience an adrenaline rush that sparks their imaginations, reduces tension and opens up their willingness to talk and explore?  If you did realize this, did you also recognize that “Shopping  Sprees are Golden Teachable Moments”?

Countless parents find communicating with their teen to be a tremendous challenge that creates a GAP in the family structure.  Go figure, the child feels the same way, but has no idea what to do about it, except to be angry and/or quiet.  A “whole parent” has to be on top of their game turning life’s experiences into opportunities.  So before the next reason or season to shop is upon your family, think about these

5 Tips from my ‘Bridging the GAP” hit list…

1. Discuss the shopping budget with your teen beforehand, not waiting until they pick out their desired purchases then saying “So you really do think money grows on trees huh?”
2. Include them in the home and budget planning process. Be honest and communicate specific details with your teen.  Believe me, they will understand better than you think, respecting your honesty and integrity much more than a daily reminder of how you sacrifice working two jobs just to take care of them.
3. Check out books and/or magazines together to get an idea about what their tastes and interests are.  This way you can prevent your jaw from dropping while going into shock at the fitting room!
4. Ask your child about the trends and the role they feel fashion and style plays in having a healthy positive image.  “How do you feel about” OR “What would you like to do different?”
5. 5.     And for a real stretch, when you want your child to try on something that you feel will look great, return the favor and try something on that they feel will look great on you!

There are numerous ways to build the relationship and close the communication GAP between parent and teenager.  Shopping is one really great way. The shopping experience introduces a wide variety of possible conversation topics… local travel, sports, arts & culture, people, tourism, fashion, trends, music, economics, etiquette and so on.  Yet remember… a conversation is not a lecture mom and dad. Please, as a favor to me, take a moment to remember your inner child  Shopping gives the whole family a chance to have quality time, share imaginations, spread  love to the public, laugh out loud, play dress up and relax your inner with their outer child, by being free & silly together!

Remember … Our Children Rock “YET” Terrific Teachers and Whole Parents Rule!

P.S. I Love You*

P. Salaam Jaha is Founder/CEO of SAI, Salaam Arts & Inspiration llc, Principal of The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom, Proprietor of Eve’s Room Wellness Studio and Aromatherapy Organics, Founder Executive Director of GirlSpirit~WomenSong Inc, Co-Principal of Jaha International Wellness Ministry, National Holistic Health Practitioner, National Family Development Professional, Interfaith Minister, Wedding Officiate  and Author Publisher of Small Books with BIG TRUTHS*

Enjoy her journey of Whole Life Success at www.SalaamArtsandInspiration.com

Her Life is Her Message*

As we continue on this hallelujah path of wellness, wealth & wisdom, let’s consider a part of the body that is readily overlooked in that department… The Brain!

Our Belief System is the foundation of our decision making process. Our Belief System gives birth to our thoughts and feelings. Our thoughts and feelings become reactions, habits and things. Things quietly include dysfunction and disease.

You may be pleasantly surprised to discover the magic that takes place in your life when you upgrade your ‘Belief Systems” and “Detoxify Your Brain”.  You may be pleasantly surprised to discover the magic that takes place in your life, when you get rid of self destructive thoughts in your head and “holding you back” behavior patterns that don’t serve you well. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover that magnifying your thoughts, may ultimately lead you to making the life liberating right minded decision to “Live Your Life On Purpose!”

 What does it mean to “Live On Purpose”?

Living On Purpose is To Live In The Now as well as The Know!

Living On Purpose welcomes experiences of yesterday as life lessons, as opposed to something terrible or an accident that happened to you.

Living On Purpose stirs clarity of thought, to bravely move forward.

Living On Purpose means to Own Your Own Existence… to Decide/Define Who You Are, as opposed to someone else defining and deciding anything about you.

Living On Purpose is to share your life with others without losing yourself in the process, then, blaming everyone for your misery.

Living On Purpose means to condition your thought patterns and actions to be Pro-Active as opposed to being Re-Active.

Living On Purpose is the Only Alternative to Dying by Mistake!!!!!!!!

 How do you not “Die by Mistake”?

You Learn & Live the Difference between being ProActive & Re–Active!

When you are Re-Active … someone else sets the agenda for how your time, talent and energy is spent. They can even manipulate your self esteem. This happens when your movements and emotions are based on their movements and emotions.

Plus, when you make decisions based on what others think, you ultimately put your power in their hands.

When you are Pro-Active … your esteem remains in your possession. You may feel whatever emotion you feel in a situation, YET you take the time to assess then decide how and why it affects you. You remain true to what your needs are. You are able to communicate effectively without blame.

When you are Re-Active … you purchase any or every product and/or wear every fashion you see or hear about, that says it can make you more beautiful. You especially buy it because the music artist, supermodel or athlete in the advertisement looks exactly the way you wish you did look… or what you think he/she/they prefer you to look like.

 When you are Pro-Active … You take the time to get to know yourself better. You research, seek, purchase wholesome products and/or practices that naturally meet your unique needs, even if they are unpopular, meaning not everyone is doing it or using it”. Still you do it because it’s great for you!

 If for all your yesterdays, you have been operating your life in a way that desires greater wellness today, we have to start you at the place where old habits and belief systems have been thriving all this time….

Your First Computer …. Your Word Processor … Your Brain!

WAIT WAIT WAIT… Let me really get your attention.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Most Significant Sexual Organ of Your Human Body is Your BRAIN!

So what does that suggest? May it possibly suggest that your thoughts and belief systems, how and what you think or know you feel is mostly powered by YOU and not powered by those you are in relationships with? Would it suggest that you may think, by habit, that someone else has the power to determine how you feel, physically or emotionally?

Brain Detox Check in…

Let’s practice Brain Detoxifying & Being ProActive.

When expressing yourself, know that effective mind/body/spirit communication is supported by the erasing of self destructive, accusatory statements, such as the one below.

You are always _______________!   You are not right when you do _____________!

YOU ARE ________________!!!! You make me _______________!!!

Practice Ownership of your feelings! From now on, in times of frustration, application of the below statement may help you maintain ownership of your power. Begin the practice of being pro-active, communicating effectively with

When ____________________ happens,  I feel ______________________.

I Understand that you feel _________ .

At the same time, when __________ happens I would appreciatae ____________________. How do you feel about my request. I certainly would appreciate a mutually gratifying agreement.

You are more likely to generate a helpful, forward response from someone, when you take ownership of how you feel instead of pointing blame. Yes, it could be their fault. It may even be an honest mistake.

 Nevertheless,

We are in the process of easing unhealthy stress, healing those headaches, hardened veins and forehead wrinkles, by lightening our own loads of frustration.

By the way, Aloe Vera will help those worry, angry, wrinkle lines too!!!

My Answer  to what so many people ask me …

“Salaam, how do you personally practice and keep on Living On Purpose?”

• I Wake Up
• I Well Wish
• I Water Me
• I Wash Well
• I Wallow in Wellness
• I Wander with Wonder
• I Watch My WORDS
• I Write on my Heart with Wealth
• I Practice the WORDS I Preach*
• I Walk with Wit & Wisdom, so that
• “I Can, with Gods Will,  Always WIN!

Most of all, I Remember to Remember that I am the ‘Vivacious Victor” of millions of sperm on a journey to one Goddess Egg …

and that Dear Hearts, is why I Am Here! …  “I Live to Be The Best  Me” …. Everything More… nothing less!

The Salaam School of Wellness Wealth & Wisdom Welcomes You to Enhance & Enlighten Your Life … Share Our Power Circle With Us … Tuesday Evenings 6-7:15pm $15 each Class … AUGUST Theme … 67 Minutes To A Better, Blessed & More Beautiful You! … A Tribute to Nelson Mandelas 67 Years of Service … Helping make the world a better place!

POWER WORDS OF THE MONTH: Living On Purpose is the Only Alternative to Dying by Mistake!

P.S. I Know I Love U*

Goddess Minister Salaam Jaha*