As we all prepare for another busy holiday season kicking off with Thanksgiving, I have been spending a lot of time thinking. Less about what gifts I’ll be giving, and more about what and who matters most in my life. This has been a challenging year for me medically, emotionally, financially – basically in every way I’ve struggled this year. I’ve doubted myself, questioned whether or not I was a good mother, wondering my capacity as a single mother, wondering if I am smart enough to be out in the work field, and wondering if my lingering anxiety will ever subside. This has led to a lot of sleepless nights and unanswered questions.

This holiday season I am reminded on what matters most to me, which is what I knew all along. My daughter. Her happiness. Her health. Her love. Her smile. Her breathe. Her witt. Her sass. Her kindness. She provides me with such incredible insight into the world, encourages me to work harder, to push through my insecurities. She motivates me to just be as I am, and when I look into her loving brown eyes I know that the love I am providing her is enough.

CityBuzz wants to know what’s important to you, and is encouraging people to upload a picture on Instagram showcasing what matters most to them with the hashtag #citybuzzNYC. Check me out on Instagram @MsAlexandraV to see the picture I’ve chosen! One winner will be chosen in December to win:

• A trip for 2 including airfare to New York City.
• Two nights’ accommodations at an Affinia Hotel. The top of the line boutique hotel chain in NYC.
• One (1) $400 Gift Certificate for SD26, one of New York’s hottest Italian restaurants.
• One (1) $250 Gift Certificate for Bloomingdale’s.
• One (1) $150 Gift Certificate for City Lobster, home of New York’s Best Lobster.
• Two (2) tickets to see The Blue Man Group, one of Broadway’s longest running and most popular shows.
• Two (2) tickets to see the New Museum of Contemporary Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Why this amazing opportunity? Because in the wake of Hurricane Sandy one thing remained true – NYC Matters.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

NY Matters Photo Contest is sponsored by Vidicom and Citybuzz.

All this for sharing what matters most to you!! Be sure to enter by December 13^th!! For more information visit City Buzz today!

Follow me on Instagram @MsAlexandraV

Every Friday I try to post one of my favorite quotes that I find inspiration from. I love featuring the one and only Maya Angelou. I cannot get enough of her or her writings. In today’s favorite quote friday she was asked about growing older and this was her response:

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better…eventually.
I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.
I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”
I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.
I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.
I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Can I get an AMEN!! I swear she can see into my soul! Every time I read something of Maya Angelou’s I get goosebumps. Her writing is so pure, so honest, so truthful. I hope to one day be able to be as reflective and wise as this phenomenal woman. What have you learned thus far in your life about growing older? I’ve learned that no matter how hard you try to protect your heart, it will break.

Happy Friday

“They’re the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night,”

First Lady Obama said of daughters Sasha, 11, and Malia, 14, in a speech at the 2008 Democratic Convention.

I came across Nicole Lynn Lewis’s site last year, and ever since then I’ve been a huge fan of hers. Shes a mother, author, wife, businesswoman, public speaker, and former teen mom. She inspires me and continues to pay it forward everyday. 


Below is a part of my interview with Nicole:


I think you have to turn setbacks into challenges. Don’t let them stop you in your tracks. Look at the problem and try to think of a solution. You can either accept your situation or you can decide that you want more for yourself and work your way out of it. It’s going to be difficult and embarrassing at times and people are going to doubt you, but if you are able to turn your story into a testimony, the rewards are great. Not only do you change the course of your life, but you inspire others, and that’s an amazing feeling. It’s special. 


Head over to The Pushback and read my entire interview with Nicole!


http://www.nicolelynnlewis.com/
http://www.supportgenerationhope.org/