Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ^TM

In honor of my upcoming Blog Talk Radio Show on the Economic Crisis with world renowned financial expert, Bro. Bedford, I decided that it would be a good idea to rattle your cage a bit about money. (I encourage you to click the link to the right of this website, entitled, Millionaire Entrepreneurs, and sign up for Bro. Bedford's enlightening newsletter.) Ok now, let me rattle your cage a bit.

They say that an estimated 2% of the world's population controls approximately 96% of the material wealth in the entire world. What keeps all of us from being in that 2%? Well I realized that what's stopping us is our Po-Mouth Mentality.

Let's talk about money for a minute. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to discover that in our society, money is very important. Moreover, money is one of the main focuses and topics of discussion in our world today. Most of our entire lives revolve around making and acquiring money. I was studying this subject and wrote down this statement from a thesis paper called Abundance and Happiness, written by one of my coaching colleagues:

"Money is merely a tool, a medium of exchange for things that you need and desire, and by no means a cure all or the answer to achieving "real" happiness or contentment in life. True success comes from having achieved a harmonious balance in the three all encompassing life areas of money, health and relationships, as well as having the time available to enjoy them all. Happiness and fulfillment is an "inside game". Money and financial freedom are simply tools that we use to play the outside game."

In case you are wondering what it means to have a po-mouth mentality, think of it as "poverty consciousness" (which of course, is the opposite of wealth consciousness). The po-mouth mentality ensures that our actions and views about money are connected to the poverty consciousness with which we identify. "Money doesn't grow on trees." "Money is hard to come by." "You gotta work hard if you want anything in life." "They don't want us to have money." "I hate my job." "I can't afford this." "I can't afford that." Many of us go around po-mouthin' about what we don't have and give much less thought (or spiritual energy) to what we DO have.

Sure, we are in a so-called economic crisis, but are we going to just lie down and die as a result? Would shifting our mindset a bit be the end of the world? In fact, a collective mind shift may end the crisis. We can survive this. Now is a good time for us to shift from consumerism to creatism. I realized that if I continued to believe that it takes hard work (as opposed to smart work) to make money then I'd be working hard for the rest of my life. I knew that if I continued to believe that money was hard to come by then my goal of financial freedom would likely never come. (Try this affirmation: Money comes frequently and easily.) I knew that no matter how smart or attractive I was that if I didn't change my mindset, I would never live up to my potential. I knew I wanted to earn my wealth the honest way so I had to get the formula right or else my po-mouth mentality would attract po-mouth circumstances. My mantra became, "As you believe you WILL receive."

Let me take you a little deeper into my mind shift. I used to worry constantly about money. I didn't believe in get rich quick schemes or taking something that didn't belong to me, so I knew I'd be in jeopardy of not becoming financially free if I didn't change my belief system. I used to make statements like, "I don't have any problems other than money so I'm just going to continue to work hard so that I can get over my money problems." And guess what started to happen? The harder I worked the more money problems my po-mouth mindset attracted. I don't think I need to explain further. You get the picture.

Then I shifted my mindset and started to focus on all that I had been able to acquire and accomplish with the money that I attracted thus far in my life. I realized that signs of the abundance I dreamed of were all around me. I walked around my house and gave thanks to everything that I saw. I was grateful for the curtains on the window, loose change, the sheets on the bed, the oatmeal in the cabinet (even if it was the only thing in the cabinet), my train pass, the couch in the living room, the heat, the junk in the drawer, the ink pens in my office; all of which were acquired out of my ability to attract money into my life. Even when I took out the garbage, I said a prayer of thanks. Would I have garbage to take out if I didn't have any money to buy crap that I eventually throw away? Even if I got a phone call from someone I really didn't want to talk to, I was thankful for having a telephone. I'd watch television and hear the devastating news and was grateful for the television, electricity and even Freedom of Speech. I began to pray that if there was ever a food shortage that I'd be in a position to pass out food and to help others. I began to accept my tremendous ability to attract goodness, money and overall abundance.

When I stopped looking at my life from a position of lack, money and abundance began to flow more frequently and easily. The Universe is always flowing. Something is always being created or exchanged, effortlessly. But by going against this natural flow (subconsciously) I began to experience results that were in contradiction to what I consciously desired. My beliefs were not in harmony with the universe. The universe is always giving and flowing but if we don't believe that we can align ourselves with that flow then we experience the result of disharmony. Disharmonious beliefs about money and financial freedom that are established (usually in childhood or by painful experiences) and held at a conscious or subconscious level ultimately affect our choices and our overall consciousness.

See, I am convinced that this economic crisis will benefit me beyond measure and I want you to be convinced that it will benefit you, as well. Let's think outside the box and shift our mindset. Here is our chance to embrace change. We must accept and understand how thoughts, beliefs and Universal Laws operate in order to free ourselves of the limiting mindset that is preventing us to reach our potential. Sure, we may be doing well. In fact, we may be doing extremely well and quite better than the next person, but are we walking in purpose and living up to our potential. Anything and everything that exists in our world and in our personal life exists as a result of consciousness that is determined by a mindset. A lack of attaining financial freedom is the result of a mindset just like attaining financial freedom is the result of a mindset.

Let's stop po-mouthing and living in poverty consciousness. You can be wealthy beyond measure. You're likely working hard anyway, so why not work from a consciousness of wealth, gratitude and abundance? Let's unite to help change the mindset and end the economic crisis that is plaguing the world.

"Men and women are not prisoners of fate, but
only prisoners of their own minds. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach

Are you always in somebody else's business? Do you think it's your responsibility to change the world? Do you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders? Do you think that every thing is about you? We are often so ego driven that we take everything personally. From unreturned phone calls, to random comments from the news. Many of us have created this self centered world that keeps us stressed, crazed and out of balance.

The danger of egoic thinking is that you become so self-absorbed that you lose alignment with the Universe. Your thinking becomes skewed and your ability to reason and think logically gets reduced. Once you are no longer thinking properly, your environment follows suit and you slip into living a defensive lifestyle. When you live a defensive lifestyle you are always a consumer and you are always reacting instead of creating. You are no longer in control of your life.

You become like a fighter in the ring waiting for your next opponent. You spend your time focused on your next fight. The Universe gives us what we focus on, so if you are focused on fighting, that's what you'll get. Every time the bell rings, you will think it's your fight or, in other words, that every thing is ABOUT YOU.

Tune in to what you appreciate and not what you don't like or what you don't want. Stop talking about what you don't want. Start talking about what you want, appreciate and how you will feel when those things come in to fruition. Do not focus on people, places or things that you do not want or that are not good for you. If you need to make a decision or plan for the future, for example, do just that. Perform your analysis, understand what you don't want but focus on what you do want. If a person needs help, help them; but don't dwell on the negative details of their life. Be empathetic but don't take ownership of or claim what you don't want.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but every thing is NOT about you. Every time the bell rings it is not your fight. So the next time you find yourself stressing or obsessively worrying about something that has nothing to do with you; think about the chaos and disorder you are inviting in to your life.

<sup>Success No Longer Has To Be a Game of Chance

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad

"Man can form things in his thought and by impressing his thought upon formless substance, can cause the thing he/she thinks about to be created." Wallace D. Wattles

I was thinking on the concept of success earlier today. I realized that it's a relative term and that being successful is a simple matter of definition. I was struck by a simple, yet phenomenal statement.

Success is just a thought away.

I've learned over the years that many people define success as this lofty, deeply involved abstract process that requires something close to rocket science to achieve. Nothing could be further from the truth except when you have been trained to think of success as a unique feat that only a chosen few can achieve. The fact is that everyday and in every way you are successful. Your mere existence is a success story. To many this sounds like pure motivational talk and since many think that you have to endure hard labor in order to be successful, this is probably not resonating with you. Keep reading.

Success is generally defined as the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted. Whether or not you consider yourself successful is largely based on your perception and personal interpretation of this definition. And you perception and interpretation are likely based on your culture, environment, your past and your view of yourself. I encourage you to explore the origin of your own personal definition of success.

I recently decided to change the way I interpret the concept of success. Many of you have read my blogs on the magical affects of gratitude. When I want to change my vibration towards something, I begin to focus on how what I desire is manifesting in my life today. So, for example, if I want to attract more money, I focus on all the ways in which the money I have has enhanced my life; from the many clothes I own and wear; the lovely home I live in; the warm, thick comforter I have on my nice bed; the designer soap I use; the car I drive; the organic food I eat; the cell phone I talk on; the train pass I buy when I want to go downtown; the tooth brush and toothpaste I use. I could go on and on. Once I wrote down all the ways in which the money I earn has affected my life, I realized that I am surrounded by abundance. When I seek to earn additional money and I come from a place of abundance, I expect and attract more abundance. My thoughts changed from "I need" "I need" to "why wouldn't I have abundance? I come from a Source that is infinitely abundant."

In that moment, I redefine my perception of success in this area. I use that same concept when it comes to networking, dating or whatever I want to show up in my life.

Wallace D. Wattles, author of The Science of Getting Rich, says that "Man can form things in his thought and by impressing his thought upon formless substance, can cause the thing he/she thinks about to be created." If you are thinking of walking down the street and you get up and go walk down the street; then you are successful at walking down the street. You put thought and action upon something that had not yet happened or formed. In this vain, you are infinitely successful each day.

If you find yourself struggling with the concept of success or need to attract more success in a particular area of your life, try using gratitude to help you focus on what is showing up. Avoid conversations about how unsuccessful you perceived yourself to be in the past. Change the way you view success. When you are setting goals for yourself, it's important that you come from a place of abundance and realize that your desire is your right. By applying thought and action to your desires, your goals are but a thought away.

You were not born into this world to be unsuccessful. Success is no longer a game of chance reserved for an elite group of people. You are already successful. Begin to think, act and move like the successful Source that created you.

Success No Longer Has To Be A Game of Chance. It is Just A Thought Away</sup>

Beyond the Inauguration

We ALL are obligated, to start living as ONE Race, "The Human Race".... And Beyond the Inauguration, Let's Keep The Change!

Today, as I prepare to attend the Historical Inauguration in Washington, DC, and to celebrate "MLK N' ME" (Jan 15th) B'Day... I MUST STOP and reflect on what this opportunity really means to ME and exactly why I AM BLESSED TO BE AMONGST THE MILLIONS OF ATTENDEES:. "Here I Am Lord, Send Me" (?).... While searching the soul within, I realize I will be able to say: I was there for many reasons: I was there to encourage all Human Beings: Beyond the Inauguration: "Let's Keep the Change!" I was there to "represent' my great grandfather, Adam Thibodeaux, "Papa Deuce" and all my ancestors who have knocked down barriers to make this change possible!

My grandfather, "Papa Deuce' was a freed slave. They say, his slave name was ‘Possum D". I am honored and blessed to remember him. He spent allot of time with me and my brother. (If only we knew what we know now...We would have written down all his stories!). Papa Deuce didn't read or write, spoke in his native language, Creole French, and often fussed at me to "...stop run'n d'hem chickens!!!..." as I played outside. (lol) He rode a TALL black horse. Perhaps that is why I was destined to meet my husband, and later learn to love, raised and show, Quarter Horses. Papa Deuce, although he was Noir, had sky- blue eyes, tall & skinny, (seven feet in statute, as he looked to be from the eyes of lil me). My mother said Papa Deuce was mixed with white (that explained his blue eyes) . He was 102-104 years old, at least, when he died. His birth certificate had been lost.

I was there, in DC, for all the Harriet Tubman's, my mother (all who picked-cotton, In Louisiana and Alabama for a $1.00 a day living), my maternal Creole family, the Leblanc's & Thibodaux's, and paternal Golden and Franklin ancestors. Many of who suffered numerous beatings, hangings, killings and suicides, as martyrs in hopes of making changes, (in the right2 read, educational & employment opportunities, integration, etc.) I will think of them as I have the opportunity "to choose" which one of the 5,000 portal-potties to use on the DC Mall during the inauguration events.. I was there for my ancestors, the pioneers that I must represent! They are the ones that have opened doors for our children, and grandchildren! I was there to have the opportunity to CHOOSE to STAND, and WITHSTAND, the DC COLD temperatures and the long lines!

Contrary to what I initially thought was only to celebrate my MLK n' me (Jan. 15th B'day), and witness the historical inauguration. I now realize that I was there to "represent ALL our ancestors", the pioneer "Change-Makers" who paved the way for Barack Obama, the first Black President of U.S.

We ALL are obligated, to start living as ONE Race, "The Human Race".... And Beyond the Inauguration, Let's Keep The Change!
Von Franklin (Indianapolis, IN)

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad

As we are driving down this road called life, we often run into bumps in the road, potholes or we simply need to stop for repairs and refueling. These are realities that often times cannot be avoided; and, in a sense, shouldn't be. At times those bumps and potholes can be spiritual reminders or the universe's way of urging us to refocus or remain present. Use those times to re-center, be grateful and confirm where you are. It never hurts to stop and smell the roses. Furthermore, refueling and repairing are necessary tasks that will help us prepare for the journey ahead. Being distracted is more often how we perceive things that require our attention. Understanding the functions of both focus and discipline can help us to a better job at evaluating these, so called, distractions.

I have many clients who, like Barry, ask, "How can I remain focus and disciplined?" Focus and discipline are two different, yet related processes that can be used to help you achieve your desired goal. Focus can commonly be defined as a center of activity, attraction, or directed attention; while discipline, in this context, is commonly defined as orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior.

Think of focus in the context of a camera lense. Once we adjust the lense to its proper setting we can clearly see the object we desire to capture. Focus is the mental process through which we achieve clarity. In this sense, it's important to be clear on what we want. Once we are clear we can properly direct our attention. When we focus our attention, we make physical changes in our brains. By using our will we can focus and change the behaviors, thoughts and emotions we experience; and by changing our behaviors, thoughts and emotions, we will change our results. Our will is exerted by focusing our attention. Focusing our attention is like rewiring our brain. So, when we change our focus or adjust our focus, just like the camera lense, we alter our ability to capture different objects and experiences. For example, I have an affirmation that I say several times a day. My calendar is programmed to remind me to say this affirmation in an effort to rewire my brain so that I keep myself vibrationally in the right place. This keeps me focused throughout the day irrespective of what is going on around me.

Now, let's talk about discipline. We defined discipline earlier as an orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior. Discipline, in this context, is the manner in which we go about maintaining our focus. It's the process that brings what we are focusing on into reality. So, for example, if we point a camera in the right direction and perfectly adjust the lense we won't permanently capture the object of our desire unless we actually take the picture. We have to push the button.

Many of us have goals and desires. We can even say that we are focused on our goals and desires. Without the right behavior or discipline, our goals and desires are mere fantasies. We must apply action or the right behaviors in order to insure that what we are focusing on comes into fruition. Nothing happens, until we change our behavior. So, for example, if you decided that you wanted to be healthier in 2009. You must first start with focusing on being healthy and then secondly you must put together a plan of action that will make you healthier; such as, eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing your water and fiber intake and exercising.

Remember, focus and discipline are both vitally important when we are working towards specific goals. Understanding the power of them both will not only increase your chances of success but it will improve your ability to evaluate and perceive the so called distractions you will face. You'll recognize the difference between a bump in the road, a pitfall, the need to for repairs and refueling; and most importantly, you'll know whether or not you are using deceptive intelligence to convince yourself that either your goal is not important or that you don't need to change. It's a spiritual practice that requires mental and spiritual labor. You are well worth it.

written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad

"Other folk's problems will kill you." From my Mom

This year I am continuing a commitment I made to myself last year. 2008 marked a new beginning for me in that I started to love myself again. Prior to 2008, I was in my 2^nd year (or maybe 3^rd - it's all a blur) with my Entertainment Consulting business. I was also taking classes in Emotional Intelligence, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Life Coaching, managing several Artists and focusing on everyone and every thing else, but myself. I didn't feel good physically, spiritually or mentally. I was so intoxicated by the idea of fixing everyone else's problems that I took on the very negativity and self destructive nature that I was working to eradicate. The worse I felt, the more negatively I talked to myself and let myself go. I felt like I was on a road to nowhere. I knew I needed help but didn't know where to turn. I just sat around hoping someone would reach out and give me a hug or save me. I kept looking around for the love I thought I needed and didn't realize that the love I craved was right here within my own heart.

I'd been inspired with some great ideas that were cutting edge and trendsetting, but my lack of love for myself prevented me from honoring my own creativity. I was in serious spiritual trouble. I am so thankful that no matter how far a part we are from God, He never separates Himself from us.

I couldn't get people to give of themselves and commit to their own careers like I felt I was giving to them and I let it make me feel bad and unworthy. I was so absorbed in everyone else's life that I'd even noticed that I wasn't even praying like I used to. Who was I to think that I could fix everyone? I'm the kind of person that is often able to see a couple of chess moves ahead, so to speak, and I could see that if my clients just pushed a little harder or committed a little more that they'd be right where they dreamed of being. So since they didn't push, I pushed for them, not even realizing that I was pushing myself away from my own destiny. My thinking became increasingly negative; I began attracting negative situations, things and people. I was critically spiritually disappointed because I'd been deeply focusing on building my spiritual muscles and knowledge for over 10 years. But I couldn't fix myself with any of the techniques I'd learned over the years. I was attracting great opportunities for my clients but not myself.

I remember my Mom always had this saying, "Other folk's problems will kill you." I now truly understand that comment. I learned the value of not attempting to own the destiny of my clients. I am merely a facilitator and a guide. I was hurt because I couldn't do it for them. I wanted more for them than I wanted for myself. I just couldn't accept that perhaps it wasn't their time. And when they are spiritually ready, they will attract exactly what they need. I remember meditating on Jesus. I was reminded of how he told us that "all we need is faith the size of a mustard seed" and we can move mountains. I went and purchased a package of mustard seeds and stared at them. I thought, "Why would he need to say this if we already had faith the size of a mustard seed?" I thought, "Ok, I gotta work to have more faith than a mustard seed." In that moment, I started praying and crying profusely. I just let it all go in a soul cleansing whale. Something shifted and a voice inside my heart said, "You gotta love yourself. All that you need to walk in purpose is right here inside of you." I sat up almost all night repeating that to myself over and over again. The next day, I woke up and my whole face was swollen. I looked in the mirror and said to myself out loud, "Damn, you look like somebody just died." I then started to meditate. I just wanted to reconnect with my Source. I meditated so long that I mediated the swelling right out of my face.

Subsequently, my inner voice seemed to come back. My spiritual vision was clearer than ever. The experience reminded me of a prayer I started saying almost 10 years ago. "Lord, let every breath I take be a prayer of thanks." I got hooked on gratitude at that point and grabbed a notebook and wrote out pages and pages of people, places things and situations for which I was grateful.

I realized that everything I'd learned over the years meant nothing if I didn't love myself. All the earth shattering ideas, intelligence, beauty and love meant nothing if I didn't start with myself. It didn't matter who I knew or how many people sung my praises. If I didn't love myself I'd soon self destruct. I changed my thoughts and the way I looked at everything that was happening to me. I took responsibility. I apologized to myself. I turned my mistakes into rules for the future. Most importantly, I forgave myself for neglecting the greatest gift I will ever receive. Loving myself became a must.

I began a commitment to continue with the spiritual and mental labor that I knew was necessary in order to cure myself of what I call "the disease of unworthiness". I made a commitment to myself. I now trust that people know what is best for them and that they have to go through their own spiritual journey. I use my vision and ability to connect with others to enhance my Coaching and Consulting practice. My love for myself is now connected to the love I have for the One who made me. I am diligent with my gratitude journal and studies. I am committed to practicing the components of emotional intelligence. Loving me is now a must.

Loving myself has changed my life. I have watched my income level increase. I have begun to attract and share abundance. I am happier than I've ever been because I now see life differently. I respect my journey and am grateful for the many years of spiritual study that has given me a treasure house of tools that I can use to help myself and others.

I was inspired to formally start a Coaching and Consulting Firm in 2007. I named it The Authentic You, LLC because I realized the importance of discovering your authenticity. I call myself The Authenticity Coach ^TM because I now understand how to help others discover their authenticity. I am now a better Coach, Manager, Friend and overall person. I realize that I would never be authentic if I didn't love myself. I now walk in purpose and have a spiritual connection that is outrageously contagious.

The C.H.A.N.G.E. Movement
written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad

I was so fortunate to have beautiful spirit filled Christmas, which included volunteering to feed the homeless and those in need of a hot meal and visiting with loved ones. Part of that incredible day was meeting a phenomenal young woman, who among other things is a model, actress and college student. Brittany Scales, came up with a new tradition in the spirit of Change. I call it The C.H.A.N.G.E. Movement. Her enthusiasm, leadership and authenticity resonated with and inspired me.

Brittany gave out beautifully wrapped candles. The colors were as vibrant as her personality. Each candle had a letter from the word "change" inscribed on the bottom. As she explained what each letter meant and how she planned to ignite the country with this new symbol of change, I watched as everyone in the room nodded in agreement and supported her efforts.

What immediately came to my mind is that change not only signifies correction and modification but it also symbolizes a shift in mindset. In the words of Dr. Wayne Dyer, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." To this end, change is the way in which we can begin to see the magnificent work of the universe and retrain our brains to focus on all the good that is showing up in our lives. When we focus on the good and are grateful for its appearance, we attract more of the same into our lives. Let us all join Brittany and make CHANGE part of our life mission in 2009.

The C.H.A.N.G.E. Movement
The New Tradition for the United States
Created by Brittany Scales

It is a distinct necessity for the people of today and tomorrow to build a new tradition in the honor of C.H.A.N.G.E. This tradition symbolizes a new mindset and a way of thinking.