Note From the Author

(1 Minute Read)

A few months ago, I helped a family in need. The matriarch of the family put in a 911 call to me to help her and her family with a place to live after they were evicted from their residence. I jumped right in (feet first) to assist. I put them up in 2 rooms in my home and extended 30 days to them. There was one stipulation I gave them (prior to them moving in), keep my place as neat as you found it. The 2 rooms I gave them (free of charge) were slated to be rental rooms for potential short-term tenants. It was why I purchased the property in the first place- to rent out space if ever I lost my job or needed extra income. That 30 days has now turned into 120 days and has made me extremely uncomfortable in the home I worked so hard to get.

Since moving in, they have destroyed my furniture, carpets, and have all but ignored my cleaning policy. They have invited unexpected guests over who also ignored my house rules. They tripled all of the utilities and now when I need help the most, I cannot get it because they are still here. I have talked to the matriarch and asked her to leave my home, but now, she doesn’t seem to want to leave she is truly comfortable making and I an uncomfortable in my home. I hate the idea of putting someone with children out, but she has left me no other choice.

Have any of you ever experienced something like this in your home? If so, can you drop us a quick note to tell us how you resolved the situation?

Today’s “Live Out Loud” newsletter will cover

• Shien and Forever 21 have forged a lasting bond (1 minute read)

• The Power of Self-Belief: Rising Strong After Failure (3 minute read)

• When I was in need of encouragement, a member of my tribe sent me this: What is Success- A Poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1 minute read)

Shein and Forever 21 have teamed up

In the bustling heart of the fashion industry, a seismic shift was underway as two retail giants, SHEIN and Forever 21, embarked on an unexpected journey of convergence. The fashion world stood agog as news spread like wildfire, fueling excitement and speculation in equal measure. The merger was no less than a sartorial supernova, as SHEIN's penchant for affordable, trendy styles fused with Forever 21's legacy of youthful exuberance. Their union promised a fusion of fast-fashion innovation and timeless charm, a marriage that would redefine the very fabric of the industry.

Fun facts about this iconic union peppered conversations in every fashion circle. Did you know that if all the garments sold by SHEIN and Forever 21 were lined up, they could encircle the Earth three times over? And the collaboration didn't stop at the racks – the two brands also unveiled an augmented reality-powered shopping experience that allowed customers to virtually try on outfits before purchase, revolutionizing the way fashion enthusiasts indulged their retail therapy. As the merger unfolded, it became clear that this dynamic duo was not just stitching together fabrics, but weaving a new narrative in the ever-evolving tapestry of style.

The Power of Self-Belief: Rising Strong After Failure

Introduction

Failure is an inevitable part of life's journey. Everyone, at some point, faces setbacks, disappointments, and mistakes. It's during these trying times that believing in oneself becomes crucial. While failure can be discouraging, maintaining self-belief is a powerful tool for personal growth, resilience, and eventual success. In this article, we will explore the significance of believing in yourself even in the face of failure.

Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

Failure is not the end; it's a stepping stone on the path to success. Often, the most successful individuals have faced numerous failures before achieving their goals. Believing in oneself during these challenging moments is what propels one forward. Each setback offers an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. With the right mindset, failures can be seen as valuable lessons that contribute to personal development and eventual triumph.

Building Resilience

Believing in yourself fosters resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity. Resilience is not about avoiding failure, but rather about facing it head-on and using it as a catalyst for growth. When you believe in your capabilities, you're better equipped to manage stress, adapt to changes, and maintain a positive outlook. This resilience is what empowers you to persevere even when the odds are stacked against you.

Silencing Self-Doubt

Failure often gives rise to self-doubt and negative self-talk. However, a strong belief in oneself acts as a shield against these destructive thoughts. When you have unwavering self-belief, you're more likely to challenge your doubts and focus on your strengths instead. This self-assurance cultivates a mindset that's conducive to problem-solving and finding innovative solutions, leading to eventual success.

Fueling Determination

Believing in yourself fuels determination. It's this determination that keeps you going when the going gets tough. When you trust in your abilities, you're motivated to put in the effort, persist through challenges, and keep moving forward. The more determined you are, the more likely you are to turn setbacks into stepping stones and transform failure into a driving force for achievement.

Inspiring Others

Your self-belief doesn't just impact you—it can inspire others as well. When people witness someone who believes in themselves despite failures, they are inspired to adopt a similar mindset. Your journey through setbacks and your ability to rise again can serve as a beacon of hope for others who might be struggling. By demonstrating resilience and self-belief, you become a source of encouragement and motivation for those around you.

Conclusion

Believing in yourself even when you have failed is a transformative mindset that can lead to personal growth, resilience, and eventual success. Embracing failure as a stepping stone, building resilience, silencing self-doubt, fueling determination, and inspiring others are all outcomes of a strong self-belief. Remember, failure is not the end of the road—it's an opportunity to learn, evolve, and ultimately achieve your goals. So, in the face of adversity, keep the flame of self-belief burning bright and watch yourself soar to new heights.

What is Success? Written by Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of our “Live Out Loud” tribe members, Ms. Tanya Reynolds, sent this poem to me this week when I was grasping for help. It helped bring a smile to my face and I hope it brings one to yours as well.

What is Success?

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;

This is to have succeeded.

P.S.- Do you have a story about you, your business, a task, or a project that you were successful at that you want to share with the community? Drop us a line at: [email protected] and a LOL team member will follow-up with you.

P.P.S- Look out for the “relaunch” of Conversations With Mechel (the podcast)