HAPPY NEW YEAR SURVIVORS!!!

Welp, I'm pretty sure by now, you've listed the many resolutions or goals you're setting forward to accomplish in the new year of 2013.  The infamous weight loss resolution, finding love, letting go of a love one, reading more, going back to school, graduating from school, starting your own business, reconstructing your business, etc.  WHATEVER it is that you decide to do and for however long you decide to do it (y'all know some of y'all only last a day with some of those resolutions), continue to speak LIFE into your goals, dreams and/or resolutions.  Don't aim to let your first step be too HUGE that you miss the journey once you accomplish it (you need reflection periods to stay focused on implementing your goals).  Try somethings small and you'll be amazed at how far you will go......

When I started ANMF, it took a simple email to some CLOSE & DEPENDABLE friends, sharing my thoughts on what I wanted to do to help others......I kid you not, a month later, I launched an official opening kick-off for A New Me Foundation.  I had no plans, no money to start a business, no board members...... nothing!  I just spoke out loud to someone else, what I wanted and it was in alignment with God's will and purpose for my life obviously, so it was gonna manifest.  Others followed my story/testimony, wanted to volunteer or just was inspired to lay their hands on me in prayer, encouraging words continuously, gave monetary donations to help me do whatever my heart desired for ANMF..... and I for one am truly GRATEFUL.

My life I know is a just a template for others to say, my God, if she can do it, Lord knows I can.  I was a loud mouth, ghetto fabulous ride a die chick, not interested in anything that made sense in life, conceited, stubborn, rebellious, not educated or motivated to do nothing but get over another day to live into the next day and finally, don't be shocked, but Felicia T. Simpson used to be capital..... L-A-Z-Y.  Oh my God, was I lazy.  I had the mindset that I shouldn't have to do nothing but dress fly, get my hair and nails done and party.  THANK GOD THOSE DAYS ARE OVER.  I never set goals, being foolish, I saw blessings as "luck" but again, THANK GOD THOSE DAYS ARE OVER.

If you aren't prepared for the MANY sacrifices, setbacks, tears, hard work, studying, networking, that goes with seeing your goals accomplished.... then stop what you're doing and don't even set yourself up for failure.  NO ONE is gonna accomplish YOUR goals but YOU.  If you were like me and was lazy, starting a business is not for you.  I always tell people, if you don't think you're suppose to mop the floors or clean the walls of the place where your business will be housed, then that's not your place or position as a leader: A LEADER IS A SERVANT FIRST.  Volunteer somewhere in the field that you want to start your business doing.  Get an experienced work out partner who will truly teach the disciplines one needs to get and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  You want to be a writer or only write a book about your testimony.....simple, read books on biographies to get an idea of various writing formats, research different publishing companies and/or self-publishing companies, copyrights information and options, etc.  Who is your target population that you know will read your books?  Interview that target population to see what kind of books are out there already and what's not in those books to make sure you add it into yours.  Those are just a few things that can get you started in 2013.

Finally, my goal for 2013 is: since I have failed Spanish 101 ....FOUR....times in undergrad and has now become my setback to getting my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, I'm going to spend the next two years studying and learning the Spanish language and culture BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.  That means using online tutorials, visiting Spanish museums, restaurants, stores, networking with Spanish business owners, purchasing study guides, flash cards and using the textbooks that I already own and getting busy.  Just as I put forth the many efforts to make my home, children, family, relationship, friends, strangers and anything else a success or reach their maximum potentials, I need to put that same energy into Spanish and I can't wait to see what the outcome of this goal is gonna be in two years....... so stay tuned!!!!

BE BLESSED AND SAFE THIS NEW YEAR'S EVE AND CONTINUE TO HELP US BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES ALSO IN 2013 AND UNTIL ALL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN HAVE ENDED. 

DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Women bare more than the strength of a lion.  We give birth to beautiful children, care for our homes and families, make time for our passions (some of us get paid for doing what we love to do), heal the sick, mend the broken pieces found in others, but so often we NEGLECT ourselves.  Well ladies, it's time to take better care of YOU!!! 

These thoughts comes to mind because as a survivor of domestic violence, I no longer take for granted the simple things in life: taking a walk a long the beach, yes, if you live in Chicago, the weather isn't that bad.....try it!  Or for myself, I love taking pictures, especially nature shots (birds, land, flowers, trees, water, bugs, etc), for me, it's the best meditation after a hard work week. I've learned to appreciate the smallest or simplest things in life that guess what?  MAKES ME HAPPY.  

I come across so many women that can tell me EVERYTHING about what their kids, spouses, families and friends love to do and how they "go all out" for them, but when I ask them the question, what do YOU enjoy doing?  Their faces are beyond blank, or their minds are racing with thoughts to quickly answer the question, due to lack of knowledge or they never thought about what they actually like to do.  Women, women, women, get your lives back in order and do something for YOU.  Tell the hubster to watch the kids, cause momma is going out in the world to enjoy her some, "me time".  If you're single, reorganize that calendar and get to stepping as Martin Lawrence would say and find your passion, perfect your hobbies, read a book, sing a song...... just do something that relaxes your mind from the chaos of the world.  

It took me to escape to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to find out that I love to write.  The crazy thing is, I wrote everyday in my journals, but my mind could not articulate that I love to write stories, or deal with my problems and frustrations through writing.  To me, I was simply doing something out of habit.  So once I figured out that my passion was writing, four books that I've written have been self published, I began blogging because it was my feelings not expressed in my journal but on the internet so that others can read it and know that they too can survive and live a victorious life.  I help women, their children and their families who have been affected by domestic violence so you can imagine how much speaking and writing I have to do.

What is your passion?  What makes you smile while in the mist of doing it?  What helps you inspire and empower others?  That thing or those things that are the answer to those questions are all things that YOU need to do and do in the lives of others.  I was being interviewed for an online article and was asked about how I feel when people or organizations "copy" what I do with my foundation?  My answer was simple, I feel nothing, I've given them a template to use and what else would I expect them to do but use it.  I don't feel like people copy me and the things I'm doing in our communities.  It makes me proud to know and see when someone comes to me seeking help and ways to help others and start executing their passions.  I say that to say, while doing your passions and perfecting your hobbies, you are not only helping yourself and possibly your families, but there's a slight chance that you'll help birth someone else's passions.

So let's recap, busy woman of God, SLOW DOWN, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF and finally, DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND SMILE ON THE INSIDE THAT PRODUCES FRUIT ON THE OUTSIDE.



HELP BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

THE WORLD LOOKS DIFFERENT TODAY

The world looks different today.
Not just any different.
Somethings have changed,
I've changed!!
The things that used to upset me, don't now.
The places I used to go for what I thought was fun, 
no longer excites me.
The world looks different today.
Not just any different.
Somethings have changed.
I've changed!!!
The people who I once loved and would do almost anything for,
are no longer my priority.
As the days go by, I noticed the growth in my love and commitment I invest in my kids,
instead of neglecting them and expecting society to raise them.
I told you, the world looks different today.
It's because I'm different today.
God has erased my past and now I look at things differently.
The pain that I had, 
I released it to God.
That love I lost, 
I thanked God that He had someone for me that loves me wholeheartedly now,
and time prepared me to receive it.
The tears I used to cry have been far removed from me.
The fears I used to have, I stand boldly in front of them now.
See, in order to see a difference, you first must be different.
Remove the toxins and distractions in your life.
Accept who you are, your flaws and begin a new work within you.
When you feel like giving up, remember the journey you set forth on 
and know that the world will look different to you, 
once you open your eyes up to view it.

A Poem Written for the Domestic Violence Tragedy of the NFL's Kansas City Chief's Linebacker, Jovan Belchr and His Girlfriend

The hands that once caressed my body 
you now fill them with resentment towards me.
The warm nights that were full of laughs and tickles,
is now greeted with yells and pain from your fists.
Nothing I do ever seems good enough for you now,
in the beginning, every little bit counted.
Look at our child, what do you see?
Fear, pain, love, hate, confused, later in life possibly self mutilation, a VICTIM!
What happened to yesterday morning?
You said you'd get some help.
What happened to yesterday late afternoon?
You sent me the most beautiful roses with a note that said,
I'M SORRY & I LOVE YOU, PLEASE FORGIVE ME.
What happened to last night after we made love and you held me tight?
You said you would stop drinking and getting so upset with me.
Let me tell you what happened?
IT WAS ALL A LIE!! 
The problem is, I can't tell anyone else that because,
shortly after we made love and you held me tight,
you suddenly became angry again and little did I know,
you had a gun under your pillow.
All of the questions I had for you about yesterday,
will NEVER be answered because now,
TODAY, my family mourns my death and our child  
is now without both of their parents, because not only 
did you take my life, you took yours too.
But again, the hands that once caressed my body
are no longer there because the same hands that were gentle
at one point communicated best with my body in the end
with a gun that laid both of us to eternal rest.
The cries I once had are no longer and hopefully now,
someone can live their life to fullest cause I lost mine.
My life is in Heaven now.




I was reading several articles in regards to this tragedy and I'm not here to blame either parties.  As an advocate and survivor of domestic violence, I am well aware of what all could've and should've been done to help prevent this.  NOT knowing how to see domestic violence warning signs in a potential partner could someday lead to YOUR death.  Not everyone makes it out ALIVE!  The poem I wrote is my overall take on domestic violence and the cycle that victims go through.  This poem was NOT written to give detailed accounts of what happened in this specific murder/suicide.  To me, BOTH of them became victims in the end, and now, their families have been charged by God and society to help all of us BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

TODAY.......

.......pray that God will open up your spiritual ears to hear a word from Him.  Pray for your spiritual eyes to follow His directions and that your spiritual eyes will give you the vision you need to carry out your dreams today to help someone else.  Finally, pray for words to speak in love, patience, humility and with the love of God and not gossip, backbiting or death towards someone else who seems unloveable.  Your faith be the substance to carry you through today.  Today is a day of NEW mercies and NEW grace.  Take up your cross and lay at the Master's feet in prayer, worship and thanksgiving.  Yesterday is over, today has begun and apart of the legacy you will leave behind, tomorrow!

ENCOURAGEMENT FROM OUR FOUNDER

Fight your enemy with knowledge from on High, the battle is not yours, it belongs to the Lord.  Why stay in a relationship that doesn't support you, encourage you and keep you focused on the will of God in your life?  God never meant for you to live a life of guilt, shame or defeat.  He has a purpose for your life to help the lives of others.  Don't settle for less as cliche as it sounds it is true to the mind, body and soul.  What you see is what fruit you produce and what seeds you will sow.  If you only defeat, then guess what produces? DEFEAT.  If you see the victory already won, then PRAISE GOD IN ADVANCE!!!  The enemy uses the same tricks to keep us out of alignment with God.  That's his job and your job is to do what God's purpose was for creating you.  Have the faith of a small muster seed to carry out your dreams and see God manifest your dreams in the spiritual realm into the natural realm.  Tell storms in your life to be still and get ready for your breakthrough.  There's preparation before the race is to be won and you have to prepare yourself for the victory that's coming in your life.  Loose addictions, strongholds, unhealthy intimate, business relationships and friendships that's standing in your way to getting what all God has for you.  Be blessed in that all you do and do in the lives of others.

THE STORM IS OVER NOW

Ever felt like you were out in a field, alone and scared to make your next steps in life?  I've been there too and I had to recognize that my storms in life were OVER!!!!  What happens when you've prayed for something so long and don't even realize that your prayers have been answered and the storms have moved on out of the atmosphere?  I love this song because it speaks on what you can do to answer all of those questions (no I'm not giving you the answers lol).  Storms may rise in your life but they won't last forever.  Storms come to wash away unclean things in your life and prepare you for when the sun does shine again in your life.  Be grateful for the storms that come pass your life, it's a teaching moment, I promise.  If God told us to have faith the size of a muster seed that will be capable to move mountains, how much of your faith do you have to be still during a storm.  I believe storms are God's way of getting our attention sometimes.  Every time there's a storm, we automatically blame the devil and casting out demons.  In a spiritual perspective, I believe God is saying, "I've tried talking to you but you were too busy".  Or, "Now that I have your undivided attention, you can listen to Me and what I have to say regarding your life".

Yesterday, I read some of my journals I've kept over the years and recalled the moments when the storms in my life were drowning me and when they were just getting me prepared to move into what God had next for my life.  I looked at the small things that I prayed for and how it might have taken awhile to get the prayers answered and I also saw how some of the larger things I prayed for are unveiling now in my life and/or moving towards that direction.  Some storms will last longer than others but you have to be dressed properly, meaning your spiritual armor and filled with the fruits of the spirit, to get through them.    Always remember, storms are preparing you for what's to come and never meant for you stay in it.

Finally, listen to this song and give God praise and worship in advance, and declare it NOW that your storms are over!!!

BEFORE YOU DO!!! (Referencing the book written by Bishop T.D. Jakes]

My favorite book by Bishop T.D. Jakes is titled, Before You Do.  This book is a prelude to all of the most IMPORTANT decision making topics and areas in one's life.  Topics on before you make business decisions, engagement to marital decisions, having children, spiritual decisions, buy a house, divorce, settle for less, etc.  I decided to reread this book for the 50-11th time because I am in gear for a lot of NEW things in my personal and professional life, that I need a refresher on and wanted to share my thoughts, with you.

There are high and low peaks in my life, mostly like others.  Some moments my business is booming but my personal life is suffering or lack there of.  At other times, my personal life soars and my business is suffering seeds being planted so what do I do?  GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AND REFLECT ON THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS I'VE MADE, AND ASK MYSELF WHY DID I MAKE THOSE DECISIONS?  

I love this book because even if you scheme through it to only read the parts that is beneficial to you and your life, you will still walk away and be blessed beyond measures (though I suggest you read the entire book).  I'm often challenging my self to go further than what has been done myself and by others.  For example, we have plenty of domestic violence shelters in this country so I don't work hard as I do to simply open up another one to be like the other shelters.  I work very hard to NEVER have to open up a shelter for victims of domestic violence.  That is my ultimate goal, no more shelters will be needed to be of service because violence against women and their children will END! PERIOD!  Now, I am greatly appreciative of the services that the shelters provide for this population currently. I network with them often and support them in all that I can do in their communities.  ANMF is a foundation to HELP OTHERS, that is a part of our mission that we carry out DAILY.

My favorite part of this book by the Bishop is:

The Art of Fighting
"God gave us the gift of anger and the fuel of adrenaline......You have to fight to walk, to improve, to graduate, to love, to live, to SURVIVE (emphasis mine).  But before you fight, you must think deeply to understand whether the spoils of the war justify the fight.  If yes, stand up to the pain, not just your own but the pain of all those involved, the innocent who may be hurt in the fight, and those against you.  Because, try all you want, if you truly want to escape the hold your enemies have on you, you must understand their pain..... As you think through which fights to engage and which to avoid, realize that some people are not as interested in results as they are in conflict."

I love this in particular as it relates to my current position as a Violence Prevention Specialist  that pours into me being the Founder of ANMF.  Before, I make decisions whether I'm angry and/or happy I TRY MY BEST to process it first and then go through with it.  Some people think that once they pray over something, they'll wait on God to "bless" them with it........ THAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU CAN MAKE. It does no good to have faith in God without works, y'all know the scripture.  I've done this many of times and honestly got tired of hearing myself pray and nothing else.

So remember BEFORE YOU DO anything, PRAY, RESEARCH, WORK, BE STILL & LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD & COMMON SENSE, just to name a few things to do.

BREAK THE SILENCE & SPREAD YOUR KNOWLEDGE!

A NEW ME FOUNDATION..... IS UNDER RECONSTRUCTION

Greetings,

We are so excited about the NEW beginnings that A New Me Foundation has in store this upcoming fall, winter and leading us into the NEW year of 2013.  We are in the process of creating a NEW website, NEW programs to offer, fundraisers, etc and ask that you patiently and prayerfully take this journey of reconstruction with us.  We are proud of the milestones we've set in the past, but we are always looking forward to NEW opportunities that will a) help END domestic violence for our clients, b) continue to EMPOWER women and their children and c) continue to provide our communities with resources to help victims and survivors of domestic violence.

We are excited for the NEW beginnings and appreciate the OLD ways that have provided so many women and their children to embrace and embark on NEW and POSITIVE ways to help us in the fight against women and their children.   Again, please be patient with us and PRAY with us in this journey.

In the meantime, if you would like services provided, share your stories to be featured on our blogs, book our Founder to speak at your next event, email us at felicianewme@gmail.com


Blessings from a far,
Felicia T. Simpson
Founder & Executive Director of A New Me Foundation

INSIDE OF A ROOM

Last night I had the honor of speaking at an open mic poetry contest to help raise awareness at the K.L.E.O. Center.  There was a young lady who sung intimately about her and a partner getting out of a room together.  My mind immediately begin roaming as I listened to the lyrics and I thought about where I was at, in that present moment.  I visually thought about the women who had previously came inside of that room I was sitting in, who had just been battered by their partner and seeking help.  I thought about all the women who came inside that room to share testimonies of their experience with domestic violence.  I thought the mothers that came inside of that room to share with someone that their daughter didn't make it out of their abusive relationship, ALIVE!  That room touched my spirit so heavily that I shared what I was thinking with the audience last night during my time to speak.  You see, inside of that room was more than singing, rapping and musicians playing instruments, it was about the silence that was broken to help end domestic violence.  It was about God delivering people using the sounds of my voice and others who shared their stories as well.  Inside of that room, closure was finally met over an ex that abused someone.  Inside of that room, a young man gained more knowledge of what happens when women and their children are abused.  Finally, inside of that room, we were all taught how to add our PIECE to the PEACE we need in the fight against all violence.


BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!!!!!  

I Forgot About Me

So busy worried about making you happy, that I forgot about what makes me happy.
Time has gone by and I'm so used to waiting for your commands on my next steps,
that I forgot how to schedule my own destiny.
Your love means the world to me,
I've put you first in all things and somehow,
forgot all about me.
Now that things are adding up for you,
your dreams are soaring into existence,
you have the nerve to step back and analyze me.
I don't blame you, what else should you do?
The magnifying glass has been placed upon me
and God told me that He gave me gifts to use to edify His kingdom.
Never to put man before Him again!

I looked over my dreams and visions and they are drowning from lack of attention.
They are yelling to me,  "Remember me?"
How can I remember you, when I forgot all about me?
Starting today, I'm gonna take that small step towards what's best for me.
Looking in the mirror and recognizing who I am and not who you want me to be.
I may have forgotten who I once was and where I was headed.
Not any more, God predestined me for greatness and made me in His image.
So I'm determined to plant my feet back in the race of my dreams.
Someone out there needs me to survive!
Even in the days that I forget or want to give up, He always remember me.
The times that I feel worthless, I'm gonna remember the passions that are burning inside of me.
When there's no one else to tell my problems to, I vow to remember You first.

In life, I may get confused, scared, worried or just don't want to do things at a certain time.
I've invested so much energy into other people lives that I forgot about me.
I forgot about what I like and dislike.
I forgot about how I like to listen to the sounds of the ocean, just because.
I forgot about how the cool late night breeze, tickles my nose and makes me smile.
I forgot what's it like to be loved genuinely by another human being.
I forgot about the fire that ignites in my soul when you hear the sounds of my voice on a microphone.
I forgot about how fast my pen hits the paper and creates a blessing for someone else.
I forgot how smooth silk feels because I've concentrated so much on the chaos that surrounds me.
With this list I do vow to thee that never again, will I ever forget about me!


This was written for a new survivor of domestic violence who is in the transition stages after leaving their abusive partner.  We say so many times how easy it is to leave an abusive relationship but we never know what's in the mind of a victim that just left their relationship.  I always challenge people to walk one hour in the shoes of a victim of domestic violence.  If you choose to do it, I promise that your life will change and you too, will join me on the journey of breaking the silence of domestic violence in our communities.  

A Letter from our Founder

Dear SURVIVORS:

The time is approaching again to observe those of us that have been affected by domestic violence.  Each year I go to the kick off rally at the Thompson Center here in Chicago.  It is a place of reflection for me.  First, I thank God that I am still on the other side of domestic violence as a survivor, then I say a prayer for victims and their families.  However, the cycle will never be completely broken until we also help our batterers as well.  So I briefly stop by the table set up for Domestic Peace which is a court mandated program that is designed to help batterers seek help beyond leaving the courtroom/incarceration.  This day is filled with courage, joy, sadness, inspiration and a host of other attributes as participants and onlookers gather to hear the latest statistics, see and hear elected officials perspectives on the annual observance and even see those outside who are simply on their lunch breaks, listening to the conversations.

Each year during this rally, I set new goals for myself as a survivor and for A New Me Foundation.  After all, this rally has helped me tremendously in all of my endeavors to end the fight of violence against women and their children.  It saddens me that thousands of people show up for breast cancer and AIDS walks but 100 people show up to speak out against domestic violence.  Just as cancer and AIDS, domestic violence is present in homes in our communities DAILY!  There are too many 9-1-1 calls made daily to Chicago Police Department to back that fact up and not to mention the calls that never make it through because either the victim changed their mind, couldn't make it to a phone, a neighbor turned their back or worse, the batterer killed the victim.

People have been asking me what is ANMF doing for DVAM?  My answer is simple, no events but simply getting the money needed to submit to the IRS for the non-profit status.  To me, we have spread the word in our communities by hosting local events (not that we're going to stop doing that), but it's time for us to go after the "big dogs" and to do that, you have to have government and private funders.  ANMF isn't just another place for those battered women to get services, no, ANMF is the place that birth LEADERS out of those that at one time, have been abused.

As the Founder and Executive Director of ANMF, I take full responsibility of helping others in life receive the best out of life.  I encourage everyone to continue their support to ANMF and other agencies and advocates of domestic violence.  We could never do this work alone and wouldn't even try to.  It takes courage and compassion for you to donate your time and/or hard earned money to those less fortunate than you.  On behalf of those that walk in similar shoes as myself, WE THANK YOU!!!

Know that we don't only observe domestic violence in the month of October but EVERYDAY of our lives and in the lives of others.  There are victims out there who need us to help them and we are available to help and with your help, can continue to help them regardless of what society says about them.

In all that you do, may God continue to bless you as you help BREAK THE SILENCE of domestic violence in our communities.


With love from afar,
Felicia Simpson
Founder & Executive Director of ANMF  

RELAUNCH OF THE BOOK: GOD, DO I HEAR WEDDING BELLS?

Let me say, I am extremely humbled by the opportunities I've had because of my first book, God, Do I Hear Wedding Bells?  This book opened up so many doors for me to speak out against domestic violence.  This book is not nor has it ever been a "tell all" book regarding my former marriage.  My ex-husband was very supportive of this book financially, emotionally and he also attended my first book signing back in 2007.  We both have had to endure painful memories in our lives and wanted to share with anyone who wanted to read it.  I dedicated this book to him as well because we both gained a testimony out of it (look how God works).  


As I have written plenty other books, blogs and various writings that have been published, this book is and will always be my "baby".  If you have read the book, please ask others to come out and purchase this book to help me continue to provide domestic violence awareness and educational workshops in our communities.  


This is a fictional story of some of the experiences I actually went through while in a domestic violence relationship.  My prayer for this book is to not point fingers at anyone but for people to gain wisdom and seek God to be delivered from their shortcomings (we all have at least one).

Remember as you go forth in life: BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!!!!!

DON'T GIVE UP!!!!

Ever felt like God isn't listening to you? Ever felt like giving up? Helped others all the while, you're in desperate need of basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing? Trotted around the same valley in your life and never making it to the mountaintop? Didn't get the grades you were the most proud of? Unemployed or didn't hired for the position you wanted? If so, guess what? I HAVE TOO!!! I come by way of faith today to reach out to someone who is ready to give up and take the roads less traveled in life. Being an entrepreneur is NOT all cookies and cream, especially with new businesses. I pay homage to business owners of 25 plus years. Trying to empower women and live a normal life is no easy task. Yes, I've empowered some men along the way but my passion is to help women that have been affected by domestic violence and other injustices in this world. I have my feet planted back firmly now towards my dreams and personal goals. For a while I was so lost or so it seemed that I couldn't write or say any words of encouragement to anyone. This was surely my wilderness season. It almost felt weird writing again and getting ready to relaunch my first book I wrote, God, Do I Hear Wedding Bells? But time and time again, God sent people that have shared their struggles and left me with two POWERFUL thoughts to meditate and ACT on: "This is going to add to your testimony". "You're not on the same wavelengths/channels/frequencies as your blessings. You are allowing your current situation to distract you". "DON'T GIVE UP". When I tell you that these three sentences has changed my life in a matter of a 24 hour period, it was only God using His earthen vessels. I'm human like everyone else, my life is not always together and believe it or not I MAKE TONS OF MISTAKES. Some things I excel in than others and with success there will be some failures. I don't always do things right the first time around, but I never stop trying. A NEW ME is forever changing and I'm not just talking about my foundation. I'm talking about me as a person and the foundation. My faith has been the only thing that has kept me sane throughout this season and others. I don't know what God is getting ready to do in my life and others, but, I TRUST HIM TO TAKE CARE OF ALL OF MY NEEDS. For the community of sisters who have been victims of domestic violence, DON'T GIVE UP!!! Know that God loves you and so do I. For the women that needs to be empowered, put one foot in front of the other and carry yourself towards a new journey in life. Again, I say all of these things because either at one point in my life or currently, I'm walking in the same paths as you are. Be blessed in all that you do, and do in the lives of others. BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!!!!

GOD says, It's Time to MOVE ON

I almost want to do a praise shout right here but I'll save it for later. I have been attacked in every area of my life in the month of April: finances, love, one of my children, business loss, personal frustrations, etc. in each area, God either restored it and made things better, OR He gave me the ok that it's simply time to MOVE ON, and move on now. I very aggressive with my faith with God, meaning, I don't let NOTHING or NO ONE move or influence my faith in an opposite direction. A lot of the things that you see me post or heard me talk about is from the root of having FAITH in the impossible. I almost never have the capital or resources to produce the things that I do. But I have shown people that I have a desire to get things done and commit to it, no matter what. The key to me in this start phase of legally making a solid rock for A New Me Foundation to stand on is, knowing when to MOVE ON! That goes for business, my personal life, kids and any other area. To me, you can reinvent a wheel so many times. I'm very PASSIONATE about what I do for and in the lives of others, so comes with a lot behind the scene sacrifices. I'm a woman and enjoy the pamperings of getting my nails and toes done or going on week long vacations to exotic places. BUT I DON'T!!!!! I use that money instead, to put together events and workshops to help raise awareness and educate our community on domestic violence. Let me tell you one thing about my business, IT IS EXPENSE TO OPERATE! Opportunities are NOT just gonna randomly knock on my door. I have to go out and get it!!!! That's it and that's the bottom line. People are always telling me that people in their organizations are basically slackers and what should they do? I tell them plain and simple MOVE ON!!!! If they are in the cause as hard as you, then move on to someone else is. There are plenty people out there who are looking for ways to volunteer, market your brand and so on, but they don't know you exist because you are still having meetings about why no one is stepping up to the plate. Or about, who is doing all the work. Hate to tell you, but it's time to move on!!!!! I was so comfortable in my roles with A New Me Foundation, until God recently put me at a place to ONLY DEPEND ON HIM & HEAR FROM HIM.....the revelation I got, it's time to MOVE ON!!! God could not and can not continue to use me and enlarge my territories if I continue to use the same models or templates over the past five years. Remember, ANMF just started forming last year but I have been providing the services since 2007. I can't continue do what I've been doing and expect growth or change to happen. Not gonna happen, it's time to MOVE ON and move on to NEW things that produce actions and change in society. I pray that this blog has inspired you to MOVE ON from what has been hindering your continuous flow of blessings. BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES!!!!!

STOP THE VIOLENCE IN DEZ STREETS

Feeling frisky today, so I decided to discuss the violence that's going on in dez streets of Chicago.  I look at my beautiful city and acknowledge the wonderful African American leaders and historical landmarks and neighborhoods.  I ask myself, how can a city with the #1 NBA team THE CHICAGO BULLS (that's for the Heat fans lol), be a city where teens and young adults, are so full of rage?  What is going on?  Where has parents, society, neighbors, community leaders and centers failed them?  Or, have we failed at all?

I am a mother and one day, I have plans to become a wife.  I don't plan on moving to another city, unless it's MIAMI, so I need answers to those questions.  Not only answers to those questions, but SOLUTIONS or ACTION PLANS!!!!  It amazes me that the United States has recently put together a National HIV/AIDS strategy for our country, when they (USA) have gone and developed strategies for other countries, first.  I bring this point up because it's time that the violence in dez streets of Chicago, have a strategy put together in order to end it.  Lord knows, we don't need anymore legal documents saying what you can or cannot do.  What I'm saying is we need to create a strategy that works, and that will be implemented into our daily lives.  Again, I am a mother and awaiting on God to send my husband, in time and I want to enjoy those blessings in a peaceful and SAFE city.

I was on WVON last week on Dr. Finney's show discussing these issues and I talked about before the show went on, how I believe some of this rage in our teens and young adults can be that domestic violence in the homes.  What are mom and dad doing in the home, that our kids feel that violence is the answer to their problem?  I honestly believe that in order to fix dez streets of Chicago, we have to start in the homes.  Help our men find jobs and education.  Help our mothers spend time with their children and offer support to the single moms so that BET, MTV, HBO and dez streets of Chicago, won't be raising our kids and giving them the wrong directions.  Teach our children how to behave and dress for success not to be the next video whore or walking around creating another sterotype for our culture.....dreads and white T's, will replace Trayvon's hoodie, skittles and tea soon.  Our people will march all day long, we learned that from the Bayou's of Louisiana, along the Mississippi river and in Memphis that tragic day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot and killed.  So we can march when it's time to make justice pay us some attention, but what do we do once we return to our communities.......nothing!  Absolutely, nothing and that is the sad part.

I want to know your thoughts as it is the topic for today on A New Me Foundation Facebook page and Twitter (@anewmef).  Do you think DOMESTIC VIOLENCE plays a role in the violence that's going on in Chicago? Why or Why not?




BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!!!!

STRENGTH VS WEAKNESS

I will be teaching a workshop tomorrow to a women's support group on the topic: Strengths vs Weakness.  I prayed about a topic to discuss to the women because the last time I spoke to this group, the topic was domestic violence.  We covered the warning signs, starting over and the power of forgiveness.  So now that we have that out of the way on the way to greatness....I felt the spirit say to me, "strengths vs weakness".......

I'll admit, when I prayed, I asked God to reveal to me if that was a topic for myself or the group to discuss and get involved in removing some layers of weakness or rediscovering new ways to strengthen our strengths.  So yep, pretty much, that same spirit (Holy spirit) pinched my soul and said you better get to work on yourself so you can get the revelations you need to teach this group.  Anybody that knows me, know that I've fought the spirit plenty of times in the past to be smart enough now, to listen and OBEY the Holy Spirit!  I began instantly on this assignment, grabbed my journal and went to work.

In my current endeavors, people "read" about my life as a motivational speaker, author and founder of A New Me Foundation, but not know the "behind the scene" advantages and disadvantages that I go through to accomplish my goals and to help others in life.  I am a crybaby at heart.  I'll cry first and then reflect on my weaknesses or challenges later.  A lot of people assume that leaders have it all together.  I've researched powerful and phenomenal women in our current society and a few that paved the way.  I gathered that although we see them successful and beautiful in front of the camera, they too have endured and currently dealing with weaknesses in their lives.

To name a few women for you to research, look over the lives of Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson, Mary Monroe, Halle Berry, etc...... even with the recent loss of our favorite singer, Whitney Houston....she too had some weaknesses.  Not convinced on this group?  What about David, Mary & Martha, Paul, Peter and any other name you dissect in the Bible.  They all had at least one weakness in their lives.

It does my heart no good to beat myself up over mistakes I've made or areas in my life that I appear weak to myself or others.  I have strength through Jesus the Christ to conquer those weaknesses any day of the week.  When I find I weakness, I get to the bottom of it by exploring the options of where it came from and how can I execute it, quickly, if it's simple or create an action plan to get rid of it.  Problems won't go away if you ignore them, nor does your weaknesses.  Get in the word, study it, live it and therefore when you feel that weakness creeping up in your life.......GO TO WORD!!! The Word of God will teach you how to deal with your weakness:

Isaiah 40:29 (NLT)  He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

I say these things to you not as an expert but as a witness of the gospel that your faith and strength will only come from the Lord, in your weakness.  When you overcome a weakness, you will look around and say, "My God has not forsaken me"....wonder who said that in the Bible....LOL

PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP A NEW ME FOUNDATION BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What Makes YOU a Great WOMAN???

Looking back over my life and the lives of a few others, I'd have to say that my uniqueness, hardworking ethics, dedication, compassion towards others, attitude adjustments, completing personal and career goals, motherhood and it's challenges and a host of other things makes me a GREAT WOMAN.

I often ask in my domestic violence workshops, what describes you as a person.  After the women take a few seconds to jot down or gather in their minds their specific attributes about themselves, it's time for the revelation.  You would be surprised at how many WOMEN can NOT answer this simple question.  Due to years of being cast out by their partners and/or family.  Some women often take on whatever characteristics their partner is or have.  Take a quick test and grade your self on that theory of mine.  In the meantime, This blog is all about YOU...the GREAT WOMAN that YOU are.  The point of this exercise is to open a dialogue to and for the women to start making their own choices and preparing to go to new levels in their lives, while discovering NEW talents/gifts, that they never knew were there, or too afraid to step out on faith.

I recently attended ANMF Parenting Class and we were asked a question: What makes you a good parent?  With the three children that I have and their very different personalities, I personally feel that, I'm a good parent simply because I have remained sane since I was introduced to motherhood.  For some women, patience is really a virtue when you have children.  I think motherhood alone is the greatest gift from God to a WOMAN.

Women come in all different shapes, sizes and colors but yet we all are made wonderfully in God's image.  I never really understood why it's so hard for women to get along in society.  There are so many cliques (yes I was apart of few in my younger day).  I always advocate on my own behalf that in my younger days, I was selfish, sometimes inconsiderate, let boys dictate my friends, etc and if I hurt anyone that crossed my path...I APOLOGIZE!  Since those days, I've become a new person with new mindsets.  I think that's another thing GREAT about me:  I don't carry BAGGAGE with me.  I've done so much in my past that people have forgiven me for that it's only right I set that example in my own life.

So today, I ask you, what makes you a great woman?  Plant your seed(s) today and make a difference in our society, in some way.







Help break the silence in our communities about domestic violence!!!! 

WOMEN, LISTEN UP!!! WISE WORDS FROM LAWRENCE JONES

• • For your ladies friends that may have broken up with their mate..
    
    Wanna get over an ex?? The first 36 hours after a break-up are crucial. NO SAD SONGS...trust!. Mary J. Blige will have you so depressed that you won't want to do anything but stay in your room with your favorite ice cream and a box of tissues. NO ROMANCE MOVIES...you don't need to see a couple sharing a kiss, hug, or a long walk. BLOCK HIM...deleting a number that you already have memorized is not going to help. block his phone number, delete messages and pictures, and block him from ALL of your social networks. PUT HIS BELONGINGS IN A BOX...give them to a mutual friend to deliver. and DON'T throw them out...throwing them out gives one the perception that you're bitter. you want to show him how strong you are and nothing is stronger than a woman who is not spiteful, even when hurt. you will overcome this....just be STRONG.
    
    
    If he tells you that he wants to be "just friends", then stop giving him privileges that he doesn't deserve. If he wants to be just your friend, then treat him as that! Nothing more. You can't get upset with a guy if, after sex, he leaves and then you happen to see him with another girl/woman. You gave him that chance because you let him get into your "more than friends" zone. If he can't tell THE WORLD that you're his girl, he doesn't even deserve the chance to see the inside of your bedroom. The sex may be good....but is it worth being hurt later? Close your legs until he mans up....or leaves. # the real truth
    
    
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CREATING YOUR OWN SPACE

The one thing that I've learned if nothing else is, I NEED MY OWN SPACE.  My own space to be creative and focused on my goals and dreams.  If you are surrounded in chaos and/or in an abusive relationship, you have limited to none, capabilities to, function at your best.  I am a "leader in the making" as Joyce Meyer's book is entitled.  So with that being said, sometimes I have to extract things and people out of my life to tap into what lies ahead of me.  I can't run around helping everybody else and not take care of myself mentally, spiritually and physically.  Sometimes I take a break from life and go hibernate somewhere, even if it's 30 minutes in the bathroom.

I have a toddler and two preteens....so life for me, isn't easy!  I set priorities and accomplish goals by their specific deadlines, but I make sure I create my own space to be alone and be productive in my solitude.  While the world is watching all of the reality shows, sing a long shows and the murder/mysteries of CSI, Felicia, is somewhere in the comforts of her home, working and/or enjoying the luxuries of life such as reading a book, surfing the web for cool gadgets, etc.

During my recent "vacation" I enjoyed creating new spaces for myself, my children and my foundation.  I think that women who have been abused and are now on the road to survival, forget sometimes who they are and what they like because they have been so consumed with what their partner or kids need from them....if this is you, let that end TODAY!

It took me some time alone away from my family, ex-husband and kids to find out that one of my passions were writing.  I knew reading was always a favorite.  But once I started writing, books were published, I took a class on World Literature and discovered my newest endeavor: poetry.  My message here is unlock some doors of fears and step out on faith and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF to CREATE YOUR OWN SPACE and do what it is that makes your heart beat and let your posture stand proud after you've made a start at something.

I was in my own space in life when I decided to launch A New Me Foundation.  I simply sent out an email to my dearest friends who also had their own businesses and expertise in non-profits.  After the praises, wishing wells came through, a month later, A New Me Foundation was up and running in the start up phases.  In creating my own space to develop as an individual first and then a leader, there were challenges and financial set backs that I endured, but I never gave up.  I didn't always see the money in front of me, but I kept planning, praying and believing God to show up and make the event successful.  I have a hard calling, discussing the one topic that NO ONE wants to discuss.  With that, being said, I have to constantly think of creative ways to get the message out of the seriousness of domestic violence.  People, state or federal funds are NOT pouring in to my foundation to provide services.  But that has NEVER stopped me from thinking creatively and relying spiritually on God to provide all of my needs and the needs of those that I come across.

Found out who you are as a person and began there.  Enroll in FREE classes, online trainings and we all know that you can pretty much learn how to do everything in life on YouTube LOL.  Take a jog or journal in a park and write down or think about what God is speaking to you.  I pray that you will open up your spiritual eyes and see the vision(s) He has for you and open up your spiritual ears to receive His word in your life.  Not only victims and survivors of domestic violence, but all of us need to pray and ask God what it is He wants us to do, while we are creating our own space.

EXCERTS FROM: ANOTHER CHANCE TO LIVE BY FELICIA T. SIMPSON

Prior to writing this book, I prayed to God over a period of two months, asking Him to give me a vision of a novel to write.  I admit I wasn’t thrilled about the revelation He gave me.  As any other disciplined child of God, I opened my heart wide and humbled myself unto the sound of His voice.  Although I was terrified of His divine assignment to write a story about a young African American woman around the age of twenty five, contracting HIV as the result of being raped by a stranger, I was comforted by His peace that passes all understanding (refer to Proverbs).

As you read this book, I pray that you will confront and conquer anything that stands in your way of God’s mercies in your life.

When God speaks, LISTEN!

When God moves, PAY ATTENTION!

When God removes it, LET GO!

There are a lot of people affected by personal and social injustices.  The silent killer among most African American women is the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  Upon completion of reading this book, you will be educated and able to raise awareness in your communities as well as in your personal life.

For those who have been recently diagnosed, affected by or living with HIV/AIDS, my prayer is that you too will live a blessed life daily.  God wanted me to let you know through this writing, that you have another chance to live!

May God continue to bless you!

   

******************************************************

To the community of people living with HIV/AIDS, I embrace your courage and strength to allow us (society) into the innermost privacy of your life.  Through countless avenues of research and agencies involvement in helping society be educated, prevent and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. 

I do believe that there’s a balm in Gilead for a cure someday.  Lift your heads high and continue to press toward the high call of God and share your story to give a hand of hope to someone else.  Life for you is not over.  Now is the time to LIVE a life of victory.  Know that you are not alone and that this battle belongs to the Lord.

I was once a broken vessel, but God pieced me back to wholeness.   Pray and ask God to continue to keep your mind and heart stayed on Him.  When you let go of your situation, you allow God to do His divine will in your life.  There’s nothing greater in life than to have God’s anointing and blessings covering your life.

Be Blessed,

Felicia T. Simpson

INTERVIEW WITH AN ANMF VOLUNTEER: ATLENEA BEARD

1) How did you hear about ANMF?

Atlenea: I heard about ANMF through my sister Erica Vincent who shared the link to the ANMF page on my FB page and once I read what it was all about I pressed LIKE to the page immediately.

2) What made you decide to continuously volunteer with ANMF?

Atlenea: What made me decide to continuously volunteer with ANMF is because I believe that what this foundation is all about is awesome. I know that this foundation and its members are humble and have a sincere purpose when giving back to the community. I wanted to be a part of the movement and I love giving back as well.

3) What has been your best experience(s) volunteering with ANMF?

Atlenea: My best experiences volunteering with ANMF has been both events that I have participated in. Volunteering at the Pacific Garden Mission for the homeless and donating toiletries and art supplies to the battered women and children's shelter as well.

4) Would you recommend others to volunteer with ANMF? Why or why not?

Atlenea: ) I would most definitely recommend others to volunteer with ANMF. Why? Because of the humility, sincerity and humbleness behind the cause.

5) Share one or two things that have empowered or strengthened you since volunteering with ANMF?

Atlenea: The one thing that has empowered and strengthened me since volunteering with ANMF is that volunteering is more than just giving back, it has been a reality check and has made me more humble as well as grateful for my blessings.

6) Any additional comment(s) you want to share?

I love what this foundation is all about! I love the strength, character and triumph the founder Felicia T. Simpson has within her and how she is blessed and is being a blessing to others. I love her new found ability to live life to the fullest but at the same time do God's work to help others who are less fortunate or who has been through what she has had to endure. I foresee this foundation expanding to a level beyond imagination and changing the lives of others in groups or one person at a time.

I am grateful to be a part of this movement and I will continue to volunteer my time, spread the word and be supportive of this organization.

ERICA'S STORY

I imagined this would be easy since telling people was never hard. When you start to write out a story you think whose going to read it and what if they don't like it. I mean of course you want it to sound great like a Langston Hughes poem or Harold and the purple crayon. Well here goes nothing! I'm a 28 year old women, wife, mom of seven, daughter ,sister, friend,encourager. I haven't always been able to encourage others let alone trust people enough to share with them. I was born February 6,1983 in Wisconsin. My mother is from Chicago. She ended up in Milwaukee after leaving the man whom I thought was my dad. He was a drug dealer who was wanted for attempt murder. Someone who hated him saw my mom walking in a park and tried to slit her throat instead slit her chin. She was six months pregnant with me. We ended up back in Chicago after I turned two. She dropped me off where ever she could and this is where my memories of abuse kick in. I watched her sell drugs and use them. One day she left me alone with my cousins they wrapped me in a sheet and hung me from the third floor window by an extension cord until their arms grew tired. I begged her not to leave again of course she did. The next time they put me in an oven and turned the stove up to 375. I still have a few burn marks til this day. I remember being there watching the Wiz and one of them dropped the iron on me and said she shouldn't be here anyway. I remember dcfs coming and taking me away yes! I thought finally she'll see and leave this place I was wrong I ended up leaving with my grandma who was nothing short of amazing. With grandma I got to experience everything dance classes, writing classes I went to work with her when she worked for Rolan Burris. Plays like the Nutcracker every year with dinner under the great tree at Field's. I thought everything was going to stay this way. Then at 8 years old my mother came back pregnant it was ok for a while. She had my brother he was the most precious angel I've ever seen. I would run home just to hold him after school. I remember picking him up and she got mad and knocked the breath out of me. It wasn't long before she left again dragging us any where they'd take us in. 13 years old at another cousins house watching Sister Sister I remember my cousin touching my barely there breast and running upstairs to get away from him. He came upstairs locked the door held me down and rubbed his penis across my back and behind while I cried. He told me if I ever tell somebody I'll end up on the tracks. His sisters sat in the kitchen and said I was nasty and I should know better because we cousins. I hated me why me a good girl I get straight A's I never start fights I'm always smiling and doing as I was told. I accepted into Whitney Young, C.h.a.s and Simeon. I chose Simeon my uncle's school. Thought they'd pay attention since I was on the track team and in modern dance with all honors classes. Nope they never came to one single event not even report card pick up. At 16 my grandma lost her house and moved in with my aunt and my mother left with some man we'd see her around with black eyes and busted lips. I use to say her ass is dumb who stays with an abusive man. My brother and I stayed in the foreclosed home waiting on the sheriff to come kick us out. Many nights I didn't eat so he could. I would bring food home from Taurus my second job for him. One day at 17 my aunt and her girl friend came to visit and she asked why was I so skinny and let her see my report card. When she found out I had dropped out so my brother could go she had a fit. Packed us up the next day and we moved to Harvey. I was on the pom pon team got my grades up and finished my junior and senior year in one year. The love there didn't last long. At night they'd get drunk and fight argue about how they raising my mother's kids. They dog us verbally. The girlfriend told her friends that I was a whore and thats probably how I fed myself I wanted to bust her bubble and tell her I went from 135 to 87 wasn't no eating. I kept my mouth shut and every chance I got I'd go back to my old neighborhood to hang with so called friends and see my boyfriend but something wasn't right everybody would say you could've told us your mom wasn't around we would've let you'll stay with us. Yeah right everybody knew my mom was gone even family. After a while nothing seemed real except my love for my brother. After my last visit with my boyfriend I found out I was pregnant I tried to hide it hoped it would go away. When my aunts found out they dogged me and barely spoke to me. One day I was in so much pain I needed to go to the hospital my aunt said she wasn't leaving work and her girlfriend told me she was out in the streets I gotta wait. So I called my uncle and his wife who lived in Naperville they came and took me to the hospital I was in preterm labor luckily they were able to stop it. I packed our stuff and moved with my uncle for six months when they moved to Mississippi I moved with my mom. She had a new house and job finally able to care for my brother who was ten. I got a job because I refused to have public assistance. That's when I met the man who I thought would be my first husband and we'd have everlasting love. Ha! A girl can dream. When we met he was perfect loved my daughter worked and was always a gentleman. My mothers old boyfriend came back and they had a fight so bad she lost some sight in her left eye. I called my uncles to whoop dude. She jumped on me blacked my eye, pulled my hair out, and beat my head against the kitchen sink. I left I stayed with a friend for two days until I could get it together. I got my inheritance from my granddad early so I could afford an apartment and furniture it wasn't much but it helped. The new boyfriend my daughter and I were well until I got pregnant again. He bought me a ring but something wasn't right. Some nights he didn't come home he began to tell me how he didn't want this anymore and I should get an abortion or give my baby up for adoption. My second daughter came four weeks early. He sat at the hospital called the adoption people in to talk to me and I told him and the lady to go to hell. A few days later he changed his mind he was good daddy again and by the time she was eight weeks I was pregnant with our son. He stayed home while I worked. I was planning the wedding and very happy. We'd entertain company and go out on dates but as soon as I had our son he changed. He began sleeping with girls in our area. Changed his mind about marriage and started popping pills. I didn't leave I really believed that it was cold feet and I know him so well it would change. He moved out without a care. After a few weeks with no contact I went to hang out with the girls he heard and came back I told him I moved on just so he'd see that I didn't need him. That's when I found out I was pregnant I thought our relationship was meant to be so I let him back. That's when he started to sell drugs and hang out all night. One day he came home and I had just got out the shower he told me don't ever walk around him naked again I looked disgusting. He hates when I'm pregnant because I look so unattractive. I remember crying myself to sleep thinking you can leave him you can make it. When I had my son his mom told me she was taking the kids so I could get a break come to find out she gave all three of them a dna test. The nerve of her I was taking care of all my children and home by myself I didn't want his drug money. Guess they found out I'm not a whore because my children were 99.9 percent his. You'd think that would make him do his part but he didn't. I became every bitch in the book. He didn't come home one day and said he was in jail I asked to see paperwork he slapped me so hard I fell into the bedroom window. I told him if you ever think you're going to abuse me you might as well leave. He moved in with a girl a block away on Thanksgiving in 2006. All I asked was he pick the kids up from daycare. He couldn't even do that right he left them there three hours one day. When I got there he was pulling up I told him he was going to be sorry one day he grabbed me by the neck and choked me right in front of the daycare nobody said a word. That was the last time I and the children have seen him. I often ask myself what could I have done to change it all what if I had someone to talk too who wouldn't judge me but would genuinely help me. I never had that so I opened my heart to my children and began loving myself. In December of 2006 I met Raymone Walton Sr. I have never met a man who could love a woman the way he loves me. A man who was and is willing to raise another mans children. A man with strength,courage and integrity. We are married with three children together. In May 2009 I started a group called the black girls next door. A womens encouragement group and my story will continue to be written everyday. With God I know it will only get better.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE FOUNDER

Awhile back I blogged about my success ladder. So, since then and now looking back over the past success and failures of my business ventures, it spoke powerful volumes to me today. As the Founder of A New Me Foundation, my main priority is of the concerns from victims and survivors of domestic violence. I recognize that my voice and actions are really from the hearts of these women and their children. Countless people walk up to me or contact me because they want to see something happen and they know that I either have the resources or work hard to find them, to reach a specific goal, for them.

I network hard!!!! To me, that is and has been my biggest success rates for the foundation. You may not always have the money to produce your goals but knowing the right person or groups of people, can sometimes, make all of the difference. I encourage people to follow their dreams regardless of what they see in front of them, the current resources they have and if they have a team of supporters, backing their goals. You have to take your own initial steps and be confident in your goals and dreams. If you are not confident in yourself, who will be?

I research a lot of places, people and things whenever I have to complete a specific goal that I am working on. Helping other people is my job as the Founder of an organization, even in it's start up phase. I accept competition, nay - sayers, risks, rewards, tests of my faith, etc. I accept and appreciate it all. It humbles and teaches me in my growth stages. I'm not afraid of partnerships and other leaders in my community and networking affiliates. I tell people all of the time, I have a silent audience. No one almost ever comment on my blogs but that never stops me from blogging. I think I am horrible at writing poems but yet, I keep writing them. My point here is this, study your craft, gift, goal, dreams, etc and WORK on it continuously, no matter what. In time, you will get better at it no matter what you and/or others think.

Be smart about what you do! Know who your target population is or what the main purpose of your goal is and stick to it. Research the demographic area(s) of the consumers you serve or will be servicing. Think about their lifestyles, those that have children verse those that don't, what clients use public transportation verse driving, etc.

No one wants to fail at anything, but things happen. Look back at what didn't work for you and revise it. Pinpoint (if you can), where or what went wrong and at what point did things go wrong. Once I became a survivor of domestic violence, I not only looked at the last relationship I was in but I dug deeper into my past to explore all relationships I encountered and been involved in.

Finally, put the time in.......your goals and dreams won't get accomplished if they live in your head. You have to do some work. Success is not gonna knock at your door literally. GO OUT THERE AND GET IT!!!!

Be blessed in all that you do,

Felicia T. Simpson

Founder/Executive Director of A New Me Foundation

www.felicianewme.com

INTRODUCTION VIDEO OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE VISIT

RECAP VIDEO OF ME SPEAKING AT COLUMBIA COLLEGE (CHICAGO)