Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word Environment as “the conditions that surround someone or something: the conditions and influences that affect the growth, health, progress, etc., of someone or something."  It has been found that one of the top contributing factors to the successes of many is their environment, including who and what they choose to surround their lives with.

Oftentimes we get so caught up with maintaining and keeping up with our day-to-day tasks, that we allow our home and environment to get cluttered and disrupted, while not taking the time to realize that it’s our very environment that sustains us and gives us a piece of mind to proceed on in our journey of life.

This past weekend on Saturday, April 25, 2015, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the 15th Annual KJLH Women's Health Forum at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Immediately upon arriving at the intersection, while sitting at the light, I became overwhelmed with joy seeing my beautiful Black sisters crossing the street on a mission to not only have a good time, but to learn valuable tips about life, health, hair and beauty. Being in that environment of thousands of women from all different walks of life was such a refreshing experience.

The highlight of the forum for me was when I turned the corner of the second floor, while searching for room 511 with an expectation of walking into some sort of icebreaker game, which generally occurs at most speaking engagements, but instead I was intrigued at first listen. I was greeted at the door by the beautiful and powerful voice of Oya Thomas. She was singing the iconic and legendary song “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. I knew as soon as I walked into the room with a motivational speaker bold enough to belt out the tunes of such a monumental song, that I was in for a treat. True indeed, “A change is gonna come," and a change DID come and occurred within me by the end of the session.

Oya Thomas’ breakout session, covering topics from her book “The Five Points for Success,” discussed the five points and key elements including the mind, body, spirit, emotions, and environment. Throughout my life I have strived for excellence in the areas of self-control and patience, and through my strong faith and relationship with GOD, I have learned to maintain strength in the first four points discussed during the session, including my mind, body, spirit, and emotions. However, I believe that Ms. Oya saved the most crucial point for last as the gut-puncher of the session....the Environment! This is the one area that I struggle with the most and also holds the most importance. I have allowed myself to live and work in clutter too often. A key point that Oya made which stood out to me the most was a very simplistic yet impactful statement in which she said, “What you have in your home is what you take into your mind and process every day. From the color walls that you paint your home, to the pictures, posters, statements, and artwork that you hang up, your mind and spirit are taking that into your system and digesting those things.” What are you feeding your mind, body, spirit, and emotions, through your environment? From that moment, I was INSTANTLY awakened and changed. I became completely compelled to go home and make a change in my environment. Everything that I have in my home needs to not only be a reflection of my creativity and taste, but it should be a statement of my purpose and what I aspire to be. I am inspired to maintain an environment that is suitable and prepared for the blessings of GOD that I pray for everyday! It is my responsibility to fill my home with positivity and affirmations that drive me to succeed. From this day forward, I make a vow to invite nothing but peace, blessings, and prosperity into my home. Will you do the same?

Stay hopeful my friends,

FashionabLEE yours,