"Use Your Voice. Its Your Choice."

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

“That’s right...in the middle of a pandemic, prepare to reap that which you have sown. Its time for the harvest.” - Tashyra Ayers

What seeds have you planted during the quarantine, this pandemic? What have you put into the ground, watered, fed and allowed to be nourished for reaping during the time of harvest? There seemed to be many who were on one end of the spectrum or the other – working to manifest or maintain a stable mind during times of uncertainty. Whether you found yourself maintaining or manifesting, there should have been a view of future in mind.

Many were, rightfully so, concerned with what the future holds – fearing their health, wealth, and well-being at the onslaught of a pandemic not experienced in our lifetime. I came into this pandemic of a different mindset than many. Yes – initially I flocked to the market and stocked up on food and goods as uncertain to what the food shortages would be. I continued my routine of cleaning products, toiletries, and bleach so the hording of such items was not necessary for me – this included water. However, as time went on, I allowed the foundational works and principles of God to shape my view and how I spent my time during quarantine.  I came into 2020 with a made-up mind to live differently in every aspect of life from family, business, dating, friendships, health and fitness, finances, and everything in between. Recently making the decision to live minimally while re-discovering and refocusing was more preparation for this pandemic than what I could have ever imagined.

So, while many were consumed with the news of COVID-19, I did not worry to a place of deficit or detriment.  I began sowing seeds. I ensured I was aware of the risks and took necessary precautions to remain safe and healthy, but not worried. I planted seeds.

Seeds.

I didn’t post on social media for months, but rather shifted my attention to my formalized education while self-educating through books, sermons, meditation, fasting and prayer. These were the seeds I sowed.  Over the course of 3-4 months, I also found myself engaging with someone new who I had a chance to pass time with. No, it didn’t work out in the end, but it worked out for my good, in the end.

You see, I sowed a seed before the pandemic. My mind sowed the seeds. My mouth watered my thoughts. My actions made them manifest. I allowed the transitions of life through God’s leading to bring me to a place of necessity and not excess, focusing on the new and not harboring the old. These thoughts, ideals, and revelations of new were seeds planted and watered through time in secret, in prayer, meditation, study, and silence. Oh, what a time.

“Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:4

But now, here we are, the beginning of a new season. And, God as He does so often, prepared me for the seasonal shift in advance. Through studies and self-awareness, and mentoring, I knew a shift was here through the internal push I felt during the mid-Summer days.  As September drew near, I knew there would be a time of execution and as I type this week’s blog, I found myself revisiting those very journal entries and lessons of Spring 2020. They are relevant. There are necessary. They are seeds ready to be harvested. They are now.

You see, my hope is that you spent more time realizing the grace period we were in earlier this year, and less time focusing on the lies and deceit of those in government.

My hope is that you were able to push through your hesitation and fear, and sow seeds of peace and tranquility for you and your family.

My hope is that you were able to sow seeds for you…for your new mind, your new season.

But, even if you weren’t able to push past those times of mental anguish and emotional instability, because I did…and others like myself were able to…we will manifest as we are supposed to ultimately work to bring others up that are around us.  

How was I able to persevere and not become victim to this global catastrophe??

My made-up mind.

I have a foundation in God that pre-dates the pandemic. My faith and intention to live a different life came before the quarantine. You see, the seeds of a better life I chose were already in the ground, so the transition into pandemic wasn’t a detrimental one, but rather a smooth, uninterrupted change that reinforced the need for me to make the mental, emotional, and spiritual shift as 2020 came to be.

So now, as we embark on the natural calendar where Fall holds the time of harvest, I can see, experience, embrace, and accept in this season of harvest.  Without prompting, I embrace the time of planting and sowing with open arms, knowing that the time to reap would come sooner than ever before. 2020 has shown that there is a need for quality, sound, wise words from those who are grounded in faith and not fearful of the enemies’ devices.

I look forward to the harvest of 2020. I have decreed that it will be one of the greatest harvests of my life, and yet not the greatest in my life.

You see, obedience and sacrifice were the seed.

Prayer, meditation, journaling, and silence were the soil.

Truth, formal and self-education, and study were the watering.

God is, was, and always will be the increase.

Its my time for harvest.

Written by: Tashyra Ayers, Voiceover | Media Personality | Speaker

IG: www.instagram.com/tashyrasvoice | Twitter: www.twitter.com/tashyrasvoice

Do you know what I have in common with Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington, Keith David and Aniko Noni Rose??  We all use the power of our voices to transform written content to audio masterpieces!!  

1.      Have you considered adding a professional voiceover to your social media ads and marketing campaigns?

2.      Have you considered converting your hardcopy book or eBook into an audiobook??

3.      Do you know you can increase your hardcopy or eBook sales by 25% by adding an audiobook option? (Source: www.voice.com)

Audiobook sales generated over $1.2 billion dollars in revenue in 2019, and in 2018 audiobooks generated $940 million, an increase of 25% from 2017 to 2018. For the first time ever, US audiobook sales have eclipsed eBook sales – an increase of 16% in the United States in 2020. (Source: www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org)

Get some of this billion-dollar pie!!

As a voiceover entrepreneur, I am committed to servicing Black entrepreneurs and authors with voiceover and audio production excellence. Through the power of voice, I bring the words of your hardcopy or eBook to life, and breath the breath of generational impact on the pages of your story. I voice online and social media ads, and radio and TV campaigns for your next big drop, promo, or awareness campaign.

We are all living in a moment where the voice of the Black Community and Culture has been elevated globally. Unfortunately, its not under ideal circumstances, but the circumstances are necessary for evolution and change.  As we maximize the moment where the eyes of the world are upon us, we want to be sure we are utilizing all our resources to increase the income, visibility, and awareness of our own products, services, and creativity.  Technology and voice are now, they are the future, and one of the primary ways we can ensure our creations are accessible to our target audiences, while being trendsetting entrepreneurs.

Think about it…

Voice technology is used in more ways than you realize; from Alexa – where Samuel L. Jackson’s voice is an option in the settings – to Google Home, Apple Homepod; our home security systems, the smart remote, and Siri to our favorite audiobook, our children’s gaming system, and the ‘on-hold lady’ while you’re waiting to be transferred to a live representative, voice technology surrounds us DAILY.

So, here’s the deal…

As an author, entrepreneur, and visionary who offers your clients hardcopy books and eProducts, I will provide you with an opportunity to hear what your product would sound like in an audio digital format.  I will convert your e-product into an audio product with a 15-second demo. FREE.

Here’s more perspective…

During the pandemic downloaded materials including books and eBooks increased drastically.  Platforms like Apple and Audible – an Amazon company – are offering free downloads on select titles, while memberships to their audio platforms, as well as individual purchases of audiobooks increased. Apple has long sold audiobooks on their Books service, but during the pandemic, they have done something different. In the past few weeks, they are experimenting with something new with spoken-word content. US listeners can stream 13 audiobooks based on books by musicians including Questlove, Rakim, Patti Smith, Pete Townshend, Kim Gordon and Debbie Harrie. They’re part of the main Apple Music service and offered with their subscription system.

In short, mainstream players continue to capitalize off new technology and cultural advancements – as they should – and I want to be sure we continuously do the same. QuestLove (shout out to Philly) and Rakim?? That’s the culture!!! Each artist and their work receive a percentage of the sales from their audiobooks, and you will too.  But you have options!! Sell the audiobook on your own platform for full return and/or on the platform of Apple, Audible, and iTunes for partial return, but greater exposure. The choice is yours.

Reality check…

You do not have the choice of placing your audio products….if you don’t have an audio product. Simple. You need the product to place it on the platform – whether yours or a third party. So, let’s get to it!!

But, first allow me to  say…

…congratulations on your accomplishments! Our culture and our world need your expertise, talent, and ingenuity and I commend you for executing it in the form of books, coaching, classes, entrepreneurship, investments, as a social activist, etc. Like never before, our culture needs consistent voices, creativity, and innovation as we move through these unprecedented, history-making times.  I love to see it!!

So, what are the benefits to adding audiobooks to your product offerings? Glad you asked….

Find the complete list of benefits and details here, but in the meantime, here are the top 10 reasons you should add audio products / convert your hardcopy or eBooks:

1.      Enhance your product mix and add depth to your product line

2.      It’s a cost-effective way to offer your customers a value-add

3.      No over-head costs for your printing, manufacturing, or delivery/mail services

4.      Your product shelf-live has no expiration date

5.      Create your customized audio logo and brand identity with sound (voice and/or music)

6.      You become a marketing innovator with audio technology

7.      Your customers experience nostalgia and longevity

8.      Increase familiarity among your customer-base

9.      Be heard even when you’re not seen

10.  Your customers/clients experience a strong cognitive connection between their memory and your sound

So now…get this dance!!

Digital audiobooks continue to be the fastest growing segment in publishing. Edison Research national survey of American audiobook listeners ages 18 and up found that the average number of audiobooks listened to per year increased to 8.1% in 2020, up from 6.8% in 2019 (Source: goodereader.com). People are listening to books in the car, on their smart speakers including Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homepod.

Get in the mix while this trend is on the rise. Audio technology and voiceover is recession-proof and is here to stay. Be a standout entrepreneur, author, and visionary. Click here to get a FREE 15-second demo, professionally produced, of your hardcopy or eBook, manual, or training guide. It costs NOTHING to click here to listen to what your product will sound like in the hears of your audience.

Be heard even when you’re not seen.

***

“Use your voice. It’s your choice. Be vocal. Be heard. Be intentional.’’

Tashyra Ayers | Instagram & Twitter: @TashyrasVoice

Its back-to-school time! Although not one of the norm with limited to no back-to-school commercials, virtual learning, and a pandemic. Nonetheless, this is the time of year we are conditioned to be more attentive to the start of new educational endeavors. From adult-learners to students matriculating through grade school everyone is getting ready to learn and to study. 

If you’re anything like me you enjoy learning, studying, and acquiring new, sound skills. Whether in a traditional setting of a classroom (virtual or physical) or through self-induced study birthed from curiosity, obtaining knowledge is my thing. It so much my thing that I’ve been guilty of lots of study and accumulation of information, and sometime little to no application. That I call, paralyzed by analysis. 

You see, I’m pretty much an all or nothing person, black and white, on or off so when it comes to obtaining information, I seek to get it ALL! How ambitious or unrealistic is that?! The beauty of learning is the discovery of new things, the downfall is the oversaturation of information will little application or execution. During my time of studying the Bible in 2019 I heard a very still small voice in the back of my mind say:

“Don’t get stuck in the study.”

Simple, right?? Not so much for me. I was once a person who looked at things and asked the question, “What’s next?” While in my 20s and my early 30s, very seldom did I enjoy the moment, but rather kept moving to do or participate in the ‘next great thing’. The greatness of it all, for me, came at measuring the impact but often I found myself so consumed with the next thing or learning something new that I didn’t fully comprehend the need to apply what I knew in its entirety thus developing deep-rooted connections or relationships. You see, for those of us who are knee-deep in books, articles, education, and other methods of learning and don’t come up for air to teach what we’ve learned, share what we’ve learned or communicate what we’ve learned are doing ourselves and those who are waiting for us a disservice. In the end, its counterproductive and counterintuitive - almost oxymoronic. In fact, if we look at some of the things we read about and understand the moral association, history, the premise of the learnings themselves, I bet that each of the topics we’re studying come with a plan of execution - even if the plan isn’t obvious but suggestive. What am I saying?

Don’t miss the action within the instruction!!

From history books, to ‘how-to’ manuals; eBooks to documentaries and social media posts, we can certainly find an action item that pulls us out of paralysis. Just like our bodies - the way our bodies are set-up, if we do not release the foods and drinks that we consume we get full, and eventually sick if the body doesn’t release what it doesn’t need. Think of yourself as a cup that is running over, the coffee that is spilling onto the saucer because of the overflow of information. The saucer is the people who are waiting to hear what you’ve learned. They are waiting to hear how you will especially articulate what you’ve learned in a way no one else can or possibly has. Consider yourself congested or backed-up with waste that you no longer need when you do not release what you’ve studied. How?

From a biblical perspective, our answer is in part in 2 Timothy 2:15

15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

 Let’s look at the first four words ‘Study to show thyself...’. Yes, we could possibly get into a deeper discussion about this, but for sake of this blog post, we’re going to focus on the action items of this instruction. It begins with what we’ve, or at least I’ve, mastered and that’s the study. However, ‘study’ is immediately followed by a verb and adverb which denotes action. So, in plain sight do we see the instruction on what we are supposed to do with what we study, or should I say what should we do in order to ‘show’. That’s a whole ‘nother issue...people ‘showing before they study’. Another post. Another time. 

In closing, I encourage you all to not ‘GET STUCK IN THE STUDY’. Do not miss your window of opportunity to teach what you learn, to sow where you have reaped, or the plant where you were watered. You will begin to feel full, which is a good thing, but as you fill, help another person, place, thing, or cause to be filled with your goodness. In doing so, be wise to know that you will need to continue your work of eating and feeding yourself through study, mentorship, prayer, and a relationship with God. But whatever you do....

Don’t get stuck in the study!

Written by: Tashyra Ayers, Voiceover Artist | Media Personality | Speaker

I was having  a personally difficult week this week. My sleeping patterns were off, I barely got any work done the first half of the week, and I was a bit moody. So, I decided to binge-watch NARCOS (yes I’m late) Friday night into the wee hours of Saturday morning (its 4:30am EST as I type), I rose to the news of the passing of a real-life superhero, King T’Challa of Wakanda, Chadwick Boseman. 

Now, let’s put things in perspective, there has and continues to be much that has transpired in 2020 that has rocked our world, the nation, and the Black culture specifically.  We, as a people are generally strong, resilient, loving, and have the immeasurable ability to bounce back after tragedy. But truth is, even your strong friends get weak at times. And we, the Black community have found strength within the solidarity of lose and pain, even in our weakest moments. We lost one superhero this year in that of the Black Mamba, the one and only Kobe Bryant. And as photos flooded my timeline of Chadwick, the visual of Kobe and Chadwick together added a layer of despair to yet another lose. 

It is reported that Chadwick was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago.  We watched him during that time not only star in some of the Culture’s and America’s most iconic movies, in ‘real-life’ we watched as his weight decreased, yet his spirits and smile remained. Perhaps he was losing weight for an upcoming role? Perhaps he decided to go vegan? Perhaps he decided to cut all carbs and change his eating regimen? Or, perhaps none of that....

Perhaps, he decided to gracefully press through a terminal illness that he knew he would one day succumb to. Perhaps, Chadwick decided that he would not complain about his illness, but rather use every minute of every day wisely while he had the chance.  Perhaps, Chadwick decided that he would not impose his pain on that of his fans, followers, and those - like myself - who considered him a REAL-LIFE superhero.

You see, for many, particularly those outside of the Black culture Wakanda and the role of King T’Challa was just a part to play. But, for us, the Black culture, our people, and on behalf of generations that were and generations to come, T’Challa was REAL. T’Challa was really hope...really a king...really royalty …really our HERO. And, what makes T’Challa that much more real and that much more of a hero is that the man who embodied him, lived life as such...as a hero! Chadwick Boseman embodied the spirit of a hero on and off the screen. His work on the screen spoke to the intrinsic value that he held within. He gave us a reflection of the lives of those he resurrected through impersonation. The greats, like himself, lived again on screen if only for a couple of hours in the form of James Brown, Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall. Chadwick helped us see the impact and necessity of the lives of those that are no longer here and the principles that are imperative to live a life of integrity while overcoming adversity. Chadwick lived it on and off the screen. So, as some may view T’Challa as but a character of a fictions super world, he was indeed so much more. T’Challa was not a figment of our imagination, but rather only alive because Chadwick breathed into the essence of T’Challa making what was once a fairytale, now a greeting in our culture *insert Wakanda forever salute*. 

Through Chadwick, T’Challa gave me hope in a moment’s notice. I instantly “came out of myself” as the headlines and timelines flood with news of Chadwick’s passing. Suddenly, my emotions didn’t weigh as much as they did in the beginning of the week. In that moment, the prayers, petitions, decrees, and declarations I made all week in order to bypass this temporary moment of emotionalism, came to a head and here I am (now 4:59am EST) grasping the importance of the moment, expressing sentiments and realities that can only be recognized with intent. It’s not my normal posting day (Tuesdays), but it is a ‘day’ and what better time or better day, than today.

We can only imagine the plethora of emotions Chadwick experienced to get himself through those days - even when he wasn’t on set. Can you fathom the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical strength it takes for someone to deal with terminal illness on a day-to-day, let alone while in the eye of the public? A public that can be scrutinizing, judgmental, and indecisive of their support should you do or look like something they are not pleased with? Although my personal storm of emotion was very much real, and very real to me I knew there would only be a few days that I had before it was time to get back into the swing of things. At first, I was hurt and embarrassed, then I was angry, and finally exhausted. These emotions I’m certain Chadwick felt day in and day out, yet what I saw in him, and experienced on screen was a measure of strength, determination, and tenacity that cannot be substituted. 

Dear Chadwick:  in an instant, your absence reminded me of the need to be present. Your heroic, superhuman strength jolted me out of a sobering moment, into a celebratory posture of peace beyond my understanding. Many are torn...exhausted...feeling abused and neglected as your passing does not come at a time of peace, but a time where sorrow and turmoil seem to be the norm. But we fight against the idea that living life timidly and with restriction has become the new norm, no matter what the adversary has planned; for we know that purpose - a topic you spoke often about -  is given from above. Your entire life was worth living. My hope is that within these last four years, you were given a glimpse of your post-mortem impact - the children shedding tears, the adults mourning, communities at a loss for words, our culture crying. Every breath you took was with intent - we can see it now. And, my prayer is that I, too, live life while I’m alive with the utmost intent, unexplainable happiness, and fearless risks that boldly proclaim the noble superhero that I was born to be. Until we meet again.....WAKANDA FOREVER! REST WELL KING!!

Written by: Tashyra Ayers, Voiceover Artist | Media Personality | Speaker

There is a popular term that has become common vernacular in our modern culture that states: “This is my truth”.

Truth is... (see what I did there...?): I’m tired of hearing it as if it’s the gospel of all that is true. And here’s a PSA: “your truth” does not mean its thee truth, let alone your truth being right.

In a world where people are empowered to become ‘keyboard killas’ on social media platforms… 

In a world where people insert their opinions as facts, and where truth is diluted with preference... 

In a world where people influx the world wide web with falsehoods, satire, and rhetoric…

In a world where eProducts and courses are sold by those who haven’t mastered their content…

In a world where experts are not tested to be tried and true…

This is a world where right is being made wrong, and the truth is tainted by personal preference.  We have social media platforms, entitled groups of people, and opinionated status’ that create absurd POVs for click-bate. This is a world where the news is no longer reported unbiased.

Why am I saying this?

Because in this modern-day “I have an opinion and I need to be heard” time that we live, virtually no one is set out to unveil and reveal the truth of any matter.  Our society is bombarded with preference and personal misogi and not personal accountability. It is for the lack of knowledge, common sense, the inability to reason, and to perceive and receive does our world come to a place of absence...the absence of nobility, integrity, and pleasantry. With this trend being a constant in our culture, it is necessary to reintroduce and reignite the basics of what is true, and what is right. 

Let’s start with definitions:

Truth is defined as:  in accordance with fact or reality;  accurate or exact. 

Right defined as:  morally good, justified, or acceptable.

In other words, in this new culture of everyone’s opinion needing to be heard, validated by the social media comment section we have lost (sometimes makes me wonder if we ever had) the basic principles of truth for what seems right in our own eyes. 

Truth is something that is exact, something that has been tried by fact and in my own words ‘tried by fire’. Truth stands alone and needs no backing even in the face of a lie or fabrication, or in the face of those who wish to change what is true. 

However, what is right is more of a morally conscious, acceptable place of being that has not necessarily been tried by fire or fact, but rather supported or justified by matter of reason or a moral compass. In short, what is immoral is not necessarily illegal - or what is unethical has not necessarily been tried against fact or exactness to determine that thing to be illegal. Wrong in the eyes of those who may be the recipient of dishonesty, yes. But it doesn’t make the circumstance by which he or she found themselves to a lie. 

If law is the minimum requirement putting emphasis on moral compass holders to go above and beyond for any compensation or recognition of impact, what does this say about the minimum requirement for someone who says that their truth, is thee truth? When their truth is only deemed right in the eyes of those who share the same impact. 

Let’s be mindful, careful and aware of imposing our personal truth on others with the attempt to make our truth, their truth or thee truth when truth be told...it’s a matter of what is right, and in the eyes of those who believe in their own truth. Seek thee truth, the whole truth. And, this scripture may help you do so. 

John 14:6 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Written by: Tashyra Ayers | www.tashyrasvoice.com 

She was a lifeline…a catalyst.

She was treasured.

Appreciated.

Honored.

Honest.

She bridged the information gap between the poverty-mindset and achieving an enriching lifestyle through the power and advancement of social and online media.

CiCi Gunn was the queen of social media marketing, and the master of generating revenue from digital products.

She was a speaker, teacher, and educator.

Social media was her pulpit.

In a world where people are empowered to become ‘keyboard killas’ on social media platforms…

In a world where people insert their opinions as facts, and where truth is diluted with preference...

In a world where people influx the world wide web with falsehoods, satire, and rhetoric…

In a world where eProducts and courses are sold by those who haven’t mastered their content…

In a world where experts are not tested to be tried and true…

CiCi Gun…we had YOU.

We had your consistency, your transparency, and your heart-felt passion for what you were gifted to do. I especially respected and appreciated your laser-focus on the job at-hand, what you set out to do.  Your goals were met with grit and determination not falling below expectation. Even in opportunities for improvement, you shared your learning moments with your tens of thousands of followers, clients, and virtual family.  You were perceptive and able to foretell through trendsetting and forward-thinking.

I had you at the top of my list for my forthcoming business venture set to launch Fall 2020.  I stared at the business strategy of which you were apart, in awe. I am in awe of how much your gift has impacted me to where you were on a short list of potential partners and clients to a generational establishment - in the form of a business - I have been called to build and create. I was caught off guard. We are were.

Yet again, we’re reminded that life is short, and that tomorrow is not promised. We’re reminded that good people die young. We’re reminded of the importance of activating our gifts NOW so that we will fulfill our God-given purpose. We’re reminded that when we think we have time, we don’t. We have the minutes, days, weeks, months, and years promised by God – so it behooves us to use them wisely. We have the example of pressing past pain and pursuing purpose even when it hurts.

Partnering with you beyond the courses I took and the eBooks I bought, will not happen in the natural. And, that hurts. I was heart-broken and have not met you personally one day in my life. That speaks of the authenticity you functioned, and the truth in which you operated. Tried and true.

So, what do you do when there’s been a divine change of plans?

Well, because you were committed your voice and your work will remain in the Earth. You have allowed little excuse to escape the magnitudes of success. You’ve allowed little room for those who participated in your courses and question its impact and validity.  You’ve allowed little room for mediocrity, and no room for not meeting set goals. Where others didn’t see opportunity, you saw it. Where others didn’t see advancement, you advanced. You mastered the power of social and electronic content, and the power of building community.  

I didn’t know you personally, but I applaud you. Something tells me that you weren’t one who complained. You showed up daily, throughout the day perhaps while you battled an illness that, like the rest of us, didn’t want to let you go.

I was one who questioned whether I liked social media enough to consistently show up (for all the reasons listed above). But, silently as I watched your diligence, and through my personal self-reflection and a slight tongue-lashing from my mentor I realized and came to agree that being present – even on a platform that can seem toxic at times - is less about me, my preference, and more about those whose ears are waiting to hear my voice.

Thank you for your selflessness.

Thank you for your courage.

Thank you for your unwavering strength.

Thank you for your dedication to life.

Even in this, you created a wave and perhaps met a goal without your knowledge. As much as your presence, your absence has already contributed to the undeniable, history-making year that is 2020.

May the magnanimous moments you created be etched in time.

May your larger-than-life impact continue in our minds.

May you rest peaceful in the presence of eternity, and beyond time.

© August 18, 2020

Written by: Tashyra Ayers | www.tashyrasvoice.com

Tonight (August 11) during my #TashyraTalksTuesdays segment on ReachGospelRadio.com and the RGR App I talk about the inevitable debates that derives from conflicting opinions of “others”. Others. Those that cannnot and will not ever be completely satisfied. There is always an ‘other’...another other opinion, other perspective, other option, and other alternative. Ultimately, its your responsibility not to self-impose the expectations of ‘others’ and take them on as your responsibility. 

This photo is metaphorically profound in that it could simply tell the difference in the woman’s mood from one day to the next - not wanting to wear make-up on a Monday, but wanting to on a Tuesday. However, the commentary that accompanies that photo speaks to a greater debate that can transform into an internal debacle if we allow people’s opinions to infiltrate our souls and decisions.  

If you decide to flaunt your natural beauty, a clean face with your ‘I woke up like this attitude’, or if you decide to chuzz it up a bit, accent those eyes and lips cause you feeling yourself - its going to hit different people differently no matter which side of the face you decide to stand. So, here’s the deal...

No matter the responses, or the lack thereof, your decision to be still while in the valley of decision may seem like you’re not putting in any effort, and your moments of movement may seem like you’re ‘doing the most’. At the end of the day, it is crucial to know the moments and seasons of your life.  To be still takes as much focus, energy and intent as it does to move in motion. Both are necessary, just as both of these faces are beautifully necessary for growth. 

Let this photo represent time in time in that there is a time to move and a time to be still. There is a time to give, and a time to receive. There is a time to sow and a time to reap. There is a time to weep and a time to rejoice. In EVERY TIME or SEASON you find yourself, rejoice.  Your beauty is a marvel to behold. Your BARE face and BEAT face are both wonders. Your stillness and your motion are both necessary. There is no either or, there is only both.

Ecclesiates 3

There is a time for everything,    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

I had a moment yesterday. It didn’t feel good.  It was a moment of insecurity, fear, uncertainty and quite frankly an internal battle of getting up to do what I already know I needed to do (with the instructions and resources to do them) vs. the voice that says she doesn’t want to implement another thing that doesn’t have longevity. 

See, I was about to type ‘begin another thing’, but truth of the matter is I had already begun. And, perhaps had I viewed yesterday’s day-long apprehension in that manner, I would not have taken my personal frustrations out on my “special friend”. He didn’t deserve it.  But like he does with other things he handled me and my moment with finesse.  Yes, I apologized last night and sent him a warm motivating message this morning that was all about him and his strengths that are necessary to the world. Still, it doesn’t erase the hours of back-and-forth that, in his words, made him feel like its ‘never enough’. 

Never enough. So when is enough, enough? My BFF told me a couple of years ago, that I always feel like I’m never doing enough. Where did that originate? I had this thing where I was always searching and trying to do more. This led to me not enjoying moments of success and accomplishment because I was always looking for the next “thing”. This in turn transcends into other relationships wanting and expecting more when they’ve done above and beyond. This I know. Nonetheless, one can only grow with clarity if they are willing and daring enough to ask the difficult questions.

Here’s the real deal...I needed to get over myself.  My self-imposed fear of failure AND fear of success; frustrations of the past that can plague the future if I don’t get a handle on it; the self-imposed idiosyncrasies that are so irrelevant to the current season and theme of my life. I began to think, if I were me looking at me in this moment, what would I say to me??? How would I view this??? As quickly as I posed the question, I got the answer. And yes, you guess it, Sherlock...”Get Over Yourself for 1,000 Alex”.

I have the answers. I know the source of those answers.  I have the tools - beginning internally - that drive me to the source. I have the intellect, moral compass, foundational training, education, and spiritual upbringing that allows me to snap back into it  - even in the moment. Still, those things did not reign supreme during the majority of the day yesterday.  I must admit, I believe it was the trick of the adversary who knows that I am literally on the pinnacle of one of the greatest, generational establishments I have ever conceptualized.

As an entrepreneur, like most I’ve done quite a bit; started new business ventures, reading about others who have, invest in the stock market, investing in real estate, started another business, worked with high-profile clientele, domestic and foreign travel, professional development, started another business venture....etc., etc., etc. Now, I’ve come to what I believe is the mountaintop of attempts and the fear that crept in me caused a transferance to areas and people that are not to blame.

Getting over myself takes authority, boldness, and a strong, unmoved stance against any and everything that speaks or works against what God has for me in my life. Getting over yourself means to move past how you feel, what you’re afraid of and declare - while scared - that the adversary is NOT going to have (wait for it...):  your joy, your mind, your peace, your future, your love, your heart, your posture, your trust, your well-being, your health, your fortitude, your desires, your tenacity, your strength, your influence, your voice, your speech, your family, your eye sight, your senses, your finances, your wealth, your lineage, your bloodline, your vision, and anything else that belongs to YOU. The adversary didn’t give you ANY of those things, so why be so unintentional about NOT giving way to his attempts to take them from you.

The opposite of unintentional is of course intentional.  Getting over yourself takes intent. There is a need for me, you, us, we to be intentional about our today so that tomorrow can have its designed way. There is a design for tomorrow just as there is and was for today. So, we have to intentionally go beyond what we see and feel to obtain that which is set before us - this includes leaving the past in the past and vowing not to punish people in our present or future because of fools - and foolish decisions -  of yesterday.

Get Over Yourself.

Get Over Your OLD self and allow the new self to shine through.

Get Over Your OLD self and allow the new self to minister to YOU.

Get Over Your OLD self and allow the new self to do what God designed her/him to Do.

Get Over Your OLD self and allow the new self to love him/her and you.

Get Over Your OLD self...it benefits YOU and all those around You.

Here’s to the acceptance and the embodiment of THE NEW (NOW) YOU!

I am an Oracle a Powerful Truth. The calling traced back to my youth. My voice, my weapon, my instrument - My silence was once my instrument. Ideas and thoughts kept within, only heard by paper and the pen. Guarded by my thoughts, feelings and emotions; Limited my voice to specific audiences. Ironically, my industry required me to propel others in front of me. I enjoyed the life, met many a celebrity - men in suits with the stripes. Red carpets and luxury cars, media interviews scheduled by me for superstars. I worked both sides of the fence, enjoyed helping others increase their famous. While finding the airwaves my confidence - Place of sharing according to my definition. They said, “You're so articulate!” I said, “What did you expect?” -  Not sure what they meant. As time went on, I met some influential people called mentors - some from a distance because at times I resisted help from others due to personal resentment. But, now this Oracle of Powerful Truth, is THIS Voice I MUST use!

Allow me to reintroduce to you Tashyra Collene Ayers - The Heir. To the Kingdom of God - The Heir. To a lineage stained with talents to sing, preach, teach and minister. Some are nurses and some administer. Many are business owners and entrepreneurs... Need I say more? To answer the question of what makes me an Heir?   I AM ROYALTY! My riches are in what I share! The things passed down through my bloodline - I am a recipient. The wealth of talents, gifts and callings. A renewed passion has opened the windows of content. WHO AM I? I AM AN ORACLE OF POWER TRUTH! I AM VOICE. I AM SOUND. I AM VIBRATION. I AM A PROFOUND. VOICE. I HAVE ONE. I AM ONE. VOICE. ONE SOUND. Through several brands and identities. Female Football Frenzy, The 312 Agency and now... I present ‘Tashyra’s Voice’ through An Heir’s Vournal’. My journal. The bridging of my voice and technology. MY story. Allowing all to see The power of chronicling our lives. Sharing our story leading to our glory. AN APP. A CHANNEL. A BOOK. AN ANGLE. From ‘An Heir’s Journal’ to this ‘Heir’s Vournal’ it will unlock the Heir in YOU.

For like YOU, I am, an Oracle of Powerful Truth.

Look at these faces and tell me what do you see

Look at their stance, their smile, their unity 

Look at the melanin in their skin 

The glow that radiates from within. 

Look at these faces and tell me what do you see 

In one of them, you will see me 

In the others, the faces of Mothers and Fathers 

Who fought hard to ensure these faces see tomorrow

These are the faces of the NOW

These faces are more than a system that wishes to tear them down 

These faces are more than their “Brother’s” hatred 

The enemy of good wishes to take them 

Their lives, their goodness 

Their integrity, their influence 

Their knowledge and wisdom

Their power, their handsome. 

I see the faces of yesterday’s intention

Of tomorrow’s invention 

Of today’s decision;

To make sure these faces know 

That there is a God who loves them, 

Unconditionally, they must know 

Go, and grow in the faith you have been taught 

Black man there are NATIONS in you

From you many will be born, 

Leaders of corps 

Players in sports

Lawyers in courts 

The possibilities are endless

The sky not even the limit 

Love your neighbor as you love yourself

This word from God will help you guide yourself 

Your steps, your decisions 

To be kind and remember 

That although many differences

You are also the same 

Know that WE LOVE YOU BLACK MAN 

Even when we don’t know your name.

Written By: Tashyra Ayers, Mother to a Young Black Man & Voiceover | Media Personality |  International Speaker

 ©️: March 2019

Quote: “I am WOMAN. What’s your Superpower?” – Tashyra Ayers

Scripture: “For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.” – Luke 1:48

As I grew older I began to wonder if the physical strength of my body was synonymous to that of my mental and emotional strength.  You know…how I can take on so much…so many projects, so many thoughts, so many issues and keep moving. My innate ability to multi-task, to be stretched beyond limits, to be pulled in multiple directions and remain consistent, calm, and collected. I realize that I internalized things and that as time went on, I was no longer willing nor able to take on as much. I didn’t even have the desire to do so, which translated into some physical or emotional outward expressions sometimes not the most pleasant. Then I began looking at myself. No, I mean REALLY looking at who I am.  I am WOMAN.  I am a WOMAN. I AM More Than A Woman.

I am strong. My strength perpetuates in my walk.  It is irresistible, undeniable.  It is my truth, sometimes intimidating and by misplacing this gift it becomes the detriment of him.

I am flexible. My body stretches beyond measure. As it prepares to become the home to every living being that walks  this Earth. And, although stretched for extensive periods of time, my body’s intellect allows the healing of its own wombs.

I heal…not just myself, but a scratch on my child’s knee. My voice’s melody brings serenity to replace intensity.  I hold in my bosom compassion and love.  I am WOMAN.

I nurture…the tiniest of issues while facilitating movements that bring healing and growth in weakest of places. A great change comes one only conceivable to the wildest of imaginations.

I am connected to the universe. My physical cycle aligns itself with the rotation of the moon.  Every 29 days, I and the moon remain in sync and the wonder of my body begins preparing for YOU…you who could find the beginning of your life within me. I routinely prepare my body to harbor and welcome life monthly, however, when I do not sense life inside me I rid myself of the excess waist careful not to intoxicate my body with poison. I am WOMAN.

I am the gateway to life. God has made a covenant with me. I am ONE with HIM.  He literally brings life through the walls of my womb.  Our connection is unbreakable, although suffering comes from natural birth herein lies the question this writing began the answer to my opening…

Is my physical make-up cohesive to my emotional and mental strength?

How is my physical body, the anatomy of who I am coincide with the strength of my emotion and my power to prevail.

Humans grow inside of me. There is literally no other natural entry into this world but through the walls of my uterus, my body. My behavior feeds you during this time, my patterns shape your entry. My choice in music and food, and the environments I withdrawal are all to create a haven in a place designed just for YOU.

I am an inventor. I literally create a placenta. As I prepare for you to inhabit my space for nine months. You need it so that you can feed from it and when no longer necessary, and your presentation to the world is made, it is removed.

I am a creator. Ideas. Inventions. Ways to keep food on the table after he is long gone.  I create a space of pleasantries in a world of idolatry. When God is the head of this space, and my life’s race there is but healing in an empty place.

I am WOMAN.

By: Tashyra Ayers, Voiceover | Media Personality | International Speaker 

Copyright: (c) 2017

I know, I know. You see everyone else promoting their Black Friday blowouts, Small Business Saturday sales and Cyber Monday discounts, and you’re wondering why your business, product or service wasn’t “ready” to go. I’ve been there; one reason or another I’ve been there. You are not alone. I want to talk to those who are hiding in the shadows of everyone else’s booming business, and social media success. You may even be purchasing from these hard-working entrepreneurs all the while regretting that you weren’t prepared enough to sell-out of your top product. You may be wondering why the investors didn’t commit, why the product didn’t do the numbers you projected, why your family doesn’t support, why you second-guessed yourself, why you didn’t believe in your own dream…sooner. I know I’m not alone in thinking the aforementioned at one point or another. Perhaps it was because your goals weren’t clear, or if they were you didn’t develop AND follow your plan. Whatever the reason; face it. Deal with it. Embrace it. Learn from it. Then, let it go. That’s the only way to grow. Between the weeds, behind the smile, the manipulated media are women everywhere suffering through the swamp of success that leads to personal fulfillment. It’s not an easy task and I’ve come to learn that networks, teams and a tribe is not only necessary for the physical labor (shopping, packaging, etc), but its necessary for the mental taunting that entrepreneurship brings as you ride an emotional roller coaster of trial & error on your way to mastery. Year after year I found myself not trusting in my own skill or my gut decision and unique abilities to stick with something to the point of mastery. Year after year I invested time, money and energy into people and things that would not and could not deposit anything valuable back into me, my business or growth goals. What I didn’t realize at the time is that they were getting more out of my natural abilities, pruned by experience and some success, but my second-guessing blinded my priceless contributions. My contributions exceeded their title, age, and bank accounts. For varying reasons, I wasn’t ready. It could have “just not been the right time”, but ultimately I wasn’t ready. In some aspects, I’m grateful that I didn’t step out completely ill-prepared, and other times I wondered often what life would have been like had I believed. I’m multi-talented, so my attention was on multiple things, simultaneously without much room to focus on mastering one. But, these are my reasons, what are yours? That is not a rhetorical question. What we must realize is that our reality is not the reality of those we loathe on social media. I had to face the fact that having my son at 14, loosing my Mother 5 years later, and finding myself responsible for raising my son and younger brother while attempting to get a degree and work a sufficient job were the facts of my life that I didn’t necessarily plan or prepare for. But I carried on. I preserved beyond what some would call obstacles and started businesses, hosted radio shows, produced celebrity events, covered televised awards shows, covered the NFL Draft, worked with the Super Bowl, worked in corporate America, pursued higher degrees, traveled the country, relocated, travel to other countries, spoke in London and Amsterdam, produced audio books, and yet I did not have a product, skill or service that I sold or promoted on Black Friday, or did I??? My plan was to have available the extended version of my eBook “3 Ways to Make Money Using Your Voice”, release Volume II of this book dedicated to podcasters and to pre-sell a book of short-stories that talked about me being a teen Mom. I have the context because it’s the life that I lived. I wrote the content and it’s currently (as I type) in draft mode on my laptop. But I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t force a release because it was Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday. I wouldn’t rush to print, and promote just because it’s the thing to do. This time. I’ve done that in the past…rushed. Not realizing I hadn’t stuck with a plan, saw it all the way through to get to a point in my progression that I would see measurable results without rushing. It blew my mind. With my experience, exposure, travel and an extended resume, why did seeing it through seem impossible??? It wasn’t impossible. And that wasn’t the right question. The question was: “Why did seeing it through when it came to MY goals, seem impossible??” That’s the million-dollar question. I ask you the same. As many factors contribute to why you weren’t / aren’t ready, I’m here to challenge you with the one important part of this question that can only be answer introspectively. Why when it comes to “YOUR GOALS” do you not see them through; procrastinate; delay?? Again, not a rhetorical question but one that needs answering. You see, the products have been ready and the audience in wait, but my collective capacity had to match the energy of what I produced. My preparation needed to have an end goal, a direction, a target. Forbes.com published that a 2015 study on fear and entrepreneurship, fear is actually a major psychological barrier to most business leaders, as it can prevent them from taking necessary risks for their success. 

Fear is a major factor in these entrepreneur streets - a bigger factor that what we may want to admit. Fear of failing, fear of being rejected, fear of not having the capital we need, fear, fear, fear…all self-sabotage. Here are some of my tips to overcoming entrepreneurs’ entrapment: 1. Keep your mind on things above. Shift your thinking upward and keep your God-given purpose in the forefront. This will help with maintaining a positive mindset even when noone is clapping for you. 2. Trust yourself. Trust the God that is within and listen to that part of you. Keep it fed. 3. Surround yourself with people with similar and elevated mindsets. Having people on your level is one thing, but having people who are where you strive to be that challenge your thought-pattern makes you level-up. 4. Create a plan, and make adjustments often. A lot of times people create a plan and are so dedicated they do not see the need to make adjustments based on industry needs, trends, market shifts or just being flexible enough to bend as needed. 5. Press past how you feel. Don’t think that you’re going to “feel like it” everyday, because you won’t. Press pass how you feel, but embrace the fact that these days or moments will come. It’s natural. 6. Be realistic. Everyday may not seem like a good day, but everyday that you have a chance to get it right, is a good day. 7. REST. I’m not a believer or a fan of “team no sleep”. Yes, you may have long nights and early mornings, it comes with the territory. However to deny yourself, you mind, body and spirit the adequate rest it needs to function at its peak is not wisdom, nor does it make you a better business person. It mays you a tired one. Clear minds, creative concepts and innovative ideas come from a rested entrepreneur. 8. Challenge your challenges. Don’t ignore them…those things that seem like roadblocks when in all actuality they are moments putting you on pause. Embrace that time and let it work in your favor. We need to be challenged to test our fortitude, increase our grit, and to really see if we’re about this entrepreneur life. Smartly determine if this challenge is meant to tell you to stop, pause, or shift 9. Don’t give up. Even if you stop to recollect yourself; don’t give up. 10. PRAY!!!!!!!! Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Mondays are dates on the calendar. Should you not be ready on either of these days, but find that the second week in December, first week in January, or the third Monday in June is the best date for your business or new product release, you do what’s best for you. If you’re like me, you like to tie-in releases, launches and announcements with special dates, anniversaries and connect it to a profound purpose. But, let’s face it, that day can be very day. So, stop the comparisons outside of market research, and tap into what is best for your business. This includes the personal and professional factors that are impacted by the moves you make. In light of the biggest retail weekend of the year, I want you to remember that you’re not alone in thinking “I should have…!” or “Why didn’t I…?” Understand this: if you didn’t stick with a plan throughout the year, but attempted to cram and rush release of product this weekend, you’re not going to reap the rewards of proper planning and execution. You will reap rewards of rushing to fit in a weekend you were prepared for. You will loose valuable time, and not gain valuable profits. Instead, focus the end of this year on introspective insights and revisit your business by revisiting why you started. Don’t get caught-up in a day of the week. Stay focused on removing things that make you weak. “Remember you’re an heir. Be royal.”