UnCagedPhoenix Magazine: July 2019

BEHIND THE SCENES AT UNCAGED PHOENIX
he sun is out, and it is not
playing around. I don’t know
why the sun thinks it needs to
show up and show out in July, but
this month it came out with a force and
is already acting the fool. And like previous
years gone by, I was not ready for the 90+ degree heat.
One would think that by being born and raised in the Caribbean I
wouldn’t be a stranger to the sun. This is what I thought too! But I was wrong.
To this day, I still prefer to hide out in the shade—and more importantly in
air conditioning—than to fight with the sun during the summer.
Isn’t it funny how all winter we keep crying out for the sun [you not me],
begging mother nature to show her face [again you not me]? Yet when
she does, we run hiding and pleading with her not to take everything we
say so seriously. Life pretty much is the same… We spend so much time
wanting the wife, husband, kids, job, business, degree, house, friends,
location, etc. Then, when we finally get it, we moan and groan about it not
fitting the fantasy notions we created in our mind. And just as it comes
to the weather, we never truly learn. Each year we set goals and dreams
about what we want but never really stop to consider the work it takes,
the sacrifices that have to be made or the change in mindset to achieve
and sustain them. Instead we choose to remain in our lofty imaginations
where we take no accountability for what is happening in our lives or the
steps needed to move forward [blaming everyone else but us].
Like my dislike for the sun, there comes a time when we have to face
the reality of our situations. Yes, certain aspects of our life or business
may not be perfect, but that does not mean it is the be-all and endall.
We can’t always wish for things to just appear and not be willing to
work for or maintain it. You wanted the spouse, now you hate the idea
of compromising. You wanted the kids, but you hate the idea of potty
training. You wanted the business, but you don’t want to actually work.
You are old enough to understand that with each benefit there will come
actionable tasks which have to be completed by you.
In this month’s magazine we are going to show you how to take some
of these actionable tasks. We are going to help you move forward as an
entrepreneur and explore how love never dies. We will learn about the
importance of a healthy mindset and body, and also reveal how you can
see yourself within your vision. This month is going to challenge you. It is
going to make you think. But at the end, you are going to be better prepared
to face whatever changes or growth may come your way. Don’t worry, we
are not heartless! We still left room for the word games, self-care and our
summer app review. And who knows…I may just put some sunblock on and
get out into this glowing sun and absorb some well needed vitamin D.
Lisa Smithen
UnCagedPhoenix
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