Iyanla Vanzant

Is an accomplished author, inspirational speaker, talk show host and living testament to the power of acting on faith. Iyanla has had a unique life filled with many personal struggles that she has overcome and used to become stronger. Now, she's back, fixing lives and using her past to help others. Since she was on the scene last, But she's using her experience, wisdom and spirit in yet another amazing way in which others will benefit.

In her new series - Iyanla Fix My Life - secrets are revealed, truths will be uncovered and emotions will come out as she teaches us how to pull back the curtain on what is broken in our lives by laying the foundation for healing and leading us through the first steps toward stopping the pain and becoming anew. Iyanla explores and exposes the wounds that caused the breakdown and provides the tools to restoration.

From Our.. Facebook Friends

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!5

Every week we're posting a question and opening our platform for you to Journal your thoughts.. Here's our latest Facebook Question:

What is the one thing you wish someone would have told you at the age of 18 – that would have made a big difference today?

Here's what our friends had to day.. AMAZING!

LaShawn MsButterfly mumford-Hollis

The everything in life isn't going to be black or white , That there's a lot Gray areas and how to deal with them --

Shalonda CoachTreasure Williams

Great question! Someone could have told me that it was absolutely ok just to be me! That would have been wonderful!

Yvette Bentley

Not to attempt to live all of my adult life in 24 hours!

Debbie Hoffman Nutile

Although I LoVe every bit of my LiFe and really would not change a thing for I wouldn't BE where I am if I hadn't BEEN where I'd been I would have LoVed to know about Universal Law and my place in this Universe. It would have been nice to know I create my own reality and that I could BE, DO or HAVE anything that I desire!!! While all my dreams have come true I would have had a head start!!!

Tricia Waltman

I wish someone would have explained to me that it all begins with our thoughts and thoughts are the only thing we CAN control.

Linda ElectLady Hillman

Heartbreak comes but if you allow it will heal.

Wendy Johnson-Kidd

If someone would have told me to learn to love myself and God first that would have been a big help for me and also to learn that though things will happen in your life or has happened they don't have to define you....those stick out the most....if only I didn’t have to figure it out the long road and believe it or not Im still learning as I grow.

Shamina Kenny

I wish someone would have explained to me the power of One flesh (marriage) and the importance of discernment. I believe I would be a totally different person, Although I'm not sure that's a good thing, God has accomplished amazing things through my trials and tribulations, but it is something I think about.

Janice Masters

That I didn't need to 'play it safe', that I was an amazing, beautiful, smart, talented woman and could do ANYTHING I wanted.

Atim Kavi

There are no right answers. There is nothing you are supposed to do. Love doesn't last, money doesn't last, everything changes. Your highest responsibility is to the joy of your heart. Pursue that and all else will tend to itself.

August 17, 2012

Celebrate  Someone Else

by NATASHA BROWN

We need to learn to celebrate others while you can. You never know when someone may depart this place called Earth. CELEBRATE THEM WHILE THEY ARE HERE...you are worth celebrating so celebrate someone else.

Should anyone need validation? It is not about someone needing to be validated. It is about what the energy of celebration creates and what it means. When we are able to celebrate others, what we are essentially doing is validating the very same thing in ourselves. We are validating our own greatness by recognizing greatness in someone else. You can’t be great if you don’t recognize it when you see it.

So what does it mean to celebrate someone else? Is it simply to compliment them? To celebrate someone else is to rejoice, delight, and bask in someone else’s success. By celebrating someone else just for who they are and/or for their success, you are acknowledging that the very same thing is possible in your life. You are literally aligning with that “success energy.”

With this in mind, the next time a friend or even a total stranger is being celebrated for a promotion, a beautiful picture, an achievement among friends, reaching a personal goal, or even winning a board game, celebrate with them and allow that wonderful energy of success to flow in your life. Remember, we can only have what we are willing to give.

August 17, 2012

I LOVE THIS!

A year ago I experienced hair loss so extreme that I was forced to wear wigs, weave, and other hair products that I was able to do without for most of my life. While the hair loss itself was found to be hereditary it was a HUGE blow to my self esteem.

So I sought GOD and he helped me understand the hair was NOT important. I am still ME! I still have my life, and my spirit, and my talents. And so I struck a deal with GOD (I know you have done it too)

I said GOD, if you allow my hair to grow back, I will NOT make it so important as to forget my other blessings! And so he did.

Yesterday I walked out of my house with less than an inch of my own hair and kept my promise to GOD. I am NOT my hair. I am beautiful, talented, helpful, loving, blessed, favored and STILL ME whether I have a full head of hair or not. Yesterday I fell in love with the REAL me all over again. Thanks to my SON Tyler for the hair cut. My The Natural Weight Loss Coach | Reeshemah Holmes for the inspiration and most of all THANK GOD for allowing my hair to grow and for my priorities to grow along with the hair.

*Diva reserves the right to wear HER HAIR any way she feels necessary!

Dawniel Patterson Winningham
Master Coach|National Speaker|Award Winning Author

August 17, 2012

Jordan Sparks and Whitney Houston’s last movie performance, hits the big screen in..

SPARKLE!

Showcasing Whitney Houston’s final on-screen performance, and introducing American Idol Jordan sparks in her feature film debut, SPARKLE is the Inspiring story of 3 talented sisters trying to live out their dreams in 1960s Detroit. A musical prodigy destined for greatness, SPARKLE struggles to become a star while dealing with unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her own sisters strive to become a dynamic singing group during the height of Motown.

August 17, 2012

Gabrielle Christina Victoria "Gabby" Douglas

is an American artistic gymnast. As a member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won gold medals in both the individual and team all-around competitions. Douglas is the first African-American gymnast^[3] and first woman of color^[4] in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion, and the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics. 

You Go Girl!

August 17, 2012

 From Our.. Facebook Friends

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Every week we're posting a question and opening our platform for you to Journal your thoughts.. Here's our latest Facebook Question:

What has been the hardest thing you've ever done - and how has it changed you for the better..

Here's what our friends had to day.. LOVE IT!

The hardest thing I have ever done was learning to journal and write things down. I was acquainted with the normal quick notes on the back of my check book but to actually list my day as if I have already accomplished it was quit a change. 

I had to change my way of thinking! I had to begin to sleep, walk, and talk with my journal readily available for me to write my to-do list as the thoughts came to me. I own a childcare learning center, a nanny agency, and an online daycare success network! With so many streams of responsibility I couldn't keep up with it all! But by changing my way of thinking, increasing my journal habits and sticking to my list I have accomplished more in 30 days than I have in the past year. My businesses have increase in every area. I am thankful the art of journaling!

ANDREA DICKERSON

Daycare Success – daycaresuccess.com

The hardest thing I've ever done was choosing to be a mother at the age of 19. However, I feel that decision helped to create the woman I am today. I pushed myself to be the best mother I could be and enhance my craft. Why? Because I was now responsible for a little person that depended on me. Now 25 years later, while still in my career of choice, I am following my passion. My son will never know how much he inspired me.

TINA C. HINES

www.tinachines.com

The hardest thing I've ever done is being caregiver for both of my aging parents. Having that responsibility made me a much more sensitive and caring person because I had to completely put my personal "issues" on hold and accept the fact that my life journey is not just about ME!

JAMEE GREENE

I think accepting my call was my hardest thing I ever done. The reason is I didn't take what God had for me lightly.....I known that besides myself, I would be responsible for others if I didn't do what I was commissioned to do. I really thought that this was not a journey that I could endure by myself, but God ensured me that he would never leave me alone. It changed me by knowing anything through his will can be obtained if I only believe and trust in him.

MINISTER TERESA FOSTER

Being honest and true to myself! When I learned how to be true with me, that put a big change in my life. Now am real with myself and others and I DO NOT have to pretend anymore. For so long I was what other people wanted me to be or do, but now am just me and I love it! That’s was a big change for me.

TONI DAWSON

To become part of our "REAL TALK LADIES" platform, befriend the Editor-N-Chief at www.facebook.com/tracyrbutler (or) visit us at www.facebook.com/TodaysLeadingLadiesMagazine. 

Check us out every Monday for a new question! 

August 6, 2012

 Powerful   Women!

Nancy-Ann Min DeParle is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy in the administration of President Obama. Previously, she served as the director of the White House Office of Health Reform., leading the administration's efforts on health care issues. 

Mellody Hobson is the president of Ariel Investments, LLC, a Chicago investment firm managing over $3 billion in assets. It is also one of the largest African American-owned money management and mutual fund companies in the United States. She is also the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Ariel Mutual Funds. Hobson is a regular contributor on financial issues to ABC's Good Morning America and a spokesperson for the annual Ariel/Schwab Black Investor Survey.

Anna Wintour, is the English-born editor-in-chief of American Vogue, a position she has held since 1988. With her trademark pageboy bob haircut and sunglasses, Wintour has become an institution throughout the fashion world, widely praised for her eye for fashion trends and her support for younger designers. Her reportedly aloof and demanding personality has earned her the nickname "Nuclear Wintour".

Zainab Salbi is an Iraqi American writer, activist and social entrepreneur who is co-founder and president of Washington-based Women for Women International.

Oprah Winfrey is a mutli media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Winfrey is best known for her self-titled, multi-award-winning talk show, The Oprah Show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011. She has been ranked the richest African-American of the 20th century, the greatest black philanthropist in American history, and was for a time the world's only black billionaire. She is also, according to some assessments, the most influential woman in the world.

August1, 2012

10 Things that don’t cost you anything..

But you can use everyday!

1. FAITH

2. LOVE

3. A SMILE

4. GIVING

5. CARE

6. GOOD THOUGHTS

7. BLESSINGS

8. JOY

9. PEACE

10. A KIND WORD

When Glamour speaks for itself!

What else is there left to say?

“Live Your Beauty”

Professional Boxer, Wife, Mother and daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali 

Even the most beautiful women have things about themselves that they want to change, nobody’s perfect. So appreciate your beauty and have confidence in yourself. 

Laila Ali

July 31, 2012

LEDISI

Soultry.. Powerful & Real is what I think of when I listen to the lyrics that flow from the vocal cords of the R&B Singer, Ledisi.. Her music definitely takes you there and the feeling in every tones sincerely delivers you to the place you need to be… Pieces of Me – My favorite along with BRAVO changes my mood from uncertain to “What was I thinking – I’m BEAUTIFUL! (Tracy R. Butler, Editor-N-Chief).

Ledisi is an singer-songwriter and actress. Her first name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in Yoruba.. ESSENCE recently partnered with powerhouse artist Ledisi to share the moments that have led the multiple Grammy nominated singer -

www.ledisi.com

Inspired Ivory - Inspiration Board

Picks-of-the-week

July 31, 2012

All Things Beautiful!

Senior Vice President of internet retailing giant marketamerica.com, creator of the award winning cosmetic line, Motives® by Loren Ridinger, creator of the uber-luxurious skincare line, Cellular Laboratories®, and designer of the exquisite jewelry collection, Loren Jewels®, worn by Hollywood's elite, including Alicia Keys, Eva Longoria Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Joel Madden, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Paulina Rubio, Marc Anthony, Swizz Beatz and more.

Loren is an Internet icon who has been changing the face of the beauty and internet retailing industries for many years. Her impeccable style has established her as one of today's leading trendsetters. She has been named to Vogue's Top 100 as one of their most influential women, selected by Haute Living as one of New York's and Miami's most influential residents, winner of the 2009 Women of Substance and Style award, and named Woman Extraordinaire and Top 50 Entrepreneur by Business Leader magazine. Loren has transcribed her style and fashion expertise to her personal blog, MyFashionCents.com, which also won the DivineCaroline.com 2009 Love! This Site award for style.

Loren's passion to help others leads her involvement with many charitable causes including Rally for Kids with Cancer, which she co-Chairs with Eva Longoria Parker, American Heart Association, Make-a-Wish, the Jennifer Lopez Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, and many others.