Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts

Friday, 16 November 2018

STAN LEE: 5 Lessons You Taught Me


Buenos Dias

An Icon, a Living Legend has passed recently. This post is to honor & celebrate the wisdom he left behind for All of us to embrace. For some of us we were all introduced to Stan via his many, many cameo appearances throughout the Marvel cinematic movies released. It was this kind of creativity & his ability to have fun with his work that kept him in our hearts & minds. Think about it, how many icons & "talent behind the scenes" gets lost in the forefront of the world? So many could be responsible for some of the coolest things ever released & we've all but forgotten them. Stan Lee became a household name & expectance in of itself. I still distinctly remember his voice over on the first spiderman game on the Playstation on. How he would blurt out "Excelsior" or "Webslinger"
Here watch it:

Now I think back to it fondly about how much he influenced my geek life growing up. Even back then.

Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book writer, editor, and publisher who was active from the 1940s to the 2010s. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business to become Marvel Comics' primary creative leader for two decades, leading its expansion from a small division of a publishing house to a multimedia corporation that dominated the comics industry.


In collaboration with others at Marvel—particularly co-writer/artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko—he co-created numerous popular fictional characters, including superheroes Spider-Man, the X-MenIron ManThor, the Hulk, the Fantastic FourBlack PantherDaredevilDoctor Strange, and Ant-Man. In doing so, he pioneered a more naturalistic approach to writing superhero comics in the 1960s. He frequently made cameo appearances in movies based on Marvel characters, on which he received an honorary "executive producer" credit. Lee was inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1995. He received the NEA's National Medal of Arts in 2008.

Stan Lee
5 Lessons You Taught Me

5. Excelsior!
"You know, my motto is 'Excelsior.' That's an old word that means 'upward and onward to greater glory.'

Every day, there’s a new development. … There’s no limit to the things that are happening. – Stan Lee


He's right the world is always changing, evolving. We should live in a constant state of mindful improvement. To keep moving forward, evolve, change & Level up. I mean this dude literally worked until the day he died! He was pursuing creative ventures well into his 90's. He was constantly creating, because it wasn't "work" to him. It was just pure passion, fun & joy.
Each one of us should create our own motto to live by. 
Mine is "Words are Immortal. "
What's yours?

4. Writers Life
The only advice anybody can give is, if you wanna be a writer, keep writing. And read all you can, read everything. – Stan Lee

I’m sort of a pressure writer. If somebody says, “Stan, write something,” and I have to have it by tomorrow morning, I’ll just sit down and I’ll write it. It always seems to come to me. But I’m better doing a rushed job because if it isn’t something that’s due quickly, I won’t work on it until it becomes almost an emergency and then I’ll do it. – Stan Lee

Virtually every kid is exposed to giants and ogres and talking wolves, and so forth. And magic. And I think you never outgrow your love for those imaginative, fanciful, farfetched, fantastic characters and situations. – Stan Lee
I relate so much to this dude wow. I'm a pressure writer too! Case & point this post lol. I wrote it literally at the last possible minute to the deadline I set for myself. *Facepalm. It might not be entirely healthy or productive & yes I do agree that certain things need to be planned but really & truly I have more fun writing something in the moment, than ahead of time. 
Reading is so important, you have no idea the effect it has on your writing until after you read +100 books. It's like your brain subconsciously does research on
How to write:
  • When to add punctuation. 
  • When to end a conversation. 
  • How to start one. 

How to plot through a chapter
It also gives you ideas:
  • Tropes of characters
  • Plot twists
  • Story concepts
The list of benefits goes on and on. Trust Stan the Man, Go & Read yourself up a storm.

3. Great Power = Great Responsibility

"With great power comes great responsibility." - Stan Lee
"[Being a ‘geek’] has become a badge of honor. It’s geeks who really make or break a TV show or movie or video game. They’re the ones who are passionate about these things and who collect [the paraphernalia] and talk about them. A geek is really somebody interested in communication and entertainment and [finding] the best way to avail himself or herself to it..” – Stan Lee, The Washington Post.
Probably the Most famous quote of his. This one stands out on any list of Greatest quotes of all time. 
While you might think it only applies to the "powerful" I believe it applies to us all. That we all have power within ourselves. That is unique & entirely our own. It is our "responsibility" to nurture it, to cultivate it into something that governs change within our lives. Think about it, if you had power, how can you be responsible for it? In what ways? Now apply that going forward. 

2. Stay Humble. Stay Human.
These stories of people with unusual powers and unusual appearances, who do unusual things, people are always fascinated by them. – Stan Lee

Just because you have superpowers, that doesn’t mean your love life would be perfect. I don’t think superpowers automatically means there won’t be any personality problems, family problems or even money problems. I just tried to write characters who are human beings who also have superpowers. – Stan Lee

Here he's talking from experience. A great subject to be studied in Pop culture at university. Take heed to what he's staying, it might just give you the insight to your own story that it's been missing. 
I think this equates to many things. About the core perspective. It doesn't matter the "classification of people". Whether it be Black, or LGBT+ or Aliens or Immigrants or Mutants or Women or Jewish. All those people that have been classified as separate or discriminated against in any shape or form. What matters is that they of have a quality of some humanity in each of them. That they are ALL Equal. That WE are all Equal. They all have to the capacity to Love & to Hate. They each have their own personal problems, family problems or even money problems. So really instead of discriminating & judging each other, we should be relating more than anything to people. I believe that that's what this world of Social Media revolution has helped with. For us to see JUST how much the person you never thought you would relate to, actually relates more to you than anyone you've known all your life. THAT POWER can help change the world. 


1. Inspire. Create. Write.
I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain people, you’re doing a good thing. – Stan Lee
I think because of many factors like family/societal expectancy, one's own expectancy, parental authority, monetary gain and so on that many of us in the "Creative" fields, find ourselves doubtful of our paths. Especially when we're exposed to all the news of doctors saving children down all over Africa or how the bridge being built by architects will cut traffic down by 50%. We're constantly exposed to all these stimuli of the amazing things people are accomplishing and you wonder how your artwork or piece of writing or the movie you're auditioning for or the song you're composing is going to make a dent in this ever-evolving world?? I mean how? Don't even get me started on when family member tells you about the accomplishments of cousin Tim & cousin Tina.... {eye roll} you can even see the glint in their eyes when they talking about it. You can't help but wish they would talk about you that way.

Well, Stan tells you. Look at the MASSIVE & UNDENIABLE effect his work has had on the world. Imagine how many of those doctors or lawyers that read comic books growing up. How many of them entertained to keep going in life. To live if even for that next issue that comes out the following week. Never doubt the power of entertainment.
I will forever believe that books are mankind's greatest invention of all time.
"Words are immortal."

Credit: Boss Logic
~vaya con Dios Stan Lee~

© Enricoh Alfonzo ~ Alfonzo Words
  • I’d love to keep connected with you! 
Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook Join my Instagram community | Watch me on Pinterest | Subscribe to blog post Updates |

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Inspire Tag: Elayna Fernandez aka The Positive MOM



Buenos Dias~

Today's post marks a momentous landmark & milestone on my blog. I have the unique honor & privilege to showcase the undeniable AWESOMOCITY of my mentor, Elayna Fernandez!
I was truly over the moon, bouncing off the walls excited to discover she had WON my giveaway of a Month's Promotion Package
To mark my Facebook Page reaching 30k LIKES:

Meet Elayna Fernandez aka The Positive MOM!

Elayna Fernández, known worldwide as The Positive MOM, is an award-winning storyteller, certified coach, trainer, and strategist, and an avid student of pain. Elayna helps moms worldwide transform their pain story into positive growth and build a life they love - on their own terms.
Elayna travels the world as an keynote speaker in the topics of motherhood, mindset, and mompreneurship and is often featured in global media.  Elayna has been recognized as one of the Top Latina Influencers in the USA for the impact of her programs, products, and positive content.

Her philosophy is “BE Positive and You’ll BE Powerful!”

I have been following Elayna for as long as I have been blogging, yes, she's been there since the beginning. I can't exactly explain Why I gravitated towards her at first, I mean I'm not really her target audience now am I? lol! But I can tell you Why I stayed. For that SMILE! Just look at it, it's SMILE that could light up the whole world. In truth, her posts & wisdom has been invaluable in my growth as both a blogger/influencer & as a person. She's been there in times of Great Need, understanding & relating to me in a way that most if not all in my life have been unable to do. Her blog has been both a safe haven & a safeguard.

1. What is the best advice you were ever given?
·  I read a poem called Desiderata when I was a little girl that taught me that "If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for ALWAYS there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself," and this concept can shift moments of self-doubt, self-pity, and self-centeredness into moments of expanded perspective. Comparison is a cancer to the soul.
2. Who inspires you and why?
·  My children inspire me to be the ultimate version of myself. I've learned so much about myself, about love, and about the nature of God from them. Children remind us of our infinite potential, purpose, and possibilities. No matter where we are or how broken we feel we may be, each day is a brand new opportunity to make progress, and to me, Progress IS Success.
3. Everyone has bad days; how do you deal with a bad day?
·  The first step is to give myself permission to be authentic, to honor all my emotions, as well as embracing who I can become as I move past it, surrender, and let it go. I know you like my OG quotes, so here's one that just came to me: Suppression is servitude.
4. Where do you go/what do you do when you need motivation?
·  I go the only place you can find real motivation = WITHIN. Extrinsic motivators don't work because they don't last. We must find, build, and nurture our intrinsic motivation so that we find joy doing what we need to do. This is crucial when you want to be your own boss and run a profitable business. No one is going to cut your pay, fire you, or guilt you into doing something and you'll have your own deadlines. This is not to say that you'll love every step of the process, but that you trust the process. I don't think anyone becomes a mom to get to change the diapers as much as I didn't become an entrepreneur to track my income and expenses, for example, but if I focus on what kind of mom or business woman I am and what my ultimate desire is ("have a safe, healthy, happy child" or "have a successful small business"), I will find intrinsic motivation because it is linked to my WHY, my statement of purpose
5. Failure is a big part of life, what has been your biggest failure to date?
·  I always say that Failure is an opportunity for positive growth. Failure is feedback, redirection, and preparation for success. The moment I felt like the biggest failure was when a painful divorce launched me into single motherhood, not only because I didn't have a plan, but mainly I had bought into the cultural lie that my worth was defined by my ability to "get a man and keep him happy." As it usually happens, this turned out to be the biggest blessing in my life and I still love my Ex and always will because of it. I feel so much gratitude now that I've let go of those shoulds, because the truth really does set you free.
6. What is your biggest achievement?
·  My biggest achievement is becoming a pioneer, a cycle breaker, and a student of pain. In this journey, I've been open to seek and receive healing and to inspire others to do the same. I love that my children think I'm the best MOM ever  because they honor my experiences and want to walk in my footsteps, but more importantly, that they know I love and support them unconditionally.
7. Have you conquered any fears?
·  Every day! We're all afraid, every day, whether we are conscious we are operating from fear or not. The voice of fear is sneaky, and it disguises in many ways: safety, worry, doubt, and even false comfort. An acronym I love is False Evidence Appearing Real. It’s up to us to destroy this evidence, get a grip and get unstuck so we don’t remain paralyzed. As Eleanor Roosevelt said: "We must do the thing we think we cannot do," on a daily basis! 
8. Music helps lift our mood, What is your go-to song when you need a pick me up?
·  I'm a Latina, so I love music and I can't just pick a song. I can't even pick a decade. How about the 80's and the 90's? I am fortunate to be trilingual (Spanish, English, Italian), so I get to enjoy amazing music in different languages.
9. Complete the sentence, Happiness is…
·  just a start. We can make many choices that will make us happier, but in the end, it is meaning that will sustain us and infuse a sense of purpose.
10. What do you do to clear your mind?
·  Tell stories! I believe we are all storytellers and we each have a powerful story to tell. I've been a storyteller since childhood. My dad jokes that my school notebooks were “my first blog,” because I used my homework as a way to unpack what I was going through in my childhood so my teachers would read. Telling my emotional, vulnerable, raw stories has sustained me over the years. It makes sense now why through the fear, doubt, and uncertainty of single motherhood, I had the courage to make storytelling my career path.
11. Life can be stressful, what are your top 3 things to unwind?
·  Write, read, and laugh.
12. Have you watched any inspiring movies? Do you have any favorites?
·  I watch a lot of inspiring movies because I am a Disney Mom! I feel really blessed to partner with Disney Channel, Disney Jr., Disney Animation, Disney Princesses, Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, ABC, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm / Star Wars, Disney XD, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Kids, Disney Parks and other branches or the Walt Disney Company to bring awareness to positive stories that move, empower, and inspire! I am passionate about diversity, inclusion, and quality representation in the media, as well as positive lessons that help us and our kids think and grow. I do have to say that there was one moment in my life in which I was feeling hopeless, worthless and helpless in which I thought about the Academy Award winning film “Life is Beautiful,” by Roberto Benigni and it blessed me with a deep sense of gratitude and perspective that connected me to my core identity.  
13. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
·  My favorite quote is from Marianne Williamson's book "Return to Love" because I feel it summarizes who each of us is and who each of us can become and what really stunts our positive growth: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You’re playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
14. Do you listen to motivational speakers?
·  I love self-help books, seminars, and training programs. Words have the power to transform us. I have shared the stage and have been mentored personally by the best speakers in the industry, including my good friend Les Brown and mentors like Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, Brendon Burchard, Tony Robbins, Mary Morrissey, Janet Atwood, and Reverend Michael Beckwith and many others. Certified Guerrilla Marketing Master Trainer, Certified Passion Test Facilitator, Certified DreamBuilder Coach, Certified Success Principles Trainer, and a graduate of the Steve Harvey School for Business Acceleration. I love traveling the world as an International keynote speaker and panelist in the topics of motherhood, mindset, and mompreneurship!
15. How do you cope with unpleasant people?
·  If we are honest, we can all be unpleasant people, even toxic people, at times. I have identified 3 main ways to deal with someone who is being unpleasant or interacting with me in a toxic way (could be frenemies or fair weather friends). The first one you can use is being true to your vision, this means that you will access what fuels you to do what you set out to do and not let this exchange of energy affect it. The second is to set clear firm healthy boundaries to make sure your sanity is not jeopardized. And the third is to practice self-care, because when your needs are met, you are less likely to take things personally. In addition, it is essential that you forgive yourself for being toxic to others and take the proper steps to make amends.
16. What is your best piece of advice?
·  Find a mentor! Albert Einstein once said that "Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them," so it is necessary to partner with people who have a higher domain of belief in order to move to a higher level. A mentor’s guidance, encouragement, inspiration, experience, perspective, and advice can make a huge difference between success and failure in motherhood and in entrepreneurship.  A coach is a mentor, a guide, a teacher, a friend, a partner, a facilitator… someone who will ask the right questions, identify your blind spots, and provide the type of accountability that moves you to action, saving you stress, time, and money in the long-run. I am committed to help my coaching and mentoring clients build their dreams and create a life they love!


17. Complete the sentence “When life gives you lemons…”
·  ...hold on to them and give thanks for the free lemons. I always say "Gratitude is the birthplace of joy!"
18. What is the most inspiring book you have ever read?
·  I have read too many books to choose a favorite, but one I read at least once every year is titled “As A Man Thinketh,” by James Allen. It’s a short read and it keeps getting better. It has been a great friend throughout my journey and in my quest to be a student of pain, because it teaches us that "The outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to reflect their inner beliefs;" in other words, you cannot outperform your beliefs of who you are and what the world seems to you, so we must always question our beliefs.
19. Do you have a place to pray or meditate?
·  I am always praying and meditating. The beauty of divine communication is that it can happen anywhere, at any time, and under any conditions. We can tune in to the still small voice to access wisdom, answers, and guidance in any area of our lives.
20. What is your motto in life?
21. If there was just one nugget of wisdom you could share, what would that be?
·         Two words: Forgive Yourself!

Regrets, guilt, and shame are destructive, not productive. Stop beating yourself up with the “I can’t believe I…”“Why did/didn’t I…?” “I should have…”“I could have…” and “If only I’d…” and invest your precious time, effort, and energy building what you dream and being present to those you love.
·   
Quick Fire:

Inspirational Movie or Talk with a friend?

Creating Art or Listening to music?

Eating out or Making Food?

Being in a crowd or Being alone?

Writing or Singing?

Sea Vacation or Safari Vacation?

Blessings,

Elayna Fernández
Storyteller | Strategist | Student of Pain
Named one of the Top Parenting Blogs Worldwide 2017
#12 of 100 Top Mom Blogs Worldwide 2016
2015 and 2016 Best Latina Lifestyle Blogger Award
Named one of the 100 Top Influencers In USA (two years in a row)
Certified DreamBuilder Coach
Certified Guerrilla Marketing Master Trainer
Certified Passion Test Facilitator
Certified Success Principles Trainer [Jack Canfield]
Graduate of the Steve Harvey School for Business Acceleration
Creator of @DisneyMomGuide

Here's but a taste of the famous & extra-ordinary people Elayna connects with on the daily!
Check out her Facebook Photos which are filled with AMAZING experiences & adventures!



One of the aspects that I love LOVE about Elayna is the way she is raising her children. Elisha & Elyssa have their own brand called, WhollyART at just 8 & 7 years old! Which I'm sure was started long before that & has since received much praise & success. They've even published a book! These girls are such an inspiration that I wish my sister had had when she was growing up. It's such a beautiful testament to Elayna's parenting style & the way in which she has nurtured her children's talents & potential.




As a mompreneur, she has inspired my own mom to resign from her position of Director at a company to start her OWN company called Vanguard Accounting! As a student of pain, she's helped me through the darkest parts of my depression & anxiety. As a strategist, she's helped me evolve my influencer pitch to encourage my ambition of landing my dream brands! As a storyteller, she's captured my heart & imagination to propel it into the stratosphere of "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE".

Click on the below to read two incredible testimonies from moms who have sincerely benefited from Elayna's coaching:
Testimonial Karinee Lopez
Testimonial Vanessa Hernandez

Follow & Join in on these exciting upcoming "Elayna-Tastic" events:

Follow Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM on TwitterTwitter  https://twitter.com/thePositiveMOM_ Handle @ThePositiveMOM_ Hashtag #mindsetformoms #millionairemommindset
Facebook Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOMFacebook  https://www.facebook.com/thepositivemom
Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM on InstagramInstagram  http://instagram.com/thepositivemom
Connect with Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM on LinkedInLinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepositivemom

Elisha and Elyssa's website: http://whollyart.com and @whollyART everywhere online

WOW! this has been, by far one of my favorite & most impactful blog posts I've had the pleasure of publishing. BIG SHOUT OUT to my mentor Elayna for taking the time & effort to answer each question with such immensely insightful detail & passion. I am both humbled & in awe of this opportunity. To all the moms out there:

I; Enricoh Alfonzo; undoubtedly, vehemently, and whole-heartedly recommend Elayna's mentorship & coaching!

© Enricoh Alfonzo ~ Alfonzo Words
  • I’d love to keep connected with you! 
Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook Join my Instagram community | Watch me on Pinterest | Subscribe to blog post Updates |

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres