Rise to Greatness

 

Created at: 2024-06-13T09:21:56.952337Z

Author: Mommy Chrissy

"Lifestyle and Wellness"

Embarking on a journey of personal growth, we often find ourselves entangled in the complexities of our own minds. It's a battle between the voice of doubt and the whisper of ambition. The choice is ours: to remain captives of our own negative narratives or to be the architects of a new, empowering story.

In the quiet moments of reflection, we must ask ourselves if our actions are in harmony with our aspirations. It's a stark realization that true change begins with a decision—a decision to let go of the past and embrace the potential that lies within.

The road to grandeur is paved with the stones of resilience. Each setback is an opportunity to rise higher, to learn and grow. The battle for a positive mindset is won not by avoiding the negative, but by choosing to see the light even in the darkest of times.

Every day, we make choices that shape our destiny. The power to change lies not in the stars above, but in the decisions we make today. It's a reminder that our lives are not dictated by circumstance, but by the actions we take in response to them.

Dreams are the seeds of greatness, but they require courage to nurture them. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but the courageous soul knows that each step forward brings them closer to their dreams.

The path of personal growth is often a solitary one. It's a dance between the known and the unknown, where the greatest battles are fought within. The solitude of the journey is a testament to the strength of the spirit.

Through the darkness of doubt and the fog of uncertainty, the light of determination shines bright. It's a beacon that guides us through the toughest of times, reminding us that we are capable of more than we imagine.

In the end, it's not the accolades or the wealth that define our legacy, but the lives we touch and the hearts we inspire. The true measure of success is the impact we have on the world around us.

So, I challenge you today to reflect on your journey, to choose courage over fear, and to take a step towards your dreams. Together, let's rise and make our mark on the world.

No matter the trials, the spirit remains unyielding. It's the resilience that defines us, the fire that burns within, refusing to be extinguished. This is the essence of the grand rise, the unwavering pursuit of our highest potential.

Success is not a solitary note but a symphony of moments, each contributing to the melody of our lives. It's the crescendo of hard work, the harmony of perseverance, and the rhythm of resilience that leads us to our grandest achievements.

As we rise, our achievements echo through the halls of time, inspiring generations to come. It's not just about what we accomplish, but about the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.

Traveling to Niamey, Niger: A Journey with My Three Children

A Personal Connection to Niamey

Niamey, the capital city of Niger, holds a special place in my heart as it is my husband's homeland. Traveling with my three children to this vibrant and culturally rich country will be a deeply personal and enriching experience. From exploring the bustling markets to enjoying the warm hospitality of its people, our visit to Niamey will be filled with unforgettable memories.

 A Brief History of Niger

Niger, located in West Africa, is a landlocked country with a history that dates back to ancient times. It has been home to several powerful empires, including the Songhai Empire and the Mali Empire. In the late 19th century, Niger became a French colony and gained independence in 1960. Despite its rich history and cultural heritage, Niger faces significant challenges, including poverty and limited access to resources.

 The Reality of Poverty

Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a large portion of its population living below the poverty line. Many communities lack access to basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare, and education. Despite these challenges, the resilience and spirit of the Nigerien people are truly inspiring. Their sense of community, tradition, and hope for a better future are evident in their daily lives.

The Beauty and Goodness of Niger

While poverty is a harsh reality, Niger is also a country of immense beauty and goodness. The landscapes range from the vast Sahara Desert to the lush regions along the Niger River. The people of Niger are known for their warmth and hospitality, often welcoming visitors with open arms and sharing their rich cultural traditions. Our visits to local markets, traditional festivals, and historical sites have allowed us to experience the country's vibrant culture firsthand.

Navigating the New Passport and Visa System

Traveling internationally requires careful planning, especially when it comes to passport and visa requirements. In the past, I was able to obtain my visa for Niger in just one day, with the visa being overnighted to me the next day. However, recent changes to the passport and visa application process have significantly altered the timeline.

As of now, the new passport system allows for applications to be completed online, but the process takes approximately three weeks. This is a significant change from the previous expedited process, and it has introduced new challenges for travelers, especially those with non-refundable tickets and tight schedules.

 My Current Travel Challenge

I recently purchased non-refundable tickets for our trip to Niamey, scheduled to depart in just one week. With the new three-week processing time for visas, I find myself in a difficult situation, trying to figure out the best course of action. This experience has taught me the importance of always checking the latest information regarding visa application procedures, as they can change unexpectedly.

Advice for Fellow Travelers

For those planning to travel internationally, especially to countries with changing visa requirements, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth journey:

1. Stay Informed: Always check the latest information from official sources regarding passport and visa application procedures.

2. Plan Ahead: Allow ample time for the processing of travel documents to avoid last-minute complications.

3. Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your travel plans, if necessary, especially if there are unexpected changes to the visa application process.

4. Seek Assistance: Reach out to travel agencies or consulates for guidance and support if you encounter any issues.

Traveling to Niamey, Niger, with my three children is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. Despite the recent changes to the visa application process, the beauty and goodness of Niger make it a destination worth visiting. By staying informed and planning ahead, we can navigate these challenges and continue to explore the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable country.

Getting Off the Struggle Bus: A Call to Action for Personal Growth

We all know that not everyone is ready to lay down the sword of 'woe is me.' It's tough, but some people struggle to get off the bus of 'I just can't do anything right' or 'I'm not going to do anything.' 

Now, I'm not here to be negative or to belittle anyone's feelings, but it's important to acknowledge a hard truth: some people choose to stay on The Struggle Bus. They may say they want change, but their actions tell a different story.

If you find yourself stuck in this mindset, it's time to reflect. Are your actions truly aligning with your words? Do you really want to move forward, or are you comfortable staying in the same place?

Personal growth starts with a decision. It requires laying down that sword and stepping off the bus. It's about aligning your actions with your intentions and making a commitment to change.

Remember, your journey is unique, and it's okay to take small steps. The important thing is to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Let's get off The Struggle Bus together and embrace a path of growth and positivity.

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As a large family on summer break, it's crucial to prepare a meal budget. Here's an example of a week's worth of meals, including snacks for seven days, which you can adapt as needed. I've also included a shopping list for the week in the post to help you. You can modify these meals to be even more cost-effective. I recommend purchasing tea bags, juice powders, and containers to prepare beverages at home. Additionally, making desserts and snacks from scratch, rather than buying pre-made ones, can save money. Remember, some meals may serve for two days, so you can eat the leftovers and skip the next meal. I've planned for larger portions, allowing some items to carry over into the following week.

Here is the list of items needed to prepare this week's meals; feel free to adjust them as you see fit. Let's hope we can get through this summer without going bankrupt.

 click here to shop the list needed for this week at Walmart

 breakfast

• Monday eggs waffles
• Tuesday breakfast bowls
• Wednesday French toast 
• Thursday oatmeal and fruit 
• Friday sausage biscuits with eggs 
• Saturday oatmeal toast 
• Sunday grits and fish eggs 

lunch

• Monday tuna fish
• Tuesday beef bologna and side salad
• Wednesday soup and grill cheese 
• Thursday meatball sub and mash
• Friday turkey sandwich chips
• Saturday burgers and bake beans 
• Sunday chicken salad

dinner

• Monday chicken legs rice and mixed veggie 
• Tuesday beefaroni
• Wednesday chef salad and toast 
• Thursday ground turkey patties, zucchini carrots onion over rice
• Friday chicken breast patties thin sliced for sandwiches with steam broccoli
• Saturday beef kielbasa on roll with cabbage
• Sunday turkey tenderloin, bake sweet Potatoe, spinach 

Walmart affiliate link I am a Walmart content creator and could receive money for purchases through this link it will not increase your cost or effect anything on your end I hope this service provides much benefit for you as it does me with time saving and on the web coupons. either for delivery or pick up service I suggest paying for the year for Walmart plus, if you receive any government assistance program the cost is half off 

click here for the link to shop the grocery list for delivery or pickup at Walmart

Reviving Passion: Getting Back into Sewing and Fashion Design

    Click here to shop Temu for your sewing need

In the whirlwind of motherhood and life's twists and turns, it's easy to set aside the hobbies and passions that once fueled our creativity and joy. As a mom of nine and someone who once immersed herself in the art of sewing and fashion design, I understand the longing to reconnect with those lost sparks of inspiration.

I vividly remember the moment in middle school when I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas. Excitedly, I returned from vacation, and during the class discussion about our favorite gifts, I proudly proclaimed, "A sewing machine!" Little did I expect the entire class to burst into laughter. It was a moment of embarrassment, but little did I know it would plant the seed for a lifelong love of creating with fabrics and threads.

Fast forward to my time at Murel Dobbins High School in North Philadelphia, where I had the opportunity to dive deeper into my passion through fashion design classes. Under the guidance of a wonderful instructor, I learned the intricacies of garment construction, design principles, and the joy of seeing my ideas come to life.

But life has a way of shifting our priorities, and as I embraced motherhood and navigated through three marriages, my sewing machine sat idle, gathering dust in a corner. However, the flame of creativity never truly faded; it merely awaited the right moment to reignite.

That moment is now. I've reserved a special spot in my room dedicated solely to sewing—a sanctuary where creativity knows no bounds. This space symbolizes not just a return to sewing but a reclaiming of my identity as a creator, a designer, a dreamer.

I invite you to join me on this journey of rediscovery. Through videos and pictures, I'll be documenting the transformation of this space from a mere corner to a vibrant hub of creativity. It's not just about sewing; it's about carving out time for ourselves, pursuing what sets our souls on fire, and embracing the joy of creation.

For those who, like me, are yearning to reconnect with their forgotten passions, here are some motivating quotes to inspire your journey:

1. "Creativity is intelligence having fun." - Albert Einstein

2. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

3. "Life is short. Do stuff that matters." - Siqi Chen

4. "Every artist was first an amateur." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

5. "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." - Oprah Winfrey

Let's embark on this adventure together, reigniting old flames and embracing the beauty of creating something from the heart. Stay tuned for updates as we transform dreams into reality, one stitch at a time.

Spring Style Savings: Get Your Kids' Wardrobe Ready!

As the weather warms up, it's time to freshen up your kids' wardrobe for spring and beyond. I'm Mommy Chrissy, a savvy shopper who loves finding great deals, and I'm excited to share some fantastic places where you can shop for stylish and affordable spring clothes for your little ones.

Finish Line for Sneakers:

First things first, let's talk about footwear. Finish Line is your go-to destination for trendy sneakers that kids love. From athletic shoes to casual kicks, they have a wide selection to suit every style. Check out their latest collection (click here for Finish Line).

Boscovs Department Store for Clothes:

When it comes to clothing, Boscovs department store is a hidden gem. Not only do they offer quality clothing for kids, but they also have amazing sales and clearances, making it easy to stock up early for next school year. Explore their deals and steals (click here for Boscovs ).

Walmart for Swimsuits and Accessories:

Planning a summer vacation? Walmart has you covered with affordable swimsuits for kids of all ages. Don't forget to grab some stylish accessories like hats, sunglasses, and beach towels while you're there. Check out their swimwear collection (click here for walmart ).

Essentials for Outdoor Fun:

As your kids enjoy outdoor adventures, be sure to protect them from bugs and the sun. Walmart is your one-stop shop for bug spray and sunscreen to keep them safe and comfortable all season long.

Disclosure:

Please note that the links provided in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. Your support helps me continue to find great deals and share them with you.

**Conclusion:**

With these fantastic shopping destinations, getting your kids' spring wardrobe ready has never been easier or more affordable. Happy shopping and may your little ones step into spring in style!

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Get the Most Out of Your Amazon Prime Membership: Bulk Snacks and Half-Off Deals!

 

Welcome back to Mommy Chrissy's blog, where we're all about maximizing convenience and savings for busy families. Today, we're diving into the world of Amazon Prime and how you can make the most out of your membership, saving time and money while stocking up on essential snacks for your loved ones. Plus, for those with EBT or government benefits, there's an exclusive offer for half-off Prime membership—click here to check it out!

Let's start by exploring the myriad benefits that come with your Amazon Prime membership. From lightning-fast free shipping on millions of items to access to Prime Video, Music, and Reading, Prime truly offers a comprehensive suite of perks. Whether you need to binge-watch your favorite shows, stream music on-the-go, or delve into a captivating e-book, Prime has you covered.

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of why Prime is a game-changer for your family's snack stash. Imagine this: you can skip the lines at big-name wholesale food clubs and have bulk orders of shelf-stable snacks delivered right to your doorstep. Amazon's vast selection includes everything from granola bars to popcorn, ensuring that your pantry stays stocked with goodies that everyone loves. Not to mention, the convenience of ordering online saves you precious time that can be better spent with your family.

But wait, there's more! If you're eligible for EBT or government benefits, you can snag Prime membership at half the cost. That means all the benefits mentioned earlier are yours at a significantly discounted rate. Click here to learn more and unlock this exclusive offer: https://amzn.to/49ikZVw.

With Amazon Prime, you're not just getting snacks—you're getting a whole suite of perks that make life easier and more enjoyable. So why wait? Dive into Prime and start enjoying the convenience today!

Don't forget to use my affiliate link (https://amzn.to/49oHM24) when you shop on Amazon—it helps support this blog and allows me to bring you more great content. Happy snacking!