Do you remember being that young sister who yearned for control and independence? In 1986 when Janet Jackson came out with the song “Control” it was our theme song. I’m all grown up, ready and ABLE to take on the world. Responsibility, relationships, school, work, family…I GOT IT. At that age it appeared so easy to be our “own woman.”  Once we have taken the “reigns of control,” we think we have won! We say to our parents (in our minds of course) HA! So why is it when we step out into the real world and begin to live life, we let others take the Control we so desperately wanted to claim? Whether it is your significant other, a manager on the job, a co-worker, or a so-called friend, these control grabbers are all around us. It’s time to put them in check!  When you allow others to have control, you are stifling your growth as an individual. Fears and hang-ups can stray you away from truly living the life you are suppose to lead. Instead of Gaining Control you Lose Control. Let me tell you, the only thing I want to lose are these last 10 pounds of pregnancy weight! OK, that’s another posting. Any whooo… In order for you to have the life you are meant to have; you must reclaim control over your most valuable asset…YOU. Regardless of your situation, you can make a difference in your life today. Don’t let others dictate your importance, your thoughts, your time, your desires, your passion, or your career. You are perfectly capable of running the business of You, INC. As the chief executive officer of your life, put at the top of your to do list everyday; "I have the love and confidence in myself to make all decisions regarding(insert your name)." Girlfriend, it’s time for you to call your own shots. Think back at being that young sister listening to Janet’s song “Control.” How did it make you feel: empowered, strong, confident, all of the above? Take those emotions and put them to work positively towards your better good. You are in the driver’s seat taking the journey of your life to greater heights. You have it going on, you are incredible, you are loved, you are fabulous, and by all means…you are in CONTROL!

Lynnette from Desperate Housewives isn’t the only one that can nail a job interview. Remember the episode when she brought her infant daughter to the interview and multi-tasked changing her diaper while selling herself to her potential manager?   Now that may be a stretch on how to go about getting a new job, so we found these tips for you from Good Morning America. A Working Diva has to be on point from her interview to her first day on the new 9-5. A great resume and a strong skill-set can get you in the door…but make one of these mistakes during your interview can cost you the job. Watch the GMA video now. Watch.learn.apply!

Actress Valerie Bertinelli  has taken off the weight, written a book and now showing off her bikini body on the cover of People Magazine. I think she looks great, but her cover girl shot is causing quite a stir.  Why…because she battled through weight gain, working it off, lost 50 pounds and now has the bod of a 28 year-old at 48? Whether it is weight gain or weight loss…we as women are always scrutinized.  You don’t see anyone talking about Will Smith gaining a few pounds. But Jessica Simpson became the post child for weight gain after a not so flattering picture of her circulated on the Internet. For Valerie to wake up one morning and say…I’m going to take this weight off and live healthy. And then actually do it…shows determination and discipline. So what is the problem with her showing it off?  Nothing! She says, “With a little bit of motivation and a lot of hard work, anyone can do this.” It doesn’t matter if you are 18, 28, 38 or 48…feel good about you. Valerie has shown, no matter what your age you can accomplish anything. By the way, the People Magazine cover of the “One Day at a Time” star was revealed this morning on the Today show! What an entrance…Valerie is a Working Diva for sure! She is an inspiration to moms everywhere.  We say…Working girl! What do you think…empowering or impossible? Is our nation obsessed with weight?

Originally Posted by KarenVaughn in InspirationsDeep within your soul you have a purpose that is eager to escape and wreak havoc through every bone in your body. It’s time for you to expand your innate talents. Starting now…develop and nurture your purpose. Now, don’t sit here and think you don’t have something to give the world. Everyone, including you has a purpose…a talent…a calling. Let’s do a quick painless exercise. Get a pen and paper, laptop or your journal and write at the top of the page or screen, “(your name)’s Purpose.” Begin to write down the things you love to do so much you would do them for free or something you do so great everyone raves about it all the time. Perhaps it’s writing poetry…we all know where that got Jill Scott. Are you great with kids, love numbers, cook or bake well, a great organizer and planner…we all know where that got President Barack Obama. Are you computer savvy, a good listener, a people’s person…we all know where that got Oprah. Whatever comes to your mind, let the thoughts flow from your mind through your fingers and onto the paper or screen. This list of randomly thought items will become your purpose. And you said you couldn’t think of anything…gotcha! Now it’s time to plan your work and work your plan. Each day do something that enhances your purpose. Don’t let others tell you its too hard. Keep the negativity at bay. Get rid of all the limiting feelings and believe you are limitless. Cultivate and align your purpose and let it shine. Pray on it and live it every day. Your purpose gives you meaning…explore it.