How Couponing Helped Me Achieve a Lifelong Dream

 

One of my photography clients

 

I first became turned on to couponing after watching “Extreme Couponing” on TLC. It opened my eyes to the wonderful things that I could do with coupons. After watching only one show, I was hooked. I became fascinated by couponing and the things that it could do for me.  I began couponing two years ago, and I can’t imagine life without coupons. Couponing not only helped me to save hundreds of dollars on groceries and other items, but it also helped me to achieve a lifelong dream and to start my own business.

I wanted to be a writer all my life. Although I had won a few writing contests, I did not know how to make my dream a reality. It was through my hunt for more knowledge on how to successfully use my coupons that I discovered how to become a published writer. While reading article on The KrazyCouponLady, I discovered an article that explained how to publish articles for online sites like Yahoo Voices and Helium Network. I was intrigued by the article, and I decided to give online writing a try. The first site that I tried was Helium. It was there that I learned how to write online articles. My next stop was Yahoo Voices. Now, two years later, I am a content writer for two online sites and the host of four blogs.

Not only did I want to become a published writer, but I have always had a passion for photography. I loved taking pictures, and I worked hard to give those pictures a polished, professional look. Even though I worked miracles with my camera, I couldn’t capture some of the more difficult shots that only a more expensive camera could. I wanted to start a photography business, but I knew I would need to upgrade my camera. The problem was I need the money to purchase the better camera.

This is where couponing came in again. I sat down and figured out how much money I would need to save in order to purchase a new camera. Through couponing and careful budgeting, I was able to save enough money to purchase the camera I needed. Thanks to couponing, I was able to start my own photography business.

My love for couponing has helped me achieve two of my lifelong dreams. It helped me become a published writer and the owner of my own photography business.

Saying Good-bye to Helium Network

 

Helium Network which use to be one of the main online writing site for internet content writers is calling it quits. After eight years, the company is shutting down. Helium made this announcement to its writers just a few days ago. The shutdown began on May 21, 2014 and will continue until December 15, 2014. For the first two years of my online writing career Helium was home.

I began writing for Helium in July 2012. I discover the company while reading an article on one of my favorite couponing sites, The KrazyCoupon Lady. The article discussed how to make money from home doing online writing. I was already writing for the local newspaper, but I had always marveled at online writing. I decided to give Helium a try.

At the time, I was completely green when it came to online writing. Helium taught me how to write an online article. How to edit my article and how to link to other sites. The company was fun. It was also easy to find and complete assignments. And, although I wasn’t making a lot of money, I wrote passionately for the company. I hoped one day those pennies would change into enough extra money to pay at least one of my bills.

I have to admit that Helium did have some rules that I found strange. I did not like having to rate articles just to continue to receive revenue from my articles. And, I did not like having my article rated. This was tedious and time-consuming. You were actually rated on the way you rate.

I loved the writing contest at first. However, this soon changed because everyone on the network was allowed to rate your article. I felt that only a selected panel should have been allowed to do this.

On Helium, you had to reach $25.00 before you could ever receive a payout. This could take a long time. I struggled to receive a payment every two months. Although I suspect that writers who had been on the network longer, did receive payout on a more regular basis.

I never made it to the Marketplace. The Marketplace is where other companies or clients could request your freelance writing services.

In October 2013, Helium changed from the format that I was familiar with. I found it difficult to find assignments and to post work. I soon stopped writing. I only rated articles in order to continue to be an active user.

Although I didn’t like some of the things about Helium, it was still my first writing home. I have hundreds of articles on the site that I must move. So, I sadly bid Helium Network “good-bye”.

What Makes a Hero

What makes a hero?  Often when you first hear the word “hero”, cartoon characters like Superman and Batman immediately come to mind.  However, a real hero is not a cartoon character or an action figure. A hero is an everyday person who is willing to give something of themselves to ensure that others have a better life. The following traits make a person a hero.

Self-sacrifice

Heroes are self-sacrificing. They are willing to put their own needs aside to see about the needs of others.

 Jesus was self-sacrificing.  He could have so easily came down from the cross and avenged himself or said “no”.  Instead, he said “Not my will, but thy will be done” and willing headed to a horrible death just to save the world.

There are the heroes of old who gave their lives that others might have better ones.  Joan of Arc led her people to victory during the Hundred Year War, but was later burned at the stake. 

Martin Luther King Jr. fought for racial equality during the 1960s.  He predicted his own death before he was killed.

Another good example of self-sacrifice are mothers.  Mothers so often put their own needs and desires on hold to care for their children.

Courage

A hero must have courage.  They must be willing to stand for their beliefs even when they are scared or forced to stand alone.

 Courage is a little girl calling 911 on her father’s phone when he passed while driving her and her sister down the highway.  Courage is the soldiers who march off to war to help keep our country safe.  Courage is Harriet Tubman and the other freedom fighters of the Underground Railroad who risked their lives to sheparded run-away slaves to freedom. Courage is Lopez Lomong the 2012 Olympic runner who escaped a life as a child soldier in Sudan. Heroes are courageous.

Persistence

Heroes are persistent.  They don’t give up easily.  They fight and continue to fight. 

Annie Sullivan was the teacher of Helen Keller, who was blind, deaf, and mute.  Annie refused to give up on Helen.  Annie believed that Helen could learn in spite of her disability, and she was right.

William Wallace is another example of persistence.  He led a rebellion against England’s king Edward I.  He refused give up even though the odds were stacked against him.

Real life heroes do not have super powers.  What they do have is persistence and courage.  They are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to help others.

Signs Your Girlfriend is Too Young for You

All relationships have their up and downs. However, if you are experiencing more downs than ups and your girlfriend’s behavior is driving you nuts, you may be left wondering if your girlfriend is actually a little too immature for you. So, is it you or is your girlfriend too young for you?

Extremely sensitive

Criticism can be hard to take for anyone. However, a mature person takes it in stride. They realize that constructive criticism is actually helpful. People who are immature view any form of criticism as an attack against them. If your girlfriend is instantly offended if you offer her any type of advice, she is probably too young for you. Your girlfriend is still too emotionally immature to accept constructive criticism or advice.

Irresponsible

Mature people are responsible. They take responsibility for themselves and their behavior. A mature person is accountable for the things that happen to them. They also don’t try to blame others when things go wrong in their lives. If your girlfriend never wants to be held accountable for anything, she is too young for you. Ask yourself if you can trust her to pay the bills on time or to make any type of serious decisions.

Needs instant gratification

People who are emotionally immature need immediate gratification. If your girlfriend is one of those people who must have what she wants the instant that she wants it, she is too immature. She is only capable of thinking of herself.  Your girlfriend is too young for you if you have grown past this stage in your life.

Selfishness

Is your girlfriend self-centered? Does she talk about herself constantly? Selfishness is another sign of immaturity.

Neediness

Do you find yourself annoyed by your girlfriend’s constant calling, texting, or showing up at your house unannounced? If your girlfriend is doing these things, then she is needy. Needy people are demanding. They insist on having your undivided attention. If your girlfriend’s needy behavior is annoying you, then she may not be mature enough to be involved in a serious relationship yet.

Not willing to compromise

No two people will always agree. This is the reason that compromise is so important in relationships. Compromise requires listening, and an immature person is unable to listen to anyone’s need other than their own. Your girlfriend’s inability to compromise is another sign that she is too young for you.

Have you been wondering about your girlfriend’s maturity level? Regardless of your girlfriend’s age, she is too young for you if she exhibits any of the warning signs listed above.

Things I Hate About Being Single

 

Do you ever listen to married people?  Most of them are always complaining about being married.   What they don’t realize is how lucky they really are.  Being single can be a real drag.  You may be thinking, what’s not to love about being single?  Well, here are some of the main things that I hate about being single.

Feeling left out. 

Sure, parties and family get-togethers can be great-if you have a date.  The problem for a single person attending these types of events is being forced to deal with feelings of being left out especially when most of the people at the party are couples. 

Holidays are depression

I used to love the holidays, but the older I became and remained single, they became somewhat depressing. Christmas and Thanksgiving can be especially lonely because a lot of emphasis is placed on families during this time of the year.  People without partners can begin to question their self-worth.  The worst holiday of all is Valentine’s Day.  Watching other people receive cards, flowers, and gifts can really be depressing.

Not living up to family expectations.

A lot of young people feel pressured to get married, and I am no exception. If you are a girl, it is expected of you to get married and raise a family.  When that does not happen right away, family members can begin to press the issue.  Being single when you don’t want to be is frustrating enough without the added pressure from family members. 

Pressure from a church or other religious affiliation 

Most religions emphasize the importance of getting married before engaging in sexual activity.  Single people who want to stay in good graces with their church and still be a part of the dating scene finds themselves in the midst of a spiritual dilemma.  They are forced to concentrate on being celibate and to locate a suitable partner all at the same time. 

Being single is a challenge.  Although many married people claim they would rather lose their shackles, they don’t realize the real perks of being married.  They don’t have to worry about feeling left out at parties, being lonely during the holidays, disappointing their parents, or trying to maintain celibacy while looking for a partner. 

How to cope with loneliness as a single person

Being single has its advantages. You are not committed to one particular person, and you can come and go as you please. You don’t have to worry about cooking or about having to make unwanted compromises. Sounds great, right? However, being single has some disadvantages.

One of the biggest disadvantages of being single is dealing with loneliness. Loneliness can be difficult to deal with, but not impossible. If you are single and lonely, then read on. The following tips will help you cope.

Tip #1: Get out and socialize

Although it has happened, the chances are slim that you will meet a companion while moping around your house. Get out and meet some people. Even if you don’t initially feel like it, getting out in the public will help decrease those feelings of loneliness.

Tip #2: Talk to friends

Pick up the phone and call your friends. Schedule some time with them. Talk to them about your feelings. Surround yourself with positive people.

Tip #3: Volunteer

Sure, it’s not exactly going on a date, but volunteering can be almost as rewarding. It will not only help your community, but it can help you to connect with others and make new social contacts. It will help you to put things into perspective, and to stop focusing on being single.  Volunteering will expose you to people who share some of the same interests as you. It can build your self-confidence and increase your life satisfaction. Volunteering will give you a chance to learn new skills or sharpen the old ones. 

Tip #4: Focus on your hobbies

Focus on your hobbies or discover new ones. Go back to school. Take classes that will help you further your career. While you are single is a good time to pursue your careers goals and other hobbies. Pack your calendar with exciting things to do. Just because you are single it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.

Tip #5: Exercise

The benefits of exercise cannot be overstated.  Not only does it help you get in shape and help to prevent illness like heart disease and diabetes, it can also help your mood. Exercise helps to release serotonin into your blood system. Serotonin is a mood altering chemical that can make the difference between feeling lonely and depressed or feeling happy and self-confident. Joining a gym or going jogging is also a smart way to meet other singles.

Stop focusing on the negative aspects of being single and begin find ways to beat loneliness.  Talk to a friend and find other activities that you enjoy.

Advice for Our Daughters

Growing up as a female can be hard. There are some things that women experience that men just don’t. We are the seed carriers of the world. We are the nurturers. And, too often we are the burden bearers. Our hormones kick in when we are about ten, and from that point on, we rage and we war with our emotions. Yes, some of us can talk to our mothers. Then, some of us can’t. I can remember growing up and being curious about boys, but also being too afraid to talk to my mother about this. I was afraid of what she would think. I was afraid of what my grandmother and aunt would think. I wanted to be a “good girl”.

My mother didn’t know to talk to me about sex. To be honest, I don’t think she knew how. She grew up in a time when this just wasn’t done. The majority of African American mother did not talk to their daughters about sex or the changes their body would experience. So, I hid my curiosity. But, by hiding my budding sexuality, I set myself on a destructive course that would take decades to undo. God has not given me a daughter, but here are some things that I would tell my daughter.

All Men are not the Same

No, child. All men are not the same. All men are not dogs. All men are not evil and just after one thing. There are some good men out there. There are some good black men in the world. And, no you don’t have to dress like a tramp to get one. You just have to be able to recognize a good man when you see one.

There is nothing “evil” or “bad” about sex

Sex is not “bad”. I was taught that only “bad girls” had sex, and only “nasty girls” liked sex. Come on, ladies. This is a sad misconception, and one that should have never been taught to our girls. Yes, it does date back centuries. However, it sends the wrong message about sex to our females. It makes them feel “bad” or “dirty” for enjoying something that God gave us-an act that God meant to be beautiful. No, I am not telling you to tell your daughters to go have sex with everybody. But, I am saying that they should be taught how to love and enjoy their husbands.

Value Yourself

This leads to my next point. I would tell my daughter to value herself. Young girls need to know that their body is a temple. It is not a playground. Any and everybody should not be able to come and trample around in it. There should not cast their pearls before swine. Yes, I did say that not all men are dogs. This is true. Yes, I did say that girls should be taught that sex is not “nasty”. However, that doesn’t mean that you give your cookies away to everybody that asks for them. Young girls need to realize that they are special and that God gave them a special and beautiful gift.  To quote the words of Muhammad-Ali: “everything that God made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to.”

Never Compromise Who You Are

It is so easy for girls to become insecure about the way they look or the way they dress. They can become the victims of negative influence. So, it is so important that they know there is nothing wrong with being different. They should be taught that it is actually great to be unique.  So, I would tell my daughter not to compromise her values just to fit in or to try to keep a man. Girls must be taught that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.

As mothers, it is our jobs to teach our daughters to love and value themselves. The things above are some of the things that I would teach my daughter.

 

http://voices.yahoo.com/from-mother-daughter-conversations-black-women-11686900.html

http://praisephilly.com/2174845/muhammad-ali-daughters/