Author: JustAskMaia

So I am minding my business, like literally, minding Rush Consulting Firm and every time I turn around someone is commenting or staring, or in some other way attempting to drain my positive energy or otherwise dampen my spirits.

Well, here is the problem with that; I learned long ago that my peace is mine. The only way someone can take it is if I give it to them.

There is so much going on in the world that you really have to be grateful for where you are right now. No matter where you are right now. If you have a hard time doing that, remember that where you are right now is probably not your lowest. We have to learn how to trust ourselves more. Stay calm in time if troubles and keep pushing, it only gets worse if you stop.

I love what I do and oftentimes I do it for free, I catch a hard time for that because people will pay for anything now days. But, I have a hard time charging to motivate someone who just needs a listening ear. Because of this, I sometimes struggle with my own finances, hell, I still don’t have living room furniture. But  I am happy.

I remember going through hard times and all I ever wanted was to be happy. Sure with a family my size, 9 children and one on the way, money is great. But my children want for nothing and all of my bills are paid. Anything extra is, well, extra.

I am not one to fake for the cameras, shoot half the time I won’t get in front of one because I don’t feel like faking for the camera. I like to be real and from the heart. My clients usually make me cry because I see me in them. They make me meditate and pray for them. They keep me on my toes. So while I am supplying them with a service, they are supplying me with the joy of doing what I love, and thats being there.

I wish I had me a me when I was going through because I assure you, I would be conquering the world. But if that were so, I wouldn’t  be where I am today having the ability to do what I do now for so many people who need it.

This boat of life, I tell you, Its something else. You ride the waves and enjoy the ripples. You absorb the calm and bask in the sun.

As a black woman, I find no greater comfort than being there for Reflections. Its something so…. God given.

-Rush

It is a mindset that is instilled in us that when we fall, we have failed. And when we fail we are useless. When we fail we lose confidence in ourselves and we gain fear. 

I recently spoke to a friend about fear, I believe I tweeted as well. God did not give us the spirit of fear, it is something we willfully took in. You must be sure to mind your emotions and your reactions. Your reactions can get you hurt and your emotions will make you attach.

Falling does not mean failing. Only quiting after you have fallen equates that. Falling means, above all things, that you tried. Falling means you have learned what to avoid and what not to do. Falling means nothing less than I have experience, I have lived, and here I stand waiting to fall again.

Why do we fall? Because we must teach. We must lead. We must grow. Falling is a part of life. Its kind of like the glass half empty vs half full. Falling is a positive thing.

I am that type of parent who does not run to my children’s defense when they fall. When they fall they look at me and I assure them by looking at them, that I am here. But I ask them what is taking you so long to get up? Get up. Then I look them over and tell them they will be alright. I may kiss it and hug them but never (mostly depending on severity) help them up. 

I have learned, by life’s troubles, to depend on myself. No one is going to be there for you like you will. Sure, with my consulting firm I will push you and be your cheerleader but I can never give you drive and determination or the desire to succeed. It must be in you. I am hard on my friends, family, and clients because I want them to succeed. You will never succeed if I am always catching you. There is no safety net in life just your ability to bounce back. 

Have you ever fallen?

-Rush

Good evening my beautiful Reflections.

I have been meaning to come on here and say hello and check in but when life grabs a hold of you, honey, you just have to enjoy the ride! How are you? I hope we are all being productive with the time we have because our time spent is detrimental to our happiness.

Anyhow I am not here to lecture you, I just want to make sure you are happy where you are in life, right now.

I was recently watching a live stream of the beautiful Dr.  Stacy Patton and I felt condemned to write to you as I reflected on my own mishaps in raising my portion of a nation, the RushBunch. If you are unaware of who Dr. S. Patton is, do not worry, neither did I. This was my first time this evening and so I did some research which I will share with you.

Dr. Patton is an author, journalist and advocate for children who have been abused or neglected. In her most recent video she talks about an article she wrote awhile back for, I believe, the New York Times. It spoke about not beating [our] children. Now we all know that I am not a big advocate for beating the babies however she went into more depth as she was reading a fan letter from a white woman and her response to the article. The fan spoke about how she hears us speak to our children and her perspective. Dr. Patton spoke as response that we oftentimes speak harshly to our children as if we do not love them as an internal feeling of ‘taking up space’ or being judged. Now as ridiculous as this may sound to you, I implore you to analyze this as I did.

In my home, I speak daily to my children about empowerment and self confidence. I push them to do the things they say they cannot. But for me, this sparked a sense of condemnation in my spirit as I realize that I too do this but in public. At home they are allowed to explore and investigate. They can run around and be loud and inquisitive. But in public I am constantly saying things like, don’t walk like that, stop talking so loud, don’t touch that. Now while I still feel that some of these statements are imperative on how they conduct themselves in public, I will say that having nine children makes me uncomfortable at times in public. I get the very feeling that we do take up alot of ‘space’. We are often bombarded with stares and people counting and for that reason, I do not care to be in public often. I am far from ashamed, I just do not want to be judged more than I already am. A black woman who has no shame in displaying her disgust when made to feel belittled or statisticalized (yup, not a word but I’m using it and moving on).

I cannot believe that I seek perfection in my children in public but push them to be themselves, different, at home. Its funny the double mind we sometimes have unbeknownst to ourselves. I owe my children an apology. Which strings me to another topic but not at all relevant… Well maybe a little.

I have decided to use this huge extra room we have for our family room. I know you’re thinking, whats so big about that. Well, I’m glad you asked. This will not be that kind of family room but more therapeutic. there will be different types of seating, chairs, bean bag, cushions, etc., and this is a place where we will gather and talk out our issues with one another. There is sometimes anger among some of them and I believe they need to talk it out. I used to harbored a lot of anger and I believe I projected it onto my children. So despite the fact that McRush and I never argue and we make it a point to never debate in front of or around the children, what is embedded into their spirit is already there and I need it to be purged.

I think that it is very healthy to talk things out. I have learned that there is nothing healthy about suppressing anger. With my first son, I always taught him that if he was angry with me for chastising him, it was okay and we could talk about it, my mom didn’t really agree with that method because she is more old school. Somewhere along the lines I lost that. I find myself telling them, I don’t care if you are mad but I really do an we need to talk about it.

I am dedicated to raising a happy and healthy nation and for me that goes beyond homeschool and veganism.

-Rush

    Leo Astrology July 23 – August 22

Leo Strength Keywords:

– Confident

– Ambitious

– Generous

– Loyal

– Encouraging

Leo Weakness Keywords:

– Pretentious
– Domineering

– Melodramatic

– Stubborn

– Vain

Leo and Independence:

Leo is very independent but they need something to control and someone to admire them and appreciate them. They are fully capable of being greatly successful on their own but they are much happier if they have an audience and a following of people who look up to them. They would prefer not be alone. 
 

Leo and Friendship:

People are attracted to Leo’s zest for life and their warm spirit. They have the ability to lift up one’s spirits and provide encouragement when times are rough. Their enthusiasm attracts people, Leos are social butterflies, not because they want to be but because people always naturally gravitate and surround the Leo. Leos are very difficult people to not like, they are usually fairly balanced, realistic people. They never dwell on the past and they will think you are strange if you do. Some Leos might be too caught up in themselves and be very self-centered but they are never too self-absorbed to help anyone who needs it. They pamper their friends and treat them well. A Leo is the ultimate friend. They do not hold a grudge and they are very forgiving. They have respect and understanding of people’s differences.
Leo and Business:

Business dealings are easy and successful for Leo, if they are in command and control. This can cause conflict in the workplace should the Leo not be in a position of superiority, but they usually get there eventually thanks to their powerful drive to succeed, in other words, they are excellent leaders because this is their kingdom they have to control, and they do it well. Leo has an amazing ability to get along with people and they work best in a group as opposed to alone. They can be very diplomatic in a group setting and can delegate people well, however Leo will not take orders. They need to give orders but with their enthusiasm and cheerfulness, other people do not have a problem taking orders from a Leo because they are never condescending and they treat others with respect and equality. Leos are full of drama, flair and extravagance and this reflects in the business world. They make an impact, they make a difference in the workplace and help to keep the parts moving in sync and iron out any problems before they arise. If the business fails, that means that Leo fails and they are extremely determined not to fail. Leo is the most extravagant sender of all astrology signs. They will not over do it but they will surround themselves with luxury as much as possible. They will never settle for second best.
Leo Temperament:
Leo loves the new and extraordinary, they despise dull, regular routines and if this is what they are faced with, they will simply create their own drama and excitement. This makes Leo prone to stir up a situation out of nowhere just for something to keep their vivacious temperament satisfied. Leo has an amazing ability to bounce back from any feelings of despair or unfortunate events. They do not like to be unhappy, it hurts their pride so they will take matters into their own hands and make things right again. Leos could come into conflict with other powerhouse type of people who will not take orders and not give an inch, Leos will not budge their opinion, they will understand and accept opinions of others but they do not take well to people to try to impose their beliefs on them. Leo most often have the temperament of a demanding, spoiled child but this is only shown if someone steps on the boundaries of their kingdom. They react this way because of their territoriality.

Leo Deep Inside:
Leos are extremely sensitive but they hide that very well. Leos love praise and flattery, their egos demand respect and adoration. Leo is all about pride. This can cause them to be self-centered but the warmth of the Leo heart keeps it under control. If Leo’s audience (otherwise known as their friends) do not provide the needed appreciation, Leo is too proud to ask for it and they will suffer a hurt ego, but no one will ever know and they will suffer in silence. The secret of the Leo is that they need to be needed.

Leo in a Nutshell:
Leo is the lion, this well suited symbol represents Leo very well. They possess a kingdom which they protest and cherish. The are high esteemed, honorable and very devoted to themselves in particular! The kingdom could be anything from work to home to a partner, whatever it is, you rule it. Leo is always center stage and full of flair, they enjoy basking in the spotlight. A Leo always makes their presence known. Leo are full of energy that acts like a magnet for other people. Others are attracted to Leo’s wit, charm, and what they have to say for they speak of things grand and very interesting. Leo will never settle for second best. They want only the best which can cause lavish excessive spending habits as they enjoy their life of luxury, which is all to easily justified by the grand and magnificent Leo! Public image is very important to Leo, with luxurious possessions and ways of life, this keeps the public image in high standing. They will do whatever it takes to protect their own reputation. Leos are very generous, kind and openhearted people. If a Leo is crossed, they will strike back with force but they are not one to hold a grudge, they easily forgive, forget and move on. Leos are always trying to make things right in the world, they have larger then life emotions and they need to feel like they have accomplished something at the end of the day. They react to situations with action instead of sitting back and thinking about it, they are not impulsive however because they look at the future and consider consequences of their actions. 
 

Leo Love, Sex and Relationships
What it’s like to date a Leo Woman:
The first step is to give her praise and adoration. The relationship will never work if she does not receive this from you. Do not look at other women when you are with her, she has to be the only one in your eyes. The thought of competition with other women completely turns her off, for she is marvelous and grand and better then any other woman (in her eyes)! Be prepared however to compete with other men. She attracts men, deliberately or not, because of her dazzling personality. She makes a good partner because she gives undying affection and love and makes you feel really mood about yourself. She is kind and supportive with an adventurous streak, she is always fun to be with. Leo woman will dominate,. But not completely for she still needs the man to lead the way and give her the desired sense of approval, she looks up to her man. Leo woman is perfect for the man who is affectionate and has a strong character but not too controlling. She needs someone who is passionate about everything in their life and who strives for the best in everything, because so does she.

How To Attract Leo:
Admiration is key. Admire them ands they will be yours. Leo is a fairly easy sign to attract they are very receptive to advances and come ons. Give them compliments, dish them out in handfuls because Leos never think a compliment can go too far. Even if you are faking it, they don’t care, the simply love the attention. Be funny, Leos love to be entertained and they love to laugh. If you can make them laugh, you’re good! Leos like the grand things in life, treat them to a lavish dinner or a cultural upscale event. Always have the best of the best and never try to offer them second rate. They think nothing is too good for them, they like everything posh so dress classy and nice, and have a good night on the town with the charming Leo!

Leo Erogenous Zone:
The back is Leo’s most sensitive area. Most Leos have a well defined muscular back, compliment them on it while you lightly scratch your fingernails from the base of the neck down to their buttocks. They love a back rub or massage because to them it is being pampered. Get scented massage oil and give them a sensual massage and it is guaranteed to set the mood for a night of passion!

Sex With Leo:
First impressions would tell you that Leo is all about the kinky and novelty, but that is not so. They are deeply sensual and passionate and enjoy posh surroundings, such as candles and scented oils and lots of affectionate physical contact such as massages and rubbing. They like sex to be familiar, not necessarily routine, but they like to know what’s going on. This is because Leo always has to be the best and if there is a suggestion or something offered that they have never done before, they would rather pass on the chance then attempt it and be only satisfactory. Leo has mastered the moves he know, so do not be disappointed with the lack of novelty and variety, because Leo is very good at what they can do, they are the best.

(Got this from a friends page)

-Rush

It seems as though I catch a lot of negative feedback because of a statement I am known for making. Now there is a big part of me, and I do mean big, that wants to say Bite me, but being a Positive Public Figure and all, I will behave and give you the reasoning behind the statement I always give my clients, my children, and myself. Let me first say that I have never had a client complain nor misunderstand my meaning or purpose for making this statement, but I digress, sometimes you have to explain yourself.

The statement is; Your plan B is a cop-out.

People always want to give me their reasoning for why this is a negative sentiment, and that’s fine, but just like I am not going to change your mind, you are not going to change mine.

When I was younger, I wanted to become a lawyer. I even went on to law school. But somewhere along the way, I changed my mind and no longer wanted to fulfill this ‘Plan A’. I literally copped-out. It was frustrating and tiring and I just no longer felt the desire to be a lawyer and raise a family.  I own up to that.

Most people will say always have a ‘Plan B’. Let me tell you what having a ‘Plan B’ does for you mentally. It ensures that you never hold yourself accountable for your short comings, your laziness, or your procrastination. In addition it always leaves a window to quit. Basically, you will never give it your all because you know you will always have something to ‘fall back on’.

It is equivalent to having a regular job and being afraid to take the leap that you always wanted to in becoming an entrepreneur. You find security in that job so it makes you more dependent upon it. You are finding security in your plan B. You are willing to give your all to someone else because you know its there.

I say all the time that we are conditioned to think we fear failure, what you really fear is success. That is why you do not leap, success in your particular sector is an unknown to you, you fear the unknown.

At my company, Rush Consulting Firm, I urge my clients to envision their success. Daydream about it, plan it out, hype yourself up daily. It makes it so much easier to go for it when you see it in your mind so long that you start believing it.

Start believing that you are worth more than your job because you are.

A few years ago I just took the leap and quit my job, without any direction or clue, it shocked the crap out of McRush because it was well out of my element especially being the only income at the time. I had no idea what I was going to do or how I was going to do it. All I knew is I was tired of hating my job and missing my babies, yes the same RushBunch that drives me crazy at least once a day. But I did it and while I fully understand that everyone is not in a position to do what I did, we are all in a position to daydream.

So dream away on your ‘Plan A’ <—– that rhymes, because you are worth the greatness within you and so much more. If you cannot seem to find your way, talk to me, we’ll figure it out together because I love you. I love you because you are a reflection of me. Lets do this!

-Rush

Peace and love beloveds.

Things are starting to pick up quite quickly and trust me, I have no complaints. Some mornings I wake up not knowing exactly what to start on but magical me always manages to get it completed thus going to bed, however early morning it is, feeling satisfied with my accomplishments. I am hoping to be able to hire 1 person per business venture soon, that is, afterall, the goal of being an entrepreneur; graduating to a small business with  employees. I strive to start businesses because I feel everyone has an idea worth capitalizing on, whether it is full time or passive, but I am also aware that not everyone has the desire to be a small business owner and I await the opportunity to offer the flexibility that comes with working for a small business like mine, or yours.

The Heels&Hustle Meet and Greet is in a couple days and I could not be more excited. I am hoping to make awesome connections with some beautifully minded entrepreneurs. I am eager to talk marketing and promoting as well as ideas with people who desire more out of life.

Anyhow.

I saw someone post on Facebook that they were going to sell their children in the marketplace. I  must say that I am strongly considering it, I’d probably post them on Amazon because I don’t want to negotiate. Its $1 FIRM, plus but one get 8 free. This of course is a joke and I have no desire to part from my babies!. I love them so much no matter how much they drive me looney. By the end of any given day we are usually a bunch of over exerted coo coos with the giggles. #RushBunch

You know, I really cannot tell you HOW, exactly, I juggle my family and the iRush Brand because a schedule is NOT it. I have no idea what orders are coming in until they come in. I can plan to work on something but more than likely it will get bumped by something or someone else. The truth is, I’d probably get bored if I maintained a set schedule for work. The children are basically on a set schedule although they veer from time to time. But I have always been something like a nomad, my father calls me a gypsy. I am not the typical person who needs the stable life to feel accomplished, let me be free and then I will feel accomplished. Since my husband is almost the complete opposite and felt it is his duty, rightfully so, to offer this very thing I hate for me and the children, we bought a home. Bah Humbug! I pouted the entire time. I must say that it does feel good not to be renting buuuut, I’m still resistant.

Now, back to the subject matter, How I juggle the RushBunch and my businesses; Consistency. No matter how much I have to do, I found that I may not get everything done but I never stop chipping away, even on the weekends when I proclaim to be off. It is actually when I get the most brainstorming and work done. I still answer emails and messages. I still do things that do not require direct contact with people unless its setting up conferences or meetings for the upcoming week. In addition, though I do not get much sleep, I do get plenty of time with my babies. There is a bowling alley that has absolutely no service, I found it frustrating initially but I heard the signs loud and clear, it is for family time and so this is the perfect place to go because it forces me NOT to work.

Well enough of my ramblings for the night.

Be easy Kings and Queens.

-Rush

Its just been one of those days where I was either fussing or in my zone, there was no in between.

It seems as if the RushBunch know just when I am on a time crunch and seriously trying to meet deadlines. Unfortunately for them, their deterrent serum did not work on me today. I was able to fuss and do a complete 180 and get many things accomplished.

Its Friday so that meant McRush was home but no where to be found. Well, I knew where he was but he was in do not disturb mode aka sleeping. I hate Fridays with a passion. McRush works weekends, ALL  weekend so he sleeps in the day and heads to work Friday evening. I have to give it to him, he hangs with me as long as he can before nodding off or I have to send him to bed before he suffers fatigue, but when he goes to sleep, These littles know just what to do to drive me crazy. I oftentimes feel like a single parent on the weekend but I get through it.

Regardless of their many interruptions, I was able to complete my Speaker Sheet (which is long overdue), create a new terms of agreement contract and confidentiality agreement for my clients, completed client’s certification, two invoices, a website, and two consults. That is in addition to cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner and taking an hour to teach the ingrates…. I mean RushBunch.

I will never be one to tell you that being anything is easy especially a mom, wife, and entrepreneur but at the end of the day it will always be worth it.

We have to remember that in our fight to be great mothers and great wives we must also take the initiative to be a great US. For me that is spending time to focus on my business because I love to help people, it makes me feel good to know I helped someone reached a goal. Whatever makes you feel good, do that and do it often. And if anyone questions you about it, tell them to come and talk to me so I can tell them to be a great support so you can do what you want!

-Rush

Now let me first say, I must be out of my mind to talk statistics in  my blog because I don’t have many readers as is so to add a mathematical conversation is almost insane. I’m about to lose the two followers I DO have.

But hear me out, at least halfway through, I think this is important.

Many of you know about my Consulting Firm. I have been revamping and perfecting over the last few weeks and I tend to come across some very important information from time to time and I like to share. As my children say in their failed attempts to guilt me into rationing off my food, “Sharing is caring” <– thanks Barney!

As a person of color, I am all too aware of the negative statistics constantly shoved in my face in attempts to make me believe many things but among them, that we, Reflections, tend to be lazy. Now, if for no other reason than the simple fact that I nor my husband are this way, I have always refused to believe that. Please do not misinterpret that to say that none of us are because I have definitely run across my share in my past life, my past life being naive and young. But the general population of Reflections are far from lazy. I could get off track and mention that no one ever felt like we were lazy when we were ‘building this joint for free’, in the words of Angela Ray. But I will stay the course and continue with my knowledgeable rant of improper and misused statistics.

Did you know that there were over 2.5 BILLION businesses owned by Reflections? Bet you didn’t. Did you know that we owned more businesses than Asians? Yup, MORE, despite the fact that you can find a restaurant or nail salon on just about any corner in poverty stricken neighborhoods?

Forbes just did an article on the top 10 black billionaires….. the top TEN which means there are more than 10, and guess what, your commonly known hip hopper, rapper, and television personalities did not make the list, nor did your Athletic heroes.

It used to be stated that if you don’t want a black man [or woman] to know something, put it in a book. But with so many people reading more, now its just, ‘don’t let them see it’. You lose hope when you continue pushing and don’t see a prosperous end or you don’t see anyone you know, directly or indirectly, making it quite like you believe you should. We cannot let this hinder us from pressing on.

I push my business so much and I do not see much, if any, growth but I do not let that deter me. I know I offer a great service backed by an amazing brand, and on those days that I have no clients to work for, I work on my own business as if I am a client (unless its doing my business plan because THAT thing is not happening). But you have to remember, every business that has succeeded, has done so because they caught someones eye. How can you catch someones eye if you quit. You can’t quit. The only person who loses most when you quit is you, aren’t you tired of feeling like you are always losing? When you start a business the only way you will ever lose is if you quit, so don’t quit and if you want to quit, call me, I’ll give you reasons why you shouldn’t quit. I guarantee it.

-Rush