WHY, WHY, WHY... YOU Better Know It.

 

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The Ultimate Crash Course: Nick Pereira

Sparkstar Nick Pereira

He says to raise my hand if I would want a magic wand.  A mystical wand that allows me to be, do, and have whatever I want.  

Hmm… I give the side eye to this guy.  Really Nick, what's the catch?

Skeptically, I raise my hand.  I want this freakin' wand, if such a thing really exists.

Nick nods his head with the certainty of a sage, cracks a smile, and tells me a story.

Opened for some of greatest names in Hip Hop

"I was the number one Hip Hop touring artist once upon a time" he begins.

My eyebrows touch my hair line.  I am looking at this guy like…you? But how? (I say these things to myself…I ain't trying to interrupt the story).

"Yeah," he notes the expression on my face, "I used to go around the country telling people that 'this' was the life to live.  I did a lot of damage to myself and those that listened to my message.

I had everything going for me, until the day when the story of my life changed…"

(Now, my ears perk up.)

Nick Pereira tells the story of his near fatal car crash with so much detail, I can hear the tires screeching and the rubber burning. 

This was the defining moment.  The moment everything changed.  

Negative Self Talk

Nick reveals that after the crash, as he sat in the stillness of the aftermath, he began to listen the thoughts that were spewing from his mind. He finally heard the darkness and destruction that he was hosting and projecting onto others.  This was not going to work for him any longer.
  
***INSERT MAGIC WAND***


Nick changed his story, and that changed his life.  Nick now is, does, and has whatever he says he is, does, and has.  Nick realized that the "wand" is our Words. 

NICK TEACHES THE POWER OF WORD.

The story you create today is the future we live into tomorrow, this is your life, what kind of story will you create for it"
                            - Nick Pereira 

Life is good, when you look.

Nick Pereira, like many others, had a near death experience that WOKE HIM UP to the peace, love, and joy that is available to him in the world around him.  

But there are so many others, so so many others, that do not have to walk on the edge of the cliff, or dance on the steps of hell, in order to WAKE UP, if they just need to LISTEN.

If you don't wake up to life, life has the tendency to wake you up. ~ Sparkstar Nick Peieria

Nick now speaks to teens and adults all across the country showing them how to take back their personal power. 

By listening to the replay of our mind, we can decide to change the playback. We have the power to choose our new life story. We have the power to make it 'new life glory'. 

What you playback will define whether your life is cool, mediocre, or whack… so why not take a note from Nick, and be, do, and have even BETTER than that!

Trainer, Coach & Humanitarian

Choose the stories that EMPOWER, ENLIGHTEN, and INSPIRE your life…ONLY!

Nick is the ultimate champion of transformation because he's lived it; powerfully.  Today, the person he has become, he lovingly shares with you. 

Working a Series for Youth, Teachers, & Coaches

From his heart to yours:

Nick, if you could send a message to the entire world, what would you say in less than 140 characters?

You are a product of your philosophies. Your philosophies are the seeds that you plant, what they produce 100% depends on the quality of the seed.  

If you received enough money to never need to work again, what would you spend your time doing?

 Stepping Stones Fundy Region INC.

Exactly what I am doing already; money is a supply system that will come in abundance when you follow your heart, passion, and purpose in the world.  Your job is not to work for money, but rather go into the world and work your passion; money will be a result of that, nothing more.

If today was the last day of your life, what would you want to do?

Celebrate life with my family and share with the world, "Be not afraid for we are all everlasting life." 

If your entire life was a movie, what title would best fit?

THE WALKING TESTIMONY

How would you describe yourself in 4 words?

I AM Life itself.

Photo by Sarah Villafuerte

How do you celebrate the things you do have in your life?

In our home we have a simple tradition that allows us to celebrate every night.  Before we eat, we say out loud the things we are grateful for.  Every night, this is a simple celebration that presence’ us to our own blessings and what matters most.  When expressing gratitude, priorities rearrange filling us with joy.  

If you had to teach someone one thing, what would you teach?

Self-love

What drives you to do better at something?

Knowing that the better I AM, the better I can support those around me.  I understand that when I make a decision to improve, I am also improving everyone and everything around me.  

Nick RECOMMENDS THESE BOOKS… click on the cover to check 'em out! 
Jesus, CEO by Laurie Beth Jones
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Ideas and Opinions by Albert Eistein

If you were inspired this story, please subscribe now to www.thesparkspot.com to get more like this…
"When the spark hits your inbox, will you be ready?"

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Nick Pereira will be the Sparkstar Guest March 28, 2015 

Find Nick Pereira on Facebook 

Finding Fabulous: Fit over 40 and Feeling Good

It was April 26, 2014. Angelique posted a pic on Facebook.

Status read: Taking my fitness journey to the next level with my new trainer. Stay tuned for my transformation! 

Ya girl, Minista Jazz, tuned in, and babes, Angelique did not disappoint. 
Here it is, nearly one year later, and Angelique Miles made it to that next level, the one after that, and still is on the road to…well, she's unstoppable!  

As if she was on a vertical treadmill, Angelique quickly climbed the fitness ladder to success. This is my WEDNESDAY WOMAN CRUSH.  

Finding fabulous would seem like an effortless task for this beauty from Queens, NY, but instead she tells of fights and scars from her youth that left her feeling a self conscious for many years.

The thing is, when Angelique was a kid, she wanted to be an archaeologist, so it makes all the sense that she would one day decide take a personal excavation. From the deep dig she found and revealed a spark that was within her all along.

A powerful shift took place, and who has emerged is this confident, courageous, and charismatic woman, committed to sharing her inspirational journey with us.

Her sparks of insight have been lighting up the networks because Angelique recently launched her fitness blog, THE MILES METHOD. Go there to discover the wonders of Kangen alkaline water, tonics of turmeric, and the benefits of bikram yoga balance.

Whether she is spinning, running, or lifting, this future philanthropist is a master at post workout glory.

.  

Let me take a selfie

I freakin' live for her gym selflies. Her reflective images loudly proclaim, "I am who I say I am, I've become who I said I would become, I will be whatever I decide to be, and I am so happy being me."

From her heart to yours…get sparked up by Angelique Miles:

You spend a lot of time in the gym, when you are not earning your muscles, how are you earning a living?

I am an independent entertainment consultant. I host and produce special events, I do music clearances, and other music-related projects.

Photo by @blvck.nyc

If you received enough money to never need to work again, what would you spend your time doing?

The perfect life to me is taking several fitness classes a day in different places, traveling the globe and weekly massages. But eventually, I would probably tire of that and feel the need to contribute and give something to society. I would give to charity or volunteer work a lot more actively than I do now.

If today was the last day of your life, what would you want to do?

I would want to have a great meal and spend the whole day with the people I love that love me back.

10 weeks of dedicated action

What can you do today that you couldn’t do a year ago? What will you be able to do at this time next year?

I can stay on the Stairmill at level 10 for 30 minutes straight. Last year this time I could barely do 15-20 minutes at level 5. I don’t know how to swim, so I would like to do that by next year.

If karma was coming back to you, would it help or hurt you?

Angelique & Ginuwine

Business-wise, it would help me. As a music publishing executive many years ago, I gave many people great opportunities and huge paychecks to provide for their families. I’m guessing that has to come back to me in some way.

What have you done that you’re most proud to have achieved?

I have managed to be in incredible shape at the age of 48.

Describe the next five years of your life, and your plans, in a single sentence.

To be an inspiration to 40+ women all over the world to live their best, fit, healthy, & fabulous life.

When it is all said and done, why do you get granted access into heaven?

Because I did the best I could. *** I LOVE THIS ANSWER***

To learn more about Angelique and connect with the MILES METHOD MOVEMENT use the links below.

Instagram: @angeliquemiles

FB: The Miles Method

Twitter: angeliquemiles

Health and happiness are like peanut butter and jelly, you need both to get that special favor.

As for me, I know I need to get back on my fitness flow so while you are reading this, I am running to the gym.

I got my SMS Sync 50 Wireless Headphones so if people talking about my jiggly booty, I won't hear a thing… NOISE CANCEL boo! Shoot, I'm too focused and busy dancing on the treadmill, hands in the air, praying that when I am 48, I'll look as fabulous as Angelique Miles. 

Stay fit ya'll!

Hearts & Sparks,

MJ

find me on Facebook

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Success by Choice…not by Chance

I remember the first time Sparkstar Mona Bittle walked into my store.

I was the manager at a men's clothing store and Mona was well, TALL.  That was my very first impression of her was, "WOW this girl  has some long legs."  (I am 5'2 and she is like 5'10).

She got the job! LOL, no, not because of her legs.  It was her undeniable winning attitude. Like a frog in a pond she committed to the leap. In interview, when I asked what her strengths were, she replied, "I may not know everything but I am pay attention and learn. I know that I can do it and I want to be the best at anything that I do."

I believed her! 

I believed her so much, and her work ethic was so strong, many years later I learned that she was into makeup and hair, so I hired her to be my assistant on the Miley Cyrus tour. 

Season ONE Soundtrack

Even though it was exciting for both of us, GOD saw fit for her to do something else and took her in another direction.  Mona has since worked on film sets, became a beauty school instructor, moved to NYC and most recently has done make up for one of my favorite TV shows, EMPIRE.  She better werk!

Sparkstar Mona Bittle is the "NEVER GIVE UP, KEEP WINNING" master and I am so honored to feature her as today's Super Sparkstar! 

From her heart to yours… 

What have you done that you’re most proud of to have achieved?

I am alive… that is the biggest achievement of all.  What most people don’t know about me is that when I was born, I was pronounced to be clinically dead.   I was brought back to life but the doctors had little hope that I would actually make it. 32 years later, I am still here so when people doubt my abilities, they don’t even realize that I have already won. 

When you think of your home, what immediately comes to mind?

Sadness.  I come from a broken home and a very distant family.  My mom was a single parent and struggled to raise three kids alone.   My father wasn’t around and it hurt. I often envied my friends whose fathers were around.  But at the same time, I wonder if it is a blessing in disguise.  What if not having a father present is the reason I’m as strong as I am today?  Would I be the same woman had he have been there?  I guess I’ll never know.

What is your greatest strength?

Success can many things to different people but I believe that my greatest strength is my hunger for success.   I don’t allow fears to control my life or get in between me and success.  Most people are not so good at that.  My motto is "Success over fear, EVERYDAY!"

What bad habits do you want to break?

The Gift of Imperfections

That’s a tough one being that I have a lot of bad habits… LOL but honestly speaking, self doubt and feeling as I am not good enough.  I question my own abilities to get the job done.  I also tend to worry a lot.  Having faith is vital but that doesn’t always come easy for me.

When did you last push the boundaries of your comfort zone?

That is something I do on a daily basis.  Every day I wake up,  I say to myself   “Hmmm, what barrier shall I break today?  What obstacle will I cross and what theory will I prove to be wrong?”  

Life is all about challenges and my key to success is being able to step out of my comfort zone.  I’m never satisfied so when I feel like I’ve reached the peak of whatever I’m up to, I’m already mentally on to the next challenge. I consistently find ways to be even greater than the I was day before.

How do you spend the majority of your free time?

In my world, there’s no such thing as “free time". Every minute of the day is valuable to building my legacy. However, if and when I do find “down time", I spend it on researching ways to perfect my craft. The majority of successful people get to where they are by choice…not by chance.

A Natural State of Mind

If you lost everything tomorrow, whose arms would you run into to make everything ok?

Without hesitation…my mom.  She has been my rock, my foundation, my biggest fan, my everything. 

Everything that I know and everything that I am today is because of her.  She has shown me what overcoming odds and adversity is all about.  She hustled multiple jobs and at times, sacrificed her health to make sure we didn’t go without.  She taught me the true meaning of survival, hustle, and the importance of never giving up. I owe her my success.  I know that I can always count on her to have my back.

I am a sparkstar because: I am courageous and I shine even when things seem dark. 

Mona Bittle is a Celebrity Makeup Artist from New Haven, Connecticut.  You can find her on IG @Parischick01

"Love what you do and good karma will find YOU!" ~ Sparkstar Mona Bittle

Don't miss the story that will change your life forever, Subscribe to this blog and Tune in Every Week for The Spark Spot on YOUR 15 Minutes Radio Network Every Saturday at 7pm EST www.ministajazz.com

Did you look in the Mirror Lately? Watch this 4 year old's Response to Little Boy Calling her Ugly

Little girl's amazing response to boy calling her ugly | 4-Year-Old Has The Perfect Response To A Boy In Her Class Who Called Her 'Ugly'

Sparkstar Siahj Chase gave that little boy a piece of her beautiful mind.

'I came here to learn not look pretty', she told him after he said he thought she was ugly. 

The lesson of her statements are valuable and wise beyond her 4 planetary years.  This Sparkstar is definitely in the league of the light, with her sharp wit, and ability to smile even when someone was trying to put her down.

You can see in the video, for just a moment the sentiment of how she felt when the boy called her UGLY.  She dropped her head and voice a little.

But the little girl's spark immediately returns when she tells us her confident comeback.

'I said "I didn't came here to make a fashion statement"', she says beaming brightly, as she says, 'I came here to learn, not look pretty.'

Cici then playfully frowns again when she says the boy responded that she looked 'bad', only to put her face right up to the camera so we can see just how she showed that boy who's boss.

'And then I said "Did you look in the mirror lately?"

'Bye bye, see you later, you're making me mad!'

Siahj 'Cici' Chase said she didn't go to school to make 'a fashion statement'… she said she went to learn!

Many of us would not have dealt with this "attack" on our esteem as well as Sparkstar Cici did.  I know that I often times deal with deep rooted issues that "4 year old Jazz" took on, and was not able to shake so easily.  Do you have a '4 year old' version of you that needs support?

A book that helped me was Brene Brown's The GIFT OF IMPERFECTION.   In it she helps us to discover how to accept our seeming imperfections and use them to express our greatest gift… INDIVIDUALITY.

Keep the SPARK ALIVE…
In the comments below, share a brief instance when you had to stand up for yourself.

Hearts & Sparks,

MJ





Tune in LIVE Each Saturday 7PM EST on YOUR 15 MINUTES Radio NETWORK for The Spark Spot…Internet Talk Radio.




Cici lives in Nassau, Bahamas with her mother, who says her daughter has always been 'sharp' and 'quick on her feet'

Tune in for The Spark Spot Every Saturday at 7pm EST www.ministajazz.com

Nothing Missing, Nothing Broken, Nothing Lacking

Sparkstar Brionna Edmundson is a dynamic dancer in every aspect of the word. To move rhythmically to music is her reverent way of life.  Following a set of sequence of steps, Brionna proudly proclaims her steps to be ordered by GOD.   Brionna's quick and lively movement is a vociferous testament to her early life successes.  And at the vivacious age of 22, she has accomplished more than most people dream to accomplish in their entire lifetime.

Lead roles in celebrity choreographed performances, solo twirls for the President's wife, Michelle Obama, and commercial appearances on major television networks exposes this Sparkstar's powerful shine.

As a graduate from The Alvin Alley School of NYC, she has made appearance in national publications and has worked intimately with many of the best choreographers in the entire world.  Currently a member of Ronald K. Brown's/Evidence, A Dance Company, this young star has every intention to keep her torch of passion and talent burning.

Hear words directly from Brionna's heart and ma
y her light spark yours…

What do you "owe" yourself?

Credit.  I do not give myself enough credit for the accomplishments I've made or the amount of work I put into my accomplishment.  I often downgrade my credibility so the person next to me doesn't feel inferior because of what I achieved.  But is that fair to my gift.  No.



And at other times I am so focused on 'what's next' that the moment I'm in doesn't feel like "a big deal".  I admit I owe myself a strong passionate pat on the back.

2. What can you do today that you couldn't do a year ago? 

I am able to forgive.  A year ago, I couldn't truly forgive those who hurt me and I couldn't forgive myself for the things I've allowed to happen an done to myself as well as others.  True forgiveness is a gift.  I am glad that I have found it.  With the forgiveness that I have explored, next year this time my ability to unconditional love will be a year stronger!

3. What do you want most out of life?

Fulfillment.  I want a nothing missing, nothing broken, nothing lacking type of life.  Agape in every area of my life.

4.  If you dropped everything to pursue your dreams, what would you be risking?

I have to say nothing.  I've done my share of risking friendships, boyfriends, "the high school and college experience".  I've risked fashion trends and even meals while I was saving for summer intensives.  I've even risked seeing my sister graduate from college.  I've risked for my future and that was a part of God's plan for my life. I'm confident in that.

5.  If you could send a message to the entire world, what would you say?


You have a purpose designed by the most powerful creator, GOD.  The gift you were given was never intended just for you alone.  His plan is much bigger than you are.  You are a vessel used to pour His light onto others in need of Love.  There will be hardships but there also will be triumphs.  The ups and downs are needed for your growth and His glory. I've learned if you return the gift He gave you, right back to Him, He will fulfill your destiny.  Know every sacrifice is worth it. Every tear cried, He saw and He is proud of your choice to follow Him to answer your divine calling.  You may not understand all that has occurred while you go through a storm but the rainbow is at the end.  I promise it will be the most pleasant sight to see.

Sparkstars,

Brionna is an example of the vessel she speaks of, pouring her light onto us in the name of God.  I appreciate the love and art that she is in the world.  If you are inspired by this young Sparkstar, share her words of wisdom with another.  Feel the spark and pass it on!

Deeply moved and lovingly inspired,

MJ


If you know a Sparkstar that is the epitome of 'light manifest in life', please contact me to nominate them for a feature at ministajazz@thesparkspot.com. I am always honored to celebrate the presence of a true SPARKSTAR!

Tune in LIVE every Saturday to THE SPARK SPOT radio show where Minsita Jazz interviews Sparkstars from around the world who share inspiration, motivation, and information to make you say YES to life!

"Life is like a splendid torch which I've got hold of at the moment and I want to make burn as brightly as possible before passing it on to future generations." ~ George Shaw

One Heck of a Storm, Beautiful Rainbow

Sparkstars,

What you say? 

A close friend brought to my attention that it might be difficult for people to believe that I experience problems or tribulations because no matter what, I am able to find a way to laugh, smile, and keep it moving.

I looked at her real strange because the amount of fuckery I get myself into is astounding. Ha! Smh.

However, I can see her point of view. It is just that I have literally trained myself to alchemize every situation into see where God must be, and has to be, working things out for my ultimate good and the good of all involved.

With that outlook, I can BE Happy, when there is nothing to be happy about.

Happiness is not about the circumstance, it is about the perspective.

How do you look at it?

So even though, I might be going through some things, my perspective says, this is all for a greater purpose as everything must be unfolding in perfect order.

Now, boopski, I am in no way ignoring the lesson life is teaching me in a moment. I just choose to smile at the teacher. 

All lessons don't have to necessarily be harsh but for someone as head harded, risk taking, and unapologetic as myself, sometimes it takes a good hard fall to wake me up. Oof! It's cool, just my path.

Now again, just because I am all glitter, sunshine, neon rainbow, SPARKSTAR, it doesn't mean that I don't feel disappointment, pain, betrayal, hurt, afraid, confused, or shy from time to time.
Yup, as weird as I appear to be, I am also human, born on this planet, breathing oxygen, dual and complex, learning to be wiser. (And might I add, every Sparkstar that ever is or was, goes through/went through it too).

But because I am a SPARKSTAR, I choose light when I notice darkness, color sunshine in the grey, and gratitude in the storms, because I say so. It just works for me.

So yes, optimism in the face of adversity might seem silly to others, but it is the way I choose to walk through this life.

If ever you need a ear, hand, or shoulder to lean on, hit me up, and if I can, I will. Just because you see the rainbow doesn't mean you weren't affected by the storm.

I am here for you.

Loving you in all weather,

xx
Minista Jazzz

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The Greatest Gift in Life: Friendship

When I was 9 years old, I moved to Hampton, Virginia from NYC.  I was a cornrow and beads wearing, big personality in a little girl body, placed in the epitome of middle class of suburbia.  Up until that point, to me, if you were light skinned, you where Puerto Rican, and the only place to buy candy was the corner store.

My world was blown when with this move, I was introduced to a concept called "mixed" where your parents were not the same race and 7-11's, which seemed to me the "bodega" for the rich!

In the beginning I felt out of place and especially in my elementary school where the little black girls all had "bangs", relaxed hair, or jerry curls. My clothes, accent, and braids made me stick out like spring in an old mattress.

So much so, I caught the attention of another young girl of my same age.  She worked in the library as a helper.  She was smart, witty, and very mature for a 9 year old.  When she saw me at the library with my little mini skirt and opaque tights, matching socks, and sneakers, she did not like me one bit.  I was unaware that I was being watched. She checked out my handwriting in a notebook I left behind one day and decided that it {my handwriting} was "ugly" and I had a stupid walk with a big butt.  She turned up her nose at me, the new girl at school.

But as fate would have it, we shared a classroom the very next year.  It was 5th grade and our teacher's name was Mrs. Pitts.  And although, I do not remember all of the fine details that brought us together, it indeed happened and we are still friends to this very day.

My Friendship Gift

My best friend, Janine, is a Gemini.  She is highly spiritual and is my favorite prayer partner.  She lives in the same area that we grew up in and attends church nearly EVERY Sunday.  She is active in church as the leader of the prayer intercessory team.  What that means is, she's the one that will get down on the floor with you and stand in "the gap"between you and want you are asking God for. She will strong hold your prayer request and will not let go until God's promise is manifest in your life.  POWERFUL.

Now we are the odd couple because on the surface, I probably do not look like I don't have a "holy" bone in my body and she seems to have an aura of magnificent grace.  I like to wear sweat pants, sneakers, jeans and I swear… a lot. Janine is a girl girl in dresses, panty hose, alway a fly pair of shoes and speaks eloquently at all time.   But that is on the surface.  Underneath it all,  we are the same type of silly as we both love a good psychological thriller, seafood, shopping, and travel.  She and I will talk in the wee hours of the morning about old boyfriends, life lessons learned, and the hopeful events of the near and distance future.

My gift has been there for me through thick and thin, her family is my family, my kids are her children.  Every time I gave birth, she was there to help me prepare my mind for the task at hand.  Every time I was homeless, she tried to make room for my kids and I to have a place to lay our heads.  She has prayed me through my divorce.  And at the crack of dawn, when I couldn't think straight,  I know I can call her and she will help me screw my head back on.  But most of all she accepts me and all my crazy just has I am.

The gift that she is to my life is priceless.  The love that I have for her is unconditional.

I once told my ex husband that I think that if  Janine was a man she would be my ideal husband.  I think he knew then that it was over between us because our bond was no where as tight as the one that I had with my bestie.  I mean we can go for months, weeks, (I don't know about years) without speaking but when we do… it is as if we are still 13, sneaking to  watch Aresino Hall over the phone, on late night TV… we are thick as thieves and tight as… ok you get the point.

Well last night when I was in the studio recording my new album, Janine came through for a few hours to support me. After reminding me that pizza hut always makes my stomach hurt and warned me of a day on the toilet if I didn't take it easy or the cheesy,  she got in the booth with to harmonize my upcoming single #Winning.  

As usual, and with no surprise, my best friends was there to give my VOICE a boost just when I needed it; and in the knick of time.


I am so grateful as her presence gave me a second wind and was tthe highlight of my night.  I know that  this project it is going to be sparktacular because everything we ever do together as friends as always words out amazingly.

I love this woman so much and just wanted to say so.  Thank you Janine Sellers for being my best friend and a super Sparkstar!

Keep Winning!

xx

MJ