Recently, I was close to getting another life changing opportunity and the deal didn’t go through.  Although, I didn’t get the opportunity I kept telling myself I was extremely close and that was something to be grateful for.  I am very hard on myself when it comes to being the second runner-up, but I had to appreciate where I am now in order to get to the next level.

I believe you should always want more of yourself, but sometimes when situations don’t go your way you feel as if you let yourself down.  The message in every situation is to keep moving and not to look at your past, but look at your future and what you want!

We all have a list of things that could be better in our lives, but we have to always look at the positive side in life in order to keep accomplishing our goals.  Toward the end of the year I do a self-evaluation to see what I accomplished for the year.  Make sure to write a list of what you want (yearly), and start to put forth the effort every month and watch how you get what you want!  I make a goals list along with my vision board, and I am amazed how the majority of my goals come to pass.  Even if you think something is unattainable, I am encouraging you to write it down on a goals list.

Also, keep telling yourself what you want throughout the year. You will be amazed who comes to you and can help you closer to your dreams.  Always remember you are where you’re supposed to be and know that you can make a way out of no way.  I have to keep reminding myself that I can accomplish many things with effort. If I don’t, I start to focus on what’s not happening in my life instead of what I should make happen!

I want everyone reading this now to know that a life changing moment can happen in your life.  Please just keep expecting it.  Before I moved to Hollywood I had so many friends and family saying how I wouldn’t amount to anything.  So, it’s up to you to remove the nay-sayers in your life and start knowing the purpose you have to fulfill.  All my friends who said I couldn’t and family that say I wouldn’t are trapped in a mentality that restricts them from succeeding.  Too many people nowadays say the word can’t when things seem down. I encourage you to say the words I will and watch how your life turns around.

In the meantime, all though I may have not gotten one opportunity I WILL soon!

Stay Up!

Erica Hubbard

The question is, “Do you really turn your back on your love ones if they give you the cold shoulder?”

In waiting for a financial breakthrough you have to be extremely patient!  The more people you have in your corner to support you physically, emotionally, spiritually or financially the better!  If you go to someone in need of help there are so many ways you can receive support from a person; you have to discern what angle each individual can help you in advancing your life.  Just because someone does not give you something when you ask doesn’t mean they won’t give you something further down the road.  However, it is important that we not always look to see what someone is giving us, but what we can give someone, as well.  As the old saying goes, “I scratch your back and you scratch mine.”

The most important thing I learned was to be patient, don’t get angry and keep making a way for your self by perseverance.  I recently, called home and one of my relatives said he was amazed to see me on a TV show because I am from a ghetto.  I encourage anyone reading this to make a way out of no way… no matter what your situation looks like.  It took me over eight years to make something out of myself.  The harder you try to get anything the more you have to believe your efforts turn into favor on your life.

Always remember not to complain (it’s a waste of time) and have a game plan everyday to strive toward your success!

Please let me know what your game plan is.

Peace.

Erica Hubbard

During these times of hardships a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet with their monthly bills.  You may be effected or know someone who is effected by the Recession.  As the Holiday Season approaches we may have to go back to the old-fashion ways of gift giving.

As a way of showing gratitude to someone, maybe visiting and bringing over a dish of food is sufficient. For that person who wants a gift or thinks your significant other should give you a present you deserve, would you be upset if you were only given a card, some candy or flowers?

Some people say, “It’s the thought that counts” when receiving a gift. If you truly love someone and you know they are in a financial bind, what kind of gift would you expect from them?  Dinner, movies, hotel get-away or flowers are nice presents.  But would you consider these a cheap gift or does it really matter?

Here are a couple of options to help ignore nosey people who want to engage in the gift comparison conversation. When your friends, neighbors or relatives brag about what they got for the Holidays and want to know what expensive gift you received just tell them:

(A.) It’s a shared secret between you and the gift giver.

(B.)Let them know you would tell them, but it’s too sexy to be revealed.

(C.) Or, you can let them know what the inexpensive gift was that you were given and just be prepared for comments or questions.

All and all remember during these financially difficult times it is the size of the heart that makes the person, and not the size of the gift!  Be accepting of all gifts whether they are big or small.  Remember they are showing you a token of their appreciation for the year, no matter what the size of the gift is!

Peace and much Love,

Erica Hubbard

Hello Everyone!

Let me say how happy I am to be here on BlackPlanet.  I am really enjoying blogging for HelloBeautiful.com and checking my BP page to read your messages and comments.  This is the second installment of my blog focusing on positive influences.  Haters beware!

I truly believe if I keep hanging out with people who are optimistic and joyful about life I will live a longer and healthier life!

I love to center myself around people who are positive about seeing not only themselves succeed but others as well.  I always wondered why certain human beings hate or dislike others.  We are all truly one human race that bleed the same color.  Honestly, it takes too much of my time to focus on someone else in a negative demeanor. Some people say you need haters because that means you are successful or have something someone else wants.  I don’t necessarily want any haters, I want encouragers!

Here’s the reason why I don’t appreciate anyone hating on someone else; over the years I have learned to appreciate others accomplishments and success to allow great things to happen to me.  When you are truly and genuinely happy for someone else I guarantee you more positive things will start to flow in your life.  I love leading a joyous lifestyle and I am leery of anyone who is around me that says I smile a lot!  We all should start to be uplifting and motivate each other to be successful with family members, strangers or friends.  If I am talking with someone and they mention the words can’t, don’t, won’t shouldn’t, never, etc. in their vocabulary a lot it is up to us to change that mind frame around and say should, could, will, yes, etc.  If you find yourself being jealous, envious of someone or speaking negative of others… STOP!

Anyone who takes the time to have a negative spirit does nothing for you, but takes up your time with pity.  We all, including myself, will vow to always focus on accomplishing something that’s positive in our life and really try to speak optimistically.  I love hanging around go-getters, edifiers, accomplishers and motivators.  I feel good when I hear good news and you should as well!  We can be happy for ourselves and others no matter what our predicament is for now. XOXO!

PEACE,

Erica Hubbard

Hello Everyone!

Let me first say how happy I am to be here on BlackPlanet. I’m looking forward to blogging for HelloBeautiful.com and checking my BP page to read your messages and comments. Be sure to check out my blog every Friday. I’ll be writing about any and everything that comes to mind. Life as an actress and activist in Los Angeles can be a rollercoaster, but I’m enjoying the ride. I’ll be telling you all about it!
This year has gone by so fast. I can barely believe its already October, can you? This time of year people start getting ready to hibernate with the fall weather arriving, and we start getting even closer to our love ones. One thing I admire about The Suttons on my show “Lincoln Heights” is seeing a family that always spends time with each other no matter what circumstances or complications they are dealing with.

What’s also important is giving your time in the community such as The Suttons do with people in need. Spending time with those less fortunate than you is imperative to not only building up someone else’s self-esteem, but yours as well. Helping and serving others is so rewarding and fulfilling that my words cannot describe the feeling you get seeing someone smile (because you care).

After going on a two month long journey to help raise awareness for at-risk youth… I can truly say, “It does take a village to raise a child”. I attended functions such as Ludacris’ Ludacares Foundation Concert/Auction, Hill Harper’s Manifest Your Destiny Summer Camp Foundation, Tavis Smiley’s Youth Scholarship Auction/Dinner, and Common’s Foundation Concert, and was grateful that as the “Season of Giving” approaches these men are already making an impact on their communities by giving back!

So, whether you decide to spend the extra time with your families or volunteer at a shelter, community center or food drive… please make sure you find the time to give back (especially as the holidays approach). I am not sure what your focus is in life, but I love helping people by giving back my time. LOVE TO LOVE, AND IF YOU DON’T LOVE LEARN TO LOVE!

PEACE, ERICA HUBBARD