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inspiration – Page 3 – patriciafostermckenley.com
patriciafostermckenley.com

Professional Poet, Life Coach, Educator, Artist – Runs Workshops, Gives Reiki & Wellbeing Training

Category: inspiration (Page 3 of 3)

My Next Poetry Performance: Guest Poet at Fundraiser ‘Every Child Matters… Inspire a Girl, Big up a Boy in Jamaica’

April 26, 2014 /

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I am delighted to share that I will be a special guest poet and speaker at a very worthwhile event and fundraiser entitled ‘Every Child Matters… Inspire a Girl, Big up a Boy in Jamaica’. I will appear alongside some prestigious artists and Speakers such as singer/actress LORNA GEE, singer MICHAEL GORDON, HARAMBE DRUMMERS, singer PAULETTE TAJAH and guest speaker MR MOR DIOUM – Director of The Victoria Climbe Foundation UK.

One Step Forward Consultancy in recognition of Child Month will be hosting its Fund Raising Event for this cause on FRIDAY, 9th MAY 2014 at The Croydon Park Hotel, 7, Altyre Road, Croydon, London, CR9 5AA. 6pm – 2am.

If you are a social worker, or are involved with child support agencies, do come down, show support or forward to interested parties.

Tickets for Dinner and Dance £30, for Dance only £15, for Display/Exhibition Table £20

For more information please email: onestepforwardconsultancy@gmail.com or phone Patricia McKenzie-Thomas on 07960-368-048 or Sharon on 07956 801 709

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Quote of the Day, by Patricia Foster: ‘Acceptance, Patience and Love Towards Others’

April 12, 2014 /

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In our modern style of living and busyness, it is very easy to lose sight of where a friend or loved one is in their life. To misunderstand the journey they are on. To have little or no concept of what they are going through.

For those experiencing pain or personal challenges, reaching out to another can be extremely difficult.

This week, two high profile young twenty-somethings – Peaches Geldof, daughter of Sir Bob and the late Paula Yates (25) and Karyn Washington, founder of forbrowngirls.com (22) – were both found dead on 7th April and 8th April respectively. At the time of writing this blog, tests are still being carried out on Peaches and Karyn apparently committed suicide.

In my line of work with young people, I often rely on intuition to gauge if someone is in need of support. A listening ear, or by removing our own judgement of another, is usually all it takes to help that friend or loved one get back on track.

Who could do with your listening ear today?

Please feel free to leave a comment and share.

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Happy World Poetry Day 2014

March 21, 2014 /

Happy World Poetry Day

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I will be a featured poet at Divas of Colour on Saturday 22nd March 2014.
Divas of Colour will take place at
Hilton Hotel, Tower Hill, London SE1 2BY, United Kingdom.

For ticket and event details:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/divas-of-colour-2014-tickets-10027824493

Nearest Train station: London Bridge.

Happy International Women’s Month, 1st March 2014

March 1, 2014 /

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Photo: Giorgismedia.com

Happy, sunny (yes it’s sunny here in south London) greetings on the first day of International Women’s Month. For women, and everyone else who loves the Goddess-laden paths that each individual one of us walks, it is a fantastic time for celebration. A great opportunity to revere women. A month for acknowledging the beautiful, graceful power of women. A time to remember the historical struggles women have endured to gain equality, freedom and respect.

Daily, I am enriched by the positive, female energy that surrounds me: from my mother, sisters, nieces, aunties, cousins and sister-friends to clients and colleagues. Through collaborating with other, positive women, we gift each other.
Positive Women collaborating and working together create miracles.

I have a fairly busy month ahead and thought I’d share the women-centred events I will be involved in, some which I have been recommended for through collaboration:

?Poetry Reading, Sunday 2nd March 2014, 4:30pm
At Calabash of Culture, 21 Sydenham Rd, SE6 5EX
I’ll be performing Poetry at the launch of The Calabash of Culture Boutique – NATBIANA

?Presentation and Speech, Sunday 9th March 2014, 2pm
At Calabash of Culture, 21 Sydenham Rd, SE6 5EX
I’ll be giving a Presentation and talk at a Cultural Cafe launch, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

?Performing Poetry at ‘Divas of Colour 2014’, Saturday, 22 March 2014 from 10:00 to 19:00 (GMT), Hilton Hotel Tower Bridge, London.
I will be a featured poet at ‘Diva’s of Colour’ “largest gathering of world’s most powerful women of colour in the UK in celebration of the many talents of women of colour.” It promises to be a grand affair – Dress code Evening gown / red carpet glam, with a touch of purple Men – tuxedo, black tie and smart.
Tickets/Bookings http://www.fauntee.com/blog/tickets/

?Facilitating Poetry Workshop. Sunday 16 March 2014, 7:30pm. At ‘Open Space’ Perry Rise Baptist Church, Perry Rise, London SE23 2QL
I will be co-facilitating a workshop with poet Lucreta La Pierre, looking at poetry as an alternative form of worship.

With the work that I do in the community and abroad, I am committed to empowering women and young females through poetry, creativity, literature, multi media, workshops and talks.

Remember ladies, we are a gift to the world and our communities.

Have a wonderful, blessed month, filled with positive, female energy.

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World Self Love Day and My Birthday: 13th February 2014 – By Patricia Foster

February 13, 2014 /

“Learning to love yourself,
It is the greatest love of all.”

~ George Benson and Whitney Houston

I recently discovered there is an official World Self Love Day. On checking the date closer, I realised it falls on the same day as my Birthday! How apt!

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Photo: © Patricia Foster

So today, as well as celebrating my Birthday with family and friends, I will cultivate love for myself. This is the greatest form of love we can have. Without this, we cannot receive the love we desire!

Happy Self Love Day!

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Photo: Giorgismedia.com

Super Woman: Taking Everyday In Her Stride!

January 14, 2014 /

“As a woman, today and hereafter, I choose to express myself at my highest potential! That is my divine purpose and mission on this Earth.”
~ Patricia Foster McKenley, 8th March 2012

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Performance at book launch of ‘Irki’ by Kadija George, at The Barbican. Photo: Rousha Browning / SABLE LitMag

Imagine how this world would be if as individual women, we decided to reach for our highest potential and operate from that place for as much of our lives as possible. Imagine if we tapped into our innate powers and energies daily.

I wrote the above quote for International Women’s Day in March. March is also reknowned for celebrating International Women’s Week and International Women’s Month. We are also celebrating Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 30th in 2014, so lots of female energy to tap into and generate. Lots of magic and miracles to create.

So as a woman, how will you choose to express yourself and your positive, female energy today, this month, in March and for the rest of the year? It is our divine gift to share with our loved ones and the world.

MANY BLESSINGS,
Patricia Foster McKenley.

Patricia will be running Poetry Workshops, Self-Esteem Workshops for Young Women and Writing/Personal Development Workshops for Women during International Women’s Month. She’ll also be performing at various Poetry Readings throughout March. For bookings, contact:

+447956 476 547
Or
prfoster@hotmail.com

Please feel free to follow Patricia on Twitter @Ms_P_Foster

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Wishing You All The Best for Christmas, The Holidays and a Prosperous 2014

December 24, 2013 /

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For many, this time of year represents something unique and personal. Some relish the magic of Christmas, it’s true original meaning, the precious time with family and exciting expectation of presents and gifts. For others, it is a celebration of Kwanzaa, the build up of Holiday Season stress, bittersweet memories of a departed loved one, or acute loneliness.

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On a personal note, throughout 2013, I have experienced extreme highs and lows. I have encountered the loss of loved ones, disappointment and setbacks. I have, however, been blessed to receive the constant love and support of family and friends to counteract this. I have also managed to celebrate new additions to my family, positive new initiatives, been involved in progressive projects, facilitated on important community programmes, had poems and articles published, had a film made, participated successfully in an international women’s expo, travelled and been brave enough to venture outside of my comfort zone.

Whatever route your journey has taken you on this year, or however far you have travelled, I wish you a time of healing, rejuvenation and comfort this Holiday Season. I also wish you a successful and joyous 2014. Look forward to meeting up with you!

© Patricia Foster

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R.I.P. Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela – A Great Source of Inspiration For Young People. 1918 – 2013. by Patricia Foster

December 6, 2013 /

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Yesterday the world momentarily paused and individual heartbeats stopped, as we learned of the sad passing of arguably one of the most inspirational and powerful men of the last one hundred years – Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela. Also known as Madiba. Commonly known as Nelson Mandela.

He has left a legacy that in my eyes will never, ever be matched and taught so many about perseverance while living under scrutiny, standing firm against injustice, as well as the power and healing in forgiveness.

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To many, in particular the young, he was an incredible source of guidance and a visible presence they could link to for motivation.

He advocated the importance of education and the impact and difference it can make on a personal and global level:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela

He always provided inspiration and encouragement, showing how young people can utilise their own gifts to be successful:

“Does anybody really think that they didn’t get what they had because they didn’t have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?” ~ Nelson Mandela

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During his challenges, struggles, battles against injustice and the Apartheid regime, personal grief and his twenty-seven years of imprisonment, Madiba learned tools and gained the strength to overcome fear:

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela epitomised the essence of love, peace and forgiveness. Humble and gently powerful, with the ability to let go so gracefully! R.I.P.

© Patricia Foster

Patricia Foster is an Internationally Published Poet, Performer, Visual and Multimedia Artist (BA Hons), Broadcaster, Certified Tutor/Trainer & Facilitator, Dynamic Educator and Creative Consultant. She is also a Life Coach, Certified Reiki Practitioner, Wellbeing Advisor, Vegan and lover of Raw Food. As a writer, she has toured the UK, Europe and the USA and has worked for the BBC as a workshop facilitator.

Facilitating My Workshop and Performing Poetry at ‘Every Woman Inspired’ Expo, Kingston Jamaica. 22-24 November, 2013!

November 28, 2013 /
Delivering my workshop 'Return to Princess, Wonder Woman & Goddess' In Kingston, Jamaica, November 2013. Photo: Denise Henry

Delivering my workshop ‘Return to Princess, Wonder Woman & Goddess’ In Kingston, Jamaica, November 2013. Photo: Denise Henry

The Every Woman Inspired (EWI) Expo was an opportunity I felt I couldn’t ignore. EWI 2013 allowed me to work alongside and spend quality time with some remarkable women: Rasheda ‘Ginger’ Malcolm, Patricia McKenzie-Thomas and Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon. These generous, humble, beautiful yet incredibly powerful women created an event that provided me with a life changing experience; the type that is etched in your memory for the rest of your life!

Marcia 'Culture' Gordon, Patricia McKenzie-Thomas and Rasheda 'Ginger' Malcolm, at the opening of 'Every Woman Inspired' Expo

Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon, Patricia McKenzie-Thomas and Rasheda ‘Ginger’ Malcolm, at the opening of ‘Every Woman Inspired’ Expo

I had the opportunity to deliver my workshop entitled ‘The Return To Princess, Wonder Woman & Goddess
~ Exploring The Powerful Female Within Us’. This was a writing and personal development workshop which produced phenomenal results. I also recited some of my published poetry at the launch/opening event of ‘Every Woman Inspired’.

Photo: Denise Henry

Photo: Denise Henry

Photo: Patricia Foster

Photo: Patricia Foster

Reading poetry at the 'Every Woman Inspired' launched reception. Photo: Denise Henry

Reading poetry at the ‘Every Woman Inspired’ launched reception. Photo: Denise Henry

Additionally I, alongside other facilitators and attendees, was interviewed live on Power 106 FM Radio.

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Photo: Rasheda Malcolm

Photo: Rasheda Malcolm

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I also performed to a receptive audience at the EWI Gala Dinner and Dance, alongside the likes of international reggae singer Sharon Tucker. There were also powerful performances of poetry.

Sharon Tucker

Sharon Tucker

Poet Abena Bedeau

Poet Abena Bedeau

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The expo also attracted the likes of the current Miss Jamaica UK Gemma Feare, a remarkable, talented and very inspirational young woman who delivered a powerful keynote speech.

Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare

Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare

Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare

Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare

The attendees and participants were also treated to exceptional workshops:

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), by phenomenal Specialist Midwife and Perineal Health expert Denise Henry

Denise Henry

Denise Henry

‘Thriving at Twenty! Transformed at Thirty! Fabulous at Forty! Fulfilled at Fifty! Still Sexy at Sixty’ Workshop, by Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon. Amazing and Inspirational.

Marcia 'Culture' Gordon delivering her workshop

Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon delivering her workshop

Career and CV Workshop by Nadine Chambers-Goss. Career specialist and coach extraordinaire!

Nadine Chambers-Goss

Nadine Chambers-Goss

‘Sensitivity and the Artist: The Link Between Sensitive Personalities and Creativity’  – by Award-Winning Writer & Holistic Coach Patricia Foster McKenley

May 15, 2013 /

‘Sensitivity and the Artist: The Link Between Sensitive Personalities and Creativity’
by Patricia Foster McKenley

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Being a sensitive adult can be viewed as either a curse or blessing to the said sensitive individual.
For many sensitive adults, who may deem this a curse, they can probably list a range of unwanted or difficult circumstances such as:

• Being highly affected by harsh and nasty comments
• Taking on board and feeling deeply saddened by others’ misfortune
• Being affected by criticism and judgment from others
• Always wanting to avoid confrontation or uncomfortable conversations
• Bearing childhood traumas that trigger off reactions to relatively similar adult situations
• Excruciating shyness
• Labelled too shy, too sensitive or a walkover by others
• Become stressed easily
• Experience low self-esteem
• High bouts of depression

However, many sensitive adults may deem it a blessing and look at the advantages such as:

• Being a good listener
• Possessing empathy
• Being excellent authors and poets
• Having the ability to express themselves as artists
• Being highly intuitive and spiritual
• Having high levels of patience

I have witnessed highly sensitive individuals, who champion the causes of other people, encouraging them to utilise their gifts. However, when it comes to expressing their own gifts, or operating from their higher selves or to their highest potential, they almost enter the realms of martyrdom, where it is virtually difficult for them to speak up or express their true selves.

Research has shown that many highly sensitive adults end up working as counsellors, teachers, artists, poets, writers, authors, social workers and healers /natural health practitioners and other caring professions.

According to Elaine N. Aron Ph.D., the author of ‘The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You’, the world can be an extremely, overwhelming and unassuming place to sensitive people in general and certain situations and environments are too overly stimulating. She also acknowledges that “one in every five people is born with a heightened sensitivity” and gifted with “intelligence and imagination”.

I speak as a sensitive adult myself, who has experienced or displayed many of the above traits. Reading Elaine’s book about The Highly Sensitive Person (HSPs) was a welcome breath of fresh air; it made me realise there was nothing wrong with me and indeed others I know who bear similar traits.

Due to the, at times, overwhelming and difficult circumstances in my life, I have had to identify the personality traits that I have and go through a stage of healing and being kind to myself. This ‘self identification’ and healing process allowed me to develop the skills and empathy to understand, listen and heal others (especially those who are sensitive) through teaching, training, art, film making, poetry, coaching and Reiki.

Over the years, I focused on ways to harness my sensitive nature and also balance this with being grounded and looking after my physical and emotional health.

I discovered that my emotional health was impacted by consuming certain foods that created imbalance (such as meat and alcohol). Through following a vegan and raw vegan diet and being teetotal, this has prevented me from becoming too overwhelmed and over stimulated by the world.

Being highly sensitive is a personality trait I feel blessed to have and with this, I endeavour to make this world a better place to exist in.

However, this is not to say that non-sensitive personalities are insensitive, impatient or possess little or no creative skills. This is to highlight that sensitive people are ‘wired’ uniquely and therefore respond to external stimuli in a unique way.

© Patricia Foster McKenley

Please feel free to leave a comment below
or email: info@youareyou.co
Patricia Foster McKenley is a Holistic Life Coach, an Award-Winning Internationally Published Poet, Performer, Visual and Multimedia Artist (BA Hons), Broadcaster, Certified Tutor/Trainer & Facilitator, Dynamic Educator and Creative Consultant. She is also a Certified Reiki Healer, Wellbeing Advisor, Vegan and lover of Raw Food. As a writer, she has worked for the BBC and has toured, performed and delivered Workshops in the UK, Europe, Jamaica, Gambia and the USA. 


For further info, email info@youareyou.co


or visit http://YouAreYOU.co

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