Gracing today's lady with love that is powerful!
Hey You...
Life has a way of taking us to places we never imagined we would go. In fact, I have found this to be evident in my own journey. I’ve done embarrassing things I never thought I would do. I’ve yearned for answers to questions I never fathomed asking. I’ve relearned lessons that I thought I learned the first time. I’ve taken risks in sharing my heart, hopes, and dreams with people with whom I never thought I would connect. I’ve been familiar with the gut wrenching pain that sometimes comes from taking such risks and living each day with a bitter mindset. I’ve felt feelings of anxiety in being different from others and opening myself to rejection. I’ve enveloped myself in a blanket of shame from disappointing those closest to my heart. I’ve also seen my storms pass to make way for beautiful days. I’ve felt the warmth of happiness that comes from forgiving and opening my heart to others. I’ve felt love so pure that it motivates me to be a better me. I’ve experienced mercy and the ability to start over time and time again. No matter the outcome, each person with whom I’ve connected has served as my teacher and my student. My encounters with these remarkable individuals have opened my eyes to journeys worth traveling.
Today, God and I have an agreement that requires me to embrace every scar, to feel every emotion, and to choose happiness even when despair stares me in the face. We have an agreement that requires me to live in a way that does not numb my reality, but awakens me to my potential to conquer my reality with love. Love is such a gentle and kind word that it’s easy to overlook the hard sacrifices it requires to give and receive it with tact and efficacy. But, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13). I have no doubt in my convictions to live my every day alive. In fact, my coaching practice, Live Alive Girl, LLC, seals my covenant with God. It represents everything me. It is my baby; and it is where I birthed the Letters Written Alive vision of my practice. It is the reflection of sacrifices made. It is the avenue for my passion. My passion is to cheer others towards their own dreams and towards living a life that will embrace their greatest selves. I am just one of many imperfect women trying to impact my world with my gifts one heart beat at a time!
Originating as a blog platform for introducing coaching to my close family and friends, my agreement with God has transitioned my blog into an open, social outlet, or dialogue series, for women who love to write, read, and lead their own lives with kindness and love. It is a platform for fostering the communication of authentic testimonies from young, passionate and ambitious women who choose happiness for their lives; and, who choose to practice forgiveness and seek victory in the inner depths of their eyes. This platform is for women who agree to "pen" their raw emotions to personal letters that illustrate how they each embrace their highs and lows with boldness and how they each interpret love, FIGHT daily with prayer, and choose to transform the hearts of other women with words of power!
We write anonymously and provide a supportive network or cheer squad. Each letter is to be written intimately and unction a woman to express love, or to apologize to a close friend or loved one. Each envelope is to challenge a lady to reveal what’s “under the rug” and say what needs to be said. Each "stroke of the pen" is an opportunity for a woman to take ownership for how she interacts with others. It is a delicate moment for a woman to explore her every thought, feeling and emotion with understanding; and to seal her love, friendship, and career endeavors with the breath of redemption!
I want you, as a reader of these truths, to encounter the heart of an everyday woman who has a “past,” and who has felt joy and despair; or cried tears of victory and sorrow; or felt engulfed in love or alone in darkness. I want you to have access to a heart-led support system whenever you need validation that your feelings matter. I want you to know, that in the midst of any valley, full of “dry bones,” God can shake awake any circumstance as soon as we make some noise!
I know I am most awake within the words I transcribe; and I know my authorship often encloses my own victory. So, today, God has made it my mission to share my victory with others in a way that’s “write” for me. My dream is my reality. I am proud to say that I write and I coach because it is what I am called to do. I coach because I want to see more freedom, love, acceptance, and forgiveness in this world. Like freedom, love, acceptance, and forgiveness, writing awakens the soul.
How AWAKE are you?
Write your wrongs!
Write your ways!
Write your praise!
Open an envelope of personal revelation and read stories written by me you and HER! It's a process for owning your truth like a victor! Join us on this journey for digging dip and breaking through barriers! We write anonymously and provide support. You may journey with us as a contributing writer or as a leisure reader. Access these letters via Live Alive Girl email. Like love, sign-up is absolutely free!
"The universe is totally freaking out about how awesome you are. It's got you wrapped in a warm gorilla hug of adoration. It wants to give you everything you desire."
Jen Sincero
Contributing Writers | Season 2
Aaliyah Shafiq Ely
Altruistic
Aaliyah Ely currently leads the Sparkling Flavors business for North America at The Coca-Cola Company. She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in German Cultural Studies and received her MBA from Harvard Business School. An Atlanta native, Aaliyah’s hobbies include reading historical fiction, watching movies, traveling and cheering on the Atlanta Falcons. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Junior League of Atlanta, High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain, the advisory board of YOUTHCare in Minneapolis, Harvard Club of Georgia and Harvard Business School Club of Atlanta, where she served as member of the board (2012-2015). Aaliyah also serves as a director on the Blue & Gold Foundation board to support her high school alma mater.
Brittney Holmes Jackson
Benevolent
Discovering her call to write at a young age, Brittney Holmes Jackson began her journey as an author at age 16. The bestselling author of nearly half a dozen novels, Brittney has gained recognition from the African American Literary Awards Show, where she received the 2007 Open Book Award for Best Young Adult Fiction of the Year. She was also recognized for her accomplishments in Who’s Who in Black Atlanta 2010.
An alumnae of the University of Georgia (Athens, GA), Brittney self-identifies as a multi-passionate creative. Aside from authoring and speaking, she spends her time mentoring young girls who desire to explore and understand their passions. She is the founder of R.A.D.I.A.N.C.E., Inc., a nonprofit organization that allows girls (10-18) to engage in curriculum that helps them identify who they are, why they were created and ways in which they can radically change the world today! She is also the founder and CEO of The Proverbs 31 Collective, LLC, a network of women “faithprenuers,” who have a desire to walk in their God-given purpose and seek access to affordable resources to help them achieve entrepreneurial success. She has a passion for women and young girls, and uses her platform to share the message given to her by God that never is it okay to settle for safe, and helping others understand that there is no time like the present to pursue your divine purpose.
The wife of soon-to-be Dr. Christopher Jackson, Brittney resides in metropolitan Atlanta where she continues to write and oversee her organizations, as she pursues her third degree while simultaneously educating young scholars in the public school system. Follow @thebrittjayway on Instagram or visit her website.
Ellen Evans Robinson
Efficacious
Ellen Evans Robinson is an educator and owner of Evans Educational Experience.She is an Atlanta native who comes from a very supportive and educated family. She loves the idea of being able to influence others around her in a positive way.
Ellen is an alumnus of Armstrong Atlantic State University and Valdosta State University. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Ellen currently holds three degrees and plans to pursue her Doctorate Degree in the field of Educational Leadership. She enjoys cooking, singing, writing, and creating something new.
Ellen treats her students and their parent/guardians like family. She believes that everything we all need can be found in the various relationships we build in life. She lives her truth by giving her students everything she has in knowledge and life experiences. She loves to think about the future, and is learning to enjoy the present. Her motto in life is: “Success is on Purpose!” Therefore, whatever you do in life be intentional, be driven, and always do what you’re purposed to do. Follow @evanseducationalexperience on Instagram.
Dr. Florence Battle Shafiq
Fierce
Dr. Florence Shafiq is the first-born child to the late Rev. William L. Battle, Sr and Evelyn Perry Battle. She and her three siblings-two sisters and one brother- received their morals and values from the strong family foundation set in a Christian environment. With both parents being educators, the foundation to achieve the highest possible educational attainment was set from birth.
Dr. Florence Shafiq is a medical doctor and is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine. She received both her MS and MD degrees from the University of Iowa and completed her residency and Fellowship programs at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta GA.
Her career path began as a Department of Medicine Faculty member at Emory. Her advancement as a Medical Director includes the following: Medical Director for Humana Health Plan; Medical Director and Associate Professor for Morehouse School of Medicine; Regional Medical Director for the US Military Health System covering three states and Puerto Rico. She also has 20 years experience as a Medical Consultant for the Federal Disability Branch for Social Security, Region 7, and seven years of experience in commercial managed care as the Senior Medical Director for BlueCross BlueShield.
Dr. Shafiq ventured into the governmental managed care arena serving as a Senior Corporate Medical Director for a major health plan, covering five (5) states. She later became the Senior Medical Director for Aetna Health Care covering four states: GA, LA, AL and MS.
Dr. Florence Shafiq is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters, both of whom are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. One is a University of Georgia Business Education graduate currently working as an educator where she develops individualized interventions for students in grades 9-12. The other is a Harvard undergraduate and Harvard MBA graduate now leading the Sparkling Flavors business of North America at The Coca-Cola Company.
Dr. Shafiq balances her work-life relationship by attending the Berean Christian Church in Lithonia, GA; traveling nationally and internationally; attending sports events, particularly football and basketball, and enjoying cultural events. She has a passion for hosting afternoon teas. Dr. Shafiq takes great pride in being a member of a multi-generation family of positive role models!
Shakita Johnson
Selfless!
Shakita Johnson, is a native of Thomson, GA, a small town about 30 miles outside of Augusta. She has quite the academic resume, having attended the University of Georgia to earn two bachelor’s degrees, the University of Southern California to earn an Master’s degree, Luther Rice College and Seminary to earn a Master’s of Divinity, and she is currently working on an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership at Brenau University.
To put all these degrees to use, Shakita works as a Spanish teacher in a metro Atlanta high school where she serves as the department chair. She is also making boss moves in the church sector, serving as the Associate Pastor of a church in the Athens area. When Shakita earns her Ed.D., her ultimate goal is to become the Dean of Student Affairs at a college or university because she has a passion for helping others.
Shakita loves learning new things, and has a fun side. She loves dancing, and she puts those skills to use as a Zumba instructor at several gyms in the metro Atlanta area. Shakita also likes singing karaoke whenever she gets a chance. She enjoys putting pen to paper by drawing or coloring in her adult coloring books. Follow @shakdawg02 on Instagram.
Tiffany Cotton
Theatrical!
Tiffany Cotton is from College Park, Georgia and raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia. She has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Professional Theatre from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master’s of Fine Arts in Acting from Regent University.
She is active in several ministries at church and has created a social media platform, TiffCottontv, with her husband, Marquis Cotton, which has over 30,000 followers. She uses this platform to showcase her acting ability and to help those in relationships see how some issues are really minute in the grand scheme of things. She and her husband are raising three wonderful children: Marquis Jr., Jeremiah, and Brianna.
Tiffany’s goal is to act in film and television, be debt-free, and remain in the will of God. “If my gift can make someone smile, laugh, or stop one less argument, then I’ve done my job.” Follow @tiffcottontv on Instagram.
