I have decided to embark on another challenge this year.  A half marathon, an event sponsored by MORE/Fitness Magazine.  I am starting a training routine that requires diet change and a schedule that I must keep.  I will keep you posted and upload photos as time progressed.  The date is April 15, 2012.  

It has been  a while since I posted.  Well, I have been trying to get things in motion for the upcoming year.  I know, you've seen this post from me before.  However, as you know this a a never ending process; progress that is.  To bring you up to speed on my last shows, I will start at the beginning. 

I spent some time discussing harmful ingredients in personal care products consumed by us all.  It was a very eye opening experience for me that I just had to share.  I then had author Amy Cortese come on the show to discuss her book Locavesting.  From there I had  two gentlemen join me to discuss the male grooming industry and niche targeting.  Each show had a wealth of information to share.  Please by all means, check them out.  

Well, I have to go now.  Shopping around for a web host.  My time may be short here as they have made some changes.  I'll be listening for you.

On Thursday, August 25, 2011, I had a very candid interview with Ms. McEachin.  Let me ask you something.  Have you ever walked away from a situation a changed person?  Well, this interview was one of those situations.  God has a way of making His presence known in our lives.  Rafaela gave us a candid look at life and some of the tough lessons we must learn by being present.  She displayed how much love He pours out to us when we are being reckless and willful, and keeps us from destroying ourselves so we can fulfill His plan for our lives.  

Her story has me thinking about Job and Solomon in the modern era.  She has written a book titled "The Man Hats of a Woman"  and has a new book coming out titled "Living in a Glass House," which is the sequel.  She also has a record label, "My Father's House Records."  Now, if you have talent and want representation by a person with integrity, who has your best interest at heart, then she's your person.

Here is her contact information: http://myfathershouserecords.com/

Thank you for sharing your story.  

As we come to the final week of the month, I have to admit that it has been a very trying one.  I am often reminded of what a friend of mine would say, "God will not give you more than you can handle."  Well, I truly hope that God has equipped me for this nonstop journey.  I am inspired with hope because I know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.  

I guess many of you are probably trying to figure out the who and what is she writing about.  Simple, when I embarked on this journey 2 years, things have changed.  I wanted to make some modifications and had opposition from my associates.  I backed down and tried to refocus energies on other aspects of the show, only to notice that deadlines had passed with no response.  I lost sleep trying to figure out a way to rectify this dilemma.  I wanted to pull the plug, but that voice in me said "hold on help is on the way."  I had to stand up and face facts.  I was allowing someone to dismiss my vision.  My vision is simple: If it is out there and you can learn something from it, I will try to get the information to you. Easy, right?  Wrong.  I needed cooperation.

I am reading a few books that will assist me on both sides of this spectrum. I know that we are going to work it out.  As Steve Duncanson would say, "what wall is your ladder leaning on?"  In the past weeks I've moved my ladder several times, just to find the right wall to meet my needs.  The view I have now is very nice.

Never let anyone dismiss your vision or dreams.

Be well!

Aurelia Lyles
Executive Producer/Host

You have no idea how much fun it is being able to express yourself while providing useful information.  Well it's year 2 and we are stepping it up a tad by offering our listeners a little incentive.  Starting August 20, 2011, we are giving away get-aways.  

Let's give Steve Duncanson a run for his principles and see how many prizes he can give away. We'll be listening for you.

Oh how this month has been filled with constant unexpected events.  We have been in the process of changing the show's format and getting our guests together.  Hurdles, wrangles, schedule changes and last minute mishaps, were the words of the month.  However, I will not give  up and next month we will be back bringing you the shows that matter to you.  Until then stay just as you are, wonderful.

Aurelia

We're back.  I have to admit this year has been filled with exciting events.  I was given the opportunity to work with Double XXposure Media Relations and their talent.  I learned a great deal about this medium and how it fits into the real world.  What an amazing opportunity to learn.  Mr. Angelo Ellerbee and staff,  thank you for helping shape me as a radio host.  I spent two sessions with Kipp Charter School and learned even more.  The students that were in my beginner and advanced internet radio classes were truly amazing.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed being exposed to some wonderfully talented, sharp, creative future leaders.  I also became the proud parent of a college graduate.  Whew!!!  We have a good future in store.  She had some wonderful mentors, friends, family members and more at hand to help her grow and unfold into this wonderful young lady.  Yes, it takes a village to raise a child.  Couple that with the grace of God and we have victory.

Now, let me tell you about our mission here at The Cocoa Express  Show.  We would like to provide you with information that you can actually use in your daily life.  

Hang around, we are going to ride this train all over the world, if that's what it takes, to bring you useful information.

Since September 2010, I've been spending some Saturday's working with middle school students.  Much can be said about stepping out of your comfort zone.  I've been trying to show/teach/train these students on how to create their own internet radio show.  It is a challenging task as I spend most of my time in the adult world trying to understand the motives behind their actions.  It is indeed a welcome break when I step inside the school and listen to the brilliance, watch the energy and engage in the fun.  It's a fact that teachers deserve a great deal more credit than they receive.  It's a fact that our kids are exceptional--they just need more mentors, role models and leaders to step down off "their" soap boxes and spend some time sharing their experiences with students.  It's guaranteed that you will come away learning more than they ever imagined. For example, one student asked if I knew someone who would come in and show him how to create beats for free style.  They want to learn how to do things in the correct manner--I will search to find someone to help him.  I know it won't be easy, but I rather take the time and resources to find someone to show him what he is interested in thay to have him find time to roam the streets to find something to do.  

Getting back to the show.  We had our first practice show on Saturday.  I was a all over the place.  The students were nervous and unprepared.  I had to pull out the information while trying to keep the class in order.  Much like all first times, it was a work in progress, a learning experience.  Although we only have three more classes to this session, I think our final project will be amazing.  I'll let you know where to go to hear it when it is available.

On February 12, 2011, we had a wonderful discussion with Dr. Elisa English.  The conversation was all about trying to understand that Valentine's Day is just one day in our wonderful lives and we should strive for having that Valentine's feeling everyday.  Her refreshing, down-to-earth dialogue was extremely insightful and educating.  Yes, I did receive some more "edumacation" lol!  However, all jokes aside, we are living in some really difficult times in history and the only way to truly manage it all is to take better care of ourselves.  This is the only way we can be better in our homes and society.  She gave us "10 Tip for Lasting Love" and I have listed them below.

1. Self-Mastery: Try to avoid your undeniable ability to change others and work on you.  Nobody can learn you like you.  It's important to take time and identify what makes you happy, fulfilled and at peace.
2. Self-Time: Roughly, 50% of women and 40% of men are single or better yet relationship depleted, at any given time.  This does not mean there are no people in our life draining our soul, spirit and energy.  The simple fact that "people currency" is deposited in our account and we remain in the emotional "red" can throw us into an unhealthy state of mind and make us feel "oh so blue".
3. Self-Spiritual "Groundedness": If you believe in a higher power, turn to the principles and value that empower you and your relationships.  However, be careful not to solely depend on spirituality to deposit into your emotional bank.  Thus faith without work can have you question conviction when your prayers are not answered.
4. Self-Release: In order to experience happiness with others you must rid yourself of negative emotions.  Immediately withdraw jealousy, pride, greed, ego pampering and envy and introduce positive energies through humility, love, trust,  understanding, patience and empathy.
5. Self-Reflect: On your imperfections.  Thus, this will help you throw away those rose or should I say "red" colored lenses and see the world from another perspective.
6. Self-Objectification: Refers to the psychological process by which we internalize how others perceive us.  We must depose of this depressive and harmful mood damper.  It is healthy to appreciate and encourage constructive criticism or even helpful advice about perceived areas that are in need of improvement.
7. Self-Care: Refers to how we treat our mind, body and soul.  The practice of eating a balanced meal and exercising routinely must be mastered.  This principle applies whether we are in, between or out of love.  The better you feel, the better you look and the happier you will be in our out of a relationship.
8. Self-Confidence: Refers to how much we believe in our self from a realistic vantage point.  If yo do no believe in you no one else will.  A confident person is like a magnet, people are drawn simply from the energy that exudes when confidence enters a room.  Self-confident people inspire others.  "Dare to inspire."
9. Self-Control: Refers to resisting temptation, thinking before you act and the demonstration of patience.  Failure to master self-control could result in obesity, substance abuse and impulsive destructive behaviors, including establishing unhealthy relationships.  Research suggests self-control can be stimulated positively or negatively by our social influence regardless of age.  Therefore it is important to choose the company you keep wisely; it could be a matter of life or death.
10. Self-Gratification: Refers to the ability and understanding of how to please your mind, body and soul in ways that are healthy, productive and positive.  Do the hard work of finding, dissecting and accepting yourself - gratification, desires and pleasures.  The lack of front end work and "self" will certainly result in unhappy relationships on the back end.

Dr. Elisa can be reached at: askdrelisa.com; Facebook: Elisa English, Twitter: Elisa English; (866) 650-2676.

Thank you so much for joining us, sharing your expertise and the warm dialogue.  I'm sure we will be hearing from you again.