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Divinely, Inspired, Victorious, Anointed Sisters
Thank you, mechelle


Sun, March 21, 2010 10:39:20 PMFrom: Barack Obama View Contact

To: mechelle rabot

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mechelle --



For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.



Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:



Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.



Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.



And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.



But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.



It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.



It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.



And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.



This is what change looks like.



My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.



This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.



Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.



We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.



Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.



Thank you,



President Barack Obama

Please don't forget to pray for our nation and those who have rule over us.  The Word commands us to do so and even more so as we see the end of the age coming.  YES WE CAN PRAY!!
Dr. MeChelle

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MENtOR oR NOT tO mENTOR

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Divinely, Inspired, Victorious, Anointed Sisters

NAPW and The Urban League Successfully Kick Off the "Open Doorways" Program





The National Association of Professional Women recently kicked off the NAPW/Urban League of Essex County "Open Doorways" Program.



Eight of our professional women members have volunteered to become a mentor to a middle school girl who is part of the Urban League after-school program in Newark, NJ.



During the kick-off event, the volunteers were paired with their 12-14 year-old mentees, and instant connections were made! For an entire school semester, each NAPW mentor will be in contact with her Urban League mentee, either during their once-a-month meeting, or at least once a week by phone or email.



Darrin Sharif, Director of Operations of the Urban League Essex County, noted, "the greatest gift someone can give is their time." We are truly inspired by the eight, incredible NAPW women who are dedicating their time, with one even driving more than two hours to come to Newark to meet with the girls.

Mentoring is a great way to give back to the youth of today.  Reach out and be a blessing to someone today!  Princess Divas is our group of young women that we meet with on a monthly basis, please visit our site and get a better feel for what we do.  IT IS NEEDED, GIVE.  Dr. MeChelle

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The Joy of The Lord is OUR Strength!!!!

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Divinely, Inspired, Victorious, Anointed Sisters

There was a time in my life when I suffered from deep depression. Yes I was saved and believed that God was a healer but that did not change the fact that this was a trial that I had to go through and experience. There were many times when I wanted to just give up on life, but I always deep down in the recesses of my soul knew that God was somewhere although I could not feel his Love or Peace.
It was many years of struggle and forcing myself to do just the day to day activities that women do everyday.  Depression has a way of robbing you of ALL THE JOY OF LIFE.
Well I did make it through, with the help of God and prayer and just plain standing on the word that God will heal and deliver.  I am not going to tell you whether to take medicine or not that is between you and God, but just know that either way it is HE THAT DOES THE HEALING OF THE MIND.    Be blessed,

Dr. MeChelle

The Best Natural Treatments for Depression


Meditation, dietary supplements, and other alternative depression treatments are not substitutes for medication or psychotherapy, but they can have some benefits.

By Chris Iliades, MD

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH Print Email Most mental health experts agree that the best "natural treatment" for depression is talking. Types of talk therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. As a group, these forms of therapy for depression are called psychotherapy. Other types of natural treatments for depression that are frequently used include dietary supplements, exercise, meditation, and acupuncture.



"Psychotherapy, with or without medication, is the best way to treat depression," advises Richard Shadick, PhD, director of the counseling center and adjunct professor of psychology at Pace University in New York City. However, he adds, "There are some alternative treatments that can help mild to moderate depression."



Natural Treatments for Depression: Exercise



"Exercise, if done correctly, is one of the most promising natural treatments for depression. It elevates mood quickly and reliably. It is believed that this takes place because exercise affects the same neurotransmitter system that medication does," says Dr. Shadick.



A recent review of all the available controlled trials that compared exercise with either no treatment or another type of established treatment in people diagnosed with depression conclude exercise does relieve symptoms  of depression. But how effective and which type of exercise is best remain to be seen.







Many studies, going back to 1981, support the use of exercise as part of a treatment plan for mild to moderate depression. Most experts suggest about 30 to 60 minutes a day of moderate exercise to lift your mood.



Natural Treatments for Depression: Meditation and Yoga



"Meditation and yoga have been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, which can contribute to depression," says Shadick. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation have all been used to relieve symptoms of depression and reduce stress. These mind-body techniques can promote feelings of joy and well-being.



Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn's meditation studies at the University of Massachusetts have shown that practicing meditation to lower stress can improve mood and relieve negative feelings of depression such as anxiety and anger. Using these same meditation practices, called mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, several studies have found that meditation can reduce the risk for a recurrence of major depression.



Natural Treatments for Depression: Dietary Supplements



Many people use herbs or dietary supplements as natural treatments for depression. It is important to remember that some of these supplements can have side effects or can interfere with other medications.



St. John's wort is an extract from a wild-growing shrub and has been used as an herbal medicine for hundreds of years. It is used in Europe to treat mild depression. In the United States, St. John's wort is a popular-selling product, but its effectiveness for depression is not proven. Some studies suggest it may help for minor depression, but it did not fare better than a placebo for major depression.



SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine) is a synthetic supplement that is made from naturally occurring proteins in the body. It has been used to treat depression as well as osteoarthritis and liver disease. A review by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found 47 studies in which SAMe was used for depression and concluded that SAMe worked better than a placebo.



Natural Treatments for Depression: Acupuncture



Acupuncture is increasingly being used as a natural treatment for depression. One area where acupuncture has been studied for depression is in depression associated with pregnancy. Because of potential side effects of drug treatment in women who are pregnant, acupuncture would be a valuable alternative.



In a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, 61 pregnant women with major depression were treated with acupuncture specifically tailored to treat depression, general acupuncture that didn’t target depression, or with massage therapy. The women who were treated with acupuncture specifically targeting depression had a response rate of 69 percent. In comparison, the response rates were lower for those who received general acupuncture (47 percent) or massage therapy (32 percent).



If you have depression, work with your doctor to find the best treatment. If you decide to try natural treatments for depression, let your doctor know. Remember, some of the most effective ways you can help your depression besides taking medication include eating well, getting enough sleep, avoiding stress, and having a good support system.





Last Updated: 07/13/2009

This section created and produced exclusively by the editorial staff of EverydayHealth.com. © 2010 EverydayHealth.com; all rights reserved.

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The State of YOUR Nation

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Divinely, Inspired, Victorious, Anointed Sisters


Thank you


Tue, February 16, 2010 2:25:13 PMFrom: President Barack Obama View Contact

To: mechelle rabot





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mechelle --



I'm told that you've pledged to volunteer for candidates and members of Congress who fight for health reform. OFA supporters have now pledged over 6.8 million volunteer hours -- an astounding number that could help us reach out to tens of millions of voters in pivotal races. Thank you.



This strategy of proving that health reform is not just good policy, but also good politics, is crucial to enacting a strong reform bill. And you are making it possible.



It's been a long fight, but your efforts and those of the OFA community have helped us make historic progress. And with your help, we'll finish the job.



Thank you again,



President Barack Obama



P.S. -- The more volunteers we have, the stronger our movement is. Can you pass this note along to your friends and ask them to pledge a few hours, too?



http://my.barackobama.com/YouFight

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DIVINELY Assertive

Divinely, Inspired, Victorious, Anointed Sisters

I found this article to be very informative and good advice for any and all women or men who have a problem expressing themselves.  I hope you get something out of this as I found it very helpful in my own life.

Be Assertive: How to Stand Up for Yourself

If, over and over again, you find yourself wishing you had said or done something, you may need some assertiveness training.

By Madeline Vann, MPH

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH Print Email Coulda, woulda, shoulda: these are the worst words you can think of when you walk away from a confrontation without speaking up for yourself. Your friends, family, or even your co-workers may tell you that you need to be more assertive, stand up for yourself. But how do you go about developing assertiveness?

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Assertiveness Defined

“What we use in some of our courses is this definition: Assertiveness is a behavioral style of communication in which a person expresses her thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs in a clear, direct, and honest manner while respecting the rights and needs of others,” says Susan Zeidman, who oversees assertiveness training for the American Management Association, based in New York City.

“Basically, it’s saying what you need to say respectfully,” she explains, adding that this can be difficult for some people who get emotional. "People who avoid confrontation are more passive in their approach to things — hoping the problem will go away or that they won’t have to say something.”

Assertiveness is an important skill when you are trying to build relationships, negotiate tasks and responsibilities, or work together with other people in a variety of settings. Assertiveness, once you get the hang of it, can:

Help you communicate better Give you confidence Help you make decisions Increase other people’s respect for you Help you stay true to your beliefs and goals. .

Do You Need to Be More Assertive?

Zeidman says that if you are dissatisfied with the personal and professional outcomes in your life, you may need to be more assertive.

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“If you’re walking away from too many interactions and conversations saying, 'I shoulda said this,' 'Why did I let that get away from me,' 'Another meeting where so-and-so stole my idea,' or 'I got dumped on again,' frequently it has to do with communication,” says Zeidman. “The ability to say no and be respected is tremendous.”



Tips for Being Assertive



If you want to take a trial run at assertiveness, try these tips the next time you are in a situation where you need to be honest about your feelings or needs:



Know what outcome you want to achieve Pick a moment when you are emotionally in control Practice what you want to say Sit or stand comfortably where you can look directly at the person to whom you are speaking Use statements beginning with “I” to explain your feelings about the situation. For example, instead of saying, “You never check with me before making plans” say “I feel ignored when you make plans without consulting me first.” Be direct and honest about your feelings, goals, and intentions Say no to unreasonable demands and offer an explanation if it is appropriate. There is no need to apologize or offer excuses. Zeidman recommends an approach that focuses on stating the impact of another person's behaviors.



“If you’re always aware of what is the impact of this situation on us, me, you, the organization, the family, then people start to see you and the communication quite differently,” she says. Sit down with the person in question and then give them an example of the behavior that is problematic for you, and then describe the impact on you. “After you [explain] the impact of what’s happening, you ask them to make a change with you. How can we change this? How can we make this better?” suggests Zeidman. This approach makes the people in your life partners in improving the situation.



Assertiveness won’t guarantee that you get everything you want every time. But you will feel more in control and less stressed over the situations that used to cause you problems.

We all could learn to "SAY WHAT WE MEAN, AND MEAN WHAT WE SAY"!
Be blessed,

Dr. MeChelle

Learn more in Everyday Health's Emotional Health Center.

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Thanksgiving Wishes from President Obama & Family

Divinely, Inspired, Victorious, Anointed Sisters

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mechelle --

Tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, Americans across the country will sit down together, count our blessings, and give thanks for our families and our loved ones.

American families reflect the diversity of this great nation. No two are exactly alike, but there is a common thread they each share.

Our families are bound together through times of joy and times of grief. They shape us, support us, instill the values that guide us as individuals, and make possible all that we achieve.

So tomorrow, I'll be giving thanks for my family -- for all the wisdom, support, and love they have brought into my life.

But tomorrow is also a day to remember those who cannot sit down to break bread with those they love.

The soldier overseas holding down a lonely post and missing his kids. The sailor who left her home to serve a higher calling. The folks who must spend tomorrow apart from their families to work a second job, so they can keep food on the table or send a child to school.

We are grateful beyond words for the service and hard work of so many Americans who make our country great through their sacrifice. And this year, we know that far too many face a daily struggle that puts the comfort and security we all deserve painfully out of reach.



So when we gather tomorrow, let us also use the occasion to renew our commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous future that every American family can enjoy.



It seems like a lifetime ago that a crowd met on a frigid February morning in Springfield, Illinois to set out on an improbable course to change our nation.



In the years since, Michelle and I have been blessed with the support and friendship of the millions of Americans who have come together to form this ongoing movement for change.



You have been there through victories and setbacks. You have given of yourselves beyond measure. You have enabled all that we have accomplished -- and you have had the courage to dream yet bigger dreams for what we can still achieve.



So in this season of thanks giving, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to you, and my anticipation of the brighter future we are creating together.



With warmest wishes for a happy holiday season from my family to yours,

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President Barack Obama

YOUR best is Yet to Come!!!

Welcome to D.I.V.A.S by DESIGN BLOG.  I am Dr. MeChelle and I am glad that you have come to our blog.  I felt the need to write this blog because after many years of counseling women, in and out of Church, saved and unsaved, I realized that many women are lost and having trouble dealing with issues.

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For years we were taught that when we got saved that God would take care of all the past problems that we had and that it was all going to be alright.  So we just learned to pretend that the past never happened and that all the things that we went through was not important.  When in fact it is important, it does come up and then we react in ways that we really don't want to.  I believe that God does heal and that he does deliver and sets us free, but we do need help sometime.  We need to talk things through and sort things out with someone  who can pray with us and help us to heal.

That is where I come in.  I always had a passion for Psychology, but always felt that it would be in conflict with my Christian Beliefs. I realized that it was God who placed the desire in me in the first place. 

 That is where  Divas having Tea, D.I.V.A.S by DESIGN Conferences, and this Blog comes in.  God using me to be a blessing to HIS PEOPLE.  Helping YOU to move on and  have the BRIGHT FUTURE that HE PLANNED for your life.

I hope that as the weeks and months go on that something in this blog helps you and blesses you, feel free send me any e-mails that you want to regarding an issue that you are still struggling with.  I won't give out names but the things that I write about and the issues that I address are real.  But so are the Victories that happen as a result of the Person and Work of the Lord.

Be Blessed,

Dr. MeChelle