OPTIMAL LIVING MAGAZINE - MAY/JUNE 2021 ISSUE

JOURNAL May/June 2021 issue
THE
STRESS OF HOW I
THE WORLD MET &
AWAY MARRIED
MY MAN
OF GOD

Career Girl Talk

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR YOUR POST
PANDEMIC CAREER SHIFT?



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CONTENTS

CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS WHO GIVE BACK

05 FROM THE PUBLISHER'S DESK
08 INTRODUCING DIAMOND LIFE JOURNALS
10 CAREER GIRL TALK
13 CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS
27 CHASTITY LIFE & STYLE

10 PREPARE FOR THE 30 EXCLUSIVE!
POST PANDEMIC
CAREER SHIFT HOW I MET & MARRIED
MY MAN OF GOD

33 INTERIOR HOME TRENDS
35 WHAT IF I MARRY THE WRONG PERSON?
37 LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH 30 CHALLENGE
40 SPICES OF LIFE RECIPES

25 30 Our Staff

CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN HOW I MET & MARRIED Editor-in-Chief Contributors MAY/JUNE 2021 ISSUE
BUSINESS WHO GIVE MY MAN OF GOD Tanisha H. Shaw Ashley Moore Ellis
BACK! Managing Editor
Christine Davis Pat Evans
Madinah James
Optimallivingpublisher Emilia Moore
Dr. Jason Ottley
[email protected] Alana Stephens
[email protected] C-A Washington

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WISDOM FROM MY QUEEN MOTHER

My grandmother, like many African-American women who
lived through the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, was
one of many "first" to work in Corporate America. She
endured many days of hardships due to discrimination,
being talked down to, and not being given the proper tools
in many instances to do her absolute best on the job. Yet,
she kept a cool head, persevered and brought lessons
learned home to her family.

Granny would say things like, "You can be anything you

want to be, if you put your mind to it"; "No matter what

other people are doing around you, make it a point to be

excellent - because greatness is in your blood."; "If you are

going to be successful in the workplace, you have to learn

how to play the game."; "The small things you do, add up to

TANISHA H. SHAW big things in the end. So, be careful to always do your best,
maintain your integrity, and do the right thing."
EDITOR | PUBLISHER | AUTHOR

However, one of the most memorable things that No one is better than the other. At the end of
she constantly told me was, "God made you the day, we all bleed red blood, we all have
sooooo funky, that no one can hold a candle to feelings, we all want the best for our families,
you. You are such a designer's original that no one and we are all human beings.

can do what you do, the way you do it." We have the power to change the world

Because of her, I don't have any inferiority through prayer, our own thought life and how

complexes about the color of my skin, my we treat one another. Don't let the negative talk

intelligence level, or anything else that would of the coming days stop you from doing what

keep me from being who I was born to be. As we God has put in your heart to do. If God is for you,

move forward in the coming days, I want you to who can be against you?

know that whether you are African-American,

Caucasian, Mongolian, or Native American; Above all else, continue to learn who you are, let

Almighty God made us all unique, and we all have your actions bring Glory to God, and teach your

something special to contribute to this world. children how to love one another.

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 5

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JOURNALING by Tanisha H. Shaw
THE STRESS OF
THE WORLD
AWAY

Journaling has always been a very
important part of becoming one
with myself for decades. For as long
as I could remember, journaling has
been my personal safe haven, a
place to chronicle my life events,
dreams, plans, profess my love for
God, be corrected by the Holy Spirit
and to build on my personal life
rules. The distractions of this world
can serve to entertain you for a time,
but when the rubber hits the road,
how do you figure out what’s going
on in your soul and how to anchor
yourself through any storm?

The late and great Dr. Myles Munroe
once said, “Stress becomes
unbearable when people don’t
know what to do.” When life takes
your breath away, journaling is that
sacred space to lay down your cares,
get clarity, strength, solutions and
healing, during times like these.

During the pandemic, I started Diamond Life Journals to help women who needed motivation for the
future, a sacred space to make sense of the enormous loss of life, anxiety attacks and relationship
breakdowns. These journals provided a space to empower women through personal reflections,
prayer and life affirmations.

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 8

JOURNALING by Tanisha H. Shaw
THE STRESS OF
THE WORLD
AWAY

At one point, I thought I was equipped to be a
listening ear for friends going through all types
of situations; however, I discovered the stress of
their lives was wearing me down. So, I started
teaching them to de-stress through writing and
created journals and planners products to help
them overcome challenges, become unstuck
and victorious during their hard times.

When you show up to do your own work,
nothing will be impossible for you...

One huge thing I learned through the
pandemic of 2020 is that when you experience
a huge loss, people don’t have the answers -
only Jesus. And, when we fail to tap into the
infinite wisdom of the Holy Spirit and His loving
kindness, downfalls and personal disasters
leave us destitute and hopeless.

As our thoughts become things, it's crucial to
see what’s going on in that pretty head of yours
through journaling. Through this process, you
will find a sense of balance, peace, kindness
towards yourself, forgiveness for others,
reconciliation and acceptance of things we
have NO control over.

So, I invite you to explore our new website @ www.diamondlifejournals.com and see all
the new journal and planner gifts created just for you and the diamond life women in your
life. Become a subscriber and a Diamond Life Journalista to start winning at life again.

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 9

Career Girl Talk

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR YOUR POST
PANDEMIC CAREER SHIFT?
BY C-A WASHINGTON

11 C A R E E R G I R L T A L K

Are You Ready for Your Post
Pandemic Career Shift?

BY MRS. C-A WASHINGTON | AUTHOR | SPEAKER

This year has left most of us in one of two camps, the fully empowered or the fully
exhausted. For those exhilarated, eyes have opened to new ideas, hidden passions, and
untapped joy due to all the flexibilities 2020 has gifted. However, if you find yourself in the
exasperated bunch, fear not! Especially if your career is one of the primary areas you are
still aiming to improve as we slowly transition to life beyond the pandemic. Whether this
year yielded a change in hours, salary, or location, we have all had to adjust in one way or
another. Yet when considering all the personal changes, many forget that organizations
have had one of the most challenging years of their existence as well. Therefore, if a post-
pandemic career change is on your horizon, keep these three things in mind as you seek out
your new professional home.

1. Replace Scrutiny with
Substance

Instead of expressing sarcasm
about all that went wrong, re-tool
your communications with what
you've learned, overcome, and
accomplished; despite all that went
on. When the entire globe has been
rocked, no one wants to hear how
hard you think you've had it
personally. Instead, this is a time
for positivity and problem-solving,
so do your due diligence to speak
about how the challenges you've
faced have uniquely equipped you
to help the team meet their needs.

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 11

CAREER GIRL TALK

Are You Ready for the Post
Pandemic Career Shift?

BY MRS. C-A WASHINGTON | AUTHOR | SPEAKER

2. DON'T SKIP THE BASICS

When the stakes are high, and teams are focused intensely on navigating our continually
changing environment, who has time to review a boilerplate resume that doesn't truly speak to
the position's needs? Also, if your resume is sprinkled with typos, why should anyone believe
you are committed to bringing quality and value to their organization when you haven't done a
basic review of your own work? On that note, be respectful of the reviewer's time and your own,
and let grammarly.com help you avoid a disastrous first introduction on paper.

3. ASK WHY OTHERS SHOULD CARE

When preparing for an interview, ask yourself, "who cares?" after each hypothetical question
you answer. For example, if you built a treehouse for your children, it may have a fantastic
design, but why is that important to the role you're seeking? Did you tie the design to the
school curriculum? Did you use excellent time management and negotiation skills to get it
built in a certain amount of time or for a specific budget? If so, use those aspects to discuss
your accomplishment and show how the organization's teams can succeed using similar
methods and principles. These are reasons for interviewers to care.

Even though these ideas may seem a bit too simple and straightforward, you would be
shocked to know how many make these mistakes every time, yet they can't seem to figure
out why they never get a callback.

In essence, talent will continue to be at an all-time premium in 2021, so be sure not to miss
these small details that will help catapult you during the brighter days undoubtedly ahead.

C-A Washington is the Founder of the Image and Etiquette Institute, a professional
speaking organization dedicated to empowering leaders to communicate with
civility, style, and charm
(www.c-awashington.com).

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 12

13

2021 Christian Women in Business Who Give Back!

Mrs. Lisa LaChon, BLESSED Ministries, Inc.
23 Branford Place, 2nd Floor, Suite 1,
Newark, NJ 07102

Blessed Ministries, Inc. (BMI) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit
human services organization, structured to connect
economically disadvantaged workers to mainstream
employment opportunities within high-demand
industries. BMI’s mission is to provide greater
inclusion for individuals with disabilities, individuals
who have been recently released from incarceration,
and low-income individuals with mainstream
employment opportunities.

BMI ensures the economic playing field is leveraged for returning citizens,
individuals with disabilities, and other economically disadvantaged populations by
providing access to comprehensive, relevant job skills training leading to immediate

job opportunities and long-term career opportunities.

OLM: What or who inspired you to start your non-profit organization?
Dr. LaCon: Our non-profit organization began as a Bible study. During that time, my
husband (who was my friend) worked as a job developer for disenfranchised
populations in New York. He began securing contracts to job develop and that is
how it was inspired.

OLM: Is there something that keeps you grounded and focused to press forward in
making your business a success? At the end of the day, how do you define
success?
Dr. LaCon : Absolutely! To know that this was given to us by God who says, “No one
who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
That keeps me grounded. To know that failure is not an option because BMI was
birthed of God. I define success as going to bed at night, laying my head on my
pillow in peace.

OLM: How long have you been in business?
Dr. LaCon : Twenty-one years.

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 13

Dr. Lisa LaCon

In this photo: Mr. & Mrs. LaCon, Blessed Ministries, Inc.

OLM: How do you give back to your community or the people that you serve?
How do the people you serve benefit from your services?
Dr. LaCon: By finding employment opportunities for people who may not have the
necessary tools to look for employment themselves. Employment provides a sense of
purpose; it will put food on your table for today, and if done correctly, provide nourishment
for your legacy.

OLM: Why is it so important for you to give back?
Dr. LaCon: The thought always crosses my mind and heart that Jesus, this sinless man left
His position in heaven, came down, and became sin so I would not be a sinner is why I give
back. Jesus is the perfect example of the ultimate giver. It is important because He gave to
me; then I reflect to myself “Who am I, not to give!”

OLM: The pandemic has changed each one of us in different ways. What scripture best
describes you and gives you strength to move forward in 2021?
Dr. LaCon : Habakkuk 3:17-19. In a nutshell, despite calamity to the left or right of me, yet I
will rejoice in The God of my salvation.

OLM: What tips would you give a person thinking about entrepreneurship?
Dr. LaCon: Count the cost before you build; Do your market research; How much start up
capital is needed; write a business plan; keep your credit score above 700.

OLM: How can people get in contact with you?
Dr. LaCon: We are accessible via email: [email protected] or, (973) 733 (9675).

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 14

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Diamond Life Affirmation | Quarterly Mindset Goals
Monthly Planners | Color the Stress Away| Notes
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By Tanisha H. Shaw

"Iallowedhimtorunallovermyheart,untilone
dayI wokeupandcamebacktomysenses. I

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How I Met & Married My Man of
God...

THE SPRING 2021 ISSUE

José & Janita Portorreal

How I Met & Married My Man of God

Janita and José Portorreal

OLM: Janita, how did you and your husband to be meet?
Janita: We met at a mutual friends BBQ.

We starting dating the following day and never stopped.
OLM: How do you overcome challenges in your relationship?
Janita: We definitely have challenges! And these are the ways we consistently
overcome them; keeping God first, praying together, communicating,
communicating and communicating some more. Knowing when to let things
go. Always being willing to compromise and adapt to the change that needs to
happen for the strength of our relationship. Always leading with love, and having

a heart of forgiveness.
OLM: What are your favorite things to do together?
Janita: We love exploring new things together from a new neighborhood in our
own city or traveling abroad. Love spending time outdoors in nature, working
out, eating at new places. We enjoy hanging out with friends and spending
quality time with his family in Miami and my family lives in the DMV.

OLM: What are your career paths?
I'm a Digital Marketer, he's a Senior Engineer

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 31

True Confessions of a Saved Man

What If I Marry The Wrong Person?
By Jason Ottley

Modern society has enchanted our thinking
to suggest that choosing the right mate is so
essential that if we end up choosing the
wrong one – then the rest of our lives are
doomed. Because we are human, our
decision making does not always work out in
our favor. Which is why I’m glad the bible
says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are
not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning!” Isn’t it amazing
that despite our erroneous decisions, God
can simply make a miracle out of our mess?

There is only one time in scripture where God created one specific man for
one specific woman – the book of Genesis outlines the love story of Adam and
Eve. Our own thinking, that God has ONE right person for us, has caused many
people to remain single hoping, wishing, and waiting for that RIGHT person.
And for others, we have married, divorced, married again, divorced again, and
then re-married in search of the RIGHT one. I certainly believe there are times
whenre God allows two purposeful people to cross the same paths and those
two people get it the first time. Certainly He will lead us to make wiser choices
and profitable decisions, including that of a mate. But, what about everyone
else – the not so fortunate ones? Is their destiny destructively altered if they
don’t mature fast enough to select the right one? Certainly not!

In the words of Michael Pearl, “marriage is the boot camp of life where men
and women discover their strengths and weaknesses, and have opportunity to
adjust their characters”. When we discover things about ourselves that we
don’t like, we are quick to put the blame on someone else. Whether it is our
upbringing, neglected teen-age years, rejection from a college crush, or even a
failed marriage – we tend to point the finger at others instead of taking
responsibility for what we did. It is in the self-discovery of the things that you
dislike that can cause you to abandon ship.

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 35

True Confessions of a Saved Man

What If I Marry The Wrong Person?
By Jason Ottley

And most times those things are demands – silent demands that you have
placed on other people. We have to be careful that we don’t place demands on
people because like Michael Pearl said, “we need the opportunity to adjust our
characters”. And if you married the wrong person, could it be that you didn’t
give yourself time to adjust your character? Or, perhaps you haven’t given
yourself time to love your spouse enough to be patient while they adjust his or
her character?

Marriage is challenging. And if you are searching for a perfect person, your
search will lead you to your grave. In marriage, two imperfect people come
together to make each other better. If you are thinking you are already at your
best, marriage is not for you. It is for those who seek to be better and seek to
make the lives of their spouse better. It is humbling and not self-seeking. It will
turn your good into great!

Today’s Challenge:

Everyone has a checklist. A checklist of what they are looking for in a spouse.

Create a list of your personal strengths and list of your personal weaknesses. Be

honest! Keep this list and when you are dating/courting someone you are

beginning to have strong feelings for, show them your list and wait on their

response. Both of you should know exactly what you are walking into. This is a

good start! www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 36
Optimal Living Magazine

Lemon Garlic Herb Crusted Paleo Salmon

Ingredients (serves 4)

3 oz Unsalted Butter 1 pint Fresh Dill chopped
1 tsp Coarse Himalayan Salt 1 Clove Garlic minced
Zest of 1 Lemon 1 Dash of White Pepper
1 tsp Fresh Parsley chopped 4 4-5 oz Wild Salmon Fillets

Instructions:

Place all ingredients except for salmon in a small bowl and melt in the microwave for
30-45 seconds.

Stir until combined.
Place the salmon fillets on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Using a pastry brush, coat the salmon with the lemon herb butter, evenly spreading it

over the tops of each fillet.
Bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees on the top or second to top rack for 10-12

minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Alternately the fish can be broiled on medium/high on the second to top rack for 8-10

minutes, or until cooked through.
This method will give you a bit more crunchy, caramelized crust.

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 41

The Prayer of Faith

I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

I am seated in heavenly places with God. Therefore, I am in
constant communion and fellowship with Him, at all times.

I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath.
A lender and not a borrower,

A blessing to everyone I encounter.

I am sanctified, set apart and made holy by the
Blood of the Lamb.

I am called, anointed and appointed to do a specific work for God.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper.
I receive wisdom and revelation from God because I ask for it;

therefore, all of my decisions are blessed.

Through grace I am able to endure any situation in preparation for
all that God has for me.

I am disciplined to keep my focus on God, seeking Him first and
acknowledging Him in all things.

My mind is being renewed daily.
My hands are clean, my heart is pure and my motives are right
I am blessed, healed, whole, covered, alert, forgiven and loved.

Father, protect my mind today so that this confession and prayer
will manifest into fruition.

I trust You, I worship You and I adore You.
In Jesus name, AMEN and it is so!!

Optimal Living Magazine www.optimal-livingmagazine.com Page 42

Christian Women in Business Who Give Back!

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