How’s your office looking these days?  How do you keep it organized? Any great de-cluttering tips for me? I sure need your help! I’m finding that all that office clutter can block creative juices, so, it’s gotta go! HEEEELLLP!!!

This story touched my heart so much. It proves what faith and caring can do. I cried like a baby when I watched Thomas Williams CBS interview this morning. The homeless man with the golden voice had some good news to report! We have a lot to learn from Thomas. Everyone deserves a second chance. Are you holding strong to a passionate faith in yourself today?

I love throwing fun parties during the Holidays and have learned from the best that the simpler - the better. One gal who’s got me switchin’ in the kitchen with sass and simplicity is Sandra Lee of The Food Network. Check out these great time-saving party tips!

Are you using your WOW factor to it’s fullest potential? Don’t you want to have more fun in life? The Queen of WOW help us know how in this episode of “A Braveheart View.”

Rolonda talks with Author Sandra Reishus about the uncanny way that some women may be attracted to men just like dear old dad—for better or for worse!

February is also the month of “The Vagina Monologues” tour. Eve Ensler’s marvelous and powerful play is performed on stages all over the world.
I had the pleasure of being in the monologues with some wonderful women from Los Angeles to DC. The play is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. But, despite it’s decades of good works, it still stirs controversy— as women discuss, discover, and celebrate their vaginas.

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Maybe I’m cold and heartless – but when it comes to some people – just like old, worn out, uncomfortable clothes – they need to be tossed. Sometimes in life it’s time to let some people go. Like the one who is always negative, acting like she woke up chewing razor blades again this morning. And no matter what you say – how much blessed encouragement you continue to give – all she does is complain. Enough already! I’m tossin’ you!

Or, the so-called friend who is constantly taking and taking and giving nothing! Rarely inviting you to their house, and, if they do, never offering you a thing to eat – despite all the food they’ve gobbled up at every one of your parties. Enough! I’m tossin you!

Or, that guy, who sweetly asks if he can throw a small dinner at your house and it surprisingly turns into a huge party of almost 100 strangers trampling all over your yard. Making matters worse, the scoundrel disappears on your ass when the bill comes and still to this day refuses to pay you back. I’m tossing and finding you!

And then there’s that bunch that just got old and boring, stagnant and judgmental. Yuck.

I often muse to teenagers – “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” But that little diddy can apply for us as grownups too. I want only wonderful, honest, beautiful, loving people around me, those who inspire me and encourage me to become better. And sometimes that takes a good de-cluttering in life, as if cleaning out another junky closet at home.

Who you tossin’?

Auntie Maya Angelou and me at the Health Equity Plan Event

There are some images I will never forget, like the young woman I saw in court, dressed only in her pajamas and holding a crying baby on her hip. She was there begging for a restraining order against some brut who had beaten her the night before. She still had to go back to work the next day. If she’s like most battered women, she might be looking for a job for the very first time in her life, so she can finally support herself and her children.

Every time I give away one of my old business suits, I think about that woman and so many others who my donation might help have a fresh, new start. I have given away my business suits, shoes, bags, and blouses to my local battered women’s shelter year after year. Having covered so many domestic violence cases, and having lived through some myself, I well know how desperate and alone most women are who have fled their violent homes. I prayed that maybe one of my suits would help a battered woman feel supported by her community, her Sister, and feel better able to support herself.

I also find that “Out of the Closet” is another great place to give un-needed and unused items and clothes. A fun Hollywood thrift shop, proceeds from sales go to Aids Research and Awareness. The store offers free condoms and HIV tests.

If you are unloading big items, like furniture, I recommend The Salvation Army because they come pick up your stuff.

Already feeling like a brand new penny after my big closet purge, I only feel that much better, my heart much lighter, after donating my old clothes and furniture to charities.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone - - and a tax write off too!

So, join me. Clean out your closet for charity this weekend. Oh—and don’t forget your receipts!

What are some of your favorite charities? How does giving to them make you feel?