Wait!! It’s Not Too Late!!

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Are You Ready for 2015?

By now people are starting to think about their New Years resolutions or have already solidified them. In working with my clients, I encourage them to think of the last two months of the year as time to complete their resolutions for the current year and really envision what they want the next year to look like.

Having a clear delineation of what they will leave in 2014 and what will be taken into 2015 is important not just in setting an intention, but for having a clear vision.

It’s still not to late on this New Years Eve! Get a sheet of paper, draw a line down the middle of the paper and be clear what emotions, thoughts, negative energy you don’t want to take into 2015. Start to write them on the left side of the paper. It can be things like stop feeding your anger, stop focusing on the negative aspects of your coworkers contributions, or pay off that credit card bill (and actually do it tonight so you don’t have to worry about it in 2015)!

Then, on the right side of the paper, write all the emotions, visions, relationships you want to take into 2015 with you, or perhaps even want to create in 2015! That would include your loving intimate relationship, intention for a new job (be specific), holding a vision for taking that vacation or starting that new exercise routine. It’s all possible!

You are almost there! The last step is taking 5 minutes and really holding that intention and being clear about 2015 and being very present, so tomorrow when the things you released and left in 2014 start to creep up again, your mind’s current instinct, you can remember to release it and let it go.

Thats it my ferocious beings of courage! Have a wonderful, safe and joyous New Year!!

Looking forward to sharing our new programs in 2015!!

Much love,

Jess

Safety Tips for Home Visits

 

I have received lots of questions regarding safety concerns that continue to arise for social workers and other home care workers.  I came across this article by Pascale Victor, LMSW, outlining key safety tips she uses when working. These are many of the same tips I teach when conducting trainings.  For more on Ms. Victor and the website origin of the article click here.

1)   For an initial home visit, try to schedule the appointment by telephone or letter so that the client will know to expect you and be prepared. If you speak to the client ahead of time, you may be able to get vital background information or an update on their current situation, which may have changed.
 
2)   Whenever possible, conduct home visits accompanied by colleagues or employees from other agencies who are also working on the same case. If you are a woman about to conduct a home visit that is potentially unsafe, you may request that a male colleague accompany you. For example, I have a male co-worker who is 6’4” and wears sunglasses and an earpiece, so he looks like a secret service agent. He can definitely be intimidating, which is why I request his “bodyguard services” for some cases.

3)   Depending on the nature of the case, some clients can come to an office, rather than have you meet them in their homes. 

4)   Always carry a charged cellular telephone.

5)   Request a joint home visit with a police officer if you think the situation could become extremely 
dangerous.

6)   Be sure to inform your supervisor and another colleague of your whereabouts. 

7)   Know where the exits are in a home and in building hallways.

8)   Do not enter an elevator with people who are suspicious-looking or make you feel uncomfortable in any way. If you are feeling nervous, pretend that you are using your cellular telephone and cannot get on the elevator. When riding an elevator with someone who frightens you, immediately press the button of the next floor so that you can get off. 

9)    If you feel unsafe during an interview and believe you are or might be in danger, you should immediately end the interview and leave—run if necessary! 
 
10)  Depending on the case and any confidentiality issues, you can possibly get a client’s trusted family member involved and conduct a joint home visit with that person. 

11)  Always be vigilant and assess the surroundings—both inside and outside a client’s home.

12)  Never stand too close to an apartment door. Clients often open their doors and allow their dogs to run out and jump on you. Request that the client put the dog or other pet in another room. It is also possible that a client could try and harm you, so stay back. It is rare but it is always better to be safe than sorry. 

13)  Always remember to keep your cool. Never show a client that you are scared. Always remain professional and if the situation gets out of control or dangerous—leave. Remember that you are the professional and are there to help the client. If you show that you are scared, the client might try to take advantage of the situation by being manipulative.

14)  Do not allow clients to play on your sympathy and good nature to get what they want. Stay firm and do your job to the best of your ability. Never allow a client to sway you in any way that is not for the good of the case. If you make a decision against your better judgment and only follow the client’s wishes, the client may become very upset and refuse to be cooperative if you make contrary decisions later. A client may even “turn against you” and become belligerent and hostile. 

15) Do not get too comfortable and let your guard down with clients. Remember that you are providing a service for them—they are not your friends. 

16) Depending on the case, it may be possible to meet in a public place such as a nearby park, 
community center, senior center, coffee shop, etc.

17) Always wear comfortable clothes and shoes while working in the field since you will be regularly walking, standing and climbing stairs

18) Wash your hands regularly. If you are out all day and are constantly touching door knobs, shaking hands and utilizing public transportation, it is easy to catch germs and spread them. Keep a hand sanitizer or wipes in your coat or bag.

19) If you are highly allergic to certain domestic animals then you should take that into account before conducting home visits. Many clients live with cats, dogs and other pets. If being around a particular animal triggers an allergic reaction, necessary precautions need to be taken into account ahead of time. In some cases you may need to see an allergist for guidance.

6 Practical Safety & Security Tips When Traveling Alone Internationally

As an International Safety & Security Advisor, I have completed a lot of research on international travel, including polls and focus groups to learn what is most important to people, especially women when traveling. I am often asked for advice as someone is preparing for an international trip. Here are some practical key learnings anyone traveling overseas can adopt to help stay safe when in an unfamiliar area. Remember the goal is always prevention!

1. Be aware of your surroundings: Paying attention to your environment, not texting and walking (yes!), or walking and looking at a map (looking like a tourist or a target). Don’t get so caught up in a conversation, reading, etc, that if someone took your wallet off the table, or brushed against you, you wouldn’t notice. Choose well-lit area, populated areas, and be careful of deserted areas or ridiculously loud areas.

2. Travel in groups: This may seem very basic, but when traveling alone it can be very noticeable to others. When in line at a store have “small talk” with the person next to you. It’s a great way to learn the local area, meet new people and to learn about the culture. If someone you don’t know asks you if you are traveling alone always say “no.” State you are “meeting someone” or “waiting for a friend”. This is especially important for women. I did this while vacationing by myself in the US Virgin Islands and it was very helpful. I was amazed how often I was asked if I was alone.

3. Intuition: You know that feeling you get when you know you should make a left instead of a right?  How about when you think there is someone behind you yet you don’t hear anything? Yes, that’s your intuition, your inner knowing or reasoning that causes you to take a specific action. Pay attention to it while traveling alone. In many cases, it will help steer you out of a challenging situation.

4. Visa: Always make sure your visa is updated and that you have all the necessary information via the US Embassy to not violate country entrance or exit laws. If your visa is going to expire before you leave the country you are residing in, let the local embassy or consulate know as soon as possible so they can help you resolve concern with the host country.

5. Understand being an American can make you a target: Not always, of course, but this is a fact that can’t be escaped. It is part of the politics of today’s world. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s nothing to fear; taking precautions are important. Review the US State Department warnings for the country in which you are traveling. Use sound judgment, avoids large crowds of unknown origins, minimize your profile when in public, and always have a cell phone. Yes, this is tricky because perhaps you don’t plan on taking your phone to avoid accruing international charges. You can always change your phone plan for the duration of your trip, or purchase a temporary phone prior your trip or when you arrive to the country.

6. Have insurance: About 30% of Americans travelers get travel insurance. Insurance is just that – a very important backup plan in case something BAD happens. General reasons to get insurance are if your flight gets cancelled, your passport or wallet is stolen and you need money (or emergency plan), natural disaster, you are involved in an accident, you can to cancel your trip because of an illness, or you have a medical emergency while traveling. In the digital, post 9/11 world, I could go on and on.

Jessica Robinson is an International Safety & Security Advisor for PurePoint International and speaker and frequently publishes on the topic. To learn more about her work and company please visit www.the-purepoint.com.
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Speaking Icons Dr. George C. Fraser and Les Brown Collaborate for the First Time in New Book with 31 Inspiring Leaders.

Media Contact Information:

Jessica Robinson

Cell: 929-800-1184

Email: Jessica@consciouscourageliving.com

www.consciouscourageliving.com                                                                           December 1, 2014

 

 Speaking Icons Dr. George C. Fraser and Les Brown Collaborate for the First Time in New Book with 31 Inspiring Leaders.

Mission Unstoppable: Extraordinary Stories of Failure’s Blessings

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

New York, New York, December 1st, 2014Mission Unstoppable: Extraordinary Stories of Failure’s Blessingsis a collaboration of stories that depicts the struggles of 31 inspiring leaders and the challenges they faced while traversing their personal and professional road to success. Mission Unstoppable reveals these inspiring leaders desire to reach their goals and reasons for not giving up. “Failures and mistakes are the precursors of success. If you are not doing both, you are not taking any risks and success will elude you.” Says Dr. George C. Fraser, Americas Top Networking Guru.

 

Inspired by Dr. George C. Fraser, author of 5 best-selling books including Click and Success Runs in our Race, and recently inducted into the Minority Business Hall of Fame and Museum, with America’s number one motivational speaker, Les Brown, this book will fill you with inspiration and passion to achieve your own dreams and be unstoppable.

 

Locally, Jessica Robinson, one of the co-authors will host a Mission Unstoppable book signing taking place at Sister’s Uptown Bookstore, 1942 Amsterdam Ave (at 156th St), New York, NY on December 6th, 2014, featuring co-author Lanre M. Lee. The event will run from 2pm-4pm approximately. Learn more at: www.consciouscourageliving.com or www.the-purepoint.com.

 

Nationally, for interviews or more information, our national spokespersons are: Dr. George C. Fraser (Cleveland, OH; 216-496-1287), Lanre M. Lee (Detroit, MI;313-926-7000 ), Haki Ammi (Baltimore, MD;410-209-9687 ), Dr. Antione Moss (Cleveland, OH; 216-220-7252), and Jessica Robinson (New York, NY; 929-800-1184)

 

Jessica Robinson is co-author of Mission Unstoppable, a Life Purpose & Career Coach (website: Conscious Courage Living) and is Tech Entrepreneur & President at PurePoint International, a boutique security firm.

 

Books can be purchased on Amazon.com and selected local book stores. Published by Yinspire Media, San Francisco, CA.