November 2017 Update!

November is my favorite month of all. 

If you know me at all, you know that I am Hattie Mae's baby girl and my favorite title to answer to is 'Ryan's Mom'.   

It's been a while since I have provided an update, so I thought this would be the perfect time for an post Army retirement life update.  

I love the month of November because of a combination of significant moments of demonstrated love, admiration, and support. Besides November being one of my sister's, one of my God daughter's, one of my closest friends and my birth month as well as the month the nation celebrates military veterans.

November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, my mother's favorite holiday. It's simply a love fest all month long!

After being retired from the US Army for two years,  I finally have a vision for my life. I don't actually have the perfect plan. I am willing, however, to fail forward and learn from my experiences.  I am finally able to remain present in the moment without being over committed. 

My overall plan includes engaging in extreme self care first and foremost to maintain my emotional and spiritual health, then I serve others and add value.   

How about that?

After all of these years, I am OK with saying 'no'  to other folks' priorities and choose mine. 

It feels great to know for sure that the only person in the universe that validated me, my Hattie Mae would be pleased.  I can hear her say, "An-ge-la, you are some kinda woman."  

These are the highlights from the past two years:

• Retired from the greatest Army on the planet in 2015. See Some Pictures Here. 
• Started my women veteran owned small business, "AMO Consulting Solutions, LLC" in September 2015. Click Here to Learn More.
• Joined a ministry in a local church in January 2016
• Hosted my first I AM EMPOWERED workshop in downtown Atlanta in February 2016. Click here to see a quick overview . 
• Started better HEALTH better U, an online health, fitness, and mindset community. Click here to learn more.
• Published my first book, "BRONCO STRONG: A Memoir of the Last Deployed Personnel Services Battalion" in October 2016. Click here to learn more.
• Earned a  life coach certification focused on personal development in January 2017. Click here to learn more.
• Designed a virtual financial fast book discussion for the book by Michelle Singletary, "The 21 Day Financial Fast" in July 2017. Click here to learn more.
• Designed a virtual weight loss strategy course for women who want to finally lose that stubborn belly fat in July 2017. Click here to learn more.
• Speaking Engagements
• Laughed out loud

 As for my son, he is becoming more and more independent everyday. 

The first year I was retired I attended six chaperone trips at his school. My son was not so happy about this phenomenon. I, on the other hand was ecstatic.  It was the first time I was able to serve as a chaperone and support his teachers and him in this manner. The second year after retirement I attended three chaperone trips. Now, we are in the third year after my retirement and it looks like I will serve as a chaperone on at least three trips. 

He is a self assured young man with a gregarious personality. Before my mother died six years ago, she told me that I was a good mom. So, that's what's carved on my heart and in my thoughts.

Above anything else.  I am a good mom!

Until the next update - Be Encouraged,

Angela M. Odom