This is the Day!

Hi blog family!

It has been a while but life, is always happening, even when were busy! lol

Have you ever had a great idea but did not act on it?

Ask yourself why?

Did you need a contact name, money, materials?

 Why did you not act on it when the idea was fresh?

Often we can sabotage ourselves by NOT acting on an idea!

We are all creative and have the ability to create a million dollar idea....but not many of us act on it. When I say us, yes, those who grew up in any home and were NOT encourage to follow through on an idea.

I say we all have a 6th sense" when you know something is right or wrong...

many of us are taught to suppress this feeling very young and when we get older....the concept...."no faith" in our ideas has taken place....it has become embedded, thanks to family, no family, negative people, places and things...everything teaches you NOT to follow your instinct...especially if you were in a group home, (not knowing you likely have a better "instinct" than anyone)...because you had to use it to stay away from bad people!!....

Not many kids in group home settings are encouraged to try new things and not be afraid to be different...example:" if i said in a group home: "I'm gonna be a superstar in TV one day" ....most kids and other would laugh or say "Yea right"!!

But Eddie Murphy, Mariah Carey, Pit Bull, Kerry Washington, DMX, Oprah....(OK Oprah was not a Foster kid but she had some comparisons....)

think of this: 

MANY survivors of Holocaust/Slavery/famine/AIDS epidemic etc... were orphaned and many in parts of Africa...8 million are today!!! 

 It was DMC from Run DMC that said at an event we spoke at years ago...."Jesus" was an orphan!!!

 Its not what you are or where your at!!....its where are you going and what are you doing to get there!!

Everyone has divine purpose, yours may not be the same as mine! That is why you must follow through with YOUR talent, gifts and ideas!!!!

You may save or change a life one day!" (that is my quote from my   brother Rob that passed.....)

the names above were said to have been in foster care at some point in their lives....they all  knew they would make it one day...because they followed an inner voice...instinct"!!! They are not perfect" but they have all contributed to the world through film, singing acting and activism- you can't beat that for a foster kid!!!

WE ALL HAVE IT!!!! God made us ALL special, some just choose to Not be anything GREAT- we choose mediocre....or "OK"...You chose that, you were not born 'OK" you were born to be great! Something happened along the way to divert you - its OK...get back on your path of greatness!!!! TODAY!!!

We may "think" of a great idea....but it will be just a thought......

You cannot get to your dream without taking chances!! Think of a million dollar idea, Paint the next Picasso, invent a new product, write the next manuscript...

Get Out meet people in the field you WANT to be in!!

Join groups on Linkdin/FB/YOUTUBE and other sites that give you advice on the talent, skill or idea you are trying to develop!

Remember failure is not an option!!

When you don't act on something......nothing will come of that great idea!

Paint that picture you always dreamed of..

write that script you have in your head for a blockbuster movie!

Meet new friends that share your interest, take a class at the local college if you need to...

invent something new you think the world needs.

Don't let not having materials, money or even connections stop you! There is always some action you could take: write it down, find a mentor, use alternative to make a prototype, (until you get what you need)

Whatever you have been dreaming to do, to make to be.....start today, this is the day created just for you!!

Smile, someone is watching you....:)

Tanya

holiday blues..how to not lose YOUR mind when life is crazy!

Holiday blues..how to not lose YOUR mind when life is crazy!

R.I.P little brother!

Hi blog family! After two years I am still missing my brother! The pain gets less but I imagine it will never sink in that he is gone so young! Forgive me for not writing, as I am facing many challenges!
Yes,
it has been a while but life and all its curve balls has been calling me!

I am older and wiser but i still have my days when one error could effect me.
There are days when life can be challenging without family and I want you to know it is NOT your imagination - life is ruff - especially without a family!

Even at my age, I still long for a family. I still hope to be adopted one day-- yes, even over 40!!

 It is a human factor to want to  be loved and to be part of a family unit....this never goes "away"- you only learn to live with  the feeling and talk yourself through it daily! lol....hey if you made it this far without family, you can learn to love you enough and surround yourself around people who love and honor you like family!

On another note
the holidays are hear.
This is the highest times for suicide and loneliness.
*Even people with family who may have had conflict, wish they could be home with love ones*

.... I want you to know that even when you feel lonely and the world is against you God will always be by your side, all you have to do is BELIEVE tomorrow will be better than today!
Faith of a muster seed!
I know some of you may have been in group homes all of your life, some may have been in dysfunctional homes but YOU are the master of your destiny by keeping faith and coming up with an alternative plan! Whatever the plan, failure is not an option, giving up is not on the list!!! God did not design you to "give up"!!!

Don't ever be so discouraged that you don't realize YOU ARE IT! 
Don't ever hurt YOURSELF or ANYONE, life is too short and we ALL have divine purpose, so don't take away another's purpose, they may be the one who saved or changed a life!
 Your the reason the stars shine at night
the reason your brother, 
sister, lover, 
friend, family,
 stranger, 
has a smile on their face. 
You are the reason someone is alive today! 
Don't ever forget your ancestors died to make sure you ENJOY this life NOW, today!!!!
I know the holidays are here and it can be sad if you have no one around, I am lucky to have my two kids. I decided to make the holidays a day to go feed the homeless and then enjoy a nice dinner. This year may be all you can do to get out of your funk--HELP OTHERS...help at a food bank for the day!! Trust me you will feel better and be inspired!


Bills may be piling up, your lover gone, the news may be violent, everyone wants to keep up with the Joneses and no one has faith anymore- but you- YOU are the ONE that will change or save a life!
Stay positive, focused and keep anger out of your life, ask God to give you peace, acceptance, and constant change and growth so that you may be of service to others. You are so wonderful have a blessed week and know God is with you at ALL times, even at your darkest hour - have faith and take action to create change! xo Tanya

save the date May 19th....Fosterkidsunite will be awarding The Robert Cooper Memorial scholarship to kids aging out of foster care! Location: Mt. Kisco/NY time:TBA  all foster kids, former foster kids, community residents and any other who love to help others are invited to join in, more to come!!

focusing on today

Hi blog family!

So glad to have our power back on in my town!! I know their are often times when we want to "black out" and forget about all the negative that has happened as well as all the work we must continue daily JUST to survive!!! 

I encourage you today to get your head back in the game! Life throws us ALL curves, its how u catch them that matter! Yes it would be nice to have the best mitt for catching but sometimes you only have your bare hands, and while it will sting to catch a flying ball.....it can be done!

If you survived foster care half your battle is over, the other half is "plugging back in" to life...after being out of it so long!  

How do you do this?

1. stay focused on YOUR goals and what it takes to achieve them; IE more schooling, contacts, $..

2. know YOUR moral code; what do YOU live by? does it include integrity and honor?

3. learn to enjoy silence! it will be your best friend AND help you follow your "instinct" in any situation! go to a Quaker meeting house in your area at 11am...learn to sit in silence for 45 minutes, listening to what God or the Universe has to tell you...we are usually TOO busy talking and responding to hear anything!!

4. Love yourself enough to be proud you made it thru and while this won't be your last test...You know you are made to be a winner!!! don't let your experience in foster care harden you or make you angry, learn to help others in foster care. You have some gift waiting to be shared with others in care...start a journal, mentor to a foster kid, give them a job or internship, teach them how to make jewelry or write a book....SHARE what you know and how you make it thru!!! 

Remember: we are all here to SAVE or CHANGE a life!!! smile, someone is watching you and you may help them have a great day just by smiling!!! xo Tanya

what is Your gift?

What is Your gift?

Hi blog family!!

When it comes to the mind of  children, we start early instilling positive affirmations and dreams so that you donot get scared of facing your gifts and talent and you donot take them for granite!

I found a quote that went with my theme today... 

this quote is by: Stacey A. Maxwell-Krockenberger

What brings you pure joy? 


What do you look forward too? 


Your Purpose is usually hidden in your creative talents & doing


 the things that make you truly happy. 


For those who still may not know what that is; do something


 different today that you've always wanted to do or love to do. 


If it ignites all of your senses and brings laughter chances are 


your purpose could be within it! What are you effortlessly good


 at?


this is a great thought to ask yourself  today:   write it out what you are 

the best at!!

or by now if


 you  more than 15 years old, you should have 


already seen 


what talents or gifts you bring to this world...something YOU do better than any 


other kid...and you know NO one trained you to do it!!


mother's are usually the first to spot




this gift, so if you heard your grandma or case worker always talk about something your special at....!! nurture it..(work on it)....and do everything to make that talent become a money 


maker...(ie..sports, singing, writing, fixing things, inventing things, 

dancing etc....)...find out what your  God 


given


talents are!

 it should be effortless to you!

 while your other friends have to


 practice for years...(singing, dancing, writing, 


art...numbers...building)... you do it so easy....and the best!!!

.most celebrity's became just that 


because they followed their 1st love....Kiki Palmer, Oprah, 

Justin Beber, Chris Brown, J-Zee,


Forbes, Edris Elbis, Haley Barry...they are no "accidents" they


 worked hard and followed dreams...and with help, support and love of a foster 


parent....or a good group home counselor... or social worker...YOU

  can too!! * YOUR dream, not your parents or other adults who are taking care of you wish or dream... if you are not doing


 what you were born to do, (and 80% of the world is not)....you become misarable 


and project that on others...look at all the mean bosses!! I believe the "Rich" are 


rich and in the 8% because they are doing what they love...(don't focus on the bad rumors of how they got rich or famous...no matter how evil or


 how they may have obtained it- they are doing what they love...As 

long as you are following the law and not hurting anyone or yourself 

or demeaning yourself, selling yourself short.........why should foster 


kids miss out on life and settle" for whatever is handed to them?? 

Teach yourself right now, never to "settle" for what is handed to you, 

be grateful but learn how to expect more from yourself and others will

 give you more!!!


 without being greedy or evil,  want and expect more from life 

and yes, money


 does buy comfort and you can really ENJOY life if you have money 


and follow your dreams!!  Most African Americans were taught during slavery that they would get their "richest" in Heaven--this is a lie...God 

and the universe wants you to get paid like everyone else!! That is why you have certain talents...to make a "career" out of what you are good at--not a "job" anyone can get a job...a career is built out of your talent and hard work....



life is more fun...when your doing what u love!!! You are 


special and divine for loving yourself extra, when mom is not 

around...you are always loved and if you ever feel down, email me

 and I promise I will pick you back up so that you can be the star the 

universe intended....Remember the world CANNOT shine without 

you in it!!!! WE NEVER GIVE UP!! (MY BROTHER ROB USE TO TELL ME THAT WHEN WE I SAD )... REPEAT THIS EVERY MORNING AND NIGHT...EVENTUALLY YOU WILL BELEIVE IT, FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION BECAUSE I AM DIVINE!!!

XOXO

you will be blessed beyond 


measure!!


xo


Tanya

you know what it is....walking alone..have an escape plan!

hey blog family!

this is what I taught my little brother and now i am teaching you!!


I am sure you heard about the little boy who walked alone to school last week and asked the wrong person for help! I have a few tips for you!

First: it is your parents and or guardians job to MAKE SURE YOU ARE SAFE!! it is NOT your responsibility to know better, that is why you are "young, a "kid" because you should be in a peaceful, loving home that is safe and protects you from harm-even if you are in a group home!!

Don't walk anywhere alone if you are under 13...even then if you are in a big city,
take a friend or adult with you!
 Kids in group homes are easier targets (they think)... because they don't have parents watching their back....YOU HAVE YOUR OWN BACK, by having a plan!!

use you common sense and your gut feeling, if something says, i should not-DON"T!
don't talk to strangers,
walk up to cars,
trust people that want to "help" you on the street... and the most important again.. NEVER get in any ones car!!
once you do that the trail will be hard to find you!
Try to carry a cell phone when walking alone and keep it on 911 and keep your fingers on the green button to dial, this way if someone snatches you up, the call can be traced...
even if the police get on the line while your entering, you can always say "sorry, i thought i was in danger" and hang up....there is no reason to go to a car!

If you are really lost, OK, this does happen (but should not to an 8 year old because your parents are not suppose to let you walk alone to a city school!!).. go into a store and ask the owner if you could please use there phone...if you get a safe" feeling and your instinct trust them then tell them your lost but if not just ask for the phone or tell them to call the police. 
You should never be put in this situation of being "lost" BUT if you do, don't go up to any car and have a 3 feet rule (the length of your arm) if you don't allow anyone that close, they cannot put anything over your face or attack you as easy!
Never take a drink from a stranger either, they could put something in it to make you sleepy!! wait till you get home for a drink!!
Remember if you do get in a situation and someone is attacking you and you are fighting for your life: POKE THERE EYEBALLS WITH YOUR FIRST TWO KNUCKLES--HARD!!
you only get one chance to escape and you don't want to piss them off-unless they can't see!!
 this gives them a temporary blinded spot, they can't see-
THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN IN THE DIRECTION OF PEOPLE OR POLICE- never into woods or secluded area, (if you do find a spot to hide and remember where you ran from to get out later!!!
Do me a favor, if you have to walk alone go with an adult first, have them see what stores are around have them go in and ask in an emergency can you use their phone or will they help you... have an escape plan!!

BE safe and i am sorry that i have to tell you this you should be out riding your bike enjoying your summer, but now because of this! I have to share what I know - POKING OUT EYEBALLS IN A KIDNAPPING SITUATION CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE BY GIVING YOU MORE TIME TO RUN!!! I AM AGAINST VIOLENCE OF ANY KIND- UNLESS IT IS TO SAVE YOUR LIFE OR ANOTHER!! 
remember i am NOT advocating violence! i am saying if someone is trying to kidnap you or you get in a car and realize your in danger--while you are in public or a door is open---POKE OUT THE EYEBALLS AS HARD AS YOU CAN! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO ESCAPE!!

BUT YOU SHOULD KNOW NOT TO TALK TO STRANGERS OR GET IN A CAR!!! 
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR SUMMER AND STAY ALERT TO WHAT'S AROUND YOU!! XO TANYA

summer is near

Hi blog family!

Life is SO sweet when you have a plan!!!!
ok. i know you have been going to school, its a piece of cake...ok so i could only photo cupcakes!
I am sure you have new friends, sports to do after school.and summer is coming but keep focused on your goal - to get your education,
become self sufficient and
 be a lover of life!!!
You are doing a great job so far, if not....
get back on track!!

If you are having any problems with classes and the teacher is being difficult....get an adult to help you have a conference and figure out if its you or the teacher...
you may need a tutor...your school should provide one for free! if its the teacher.....
either deal with it and try to get a 70 atleast...or switch out of the class...yes it can be done just talk to your counselor or worker...
and then the principle if that does not work...u need to have decent grades to get to atleast community college!!
Of course your going, it is free for you and you are going to Utilize all your resources like I tell you to in my book: Surviving foster care and making it work for you!!! (lulu.com now) ..and creatspace.com next)...i will give you the link by next week..

failure is NOT an option! Education is the key to independence!!! You will be bigger, brighter and plan better than your parents!!! NO excuses only action...xo
smile, someone is watching you!!!
Tanya
May is National foster care awareness month..check out what I am doing so that people will know about all of you older kids waiting to find a home!!!

“IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD”

COME CELEBRATE NATIONAL FOSTER KIDS MONTH!

When: Wednesday - MAY 18TH

Time:      4:30PM - 6:45pm (Refreshments 4:30-5:30pm)

Where:  The Mount Kisco Public Library 

100 E. Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549

 (Conference Room 2nd floor)

• Motivational Speaker, Tanya Cooper, will be, sharing her experience in foster care, raising awareness on foster care issues, tell why fostering and adopting older kids is important, how we can help and read an excerpt from her new self help book for teens :  Surviving Foster Care And Making It Work For You!
• Awarding a youth aging out with The Robert Cooper Memorial Scholarship!
• One local Senior citizen will be recognized for helping youth! 
• Q & A from audience 

• RSVP Reply to: tgirlcooper@yahoo.com 
• Visit our blogs of encouragement- GOOGLE: Fosterkidsunite, Exfosterkidsunite 

Happy mothers day!

hi blog family! I am trying to translate in traditional chines, let me know if i mess up but China, this is for you!! for English version google: fosterkidsunite

嗨博客的大家庭！*我的書後，應可再下一個星期！感謝那些誰購買了版權的所有收益將歸 fosterkidsunite和羅伯特庫珀米莫里爾 Scholorship！任何機構，使我想到了發言，訂單超過 50本的書，我給你簽字的書，做一個免費的研討會，我專門為孩子們的關懷！

母親節快樂！一花只為你！即使您的孩子閱讀，閱讀下面！

我知道這是這個鐘點了！我得到了一些意見，你振作起來！

對於那些我們沒有媽媽：

在這個日子裡，以反映對什麼是母親的角色是：

把生命，愛和教導。
 好讓你的母親不但沒有第一！
 你應該感激她，你還活著，並沒有中止，殺死！我離開這裡：是的，她可能已被口頭或身體虐待，但你必須活了下來，我怎麼知道，你讀這個！*（唯一的人，這輩子我沒有同情心的，是phedophiles，那些利用年輕的嬰兒和兒童）*不要有沒有覺得不壞“去克服”有人罵你在年輕的時候，你不應該強制有接觸的人，即使是你的家！你永遠不能相信曾經有人會傷害嬰兒或孩子...我寧願原諒一個殺人犯或強盜！我養媽媽說來你永遠不能相信一個騙子，竊賊，我說你不能相信一個 phedophile，小偷和騙子！讀我的書，我會告訴你為什麼 ......
如果您有任何生命生活質量，你應該感謝你的媽媽了你！你不能讓任何生命改正錯誤，如果你的家人都死了！

我希望你能學會感謝你的一生（如果你準備好和理解這種情況，感謝你的理智）。

沒有什麼是承諾在此生活，但如果你還活著，你應該永遠感謝，因為你有一個機會讓你的未來家庭好！

你會得到你需要的治療，並利用所有的資源，使你變成一個穩定的獨立的成年人誰將會有一個更好的家庭比你的。你不會放棄你的孩子，把他們在危險 preditors或其他禿鷹。

你是一個勝利者，你有神聖的目的來到這裡，找出原因，直到你......感謝你的媽媽是為 atleast分娩你，因為沒有你的生活將是如魚得水的人。你是愛的特殊，我們需要你得到它togeather，保持集中在如何更好地愛，享受生活比你的父母做了！XO筆記本電腦陳淑莊

Wallace D. Wattles--on getting rich

Hi blog family!

I admit, i am a lover of the book and DVD-the secret! 

While i always had the faith of a mustard seed, i had these principles-and did not know why. 

You must be informed of ANY information that may open your mind and help you grow as a person, so that you may focus on enjoying this life!!

 so I am reading (for free)  the principles of getting rich..by Wallace Wattles...this is the guy who inspired the Secret!

 Anything i post that is someone elses work, I try to give credit. 

I ONLY post it because if it is good for me, it should be good for you. 

I don't think i waste your time with nonesense, you could be doing other great things...

thanks for visiting this site!

here is some info, i will find the link and post for you to read all of it!! 

Start thinking now that you deserve to be rich like everyone else, don't settle or listen to pastors that tell you you will get rich in "heaven"....

you deserve it NOW and it is NOT bad to want the finer things in life-if you are working for them honestly!! 

have a great day!! smile, someone is...watching you!! you are loved, divine and special!! xo

by: Wallace D. Wattles- principles for getting rich....

" You cannot exercise much power without gratitude; for it is gratitude that keeps you connected with Power.

But the value of gratitude does not consist solely in getting you more blessings in the future. Without gratitude you cannot long keep from dissatisfied thought regarding things as they are.

The moment you permit your mind to dwell with dissatisfaction upon things as they are, you begin to lose ground. You fix attention upon the common, the ordinary, the poor, and the squalid and mean; and your mind takes the form of these things. Then you will transmit these forms or mental images to the Formless, and the common, the poor, the squalid, and mean will come to you.

To permit your mind to dwell upon the inferior is to become inferior and to surround yourself with inferior things.

On the other hand, to fix your attention on the best is to surround yourself with the best, and to become the best.

The Creative Power within us makes us into the image of that to which we give our attention. We are Thinking Substance, and thinking substance always takes the form of that which it thinks about.

The grateful mind is constantly fixed upon the best; therefore it tends to become the best; it takes the form or character of the best, and will receive the best.

Also, faith is born of gratitude. The grateful mind continually expects good things, and expectation becomes faith. The reaction of gratitude upon one's own mind produces faith; and every outgoing wave of grateful thanksgiving increases faith. He who has no feeling of gratitude cannot long retain a living faith; and without a living faith you cannot get rich by the creative method, as we shall see in the following chapters.

It is necessary, then, to cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you; and to give thanks continuously.

And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.

Do not waste time thinking or talking about the shortcomings or wrong actions of plutocrats or trust magnates. Their organization of the world has made your opportunity; all you get really comes to you because of them.

Do not rage against corrupt politicians; if it were not for politicians we should fall into anarchy, and your opportunity would be greatly lessened.

God has worked a long time and very patiently to bring us up to where we are in industry and government, and He is going right on with His work. There is not the least doubt that He will do away with plutocrats, trust magnates, captains of industry, and politicians as soon as they can be spared; but in the meantime, behold they are all very good. Remember that they are all helping to arrange the lines of transmission along which your riches will come to you, and be grateful to them all. This will bring you into harmonious relations with the good in everything, and the good in everything will move toward you.

I am 16 and in the foster care system…Turning 18 is the scariest thing that is going to happen to me

http://www.wix.com/tgirlcooper/fosterkidsunite

I am 16 and in the foster care system…Turning 18 is the scariest thing that is going to happen to me

this will not be you because you are:

going to school, getting the help you need, utilizing ALL resources (counselors, therapy) and staying away from drugs/drinking and negative people! In my book I talk about this not being you--remember: "You are your only hero" at the end of the day..stop blaming your mom, system etc... this is your life lesson, what are you going to do with it?? you are a super star...go claim your fame!! xo Tanya

What does this holiday mean to you?

Hi blog family!

Today is a time to reflect on when the pilgrams tricked the Indians....lol...Just kidding... :) gotta have humor!!!

This is a time to reflect. 

I know we have been taught to celebrate but what are you celebrating? life? giving? love? the chance to help others? 

I believe every thanksgiving should start with early morning cooking, 

20 plates prepared and taken to an area you know homeless people would be today, 

and then.... 

come back home and have a feast of thanks!

--thanks that you were spared another year,

 thanks that you had food for you AND for others,

thanks that you have and give love to others,

 thanks that you can help others, 

this is what thanksgiving should be about, 

teaching our young to go out and help others first--

perhaps give away that coat you never wear, 

perhaps bring a scarf and old light worn pair of sneakers..

something to show the universe that you are thankful and a person of change.

If you give of yourself, it lessens your worrys AND the universe always rewards those that give by brining more peace and love into your life, Happy thanksgiving please reach out and help someone today...even invite someone with no family over, and then eat!!!

Tanya