Brand New You In 2010! Let's Make It Happen

Brand new you in 2010!

I am claiming excellent health, strategic ideas, mucho balance, unconditional love, impactful relationships, prosperity and God's favor as we begin a new year. I want the best for all and yes, its well deserved.

This is my favorite time of the year, because the slate will become clean at midnight tonight (12/31).

Use the fresh start wisely. I know its been tough for most of us (yeah, me too), so, when I say good riddance 2009, take your funky self and go, I speak for all. That's the change I can believe!

With all the challenges and losses, I encountered this year, I still remained steadfast and pursued my goals. Why? I realized that in order to really WIN, you must have major defeat and setback. Once you accept your "moment," true VICTORY will begin.

I say to all of you, bring the noise in 2010 and proclaim your victory now. Forget everything that happened this year ... commit to move on now and most importantly, do it differently and have FAITH.

Moments That Changed My Life in 2009
(no particular order)

1) Invictus, The Movie and the poem. If you want to change your mind and achieve your true destiny. Check out this film and read the words of the poem by William Ernest Henley. http://www.bartleby.com/103/7.html


2) Rediscovering self, losing 25 pounds thus far, and incorporating exercise (Zumba, walking, running, swimming, tennis). Does laughing count?


3) Speaking at the CMEX Conference in St. Lucia this past December. The connections and relationships cemented my belief in mankind (again)., Not to mention the beautiful island and great people. Please consider St. Lucia for your next va-cay. Shout out to Pam Perry, http://www.pamperrypr.com/, for making the introduction to Bevan Springer, CEO of CMEX, http://www.caribbeanmediaexchange.com/.

4) My radio show on Blogtalk, really allowed me to tap into my inner disc jockey. If you have not listened to any, check out my best show yet with Coach Beverly Kearney from University of Texas (Austin). Listen now. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theprexpert

5) Unconditional love from my husband, kids, family, friends, mentors, and supporters. I love you all so much.

6) The word "No." When promises/commitments regardless of the nature (biz/personal) go awry ... flip the word around and say it's "On" now, don't doubt The PR Expert!

7) The Presidential Election. Yes We Can! Let's get this poppin' and bring some real change/reform! Yes, you are the president of all people, however, remember, we got you there.

8) Having a best-selling book with "You Want Caviar." Thanks to the media, mentors, speaking engagements, boot camps, and all supporters. http://www.taylormademediapr.com/shop.html

9) Perseverance. After lobbying for 1 year to blog for Black Enterprise.com, it's finally a reality. Starting mid-January, I will be blogging 2x a week for their new site - Women In Power. I want to bring shine to all your endeavors and will need content. Email me at karen@karentaylorbass.com

10) You! Thanks for all the positive and negative feedback. I truly appreciate your honesty, integrity and support.

Look out for a brand new Karen Taylor Bass in 2010. Love ya like cook food.

Percy Ellis Sutton~ A True Renaissance Man

Brother, you were a maverick and you loved us. We loved you also. Thank you for taking such good care of us and always making certain we were well represented -- from the streets of Harlem to the corridors of the Senate.

We will not let you down.

Peace and love my Brother Percy.

R.I.P. Our Precious & Beautiful Sister

Thank you for allowing us to watch Sesame Street and witness your proud statement of Black beauty and grace. Dear Sister, may you be at peace now. When you get settled say hello to my girl, Angela Denise Pittman. Peace.

Let's Talk About Tiger Woods And The Elephant In The Room

Honestly, I really don't care about Tiger Woods transgression(s) ... its not my business.

What I do find interesting is the modern day witch hunt of Brand Tiger Woods by the media. Isn't this a private matter? Is it unheard of for a man of Mr. Woods stature to cheat? Absolutely not.

Why has this become such a front page story, what makes this so interesting? How can this be b-r-e-a-k-i-n-g n-e-w-s? Men cheat all the time, regardless, of their social stature. Mel Gibson had an affair, left his wife, expecting or had a baby with his new babe, and, no real witch hunt for Mr. Gibson.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room, Tiger Woods and Race.

America looks different. The image of the Black man representing the new millennium is powerful, smart, good- looking, rich and a family man. Meet Tiger Woods, Dwayne "Rock"Johnson, Derek Jeter and President Barack Obama -- to name a few. These men are their own respective powerful brands, and lifestyle influencers.

America still has trouble accepting and talking about RACE -- the ultimate elephant-- race.

Race has become more of an overt issue (since the inauguration of our president) as how white folks deal with the new "Black" man. Think about it.

Let's just deal with Tiger Woods at this moment. Tiger Woods as I can recall, never publicly talked about his "blackness," although he is Black. Yes, you are mixed, however, America only sees a Black man -- rightfully so.

The media witch hunt for Tiger Woods has been brutal with hoochies and sources coming from everywhere.

What made this affair different from other hi-profile trysts? Why did CNN consider this breaking news? Is it because he is a Black man married to the "ideal" societal image of beauty? Is it because Tiger cheated with women of less ilk? Or, is it because he simply cheated and became human to many?

Regardless of the reason, I still don't care about Tiger's private life; his sponsors don't seem to care much about his private life either.

I am concerned about (more) troops being deployed to Afghanistan, health care and employment opportunities.

Let's move beyond this and allow the Woods' to deal with their private matter.

At least Brand Tiger has helped magazine sales, TV viewership and all other mediums during this economic tsunami.

My suggestions for Tiger are real simple:
1) Create A New Image. Come out of hiding and take your kids for ice cream. Be seen as the quintessential father.
2) Give Back . Make a generous donation to a worthy foundation publicly or simply manage the information the media is reporting.
3)Do what you do best. You are a golfer, go out there and make it happen.
4) Stop sending text messages to hoochies. No need to explain this one.