Protecting your Personal Power

This post may be a little bit "out there".
On that note,.....if you can't relate to it...then just keep moving along and perhaps pass it on to someone who can use it.

What I want to talk about today is how one can protect one's personal power.... specifically from a woman's perspective....because that is the only perspective I can reasonably speak from.

So,  over my lifetime,thus far, I have noticed a few habits and practices which I  perceive to help people stay focused and retain their personal power in order to achieve their personal goals.
Consider one on the list....or consider all.


1/ Not eating in front of strangers. Eating in public opens you up in a way that no other activity does.
When you are going for a walk,  and bring  along a snack....you may want to wait to nibble on your snacks only when you are out of eyeshot of others who may be walking by.

Eat with those you love. You trust them. They protect you and your goals.

2/ Covering your head..... As a woman, especially if I am out in public, i have found myself to stay more focused and covered and powerful if I cover my head with some kind of hat or scarf. This also applies to when attending worship services in public. I am not saying this idea is a "must" but that I have noticed that it does have a way of protecting my personal power.

3/ Covet and protect your own decision making power by doing something unexpected and completely originating from your own set of written goals, at least once a week. It may be something unusual like walking backward while carrying weights when you go pick up the mail at the community mail box....Or it may be something very ordinary, but still "you-ish" such as painting your front yard planter in bright red. These kind of activities tell the world that you are in charge of your own destiny and that you will never back down from accomplishing your own goals in your own way and in your own time.

4/ Be ok with standing alone with your goals. This is very key. Many of us live in situations or work in work atmospheres that are not conducive  or   encouraging toward our life's goals. It is IMPERATIVE that you keep yourself on track to acheive your own written goals....NO MATTER what it takes. Take  your written list of goals with you in your wallet or purse and recite them aloud on your way to work. Or record a verbal recording on your personal cell phone of you speaking your written list of goals out loud. Listen to your list discreetly whenever is reasonable throughout your work day. Perhaps you may even have to hide in the bathroom at work just to protect a brief 60 second chunk of time in order to listen to or speak out your written list of goals. Keep your list in a handy location that you can find easily all day and every day. Protect that  list. Laminate it if you wish. I am currently storing my list in a zip lock baggy in my purse. I recite my goals every day.

5/ Protect your ears from useless public "free" media that does not help you on your journey to accomplishing your goals. What do I mean by this "free" media?
Radio....time and space wasting . Why clutter up your commute with auditory trash? Why not deliberately choose what you listen to on your way to work or other appointents? You can take audio books or take your own recordings of your fave documentaries to listen to as you travel throughout your week days.
Hack your auditory zone. Fill it with libraries full of positivity and empowerment.

TV. Although many  TV Stations are not free, especially if you pay for a hefty cable or streaming TV web service, we still need to be reminded that when we watch TV, often we are allowing the TV station managers to choose the programming that will occupy potentially huge chunks of our leisure time. You CAN manage your time. It is God's greatest gift to you.

Well that is all for now. I pray that this post will give some clarity to your efforts to protect your own personal power.

Peace,
Carla.








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FANG Stocks

So if you like the stock market, you've probably heard about the stocks known
by the acronym: FANG
which represents, if i am correct....

Facebook  (FB)
Apple        (AAPL)
Netflix       (NFLX)
Google       (GOOG)(GOOGL)


What do you think of each item on that list?
One thought I had today, is that which would you describe as predominantly an "app"?
If I really reduce each stock down to it's bare bones, I think that yes, three of the above on the list
began their economic journey's as App-based companies.... yes, software based entities.

The only company on this list that is not known predominantly as an "app" is  the company
known as "Apple". (AAPL)
Apple's brand is associated with its hardware even more than it is known for it's software. It has a beautiful blend of both in it's unique  niche market. I find it amazing to note that as of today's market close, Apple's market cap was at $946.2 billion dollars. That's almost a trillion dollar valuation. Wow.
All four companies on FANG list have multi billion dollar market caps. Incredible chunks of the worldwide economy. It is not only Americans who have vested interest in these enormous economic powerhouses....as they are a global phenomenon.

Well that's all for now. I do so enjoy just thinking aloud with you.

Peace,
Carla.


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White Noise Works for People Like Me

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Other than an irritating ad at the start of the video.....I really do love this kind of white noise.



It is for my ears, what a "fidget" is for my hands.



I don't understand the science behind it. All i know is that my mind feels more peaceful, yet occupied and when I am listening with headphones to this white noise, I feel better able to focus on my task of choice.

What kind of audio really helps you achieve maximum output when your mind feels distracted for no reason?

Do tell,
Peace,
C.

what Do I like?

I've officially reached middle age this year....and sorry I'm not gonna tell you just precisely what my age is. But with this season of life comes a need to clarify just who and what I am all about.
I have discovered that I like certain things and that also seems to deeply affect what kind of tv I watch.

I've noticed that I seem to always be attracted to big fish gleaning operations. I don't really much appreciate seeing folks catch fish for sport or even one at a time for eating.. No way....I like to watch fish being caught by the hundreds in nets or fish wheels. Sometimes I wish I was native so that I could legally use nets locally to catch fish in big numbers. A white chick like me can only legally catch fish with a rod. Sigh...

I like seeing people process huge quantities of fish...and string them up in smoke houses or drying racks. I think of the legendary Verna Oller, who was a kind of "undercover millionaire" stock market investor who made an hourly wage by filleting fish up to her 70s. ( for a glimpse of her story see :https://abcnews.go.com/WN/american-heart-secret-millionaire-helps-hometown-grave/story?id=10870876 )

   I just like seeing people store up food for the year ahead. I like seeing people being able to feed themselves or their pets with food they caught or trapped or canned. Many years ago, when I was newly married, we had an Italian neighbor who canned tomatoes in the summer. She would grind the tomatoes in a gadget in her garage. I was transfixed.

I love watching how Andy Bassich, from the show "Life Below Zero", even learned how to make his own bullets in order to lower the cost of hunting even further. He showed how he uses a gadget to fill the bullets and bend them into shape. Then he uses his homemade bullets as he hunts for dinner....for pennies.

So, I suppose it goes without saying that I adore the series now featured on Cottage Life channel
by the name of "Life Below Zero."


I like seeing people hunt down a moose or caribou that will feed their family for months. I even admire the somewhat gory task of how they clean and tan the hides ...the raw animal skins left over once they process the meat. The skins are used for clothing for vests, or blankets or rugs or for trading or earning cash on the side.
I like hearing people talk about how they love providing for their families. Humans take great pride in providing well for the needs of their loved ones. I love seeing how folks use the skills they learned from friends and family to hunt down nature's bounty and use that bounty to feed themselves without needing much for money for raw materials or supplies.

I love seeing people happy and productive and being social without a smart phone glued to their cheek. I love seeing people being patient and gentle ....taking the time, however long it may take to teach the ones they love a skill that can be passed onto the next generation.

For the very first time in my life, last year, I bought a fishing license. I caught one fish....in a whole year. Was it a bargain......nope....but it was worth every penny because I lived to tell the tail....fish tail that is.

What is it about catching a fish that so compels me? Is it a weird fear of hunger that makes me want to be able to catch dinner at a local dock? Is it my inner "coupon queen cheapskate" that feels I've won an award when I figure out how to find cheap or free food? Perhaps....but I've decided I shall not over analyze this zealotry.

It is a joy. Perhaps this year I shall buy myself a brand new fishing rod. Perhaps I will catch a shark....hmmm.... methinks that sharks don't inhabit Canadian lakes. But hey.....
a gal can dream.

Dream on kids, dream on.
c.






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I Am A Woman...I write covered calls

For those of you who are like...huh? Why does that matter that she is a woman and trades options? Well, I would vigorously retort....that You don't know where I live....and I don't mean about the technical location....I mean you don't know how women are boxed in mentally and emotionally in the social "norms" that we were raised with....in my province...in my generation.

It wasn't a "Can do" attitude....it was more of a "Can Don't" spirit. A spirit that said...."Well, yes, you are free to do and be whatever you want to be, but don't push it too far, and don't do the same things that men do....because that just won't do."

And so, when I say that I am an options trader I am speaking an earth moving life altering truth for myself.I am doing something that no other woman I know can do. Now that may speak volumes about the people I know, but it is what it is. I am open to stretching my circle to include more new and more fully developed people....people who encourage women to challenge dusty boundaries.

Now on to the subject of the day. I just want to mention a few things I am learning about
writing covered calls. Perhaps you are considering trading options and would enjoy just hearing someone chat about it.

Well, I am talking about a fairly basic "easy entry" starting point for folks who want to start trading options, called "Covered call writing".

When you "sell to open" a covered call, you are selling to another person or institution, the right, but not the obligation to buy 100 shares of your stock at a predetermined "strike" price for a period of time previously agreed upon. 100 shares equals one contract in the options world. You choose the "strike" price...which is the price at which you are willing to part with your shares. You choose the length of time that your "contract" is good for.....it can be as little as two days from now, or almost 2 years into the future. Whomever buys your covered call, has the right to buy your '1' contract for 100 shares at any point within that agreed upon time frame up until the end of the date of expiry. The person/institution who buys your call, will pay you a premium for securing that price for the shares and for the time frame that you will honor that price point. That premium that the buyer pays you either can be skimpy or it can be generous.

The cool part of selling to open covered calls is that you keep the premium you collect whether or not the covered call buyer actually "exercises" his/her/their right to purchases your shares. Somewhere I have read or heard ( but don't quote me on it) that 75% of all call options expire worthless, which would tend to suggest that just because you write a covered call, doesn't mean that you will  instantly have your call exercised and your shares sold. Call options are written as a type of "insurance" policy on securing stock prices. And  it must be noted too, that you can "cancel" your covered call option by
"buying to close" your covered call option. However, that process of buying back your call option
can be costly, especially if market conditions have propelled the stock's prices sky high.

Can anyone sell to open covered calls on the shares they own? Well, in my province, and in some brokerages, one needs to apply and get approved by the brokerage in order to be deemed "educated" enough to permit options trading on their brokerage accounts. You can check with your broker if you need their permission to trade options on your account.

So, to be fair, I am going to mention the ikky part of writing covered calls.
1/ If you don't cancel your covered call option by buying back (buying to close) your covered call
you can definitely have your shares called away. You may have owned those shares for decades and have a sentimental attachment to those shares. Therefore, if you are not willing to part with your shares, you should not write covered calls. There is ALWAYS the possibility that the call buyer will exercise his/her/their right to buy your shares at the agreed upon strike price. Therefore, you may not want to write covered calls on shares you own that you have a strong sentimental attachment to.

2/ You limit your upside gains. When you write covered calls, and the open market stock price rises astronomically on the shares you covered with a call, you will not be able to benefit from that price rise. With a covered call, you lock in your gains to be limited by the strike price you choose. That price may be near or far from the price you originally paid for those shares. Choose carefully your strike prices. Always be mindful of your original buy price.  You can "lock in " losses if you choose a strike price that is below what you originally paid for the shares.

3/ Some really cool equities do not offer options trading on them. Some of your fave stocks or reits may not give folks the opportunity to write calls on them....there is simply no options trading on them.

4/ Taxes. Be aware that options trading can have significant tax implications for you and your family. Be prepared, and know which trading accounts you can use in a tax advantaged manner to lower, limit, or prevent taxes being paid on the premiums you collect as well as the capital gains you may gain from if/when your stock is sold if a call is "assigned" (another word for when call options get exercised)

5/ Some options traders become oblivious to the risks of the underlying equity because they are enticed by juicy option premiums. But be aware that overly generous options pricing sometimes reflects high risks associated with overvalued 'speculative" stocks. These stocks may have juicy options premiums that tempt you to play their games, but they do not reveal the fundamentals which illustrate when a particular stock has poor earnings, loads of debt and an unstable financial future.
Do your diligence. When an options play seems too good to be true, it may actually reveal, upon closer scrutiny, a company that is more of a gamble, than a sound investment.

6/ Writing covered calls can incur quite hefty fees and commissions, especially if/when your call is assigned. Ask as many questions as you need to , of your broker, to find out precisely how much the fees and commissions are for writing covered calls. Use those fees as a gauge by which to help you choose which covered calls to sell. It is a cost of options trading that you always need to be mindful of.

7/ Youtube. Youtube has loads of videos available to describe in detail how to write covered calls and what to keep in mind as you  mine for profitable trades. Some brokerages offer video seminars to help you understand the process. Some brokerages also offer live seminars you can attend in person to learn more about options trading.You can also read about writing covered calls from business/investment authors such as the "Lazy Investor" Canadian Derek Foster or
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" author Robert Kiyosaki.

Well that's all for now, I haven't described everything one needs to know about covered calls, but it's been fun explaining little bits and pieces of it. Be well and prosper.

Peacefully productive,
Carla.

DISCLAIMER: This post is for discussion/conversation purposes only and is not intended as investment or financial advice. Do your due diligence and obtain qualified advice from professionals before investing. The writer/producer of this blog does not claim any liability for any of the ideas discussed in this post or any other post in this blog.







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A Favourite Hideout

Do you know what an "Osmow's " is?

It's one of my hideouts. Great belly busting food prepared on the spot....totally filling and
generous.

As I observe the similarities that humans have with one another...I notice that most of us are creatures of habit. We gravitate to the places and people that make us feel good and meet a basic need. That need might be food, but it can also be less obvious qualities....like a basic good vibe.

If I feel comfortable in a restaurant, it is not necessary to even speak to me at all throughout my stay. I can stay completely silent and even pay my bill in silence and walk away gently feeling completely fulfilled and rested.

Perhaps that is the sign of being an introvert, but alas I am not always an introvert. But much of the time I am. I thrive on quietness and stillness and abundance of time spent thinking and processing. I don't need a lot of entertainment. Life in all it's glory is entertaining enough.

Do you have a favorite hideout? A place that gives you good vibes and lets you put your guard down?

In peaceful contemplation,
C.






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He Loves Catching Fish

Lately when the mood takes me, I watch a certain fishing reality type show on Netflix about some
eastern side fishermen who make their living from the sea.
One of the older gentleman, as he was describing to the camera person how he felt about his occupation said simply and with much eagerness " I love to catch fish!".

That was the point. I think that the thrill of the hunt is what compels most success stories.

Robert Kiyosaki took a short real estate seminar that launched him into real life real estate investing when the seminar's teacher gave a challenge to his students....to go into the real world and go visit 100 potential investment properties. Many of the students gave up....they couldn't be bothered to
finish the challenge. But Robert Kiyosaki was one of the few to complete the challenge.

After completing the challenge, Robert completed his very first real estate purchase. He had paid his dues by listening humbly to his teacher and completed every single challenge the teacher offered to him. He is now a millionaire many times over. He stayed persistent and humble and teachable.
He still loves the thrill of the hunt for his next real estate purchase or compelling business deal.

People who succeed in investing in the stock market may study and read and learn for years before they take the plunge and try "fishing" for stock market wealth with real money. They are patient, they are persistent....and they always learn from their mistakes. Investors thrive on the thrill of hunting for their next big investment deal. They want to get in on a deal that will net them a big winfall.

Learning in the real world is not about avoiding making  any mistakes....its about becoming mature enough to learn something from those mistakes, and then getting up, dusting off your knees and trying again and again and again and again. It's about never giving up until you find what you have been hunting for for years.

Stay thirsty for the thrill of  the hunt!

Peace,
Carla.





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