Tag: black authors

Be Who You Dream of Becoming

Just imagine…

The rewards that would come  with pushing past fear, 

with setting boundaries that align with our goals or needs, 

with trusting that as long as we stay on our path, what’s meant for us will meet

us on destiny’s road.

Below is a snippet of my conversation on this topic with my friends at Virginia

This Morning, Richmond’s only morning TV news show, hosted on WTVR CBS 6.

Like you, we’re still striving for consistency. As we work toward our goals,

we’re reminding ourselves – and all of us – that there can be joy along the journey. 

View our full conversation here:

Reasons to Say Thank You

Take some time throughout this day to pay attention to the simple things….

The sound of a bird chirping or a baby laughing;

that funny meme that landed in your text thread 

or the brief check-in call from a friend;

The hug from your teenager or toddler, 

or email from your mentor;

the wind gently swaying in the trees,

and the taste of your favorite ice cream.

The thoughtful compliment,

the genuine smile, 

the words of encouragement arriving at just the time you need them. 

Nothing is as random as we may think; 

yet even when it feels that way, 

we get to say thank you.

10 Rules for Joyful Living

Here’s some common wisdom to live by, on your path to purpose, peace and inner joy:

  1. Listen to others’ words, but pay attention to their actions.
  2. Notice silence, for that speaks volumes, too. 
  3. Trust yourself. Your heart knows.
  4. Love others without condition and let them grow into their best selves.
  5. Energy is real. Surround yourself with positive vibes.
  6. Be a bearer of truth, delivered with kindness and acceptance.
  7. Be a receiver of truth, honored with humility and gratitude. 
  8. Love yourself deeply. For only from a fulsome well can one fully pour. 
  9. Seek joy. When you welcome it, it will habitually flow toward you.
  10. Bring joy. Always. It is the ultimate illuminator in darkness.

Human Connections

We might enter this world alone, but we don’t live in it, and certaintly can’t love in it, on an island. 

To get to your island, 

you may have to walk through my forest

or cross her river

or climb his hill. 

So keeping my forest fire-free,

and her river waters clean,

and his hill easy to navigate

helps you safely reach your island – and enjoy the journey there all the more. 

We are connected, and we must remember that.

Choose It and Mean It

Today, choose a few things to check off your list that you’ve been delaying.

Open that stack of mail. You’ll feel better by simply reducing the pile.

Send a text to say hello, I miss you or I wish you well.

Better yet, make time for a 10-minute  phone call and put a smile on two faces – yours and the recipient’s. 

Push past comfort and make a move that stretches you.

Whether it’s writing a first chapter, speaking up in a meeting or trying something else new, just do it. You’ll see – Instead of breaking, you’ll grow.

Tell yourself “I love you” and really mean it. If necessary, keep practicing this exercise until it’s your truth.

Because whatever is swirling in the world around us, love is always the best and wisest foundation from which to launch and where to land.

Intentionally Thrive

Make this week special

by intentionally spotting rainbows in life’s clouds;

listening more than you speak;

caring more and judging less;

and being open to learning from those you lead.

You’ll find yourself growing over these next few days, and your purpose and personal goals will prosper.

Where Will You Stand?

Every single action yields a reaction.

Your words of gossip assault your own integrity. 

Your tendency to judge others leads to more judgment of you.

Feelings of hatred toward those who differ from you firmly lodge seeds of hate in the spaces of your life that should be filled with positivity and love.

An act of violence against one assaults all humanity.

And it can’t be said enough: Beyond our uniquely different outer layers, at the core of who we are, we are all the same – seekers of love, community, peace and contentment. 

Together we all rise; divided we can’t help but sputter along.

Here’s your choice in these matters of daily life:

Who will you be? Where will you stand? 

What tiny shift can you make to render a seismic difference in the people, community and world around you?

Trying is better than the alternative. Our children are watching us to learn who they should become. What lesson is your life teaching? 

Sometimes Use Words

A famous quote that I strive to embody was delivered centuries ago by St. Francis of Assisi: 

“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”

During this Lenten Season on the Christian calendar, may we challenge ourselves to do just that, and to occasionally insert the action that resonates with us most at any given moment: 

Preach Love and sometimes use words.

Preach Joy and sometimes use words.

Preach Unity and sometimes use words.

Preach Graciousness and sometimes use words.

Preach Generosity and sometimes use words. 

You get the point…

May we be intentional about having our actions, our attitudes, and our very lives speak on our behalf – during this season leading up to Easter and well beyond.

It’s Your Story to Live and Enjoy

What pages will you write in your life story this month, and in the months to come? 

Be sure to reserve some time on your calendar for the things that = self-care.

For me, this includes moments that induce laughter, hugs that linger, great conversations, a good book paired with a cup of tea, some writing and journaling time, learning a new line dance or two, and enjoying TV shows or movies that feature themes or plots that help me see the world more broadly or entertain me in ways that help me grow.

That’s my list; now it’s your turn.

Amid your “must dos” create space for what you “can do” that will make your heart smile and leave you feeling renewed.

Honor Your Calling, Even Now

Today’s Food for Thought is a profound declaration from 16th century theologian Martin Luther: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” 

What about you?

Would you still give, still love, still honor others and operate in integrity if tomorrow were not promised?

Would you still write, sing, paint, nurture others, pray, dance, fly, bake, organize or whatever it is you most enjoy?

If yes, then that must be the thing you’re called to do, the imprint you’re meant to leave on the world.

So today, and every day, do it well, with all your heart. In the process, you’ll be honoring all that you are, while gifting this world with the best of you.