Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams
Inspiring You to Embrace Your Life's Purpose & Possibilities
Sometimes you alone can imagine the vast potential of your dreams. That’s okay, because they were placed on your mind and in your spirit, not others, even those closest to you.
So grasp your vision and don’t let go.
When your “suddenly” successes arrive, you will have earned the right to soar wherever they take you.
Happy September. I stepped away from most of my online posting during a well-enjoyed August break, and now that I’m back, I say hello to you all and welcome to my new friends and followers. Please indulge me as I take a few minutes to reintroduce myself; and after reading my update, feel free to share a bit about yourself in the comments. I’d love to get to know you and discover what inspires you.
I’m Stacy. A creative spirit and lover of words. I have a big heart, a feisty streak and a soft spot for all people – kids and young adults in particular. I’m an optimist who keeps my eyes on life’s prize.
My “It List” includes writing, reading, music, chocolate, fresh flowers, candles, laughter, hugs, sunrises, beaches, mountain views, helping others and learning new things.
I’m the mom of two young adults who are blazing their trails in the world and allowing me to enjoy their ride.
I still use all three names though I’m divorced, because “Stacy Hawkins Adams” has been my “pen name” for decades and has taken on a life of its own. Lol 
Plus, the Adams clan will always be fam and friends. 
So look me up under that name and you’ll find 11 nationally published “book babies” that I hope you’ll consider reading and enjoy.
I also blog here, at LifeUntapped.com, post inspirational musings on Instagram and on Facebook, and occasionally pen freelance articles and essays for national publications.
I’m in the process of writing a new novel – a piece of women’s fiction that is stretching me and thrilling me (while praying that my agent and a publisher’s gonna love it).
I can be serious, but those closest to me know that I am just as often playful.
I dance and sing behind closed doors, but I’m a prayer warrior wherever needed.
I love that my milestone birthday this year has opened me up in ways that are freeing and fulfilling.
I am more often speaking my truth in love
and trusting myself the first time
and believing bigger because, Why not?
I also am still stretching, stumbling and growing; but isn’t that what makes life’s journey a beautiful mosaic?
I hope the words and images that I routinely share here with you, and on the written page, will remind you that you can do the same.
New day, new week, new month and a new opportunity to render the looming five months of this year more meaningful than the first.
Consider re-energizing yourself just because…because you’re worth it.
Try – or start again with- enjoying everyday, abstaining from complaining, believing the best and exemplifying The Golden Rule.
Choose to try – or start again with – reaching for the sun so you’ll land among the stars; viewing setbacks as “set-ups” for amazing opportunities; celebrating every achievement with gratitude; giving thanks for the shoulders upon which you stand; appreciating the blessing in every life lesson; embracing others as they are and where they are (and extending that same grace to yourself).
Recognize the many “presents” that the present is providing; live on purpose and in your purpose, and have fun along the way. Each day really is a gift; do your best to enjoy it and invite others on the journey with you.
Won’t be easy all the time, but it will be worth your efforts at every turn – and hopefully contagious.
Years ago, I had an interesting conversation with an acquaintance last week about purpose, contentment and living fully.
We asked each other, “What do you love most about your life?”
For both of us, our answers were evident in our actions – where, with whom, and how we spend our time.
What about you?
If you can answer with one or more truths, you’re blessed. No one’s journey is perfect; yet, in both mountaintop and valley seasons, there’s something to be grateful for. So our answers should match our energy and be evident in how we’re flowing.
The joy comes in finding the grace to accept yourself, and others, as-is while nudging yourself to do and be your best.
I say… go for it! “Let your true self reign – you might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you will be many people’s glass of champagne.” ~ Aine Belton
Recent examples abound of how one can speak the truth with love,
choose to be a priority rather than an option,
and operate in integrity even when the consequences are steep.
Google Tabitha Brown, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Shacarri Richardson.
They’ve handled public dissing, downplaying of value, and rules-based punishment with integrity, and I’m sure you can think of others who’ve done the same.
Regardless of your view their personal choices, what seems to matter most is how they value authenticity and love on themselves;
and when we all learn to hold our heads high while giving others grace, acknowledge our humanity and our worth, and own our missteps with plans to course correct,
we’ll know that we’re capable of rising, and we’ll realize that whatever the fallout, we’ve already won.
I’ve connected with quite a few writer friends this week and it has fueled my creativity in ways that I didn’t realize I missed so much during the pandemic.
Two of the catchups were one-on-one reunions over a meal, and both of those friends/mentors reminded me that writing is important work – to be leaned into, wrestled with, granted free reign, yet relented to with finesse, because words hold power and stories help us understand each other; and when we put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, sometimes we even surprise ourselves at the important truths, wounds, dreams, hopes, fears, strength and more that lie just beneath the surface.
Whether we’re writing fiction or nonfiction, that power – and responsibility – are the same.
My other gathering with writers was filled with amazing talent and wisdom too, and left me with an inner glow.
I share all of this to note that as I’ve spent time at my keyboard after hours and in the wee hours of morning this week, editing others work and also nurturing my own work-in-progress, I’ve felt more grateful than ever for the gift of words and writing, and for the opportunity to speak to the world in a manner that can endure.
What part of your purpose or your journey are you most grateful for this week? Acknowledge it and celebrate it in some way.
I’m sharing this “public service announcement” to persevere for whoever needs it (and just know, that sometimes it’s me).
If it’s not you today, pass it on!
Most importantly? Just keep on keeping on.
I promise you, your best days are ahead, no matter your age, stage or circumstances.
Your job is to persist in excellence, love with an open heart, set appropriate boundaries, welcome peace and treasure your joys.
I’m living proof (and there are so many tangible examples around) that it’s all doable. Join me on this Life Untapped journey in your own way and in your own time. Just promise me, and yourself, that you’ll keep going.
Respect yourself and what you bring to the table, while respecting others and their gifts, too.
Value who you are and treat others with value.
Hold onto the truth that no matter what, you are a ripple that helps create waves. Make sure your waves are the best kind – waves of difference making, positivity, kindness, resilience, impact and hope.
Appreciate your singular opportunities to serve, share and be your best.
This process requires intention and persistence, and results in the kind of contentment that leads to joy.
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Every day that we’re granted is a new opportunity
to listen, learn, grow and love –
More to and for ourselves,
so that we can better hear, see and understand others.
No people pleasing or forcing your way is necessary.
Just be; accept, and even embrace what is, so you can thrive in the garden in which you’re planted.
Live with an open heart.
Explore. Take a risk. Fall down.
Get up. Grow wiser.
Rise. Fly.
Stumble. Grieve. Learn more.
Love more. Laugh.
Rest. Discover. Press through.
Rise higher. Gain more wisdom. Care more deeply. Stand taller.
Trust yourself.
Appreciate something about each day.
Soar. And then, because life is a cycle and a journey and a process, rinse and repeat, gaining more clarity, more strength and more joy as you go.
Stay the course and be patient.
Along the way, your calling and purpose will rise to meet you.
Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 