Tag: personal development

You Be the GOAT

This week, pay attention to how you enter, serve while there, and exit a space or place.

Regardless of the energy you encounter from others, keep your joy and your essence of grace in tact. 

Instead of letting someone’s not-so-great attitude shift yours, you stir the atmosphere. 

May your presence…. 

offer light, 

heal hearts,

model integrity,

embody love,

foster peace,

inspire hope,

ignite laughter,

exemplify courage,

gift some grace. 

You be the GOAT (greatest of all time) in the lives of those you touch in ways that simply require you to be authentically you.

Surrender to Your Leap

Sometimes our dreams are so big that we tiptoe to the edge of them, then shrink away. 

But what if we had the courage to actually follow where they lead? 

To consider how leaning into them and falling forward allows the wind to buoy us and keep us afloat?

To trust the lessons we’ll learn, the people we’ll form bonds with and the experiences that will shape us as our divine birthright?

What if we loved ourselves- and those in our care – enough to surrender to this way of being and to taking the leap?

Wow…just wow. Wouldn’t our lives be a wonder?

Photo credit: Emily Abrams

Be Good to You

In the week ahead, make room for some of life’s simplest treasures – 

the kind that offer you lasting value (like time spent with friends & loved ones or devoted to your passion or to serving others)

– the kind that bake hope into your soul (like a long hug or beautiful art or stirring music)

–  and the kind of things that, in your seasoned years, become the memories that make your heart smile with gratitude and gladness.

You’re worth what it takes to make room for all of this. Be good to you.

You are a Worthy Ripple

This week, be intentional about not only treating others with value, but also with valuing who you are. 

Respect what you bring to the table, while respecting others and their gifts, too. 

Hold onto the truth that no matter what, you are a ripple who helps create waves. 

Make sure your impact is the best kind – waves of difference-making, positivity, resilience, integrity and hope.  

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.