Tag: tabitha brown

Stay on Your Path

Five years ago today, I posted the photo and the sentiments below about the start of September and the looming end of this year. All these years later, this digital journal entry of sorts still resonates and feels worth sharing.

As you launch into September 2024, may my reflections on walking my life’s path encourage you to more fully appreciate your own:

I entered the first day of September (2019) with a morning trek along a path that was brand new to me. It was beautiful, breezy and serene. 

I talked to God, and then I stilled myself to listen, even as my feet kept moving. 

Then I saw it – a juncture in the road where the paved path yielded to gravel – leading to uncultured, unknown territory, and to a bend around which I could not see.

I advanced a few feet, then retreated, deciding to explore more fully on another day.

For in that moment, I had all I needed – fresh air, a lush green setting and a visual reminder that at every turn, I am loved, worthy and deserving of joy. That was the response that filled my listening heart.

That walk reminded me that even when we’re on the right path, we’ll encounter some pebbles, stones, rough patches and dirt. We won’t always know the end before we begin or even when we’re mid-journey. Yet, that’s why it’s so important to enjoy each step of the journey itself and to find value in each phase. 

In the right season, at the appointed time, we will discover the beauty around those bends, and perhaps appreciate the extra effort (courage?) required to get there. 

Wherever we are on our path today, we can lean into the truths of how God has already blessed us. Think back over your life for a few minutes and count the ways. 

Then, set your intentions, determine what you’ll do next (or how you’ll surrender), and say “thank you” in advance for the good that lies ahead – on paved roads, gravelly paths, wood trails and all.

Be good to yourself

I’ve been on a staycation this week and just a few days in, I feel like a new woman.

I’ve cleaned my fridge, and filled bags of clothes and other stuff to take to Goodwill and to a local church’s clothes closet.

I’ve hooked up a new computer (on my own), although my son chatted with me during the process, in case I needed tech support. Lol

I’ve fielded calls from my daughter, the bride-to-be, who is on the countdown to April.

I’ve chatted with a few friends daily and lunched with two.

I’ve turned down a brief road trip and a complimentary flight. Why?? To simply rest.

Which leads me to what has been the most meaningful part of this week so far:  allowing myself to sleep until my heart’s content and move at a “whenever I get to it” pace. (Today is my busy day for the week. I’ve scheduled a few appointments and virtual meetings, and if I owe you an email, it’s coming!)

My fellow author Saundra Dalton Smith, who penned the bestselling book Sacred Rest, would be proud.

Because rest is indeed sacred, and it opens up our well and our energy for creativity, deeper engagement with others, better appreciation for our blessed surroundings, and greater willingness to see and serve ourselves. (When our wells are full; we can healthily pour into others.) 

I haven’t paused this week because I’m ill(I feel great!); I’ve intentionally paused to ensure that my pace for 2024 remains measured and meaningful. 

I’ve paused to ensure that I center myself in being fully present and focused on enjoying the days, weeks and months to come.

This “rule of rest” for the week felt uncomfortable at first (those waiting-but-not-urgent emails and chapters to write taunted me), but as I’ve leaned into the leisure, I’m certain it’s preparing me to dive more joyfully and energetically into my storytelling projects and other professional endeavors, my volunteer activities, family milestone moments, looming travel, and much more. 

I’ve shared this, in part, as an invitation to join me. If your January was busier than expected, consider making time in February for your own sacred pause.

You may not be able to devote a week, but gift yourself a day (or a few) to lean into sleep – as much as your body craves – and enjoy some good food, laughter, and pampering yourself in simple ways that matter to you.

You are worth it. And so are the dreams, goals, work, relationships and legacy you are nurturing. Trust the timing of your life, and in the process, your preparation and strategic rest, will align. 

Inspired by this Life Untapped blog post? Please subscribe to receive more of Stacy’s occasional musings – and share the link to this post with others in your circle.

What I Know for Sure As 2024 Arrives

Happy New Year, my friend! As we set goals or resolutions for this shiny, new year before us (Welcome, 2024!), let us not forget the good, the great and the wow moments that have led us to this point.

Be grateful for what is to come, for sure; but also be grateful for what IS.

When we celebrate the beautiful things that already are, we can better appreciate the simple blessings that will proceed or accompany the longed-for visions that become our reality this year.

I encourage you to pull out a favorite journal and spend some time today making a list of the intangible gifts you already possess. I’ll start us off here….

What I know for sure?

– I am grateful to be healthy.

– I am grateful to be loved.

– I am worthy of self-care, mutual respect and seeing dreams come true (and so are you).

– I have a purpose greater than myself and walking in it gives me great joy.

– I am far from perfect, yet even so, I can render light and hope that blesses others, and for that I’m grateful.

I am leaning into these truths – these tiny miracles –  like never before in 2024, for these are life’s best gifts and graces. 

Consider the truths of your journey and what you know for sure. Honor these blessings. Build upon them. Continue your becoming in 2024.

I am on the journey with you. Let’s go!!

Photo credit: Samia Minnicks

Inspired by this Life Untapped blog post? Please subscribe to receive more of Stacy’s occasional musings – and share the link to this post with others in your circle.

Winning at Life

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.