Think about positive attributes, relationships, life experiences, and beliefs that have fostered contentment in your life (i.e. satisfaction, fulfillment, gratification) and create a metaphor of your life. This exercise was courtesy of Paula Hammond. Consider:
SYMBOLIZING YOUR LIFE AS A TREE
Roots
Write down where you come from. This can be your hometown, state, country, etc. You can also write down the culture you grew up in, traditions, a club or organization that shaped your youth, or a parent/guardian (i.e. neighborhood experiences, church involvement, baking with grandmother, summer vacations)
Ground
Write down the things you choose to do on a weekly basis. These should not be things you are forced to do, but rather things you have chosen to do for yourself (i.e. quiet time, exercise, reading, pampering, date night)
Trunk
Write your skills and values. Consider writing your values starting at the base of the trunk going up (i.e. dignity, respect, faith in God, wellness, family). Transition into skills and talents. Consider your spiritual gifts as well (i.e. administrator, teacher, hospitality, mercy, compassion, exhorter, evangelism, discerner). Indicate a natural progression from roots to values to skills.
Branches
Write down your hopes, dreams, and wishes. These can be personal, communal, or general to all of mankind. Think both long and short-term. Spread them around the various branches.
Leaves
Write down the names of those who are significant to you in a positive way. Your friends, family, pets, heroes, etc.
Fruit
Legacies that have been passed down to you. You can begin by looking at the names you just wrote on leaves and thinking about the impact they’ve given you over the years. This can be material, such as inheritance but most often this will be attributes such as courage, generosity, kindness, belief in God, etc.
Flowers and Seeds
Write down the legacies you wish to leave to others. What impact do you want to make?
So there you have it. Hate drawing myself since I am terrible at it. But as you can see, I did one and found it a solid exercise to reflect on moving ahead. Hope you will try it. No doubt I am sure you will value it.
Whew, another year! It’s like it flew by in a flash! I’m a firm believer in looking back to get ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance for the year. Often it’s even mandated. I have always maintained that we apply the same principles to our own personal life. Some don’t like to look back because they believe, they must focus on the future. If you’re driving and need to change lanes it’s important to look back then make the change. Only then will we able to know when it’s safe to do so…. or face the consequences.
For me I believe it’s important to look back to give thanks. To look back to see what worked and what didn’t. If we don’t look back we won’t know where we excelled or where we need to improve. So, here I share a few of my major points in 2018.
South Florida Writers Of Color Recognition
I love to write and was thrilled to be recognized by the South Florida Writers of Color for my writings. If I can help someone through my writings, then my purpose is served.
Two New Books Released
101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs
Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up. Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. Why Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs? Because Motivation is the key to Success. With over 25 Million Americans starting or running new businesses, entrepreneurship has become incredibly attractive, yet extremely difficult to sustain. Even with the traits of fearlessness, risk-taking, passion, resilience, and creativity, difficulties arise, and Entrepreneurs need to keep going. That’s where a boost of inspiration comes in. So, get this little book of Motivation. Offer it as a Corporate or personal Gift and sow seeds of encouragement today.
GreenLight
GreenLight is a book of inspiration which we get step by step as we walk along the way. We cannot get green lights before we are on the road. At the lights, we are told what to do. When we get to life’s intersections whether it’s decision-making, career, business, or relationships, we find out what to do. In this book of Prayers, you will find: •Inspirational Short Stories and Exhortations to Uplift You •Prayers for Difficult Journeys •Devotions to Boost Your Prayer Life. So get your copy today
Pride in Other’s Publishing Achievement
I am pleased to have collaborated with others on their own publishing journey. Be intentional and Get a copy of these books for your own personal needs on Amazon.
Coming Soon
The Reggae Music Journey
The Reggae Music Journey which tells of the Iconic Patricia Chin’s contribution to the Globalization of Reggae Music.
I Speak. You Read.
Poetic words by Charmaine Allwood-Hanson
Community And Industry Work
Serving in Industry and the community is always a pleasure. Tons of hard work, but the results are satisfying.
Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, Florida (HHRABC)
30 Under 30 Millennials, Washington DC
It’s always a pleasure to serve as chief judge for the annual Ignite Caribbean’s 30 Under 30 Millenials making waves globally.
Book Signings and Interviews
Book signings and interviews remained a big part of my theme in 2018. Giving thanks for partnerships throughout South Florida’s libraries, Museums, and events. Deeper exploration continues in the New Year.
Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Senator the Hon Ruel ReidThe Iconic & Hilarious Oliver SamuelsThe Best of the Best! Artist, Singer and Song-Writer Beres Hammond
Interviews
Helping others develop and achieve their best potential through career and new entrepreneurship is a passion. Listen to this interview on How To Evaluate Your Career… done with Kerry-Ann of Carryon Friends.
Dreams Come Through
Trip To Paris
As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was the surprise trip from my oldest of a Weekend in Paris. All the way to Paris for a weekend? I questioned. But it sure was a memorable event that has left me with the notion that our dreams can come sometimes in ways we think not.
The Journey Begins
The greatest joy a parent can have is seeing their child accomplish their own dreams. Congrats to my youngest on achieving her BSc Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice. Mom’s real proud.
Cheers to you!
Finally, looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2019, and beyond!
How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2018? Do share. We would love to hear!
Never give up; for even rivers someday wash dams away. ~Arthur Golden
Someday I will do this. Someday I will do that.
How many of us often sit or live at the ‘wishing well’ that someday I’ll do this, or that. Someday I’ll get that perfect body. I’ll have that perfect house, job, spouse, marriage with the perfect kids; go on that dream vacation, and much more! Oh if wishes were horses so many would ride.
Someday is Today
Why not let someday be today? I reflect on the movie Hidden Figures where each of the three women at NASA — Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into space.
The inaugural team at NASA decided to step out and do something that was never done before. From the astronaut, NASA’s president, the judge, and naturally the women. They all stepped out and did something different. And guess what? It worked! Their efforts changed the world (well outer space– orbit)!
Start Here. Start Now
Why not let your someday be today? Start here, start now. Step out. Go do that thing that you’ve always dreamed of. Become an entrepreneur! Write that book! Enrol in that course! Start that blog! Take that vacation! Leave that stressful job! You are capable. You never know what’s out there unless you try.
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.” – Anthony Bourdain
I’ll never forget the sight. Standing in line more than a decade ago with hundreds of graduates awaiting the march into the ceremony, I saw my mom and dad walking in together a little late. She, with a basket of fruits too heavy for her to bear, but far too precious not to. Him, adorned in a bright red jacket as if to say “nobody is going to make me miss this special occasion when my daughter receives her Masters degree”! I thought to myself…should I acknowledge them or should I shy away from this somewhat humorous sight? I dismissed the very thought and rushed to their side hugging them both. My action was met with admiration, claps, and with sounds of “aww”, as the waiting graduates stirred. Needless to say that this achievement was for both my parents as neither had college degrees. After the ceremony, my mom hugged and congratulated me with the question “when are you going to get the Doctorate?” The nerve! How could she? But her question stayed with me for years, even after the receipt of yet another Masters degree.
Years later, I finally acceded to fulfilling her dream. She couldn’t do it so I decided to do it for her. A year into the program while enroute to a mandated summer conference in Orlando, I received a call that she (with whom I spoke an hour earlier), had suffered a massive stroke!
That was the start of a yearlong journey to be by her side through thick and thin. Ironically both our journeys were paths of learning. Hers being to learn to talk, to walk, to eat, to do life’s simple things, and to learn the basics of living all over again. Me, to face the reality of the situation that my mother was in, and to learn the skills to adequately provide her care. Along with my two sisters (one who was ailing with the ravages of cancer at the time), we brought her to live closer so we could adequately care for her return to ‘normalcy’.
As I reflect on my journey, on one occasion I remember receiving an important call from a professor while attending to her needs. I answered the call, got the coaching from the professor then returned to finish her care. This became a routine.
I remember being by her side at the hospital for hours, days, weeks. She was my morning motivation. I couldn’t start the day without her knowing that I cared. It was the same at nights. I couldn’t end the day without visiting her; without her knowing that I was there for her. At work, the leaders knew that if they wanted my best then I needed an hour to be with my mom which was the fuel for the rest of the day. I happily worked that back during lunch or after hours. This went on for a year but sadly she never recovered. We later discovered that her body was wreaked with cancer unknown to our family. It was too much for her to bear.
After she passed this was my driving force. I had to finish my studies for her. I had to accomplish her dream, something she couldn’t do herself. I had to finish to show my two girls that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. I had to finish and leave something tangible behind. This culminated in a research to track the paths of immigrant leaders and their journey to success to achieve the American Dream. I accomplished that feat two years after she passed away. The research is now published and available here. I now spend my time coaching individuals and entrepreneurs to never give up; to keep going, because with that passion they will accomplish their dreams.
Goals. The Path. When You Can’t See Clearly, Slow Down or even Stop. ~ Dr. Shelly Cameron
The news reported sisters returning from a trip to Disneyland. The driver a mom in her early 20s, could hardly see due to immense fog and rain. She accelerated to get past the fog. Sadly, she drove head-on into another car that caused two fatalities. One family member said they couldn’t see clearly and that’s what caused the accident.
Innovation and Industry Disappearance
A friend shared with me a compilation of research that discussed the demise of Kodak whose name years ago was synonymous with photos. Gone. Disappeared. Artificial intelligence has taken over business. If we consider the likes of Uber, where a driver shows up at the click of a button to take you wherever you want to go. Airbnb vacation rentals has created disruption in the hotel industry. Social media giant Facebook, and other devices recognizes the face of our friends, family, colleagues without even a click or a whisper.
And there are more.
Things Change
Things change. We create goals and invest the time for them to become real. But if we are not careful about monitoring our rapidly changing environment, we suddenly discover that what we are working towards, no longer exist. A politician spent time networking and missed the application deadline to run for office. Though she had the mass of supporters who were willing to get behind her, she was disqualified because her application was late. Tis sad.
Don’t Be Alarmed
But don’t be alarmed. If you are in the midst of forging ahead with a business entrepreneurship endeavor, pursuing college education, extending your family, or planning a vacation, be keen. When you can’t see your way clearly, you may need to slow down or even stop, if necessary. It’s only wise. Accelerating and going full speed ahead can be dangerous. At times you may need to pause and reflect. Are you still on track? Is it even still applicable? If you are not paying attention, and things change, it’s necessary to recoup and see if you need to change direction, make a U-turn or try something new.
Today I encourage you to open wide your eyes. Try to see clearly the path you need to take? Are you still on track? Need help? Let’s connect.
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~Albert Einstein
Birthdays, anniversaries are milestones that mark times to reflect and look to the future. They provide opportunities to change, rekindle, reconnect, cut loose ties, and more.
Reflections
If today is a special day for you, Celebrate and enjoy:
Movies inspire. Some make you laugh, angry, sad, sentimental or even throw a Tantrum because we are disappointed as in the ending of the movie Avengers Infinity War. Here are 9 Movies That Inspire
But the movie that touched my heart and changed my life was John Q which dealt with the state of healthcare, its contribution to life and its salivating existence to those in need. I worked in pharmaceutical for many years then went to make a difference managing several of medical centers across South Florida.
That’s my story. I’m serious about helping others. I’m not all talk. Let’s connect if you need help.
What about you? Are there any movies that have inspired you to take a turn to do something different in your life? Do share. We wanna hear.
We shared the 17 Self-Care Activities… Then one reader asked how does one find the time to engage in self-care activities? Naturally, most of us struggle with that too. So here’s what I do.
Make it Important
First of all I make it important. Then based on my schedule , I decide which I can do. Some can be done on a daily basis like stealing away to the restroom or my car to Just Breathe even for a minute or two while on the job. That helps to manage the daily stress. Find that Rivulet. Simply walk away.
Schedule It
Another Notable option …if it’s something that I like to do such as going to the beach, I schedule it once a week, or it might just be bi-weekly. Some activities may even be once a month. Whatever works.
Team Up With Others
I may also team up with people who are stronger than me. For example I need to exercise. So I ask for an accountability partner. I don’t pressure myself. I start with a little at a time such as walking up the stairs to the parking garage. For other things like travel, I team up with people like my daughter who likes to travel (for pleasure). I have done vast amount of business travel and it’s not the same. We may even travel somewhere for a night or two with friends or family (as in a weekend getaway), and that helps to take care of that activity.
Do Not Beat Yourself Up
For me personally, my passion is writing but finding the time is hard. For starters I do not throw a Tantrum or pressure myself. Sad as it is, I face my reality and reduce my time to whatever I have available and get it done.
So there you have it. Hope it helps. Do any of the above resonate? Can you add any? Do share! We want to hear!
