When it’s time for something new, you will feel it. You will feel a desire to let go, to shed layers, to move, to re-create. You will know because there will be subtle shifts all around you. You will release the old because you are really clearing the path for what’s ahead. Trust the process. Know that life does not take from us anything unless there is something else imminently awaiting its replacement. ~Brianna Wiest
Inspired. Informed. Educated. An iconic life exceptionally captured in one piece by author and educator Tiffani Knowles.
Excerpt cited. Read Tiffani’s full piece here
It was 1965, after splitting from Harold, when she began her career as an editor at Random House where she was instrumental in publishing American writers and luminaries such as Angela Davis, Henry Dumas and Muhammad Ali.
Yet, she knew there was a story that still needed to be told, one she hadn’t read or seen before.
At first, she was private about her own writing and would do so as a pastime very early in the morning before her boys would wake.
“I remember reading the ‘Bluest Eye’ and thought it was wonderful,” said Robert Gottlieb, a Random House colleague and the chief editor of the Alfred Knopf sub-division.
When Random House got wind of the fact that she was publishing, they wanted to keep her work in house and so, with the exception of one book, Gottlieb got to edit all of her books while they were published through Knopf.
Her first book, as Morrison claimed, intentionally eliminated the white gaze without “codes or notes explaining things to white people,” as she decided to put the entire plot on the first page.
“Quiet as it’s kept, there were no marigolds in the fall of 1941. We thought, at the time, that it was because Pecola was having her father’s baby that the marigolds did not grow.”
It was 1970 and “The Bluest Eye” boasted a story inspired by a conversation Morrison had had with an elementary schoolmate in Lorain many years before.
Her friend told her she had been asking God to give her blue eyes and he never did.
“How painful … can you imagine that kind of pain?” Morrison recounted for filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders in the “The Pieces I Am” documentary. “So, I wanted to say, this kind of racism hurts. This is not lynchings and murders and drownings. This is interior pain. It’s so deep to know that an 11 year old would think that if only she had some characteristic of the white world, she would be OK.”
Some days are just a mess. It’s even worse during prolonged Quarter or month-end report preparations or during times of change. It’s at those times that anything we can do to lessen the stress is welcomed. I fell aghast when I bumped into Amy Jackson’s 10 tips to beat workplace woes repeated by writer Ariana Huffington. Read the full piece here. For those who gotta have a quick peek, here I share the abbreviated list.
I found this list interesting to beat the workplace woes and I hope you will too. Any burning tip missing? Do share! We would love to hear.
Cheers!
Years ago I stepped out of my comfort zone. Having not been in the job market for a long time I began my search for a new and meaningful opportunity. With great elation a dream company reached out to me. It was always a goal to work with them. It had great salary, great benefits, and most important – meaningful work. But I would have had to relocate. No problem for me as I didn’t have a chick nor child (as the saying goes…hint kid in college). I could hardly wait to get started.
A senior level position, I had to go through a 5-level-interview process with different senior level teams. Nailed the toughest two. Then the onto the third. Nailed it! Or so I thought. The interviewer thought otherwise. They replied thanking me for my time but they decided to move on. This after being interviewed for almost a month. I was confident that with my qualifications and experience I was sure to get the job. I didn’t. Though an interviewer myself, I was very disappointed. I questioned myself… what did I do wrong? How could I have done better?
Then came the reassurance from a quiet inner voice. Not every opportunity is for you. What seems ideal may not be for you. Keep looking. The right change is in store. Learn to wait. And while you’re waiting, keep strong.
Here I share things to do to bounce back after any kind of rejection, be it job, entrepreneurship or relationship.
Have you had a disappointing experience during a job hunt, or a key contract for your entrepreneurship endeavor? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
I procrastinated. Year after year I’d say …I’ll do it next year. But then in my early 20s, during a heated conversation about salary increase my boss shouted “you don’t even have a degree!” That hit me like a ton of bricks. I promised myself that I’d never ever let anyone say that to me again. I was not only gonna get a first degree but also a second.
Today, I have two Masters and a Doctorate.
That’s how you do it. I’m one for a challenge to not only achieve but also exceed. So even though at the time I had several diplomas, certifications and had never stopped studying, I fell short of that industry’s ultimate standard. I limited myself and did not go after the best.
My parents never thought of …nor encouraged me to get a degree. They never had it themselves. What’s more, while I studied those years, my dad kept saying “that godamn girl won’t stop studying”. He never understood my drive.
Today I encourage you to go after your dreams. Don’t let anything stop you from achieving.
Do not let anything stop you from going after your dreams.
Remember where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Cheers!
When we push through, the hard beauty can be found on the other side. ~Joanna Gaines
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0aqigsF5er/?igshid=nr9wrvkcwu58
I’m too old for a new career
I’m too old for changing what they say
I’m too old for finding sweet love
I’m too old for my dreams to come through
I’m too old
I’m just too old
You’re never too old to live your dreams
You’re never too old to change your life
You’re never too old to go after your heart’s desire
You’re never too old to do anything you want
You’re never too old.
Never. Ever. Too Old.
~Dr. Shelly C
Such a thrill when dreams come through. My Book GreenLight is now available in-store Barnes & Noble, Broward Mall, Plantation, Florida. Pick up your copy in-store today or order online then pickup in-store.
It’s the perfect gift for yourself or someone who will be overjoyed for a boost of daily inspiration.
Cheers!
The 8th Annual South Florida Book Festival shined brightly as authors, writers and poets came together to share pieces of their work with readers and booklovers who came from all across the USA. Event was held at the African American Research Library.
When my life is, I am………………That’s the statement that helps you find your passion. Chris and Janet Attwood developed The Passion Statement which can help you to identify our passion. You are encouraged to start with the phrase:
“when my life is ideal, I am……………
You are expected to write the statement 15 times and fill in the blank by each statement starting off with that phrase. Once done, you select the top 5 that you feel is most important. Then review it closely to see whether you are living your ideal life. That will help you identify your passion.
For a clear picture, Jack Canfield shared his top 5
Why not try this simple test. It’s a sure way to help you find your purpose
Cheers!
I know I am meant to something but what is it? What is it?
That statement from a young man whose heart stopped beating for over 20 minutes. He came back to life when doctors and neighbors gave him CPR after he was electrocuted.
Caused me to Reflect on how you can find your purpose. Many ask the popular question…. what am I here for? What is my purpose. Who knows? Only the almighty does. But you can read more from my past discussion on 13 Ways To Find Your Purpose. Here are a few more thoughts on the subject.
Every time you express a preference for something, you are expressing an intention. A table by the window, front row seats at a conference, first-class tickets, a room with an ocean view, or a loving relationship. ~Jack Canfield
Have you found your purpose? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
Burning the midnight oil…literally, figuratively, or virtually. It’s all the same. Staying up late studying, working, or playing the role of parent to a newborn. That’s the meaning of the phrase burning the midnight oil. It originated from the 1600s practice of literally staying up late to finish work.
Today it’s meaning extends to waiting in line to get the latest release of the iPhone or other noteworthy–or should I say wait-worthy item. You then scream to the world that you are among the forerunners to get the envied product!
Whatever your dream; whatever your goal; burn that midnight oil and achieve it! It’s those who sacrifice much that achieve much. There’s Success in store for sure.
Burn baby–burn!
Cheers!
A photographer's view of the world - words and images to inspire your travels and your dreams
In this blog I'm attempting to answer wordpress daily prompts
Ellen Grace Olinger
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When God Says Go
Mind • Body • Life
Knowing every thing
Family. Youth. Parenting
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