You’ll never be brave if you don’t get hurt. You’ll never learn if you don’t make mistakes. You’ll never be successful if you don’t encounter failure.
Unknown
My daughter’s Little 9-year old team lost the game in the basketball finals. Naturally, he was disappointed. Sulked all the way home. But later he came to me a little brighter, and said he remembered a Quote:
“You will never succeed if you don’t encounter failure”.
Then he walked away. I know his future’s bright because that’s what you do when things go wrong, You get back up and try again.
So today I encourage you to never give up on your dreams, goals and aspirations.
My sister’s Journey. We all know someone who has been affected. For me, it has personally been my grandma, my mom but most of all my little sister. Here I share her journey as a fighter. A leader extraordinaire. She never gave up and I hope her journey inspires someone who needs it.
She’ll have my head if she knows I’m writing this but some stories must be told.
That was how I started this story four years ago but don’t think it was ever published. It was the spring of 2003, after experiencing discomfort and a series of medical tests, the news was relayed to my sister. Not only did they find a lump in her breast but it was also malignant. Visits to Specialists left her with two options; remove the breast, or embark on a series of chemo treatment. The option of removal was an uncommon feat at the time, so after engaging family, friends and mountains of prayers, she made the decision to save the breast and embrace the chemo treatment.
Past The Worst
Over 10 years later and different rounds of chemo treatment combined with the usual side effects of hair loss, nervous system changes such as numbness…
I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. That’s the chant I heard her saying as I approached her. Why would anyone say that? Such negative thought.
She had lost her husband. Her job. Her house. Her children. Her sense of independence. She felt she had nothing to live for. Beautiful. Smart. Educated professional she was, life had handed her difficulties. She thought she could never overcome life’s storms.
What were the right words to say to someone such as this?
There’s Hope
When life throws you lemons, make lemonade.
Only the strong survive.
Hold on, never give up.
The tide will change. Keep going.
Stay positive.
Meditate. Pray.
While there’s life there’s hope.
Will she find solace in any of these? I’m sure. Your thoughts? Do share. We would love to hear.
In their careers my friend and her hubby deal with fatalities everyday. She shared an incident of a woman whose car was severely damaged when it crashed into a Guard rail. The woman reported that she was trying to commit Suicide. She survived.
On the other hand my friend’s hubby who is in law enforcement shared reports about a man who after investigation, authorities discovered it was attempted Suicide. He succumbed to his injuries and died.
A Pastor in his message recently shared statistics of the number of police officers who have committed suicide since 2019, in New York. An unbelievable rate of 24% as at mid-year.
Those Who Smile
I share this to ask prayers for those who SMILE or laugh out loud with us outwardly but deep down inside are hurting or depressed due to finances, job loss, relationships, or for one reason or another. Comedian Robin Williams is an example. Anthony Bourdain, celebrity author and travel documentarian is another. Not to mention the silent ones who go crazy with mass shootings of the innocent. All suicides. Sad indeed.
If you are among the depressed, please seek help. Using wisdom, if you recognize the signs in a Friend, relative, or co-worker, don’t wait. Do something. Get the person the professional help they need. Usually they can’t think clearly. Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK
When All Seems Helpless, Pray
And while you’re doing all of the above Pray. Pray, and pray even more. Prayer changes things. There’s no doubt about that.
Let’s together do what we can in our small corner. But above all, Keep the Faith.
For God has not given us a spirit of Fear but of Power, Love and a sound mind.
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.
Life throws us off at times. It’s filled with surprises that knocks us off our feet. That burst our dreams, and Fry our goals so they seem unreachable.
Who has ever died because they were fired? Being fired customarily means being let go from your job for cause, because you underperformed or did something contrary to policies. Bad as it is …no one. Some may ‘die’ because of their reaction to the devastating news that their job was outsourced, restructured, replaced. But the loss of a job has never ‘killed’ anyone.
Life throws us off at times. It’s filled with surprises that knocks us off our feet…that bursts the Spike of our dreams, and Fry our goals so they seem unreachable. But it is what we do with the hand that’s given to you that counts.
Peter Souza, former official White House photographer, when asked about his success said “you have gotta start somewhere and there is no one path to be successful” (in his case photography). But I extend it to say, it is the same thing for any endeavor we strive for in life. You have to start somewhere.
So when you feel Cranky, keep Climbing. Give it your best shot. Believe and you will achieve.
Peter Souza, former official White House photographer, when asked about his success said “you have gotta start somewhere and there is no one path to be successful” (in his case photography). But I extend it to say, it is the same thing for any endeavor we strive for in life. You have to start somewhere.
So when you feel Cranky, keep Climbing. Give it your best shot. Believe and you will achieve.
Peace. Quiet. Calm. Leaves swaying in the wind. Overcast. Tiny rain drops. Light ripples dance in the lake. Couple sits quietly on bench enjoying quiet laughter. Tiny green lizard beckons. I’m scared as always.
30 Minutes Later
Lizard closer. Still windy. Cloudy. Overcast. No rain. Ripples still dance in the lake. Couple’s gone. Still quiet. Peaceful. Serene.
Detour
Why can’t our lives be like that? Without worries, fears, disagreements, cruel marketplace competition, and differences. Because…it comes with the territory. We must learn…grow and that only happens oft in times of turmoil.
If you are facing a roadbock, be like nature and Detour. Work to use obstacles, fears and life’s challenges to create opportunities to advance, learn, love deeply, and grow. Cross that Bridge. Detour today.
We are stepping into a New Year! As always it is a time to reflect on the past where we have come, and the journey ahead. This year I didn’t get to do a lot of things I wanted to, but I experienced something new. I ventured into new territory and published my research on leaders and how they attained success! My book titled Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders in the United States is now available on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and other sites. Can you believe it?
I am most excited because I started something that I believed in, persisted, and have completed it! I learnt a lot during the process.
This is my desire for you. To go after your dreams. No matter what it is—just simply Dream! Big or small! When you accomplish it, the feeling is exhilarating! As we approach the New Year, spend some time defining what Success means to you. What will it look like? How will you know when you have achieved it? Just Dream. But like I have always said, after you dream then you have to work that dream. Put the plans in place then step out and do what you must to make it real.
I’m not saying it’s going to be easy….no way am I saying that. But the most important thing is to persist. Never give up. When the going gets rough, have something or someone, (maybe a mentor), that will encourage you to keep going. You know I’m always here for you and anyone else that needs encouragement to achieve. I learnt this in my many years managing people. That’s what I do best. It brings me great joy watching people achieve their best potential…moreso you.
So darling, Dream big! Then step forward in faith! You will achieve Success if you never give up!
Success Strategies 