My Leadership Team

I’m a lifelong learner who prefers reading as my primary source of information. I suspect the solitude of reading recharges me in a way I don’t receive from other media.

So I am grateful to be here in the time of leadership gurus like my some of my favs, John Maxwell, Warren Bennis, Daniel Goleman and T.D. Jakes.

I am grateful that I can pull up over 40 English versions (plus audio!) of the Bible on my phone (thanks Pastor Craig for YouVersion)!

I’m grateful the Tao Te Ching has been interpreted by the late Wayne Dyer, that Marianne Williamson has shared her lessons from A Course in Miracles and that Iyanla VanZant has made lessons of her own life.

And when I’m not reading, I’m so grateful that a black woman created her OWN media empire which exposes me to thought leaders from a variety of perspectives.

I’m sopping up every drop of wisdom they have to offer, then offering what I’ve learned to anyone who wants it and thanking God for my “team” and my circle of influence!

Inhale Gratitude, Exhale Taking for Granted…
Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Withholding Knowledge…
Inhale Influence, Exhale Ignoring Needs…
Just Breathe

#Leadership
#JustBreathe

Wisdom

Many people reach a point in their lives when what others think just doesn’t matter. Some reach that point earlier; we call those people free thinkers. Those who achieve that freedom of thought later in life are deemed wise.

I’m working on my freedom.

“What other people think of you is not your business.” ~ Deepak Chopra

Inhale Freedom, Exhale Others’ Opinions…
Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Constraints…
Inhale Purpose, Exhale Fear…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Wisdom

Phase Two

One of my faithful blog readers recently wondered why a particular post had not been widely shared on social media. I thanked HIM for sharing and reminded myself that in this phase of my life, I’m called to share what I’ve learned, regardless of what happens with the information.

“We have taken the wisdom factor right out of modern civilization. We use retirement as the way to get [people] out [of the work force] as soon as possible … just when they know something, just when their experience and their own sense of moral choices has now been developed to a high point ’cause that’s what aging is. It’s the wisdom factor.” ~ Joan D. Chittister

Inhale Aging, Exhale Youth Obsessed…
Inhale Development, Exhale Stagnation…
Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Ignorance…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Wisdom

A Platform of One’s Own

I heard a negative comment about Jada Pinket Smith’s new Facebook show which features three generations of black women having very transparent, vulnerable conversations.

I didn’t really understand why Smith using her very large platform to share what she’s learned on a variety of topics would be perceived negatively. And I wondered if the commenter was using HER stage similarly.

“Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” Proverbs 11: 14 MSG

Inhale Experience, Exhale Immaturity…
Inhale Knowledge, Exhale Ignorance…
Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Rejection…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe

Incomplete Reality

One of the most poignant moments of a recent “Iyanla, Fix My Life” episode was the discovery by siblings that their mother had not abandoned one for the other, but had abandoned them both.

They had both created narratives around their mother’s absence based on incorrect information and these competing, incomplete stories had prevented them from moving forward in healing their relationship.

Fortunately, they had the wisdom and courage to let go of their “realities” and accept the truth.

“Sometimes a change of perspective may be all that it will take to transform a painful experience into an empowering growth experience.” ~ Iyanla Vanzant

Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Status Quo…
Inhale Courage, Exhale Ignorance…
Inhale Reality, Exhale Delusion…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Reality

Filtered Reality

The extent to which some Americans accept as fact the manufactured lies spouted by those holding political power in our country is an alarming example of how our perceptions of reality are impacted by our own blind spots, biases, and bigotry.

“Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding.” Proverbs 2:2 MSG

Inhale Reality, Exhale Prejudice…
Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Bias…
Inhale Discernment, Exhale Bigotry…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Reality

Signs

I get why it’s so hard for us to admit we were wrong about something or someone. Trusting, believing and being proven wrong can cause us question our judgment, our discernment.

At least that’s what I experienced after a failed relationship. But I finally realized I didn’t miss the signs, I misunderstood what I saw.

“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” ~ Proverbs 3: 21-22 NIV

Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Oblivion…
Inhale Discernment, Exhale Disregard…
Inhale Understanding, Exhale Unconsciousness…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Clarity

Wiser

What we ingest, consume, or absorb either helps us stretch and grow or keeps us stuck and stunted…guides us to wisdom or leads us to death.

What are you taking in?

“Eat honey, dear child—it’s good for you—and delicacies that melt in your mouth. Likewise knowledge, and wisdom for your soul—get that and your future’s secured, your hope is on solid rock.” Proverbs 24: 13-14 MSG

Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Stagnation…
Inhale Growth, Exhale Stalled…
Inhale Maturity, Exhale Stunted…
Just Breathe…

#JustBreathe
#Wisdom

Older

I was accused of being set in my ways because I chose not to do something I didn’t want to do.

While it may be true that some people get “set” or stagnant as we age, I believe many of us get wise…we know more about who we are, we better understand what works for us, and we avoid what gives us gas.

We learn how and when to say no.

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,” Proverbs 3:13 NIV

Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Wavering…
Inhale Understanding, Exhale Uncertainty…
Inhale Confidence, Exhale Confusion…
Just Breathe…

#JustBreathe
#Wisdom

Finally Faith

When I was a teenager, I used to wonder why all the really old people were so…religious. Always praying, always thanking God, always referencing the Bible. Then I got older and I realized they had probably tried going it on their own, doing it their way, relying on their power…only to fall again … to fail again …and again…

Finally, we take that first step in God’s guidance and find our lives flowing in Divine order.
Finally, we stop resisting and rest in God’s purpose
Finally…God.

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 The Message

Inhale Faith, Exhale Insecurity
Inhale Acceptance, Exhale Arrogance…
Inhale Wisdom, Exhale Ego…
Just Breathe…

#JustBreathe
#Faith