finding Us
I’ve always loved learning. Early in life, I found joy in doing well on assignments and tests in grade school. In my 20’s and 30’s, my love for learning manifested itself through the completion of multiple college degrees. Now that I’ve reached what’s considered “middle age”, I’ve developed an insatiable appetite for reading and learning from written texts. I read books about leadership, spiritual growth, change management and empowerment; just to name a few. I’ve also started to love autobiographical texts written by public figures who inspire me.
One book that had a profound effect on me was Finding Me by Viola Davis. I had long been a fan of hers but became completely smitten with her after seeing Woman King. The work she did in that movie was nothing less than amazing. She showed so much raw skill and talent; which made me very interested in Viola Davis the woman, not just the actress. I then saw her interview with Oprah and ordered the book immediately. Whew, I’m glad I did! What a testimony that woman has! I finished the last page almost in tears; more clear on how my own story brought me to this point in my life as well and inspired by why God is using my story to impact others.
I wrestled with writing a blog about what I learned from the book and then tonight I saw Viola Davis won a Grammy for it; making her an EGOT! I took that as a sign to share. My hope is that you are not only intrigued by her story but also inspired to reflect on, and embrace, your own.
The Purpose of Life is to Live
In life we are dealt certain hands, hands that we have no control over. Whether its poverty or wealth, love or hate, lack or power, fear or security. its specifically for us for specific reasons. What’s important is that God gives us the tools we need to survive, overcome and thrive. When we do, its our responsibility to reach back and help others. It’s also our responsibility to heal from whatever we’ve experienced without carrying the ugliness with us for the rest of our lives.
Know Who We Are
We must know who we are, our motivations, our triggers and our fears. Only then can we be, do and become what God has ordained. We must be clear on what drives us as well as what holds us back and willing to say no when things are not aligned with the latter.
Be Comfortable In Our Own Skin
Be proud of what we were born with and ok with being unique. It’s how God intended for us to be. It’s how we make our marks in this world.
Trust the Intersection of Time & Chance
We must work and prepare but wait for God to manifest what He’s purposed all along. We just have to be ready; even if takes decades.
Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Everyone deals with some type of Imposter Syndrome, even at the highest levels of success. It is a manifestation of what we are capable of but can’t yet see. We have to see what everyone else sees and most importantly what God sees in us to reach our destiny.
Pray for Exactly What We Want
We must pray for exactly what we want. Be specific, know that God is listening and that He will answer. He hears us, even before we speak. We must intentionally invite Him into our everyday lives because He has always been there, we just have to include Him.
Success is a Journey, Not a Destination
Even when we reach what society deems as “success”, we oftentimes still fight for relevancy and/or acceptance. We must remember there is no magic in “making it” because we are constantly still working to outdo our last greatest accomplishment or trying to prove we earned the last achievement. Therefore, it’s better to enjoy the journey and the wins we experience along the way.
There are No Do-vers
Though we grow and change, the damage we caused before that growth happens still exists. We will never be perfect but we better try our best to make good choices because once they’re made, we can’t take them back.