As a manager, I had to mature within my own confidence to allow others to be free to make mistakes. I tell my team to “fail hard.” Who am I to insist on what success looks like or dictate a singular path for arriving there? I learn so much from sharing my own failures and those of others. We’ll get there… as long as the end goal is mutually understood.
I am reflecting on the occasions when I have been told to “tone it down” or edit the flash. Why? What is wrong with my big color and glamour? I think that the most important feature in anyone is authenticity. So, why should I dim my candle to make others comfortable with me? If God wanted me to be meek and unimposing, I figure He would have rethought the six foot tall height and instinctive desire to make everything around me bold and beautiful. The holidays give me a great opportunity to decorate my world from hearth to heart! Love, love, love the parties and chances to shower the people I love with gifts and gratitude. I am so very fortunate to belong to the amazing family and friends of mine. As for my gift from them… I am cool with the unconditional love that I receive throughout the year just for being me!
STEPPING OUT LIKE A DIVA… A good lipstick is like a good friend. It’s there when you need it, it’s always good for a confidence boost, and when you find a great one, you want to keep expanding your circle. Which is why you’re going to love this roundup of the newest lipsticks that are hitting shelves now. With formulas and colors this sumptuous and luxurious, you’re going to need a bigger makeup bag for the holidays and all year.
Coming clean in Atlantic City
after Jill Scott’s “Golden” truth serum.
We were at the cross roads of our future
and some things had to be said.
Coming clean in Atlantic City looking in your mirror
at a double exposure that could have passed us by
were it not for God’s amazing grace.
At the Tropicana we gambled and won big, didn’t we?
Left without a dime from the house
but regained our winning spirits
that could only be revealed when we
were brave enough to come clean.
Coming clean in Atlantic City
we emptied our fears onto opposing beds.
I think you read me…
like I read you.
That discomfort stretched us beyond
what we already know.
I can’t imagine the world without us.
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
I find such peace in this scripture. Naturally, I want to defend myself against those whom I believe have wronged me. But I am able to look retrospectively and witness that their tactics never produce success. My tenacity and desire to move my life forward and with positivity in my heart makes me free!
PROVERBS 16:7
7 When a person’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Although it changes along with my experiences, this scripture has been my favorite for a couple of years now. Suffice it to say that leadership comes at a price. Sometimes we choose it willingly and sometimes it is thrust upon us whether we want it or not. Following my own path is not so difficult, however, creating a path for others to follow and adopt… #painful! Even if those you lead actually believe in your ability to do so, inevitably there will be folks among them who question your ability or resent it. My prayer is to accept leadership with grace and humility at all times whether at home or at work.
Relax hair, body, mind…
Float in fragranced water and
Enter silks
Slide on opaque legs designed to
Step in leather shoes – –
Tell who you are
Raise curls which cascade down
Burden shoulders
That hold upbringing straps in place – –
Leave hands free to choose
Diamonds smile in mirrors
Which line the eyes and
Contour cheeks with color
Lips say what you mean tonight
NINA’S PEDICURE
I let the nails grow and petrify
over the toes of an old lady.
Nina, whom I love to care for
says it takes podiatry now.
Using water will clean the tool
but cannot sharpen.
That takes metal-hard strength.
Water seams weak to me,
yet it is strong enough to soften and
make a file unneeded.
Her skin has wrinkled so it must be ready.
The water proves itself and
erodes neglect that stiffens nature.
Smoothes aging lines that go deep
like basement rock
Boars through without fizz or drill
And lets me trim and buff and
Polish eight – blood red.
I leave the big toes clean to see my work
And gain some balance.
Tenacious
Te·na·cious [tuh-ney-shuh s]
Adjective:
1. Holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold
2. Highly retentive: a tenacious memory
3. Persistent
4. Holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough
In most cases, I would confirm that I am definitely not a follower. However, I recently found myself in the midst of some serious self-evaluation. I wondered: “Am I really following my dreams or am I chasing them.”
As I look at the difference, to follow means that the dream is real and I own it. But to chase a dream says that on some level I’m not really convinced that it’s obtainable. As I follow dreams/goals that are decades or days old, I feel empowered to know that there is already a connection to that dream. For instance, I shared with a friend recently that I am going to Paris in April. There, the goal has been verbalized and now I follow my path to fulfilling that dream. Although I have been to Paris several times, each time I visit increases the value of the first dream I had many years ago of seeing that lovely city.
While visiting New Orleans last Spring, we toured the city from one of those double-decker buses. There was a rain shower that made the floor and steps somewhat slippery, so the tour guide began to chant: “Take your time, watch your step.” My friend and I joked about how he said those words, but the message began to resonate on a different level. TAKE YOUR TIME, WATCH YOUR STEP.
Following my dreams rather than chasing them allows me to take my time and watch my step. It’s not a matter of being overly cautious either. The less slips and falls, the more dreams I can add to my ever growing list of dreams still to follow.
Egos & Buffaloes 