Live Dream Lead Inspire LLC

I've been reflecting on resiliency, accountability, and reparative justice lately. A recent challenging professional experience left me feeling super traumatized and just stunned. It made me question everything I knew about myself, yet I remain resilient and committed to positive change. The ordeal, caused by leaders and an organization that I trusted, has been a learning experience that highlights the complexity of individuals and organizations. And how those who fight against injustice can also commit injustice. Despite adversity, I pride myself on integrity, self-reflection, and a passion for positive impact. This experience, though painful, is an opportunity for growth. It's disheartening to witness organizations championing social justice while fostering toxic work environments internally. True success lies in supportive and equitable cultures. Let's not just hope for but work together for greater accountability in such situations! #Resilience #Accountability #PositiveChange

This post ended up being longer than I intended and I’m ok with it! Absolutely love this resource! When was the last time you checked with your stakeholders to see what your commonly used #keywords mean to them? When was the last time you did this for yourself? We can take for granted that the meaning we’ve ascribed to certain words is the same for everyone. So often it’s not though, especially when it comes to value based language. I am always interested in how people and organizations define certain words. Especially words like #success, #failure, #resiliency, #equity, #inclusion, #advocacy, #flextime, #competitivesalary, I could go on and on. Too often these terms are chosen because they are popular and not well defined. We take for granted that we all hold the same definition for the term. This is why I’m always a fan of using simple language and defining loaded words like these if we’re going to use them. Every now and then, coming back to and reflecting on the language we use is also a wonderful self-reflection exercise. Our thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become our reality. Words are POWERFUL. So be sure that you’re speaking into existence exactly what you intend to be. Take some time and think on what you want, pull out keywords and take time to define them. For example, you want balance or good health or success…how I define balance, good health, success is likely very different from how you’d define it. So, what do you mean by “balance”? Journal about it, envision it, how does it feel, what does it look like, where do you feel it in your body? Really get in there.

What does it mean to be #resilient? #Resiliency is one’s ability to overcome challenges & adversity, to adapt to change. Research has shown that certain traits lend themselves to a person’s resiliency in a given situation. Which of the #resiliencytraits do you feel most confident in? Comment with traits not listed here!

There’s a reason the room is brighter with you in it.

#Transition is defined as “the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another” and #transformation as “a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance” (dictionary.com) We all experience transitions throughout our lives, many times over. Each offers an opportunity for transformation. Of course, it may not feel like this at the time. Transitions can be terrifying. Especially if they are unplanned or unexpected. There is always some risk during transition. In nature, this is when animals, plants, and creatures of all forms are at their most vulnerable. This is true for us humans as well. I don't know about you, but I was never taught how to manage transitions in my life. I learned through trial and error how to best navigate them. In my lifetime, I have had MANY opportunities to learn how to take a time of transition and turn it into a powerful and positive opportunity for transformation. I transitioned from victim to thriving survivor, from poverty to financial stability, from struggle and lack to a life of abundance! And if I can do this, you can too! Are you considering a transition from work to business ownership, a career transition, family, life, or other transition? Have you found yourself in an unexpected or even unwanted time of transition? What kind of transitions are you navigating now or have you navigated in the past? Share below!

Sorry I’ve been quiet for a moment as I navigated a tough situation. It can feel like there’s no point in fighting anymore. When you’ve spent the majority of your life scratching and clawing for every inch of progress. Fighting against classist, ableist, racist, and sexist bigots and systems that are designed to bar you completely, or at best, impede your success at every step. It’s exhausting, and at times can feel so very lonely. It can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle…so why bother? When I’m feeling this way, I try to remember my purpose, my vision for a better world where every person has access to what they need to thrive! I believe such a world is possible. I believe that folks who are marginalized, are also sorely underestimated, and I believe this is our superpower! All the folks I know who are #disabled, #BIPOC, #LGBTQIA2S+, and/or who hold other #marginalized identities are often also the most compassionate, innovative, and hardworking folks I know. We’re like real life super heroes! Our resilience builds competence and grit! This is why I’ve dedicated my life to supporting folks like us, to changing the narrative about what people like us are capable of, and to developing and uplifting opportunities that aid our success! Live Dream Lead Inspire literally represents the path forward and I’m excited to share that in the coming months, I’ll be sharing some opportunities I think members of these communities will be super interested in…stay tuned.

This Thursday at noon, join me for our monthly #LGBTQIA Pride & Prosperity Networking Event!