Walking By Faith...

If There Is Nothing New Under the Sun, How Can We Be Innovative?

2011-07-24T09:32:00.002-04:00

It is really interesting that I think of so many things as I’m getting everybody ready in the morning, including myself. Although there seems to be no time to ponder or day dream, thoughts still seem to penetrate the fullness of activity going on. These thoughts maybe about someone that I’ve missed seeing at work because they’ve been on vacation or it could be clarity or another perspective on something. It amazes me every time these thoughts are able to get through the chaos of the morning rush!

It happened again on Monday morning. I was flossing or something in the mirror, thinking about being innovative. “How can my work be unique?

Ecclesiastes 1:9 says:
9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

The answer that came to me was “you”. You are what makes your work unique. If we are all unique, then this makes sense! No one is exactly like you! So this means that the true innovation factor is “YOU”. ME!

This takes a bit of the edge off because now you can abandon The Joneses Plan of action. Focus on you! The Joneses are the Joneses and you are you. Your power and innovation lies in

(1) Authenticity

(2) Belief in your talents and abilities

(3) Fully Flavoring Your Life and Work with Your Essence – I like This! The world should be able to feel you! THIS IS CALLED YOUR BRAND!

(4) Your ability to communicate your BRAND to the world in words, visuals, emotions and telepathically, if possible. LOL!!

I’m laughing at the telepathic statement, but I’m serious. I had an experience once in a dream, where at the end of the dream, there was a woman that told me that I could get a better understanding by reading her book. She told me her name. When I awakened, I immediately googled her, finding her website. And I emailed her. Amazing, she was a real person and author! I told her of the experience and joked about the telepathic marketing tool. I do not read fiction, but because of the dream, I ordered the first of her books, “The Eight”. I had never heard of her before that dream.

(5) Continued connection to Creator for guidance and support. Be prayerful in all situations, acknowledging all that are on your team and helping you in achieving your highest good. Yes, this includes angels, guides and ancestors, if you believe.

You will learn from you industry leaders, mentors and peers, but do not overlook your innovative qualities, that are unique to you. These qualities are your talents, interests, experiences, worldview and passions. Together, these qualities have created “The One and Only”.

Here is some advice based upon my own experiences and practices.

• You are a walking bill board, representing YOU! Throughout my career there are a few things my leaders have told me:

o You are well liked and respected.

o A good name goes a long way.

o You have a bright future ahead of you.

• Keep track of the advice and acknowledgements of peers, mentors and leaders. They are telling you what they see, looking from the outside in.

• Draw off of those things that you are passionate about.

• Never be afraid to stand out in the crowd.

• Be able to stand alone. It is your vision. You will gain more comrades, as your vision becomes clearer. PEOPLE LOVE TO BE A PART OF A WINNING TEAM. MOST WANT TO SEE A WINNING TRACK RECORD FIRST. LOL!!!

• Always look for ways that you can improve.

• Keep getting up.

• Every day is a new day.

• Don’t beat yourself up over failures.

• Be patient, it may not be time.

• Do everything you can towards your goal and let God bridge the gap.

• When options and situations muddy your view, WAIT UNTIL THE COAST IS CLEAR BEFORE MAKING A DECISION. Everything shows its true colors over time.

Matthew 5:16
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Do We Ever Heal? How?

2011-07-18T23:39:00.003-04:00

I know that you’ve heard the commonly used statement, “The truth shall set you free”. Many of us use the term very lightly without realizing its truth and power. I had a conversation with someone that I’ve grown to know fairly well over the past five years, about incest and its prevalence in families. She asked, “Do we ever heal? I said, yes. She asked, “How”? I responded with, “The truth heals”.

My brother and I had this conversation just the other day about truth and its relationship to healing. We were discussing a book that I’d just finished reading, Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss, M.D., a psychiatrist that literally stumbles upon the fact that there is life after death. A young woman with a history of depression and anxiety had begun therapy with him upon the recommendation of a hospital staff member. The doctor was utilizing traditional therapy that was not helping and he did not prescribe medication as he normally would have. Instead he began hypnotherapy, in which he guided the client into a deeply relaxed state. Here in this relaxed state she was able to go back into previous life times. She came into contact with ascended spirits of great wisdom. In this type of therapy she was able to identify the source of her anxieties.

She was able to heal by facing the traumas she had experienced in other lives, which actually translated into her current life. Spirit is infinite, living on, past the physical lives that we live. With knowledge of truth and understanding, her anxieties began to melt away, without the use of drugs.

Another example that my brother shared with me was the story of a man who had lived his life feeling hated and rejected by his father. Whenever he would share his work with his father (he was a writer), his father would never respond in any way. He sought his father’s approval, but never received it.

Well, after his father died he found out that his father was not rejecting him. He father was illiterate, he could not read. Wow, he was not rejecting him. He had lived a life of shame for not knowing how to read. He did not find the strength to share this with his son. The son felt sorry that his father lived a life in which he could not read, and had feelings guilt and shame because of it. Yet, the truth fostered his healing.

Truth heals! It healed me after 17 years of grieving my father. After years of crying and grieving, you would not believe what the truth did for me. It healed my broken heart. I was able to put the pieces of the puzzle together. I knew more about my father, whether good or bad. It did not matter to me. I wanted to know the man who was my dad. Knowledge of the truth set me free. I was proud and had clarity of mind. After many tears in crying through the process of searching and revealing the truth to myself and about a hundred classmates at Florida State University, I was renewed. I felt great! I didn’t cry anymore. Well I did, but my reason for crying afterwards was that of love, instead of grief.

BELIEVE IN THE HEALING POWER OF TRUTH! THOUGH IT MAY BE HARD TO FACE, TRY IT!

Expect to cry. Crying cleanses the heart so that your spirit can see, feel and experience the love of self and others.

Living By Divine Design

2011-07-18T02:09:00.001-04:00

Have you ever tried to see yourself and your life through the eyes of others? I have, a thousand times! I get lost in all of the details of thought. The Biography Channel has become a treat for me! I watch it for inspiration. I love seeing the documentaries of famous people because like all of us, they have had their setbacks too. What I love about biographies is the fact that you get a chance to see the beginning and sometimes the ending of a person’s life. You see what made them who they were, what influenced and inspired them. And you see the results of their strivings. You see the results of a life lived.

In Designing Self, I talked about how who we think we are, may be the results of re-design by a team of people known and unknown, who decided that you should be different; that the real you was not good enough. They were people that had some influence over us. Why else would we believe them, versus our divine blueprint, our Divine Design? Maybe they are a part of our lessons, the elements that make us stronger, helping us to reveal our true, divine selves, by overcoming the obstacles they present.

I watched and listened closely to the documentaries on the Bio Channel, mapping the person’s life, transitions in their lives, their influences, their weaknesses, strengths, their passions and desires, their talents. If we could see our lives in this way, from a bird’s eye view, a plan view, from the outside, looking in, we would be better co-Creators and fulfillers of our plans. I see that the designer in me is still alive! This means that I think in design, visuals. I need to see some results! A plan, man! Or wo-man!

Family, Culture and Community are a part of our biographical story. They are elements of our design. Naturally speaking, design, creativity in writing and in the arts is a part of my design. A love of nature is also a part of my design. Innate interests and talents are indications. Your passion and commitment will reveal your Divine Design.

So, how does one Live By Divine Design? Here are lessons that I’ve learned on my journey in discovering me and Living By Divine Design:

1. Prayer - Humble and revealing prayer is effectual. It reveals the heart and the truth of the matter. God wants to know that you are honest, mostly with yourself.

2. Know Thy Self - Uncover the truth about you, your true feelings, likes, dislikes, talents, fears, passions, etc. Deal with the unpleasant. You know the things that you’ve kept hidden, even from self. Take inventory of the things that you love and look forward to doing. These may be hobbies or parts of job that you love most.

3. Do the things that you love, in search of your passion, the thing that you naturally do, that are second nature. These things are natural extensions of you.

4. Be open for what comes out of your search for you. You might be surprised!

5. Live according to your own truths - Living according to the truth of others, gets you nowhere.

6. Forget the Joneses - Your work and all that you do should be done with the Creator in mind, as your boss, your mentor and your judge.

7. Do what you were born to do! It is usually something that you’ve always done; something that is a part of your makeup.

8. Live By Faith!! Not by sight. Forget about the economy! Stop living according to the fear factor.

9. Career and personal life are one in the same when you’re Living By Divine Design!

10. Stop planning for retirement! How do you retire from the work that God sent you here to do? Continue to manage your money and career, but why quit what you were born to do, prematurely?

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO RETIRE, THIS IS A SIGN THAT YOU ARE NOT LIVING BY DIVINE DESIGN. (My Opinion)

Designing Self

2011-07-03T22:48:00.001-04:00

Recently, I've been feeling exceptionally empowered! I feel more so, than any other time in my life that I have an idea of who I am on multiple levels. I'm not just a woman. I am a powerful woman, who knows what it means to be in control of my body, mind, spirit and yes, my career. I know that I can say no to my husband and to my children and to whoever else needs to be put in place. I know my value and therefore I can negotiate for what I want. I don't have to settle. My value has been established and whenever and wherever it is not recognized, I can decide to move on from that person or that place. I HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE AND I HAVE THE COURAGE TO DO SO!

I feel empowered because I believe that we are all CREATED BY DESIGN. Our DESIGN EMPOWERS us. God created us in His image and we are to discover and unveil it through time. The design is complete and we are the blueprint. The MASTER ARCHITECT thought of us, spoke of us and viola! You see, it is "voila" in God's eyes, because it is done! It is now time for us to discover and review our blueprint to learn of our design and function, our purpose.

Along the way, you were told who you were, by family members, television, history books, statistics, employers and strangers. You absorbed what they told you and what you saw. You accepted the attitudes of others as an indication of who you were. Some things are not even spoken. But, we can perceive what others think and feel through their energy and body language. It's called discernment. We can discern judgments and rejection. Well, I am here to tell you that all of those people have been a part of your "RE-DESIGN TEAM"! LOL!!! That's right; they made themselves an authority and designer of YOU! Did you ask them to take on this most unnecessary task of redesigning what God has already completed? No! But, somehow, they have obliged themselves in creating and fixing various aspects of your design. They look at you and decided that your hair is wrong, your skin color is wrong and your body type is ALL WRONG. Then you look at the definitions, both written and implied, and agree that you are, ALL WRONG! So, you spend half or all of your life conforming to who others think you should be.

My hair is naturally nappy! Is this a flaw? I'm brown, with thick lips, a slender body, yet fairly pronounced derriere. Is this a flaw? Of course not! I am sentimental and feeling; compassionate and apathetic. Am I weak? I am sometimes a loner, a lone wolf. Not a sheep, as many have thought. J Does this mean that I am disconnected? No, but it does mean that I know my limit for interaction and seek refuge to regenerate and focus my attention and energies on things that are of importance to me and that will further the fulfillment of my purpose. However, the perception of how others perceive you or learned behavior, will seep through into your original blueprint.

Many years ago, a guy that I dated for a couple years told me something that I just recently recognized as a truth about me. He picked up on a learned behavior that I had not noticed as a flaw. He first acknowledged and communicated his highest regard for me and then said, "Your only downfall is that you stoop to where others are, to make them feel better about themselves". PROFOUND!! In other words, you compromise yourself for others. Although, I received this very honest criticism without taking offense, it did not resonate with me at that time. I've held on to it all of these years, turning it over and over in my mind to find its meaning. Me and this guy did not end up together, but WOW! What a statement of true insight that I've rarely, if ever, received from anyone. This was definitely an insight that I needed to hear from someone. Although it has taken me 15 years or more to acknowledge its truth, I THANK YOU FOR THAT!

This is an example of how your TEAM OF REDESIGNERS can impact and alter your blueprint with their perceptions of who you should be. This revelation is helping me to define my relationships and my career focus. Over the years I have had friends and relationships that were counterproductive. I chose to change my career, so that I could help others on a full-time, paid basis. What I have realized is that in both instances, I have been selling myself short. I've allow people in my inner space that should have never been there and my plan and vision for helping people is no longer to seek out those in need to convince them of who they are and what I see in them. When you do that, you take on that person's burdens of discovering self and you literally are inviting them to get on your back so that you can discover and unveil it for them. We all have to bear our own cross. Jesus bore his cross and followed his mission by never stepping down to the distractions of man. If he had, would he have fulfilled his purpose? I use him as an example of how to help without being hindered.

Recognize that we all have to carry our own burden of discovering who we are; of casting aside the false perceptions and teachings of others to fulfill our divine design. Do not leave it up to a cast of naysayers and those seeking control. Find your power, your truth and walk in it. Strut in it! This is your life's work.

Life Lesson 1: Seek Ye First …

2011-07-03T18:47:00.001-04:00

"See ye first the kingdom of God", Matthew 6:33, is a lesson that I've been tested on over and over again. I believe this advice given in the scripture, and I also believe that God has commissioned each of us to seek our purpose in this life, so that we may fulfill our part of revealing His Spirit in very unique ways. While l reserve the most intimate me, for the Creator, I have at times sought out the expertise, guidance and mentorship of those of authority in things that interest me. In my seeking, truth and the spirit of God is the common thread and is what I seek in these various interests and expressions. Whether it is in my work, my relationships, raising my children, gardening, dancing or writing, I'm seeking to discover truth and to express truth.

What I have found in my search are people somewhat like me. We are students, searching for truth. We are all at very different places in our seeking. Many of us have gone off on tangents that are self serving; many have not discovered and accepted enough of self, to be able to stand in our own power. Many of us have chosen to walk alone or with others in the same boat, same mindset, etc., and are exhausted from the hardships and limbo of living in the same bag of crabs that provide zero support. Many not having the physical, mental or spiritual power to push through the day-to-day life in the bag, will not have the strength to push through to the truths of the Creator. What I have found are the strivings of other human beings.

I see what they seek. They seek God, understanding of self, sense of purpose, acceptance from others, accomplishment and power. I see that they seek God first, as refuge from the suffering and confusion. They seek God in an effort to understand themselves and a means to feel purposeful. So do I. It seems to be that during this seeking for purpose and meaning of self, we are most vulnerable. "Am I going in the right direction?", "Should I do this or that?", and "Which direction should I go in?" These are questions that I've asked myself many times. That's how I know when I'm at a crossroads. The question of direction becomes paramount! Urgent! I want an out, NOW!!!

Well, from my experience, the out rarely comes during this urgency to jump ship. (LOL!) When the time comes, you will not be in a place of urgency, but a place of peace and humility. You will have fought and struggled, cursed others and God, cried and felt sorry for self and finally given up on your strivings. THEN, AND ONLY THEN, will you be extended the loving hand of God. I can see it right now. Just a hand, a loving hand that when you reach out to it and grasp it, it will bring comfort and the sense of direction and insight that you had been seeking in your head-based strivings, rather than your heart. Like with most "good" things in life, there is a price to pay. In seeking God, the price that you pay is in time, patience, in prayer and humility. You may pay it with your relationships and in "life as usual", as often times, you will be required to separate yourself from what is familiar, to purge. You may be required to uproot.

During this time of seeking, we may get bored with waiting for God and it is during this time that we may turn away, thinking that this or that person is the faster way to the things of God. They are not. You may find someone that because of their accomplishments, have made themselves an authority and a go
through, to get to your Source. They are not. The lesson that I have learned, finally, is that although we are all at different levels of maturity, we are all the same. We are student, apprentices, under the tutelage of the Creator.

Jesus said that the work that he did, the miracles performed by his hand, was done by the power of God, not by his own power. I believe Jesus' life and works to be an example of the price that we have to pay to gain the wisdom and receive the power of God. This disclaimer by Jesus tells me that Jesus saw himself as an apprentice to God and a tool being used to bring about the will of God, to reveal truth and the ways of God and the universe. At his time of death, when he asked God to take the cup of death away from him, I see in Jesus a man with a normal response to suffering and death. Jesus is at the pinnacle of fulfilling his purpose that was directed by God every step of the way. He was a willing apprentice who had completed his mission on the earth. He did it not go through John or anyone else. He did it with the help of the Creator.

I say this not to dismiss the work and dedication of people in authority in their areas of expertise. We can all learn from each other. I'm saying this as an observation in my experience, that although someone maybe an authority and considered a master of their craft, they are not the door keepers, the go through to God, nor to fulfilling your purpose. Whether you are an artist, dancer, counselor, attorney or a doctor, seeking God first for guidance, is imperative to gaining the knowledge and wisdom needed to do your job, fulfill your purpose. While there are many master teachers, there is but one "Master Teacher" that will lead you in your work. Learn what you will from your bosses, teachers and mentors, but keep your eyes on the Creator. Show Him your heart, through your prayers and actions. Be humble and pliable. The essence of your purpose, your journey and your gifts will be made known, bit by bit. This is not about instant gratification. It's about discovering you and in doing so, discovering God in ALL of who He is.

Therefore, I can say with conviction that I will keep my eyes on God and not be moved by the time that it takes to uncover the truth. The act of searching is building my character, my knowledge, wisdom and strength. The search is necessary.

Walking With My Spirit

2011-04-14T05:04:00.003-04:00

I awaken everyday with someone,
Feeling thankful for the day that God has made.
We look forward to the work that is set out before us.
We feel, we think, we pray.
We eat and we walk together.
We love together. We cry together.
We plan together and we move together.
We breath as one.

We are married,
Til death do us part.
Even then, we will cling,
To each other.
Just as love is eternal,
So is our bond.
Our eternal life bond.
We were born together.

That someone is me.
My Truth.
My Passions.
My Dreams.
My Aspirations.
My Spirit.

I will walk with you,
In this life and the next,
Eternally.

Free Agents: A Common Thread

2011-03-30T04:46:00.000-04:00

Since my last entry, I've spent time reading the biographies of several remarkable people who through tremendous passion and spirit driven determination, accomplished great things. They broke barriers! They stepped out from the crowd; out of the box and into the path of faith and purpose. They risked their lives and some lost their lives fighting for the betterment of mankind; fighting for truth, justice and equal rights, for humanity.

I've been so inspired by their stories, their convictions and their spirits, all seeking truth. Seeking of truth is what set them apart. It was as if Truth was their guide, leading them in the way that they should go. Like a light that lights your path; you follow and step where the path is lit. As light is shown on anything, darkness rescinds or is brought to not. Progress ensues.

Truth was a common thread. So, was their connection to God; their burning passion for spiritual understanding. Fear and courage were their companion. Or shall I say, the weapon of their warfare against fear was courage and an instinctual, spiritual urging that they could not deny. They stepped out on faith, with an intention to uncover truth; defy the norm; right the wrongs; inspire the people; break the barriers and chains that imprisoned and stifled the spirit of humanity. And they did! "The Walls of Jeriko Came Tumbling Down".

Have we seen any leaders such as these since Martin Luther King Jr.. Has anyone stepped up and out for a worthy cause with such force and collective support? Maybe there hasn't been any causes worthy fighting for? Maybe we are so complacent with our current statuses that we don't see a need to test the bar that is set? Likely.

Unemployable: The Entrepreneurial Spirit

2011-02-21T01:46:00.001-05:00

The word unemployable keeps popping up in my spirit. I’ve come to the conclusion that I may be unemployable. Having another employer would not fulfill my desire to change the world. When you’ve done just about all you can do to get the knowledge and experience you need and want, then you begin to ponder on “what next”? The ship you’re on is about to dock. Your journey on board is about to end. What next? I can see the port from a distance. My ship is pulling up to the port and I will get off. This is what I’ve been waiting for and anticipating. My heart is filled with new ideas, inspiration, knowledge, wisdom and aspiration to forge on in a new direction; the one that is made for me and is laid out for me. There’s nothing I want more than to walk the path that leads to my destiny. Have you ever felt like that? Do you ponder about walking in God’s glory? What must that be like to be walking according to plan, God’s plan? What does it feel like when your eyes see what God sees; when your spirit is one with the Spirit of God; when you are walking the walk and talking the talk of truth and with power? It must be glorious and destined to bring about the changes needed to facilitate the healing that we need; that the world needs.

I’m ready to be a true entrepreneur, a free agent for God. Leaving the employer’s nest of comfort and stability is a dream for the entrepreneurial spirit. No longer depending on the favors or wages of man to fulfill your worldly needs, will be a blessing. Doing God’s will is your duty and you will be rewarded greatly in this life and in the spirit. Are you ready for the first flight test? If you’re like me, you’ve been testing the waters for a long time. You’ve been standing on the edge of the nest, looking forward to the time when you’re finally prepared and ready. Looking forward, looking up, not down; looking for God’s will in your professional life. Asking, "how can I be of better service to the people I serve?

If you haven’t thought along these lines, you should consider going into partnership with God on this journey we’re all on. When you partner with the Creator, your aspirations defy the norm; it defies your employer’s mission. God cannot be contained and neither can you! Step it up!

Never Judge A Book

2011-02-19T23:04:00.001-05:00

Although I think I've fully embraced the truth of "never judge a book by its cover", I think I uncovered another stereotype within myself that I didn't know existed. The other day I dashed out of my office, headed for the bank and had planned to make a quick stop to get lunch and head back to the office. Well,as I walked back to pick up lunch, I gained eye contact with a woman, that I sort of thought may be homeless, but maybe not. I felt that upon first glance, she needed something, but she let me pass without asking. But then as I waited for the pedestrian light to change, she asked if I would help her get food. Usually, I'm not so open with this kind of thing; it depends. But, today, with her, I was free spirited and open to her stopping me and asking me. I asked what she liked to eat and to my surprise she named a very popular vegan restaurant here in Washington, DC. She told how much her meal would cost, approx.$11. The fact that her choice meal was vegan peaked my interest in her; who she must be and where she's been. I wondered about her life experiences. Although, I felt like I wanted to talk more; I think both of us did; we didn't. I shared a little of what I knew about the restaurant, gave her $20 and we parted. But, as you can see, the encounter sparked something.

It just took me aback that this homeless woman was vegan or at least that she preferred vegan. Again, I am reminded not to stereotype and that, "you can't judge a book by its cover". This is so important for a counselor to remember and practice being "non-judgemental". I know this and I practice this, but "a vegan, homeless woman" caught me off guard. My reaction, uncovered an unconscious stereotype or assumption that I didn't know was there until I was faced with it. I'm thankful that I am teachable; able to recognize the assumption that I'd made about homeless persons and put it in perspective.

I do wish that I had talked to her little more. Like all of us, she has a story and my spirit wanted to hear it, but my mind rejected the thought of engaging her further. This is another lesson learned while walking by faith; that in order to walk by faith, I must walk in the spirit, listening and being obedient to it.

I Need to Shed These Winter Clothes

2011-01-16T20:18:00.000-05:00

I feel that I need to write in order to discover and uncover the truth about where I am in reference to my work as a counselor. Working in the public sector, providing career advice and services to persons with disabilities is extremely challenging and is a very heavy load to carry. Our goal is to support persons with disabilities to gain and maintain employment. Most often the support includes anything that the client needs in order to fulfill their vocational goal. While, I believe that our program is fantastic and it gives me the power and ability to give in a way that I might never have been able to, I have found that programs such as ours is used and abused by many. Many feel entitled to the services that we provide, so they use and use and use and use, without successful outcomes, ever. Many, for a lack of knowing what to do with their lives; how to pick up the pieces of their lives, come with the expectation that we will be able to fix it all. And we are blamed for not being able to. There are others, that get what they need and use it to forge ahead, successfully. They are responsible and diligent about meeting their goals.

I am most frustrated with the numerous complaints and threats directed at compassionate counselors like myself. Counselors that really love what they do and got into this to make a difference. And most of all our goal is to help and "do no harm". Granted there are few counselors that really understand the depth of the calling of a counselor, but there are many that have good intentions. The good along with the bad, are being dragged through the wringer. The fact that I still love my job, tells me that I am answering my calling. My question is, "Is this a part of my rites of passage as a healer? I believe it is, yet, I think it is time that I prepare to move on; to practice the art of healing rather than providing services of monetary value that do nothing to heal the pain and trauma that is the reason that many of my clients are where they are today. It is the reason that they continue to return year after year after year, with the same set backs. They have yet to work through their pain and trauma. They have yet to begin the healing process. While money can buy you some things, it can not buy you peace of mind and spiritual healing. Until the people are healed, the dysfunction will continue; our doors will be a revolving door.

I've found that although clients are seeking services that will help them attain gainful employment, such as vocational training and post-secondary education; they most appreciate a caring and compassionate person that can relate to them on a human level, a spiritual level. While employment is an immediate need, spiritual healing is what is most need. There are underlying spiritual issues that have dominated their lives and has had an extremely destructive impact, in some cases a life time of destruction, generational destruction. Addressing these underlying spiritual issues is my main concern because I know that within these issues, lies the truth of the matter and the truth shall set you free.

I don't want to continue with case management and management of various services that are undermined by the presenting and dominating issues. What I really want to do and am good at doing (Counseling) is being smothered by paperwork, processes, calls, complaints, walk-ins, meetings and politics. I liken my current position and responsibilities to heavy winter clothes and I need to shed these heavy winter clothes, for something new and of lighter weight. I need to be aligned and involved in activities that not only feed my spirit, but will help me to grow and be of spiritual service.

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-09T12:48:00.001-05:00

It is no longer January 1, 2011, however it is a new year; a new opportunity to begin, continue and expand our good intentions, purposes and passions. We can start anew everyday, but most of us think of new beginnings in the new year. I start over anew each day with my aspirations to achieve and improve. So, my aspiration is to master my craft as a healer. Although credentials such as licenses and certification are important, mastering the skills of the craft are even more important, as they are what makes an effective healer. This often times means work on self.

I plan in this 2011 to implement and accomplish the following :

Achieve certification as Rehabilitation Counselor
Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in D.C., M.D.
Commit to the study and practice of yoga and shamanism
Learn more about and training in spirit releasement tx, past life regression tx
And of course continue to increase my committment to prayer/meditation and improvement of my diet; consumption of the best and most healthy foods

Although, the outcome of most of our lives will depend almost exclusively on our own efforts and insights into our own truths, many of us need help and a little guidance. A counselor's calling is to help facilitate the uncovering of truth and healing. My abilities depend upon how effective I am at taking care of myself, physically, mentally and spiritually and my relationship with the Creator.

I'm excited about developing and mastering my skills! So here goes.......! PRAYING FOR MANIFESTATION OF THE HIGHEST GOOD.

Recommitting

2010-10-21T01:51:00.000-04:00

It has been 9 months since I've written on this blog. Since I last blogged, so much has transpired. I feel like I've been in a cave; coming out when I need to. This cave of mine has been a retreat ever since I can remember. The only difference is that now I have people that actually live with me in the cave. : )lol! Although I can't really physically retreat, totally, I guess I have retreated from a few things in the last year by just not making them a priority. My lapse in blogging has been, I guess due to the fact that I've been doing a lot of writing else where, mainly for course work. Now that I've completed the graduate certificate program, Counseling Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Persons, I'm aspiring to blog more often; to write more often, with meaning and with purpose. Well, that has always been my intention. I guess maybe I mean that I want to make writing more of a priority. It is one way that I know I impact and move people. It is also invigorating and empowering for me. Words and the spiritual inspiration of how to use them as an expression of self, of SPIRIT, is most powerful.

You will hear more from me. LOL!!! It's not like I have a following. I guess my biggest fan is me. I'm so interest to know what will come out of my heart and onto paper. Believe it or not, I am surprised at what I write sometimes. Sometimes I have the urge to withdraw my words from paper when I think about how someone else will receive my expression. But if I did, I would not be true to myself. That truth and it's expression is what is so empowering to me.

Back in the saddle

2010-01-21T02:23:00.001-05:00

2010 is going to be a great year! I can feel it. Still seeking truth about what really matters. What is real and what is wishful thinking or just plain ignorance or denial in mental health? Well, I think that although there is a great deal of research on the mental health and the psychology of man, the common practice of counseling is redundant and lacking in substance. Most mental health professionals seem to have spiritually insulated themselves from the people they have chosen to dedicate their lives to serving. As a matter of fact the most famous healer of all time was Jesus, The Counselor. When you look at counseling from this lense, then you will see my point. Jesus was a healer and in my opinion so should mental health counselors. For a lack of spiritual understanding, the profession has been stunted into another science based profession that generates a lot of revenue without real, lasting results. While it could take years of therapy to sort through layers of trauma, pharmaceutical companies have synthesized drugs to bandage of the wounds of trauma in an instant. Well, we all know that bandages are temporary fixes, created to protect the wound. Created to protect not to foster healing. While not opposed to the use of pharmaceutical drugs to help in severe chronic and debilitating situations, I do not support long term use of anything synthetic. Lets not rest and settle for the road most traveled. Let' take the road less traveled, the high road, the Spiritual Path to mental health. Lets heal the people, not medicating and reinforcing dependency and dysfunction. But guess what, change happens from the inside, out. The change must first happen within Counselors; the desire to heal must be a flame in your heart, burning its way through. With a touch, a word of wisdom or an act of love the people can be made whole again. Lets take our rightful place in the healing profession by working on ourselves, cleansing our own spirits of waste and debris; exfoliating all of the dead layers of our spiritual skin, revealing the new. Rebirth! Revitalize! Recapture The Spirit of Healing!

What I Have Learned

2009-11-28T16:57:00.000-05:00

I am ending one in a series of graduate courses that I am taking towards a graduate certificate program, Counseling Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Persons. It has been a challenge, balancing the responsibilities of work, family and school.

INTERESTING ~ CHALLENGING ~ FULFILLING ~ REVEALING

Describes my experience in this class, Work, Identity, and Adult Development.

INTERESTING, in that the course explored the meaning of life in reference to work and the evolving identity of adults. We used the insights of Erik Erikson(Psychoanalyst and student of Sigmund Freud) on adult development to analyze and explore this process of identity development. I feel more intimate with Erikson having studied his insights in this class. In prior graduate studies, his depth of spirit and connection to the human condition was not enlivened as it was in this course. Of course this is due to the interest and connection that our instructor has with the life and works of Erikson. This course has sparked an interest and a connection with Erikson that I hadn't experienced.

We also watched a very old film, Wild Strawberries (Smultronstallet, Swedish title), written and directed by Ingmar Bergman in 1957. It's the story of an old man recalling his past. The film was an eerie, yet very insightful account of the emotions and issues concerning adult development and the end of life stage of development. The film was excellent. It's a must see.

CHALLENGING, in that there was lot of reading and carving out the time to do it with work and a family. I completed my Masters degree when I was 7 months pregnant, but definitely prior to my kids. The stress is much different with the added responsibility that you can't say no to: Family, Work and School. You can't say no to either. Balancing it was the challenge.

FULFILLING, in that I love to learn and I haven't been in school in nearly 4 years. Gaining more insight into my work and being able to interact with those outside of my day-to-day career circle was refreshing and inspirational.

REVEALING, in that interacting with others in a learning environment reveals a reflection of yourself that is a critique of your insight and abilities or lack of. Individual personality and style were evident. Half of the class were doctoral students and other half were graduate level students, as this was a doctoral level course. It was interesting that three of the doctoral students(female) separated themselves from the rest of us, including the one, male doctoral student, who sort of solo. He actually interacted with the us (graduate level) more. This was interesting. I wonder why. Birds of a feather stick together?

Contrary to the body language, I thought the GROUP was very effective in exploring and synthesizing the concept of adult development and identity. I enjoyed and respected everyone's insight. I especially loved the way that one of the (D) students was able to synthesize the insights of the group members and put it into simple terms that all could understand. That's skill. I also loved the creativity and humor of the male (D) student. He was also able to synthesize the insights and sometimes disconnects with creativity and humor. Very valuable skills!

This class encourages me as I've just stepped into the adult stage of my life.

On to the next class.

Reflections on Stereotyping: Perceptions, Attitudes and Preferences

2009-11-28T15:41:00.000-05:00

This week I completed a paper on stereotyping. Stereotyping being a general, blanket character description of an individual or group based upon perception. While not surprised with the research on the stereotyping African Americans , it was definitely a confirmation of what society in general thinks of the work ethics of African Americans. I have experienced being stereotyped, I have had open discussions with other ethnic groups about stereotypes and sometimes specifically about their experiences with African Americans and other ethnic groups in the work market. I wanted this paper to be as candid as possible, siting both empirical research and my subjective opinion based upon my personal experiences. I think that I accomplished this and hopefully without being offensive. I pointed out some factors that have contributed to the doragatory stereotyping of African Americans such as slavery and its affect on the psyche of African American people. I think is a valid reason, although not an excuse for African Americans to lie dormant in an infinite state of "being the victim" and ignorance. I used the term ignorant because in my opinion "it is the culprit and the shackles that bind the mind".

"Education expands the worldview, letting its light reveal truth, meaning, understanding and wisdom and therefore freedom to be as you are without judgment and bitterness".

"Understanding releases you to forgive and move on."

Many of the comments and the studies revealed that African American men in particular are viewed as intellectually challenged, lazy and rude; not serious about their work. Although, a stereotype, there are many African Americans that do fit this stereotype, not to say that no other group fits this description. The studies also reveal that the stereotypes predominantly apply to persons in lower socioeconomic brackets, meaning the less educated, less financially capable fit this stereotypes more often than the educated and well-to-do. Although, again, the stereotype cannot not be applied to all of the less educated. I know plenty of well educated people, Masters level and beyond that live up to some of the stereotypes.

'Education is to knowledge, as understanding is to wisdom".

In other words, many are learned(an old saying), but this doesn't equate to wisdom. Understanding is key.

The wisdom that stereotyping has given me is that "no one ever truly fits the box or stereotype that we try to put them in or build around them". I have been the victimizer as well and no one has ever truly fit the stereotype. There is always a variable that throws you off.

So my motto is:

"Give everyone a clean slate and let them introduce themselves, revealing who they are by their actions and attitudes, not those of others that they resemble."

In all of your getting, get understanding. Peace and Blessings

Fast Forward Thirty Years......

2009-11-28T14:51:00.001-05:00

What will you be doing? How old will you be? Are you on task for fulfill your dreams and purpose for this life? Are you happy? Who are you? If you haven't thought about any of these things, you should. Time waits for no one.

In 30 years I will be 70 years old. Wow!! Reality is that unless we die, we will all get there and hopefully surpass it. I hope for good health, properity, peace, happiness and for grand children. I hope to have written and published several books; to have been a blessing to my family, friends and clients; to the world. I hope to be wise and able to pass that wisdom on to all that will receive it. I hope to remain active in my career or what I consider to be my calling until I die. Callings don't die because they are you, your spirit's purpose. So as long as my spirit inhabits this body, helping others and inspiring them is what I'll do. I hope that my work inspires my kids to care for others as I do; to take the love that I've given them and given to others and taking it to the next level, as love is infinite. There is no limit. I hope that my mother will have lived long enough to see God's purpose fulfilled in me.

On a little lighter note, I really want that beautiful garden of orchids, aloes, fountains and ponds. If I'm still living in cooler temperatures, I would love for this to be in the form of a small scale interior botanical garden. If I'm living in tropical weather that's even better and will probably be better for my aging body. : ) It will be important for me to be near my children, hopefully they will want to be near me as well. : ) My mind just veered off to the fact that I do not live near to my parents. See, it's nice to write because things are brought to your attention and requires a different way of assessing your life. The same thing happened when I married at 35, but didn't want to have kids til I was 40. Reflecting on my own age and how my life would unfold in reference to my life with my children and watching them grow, marry and have kids, put me in my parent's position. I was able to see their perspective. After 8 months of marriage, I became pregnant with my first child and gave birth to my second child at 39 years old. Will I have another? I don't know. I'm open. A third child would for my other two. The more the merrier, especially once I'm gone. I guess my life is really for others. I really never realized that until now. That's what I continue to say and pray for. Again, writing is therapeutic and revealing of the inner thoughts and dreams that seem to be hidden even from the author until written.

Humm! Moving closer to my parents? That's something to think about.

In closing, I hope that I live to be a ripe old age. 70 years old, ironically does not seem to be too old to me, now that I am 40 years old and still being mistaken for a 30 year old. I think I could swing 90 or 100 easily!

Meet Me Where I Am

2009-11-10T02:14:00.001-05:00

Can you meet me where I am, if your only perceived position is superior?
Can you meet me where I am, if your nose is so high that you can't see me?
Do you really think that I believe you, when you cannot receive me?
Are you even capable of hearing me?

Can you meet me where I am, if you don't care to know me?
Can you meet me where I am, if you have been taught to hate me?
Can I trust you to lead me, to encourage me, to save me?
Is this possible if you cannot engage me?

Can you meet me where I am, sit with me, listen to me, console me, cry with me, understand me, have compassion for me, support me?
This is what you will need to do if it's in your heart to counsel me.

Can you meet me where I am?

Bad Habits Are Hard To Break

2009-11-04T17:41:00.000-05:00

Quality versus quantity seems to be an underlying challenge in my life right now, at work and at home. I guess this is a decision that we all have to make in everything we do. Do you you half do it or do it well, to the best of your ability. I chose the later in part because half doing really bothers me and takes away from how I feel about my self, one, and number two it is definitely a reflection of how I feel about others and my career. Anything I agree to is important to me and deserves my best. So, how do we maintain excellence and quality, not giving in to the temptation of quickly doing or fixing something; finding the short and rather inadequate route to completion? How do we consistently provide quality service to our clients when there is pressure for volume and quantity to maintain funding or to make a quota? Or, is this relationship an oxymoron, a combination of contradictory ideas or terms?

The issue of quantity as priority over quality is a systemic problem with my current employer and it was actually confirmed as the method to their madness by an administrator, "numbers first", "quality second". "Ohh, now I get it". Simply put and for some reason this is what I needed to put me at peace. Although their actions spoke very clearly, I needed the verbal confirmation in order to accept that this non-profit, social services organization was more concerned about numbers than the quality of the delivery of services; or the outcome of the clients. We need the funding, that is based on meeting quotas. The quota expectation drives the demand for more than we can handle case loads, responsibilities, etc. Which in terms diminishes the quality of work of the organization. VALUES? ETHICS? MISSION?

While I disagree with this stance and it goes against my personal and professional values, I understand their position. Without funding and money, the agency would be no longer. But, my position is that, one's "good name" is his/her strength, leverage and path to better opportunity to serve and be served. This mindset of quantity over quality cannot be perpetual or it will become a habit, as it has been for my current employer.

Bad habits are hard to break and are perpetuated in all aspects of your life.

Purpose

2009-10-12T04:33:00.001-04:00

I should be asleep right now. I'm really setting myself up for exhaustion. About once per month I do this almost all night thing. I have gotten a lot done and am more organized now, with a long ways to go to where I want to be. I still have reading to do for class tomorrow. But, I think I've needed some reading away from, but related to the topics of the course. In diverting my attention, I've gone back to some reading on purpose/mission in life. This focus is on going for me I guess until I know that I am on target. It is extremely important to the quality of life for any human being. Anyhow, I was reading an article on a blog called Purposeful Entrepreneur in reference to "your calling". I answered the questions that were asked in the article. After doing so, the article asked about any obvious themes in the my answers. And an obvious theme was writing, my passion for writing. Writing really is very revealing of the truth even when in disguise. The answers to the questions revealed how important writing is to my fufilling my purpose in life and I'd never really realized that before. I would be really upset if my last hour rolled around and I did not complete and publish the books that I have on paper and in my heart. More importantly, writing is about inspiring and healing. I have written papers that moved and inspired me as I was writing them. I often go back to my writings and have been surprised at how much I was inspired by them. It was as if I didn't write it. My heart is so open when I'm writing that sometimes it consumes me. That article really blessed me.

End of Life Stage of Adult Development

2009-09-29T09:28:00.000-04:00

Have you assessed your life recently. You know, have you assessed your progress according to a plan? Do you have a plan, a life plan, a vocational/career plan that you are working towards? If so, do you see progress? Are you happy with where you are? How are your interpersonal relationships? Do they need improvement? Are you actively working on them? Are you mentally, spiritually and physically fit? The bottom line is are you taking care of business or are you stagnant?

These are questions that I ask myself quite often. I'll be celebrating my 40th birthday in November and to tell you the truth, my progress in this life is my greatest concern. Meeting the mark, in the eyes of God, according to my purpose. I know that this gets into a lot of depth, when you include God, but my belief is that having God as my creator, means the Creator is all knowing of me. God is my source of knowledge and wisdom in reference to how I should govern my affairs and take action.

That said, I am in constant dialogue about my goings and my comings. Am I on the right track? "God lead me in the way that I should go." "Prosper me in all of my ways." " I pray that in my path is life." Life is very important to me because it is a chance to fulfill my purpose in this life. It is a chance to do a good work according to my call. It is a chance to grow spiritually. It is a chance to help others on their path as well, especially my children. How better to care for others than to care for yourself and your progress in meeting your mark?

Can you imagine reaching the end of your life and not being satisfied with your efforts to meet your mark? Perhaps you weren't aware of your purpose and the idea of meeting a mark? Perhaps you are spending your seventy or eighty years on this earth just getting by; mediocre in all areas; mentally, spiritually, physically, family and career. The idea of this scares me more so now because I have children. Their lives depend on me giving my best to this world, therefore to them. When I am older and the end of my life nears, I want to be able to say I met my mark. I at least want to say I did my very best with the resources I was afforded. I don't want to end my life like the older gentleman in "Wild Strawberries" a 1957 film by Ingmar Bergman about an old man, Isak Borg's reevaluation of his life. Sure he was a well accomplished medical doctor, but many other areas of his life had suffered, especially his family. He had been less than caring and emotionally unsupportive to those closest to him. The cost to him was dispair and remorse. This is not the way anyone should want to end their physical life. (spirit is eternal) It is not the way I want to end my life.

So, lets challenge each other to do our best. Let's inspire ourselves and others to up their standard of living. What are you dreams and inspirations? They are possible you know. All things are possible as long as they are in line with you innate gifts and talents.

"Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom. And, in all of your getting, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7

Peace and Blessings

Spirituality vs Religion

2009-09-23T01:34:00.000-04:00

I'm currently taking a graduate course entitled "Work, Identity and Adult Development" and we are studying Erik Erickson's Life Cycle Theory of development. The question last night was if we agreed with Erickson's inclusion of spirituality in his work. I answered, "Yes, it's impossible to exclude spirituality when addressing human beings and their development." Something to that effect. Then another classmate commented that referenciing spirituality would not apply to an atheist because they don't believe in God. I retorted that all beings are spiritual whether or not they believe in God. Which brought us to the question of the difference between religion and spirituality. Of course in my view spirituality transcends religion in its freeness of expression, just as the spirit transcends the flesh. Religion represents the material, concrete, finite. Spirituality represents that which is fluid, malleable and infinite. Religion is governed by an organize institution of biblical or other religious doctrine. While spirituality transcends the box of the institutional doctrine and is all inclusive and quite forgiving of perceived sins because it is understood that we are all at different levels of development.

Is not an atheist spiritual, as in being a spirit being, which we all are? Does our belief or disbelief in God determine whether we are spirit beings? And does spiritual necessarily mean that you are "good"? Actually, Webster's definition of spiritual is "of the spirit or soul; not material; possessing the nature of spirit; incorporeal; immaterial.

I think it is really interesting and quite alarming that most people connect being spiritual with something "positive", when it actually it is simply the act of being a spirit.

Walking By Faith

2009-09-23T00:16:00.000-04:00

Several years ago I wrote a paper in graduate school entitled "Walking By Faith". The paper was based on the Planned Happenstance model of career counseling. Planned Happenstance meaning serendipitous events; fortunate events that happen without influence, but by chance. My translation is
"Blessings that happen by fate, by stepping out on faith in our Creator who has our best interest at heart and through whom our purpose in life is unveiled." In January of 2008, a portion of this paper was eventually published as an article of career advice in BHF Magazine:

http://bhfmagazine.com/bhfadvert_articles/bhf_career.html.

This paper remains the narrative of my life. This blog is named after that paper and the concept that there are things in life that happen by fate. The more we step out on faith, the more serendipitous our lives will be. I love good fortune, blessings. I hope you will continue to visit my blog and see what life has in store for me. And I hope whatever that it is, that it will also bless you.

Peace and Love