Process

We all process things in our own time and our own way. There are no right or wrong answers. We are hard-wired to feel a certain way about certain things. There are outside factors that affect all areas of our psyche. How were you raised? What is your belief system? Where are you from? What is your social-economic status? All of these factor into how you process information. These things determine not only how you work, but why you work the way you do. When you take the time to do some introspection, you will be amazed at the results. Respect the process.

Believe

To believe is to accept something as true. If I am completely honest, there a few things I just don’t believe in anymore because my experience says otherwise. I no longer believe in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy because I discovered they weren’t real. They were fantasies that my mother perpetuated to keep hope alive. If we’re completely honest, there are people and things we still believe in because of our desire to keep hope alive. Hope is such a strong emotion. It is the substance of faith. It is the foundation for our belief system. Ask yourself, “What do you believe? Who do you believe? Have you given up hope? Why?” For those of you who no longer have faith in people, or even yourself, maybe you should try believing in something bigger than you. Believe that there is more. Believe that trouble don’t last always. Believe it does get better. Believe that things will work out for your benefit. Believe that you are enough. Just believe!

Character

Character is what you do when no one is watching. Character is what you do when only God is watching. For most of us, our character is revealed under pressure. How do we respond in times if intense pressure? What bubbles to the surface? Do the people around us see the best in us or the worst in us? Our character is directly linked to our moral compass. Do we have an understanding of what’s right and what’s wrong? Do we live our lives in the gray area? What do we really believe in?

Discern

It can be hard to read people. Especially, when people present their representative instead of their true selves. Trust your gut. Trust that feeling. Trust your first impression. Discernment doesn't rely on tangible evidence. It's a feeling. It's an unction. It's a personal truth. Some might call it a vibe. Feel their energy. Character is a consistent truth. Pay attention to subtle signals. See the whole picture, not just what is trying to be shown.

 

"The first point of wisdom is to discern that which is false; the second, to know that which is true."-Lactantius

Power

A friend of mine asked me, what's your superpower? I'm a Marvel fan. So, my mind immediately started thinking of all my favorite superheroes. I'm not an Inhuman. I am not genetically engineered. I didn't have any freak accident that bestowed me with any superhuman abilities. I'm not a billionaire with an iron suit. I'm just me, and you are just you, but we do have power. Power by definition is the ability to do something in a particular way. It is the capacity to direct or influence the behavior of others. Power is a ripple in a pond. Power is a kind word. Power is a hug. Power is a word of encouragement. Power is a prayer. Power is a gesture. Power is an action. You have superpowers. Are you using them for good? 

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Principle

What do you believe in? What is the moral standard for your life? Do you believe that rules are meant to be broken? What does your character look like? These are all questions that you have to ask yourself at one point or another. Is the man or woman in the mirror calling for change? I teach my kids that they are leaders, individuals, and examples. They are young ladies with morals, character, and principles. They are young women with a godly standard. I try to instill in them to do the right thing when no one is looking because that is the true test of character. What are the rules you are governed by? Are you a person of principle?

Love Works

I facilitated a Lunch and Learn series at my old job based on the book, "Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leadership" by Joel Manby. The principles in this book are based on the biblical principles of love discussed in 1 Corinthians: patience, kindness, trust, unselfishness, truth, forgiveness, and dedication. For eight weeks, we discussed and brainstormed strategies on how to improve the workplace and implement the principles of Love Works. Each week, it became clearer that I worked in a toxic environment with ineffective leadership that had no desire to let love work. How many of us work and live in toxic environments? How many of us refuse to let love work because of fear? I learned that Love Works when you let it. Love Works when you are willing to do the work. Love Works when you let go of fear and doubt and insecurity. Love works when you trust. Love works when you believe that love truly does cover a multitude of sins. Love works when you let love conquer all.