Womanisms: Gloria Steinem

"Any woman who chooses to behave like a full human being should be warned that the armies of the status quo will treat her as something of a dirty joke. That's their natural and first weapon. She will need her sisterhood." Gloria Steinem

Black Woman & Child

Sizzla Kalonji is one of our Caribbean gems.

He's an exceptional talent with a unique voice and a penchant for making beautifully positive music. Mr Kalonji's catalogue is extensive (OVER 40 SOLO ALBUMS) and I'm sure that there are tons of his songs I've never heard.

Here's one of my faves:

Walk Away From Love

Sometimes love just ain't enough.

The love is strong, you like him, he likes you ... but there's something missing. I've always valued demonstrations of respect, consideration, commitment and sacrifice over love/romance. Does he make time for you? Is he honest? Does he value your opinions?

Womanisms: Anne Frank

‎"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!" 

Anne Frank

Musical Therapy: Gospel

Talents I wish I had been blessed with: music (vocal), and dance (I have terrible coordination). Perhaps that's why I indulge in those two artforms so much (favorite tv show: SYTYCD and I have a special/intimate relationship with music). Music is also my favorite part of worship, it takes me to another place, isolated in the presence of the Holy Spirit. I get lost in it and surrender all.

Here's a list of my top five worship songs: 
 1. I Give Myself Away - William McDowell

Networking Don'ts

Recommended read/Impetus for article: 10 Signs that You’re Doing Networking All Wrong.

Great article on how to do networking right.

I'm guilty of the first faux pas, but can see improvement. I'm learning to listen more and ask questions that will show interest and build the conversation.

One great lesson I've learned about networking is to concentrate more on what I can offer the person than what they can do for me. I've come to recognize that I am a brand (my skills, talents, personality, presentation). The more I think about myself in that way (professionally) the better I become and the more aware I am of my actions (direct and indirect).

A lot of people approach networking with the wrong attitude, they go to a session to find people who can help them and in the process forget to sell themselves. Also there are those who just hand out business cards and contact info but are soon forgotten because they failed to make an impression.

One thing I need to improve on is follow-up. I always forget to do this.

What is your experience networking? Any tips? Lessons learned?

Womanisms: Audre Lourde on Sisterhood

“We have to consciously study how to be tender with each other until it becomes a habit because what was native has been stolen from us, the love of Black women for each other. But we can practice being gentle with each other by being gentle with that piece of ourselves that is hardest to hold, by giving more to the brave bruised girlchild within each of us, by expecting a little less from her gargantuan efforts to excel. We can love her in the light as well as in the darkness, quiet her frenzy toward perfection and encourage her attentions toward fulfillment…As we arm ourselves with ourselves and each other, we can stand toe to toe inside the rigorous loving and begin to speak the impossible-or what has always seemed like the impossible-to one another. The first step toward genuine change. Eventually, if we speak the truth to each other, it will become unavoidable to ourselves”

Audre Lorde, “Eye to Eye: Black Women, Hatred, and Anger,”

Action!

I read this article and ... WOW [shameface]

Using the Action Method to Make Ideas Happen | Goins, Writer.

I have my own personal 'wall of shame': projects, books that haven't been completed or even read.

"Coming up with ideas for new projects isn’t the hard part; finishing is." 

That's the line that hit me. Conceptualizing is easy, executing is the challenge.

Review pending.

Unworthy

Recently, well more like 1 month ago I finally saw the Iyanla Vanzant interview on Oprah (Season 25). I've been anticipating this episode since reading Iyanla's most recent book - a tour de force, if I may say so - Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You're Going Through where she shares her brief stint on the show and her experience in the television industry.

We Are Giants

Recommended read/Impetus for article: Made for Goodness by Desmond Tutu and his youngest daughter Mpho.

I'm still in chapter 1 but already found a golden quote:

"It is as though we want to be dwarfs when God wants us to be giants"

This takes me back to another favorite quote of mine from Marianne Williamson's A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

"Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us."

These are the words that I whisper on those days where I find myself sinking into an abyss of self-pity.

Shrinking is easy, staying in the shadows is easy .. the challenge is in stepping out.

This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine/This little light of mine/ I'm gonna let it shine /Let it shine /Let it shine /Let it shine

Are you letting your light shine?

Are you using your skills, talents, attributes to impact the world positively?

Crafting Your Legacy: How will you be remembered?

Recommended read/impetus for article: Steve Jobs & Leaving a Legacy | Goins, Writer.

 A few years ago (2008?) I attended a lecture by Michael Eric Dyson at the University of Toronto.

 A packed room came to hear Michael discuss his latest book April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America (Great, provocative read).   If you've never attended a Dyson lecture or witnessed the breadth of his intellect please do so (YouTube or read one of his books on Black culture, politics, race and the socio-economic condition of African Americans).

 As part of the lecture Michael shared that MLK lived his life with his legacy in mind.

 Lightbulb.

Lone Nut or First Follower?

Honestly, I had initially played this video out of boredom, but it turned out to be the BEST 3 MINUTES OF MY LIFE.

I am the 'crazy' guy at the beginning. The one who everyone stares at while wondering what the heck is going on. I'm a lone nut.

My imagination sometimes takes me to places that even have me questioning my sanity. But I continue on, dancing my lonely dance.

Being an innovator/visionary is exciting, fulfilling. The rush of adrenaline experienced when a new idea pops up, or a 'wacky' name for an event/workshop/campaign takes over my brain ... oh the joy :)

It's almost an addiction. I'm always seeking that next 'high'.

At times, however, I have been a First or Second follower, not as fun of course but rewarding nonetheless. And as Sivers says in the video, this role is highly important and influential. It's an endorsement of sorts, and a way of letting others know that it's safe to join in the 'madness'.

I'd really like some of you to watch this video then return with feedback.

Are you a lone nut? Or a first follower?

Infographic: Managing Your E-Reputation

Source: Mashable.com

Now Reading: You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney

I just came upon this book last night while 'stumbling'. It's the first time I had ever seen a book trailer ... talk about a genius idea!

Whoever thought of this, I'd just like to let you know that it worked, I am now on chapter 4. AND I've also gotten two other friends to check it out. (Word-of-mouth will always remain one of the top/most effective marketing techniques)

Full title: You Are Not So Smart: Why you have too many friends on Facebook, why your memory is mostly fiction and 46 other ways you are deluding yourself.

Once I'm done reading it, I'll write up a review (I've already begun taking notes).

In the meantime here's the trailer: