"Sweep in front of your own door." ~German proverb
I witnessed a breakthrough with a client last week, who realized how capable she was of successfully pursuing her own dreams to open a vegan restaurant, without leaning too heavily on the counsel of supposed mentors. I met with another client last week, who vented frustrations around the continual shock and surprise she would receive in response to her decision to leave a high paying corporate job, and become a passionate nutritionist instead. Another client last week, who lives a curiosity driven life and has several purposes, shared feelings of isolation because she did not fit a certain mold. And a fourth client was simply trying to “live and let live,” as she said in her own words, without so many forced expectations.
I witnessed a breakthrough with a client last week, who realized how capable she was of successfully pursuing her own dreams to open a vegan restaurant, without leaning too heavily on the counsel of supposed mentors. I met with another client last week, who vented frustrations around the continual shock and surprise she would receive in response to her decision to leave a high paying corporate job, and become a passionate nutritionist instead. Another client last week, who lives a curiosity driven life and has several purposes, shared feelings of isolation because she did not fit a certain mold. And a fourth client was simply trying to “live and let live,” as she said in her own words, without so many forced expectations.
As a self-defining black woman, I choose to no longer put people on pedestals, explain my decisions to others, or follow the status quo. As a self-defining black woman, I choose to no longer put too much stock in others’ opinions and beliefs, trusting in myself enough to know my own true and right path. As a self-defining black woman, I AM the determining factor, i.e., the authority of my own life. And if you are a self-defining black woman – or a human being period – you TOO have the right to self-define, self-trust, and self-determine.
It is impossible to respect ourselves, and all that makes us unique, without showing that same respect to others. If we all were to follow the golden rule, living a life of kindness and good intention and goodwill, we all would benefit from the abundance that life has to offer. It is OK to disagree, to have your own personal mandate. But your mandate does not trump that of another. I am not at all talking about simple equality here. I am talking about equity; we each get to stake claim on a life well-lived.
If you are THAT person, constantly judging and expecting people to follow what you deem to be the acceptable way of living and being…STOP. You are no expert on another person’s life experience; to presume to be would be extremely brazen and cocky of you. Do not attempt to speak for someone whose journey you could never possibly understand. Show compassion and empathy and support, for crying out loud, even if you have a different viewpoint. Or, just keep quiet, especially if you do not have a healthy and positive contribution to offer someone on the path to discovering their own authentic way and being.
Can I get an Amen?
Check your horoscopes to see what’s in store this week ahead, and don’t forget to read for your Ascendant sign too.
It is impossible to respect ourselves, and all that makes us unique, without showing that same respect to others. If we all were to follow the golden rule, living a life of kindness and good intention and goodwill, we all would benefit from the abundance that life has to offer. It is OK to disagree, to have your own personal mandate. But your mandate does not trump that of another. I am not at all talking about simple equality here. I am talking about equity; we each get to stake claim on a life well-lived.
If you are THAT person, constantly judging and expecting people to follow what you deem to be the acceptable way of living and being…STOP. You are no expert on another person’s life experience; to presume to be would be extremely brazen and cocky of you. Do not attempt to speak for someone whose journey you could never possibly understand. Show compassion and empathy and support, for crying out loud, even if you have a different viewpoint. Or, just keep quiet, especially if you do not have a healthy and positive contribution to offer someone on the path to discovering their own authentic way and being.
Can I get an Amen?
Check your horoscopes to see what’s in store this week ahead, and don’t forget to read for your Ascendant sign too.
