The purpose of this State of the Union address is to give you insight into who I am and what matters to me. Along the way, you’ll learn a little about the why behind my actions and what I have planned for the future. I hope my State of the Union inspires you. My first State of the Union was written in 2017 and I was inspired by creative, Paul Jarvis.
What Went Well in 2019
Peace
There were several occasions during the year when I had to work with people who pushed my buttons. Walking away from these relationships was not an option. At these times God (and good friends) reminded me of who I am in Christ. These reminders enabled me to take a pause, reset my mind, and move forward in forgiveness and grace.
Despite the full calendar load that I have been carrying since June/July, I have not felt overwhelmed. This has been nothing but a miracle from God because the peace I feel is in my soul, it’s inexplicable.
Growth
I traveled as part of my growth process. One of my signature strengths is curiosity. When I learn something new if it hits that sweet spot I will file it away until the right time comes for me to experience it. That was 2019.
Peachtree City, Georgia. I attended the CaPP™ (Coaching and Positive Psychology) Institute’s Coach Intensive Training and completed my certificate in personal development coaching. This course is taught by Valorie Burton and her team of coaches (shout out to Kimberly DuBrul, LaFern Batie, and Alicia Booker). I have admired Valorie’s work for years and used her self-coaching book Successful Women Think Differently to make critical decisions. Attending this training was a pivotal moment. As a result, I am studying for my Personal and Executive Coach Certification.
Buena Vista, Colorado. I completed my nine week RevWild Outdoor Leadership Training “squad 001” with Revelation Wellness. Our last week of training consisted of traveling with my group to backpack into San Isabel National Forest where we camped for 2.5 days. Over the course of the nine weeks I sometimes found the training frustrating but I never wanted to quit. Once in the mountains God showed up for us as a family and He spoke to our individual hearts. My instructions are to work on telling my story.
St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados. Beautiful sunny Barbados. Frommy first visit I felt like I was home. This time I traveled with my daughter on a business trip and a labor of love. We stayed at the Sandals Barbados Resort. We met wonderful people, ate delicious food, and experienced luxurious service from the management team to our team of Butlers, two very gifted and attentive young men.
Austin, Texas. I was happy to get back to Texas. It was a business trip so I wasn’t able to experience much due to the location of the resort which was technically in Bastrop. However, the property featured two texas longhorns, and yes their horns are long, alpacas and miniature horses. I enjoyed walking the property and the nearby trail.
What I Learned in 2019
My five signature strengths and the importance of applying them in my daily life.
fairness, curiosity, creativity, spirituality, and judgement
Personal development coaching. I dusted off my coaching skills and learned new ones at the CaPP Coach Intensive Training. The training specifically related to applying positive psychology to coaching.
I prefer to use my birthday as the time of year to reflect on the previous season and prepare for the one ahead.
What I accomplished in 2019
I led a cohort of community health workers through a 7 week professional group coaching program. The sessions addressed personal and professional development and the mindset that successful people think differently.
I facilitated a fall session of Wellness Revelation Book and Bible Study. Participants joined from the east and west cost. This was my second group for the year. Each group has been unique and I have learned something new about myself both times.
Drumroll, please…. I took the plunge and started Joyfilled Adventures. Joyfilled Adventures specializes in hosting wellness travel experiences for women as part of personal and spiritual growth.
I stepped up my game and became a neighborhood captain with Girltrek. GirlTrek is the largest public health movement for and by Black women. In 2018 I walked solo to save myself and in 2019 I came back for my sisters. Our Monroe, NY group, Blessed Sisters, met Saturday mornings from July through November. On average we walked 3 miles every Saturday. During the week we primarily walked solo and encouraged one another to keep it moving.
I walked 102 miles over thirty straight days in November. ‘Nuff said, mic drop.
What I’m Grateful for in 2019
- Cara and Michelle who made work fun and inspired me to limitless dreams and hiking.
- Tracy, she rallied the troops for GirlTrek.
- GirlTrekkers Natalya, Jackie, Tracy, Karen, Cherie who showed for five months and one cold day in December to Trek around the pond.
- Memories with my sisters that will last a lifetime, TTBOD.
- Opportunities to grow my craft and do good things.
- Cheryl, who has no idea how mightily God used her in my life.
- My faith, my family and my friends.
Books That Influenced Me in 2019
- Beneath the Tamarind Tree: a Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Harem. Author Isha Sesay
- Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person. Author Shonda Rhimes
- Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business. Author Paul Jarvis
- The Wellness Revelation: Lose What Weighs You Down so You Can Love God, Yourself, and Others. Author Alisa Keeton
- Christian Outdoor Leadership: Theology, Theory, and Practice Author Ashley Denton
What Didn’t Go Well in 2019
The proposal we spent hours working on into the wee hours of the night that we didn’t get and scored yucky on.
The realization that even in this “do good work” field that I’m in people can still be disappointing.
I didn’t get as far along in launching Joyfilled Adventures as I anticipated, frankly being months behind schedule, then I made the decision to embark on furthering my coach training. As a result, I’m in the midst of two major projects and a rebrand.
My Desires for 2020
Three adjectives I most want to describe me
- Candid, fervent, and brave
Things that are in my control that will indicate a successful year
- Speaking the truth in my personal and professional life – Candid
- Bravely pursuing what matters to me, especially when I don’t feel brave
- Saying no to opportunities that I cannot show up to fervently
- Knowing when to tell my feelings to take a hike or a backset
- Spending quality time with people who positively influence my life
- Saying no to events, people, activities and opportunities that drain me
My Plans for 2020
Get to know the LORD better by reading the Bible using the Bible Recap 1-year chronological plan.
Operate from a mindset of positivity by focusing on what worked well, appreciating the baby steps, and expressing gratitude
Invest in relationship building.
Engage in planned strategic rest by scheduling it on my calendar annually and quarterly, and never letting my personal tank go below three-quarters empty.
GirlTrek Season 2020.
My Projects for 2020
Launch Joyfilled Adventures and invite women to experience travel with me as part of their wellness journey.
Formally launch my wellness and personal development coaching program for women who want to become healthy and whole – personally and professionally.
Relaunch my re-branded weekly blog and quarterly newsletter, The Wellness Journey, for my company Just Us Women Productions
PEACE OUT!
One of my goals is to avoid procrastinating, therefore I am not going to read this again. If you find grammatical errors, please know that I am human and extend me grace.