Leadership Coaching Mentoring Connections

BECOMING, FINE-TUNING, EVOLVING.  As I mused over a title, I decided on no title.  I think it may be that my view on people and labels has become limiting rather than a true depiction of who a person is.  

Let’s jump into a daily perspective of what these words might mean.  “Becoming” might be flattering (good); suitable (may be less good); appropriate (definitely subjective) and developing (well I’m already developed so what am I developing to?)  What about Fine-tuning?  A few decades ago, this word was not in Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary.  It did appear a little over two decades ago and is defined as “to adjust so as to bring to the highest level  of performance or effectiveness”.  In other words, it becomes your level of “perfecting” to what you may consider a finished “you”.  But maybe there is no end goal.  What about “Evolving”?  Hmmm, changing always makes one question do you need to change or grow.  Again, to what level does this action need to progress?  We live by hashtags today, so note to self says, “when this is done, leave words to search on”.  

I begin this reflection after another 6 months have passed since I wrote my “Retirement Never” blog.  After expanding my universe of researching, understanding, and speaking on the whole woman during weekly Sister podcasts, I decided to share my snapshot of wholeness.  The desired outcome is to impact others to do the same.   Four pillars of wellness are Social, Spiritual, Physical, and Mental.  You can consider how you are doing.  It should be your lens not social media ‘likes’ and what is beautiful or who is sharing an opinion based on who knows what.  I look at lessons that may be short term or they may be lifelong.  So here goes.

Physical fitness 1 to 1 1/2 hours per day, gardening – Check 

What did I learn about good health? My metabolism has changed for the better which leaves me with less concern about pounds. I created more plant-based recipes. However, I decided I’m kind of over ground Turkey. It needs to stay whole. 

I gave myself a quality grade of heart wellness due to gratitude for having so many choices. 

Mental (Lifelong Learning) New platforms of exercise; indoors or outdoors. The varieties seem endless.  You just might need to give it a whirl.  I have learned about newer applications for new people, programs, and places.  Check. 

There are periods where I have lowered my expectations of excellence for myself.  It takes patience and sometimes a do over.  I had a painting project that I put on a shelf until I was sure I was ready to redo.  

I have refreshed training in coaching and mentoring for purposes of certification as well as collaborated on developing diversity, equity, and inclusion for various entities.  Perhaps the most introspective workshop was Emotional Intelligence (EQ).   This can change over time so it can make you peer into your self-awareness, self-management, social management, and relationship management.  These checkups keep you grounded and looking forward to how you might continue to serve others and facilitate developing future leaders. 

Social Coaching and mentoring – I continue to be inspired by engaging in the work and efforts of executive level people who are helping small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations.  Check 

I like supporting friends and associates and I advocate for social justice by understanding as well as sharing what unconscious/implicit bias and micro-aggressions look like.  Hence, I am compelled to give back after years of a highly successful career, by being a leadership coach and mentor with the OneSource Center for Non-Profit Excellence and Dayton SCORE.

Spiritual reflection, reading, praying for stillness and guidance that bring me to peaceful interactions with all I meet.  This is possible by not allowing external influences to control my attitude, preparation, and effort for all aspects of my life.  Check

During our “Sisters and Sistahs, Divas, Diamonds, and Dollars” weekly podcasts, we depict all the wellness attributes by researching and applying free technology and sharing it coast to coast.  We have generated times of satisfaction knowing we have thoughtfully created dialogue and helpful content for women.

FOUR PILLARS SCENARIO – People want regulation; they don’t want regulation. You can have your own regulator by following spiritual wisdom which equates to real talk and not where you pick and choose the end of the story. Physically challenge yourself to move even when your mind tells you no. Trust me you will be much happier after those endorphins kick in. Be inspired by positive words and stories. Your choice; no one else’s. Who knows you may become more empathetic and get into an “I want to help mode”. Lifelong factual learning can open more doors and opportunities. Be your own change agent. 

Whether you think you have plenty of time, or not, to ponder and liberate a mind for great decisions, strive to create a newer version of you.  I’m talking to those who struggle with      self-image; those stuck in a rut of sameness every day; for the socially awkward after months of covid aloneness; and finally for those who have not turned to a spiritual awareness that transcends us, mindful meditation, and yoga.  I offer a meditation from a reading on the Fruit of the Spirit; “give us love to replace indifference, joy to counter sadness, peace to replace our anxiety, patience to push out our impulsiveness, kindness to care about others, goodness to see to their needs, faithfulness to keep our promises, gentleness instead of harshness, and self-control to lift us beyond self-centeredness (Gal 5:22 – 23)” by Sheriden Voysey, Daily bread, October 19, 2021. 

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