How Did I Get Here?

Brian's lesson learned...live life, enjoy life, do right by people, and be authentic!

This is just between you and me.  I just had a career change and I wanted to share the journey with you...who knew a course correction could come so late in your career.You can follow me on Instagram @howdidigetherepodcast

Even though she knows the subject matter, Lindy feels imposter syndrome but realizes she's imposing that on herself.  She has had to learn to trust herself when in the room, having those conversations.

Ben is an IT Functional Analyst by day and your friendly neighborhood Haiku poet by night!  His lesson learned is...If you want to get good at something, you're going to have to put a lot into it, so you have to find that thing that you just can't get enough of.You can find Ben online...Website:  https://www.ben-gaa.com/YouTube:  Haiku Talk at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=haiku+talk

Janessa Williams, a talented artist known as @color_tripz on Instagram, shared her lessons learned:Be patient, it's ok to be hungry, but don't rush the processTake time for yourself, it's very important to unplug and recharge, andSpend time with the ones you love

Adrienne shares that we have so much more in common than we differ...we have to value, respect and honor those differences and not try to make them NOT different, but to welcome open conversation to understand them.  With that we can see that we are stronger because of our differences, not weaker.

Here are all things Patrice J. Bridal...Website:  http://www.patricejbridal.comEmail:  Ido@patricejbridal.comIG:  @patricejbridalShop location:  11977 St. Charles Rock RoadSuite 134Bridgeton, Missouri 63044314-292-9652

There is so much more that can be interesting about a person than just the color of their skin.  The important thing Joyce wants you to remember is that we are all people at the end of the day, trying to do our best, figure things out, wanting to feel safe, like somebody cares, or just that we matter.  

Lisa shares that it is important to be adaptable and flexible...let go of what and how you think things should be, have an open mind and don't be afraid of change.  

Mike's lessons learned are...Always learn something new, try something new...that's how you learn about yourself.  You'll never expand your horizon if you stay in the same shell all the time.Make that connection to what you loveWe have to work together to focus more on what we have in common.

Bryan's lessons learned are to be patient, think positive and give people the benefit of the doubt.

I'm so excited to usher this podcast into a new year.  It's been heartwarming and enlightening to have these conversations and to have the privilege of sharing their journeys with you.   I hope you continue to enjoy listening.  So don't forget to share, follow, like and comment.   See you back here next Wednesday.

Debbrie's lessons...When you have siblings that pave the way, they set the example for you as well.  You can call on them and be confident that they are going to give you good, sound advice.It's never too late to try something new, you just cannot be afraid

Kara learned that she'd rather have excessive love, laughs and forgiveness than anything else and she discovered she's not as bad as she thought she was!

Allan's lesson learned...it's important to try to seek out intermediate feedback from someone who is willing to give you honest criticism!

Kara's lesson learned...tomorrow is filled with new and fresh opportunities, so keep the faith!

Tammy feels you can do everything with a little delegation and distribution of responsibility.You can find more information on all of Tammy's endeavors here:Her nonprofit organization Pink Pearl Hero on Instagram at https://instagram.com/pinkpearlhero?utm_medium=copy_link and https://www.pinkpearlhero.comHer empowerment group Women of Wealth - Women Empowering Women on Facebook at https://facebook.com/groups/wowwomenofwealth/?ref=shareTammy also created a digital organizational planner - 1DOPEPlanner that you can find out more about on Instagram at https://instagram.com/1dopeplanner?utm_medium=copy_link

In honor of Don's mom I wanted to revisit and share his special memories again with you.

In honor of Michelle's dad we are replaying this episode to share her memories again with you.

Imani says to Be Still...get rid of everything that causes noise.  Honor yourself! 

Louis' lesson is to always to curious - ABC.  We lose a lot of our natural curiosity when we get older...continue to be a sponge and ask questions.To get more info about his new business Life of Quality Brands or his organization Black Dads of The Bay Area contact him on LinkedIn...  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisceaser

Sholeh shares that we should stop thinking that everything needs to be perfect...we hold ourselves back.  You have God given talents like everyone else, so just jump in there and do it!Also, check out the poem "The Guest House" by Rumi

Patrice shares that;You should not give up on yourself...no matter how hard things are in the moment, if you don't give up, things will get better.Respect yourself enough to say noValue yourself enough t leave situations that are not for youHonor yourself enough to go after the things you wantYou can find Patrice at...https://www.patricejbridal.comhttps://www.facebook.com/PatriceJBridalhttps://www.instagram.com/patricejbridalhttps://www.instagram.com/patricej715

Rob shares...getting comfortable in uncomfortable situations and still performing is huge!  If you won't do something that you're not absolutely certain that you'll be successful at, you probably won't become all that successful...take risks!

Everett shares that...we are all put here for a purpose,  with a story to tell and a gift to bring and while they are all different, they are all worthy.  So by all means possible and with as much bravery and audacity as you can muster up, make those things present and allow them to live in the world...trust the process.You can check out some of Everett's work on Instagram at...https://www.instagram.com/lizab.couture

While Zoie is only 15 years old she shares what she is currently working on herself...Learning to study is about learning what works for youBoundaries are really important...respect themProcrastination ..once you get the first step, the hardest step done you'll breeze through it an ten you'll be done.  You just have to get started!

I can't say it enough, how proud I am of Dr. Amira Hill-Yancy.  Remember everyone, to stand firm and believe in yourself.

Erica shares that prayer, consistency and taking the steps in the direction you want to go is important.  You may find something intimidating  or think you can't do it, until you actually go out there and do it!You can find Erica at:https://www.rivetingreflections.comhttps://www.facebook.com/rivetingreflectionshttps://www.instagram.com/riveting_reflectionsCurrent SPECIALS:Headshot special $35, for first imageFabulous Over 40 Makeover $250, for 5 looks and magazine entry

Melanie shares that we are always so hard on ourselves yet we extend grace to others...so be sure to extend grace to yourself.

To celebrate my 6 month milestone I thought I'd answer some of your questions and you guys came through and made me dig deep...thank you.  Be sure to join me and a new guest on Wednesday July 14 for the next episode of How Did I Get Here.  I appreciate you!

Sean shares that we should reach out and connect with the person that can help you achieve and bridge that gap between where you're thinking about going and where you actually want to be.

Bob would like us to get out of our car and be a pedestrian for a week...and see how different the world is when you're not in the safety of your own car.Books Bob mentioned:"No Contest" by Alfie Kohn"The Sum of Us" by Heather McGhee

Kathy shares that you should sit down and be quiet with yourself...focus on you and think about what you like, find what makes you tick.  

Angela...mother of 5, author, life coach and blogger shares that you should free yourself of trying to get approval from other people.  Someone may say one negative thing and cause you to doubt yourself...unnecessarily!You can find Angela and her work in multiple locations...You can find the following on her website:  https://www.breakthroughblog4women.comBlog - Christian Blog for Homeschool Moms and HomemakersBooks - Manifest Your Goals and Dreams25 Attitudes You Must Have For A BreakthroughHow to Be An Extraordinary Single LadyDare to Dream Big6 Principles to Attract a Godly HusbandInstagram:  #Angelayourlifecoach

Jay shares that you should take note of the things you're good at - understanding that everyone has their own path, their own strengths and their own weakness - know that what's meant for your best friend, your brother or your cousins might not be for you.You can find Jay and his boys on their podcast Palace 35 at...YouTube:  Palace 35 or  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=palace+35  Instagram:  palace35_  or  https://instagram.com/palace35_?utm_medium=copy_linkIf you're looking for a trainer, you can find Jay here...Instagram: sithlordocho  or  https://instagram.com/sithlordocho?utm_medium=copy_linkFacebook:  Jay Alvin  or https://www.facebook.com/jay.alvin3

Andrew shares...humiliation is awful, but if you're not willing to put yourself out there then fear of humiliation can keep you from growing.Check out Andrew and his artwork...Website:  https://www.andrewnaeger.com/Instagram:  https://instagram.com/andrewnaeger?utm_medium=copy_linkThe Ted Talk Andrew mentioned in our conversation...Sir Ken Robinson - Do Schools Kill Creativity? https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity

Ruth shares that mental health is important and that it's not a weakness to need someone else to help you through a stage in your life.Ruth works with the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA.  It is a hospital for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine & chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.  Here are some resources...Websites:https://www.shepherd.orghttps://myshepherdconnection.orgBook:Building Better Caregivers:  A caregivers guide to reducing stress and staying healthy

Nick shares...you should learn to pick your battles, then learn how to approach situations for the battles you do pick.Check out Nick and Klover on their podcast Straight Guac and follow them on Instagram at...https://instagram.com/straightguac?igshid=1s82hockkh4vw

Kris shares...if you have some sort of desire, don't let anyone squash that for you...instead look into how you can do it to its fullest and take those chances while you can, when you're young.Don't just listen to one person that tells you 'this is what you're going to do'.  If that does not sound like your path, make your own!

Vic shares that you have to think big!  You don't serve yourself or the world by thinking small.  Making sure you have the equipment and tools you need to be successful helps keep you from sabotaging your own success.

Jennifer shares...you have to live with yourself everyday and forgiving yourself - and others - gives you that freedom.

Amira shares that you should seek/work to find joy and always find something to be grateful for!Prayers and strength to Amira as she completes her dissertation!

I want to share my milestone with you by saying thank you for your support.  You can go to Instagram to watch the corresponding video.  I look forward to continuing our conversations.  Let me know if you'd like to share your journey, I'd love to have you.Keep in mind...you may not think you're interesting in the moment, but if you pull up and look at the big picture, you'll see all that you've been through and everything you've accomplished to get to where you are today and then even you would have to say...damn, I do have a story! 

Vicki shares that...we are missing our life, because we are either thinking of the past or thinking of the future.  So instead of focusing on that, let go and focus on the good of now! 

Don shares...understanding that what you choose to do, you need to be happy doing it because when the challenges occur you ought to be able to look at them as opportunities to solve and not see them as problems.Check out the latest project completed by Don Hardin Group...the National Museum of African American Music at...https://nmaam.org/ You can reach Don Hardin at http://donhardingroup.com/ or contact him a dhardin@donhardingroup.comAlso, check out the Mission/Inspiration Statement for Don's upcoming venture Campaign Do Work at... https://www.campaigndowork.com/

For professional services check out Keri at www.Kburnstherapy.com ... Keri shares...You never have to feel that it's too late or that you have to give up.  Everything she's gone through has definitely taught her something.  Even though she may not have wanted to go through the experiences she had, they helped her become who she is today.

Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for the good, to those who love the Lord that's called to his purpose.Lawanda shares...Don't count people out...they can change, so don't give up on them so easilyRemain teachable...even though you may have gained or have so much, you should never stop learningDon't let your situation or your circumstances stop you from being great.Sweethead Naturals contact information:www.sweetheadnaturals.comIG:  @sweetheadnaturals and @sweetheadnaturalschicagoEmail:  sweetheadnaturals@gmail.comPhone:  (314)833-3335 

Greg shares...that if you want something and you have the desire to work for it, you're more likely to achieve your goals.  It may not come as fast as you need it to, but if you have that work ethic the odds are in your favor.  Just don't give up on yourself or your goals and have patience.

Kristin shares the importance of accepting where you are, who you are and how you are.  Knowing who you are makes you independent of the thoughts and opinions of others.Don't take everything personal, it's not always about you.

Elizabeth shares that failure is an opportunity to learn something new and to do it in a different way.  For Reference:  Dance Fever was a dance competition show hosted by Deney Terrio in 1979 and  Solid Gold was a top 10 music countdown show with the solid gold dancers in 1980.  For the record, we all wanted to be Solid Gold dancers...maybe for the shoes?