Monday’s Mantra: Look Up

March 14, 2016March 21, 2016Leave a comment

My travel season for work is now in full swing. That means plenty of airplanes, a strategically organized carry-on, and pre-arranged Apple Music playlists as I move about the country doing my part to improve the medical school experience for current and future medical students and faculty. Airports aren’t necessarily one of my favorite places although I do enjoy traveling to new places, particularly if the exploration is not on my dime 😉 However, it always seems as though most people are in a rush, confused, and allergic to smiling. And for the life of me I can’t figure out why people who have assigned seats on an airplane will crowd the gate just before it’s time for them to board?! Yes, I know you want to make sure there’s a space for your carry-on, but you’re in Zone 3! Ma’am…sir…what are you doing? There are like 75 other people boarding before you that you’ll be standing behind on the jet bridge. Rest yourself and please stop obstructing my perfect view for people watching. Ok, back to the post…

Most people are in their own world when in an airport and in life in general, which makes it easy to miss opportunities that can leave a meaningful imprint in the present surroundings. On a recent trip, I was seated next to a gentleman who was gracious enough to introduce himself and exchange a few kind words before we took off. I must admit I was surprised since I’m used to only hearing complaining passengers and the boisterous voice of the flight attendants over the intercom directing my attention to their safety presentation. But, I appreciated this guy’s conversation, because it meant that he was wise enough to not take life too seriously and capable of setting himself aside to acknowledge the worth of those he encountered along the way. That was light in the middle of my extra long day of flight delays, gate changes, and overpriced sky snacks. The best part about it all was that I had the opportunity to return the kindness.

As we reached our cruising altitude among the cumulus clouds, I saw that he was reading notes printed in incredibly small text. I was engaged in the same enriching activity so I was using my overhead light. Earlier I noticed he had reached up to turn his on as well, so I assumed the shining light on our row was from both lights. After a few minutes of reading, something told me to look up, which is when I saw that the light above was only coming from my side. He had been reading for probably about an hour trying to share my light! Part of me felt badly because I hadn’t noticed sooner and couldn’t do anything to save this guy’s pupils, but all I had was now to make up for it and let him know that I did indeed care that his light had blown out. I proceeded to readjust my light so that it was shining directly on his manuscript. He smiled and expressed his gratitude, and we both continued our in flight activities, which by that time mine had switched to sleeping for me. Although sharing my light was a small act of kindness for someone I’d probably never see again, I knew it was the right thing to do. It was also a good lesson.

We should all be mindful of those opportunities we have to brighten someone’s outlook. So, whether it’s to help someone see what they’re reading or maybe see where they’ve gotten off the path, be the one who illuminates this fast-paced, and sometimes brash world with your light of tenderness, joy, and thoughtfulness. Seat backs and tray tables up. We’re ready for takeoff toward another week of an amazing journey!

Monday’s Mantra: Keep Your Zest

February 29, 2016March 14, 2016Leave a comment

Who would have thought I’d find a little nugget of wisdom in a kitchen gadget? I swear wisdom is all around you if you’re awake and conscious of every day moments. Last week I elaborated on what it meant for me to be whole and shared a few of my cooking creations in my attempt to get better acquainted with my dinner table. And this week as I thought about how I would maintain my chopping and sautéing momentum, I remembered the one gadget that would take my marinade to the next level! It’s one of the easiest to manipulate and clean. It also aids in producing a smell so incredibly crisp and fresh that’s to die for. Ok, please don’t die. My friends, ask yourself if you have a lemon zester! If you don’t, Homegoods will be expecting you. I honestly think they named it a lemon zester not just because it easily peels off the skin of perfectly round and bright citrus fruits, but also because the aroma literally induces excitement (hence the reason citrus scents show up in a ton of products)! I implore you to get one and find a reason to use it!

As I was rolling the lemons around the zester, I noticed that despite my careful inspection of the fruit in the grocery store, they still had a few imperfections. I then began to think of how I’ve used this one fruit for so many things. Got a pimple? Use a lemon. Sore throat making you miserable? Use a lemon (in your tea). Getting ready for your spring cleaning? Use some lemons! Need a pick me up? Slice a lemon. The list goes on and on! I admire versatility in fruit…and people too of course. In this moment, I found myself thinking that lemons are a lot like people. In spite of our imperfections, we can still be used to do and become a host of great things. Our uniqueness is what keeps the universe energizing and delightful. In addition, we all have an opportunity to use our gifts to bear fruit in many areas of life. And despite our scars, we can still choose to be bright and refreshing in all that we do.

The only things that should be losing their zest this week are the lemons for your marinade or cake or cleanser or…fill in the blank. Don’t let opposition or opinions dim your shine. So, be like a lemon — Stay vibrant. Be flexible. Embrace your cool.

Lemon zest for my marinade

Monday’s Mantra: Melt Your Matters

January 25, 2016February 2, 20162 Comments

If you reside on the east coast or have access to any major news outlet, then you’re fully aware that this side of the nation currently looks like Antarctica repositioned itself in the world. The monstrosity of snow all around is slightly unbearable. The first couple days in the house are always delightful because you get to rest, play, watch, eat, and repeat. Once you realize that a plow truck probably won’t make it to your neighborhood until next year (ok, perhaps a bit of an exaggeration), you suddenly develop a mild case of anxiety. Maybe this is just my personal experience (I’m okay with admitting it), but something tells me a few more are showing symptoms of cabin fever. Three things have gotten me through this snowstorm — the congenial company of my boyfriend, Wifi, and music. Had any of these been lacking, I’m convinced I would’ve put my clothes on backwards on multiple days instead of the one that I did (oh my…don’t judge me). But, the one outlet that has been particularly helpful is music. It’s one of the few things that can calm my spirit, minister to the fragmented pieces of my soul, and ignite a renewed sense of happiness. And sometimes when we need to dig out from the mounds of distractions and disappointments in our lives, music has a way of helping us breathe.

Below are ten of the songs in my rotation that perhaps will regenerate a strong sense of tranquility and cheerfulness to carry you forth into whatever your journey may bring in the coming days. Hopefully, it won’t be another prodigious mass of snowflakes. Stay warm! But, more importantly, stay inspired!

Byron Cage – Like No Other
Coldplay – Adventure of a Lifetime
Jennifer Hudson – Don’t Look Down
Jesus Culture – Set Me Ablaze
Marvin Sapp – Yes You Can
Monica – Deep
Mutemath – Monument
One Direction – Perfect
Tamar Braxton – Raise the Bar
T. I. – Goodlife

Monday’s Mantra: Listen Intently

January 18, 2016January 25, 2016Leave a comment

We all have a desire to be heard. We want to have a voice. And if we’re honest with ourselves in this moment, we can admit that there are times when we want others to affirm that we’re right. Somehow life has a way of causing us to think that if we’re heard then we’ve risen to a place of significance. And if we’re significant then that must mean we have the liberty to say whatever we want whenever we want. Now, I would agree that there’s a time and a place for everyone to speak up about that which fosters inequality, bigotry, and hatred. That I will not deny. However, there’s much to be learned when we first choose to listen.

When we elect to listen intently, we create paths for deeper understanding, higher intellect, and stronger movements. And when we choose to listen, what we have to say is not reduced or insignificant. But, listening makes us slow down, extend our reach, and take in what may be the answer to our prayers or the details we may need to sharpen our foresight. It’s also a sign to others that we have a vested interest in what they have to offer. Listening gives us direction and potentially awakens us to those parts of our lives we’ve slept through.

When moving about this week, I challenge all of us to resist the urge to get a word in and instead promote our desire to listen knowing there’s something to be learned when we minimize our speech and lend our ears.

Raising Requirements

January 17, 2016January 17, 2016Leave a comment

As we go through life, there will be many instances when people, circumstances, and our personal/professional roles will require us to do something. I mean let’s face it, there’s always something to be done somewhere for someone at some place. Typically, requirements that are set upon us can be good because they have a way of keeping us humble, responsible, and well perhaps…employed. But, there’s a small percentage of time where requirements can make us feel restrained, overwhelmed, annoyed, and glum. I believe these types of feelings emerge when we forget what we should require of ourselves. No one should go through life without a few personal requirements. And while I have your attention, I’ll share my short list of requirements that have helped me to dust myself off when too many remnants of opinions, frustrations, condescending comments, and disappointments have attempted to permanently settle in my mind and heart.

I am required to love myself in all things and at all times.
I am required to generate my own happiness.
I am required to spend time doing things that I really want to do and that make me feel alive.
I am required to be okay with saying no. Seriously, I dare you to try it.
I am required to trust in the beauty of the universe. Because once you’ve seen the miraculous happen for everrrrryone around you, there’s simply no way His majesty will miss me or you.

While my list may not exactly resemble yours, I assume that we’ll cross somewhere in the middle. Ultimately, when we raise a few requirements, we also raise the bar for the future we dream about. So, what are you raising?

Monday’s Mantra: Love Beyond

January 4, 2016January 18, 2016Leave a comment

I love love in all forms. I love it in the form of God. I love it in the form of family. I love it in the form of romance. I love it in the form of giving. I love it in the form of humanity. I just love how love helps to make us better, more connected, and much more balmy beings. However, sometimes I think as we age, we become less tolerable and sometimes slightly insensitive toward our peers and strangers, which ultimately influences our expression of love. We develop the expectation that people should know and do better solely based on the fact that they’ve celebrated a few too many birthdays and endured what we think is enough experiences to be our definition of better.

Sure, we may think we have the best solution for someone’s problem or the wisdom to right everything that’s wrong, but should that affect the demonstration of our compassion or understanding toward them? Often we forget that everyone’s journey is just as infinitely unique as our genetic makeup. We impose our thoughts, ideals, and responses on others and assume that it’s their truth. You ever realize how difficult it is to love someone through your truth? It’s challenging, frustrating, and dare I say…impossible. Everything about life is not commonplace, including people. We must come to love people where they are and for the uniqueness of their individual creation. We are who we are on purpose, and the beauty of love is that it can transcend the boxes we put each other in and recalibrate our narrowed perspective of how we think others should react and respond to the happenings of life.

This week I challenge all of us to love beyond…love beyond the preconceived notions…love beyond the choices made along the journey…just love people in their truth. Ain’t (yep, ain’t!) nobody perfect, but we’re all exclusive and deserving of love.