I used this photo for one of my most controversial blog post. It was a post that I wrote months before publishing. I was thinking my audience wouldn’t receive it. Oh, but they did. I can only hope that every time I publish a post on my website that my audience will receive the message that I am trying to convey. It is still the most shared post on my site. I was in a no judgment zone, and not…
I am a bonafide Giggle Queen! I would rather laugh my way through a stressful situation, instead of spending all of my energy being angry. You know the saying, “sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.” That statement is so true. I’ve had my share of bad days that had me crying, because I seriously had no idea where my life was going. The two things that gave me peace was prayer, and laughter. I find comfort in…
So, one of my goals for 2016 was to secure a radio interview discussing my first book in my children’s book series. I had a neighborhood friend contact me about an interview on a radio morning show in January. I submitted my biography, and copies of my book within a week. I received a phone call on a Friday afternoon in March about setting up an interview for the following Monday morning. Just like that I was on the radio….
Promises. For the last 3 years I have lived my life according to fulfilling 3 promises. It’s funny how the number 3 keeps appearing in my life. I made three promises to my father before he passed away. Finish Grad School with Honors Begin Doc Studies Program at Duke University Publish the first book in my children’s book series This photo is the RECEIPT for the promises fulfilled. I used those promises as my motivation. I am a firm believer…
When traveling from Chicago to St. Joseph on the train one evening I began to reflect on forgiveness. There were some people in my past that deserved to stay in my past. I granted them a second chance in my life. You guessed it, they disappointed me. There is power in forgiveness. I can’t tell you how many burdens have been lifted by allowing myself to forgive. Let’s be honest, God grants the gift of forgiveness everyday. How can I…
Every relationship has taught me something. Work relationship, romantic relationship, business relationship, and the list goes on. I’ve experienced some bitter departures, and some that ended quite amicably. Bottom line relationships can end. Relationships can also blossom into something beautiful. When I took this photo on Valentine’s Day 2016 I reflected on the past relationships that have come, stayed, and disappeared from my life. I can’t regret any past relationship because they have shaped me in some way. I know…
Legacy. Let’s think about the weight that the word carries. I know my parents and grandparents would always mention their legacy. It was probably their daily goal to establish a legacy for their family. I mean honestly when you’re gone, your family still has your legacy to reflect on. After unpacking some of my dad’s things, my grandfather’s items were in there as well. My grandfather was the first black Justice of the Peace of Berrien County in Michigan. I…
I can’t believe it’s Day 5 already, and if you search the #SteeleThankful tag on social media you will read some truly inspiring stories. When I decided to use the freestyle option every five days I wanted everyone that participated to put their own spin on what they are #SteeleThankful for. So, today I’m choosing SUPPORT. I’m still unpacking at my new crib, and I came across this letter. It was my acceptance letter into my graduate program. I remember…
I enjoy my freedom. The freedom to go and come as I please. It’s truly something that I cherish above a lot of things. What happens when your freedom is threatened? I allowed my mind to be attached to things because those things represented someone that was no longer around. This storage space was occupied for over 3 years with items that belonged to my father, and quite frankly it was hard to let go. Not anymore. Holding on to…