3rd Anniversary of Publishing My Autobiography, Navigating Life's Roadways - Interview

Three years ago today, July 19, 2011, Navigating Life's Roadways was published and I added the title AUTHOR to my bio!  In print and Kindle on Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE 

2014 Mid-Year Review – How Are You Leaning?

‘Be Inspired and Lean Into Your 2014” is the slogan that came to my mind as the New Year approached. Like many I had several items on my resolutions list, goals of the personal and professional kind, determined to keep me in this motivational state. More business, lose weight, be kind to everyone…, some standard “I’ll do betters and a few different ones sprang up.

So here we are at July 1 and half of this year has quickly gone by. And for me it’s time to assess and ask myself a few questions—to do a mid-year review. Yet another list to respond to: Is there anything I can check off as accomplished? How am I doing overall with those  goals?  Do I really want the answer to these becomes another issue to ponder. Well it was a snowy winter so I didn’t exercise a lot and comfort food eating became the convenient option. Then when I’m truthful with myself, I own up to what did go right, even with a struggle. A few new clients with business travel, different speaking engagements, and author talk/blitz at local libraries.

Revisiting our actions can be difficult, but often necessary. So I’m posting a few inquiries for thought in obtaining inspiring and leaning status.

What inspires you?

How do you lean in to your purpose?

Who are you when your best self is evident?

For many of us, a basic sense of feeling in control of our lives, showing up authentic, taking care of our physical, mental and spiritual being with a healthy sense of self-esteem would be filtered into the answers to those questions.

So why aren’t we always there? What gets in the way or things that become hold backs?

Certainly life’s disappointments, our habits, motivations and perspectives can flow out in each of those areas to send us spiraling downward.

I realized that it’s easy to be caught in a few of those hold back attitudes from achieving my best “inspired lean into”. Letdowns and cookie monsters reigned.

What’s my now?

“You can always begin again” is one of those spiritual sayings that resonates most clearly.

I’m taking a few steps to move forward.  The weight issue was one of my biggest personal challenges, I got way off course. But I’ve been out for walks and workouts over the last month. Momentum is always good! Then while out on a walk one morning, more clarity came in the way of this statement.

Sometimes we all need a little PUSH. Purpose, Understanding, Support, Healing.

But nothing beats the ultimate PUSH. Pray Until Something Happens!

And “your latter can be greater.”

Stay inspired! Keep leaning into this energy!

 

Success: Define and Claim the Destination

Let’s look at the definition of success itself. For each of us it can be different, based on who and where we are and how we dream of the future. From employment in a job or career that provides fulfillment, to the ability to take care of a family, to economic stability, to being a good neighbor, to being respected in the community and place of worship, to being in good physical health or having solid, loving relationships—the range of how success is defined is personal.

            Prosperity on these important fronts brings its own richness to life; degreed or not, color of the collar in your work situation, address of your residence, cash flow stuck or surging, bounty or barely holding on. Recognize your personal obligations that prevent or propel. You call your life as you see it. Are you in a sweet enriching spot or rotting hole? Prosperity can be rooted in the emotional—peace of mind or strong faith. No locked in worries. Passionate about other your interests or hobbies? Satisfied or wanting a change? Your choice and your challenge. Figure and define.

            Our ambitions along with our own measure of strength, soul, and spirit add to the meaning of success. To claim this status, let’s start by discovering and working on eliminating any barriers to our personal progress.

            Are you stationed and ready?

Make It Your Vision

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Harriet Tubman

Conductor, The Underground Railroad

            Whatever success looks like in time, energy, money, effort or even loss, make the picture of your envisioned reality as plain as it needs to be. Imagine your career … Imagine your family …

            The dream triggers this new thing that you want. Measureable and to the point is how to capture this goal. Questions to ask yourself are: How badly do you want … ? What am I willing to go through to get it?

            Only you have the answer.

            As Earth, Wind and Fire sing, “Keep your head to the sky.”

            Dream. Imagine. Take a risk.

Back On Track? The Way Forward

            First, fortify for the opposing forces and be sure you know the truth about yourselves, and your purpose. Read positive, recent, and industry targeted information. Don't rely solely on the local newspaper or the broadcasts for accurate accounts of your life or situation in America. Proceed with caution with some of the online sites. Be ready and resilient in pursuing what’s for you.  Rightly know your personal constitution. Use your IPS (internal positioning system) to guide you.

            We now become the Griots of our struggles and story. Having our own main track of information is a great place to start! Shoulder these pillars as your guidelines and go. Find your beacon. Help yourself and others continuously along the way. Pace yourself. Be gentle. Realize that sometimes along the way we all need a little PUSH.

Purpose, Understanding, Support, Healing.

 

4 Ways To Tap Into the Wealth of Your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 Who are you at the core? 

            Each of us has an eternal spring that keeps us pressing on through adversities; do you know how to draw from that well? It is a reserve of perseverance and endurance, the nature of your past applied to your current environment, the source to nurture your family circumstances and attend to the challenges and opportunities of the present day. What does this well of abundance look like for you?

            Your journey to your current place in time is unique here and you are accompanied and your story is enriched by the baggage you hoist.

            Now it is totally and measurably about you.

            What makes you stand out?

            Do you also recognize your less desirable personality quirks that could sabotage your success? Can you identify how to stay out of your own way?

            Self-awareness and knowledge are critical in this shifting landscape. Knowing the aspects of our personality that are “good, bad, and ugly” allows us with the realism we need to fuel the drive down our individual paths. This information about ourselves is a valuable tool for negotiating new territory and exploring unrealized opportunities, both professionally and personally.

            I believe we are each bestowed with abilities of wonder, making us this unique blend. From arts, culinary, mechanical, scientific or plain common sense, the range of what we bring to the world is vast. Some gifts we are born with, others come as the results of how parents, caregivers, and teachers have instructed us. Eventually our own choices and pursuits add to this list of areas where we can excel.

            Our goal is to find these talents, at the right time, with the right count. Do not delay. Do not let others keep us from this treasure. These attributes shelter us in the turmoil of today, becoming our "fall back" in challenging economic and career times.

 

So here are four ways to best tap into this personal reservoir.

1.   Recognize That Assessment Is Continuous (Of Self, Skills And Situation). 

            Why? Because things change. We grow as we have new experiences and acquire fresh knowledge. Making decisions prompts new insights. Otherwise we stagnate when the status quo is just too comfortable. Sometimes a situation changes and causes us to reassess our options. Life’s interruptions can sway us and we’re forced to shift in another direction. Family additions or losses challenge or comfort us. Societal issues impact our lives such as global conflict, budget cuts or innovations in our industries. Windfalls in personal finances or new technology cause us to rethink our plans. Our strengths are zapped or recharged in these moments.

 

2. Don't Underestimate Or Downplay Yourself.  

            Learning to package ourselves with all of our talents, skills and abilities is Task One. What has brought you to where you are? Stand proudly there. Too many times, I hear people say, "I'm just a ... " when asked about what they do. Think about all you have to offer and be able to put it out in the universe with power. All career fields and jobs have value in this world. Single or married, college education or GED, suburban, rural town or inner city—‘it’s all good”, solidify your place to be and give.

3. Capitalize On Strengths.  

            Who’s the best person to …? The “old folks”, like we do now, asked this question to identify resources, for everyday survival. Mostly the sources were individual enterprises, built on strengths. From raising children, doing or cutting hair, to project management or cooking to playing basketball, we each bring our unique talents to our professional and personal lives. Figure out what you do well and market that to the max. “Do you” naturally. Claim your abilities and use them smartly. Use those gifts that allow us to circumvent and morph through daily and sustaining challenges. Bring them with enthusiasm!

4.   Acknowledge Weaknesses (Or Development Areas), Liabilities And Limitations

            None of us are perfect people. And yes we all have stuff and issues. Knowing our weaknesses helps us determine which ones we can correct and provides a degree of direction for improvement. With awareness of our liabilities in tow, this data helps us to avoid wrong careers or environments. Then there are some tasks or skills we just cannot do, they are our limitations. Various aspects of our personalities help or hinder us. Patience, attention to detail, outgoing or shy—some of us are, some of us aren’t. Own up!

Excerpted from the book, For People of Strength, Soul, and Spirit: 7 Guidelines for Life & Career Success  https://www.createspace.com/3983828 or Amazon

 

Farewell to 2012: Expedition Endings and Beginnings

Hope does not kill; I shall live and get what I want one day.

Zulu proverb

 

On a vacation to the island of Maui back in 2002, I went on a sunrise biking tour of Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano. This expedition was exciting from the outset. At 2 a.m. the tour company’s van picked me up from my hotel, and then whisked me to their office to be fitted for my bike and other gear. From there we headed to the 10,000 foot summit of Haleakala and once we arrived, sat in the van and waited—trying to keep warm. The temperature at the summit stays at 40 degrees. That’s why bikers get outfitted with gloves and other pieces at the tour operator’s office— to ward off the mountainous cold on top of the volcano. They also advised me to dress in layers.

So what was I waiting for at o-dark-30? To view the sunrise peaking brilliantly over the neighboring eastern island of Hawaii out across the expansive Pacific—this sight one of the highlights of this early morning tour.  And it was beautiful and spiritual to see.

After the ooh and ahh’s of the sun’s arrival, the tour group prepared to bring us down the craterous volcano on the bikes. With safety briefings and equipment checks done—it’s time to maneuver the switchbacks on my bike until we reach sea-level. Swerving and curving on the bike, I paced myself behind the safety instructor as we pummeled downward while enjoying Maui’s vistas along the way.  We made a few rest stops to include a lunch break— then some four hours later, we arrived at a Pacific beach. Shedding the cold weather gear and layers that were needed for the dawn’s heights, we now settled into the 80-plus degrees. Ready to dive in the ocean, I reflected on this safe adventure and basked in the Hawaiian culture.

I had always wanted to travel to Hawaii on vacation and now I’d done it. My time there was wonderful as I explored the beauty of this 50^th state.  But I also looked forward to my return to the mainland. I don’t think I could live in Hawaii. Yet I hope to go back again.

At the end of any journey we stop and assess.

After spending money on a vacation we ponder did I have a good time? When a career or job is over we reflect on, what skills did I pick up from this opportunity? We come back from a shopping trip and summate did I get what I want? When time with family or friends is over we ask was my visit a good one?

Then we take refuge before launching out again, ISO (In Search Of) or (In Spite Of) because life dictates that we don’t stop but keep going—we try to…

This is what I’ve done in Navigating Life’s Roadways.

The phrases embedded in my journeys’ assessments are…

·         Then I got back on course

·         My energy sent me this way

·         A return to my sanity got me doing this

·         I went back to what I know

·         The Lord is guiding me

·         Redo, morph, return, ponder and reinvent

 

These are also words for continued focus that show up on my roads and in my spaces.

 

Navigate, Synchronize, Rudder, Beat the Bushes, Negotiate, Stay the Course, Walk the Path, Stand Firmly on Your Ground

 Recognize your IPS (Internal Positioning System) and engage your GPS (Goals, Positions, Situations)

 

Enjoy the beauty and blight that make up life’s ever evolving trails. Hang with the emotions of your journey’s high-grounds and low-grounds. Push when necessary, pause to reflect and pray for strength. Keep hope near and embrace love.

This piece is excerpted from my book, Navigating Life's Roadways; Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008D6RJ0M

 

Be a Pioneer: Use Your Power to Move Onward

Our duty, as men and women,

is to proceed as if limits to our ability did not exist”

Unknown

Somewhere around the junior high school years, our U.S. history classes cover the compelling stories of trailblazing people venturing west—crossing the plains ISO (In Search Of) new country and treasures. As I remember studying those narratives, I marveled at how these explorers relied on their smarts, determined to know more and go beyond the boundaries.
These settlers faced the fury of the weather and exposure to harsh natural cycles. In addition, there were Indians, bandits or animals to tackle. Nonetheless, a wonderful pioneer spirit kept these groups trekking on to fresh space in their covered wagons.
My fascination with these epic narratives continued. On a business trip to St Louis in late summer of 2010, I visited the famed Gateway Arch. It stands on the Mississippi River as a monument to those who were part of the westward expansion of this great country. Beneath the grounds of the arch is a museum with an interactive exhibit chronicling the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The bronzed printed passages expertly portrayed the “guts and glory” of their pursuit to the Pacific. The end result of their voyage: 50 States claimed and inhabited because of the daring determination of those who chose to move through what was barren to create bounty.
What can we learn from these historic feats?

• Stake your claim!
• Move fearlessly onward.
• Gather your strength.
• Be curious and open to new frontiers.
• Test the limits.
• Have a pioneer mindset.

We can’t wait for someone else to tell us what or where we should be. Forking through current unchartered territories in our life or career, the mission is to inventory and gather what’s needed for our own new ‘deed’ on life. We each have a covered brand of know-how. Whether it’s starting a business or creating new ways to handle a current enterprise, press onward.
Go with your force of belief in all that might be possible. That’s your ultimate power!

You the Champion: 7 Ways To Maximize Your Olympic Gifts

http://leadchangegroup.com/you-the-champion-7-ways-to-maximize-your-olympic-gifts/

A Personal Mid-Year Review – Whole, Worthy and Well in 2012?

I really liked this Whole, Worthy and Well in 2012 slogan I came up with as the New Year gently pushed its way in.  I used it in a business ministry program at my church, in an Easter weekend speaking engagement for women and I blogged about 5 steps to rise into being whole, worthy and well in 2012.

Like many I had a few items on my New Year’s resolutions list, of the personal and professional kind, determined to get me to this “triple W” state. More business, lose weight, be kind to everyone…, some standard “I’ll do betters and a few different ones. 

Yet as June 30 approached I realized that half of 2012 is gone. And it was time to assess and ask myself a few questions; to do a mid-year review. Here's another list to respond to: Is there anything I can check off as accomplished? How am I doing overall with those 2012 goals? Plus this is a Leap Year, supposedly there’s excess out there to jump into. Do I really want the answer to these becomes another issue to ponder. Then when I’m truthful with myself, I own up to what did go right, even with a struggle. A few different speaking engagements and I published 2 eBooks; not bad. And the themes of these events were about some form of personal reviewing!

Revisiting our actions can be difficult, but often necessary. So in my blog in May, I posted a few inquiries for thought in obtaining “triple W” in 2012.

How do you define wholeness?

What are you worthy of?

Who are you when you are well?

For many of us, a basic sense of feeling in control of our lives, showing up authentic, taking care of our physical, mental and spiritual being with a healthy sense of self-esteem would be filtered into the answers to those questions.

So why aren’t we always there? What gets in the way or things that become DEFLATORS?

Certainly life’s disappointments, our habits, motivations and perspectives can flow out in each of those areas to send us spiraling downward.

I realized that I was caught in a few of those deflators from achieving my best “triple W” being. Letdowns and cookie monsters reigned.

What’s my now?

“You can always begin again” is one of those spiritual sayings that resonates most clearly.

I took a few steps to move forward.  The weight issue was one of my biggest personal challenges, I got way off course. On to the gym yesterday and today. Momentum is always Good! Then while out on a walk from the gym this morning, more clarity came in the way of this statement.

Sometimes we all need a little PUSH. Purpose, Understanding, Support, Healing.

But nothing beats the ultimate PUSH. Pray Until Something Happens!

And “your latter can be greater.”

FYI:

My two eBooks on Kindle are:

Life is a Review: Observations and Collections of My Passages Through the Times, a compilation of essays, blogs, poems from my writings for over 20 years,

http://www.amazon.com/Life-Review-Observations-Collections-ebook/dp/B008D6RJ0M/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1340278945&sr=1-7&keywords=life+is+a+review

Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey (my print book is now available as an eBook.)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE

Navigating! For Success in Life, Career and Business Pursuits: Dealing With Adversity: Anchor In Sometimes!

Navigating! For Success in Life, Career and Business Pursuits: Dealing With Adversity: Anchor In Sometimes!: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation wor keth patience; And patience, experience; and experienc...

Dealing With Adversity: Anchor In Sometimes!

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:knowing that tribulation worketh patience;And patience, experience; and experience, hope. Romans 5:3-4

I learned a lot about dealing with adversity from my mother. A single parent of four children, she never complained and continued to take on what life sent her. Because of her stance, I was able to graduate from college in spite of our family hardships. I share some of what I learned from her in this radio interview on family issues and adversity.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thestepmomstoolbox/2012/03/07/dealing-with-adversity-with-guest-deborah-parker-1#.T7I6Rm61csI.email

Moving into adulthood I further discovered that life has its hardships as well as battles, of which most of us get assigned to. Or I thought some didn’t and used to envy those people whose lives seemed to go through the right stages at the right time. Whole birth family, graduating school, getting married, securing careers, having kids — all done by age... everything seemed perfect. No ugly surprises restricted their life passages. Now what I know is that even though tribulations tug at our sanity, there are many personal ‘gets’ from seemingly unfavorable situations. Tough times can provide insight into such questions as:

• Am I still roadworthy?
• Did I gain some lessons from this struggle?
• How would I score myself in this life test?
• What does this say about my life’s navigational chart?

Sometimes we need these trying experiences.  My faith has sustained me through many tribulations. There’s an expression reminding us that “A dose of adversity is often as needful as a dose of medicine.” The wisdom and growth that comes from those undesirable moments can put us out to sail on, ‘being all we can be’. Temporarily being cast into hardship can deepen our resolve and strengthen us as go from storm to shore. Drop into it adversity. Don’t drift away.

More can be found on how I've handled adversity in my motivational memoir: Navigating Life's Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey, available on amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Lifes-Roadways-Stories-Inspiration/dp/1453849858/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

9 Quick Ways to Steer Towards Your Success: From the Beginning

Deborah at 4 years old.

It really did start here. Born the oldest child of a single teen parent, there was much for me to grasp early on in my life.  So I learned to navigate.  Responsibility, focus and a love of learning put me on a trail that led to beat the overwhelming odds that could've stopped me in my tracks. My earthly entry came also in the midst of the pulsing quest for civil rights as well as gender equity - the movements. Yet, through the many lessons provided by my determined mother, wise grandparents and supportive small town community, I steered through a few things.  Graduate from a prestigious college, became an army officer, entrepreneur and now author. Not that there weren't numerous mistakes and failures along the way.  And now I share the glories of those successes and setbacks in my motivational memoir, Navigating Life's Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey. I've enjoyed some scenery on my sojourns, much of it similar to what you see in the picture above. Whether it was a smooth waterway, hard hill, or imposing stone, there's been a take-a-away in it from that part of my journey!  Sharing these nine ways for your to steer on, my hope is that you too will see that there is a message in the middle of wherever we find ourselves. Use it to move forward!

1. Be determined to drive on!

•       In spite of.. headwinds,  uncertainty, and storms (Whatever they look like for you - slow economy, job market, relationship challenges)

2. Rudder at the right signs.

•       Stay anchored in your values, vision and interests (List and revisit them)

3. Open all lanes for learning.

•       Detours and potholes are there for a reason (If you fall in or go the wrong way, so what? Find a way out or around)

4. Crank your motivation motor.    

•       What’s the gas in your engine? (Passion, giving back, your expertise, challenge, taking care of your family )                            

5. Acknowledge fellow travelers.

•       We don’t journey alone. (Get support from friends, mentors and network)

6. Plot a route that’s realistic.

•       Be who you are and pace your journey to your style of moving (Do you)

7. Rejuvenate at rest stops.

•       Take a break, vacation or staycation (Have a special spot that fuels you)

8. Boldly stay on the boulevard of belief.

•       See it to the right, left, front and rear as you check your mirror views (Engage!)

9. Claim victory at critical times.

•       Segment your successes for each leg of your journey (Small wins are good)