As Michelle and I were re-arranging furniture last night, she reminded me of one of many reasons why we just belong together. With all of us home working and school moved to online during this time, we needed some extra desks. I felt we were running out of space, and didn’t think what she had mind was going work. However, the brilliant woman she is, made it work, and the space doesn’t look cluttered. It actually looks really nice. Like everything belonged. When we finished, she said, “There’s a solution to every problem.”
She is absolutely right. For every problem we have in the world today, there is a solution. I was taught this as I began building my organization. I usually don’t stress about anything. I may have felt pressure, but I have never broke. Have I failed? Many times. Do I get scared? Of course. However, Michelle and I refuse to live scared. We don’t live in worry and fear. Why? Circumstances are only temporary. We’ll focus on the present, but not dwell on it. Events may worry us or scare us, but it’s no way to live. After thinking it through, we find a way forward. That’s the key. Find a way forward.
If you’re like me, I was excited about 2020. At the end of 2019, Michelle said 2020 was going to be special. (I don’t think this was the special she had mind.) I felt it, too. In fact, I knew 2020 was going to be awesome. And it was shaping up to be awesome real fast. I began a new position that has been perfect for me and my mission. The Utah Black Chamber was gaining some serious momentum and a lot of visibility. Its foundation was kicked off in February with much excitement in building the Black Success Center. New plans and missions were in place for other programs and organizations. I was landing more speaking gigs, and was recognized by Utah Business Magazine as one of its 40 Under Forty just before Michelle gave me a 40th birthday celebration in Monterey, California a couple of weeks later. Things were really moving! After we returned home, however, everything came to a screeching halt. I could even hear the tires screech on the road. That’s how quickly everything just stopped.
Unprecedented times put people in a state of worry and fear. While looking for answers or updates, people find themselves glued and sucked in to the doom and gloom. The more doom that is found, the more gloom they become. In the beginning, I felt the same way. But I was in denial at first. “This is not going to last that long. No reason to cancel events just yet. It’s all going to be just fine, soon. Quit making it bigger than it is.” As Michelle’s birthday approached, plans were failing, and it became more difficult to celebrate. Schools were being dismissed. We were asked by our employers to work remotely from home. The night of her birthday, was the same night the restaurants and bars were being asked to shut down for a period, so we decided go out to dinner just before they closed and celebrated in style. But that’s when it really hit me. Things were about to get fascinating. This last week, I had the news on while I was working. I was plugging in to every press conference and virtual meeting there was, so I can learn and provide resources to the community. The more I listened, the more down I began to feel. This can’t be happening. What about this organization? What about that small business? What do you mean I can’t go to church? It was really getting to a brutha. Then an earthquake! Let’s just add more gas to the flame.
The weekend, however, gave me time to reflect. We took the dog took on a nice long walk. I cleaned up the yard. I went golfing with some buddies while Michelle went hiking with our oldest. Although, there were moments golfing that reminded me that we are in fascinating times, life felt normal to me. It’s like the whole weekend I just took a deep breath.
This week, I put myself back in to my normal mindset. I stopped sleeping in, and got back to my normal early morning routine. I began reading and writing again. I’m reviewing some of my signature presentations and looking for opportunities to strengthen them, while also thinking about new trainings and workshops. I’m taking this opportunity while everything is at a stopping point to reflect, review, and rejuvenate myself, so when we come out of this thing, and we will, I come out hot and ready roll! I spoke with my chamber leadership last week to put some actions items in motion. I’m meeting with my foundation team to continue our efforts of building our programs. Life for me is back to normal, just in a different world at the moment. I feel so much better. And when you feel better, you do better. Trials don’t come to defeat you. They come to promote you. Sometimes we need to take a moment to slow down, or even stop, to reflect, review and understand what needs to happen to feel rejuvenated again. I still can’t do everything I want to do, but I’m excited about the things I can do at this moment. I’m looking forward to cleaning out the garage, and do some spring cleaning and not worry about events getting in the way. I’ve enjoyed being at home with the family. My mind feels like it’s taking a break and I’m using this time to focus on the next big things for J3. Its like I was forced to exhale.
Some of you are not feeling this same way right now. Circumstances have placed you in very a challenging place. Your next decision could make or break you. You’re trying to figure how to make it financially the next 30, 60, or 90 days, or even the next week or days. Family is depending on you to feed them, house them and clothe them, and you’re slowly running out of options. For those in these positions, I pray for you, and I am here if you need me. I may not have the money or some of the resources you’re looking for, but I have been gifted with the ability to build a network and surround myself around a village of support. My village is your village.
I realize it may not be as simple for you elevate your mindset as it was for me. However, I’d like to encourage you by saying, there’s an opportunity in every storm. Storms may come fierce and some cause damage. However, some storms come to clean the air and water the soil to bring beauty in the future. The fiercest storms bring unity in the community and inspire change. You may not see the purpose now, but know there’s always a plan within each season of life. This storm is only temporary. It’s going to get better. It may not come out the way you want it to in the beginning, but rising up out of this can build resilience, strength, endurance, and a relentless drive to pursue success. We’re encouraged to set goals and focus on the goal, but we lose sight of the journey. It’s during the process where we become the person we need to become to achieve the goals we want to achieve. It’s this moment in time where one of the biggest tests happen. How much stronger will you become when you rise from this? How much have you learned about this experience and about yourself? What associations do you have now that keeps you where you are, and what associations do you need to elevate you to where you want to be?
I have faith things will be better for you. I believe you will not only make it, but you will thrive from this. Why?
God’s got it.
This is only temporary
There’s a solution to every problem.
And if you are struggling to find the solution, give me call, and let’s figure it out together.
“The pain you are feeling, cannot compare to the joy that is coming.” -Romans 8:18