Author: Synclaritycoachingpractice

People, it’s the embers !! It is a beautiful term coined by my youngest daughter in her childhood. Where have the days and months gone? It’s time to change around my wardrobe, or maybe this time, I’ll keep it the same.

It’s been a year of experiencing many new things. The world and my working environment are super busy. There are technological advances and geopolitical issues to contend with or at least think about. I have manoeuvred life events, and with each encounter, I wanted to ensure that I was showing up as authentic as possible—no masks, just me, take it or leave it. (Arizona Jan)!  I’ll explain that term in another blog sometime.

It’s fair to say that some of these things, had I let them, could have distracted me from keeping my eyes and focus on some important and critical goals. I’m glad to report that I am getting so much better. I am a work in progress, as we all are. Robin Sharma’s words reverberate in my head …. To gain mastery means practising with consistently every single day.

As we continue through the embers, November and December, keep the focus and make those goals a reality. If you are stuck and need a breakthrough or a sounding board, do get in touch. My clients are experiencing new revelations as well as personal growth.

We only have one life. Make it count, live it and live it well. And remember, it is NEVER too late to start again or take a new road. It will be worth it. Ask my clients. And, I’ll certainly share with you my own journey.

Have a super blessed day.

I was reminded many times during the year to call more strongly on my faith. Not just to just talk about it but to be it. I had asked multiple times for answers to situations, issues and concerns. And I had to learn to believe more earnestly, leave it alone and let it transpire.

Sometimes, things can be very simple; all I had to do was ask

They say that laughter is the best medicine. I laughed often and I laughed hard

I continued to take time out of the world of work to down tools and go see new places, talk to new people and discover something new

There are times in life when simply doing nothing is the best course of action. I had to wait and learn patience.

In July, my role was made redundant. In the midst of trying to find a new role, I was compelled to stop. Stop applying for roles. Stop talking about the topic. I decided not to make any decisions until the end of the month. I would enjoy the month enjoy the summer sun and focus on the present

One thing that is certain for all of us is death. Within the last hour of our last day, what will we say on our deathbed? How will we feel? Happy and content that we have lived a life that was worth it or one full of regret?

My uncle, aged 93, passed in August, and in our last conversation, he shared with us how proud he was of the man he became. A Christian, a black man, a husband, a son, a friend, a pastor, and so much more. And at his funeral, everyone talked about the joy he brought into their lives and the difference he made. The wisdom he shared and the laughs they had. He made time for people. For me, that was a life well lived. He was rich in love; he gave it and received it. May we all take a leaf out of his life book. RIP uncle.

2024 will be another great year for all the right reasons. Thanks for engaging and happy new year.

Here in the UK and other parts of Europe, it is Black History Month. Last week I attended a fire chat chat with the RACE network at EDF. I was asked a few questions, and I share 3 of them here.

Why do I think the theme Saluting our sisters was chosen?

My response and reflection, and borrowing from the words of the artist Lizzo, ‘it’s about damn time!’ It’s overdue here in the UK. The hidden figures are hidden no more. For me, it’s about recognising all the voices that have been silenced and ignored for decades. For the many women who have helped shape our families and communities and our world. Covered for our men in times of war and other tribulations. For the many outstanding contributions made to science, medicine, technology, beauty, fashion, sport and law, it’s time to salute them all.

Who do I salute, past and present, and why?

My mum – who died when I was 30 years old. In those 30 years, she instilled in me some great values. She was a proud Jamaican woman, always listening to Radio 4, and reading a broadsheet once a week. She took action and wrote to MPs lobbying them about the lack of provisions for my autistic brother Malcolm.  She wrote letters to Neil Kinnock, and Sir Bernard Weatherall, who was the speaker of the house at one time.  She had style and poise. She was kind and would say, ‘Give a portion to 6 as well as 7’. She was careful not to leave anyone out. She believed in me, and we all need that.

The Hidden Figures – Katherine Johnson mastermind and mathematician. Dorothy Vaughn, who was the first black ‘acting’ supervisor with NASA and Mary Jackson an engineer who fought segregation to be educated.   All had to fight, and find the courage, to earn their place in a male-dominated and white industry. I love their personal story, and the sisterhood they formed offered support for each other and paved the way for others. They made history against the odds.

Michelle LaVaugn Obama – The first black lady in the white house, who I believe carried out her role with such aplomb. When her harsh critics went low, she went high. During this time, she was raising her 2 daughters and had her mother by her side. She took a career break and supported her husband. That for me is a super role model.

My daughters Grace and Alicya and my niece Kellina.

I salute them for the children they were, the young ladies they became and for the women they are. They keep me young and fresh.

What does black sisterhood mean to me?

When I think about my sisterhood, I feel pretty blessed.  My sisterhood is an eclectic mix of women from many countries and nationalities and come in various hews. My early sisterhood in the workplace was white women, as I was the only black or brown woman for quite some years. These sisters were my mentors and allies, and many are now friends.

My Black sisterhood is Everything. I did get a bit emotional when I was thinking about this because it’s a deep bond. It’s Jan Inc.  My board members.  It’s a safe haven filled with love, understanding, humour, wisdom, support and brutal honesty.

This sisterhood has carried me when I couldn’t do for myself – those Jonah moments – becoming an orphan, other bereavements, getting married, divorced, new jobs, promotions, no promotion, pregnancy, birth, juggling the school run, bad news, great news, children leaving home, menopause, operations, sickness and so much more.

It’s a place where I know that I am valued and celebrated for being me, even when some yearly appraisals say something different. During times of positive exclusion and being overlooked. It’s a place where I can be unapologetically me, Jamaican patois and all! It’s home.  A place of deep faith and prayer, there is love, empathy, respect, comfort, support and advice. It’s uplifting with laugh-out-loud moments, you know, the deep belly laughs with tears streaming down your face.  Food for the body, soul, mind and spirit.  There’s nothing quite like it.

To all my ladies, I take this opportunity to salute you. Be you, black, white, brown, bronze, beige, ink, jet, ebony, hazel, tan, cappuccino, onyx, alabaster, cream, porcelain, ivory, coffee – you get the picture? I salute you all because my life would not be as wonderful and rich as it is without you. Happy Black History Month, Menopause Day and all the other special days this month.

*** Please leave a comment on how we first met ***

For those of you who know me, will know that i’ve been a huge fan of Robin Sharma for many years. I’ve completed some of his courses and have a lot of his books. For me, his words always resonate.

I’m sharing the following , enjoy.

It’s so very simple yet ever so rarely practiced: the secret to staying inspired is to avoid those things that de-inspire you.

That means that, each and every day—for the remainder of your gorgeous and valuable life—you:

—avoid people who bring you down
—avoid activities that drain your hope
—avoid books and shows that steal your joy
—avoid thoughts that degrade your game
—avoid places that make you feel bad

Personally, reading uplifting words fuels my inspiration dramatically [this ritual also causes your dopamine levels to surge nicely].

And so—in the spirit of sincere service—I’ve opened my heart to write an inspirational piece for you to review as part of your 5AM Club morning routine.

Here we go…

Go out into this cruel and beautiful world with a heart full of heroism and eyes set to witness the full glory of your powers.

Yes, some seasons will bring misfortune and some times will be hard.

Yet, there is much good in daily life. Neighbors who appreciate you, friends who enliven you and family that adores you.

When it comes to those who wish less than your dreams for you, know they know not what they do. Send them the good wishes that reflect your patience. And the kind understanding that displays your sincere forgiveness. It is a bold act of honor and strength to keep good feelings towards all others within you.

Work richly and with dignity, giving more than you receive and producing the magic that honours your maker. And respects your genius.

Keep your life simple, as an addiction to acquisition and deep craving for more can stifle your spirit and hurt your good heart.

Give more than you take. Be more helpful than is necessary. And treat each person you meet with decency. This is a route to inner peace and outer success.

Enjoy the company of wise people, the companionship of inspiring books and a healthy relationship with your finest self.

When the crowd seeks to make you like them, stay true to your path—leading by your virtues and the values that feel most real to you.

Remain daring, knowing that the meek and timid do not know the soaring flights that come by leaning into your fears. To postpone the life of your ideals is to invite regret into your days.

Remember that terror is closer to triumph than complacency. And that fear becomes faith when you walk into it.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the accolades of your masterwork. Now.

Love gently, respecting all around you and the earth that nourishes you.

Beautifully said Mr Sharma, thank you.

I’m reading a little book of Hope by Joanna Gray. Hope is a word I use often, and I borrow these words from Joanna ‘it’a like an invisible friend and a path through difficult times’

For whoever needs it this morning, keep Hope alive. Happy Sunday