Let's Fly Like Geese!

There is definite truth in the saying "birds of a feather flock together". We can learn something from geese who always fly in a V formation when migrating. It has significant value, which in turn we can apply to how we treat those we hold dear. 

According to research, the V formation helps conserve energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds takes turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. Because of this, the geese can fly longer before needing to rest. The second value of the V formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. Flying in formation may assist with the communication and coordination within the group.  There are several other benefits of flying in a V formation.  All of it improves teamwork, whether personally or professionally.

Lesson: when we have each others back, we can go further. Everyone has an opportunity to lead, no one's job is more important than the other. When we stick together, assumptions or are reduced because the communication is fluid throughout, no one gets left behind.

So, who's in your V formation?

The Light Within

As I walk in my purpose, my reality is sometimes scary. I tell you no lie, there are days when I want to stop in my tracks and retreat. But God spoke to me today and told me that He is using me as His lighthouse. That through my actions, I am supposed to draw those who are broken, lost crashing in the waves, and struggling to keep their head above water.  By my actions and words, I am guiding them into the safety of His loving arms. Overall, the lighthouse gives reassurance that He is always there. The light that people see, is Jesus Christ which shines through me. 

God is also the foundation that the lighthouse was built. God encouraged me that people see me as a beacon of hope and inspiration, that if "Jennifer can do it, I know I can too." God said no matter what, I have to shine bright. There will be many times when the devil will try and cut the electricity, but that's when I pick up a flashlight to keep shining. When the batteries run down from the flashlight, I must pick up a candle until that flame flickers out. 

Bottom line is to never give up. For me, not giving up requires a lot of work to stay balanced and be the person God wants me to be. I can't praise Him on Sunday and condemn others on Monday. I will never be perfect but I can do my best to be consistent. 

When you take a look at this picture you may say "Big deal! It's a lighthouse." But this beautiful lighthouse represents so much more. On the outside it doesn't look very appealing. This lighthouse is weathered and stained. Not only that, but it stands alone. Just like this lighthouse, that's how God uses us best, when we are tarnished and broken. But what's so amazing, is that on the inside of this lighthouse is a light that shines so bright that it attracts so many. This lighthouse represents God's goodness, mercy, and grace. It's a resource for safety, refuge, and redemption. This is how your test becomes your testimony!

I encourage you to be a lighthouse and let God's love shine bright through you.

Unshackled by Forgiveness

I am humbled and honored to see another day. Through my journey, I can testify of how God's favor and mercy have truly kept me even when I didn't deserve it. After I got out of my abusive nightmare, then came the long road of healing. What transitioned me from survivor to thriver? It was the personal act of forgiving. It wasn't for my ex-boyfriend's sake, it was for mine. Not only did I forgive him, but I forgave myself, and anyone else who I held responsible for my circumstances. Words can't express how freeing it was. Once I put it in my mind and heart to forgive, I immediately felt the weight come off. The negative emotions of anger, sorrow, resentment, and depression were baggage that kept me sinking further into the abyss.  

It is amazing how something so simple but yet so hard to do, kept me shackled for so long.  It was time for me to release the strongholds of unforgiving.  It was a shackle that kept me from Living ON Purpose.  If the devil had his wicked way, I would have continued to spiral out of control and forget all the good things in my life that was worth living for.  All because I was consumed with resentment.

Nelson Mandela said it perfectly "Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it kills your enemy." So if you are having trouble moving forward and finding purpose in your life, stop drinking the poison.

God bless and have an Unstoppable You day!

Your Legacy-Dysfunction or Inspiration

In my Unstoppable You Workshop, one of the topics that I address is Legacy.

 According to Webster's Dictionary, Legacy means 1: A gift by will especially money or other personal property 2: Something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past. 

With that being said, what are people inheriting from YOU? Is it DYSFUNCTION or INSPIRATION? What personal characteristics are you passing down to your children and grandchildren? Is it commitment, love, courage, perseverance? Or is it a lack of responsibility, laziness, hatred, and dirty family secrets? If it is dysfunction, then I want you to know it is not too late to change that legacy into inspiration. How do we make this happen? We must be honest with ourselves. In order to be Unstoppable, one must realize who they truly are and methodically pave a path free of shame, guilt, and confusion. Self-awareness leads to positive change which leads to growth. This is one way we can reduce a generation of lost, self-absorbed, and uncompassionate souls.

Have an Unstoppable You day!