Every choice one takes serves a specific outcome, unwittingly or knowingly. Choose wisely. Serve intentionally.

If one could discern your priorities solely based on your actions, what would actually appear to take precedence in your life? The tasks you talk about; the love-drenched musings you rarely discuss; monotonous assignments requisite of an unfulfilling job…Think about it, but don’t tell us what you think.

“Don’t tell me what you think; it’s not what you say. It’s what you stand for with your actions.” – Hajar Gibran 

The old adage says, ”love covers a multitude of wrongs”. Perhaps it’s love in the form of gratitude, or appreciation, that truly diminishes the stains of those wrongs. More often than not, when we feel appreciated by the ones who offend us, the offenses are miraculously minimized. Gratitude is among the highest rungs of consciousness, and when we express it unto others, we elevate them, energetically, into these higher realms. Perhaps this is why authentic “thank you’s” are so uplifting. So, who are you going to elevate through the spirit of appreciation today?

Image: Birthday art by my friend, Jamie Allen; https://www.jamierallen.com/

VF x Victoire, the contemporary handbag line I launched and distributed through Free People, originated from a serendipitous conversation that my friend Maggie had with a fashion investor at a book signing I invited her to. I had left the main room for the restroom, and while socializing, Maggie met the fashion investor with whom she discussed my leather business. Upon rejoining her in the “room full of opportunities”, the gentleman was so impressed by what she’d shared about my expertise, I was invited to an all-expense paid trip to India to generate new business and launch my second line of artisan leather bags. Thank God I chose Maggie to join me that evening. 

How about a Thanks-giving roll call? Every day, up until Thanksgiving, we count our blessings, loud and proud. For starters, I feel blessed that you are sharing your time and attention with me to read this post. Thank you!

Image Credit: IG @the_deep_thinker

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” – Atomic Habits

If everyone we meet is a fleeting reflection of who we are, the “blame game” is instantly obsolete…Not only is this liberating; it also requires a greater degree of grace on each of our parts.

Love– in some shape or form– is the answer to every question. Love is truthful, love is discerning, love is compassionate, love is patient, and at times, love is direct without time or space for foolishness…Being a ‘lover’ suddenly has new context.

The same resilience that is needed to overcome a downtrodden life scenario or dire straits of a circumstance is the exact same resilience required to be a business owner/entrepreneur. Your capacity to recognize this strength— and harness it for self-empowerment— all depends on the lens through which you choose to look. Reality isn’t personal, it’s contextual.

When out and about in the street, and a homeless person asks you to buy him/her a coffee or lunch, do you stop, listen and share your economic resources, or do you ignore the individual? 

When was the last time you gave someone flowers? Don’t forget though, you’re someone, too.

While boarding the escalator at Penn Station, I saw two very cheerful young adults– a lady and a gentleman– holding large bouquets of flowers in their hands. Their energy was so radiant, it delighted my heart, and I thought to myself of the young lady, “Beautiful flowers for a beautiful girl.” Within seconds, the young lady looked back at me, handed me 2 flowers from her bouquet, and said “for you, beautiful.” It was a spiritually restorative moment for me, because I believe her heart heard my heart. Thoughts are energy transmitters; within and outside of ourselves. While we’re encouraged to watch our words, what if we compassionately minded our thoughts, as though someone else were listening?