Purpose, Power, and Permission

  • Write Your Own Story

    Write Your Own Story

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    Sha-shonda

    In the introduction or orientation to most of my literature courses, I emphasize the role of narrative (or story) in our lives.  I stress that we exist within narratives.  Stories influence our thoughts, shape our beliefs, and guide our actions. Think about it.  What is history if not a collection…

  • Build Your Life

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    Sha-shonda

    Like many, I awoke to this day determined to forge a new future and reasonably so. Today is the day when countless people will set new goals and make resolutions, which is great.  However, in order to do so, many people begin by expressing dissatisfaction with themselves and with others. …

  • The Birth of Hope

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    Sha-shonda

    Today is December 25, 2012, and countless people are celebrating in many different ways and for many different reasons.  Some are singing carols and opening much-anticipated gifts while others are preparing for festive dinners with family and friends. Old Christmas traditions are being upheld and new ones are being created.…

  • Recovering from Being Dropped

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    Sha-shonda

    Not everyone begins his/her journey with the same credentials and qualifications, gifts and skills, or physical and economic advantages.  Wherever you start from and whatever you start with, you must recognize that it is enough to get you to the place you are destined to be. Yes, it does seem…

  • Getting Back To My Former Glory: The Process of Restoration

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    Sha-shonda

    Sometimes, you get to a place in life that you had not intended to go.  Somehow, somewhere along your journey, you turned left when you should’ve turned right.  Perhaps, you stopped when you were supposed to go.  And just maybe, you didn’t pay close enough attention to the directions in…

  • What Is That In Thine Hand?

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    Sha-shonda

    What is keeping you from doing your purpose?  The truth is likely nothing, and many of us are probably unwittingly doing our purpose in some way or another.  However, if you have yet to discover and understand your purpose, you cannot channel your gifts and energy towards performing it.  Additionally,…

  • Change

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    Sha-shonda

    This is my first “requested” blog.  Until now, I’ve simply written “in the moment” from my own, personal/ creative/emotional/ spiritual/philosophical space.  However, I was recently asked to talk about “change,” and I’ve had to sit with that request for a moment.  I had to gather my thoughts, or as my…

  • Getting Back to Me

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    Sha-shonda

    Experiences and circumstances may shape who you are, but they do not have to dictate who you become.  I am not one to idly say, “Just get over it,” or “just forget about it and move on.”  I know personally that there are some situations that leave irreparable scars, and…

  • What Cancer Taught Me about Thankfulness

    What Cancer Taught Me about Thankfulness

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    Sha-shonda

    September 2010, I was diagnosed with stage 2, HER2 positive, invasive ductal carcinoma – breast cancer.  I wasn’t taken aback by the diagnosis; I knew in my heart, that I was going to be alright.    I had been what Christians refer to as “saved” for a long time before being…

  • Mining my Purpose

    Mining my Purpose

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    Sha-shonda

    We were all intentionally created, which means, we all have purpose.  Yet, many are not quite sure exactly what that purpose may be.  That’s okay.  The most important thing is that you know that there is something uniquely special about you.  Your purpose is yours alone, and no one can…