The look on her face today in comparison to the sad disposition that never seemed to go away is priceless. How did she enter into this beautiful place called the next chapter? She courageously consumed one page at a time. Many of her old stories were not pretty pictures but somehow through the eyes of hope she embraced the possibility of a happy ending.
Recently, I had a conversation with an Executive Leadership coach and one of the first things he said was, “Tell me your story.” In my mind there were thousands swimming around like dolphins leaping inside saying PICK ME!
Allow me a few moments to guide you down the corridors of my past. I vividly remember having a poor work ethic in my youth. Twenty years ago my college intern supervisor provided one of the best gifts I have ever received. Honest feedback. I still have it to this day and at one point I used it as motivation to change for the better. Heart work, is hard work. A few of her comments were, “Kristie seems to cycle in and out of productive phases. She has been very effective at completing some tasks with great effectiveness. However, this seems to be inconsistent. She demonstrates qualities that could make her very effective in more one-on-one therapeutic environments, particularly if she received more specialized training in counseling.” It is not by accident that I spend every waking moment empowering women of influence to live by design and not default.
Within the core of every soul lies a depth of greatness. The one who discovers this treasure is the one who is willing to dig deep and spend endless hours searching for what has been hidden from the naked eye. Once this gift is unveiled, it is then ready to be presented to all others who have yet to recognize, that something special inside each human heart forever resides.
At the turning point of graduating from college I knew that I could no longer settle for average anything! One of the very reasons I was blessed with the opportunity to attend college was because of the selfless love of my mother and guidance counselor writing a letter of recommendation.
I used to walk around with this massive boulder on my shoulder. Mad with the world, mad at myself - just mad! I now say to clients, “Don’t get mad, get motivated! Don’t let your frustrations fool you, let them fuel you!” In the letter from my counselor to Florida State University she wrote, “I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Kristie because she has pulled herself up and is striving to make something of herself which I am confident she will. Kristie so wants to attend a university next year and is working so hard in her senior year to meet their academic requirements. I have observed the chip on her shoulder to dissolve as she has evolved into a pleasant, courteous, positive young lady.”
In appreciation for every voice of affirmation and belief that these women held for me before I could even fathom limitless possibilities, I am dedicated to exemplifying greatness. One day as I sat alone in my apartment during that final semester of college, I asked the one question that would radically alter my path forever. “Who am I?’ Even today, I still ask myself, “Who are you?” This is one of the most powerful questions one can ask themselves, especially if you seek to live authentically.
As a young child my mother would place me in pageants which definitely helped to build my confidence and self-esteem. The problem came later in life where I associated achievements with fulfillment and self-worth. I will never forget competing in my last pageant where I placed 2nd runner up.This was directly after winning the title of American Image National Woman in South Carolina to represent women battling Fibroid Tumors. (photo below)
The internal doubts began to rise within, “Should I have worn my hair in a different style?”, “Was it my interview questioning period?”, “Maybe it was the opening dance?” The reality was, I was still a queen just not the judge’s queen. We spend our entire lives searching for a crown of validation when in actuality- we are already royal diadems in the hand of God. The precious gift that I received that day, was the awareness, that I was enough.
What will the next chapter of your life be entitled?
Always remember, she who holds the pen, holds the POWER! Are you ready to experience something new? Get to it! There are countless adventures waiting for you to make a MOVE!
Ready to invest in peak performance coaching or image enhancement services, book a confidential consultation at https://calendly.com/kristiekennedy/klaritykall
