The Honeybee's Lifestyle

Category: LIFESTYLE

  • Slow Down

    Hello Honeybees,

    In a recent conversation with my oldest son I asked him what was an important lesson that he has learned. He is all of 19 so the answer that I received was not what I expected but one that I totally understood.

    His answer was “it’s okay to take things slow”.

    How many 19 year olds truly understand that concept? He has never known life without the internet. He has never had to depend only on the mailman to deliver things. He’s never known what it feels like to only have a landline. So for him to understand the concept of taking things slow was refreshing.

    He came to this realization during a doctors visit. This was his first visit to an “adult” doctor and she took the time to talk to him about life, school, work and his future. She reassured him that he could accomplish everything he wanted and that it was okay for him to take his time. That made him feel so much better about himself. It was a confidence booster.

    Because he had a very rough college start he was discouraged and felt like he disappointed me. Not gonna lie I was not happy with him but I had to realize that he is not me or his brother and that he has to do things the way that works best for him. So going slow it is. He is excited to restart his college journey at a slower pace, his pace.

    The child is teaching the parent. I admit that sometimes I hate taking things slow, I want it when I want it which is usually NOW. But watching him move at his pace has encouraged me to do the same. I’m in a waiting period in my life right now and believe me I want to rush to the end but this 19 year old has shown this 50 plus year old that sometimes slow and steady wins the race.

    What area in your life do you need to slow down?

     

    Beewisdom- The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit – Moliere

  • Daddy Lessons

    Hello Honeybees,

    My daddy Alabama, momma …..

    okay that’s it because my momma was born right here in Memphis,Tennessee and we ain’t nowhere near creole but Chicago brought them together so I don’t know what that makes me……Lol!!!

    Last month for Mother’s Day I shared a lesson that my mom taught me so for Fathers Day I’m sharing a lesson that my father taught me. My dad died when he was only 32 years old and I was 10. But in those 10 years he taught me some very valuable and life affirming lessons. The time that we had together holds an extremely special place in my heart.

    One of the most important lessons that my dad taught me was the value of an education. I promised my dad that I would go to college and earn my degree. I don’t know why that lesson stuck with me, part of it could be that he promised me a car if I went to college. Even though I knew that my mom couldn’t afford to buy me a car I knew that I was going to keep my promise. It was too important not to, so off to college I went. It wasn’t easy and I took longer than 4 years but I did it and made both of my parents proud. Together we made that promise a reality.

    My dad wanted a better educational future for me compared to his. I never truly understood just how proud my dad would’ve been of me until my own children started graduating. I too want my sons to have better than I did. Just like I had to find my way my oldest is finding his way and just like my parents I will be his support to help him navigate this crazy world. My youngest, who is headed to Xavier University in New Orleans, once told me that he wanted to earn his PhD because it’s better than my MBA. All that I have to say to that is “Go Get It” but I’m not promising a car.

    As we celebrate this Father’s Day, let us remember the lessons that our father’s taught us. If your dad is still alive make sure you tell him thank you for those lessons. If your dad, like mine, is no longer here on earth, whisper a prayer of thanks.  He’ll receive it.

    Happy Father’s Day!

     

    Beewisdom- “A good father will leave his imprint on his daughter for the rest of her life.” – Dr. James Dobson

  • Controlled Chaos

    Hello Honeybees,

    Nine years ago I had a lot going on in my life. I was going through a divorce, my sons were acting out, I was working a full time job, I was going through a leadership program AND I started a MBA program. To be honest some of this was in my control. I didn’t have to start the leadership program or the MBA program at that particular time but for some reason everything just happened at the same time. Kind of like the perfect storm. It was controlled chaos.

    As I look back over that time I wonder how I survived. How did I even have the strength to not only keep moving forward but to do it successfully? I completed the leadership program, earned my MBA and finalized my divorce. My sons was a longer process but we all made it through.

    But what I learned about myself during that time was just how strong I am. I also learned that I can thrive in the midst of chaos. I can get laser focused on what I need to do to survive and then execute.

    Here’s my concern, why do I have to be in chaos to thrive? One thing that I am discovering about myself is that the more that I have going on the better. If I am sitting still doing nothing I’d probably loose it. It makes me lazy. Controlled Chaos always brings out the best in me.

    I like having peace but shaking things up a little keeps me on my toes. If my chaos is not controlled then I am not at my best. The chaos has to be controlled. Surprise chaos is stressful.

    Thriving in chaos requires a mental, physical and emotional toughness. But staying positive that everything will work out helps. Surrounding myself with a support system that encourages me is important. But more importantly my faith that God will see me through it all is the power that I need to keep moving forward.

    Do you thrive in chaos?

     

    Beewisdom- All great changes are preceded by chaos – Deepak Chopra