MANIFESTATION - ABRACADABRA

In this segment, it is my intention to nourish your soul, motivate and  empower you on a regular basis.

My signed copy

“Don’t even allow yourself to utter the words, I can’t, 

Delete them from your vocabulary.

And every time a negative thought comes into your mind,

toss it away and replace it with a positive idea.” (pg. 62)

“Staying centered in each moment

puts you in charge of your life…

Serenity is a gift you receive the instant

you begin to dispense with life’s clutter… ” (pg. 84 and 88)

We are a remarkable species at an extraordinary time in history, a marvel of God’s expression” (pg. 145)

Excerpts from, “In the Spirit” by  Susan L. Taylor,  former Editor In Chief for Essence Magazine and philanthropist

Harvard Business School Conference- 1993

I first met Susan L. Taylor in February, 1993 when she was the feature speaker at a Harvard Business School Conference entitled “African American Leadership: Visionaries Breaking Through Traditional Barriers.”  It was targeted to the Black Caucus of  Harvard’s alumni and upcoming graduands.  I was reading for my MBA at the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario at the time.  At that Conference, I also got to speak to the legendary Michael Porter, the renowned mastermind of competitive strategy. What a delight!

I distinctly remember that Ms. Taylor left at least 5 golden nuggets with her audience.  They were:

• Women, support your men

• Visit the motherland at least once in your life time

• Be mindful of the sacrifices that you have to make to reach to the top

• Know your self worth

• Schedule “Quiet Time” as part of your regular routine

In 1997, my dearest Auntie Linda, godmother (deceased) said that she was gifted with a

Remembering you on what would have been your 81st birthday Auntie Linda. We love and miss you

copy of Susan Taylor’s “maiden book” entitled  “Lessons in Living”  from her good friend, Claudette. I had told her that I had met Ms. Taylor and that she had made an indelible impression on me. Auntie Linda  lent me her copy of the book,  a wisdom centered collection of short essays and reflections about self-love, identity, resilience, perseverance and practical living. I was so enthralled with it that I had told many persons about this insightful masterpiece. In June 2011, I had met Ms. Taylor again when she visited Trinidad and Tobago for a Conference organized by the Women’s Institute of Alternative Development (WINAD).  My biggest regret was that Auntie Linda was not there to share that special moment as she had transitioned in September 2003.  Her passing was a gut wrenching blow for me. RIP. As a matter of fact, we have a plant in our yard, called the “Auntie Linda” plant and I remember her daily when I am watering it.  It had blossomed the day of her passing on 7 September, 2003. The scientific name for the plant is actually “Musifolia Canna Rhizome”!

We call this the Auntie Linda plant. It first blossomed in 2003

Just two days ago, after starting to write this article, serendipitously as I was scrolling through FB, I learnt that Ms. Taylor , now 80 years young, is still sharing pearls of wisdom and she is heading a large scale mentorship program, called “National Cares Mentoring Movement.”  Music to my ears! They have already touched the lives of some 350,000 students. In her recent television interview with Tamron Hall, she was still giving advice, coaching and mentoring people, old and young. In her recent interview, she left some powerful practical advice about empowerment, healthy boundaries and gratitude, once again. Two pieces of spiritual counsel were:

“ Gratitude makes everything that you have, more than enough” 

And

“Life is a Journey.  You have everything you need to take that journey. 

To live it. To want it. To be who you want to be.” 

Life is good!- JJM