The Journey

I often don't like to post a blog unless I have solutions to the questions I ask. But more and more I am beginning to realize that it's not always the answers that provide more direction, rather the questions themselves illuminate the pathway. It's not the destination that's important, but the journey.

Statistics have shown that many people change careers between seven and fifteen times in a lifetime. Men and women usually have numerous relationships throughout life. There are many phases to a life because our desires, needs, likes, circumstances, knowledge change as time moves. Change is constant and inevitable. The challenge comes when trying to navigate the changes inside and around us.

Sometimes life's changes don't create the life we dreamed of or desired. So what do we do then? Of course some will say that we can have whatever life we desire, we just have to create it. But it takes nine months to create a baby, so creating a desired life or lifestyle will take time too. So how do we maneuver during this time in a way that is productive. What if we aren't quite sure what we want to create?

Uncertainty is a prickly fact of life. To be honest, the unknown has always been an enemy of mine. Perhaps this is the reason why I put so much energy into strengthening my faith. I know my Father The Mighty King is guiding me through a path that He feels is best for me. I can trace the route that lead me to where I am at this moment back many years. But not seeing what's around the bend is nerve wracking...sometimes terrifying! No, I never imagined the life I am currently living, and there are certain aspects of it that I would change.

I am not implying that I don't like the way my life has turned out. I am trying to figure out how to live a life I didn't expect with the greatest joy, love, acceptance, and productivity that I can muster. Rolling with change takes work. Knowing yourself helps. What are your strengths? I am hopeful (even when I can't be positive), I am generous (though I don't have many possessions) I am a good communicator (yet sometimes at a loss for words) and I am forgiving (had to work very hard on that one).

How do these strengths help me navigate the uncertain waters of life? I am still figuring that one out. I like who I am, who I have worked hard to become, even though my life looks nothing like I dreamed it would be. I am now faced with the challenge of travelling  the next leg of this journey blindfolded. I know, however, that my Guide would never lead me astray. Safe journey fellow travelers.

Before You Lead...

"A good leader inspires others with confidence in him; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves."

As I scroll through my facebook page, I see memes with inspirational quotes from inspirational people and that brings a smile to my face. As I scroll down further, I see more posts by the same people who posted the memes condemning those who choose not to think, live, or believe the same way they do. Many of these people seem to have taken on a self appointed roll of leader/guru/yogi. Although it is admirable that as they find enlightenment, they desire to share it with others, it is unsettling that they feel that the "truth" that they have discovered for themselves is the only truth for everyone.

While truth can indeed be a powerful weapon in many situations, it tends to do its own work and doesn't need to be brandished like a billy club. There are many truths in the universe and what may be true for one person, may not be true for another. For example, a California resident may find a vegetarian lifestyle to be true for him, whereas a resident of rural Alaska may not.

I have found that for me, the best spiritual leaders/teachers and leaders/teachers in general have been the ones who have taught and empowered me to seek, learn, and find my own truth, thereby enabling me to grow. I think the goal of leading should be to create more leaders and the goal of teaching should be to create self sufficiency. The ultimate goal should be growth in any case. But people grow and learn in different ways and at different paces.

Before I became vegan, a community of people I had frequent discussions with bombarded me with criticism for being a carnivore, telling me that my lifestyle was out of line with who I claimed to be. I of course took offense because they didn't really know me and they were forcing their definition of who I should be upon me. My choice to become vegan years later ultimately had nothing to do with their reasoning. As I grew and changed, so did my choices and lifestyle. I was ready to find my truth.

We must remember that the "truth" is all of us, but our experiences and backgrounds may color the way we express that truth. Bashing someone over the head with "the truth," and condemning those who choose not to follow it only leads to resentment and resistance. If what you are trying to create is a league of people who mimic your lifestyle, then you are no different from those whose lifestyle you despise. If what you are trying to create is a humanity of free thinkers who live in a way that benefits everyone, why not try enabling them to find their own truth within themselves. Lead by example, not force. Peace and blessings

Shine On

This blog is called the rising of a queen because of my quest to elevate my mental, spiritual, and physical self to a place of royalty. I am not seeking to be or be treated like Queen Elizabeth, living in an elaborate palace removed from the people. I am aiming to be more like the Queen of Sheba of Ethiopia-a seeker of wisdom or Queen Nyahbinghi of Uganda-a warrior with my ultimate goal being to be like Empress Menen of Ethiopia, the Mother of Creation. In my journey, I am careful to remember that I rule no one, my life is my crown, and I am better than no one.

I've never sought the spotlight. In six years of television production and two years as a drama major, I always focused on behind the scenes work. Even in my work with youth, I have understood that my purpose is to shine the light on them. As a manager, I've always felt responsible for mentoring staff and giving them opportunities to shine. I've never felt I was meant for the spotlight, a trait usually foreign to aries, which is probably why I put writing on hold for so many years, even though it is my passion.

Does any of this make me better than anyone? Absolutely not. There are those who are meant for the spotlight, who thrive in it. It would make my purpose meaningless if there weren't. But what I've learned is that there is enough light for everyone, in fact, we all have moments in which we shine because we are all miraculous creatures with varying talents, skills, and knowledge that are vitally linked to one another.

I often find myself unwittingly in the midst of a competition I neither entered nor know the rules. Although competition can be a healthy motivator and even fun, it need not turn us against one another. We are all in this boat together and if I help you row, I will get there too. I see the success of those I help as my own success. I have no need to step into the light because when they shine I can see the way clearly. At any rate, we are all light ourselves. We don't need a spotlight on us because it is already in us...we just need to let it shine. Make no mistake, I have my own little light, and I'm gonna let it shine...but I'll probably be shining it on you. Love & LIGHT.

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