21 Questions
What inspires you the most?
I’m inspired most when I see ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Particularly people across racial, ethnic, cultural, religious and economic divides. Something about people coming together gives me hope because our challenges as a society are vast and complex.
What other path would you like to experience?
Since it’s make-believe I would say a cross between a Christian and Buddhist monk. I like the idea of consecrating ones life to deep prayer and meditation but also work in the community. I have great admiration for their vow to poverty - having no earthly possessions. It’s otherworldly yet attractive to me. I would like to be less of the world in many aspects.
What do you believe is the world’s greatest gift?
People. Without people what else is there.? Certainly I’m a little bias. Of course the planet is home to millions of animal and plant species that in fact humans need. We can either destroy or tend to them. People have done some pretty amazing things but we have to do more to protect the very essence of that which give us life and helps us to sustain it.
What are some of your favorite reads?
The Confessions of St. Augustine by St. Augustine, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison and Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila. are among the top. Other favorite reads are Five Dialogues by Plato, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, The Energy of Prayer by Thich Nhat Hanh, Five Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and the Bible is pretty phenomenal too.
Are you content with your accomplishments?
Yes, in terms of being fulfilled. No, in terms of being satisfied. I’m at peace with what I’ve been able to contribute to society thus far. Yet, I do believe I could’ve done so much more. I just didn’t have enough information, access and opportunity. I still don’t and it’s painful. Yet, I have to keep pushing and journeying forward. I’m just focusing on the now opportunities.
Who would you be If you had the power to choose?
Me, because I’m pretty damn good at it. It took me a long time to find my own pace and rhythm in life and I wouldn’t exchange it for anything in the world. I truly enjoy being me - for the most part anyway. Sometimes I do get frustrated with myself and need a break. Haven’t figured that one out yet.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Huh. Are there other things besides work? Well, I love to travel and see new places. I’m not a resort, cruise or island person. Unless it’s a pretty big island with lots to do. I’m more of an adventurer, get out and see the world kind of person. I love museums and art galleries, architecture, live theater, great food and people watching. I want to see and do things I haven’t seen or done before with those I love.
If you can only solve one societal problem, which one?
I believe the one problem that’s at the substratum of every problem in our society is hatred. I strongly believe that if love was to prevail in this world, it would be completely different . The first place to start would be with self-love and then it goes forth from there. I know what love looks and feels like and this definitely ain’t it.
What kind of movies or tv shows do you like?
I really enjoy historical dramas and there are too many to name. But some of my favorites are Hotel Rwanda, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, North & South, Hidden Figures, Sense & Sensibilities, Fences, Pride & Prejudice, The Butler, Lust Caution, Amistad, The Tuskegee Airmen, Gandhi, Rosewood, The Assassins, Cry Freedom, Curse of the Golden Flower and The Last King of Scotland to name a few.
Who would you want to meet if given a chance?
If they were physically walking the planet; Jesus the Christ, Buddha, Prophet Muhammad, Gandhi, Plato, Socrates, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Malcolm X, Confucius, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman and Cleopatra, Among the living, there are too many to name but anyone with an harrowing story.
What keeps you motivated during difficult times?
First and foremost I’m deeply rooted in my spirituality. I believe in God, a power that is greater than myself or any human capabilities. It’s my faith that allows me to release this illusion of supreme control. Although I make plans, have specific goals and aspirations, my abilities have limitations. So when I run up against roadblock after roadblock, I pull back and I wait for things to align.
What’s on your bucket list?
Well, my inner bucket list; more compassion, love, patience, honesty, strength and wisdom. Spending more time in prayer and meditation so that I become less of me and more of God. My outer bucket list; live in another country for a year or two. Immerse myself in the people and culture. To have a major impact in education. To build things that empower the masses.
What is the best insight you’ve ever received?
I’ve gleaned a lot from so many that it kind of all melds together. However, an insight that stands out is one of Don Miguel Ruiz’s five agreements which is don’t take anything personally. Although simple, its an invaluable principle to hold true to in life. When you’re not taking something personally you can think and act with more clarity which often leads to different results.
If you could perfect one virtue which would it be?
Humility. Unfortunately society is centered around our achievements, status., wealth and associations. Having these things often contributes to elitism. Of course not having these things can also be an impediment to humility yet I believe in a different way. The more we posses the more exalted and self-important we become. Arrogance makes us less willing to listen, learn and grow.
When striving to achieve a goal what’s your most valuable tool?
That “No” has more than one meaning. When I hear “no” I ask myself what kind of no is it? Is it “No, never contact me again?” or “No, this is not a good time?” Is is “No, I can’t help you?” or “No, I can’t help you but maybe someone I know can?” It ties back to not taking things personally and hindering one’s ability to think more broadly. For me “No” is not final.
What’s the best thing about a difficult experience?
Surviving it, right? Seriously, I think it’s what you’ve learned from it. There will always be challenges, it’s simply a part of life. My aim is to harness all of that wisdom for the next obstacle. It’s a waste of time to lament over difficulty. The question is do we get better at working through it and are we coming out on the other side even better than before? That’s my only focus.
When will you know that you’ve actually arrived?
We all want to be acknowledged and celebrated for our achievements - it’s a natural inclination. We need validation that we’re here on the planet, unique and valuable to society. However, it’s a mistake to allow external factors to define our worth, our success. That’s why honoring the entire journey is so critical. The journey is the end not the means to the end..
What’s one of the biggest acts of kindness we can offer?
I’d say forgiveness. Forgiving ourselves first for whatever that’s weighing heavily on us. We carry around a lot of guilt both self-imposed and inflicted by others. Forgiveness is very powerful which is why some people withhold it as a form of punishment or control. But not forgiving is a double-edged sword that ensnares and binds the victim and perpetrator alike.
What is a word you don’t like to hear?
I’ve never really liked the word “quitting.” Something about it makes me a little sad. I think because I always want to finish what I started and I desire other people to do the same. However, as you mature you understand that there is a time to stop what you’re doing - whether to retool, pivot or walk away altogether. Sometimes quitting can just be the best thing to do.
What quality do you like most in a person?
I believe if sincerity is at the foundation of any interaction or relationship then something of value will be gained from it. Even if two people share varying viewpoints there’s still something intrinsically good about the connection. Whether its a brief conversation or a long-term relationship, operating in good faith with a genuineness is the best situation I can ask for.
When are you the most happiest?
I absolutely love, love, love being of service to others. Giving is truly the best feeling in the world to me. I admit not so much when growing up. My mother would always enlist us to help our elderly neighbors in particular. Of course me and my siblings complained but dare not defy. It’s now just a part of my DNA and I unquestionably receive far more than I could ever offer..
If you have a question feel free to ask and I’ll add it to my next Q & A