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We must be fearless in leading our lives

7 min read

Have you ever attended a networking event?

Or maybe you’ve attended a party that was organized so that folks could connect to each other to learn about an organization or a new opportunity? You’ve been to one of those parties!?! Yeah — so that is called a networking event. (One day, my sarcasm is gonna bite me good — wink, wink)

The other day, I attended a networking party for a nonprofit organization hosted by my friend Rosie (I changed her name because I didn’t get permission to use her real name). Rosie is the queen of networking – seriously. I don’t even know why I train, teach, speak or write on the topic. I should just have her do it. Rosie is a master connector and party planner. She remembers details and stories about everyone she meets.

She remembers stuff that people forget even happened and probably forgot that they even told her about it. I hope that I’m not giving away her secret to success, but I must revel in my friend’s ability to connect. She truly understands the importance of relationships and the value of being heard. She effortlessly connects to people in the most genuine way. I love it. So anyway, back to the party. About an hour in to the event (which means about an hour into some great stories and laughter), Rosie smiles and asks her guests if they read my articles in the newspaper. Even though a few responded yes, Rosie continued with, “Well if you don’t read them, you should. Do you see how Gina is right now? This is her. Gina writes just like she talks.” I vigorously shook my head in agreement and gave a few “mmmhmmms” and “amens” as well. Just like Popeye the Sailor Man, “I am what I am.”

The last few weeks, we’ve been learning about Dr. John Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Law #5 is the Law of Consistency. In this law, John says that, “Motivation keeps you going, but discipline keeps you growing.” He asserts that the key to success in life is consistency. And I must agree. Let me explain.

I’ve known for quite some time that I had the ability to write. I am a natural communicator with a gift of gab and passion for connecting with people. I love stories and believe that the best lessons come through those life experiences. And the greatest achievements come when those experiences are evaluated (remember the Law of Reflection?). When I was 24 years old, I felt a push, a heavenly nudge to write my autobiography. One night I was busy working on my desktop computer in my apartment on Braddock Avenue (completely irrelevant details, but I want you to envision the moment – just chill). My son was watching his favorite cartoons and dinner was cooking on the stove (now you see it — you are welcome). I started to cry.The tears just started to pour out of me. I couldn’t stop crying. I wasn’t wailing — it was more of a subtle, quiet stream of tears. I began to type and my story, my personal journey through the last 24 years started to appear on the screen. I took a few breaks, pausing to feed my son, give him a bath, and put him to bed. But I stayed up, awake for several more hours, writing until I couldn’t write anymore. After saving the file, I turned the computer off and went to bed.

The next morning, I woke up excited about what had happened. I knew I had a full schedule ahead of me the next day, but I promised myself and God that I would make time to continue writing. Day turned into night and my eyes grew tired. I just didn’t have the energy to write anymore — or at least that’s what I told myself. The next day began and I was going to write for sure. That day passed and still no more writing. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. And months turned into years. Excuse after excuse justified my decision to never open that file. To this day, I have never finished that work.

Remember when I said I felt a “heavenly nudge” and that I started to cry, “a subtle, quiet stream of tears?” I mean, you should remember. It was only like two minutes ago. Ha ha! Anyway, lets delve into that a little more. At that moment in my life (and somewhat still today) I had no desire to share my story. Don’t get me wrong – I had and have a great life filled with love, opportunity, and daily reminders of God’s love, grace, and mercy. But some things that we experience or do, we hope that no one, not even our closest friend, will find out. When I felt that nudge, I felt that God wanted me to tell the “whole story” — no edits. I started to cry because I didn’t want to disobey Him and I knew deep down that He would use my story to bless others. I knew that He would use my mistakes, my successes, my anger, my hurt, my joy, my love, my laughter, my sorrow, my guilt, and my shame to bless others. But — and this is a big but — I was afraid. I was afraid of what people would think of “my story.” I was afraid of bringing shame to my loved ones. I was afraid of the accountability that sharing my story would cause me to live up to. I was afraid of the impact — good or bad — it would have on my life. I was afraid of not being good enough. I was afraid.

In John’s new book (yet to be released) “Good Leaders Ask Great Questions,” John shares a conversation that he had with Paul Martinelli, the president of the John Maxwell Team.”Paul once told me, “All fear stems from either ‘I am not enough’ or ‘I don’t have enough.'” Too often we allow fear to keep us from living up to our potential. Too often we allow fear to keep us where we should have left a long time ago. Too often we allow fear to steal away our dreams and our hope. We must be fearless. We must be authentic. We must be who God created us to be.

Well thank God that my decision to never finish that book hasn’t deterred my impact or my success.Somewhere over these last 10 years, I’ve found peace with who I am and am ready to share my whole story. You see, “growth is not a single event.” Growth happens over time and through consistent improvement of yourself and your abilities. My crazy commentaries are function of that consistent improvement and my choice to be authentically me! I am what I am!

It takes courage to be You! Don’t let fear hide the man in the mirror! We are fearless! Don’t forget that at the end of this series, you can join me in person at a live event. Early bird tickets are on sale now! Get more information at www.gmarieproductions.com.

Gina Jones is a life-long resident of Fayette County and serves the community as an encourager, educator and advocate.Learn more about Gina at www.gmarieproductions.com.

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