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Journeying THROUGH my thoughts

Copyright ©2020 Dr. Francemise Kingsberry.  All rights reserved.

40 Lessons Learned

11/5/2020

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Picture
40 days ago, I had an idea to write a lesson a day about some things I've learned in my 40 years, here on earth. As I have spent time in reflection, I am grateful for all my seasons because I am a better person for having LIVED! I hope you will find some wisdom in the following list.

​I look forward to many more years!  Here's to 40!
  1. Never take your day for granted. Make it count.
  2. Changing your routine can bring joy. 
  3. Hold on to your dreams and don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.
  4. Having faith and keeping the faith are two different things. One requires intentional work.
  5. Valuing myself and what I have to offer is a part of embracing who God wants me to be.
  6. I matter.
  7. Sometimes activity can make us feel like we’re making a difference. This isn’t always the case. Synergy is where it’s at. 
  8. There is nothing wrong with regrouping and starting over.
  9. Expect the unexpected with God. He delivers!
  10. Don’t be afraid to believe. It’s never a waste of time to do so.
  11. Be careful not to be in motion but going nowhere. (Double negative intended.)
  12. Once you find your people, thank God.  They will have your back and hold you up. 
  13. Sometimes it takes effort to breathe but you still gotta do it. It’s about survival. 
  14. Don’t let your insecurities keep you from sharing who you are with the world! You are a gift!
  15. Try to enjoy the good times as much as possible and make good memories. 
  16. If there is hope, there is possibility.
  17. I can’t be anyone else; I can only be me. 
  18. Be gracious especially to yourself.
  19. Love hard but if/when you realize the relationship is harmful to you, it’s ok to let go. 
  20. Don’t focus on your haters.
  21. Support others but don’t forget to invest in your own self.
  22. I am worth it. 
  23. Go beyond what people say and look at what they do; their actions or non-actions will display their hearts. 
  24. When you’ve given friendships all you have and it still fails, walk away knowing that you gave it your all.
  25. Writing is just talking on paper. “Talking” is therapeutic. 
  26. Stop saving your China for a special occasion. Use them just because. 
  27. Greatness isn’t something that happens overnight it’s established through a lifetime of living.
  28. Just because you aren’t racing doesn’t mean others aren’t competing with you. 
  29. Don’t let fear keep you from adventure. You will miss out on life.
  30. Let God write your story. 
  31. I may not know everything but that doesn’t mean I should ignore checks in my spirit.
  32. Even if I feel lonely, I’m never alone.
  33. Imitation isn’t always flattering. Be unique!
  34. God is a God of righteousness and justice. You can’t take one without the other. 
  35. When you “don’t see color,” you don’t see me.
  36. Forgiving may be difficult but forgetting can be even harder. 
  37. Life is beautiful whether I believe/feel it or not.
  38. It doesn’t matter how much time has elapsed, true friends can pick up where they left off. 
  39. Surround yourself with people who want to see you winning, succeeding, and happy in life. 
  40. Sometimes, you just have to wait and see what happens. ​ Photo Credit: Casha Mosley

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Stumped

4/28/2020

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This weekend, we explored the Harris Lake Peninsula Trail, a hiking trail said to be 4.2 miles but for us, it was about 5-miles. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m not as graceful as I’d like to think. You guessed it, I fell down. My poor decision to start running at the suggestion of my five-year old, wasn’t wise—it was against my better judgment. And for a quick minute, we were happy until...I fell—(y’all remember my El Yunque story? I might have to re-post it on this blog.) Too bad it was short-lived.

​It was unfortunate that I actually tripped on a very obvious and protruding stump, in the middle of the path. The Hassans, who were leading the way, rushed to my side. Hassan, my husband, helped to get the twigs out of my hair, brushed off the dirt off my body, and then helped me get up once I got myself together and felt well enough to get up. As soon as he figured I was fine, he started giving me his speech. He told me that I needed to watch the path. But the thing was, I really thought I was paying attention to the path! All we wanted to do was catch up to the guys.

As much as I hated listening to his lecture about safety and being careful on this hiking trail, I hated admitting that he was right; I guess I really wasn’t watching. I wanted to get to my destination quickly and disregarded the obvious obstacles. When I was sprawled out on the ground, face down, it wasn’t until I turned myself around and looked up and accepted his helping hand, that I got up.

Sometimes in life, the journey is full of uneven terrains and hurdles and we have to decide the best way to navigate them and how to move forward. If we’re not paying attention, we might stumble and even fall. Sometimes, if we get ahead of ourselves, a fall is inevitable. It’s a good thing that God’s promises that if we do fall, we will get back up again (Ps. 24: 16). And just as Hassan did for me, God’s hand is extended to help us up (Psalm 37: 24). Funny enough one version of this scripture states, “When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand (NASB).” I am encouraged to know that when we are at our lowest point, God will hold our hands through life's situations.

Thankfully, I wasn’t hurt too bad especially since we still had about 3-miles to go. Believe me, Hassan kept stopping to give me more speeches, along the way. I know it's because he loves me. As I stumbled the rest of the way, because the twists and turns didn't stop, I tried to be careful and you know what? I finished the trail at my own pace.

​I went back to walking and my picture-taking.
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    Author

    New Jersey Native. Proud Haitian-American. UNC-Chapel Hill  (First-Generation College) Graduate.  Double Tar Heel who obtained a Doctorate from NC State. Educator. Devoted Daughter and Sister.  Loving Wife and Mother.  Lover of People.  Photographer.  Poet. Home Chef. Singer.  Worshiper.  Preacher and Motivational Speaker.  Virtuous Woman.  I am who I am by the Grace of God.  ​

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