Hey Reader,

First and foremost, Happy Black History Month!

I do hope you are celebrating the contributions, culture, and creativity of Black folx this month. If not, I have included some of my favorite books and movies for your consumption at the end of this message.

With that said…

Recently I gave a presentation about moving past stagnation, and I thought I’d share some of this information with you.

Oftentimes, when we become stuck we attribute it to a lack of motivation, time, energy, or inspiration.

However, while some or all of that may be true, each of those reasons exist on the surface.

If we really took the time to engage in the necessary self-reflection, I wonder what we might unearth. I wonder if we settle for those surface reasons to avoid the real issues that keep us stuck?

I have a simple question for you… What is your “Why?”

For some, this question may be difficult to answer. And that’s okay. Because I really want you to think about it.

We spend so much of our time working, and going, that we leave little time for reflecting. We often just do what is expected of us. Whether those expectations were placed on us by others, or we placed them on ourselves.

But even in the going, what is the reason or the thing that keeps you going?

I am a firm believer that our gifts are not for us. Now, I certainly believe our gifts will make room for us - allow us into previously inaccessible spaces- but the point of our gifts is not that.

Our gifts are to be shared. They benefit others.

In fact, I believe our gifts have the capacity to even bring healing to others. But, if we stay stuck, stagnant, who might we leave hurting?

I have said before that wholeness can only occur in community. And wholeness is a sign of healing.

Think about all of the sayings and scriptures that refer to healing as being made whole. Now consider your gift, talent, idea, being the key to someone getting there.

My “why” is my community.

It is not money, it is not notoriety, it is not praise.

All of those things are great, they just aren’t enough to keep me going.

But knowing my gifts have healing, wholeness power… this knowledge motivates me, energizes me, inspires me, and causes me to make the time.

How about you? What is your "why"? I encourage you to find and name your “why” and then get to moving.

... as promised:

Books by Black Authors

• All About Love - bell hooks
• Go Tell It On The Mountain - James Baldwin
• What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker - Damon Young
• The People Could Fly - Virginia Hamilton
• The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison

Movies of Black Stories

• American Fiction - do yourself a favor and run to the theater now to see this!
• The Five Heartbeats
• Sarafina
• The Blackening
• The Great Debaters

TV Shows/Series

• Lovecraft Country
• The Get Down

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Are you part of an organization or team that would benefit from award-winning speaking, training, or consultation support? I’d love to connect! [Book a consultation call with me to share about your vision for your team or organization.]​

Until we meet (in your inbox) again - take care.

--

In Ubuntu,

Dr. Ebony White
Founder & CEO, Sikhona Sanctuary LLC
e: info@drebonywhite.com
w: www.drebonywhite.com
​li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drebonywhite/​

Ubuntu | I am because we are, and because we are, I am.