The Power of Your Shoes: Embracing the Journey

Hey y’all! It’s been a minute since I last wrote a blog, but I’m back, and today I’m getting a little vulnerable with you. I’ve been thinking about what to share, and the only thing that kept coming to mind is the power of your shoes. Let me explain.

As I’m still figuring out exactly what God is calling me to do with this leaderships/personal development business, I’m reminded of this picture right here. It’s a snapshot from 2019 at this art exhibit called "Walk a Mile in My Shoes", taken when I visited my dad’s side of the family for the first time. I was 34 years old, and that was the first time I ever met them and visited his gravesite. You see, my father was murdered when I was just 3 years old. I’ve never smelled him, touched him, or heard the sound of his voice—the little things we often take for granted, I’ve never had the chance to experience.

As life goes on, I never fully realized how deeply his absence would impact the way I make decisions, delegate tasks, trust others, resolve conflicts, and communicate in leadership. I was oblivious to think that personal and professional life were separate. The only thing that was separate was the masked character we play to get through the day.

Three Pain Points of Not Having a Father for a Black 28-Year-Old New Leader:

- Trust Issues: Without a strong paternal figure, trusting others, especially in leadership, can be challenging. You may find yourself questioning the intentions of those around you, which can hinder your ability to delegate effectively.
  - Resolution: Build trust slowly and deliberately. Start with small tasks and gradually increase responsibility as trust is earned. Open communication is key.

- Conflict Resolution: Growing up without a father might lead to difficulty in handling conflict. You may avoid it altogether or overreact, unsure of how to navigate these situations calmly.
  -Resolution: Seek mentorship or training in conflict resolution. Understanding different perspectives and staying calm under pressure can make all the difference.

- Confidence in Decision-Making: The absence of a father can result in self-doubt when making decisions. You might second-guess yourself, wondering if you’re making the right call.
  - Resolution: Practice self-reflection and seek feedback from trusted peers. Affirm your decisions by reminding yourself of past successes and learning from mistakes.

So, you see, as leaders, each pair of shoes we put on leaves an imprint on our journey. When we embrace the power of our journey—our struggles, our triumphs, our pain—we can show up authentically in the power of our shoes. And that, my friends, is where true leadership begins. 

So to my First time leaders out there...Keep walking, keep leading, and never forget the power of your shoes. 🖤