Tag Archives: life

Who’s on Your Life Board? Why the Right People Make All the Difference

A book that the coaching group I belong to often refers to is Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan. Oftentimes, I have found myself and other high-achieving individuals trying to do everything alone. Just like in my journal, Life Board, the importance of focusing on community and others to live a flourishing life is reiterated.

Here are a few parallels between Dan Sullivan’s framework and the Life Board™ framework:

1. You Cannot Succeed Alone

It is impossible to live life in isolation and truly thrive. Success involves not only doing work with the right people but also being in community with the right people.

Just think about when people accept awards. They always thank family and associates who have contributed to making their lives better. For some, it’s a coach, a pastor, or a spouse.

2. Be Intentional About Your Who

This key point is about identifying and being intentional about partnering with others to help you succeed in life.

While Sullivan focuses on people who can help you achieve goals, the Life Board™ model highlights being intentional about identifying the seven relational roles needed to support your growth, identity, and purpose.

To be intentional is to be a curator or creator of those with whom you pursue goals or do life.

3. The Right People Save You Time and Energy

Delegating and collaborating free you to focus on what you do best. Mentors provide wisdom. Both should give you speed.

“Proximity is power. If you want to accelerate your growth, get in rooms with people who are already playing the game at a level you want to reach.” — Attributed to Tony Robbins

4. You Need People With Different Strengths

The best “Who” may possess abilities, knowledge, or resources you lack.

The primary biblical passage that beautifully outlines how individuals with different gifts, talents, and functions come together to accelerate and strengthen the whole is 1 Corinthians 12:4–27, which describes the church as “One Body with Many Parts.”

Different Life Board™ members fulfill different roles and needs in the community.

Who’s on Your Life Board?

As you reflect on these four principles, I want you to ask yourself: Am I trying to do life alone, or am I intentionally building a community that supports where I’m going and who I’m becoming?

Sometimes the issue isn’t that you lack the ability, knowledge, or determination to accomplish your goals. It may be that you’re missing the right people to help you along the way.

Remember, you cannot be your best self by yourself!

Take some time to examine the people currently in your life. Who is helping you grow? Who is challenging you to become better? Who is celebrating your successes? More importantly, which seats on your Life Board are still empty?

If you’re ready to become more intentional about building your confidence and community, my guided journal, Life Board: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You, is a great place to start. It will help you reflect on the seven essential relational roles and identify the people who support your growth, identity, and purpose.

You can also connect with Nekeshia Limuel, LPC, at Meraki Counseling Services to learn more about designing your personal Life Board™.

Phone: 832-779-3039
Email: merakicounseling@outlook.com

The question isn’t just what you want to accomplish in life, but WHO you’re doing life with!

5 Things to Look for in a Safe Relationship

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Have you ever opened up to someone only to regret giving them access to your personal life? I have! Lately, I’ve been thinking about the importance of creating safe spaces for those I interact with, both professionally and personally. I’ve learned that just because someone is familiar doesn’t mean they are safe. Safety is foundational to building trust, intimacy, and meaningful connections.

Now, what makes you feel safe in a relationship may look totally different from what makes me feel safe. However, I believe there are certain qualities that should be present before we allow others access to our personal lives. I want to share five things to look for in a relationship that should serve as the currency of trust before we open up to others.

1. Respects Boundaries

I think that so many people operate in relationships without having clear boundaries. Some may even struggle with setting boundaries with people they love, let alone people they are just meeting.

I dealt with a situation where I was called mean because I didn’t allow a person that I share a lot of DNA with to know where I stayed due to her being in a toxic relationship where police were often called out.

Well, a person can call me whatever they want, but I have the belief that your home is your sanctuary. Eventually, they came around to the fact that in order to deal with me, they had to respect my boundaries in the same way that I respect and HONOR the rules you put in place for interactions.

2. Takes Accountability

Have you ever dealt with anyone who does not own the impact their actions had on you? It shows maturity to be able to take RESPONSIBILITY and apologize for the impact it had on another person.

The person who takes accountability by acknowledging their wrongs and/or mistakes is showing that they are able to have empathy towards others. Steer clear of a person who never owns up to the way their actions have affected you.

3. Offers Grace and Safety

I often say, “Everybody has a past.” This statement is rooted in my belief that no one is able to judge another person.

In order to feel safe around others, one has to feel like they are not being judged for what they have done or are currently doing.

As a counselor, I have seen so many people confide in me, not just because I am ethically and legally bound to hold their confidence, but because they feel secure that I have curated a “no judgment” environment.

The same MERCY that I want God and others to show me, I am intentional about showing others, both professionally and personally.

4. Shows Consistency

A couple of concepts that I have learned from my mentor and coach, Dr. Dharius Daniels, are the “currency of trust” and to “examine their fruit” with others you allow to have access to you.

Oftentimes, we set ourselves up for failure when we automatically open up to others without them building that trust or interact based on potential.

Trust has to be earned, and each interaction should be a deposit towards trust and not a withdrawal.

The second concept is not about judging but acting objectively by paying attention to a person’s ACTIONS OVER TIME.

5. Encourages Growth

In order to feel safe in a relationship, you should have the space to grow in life. Anyone who wants to keep you in a stunted state or keep the old you from becoming who you’re meant to be is a red flag.

They support and celebrate you learning and moving towards progress, even if that means you are moving away.

They won’t minimize your accomplishments with remarks like “Your little ________” (fill in the blanks with whatever successes).

I belong to a wonderful community called Daniels Den that encourages and celebrates growth. In fact, we hold steadfast to the Kaizen principle, where our mantra is “We grow until we go!”

There is always room for growth and DEVELOPMENT.

Building Your Life Board™

As you think about the people you allow into your life, ask yourself: Are these relationships providing the safety, support, and space I need to grow? Remember, having people around you is not the same as having the right people around you.

If you’re ready to become more intentional about building your community, explore my guided journal, Life Board: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You.

You can also contact Nekeshia Limuel, LPC, at Meraki Counseling Services at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com to learn more about building confidence and community.

Which of these five qualities do you value most in your relationships? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Who Has a Seat on Your Life Board™?

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You have people around you, but are they the right people? It’s easy to let life get you wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of things. Before you know it, you have 700 friends on social media and don’t really know 100 of them. True story! Some of us may have even been filling seats just so they won’t be empty.

My mentor and coach, Dr. Dharius Daniels, often says something that is so essential when it comes to relationships: “Access is a privilege, not a right. It’s earned, not owed. Don’t allow people to mismanage their access to you.”

3 Questions to Ask Before Giving Someone Access to Your Life:

Are they aligned with my values? Examine whether their character, priorities, and behaviors support the life you’re intentionally building.

Now that you are well-versed in the seven different members you should have on your Life Board™, it’s time to hone in on the assessment of values. It is true: birds of a feather flock together. I have been able to sit on a dock of the Mississippi River in Louisiana and just observe the wildlife. What I find very interesting is how, if one bird flies in a certain direction, all the others do the same. I know we are not talking about wildlife, but we are talking about human nature. It is quite common to begin to do and say the same things as the persons you spend the most time with.

Is the relationship reciprocal? Consider whether support, encouragement, and effort flow in both directions.

Most people have been in a lopsided relationship at some point in their lives. It doesn’t feel good at all to end up being the person who carries a relationship. Don’t get me wrong; I know that relationships are never really 50/50 or equal parts. The thing is, it is important for people you are in relationships with to have a two-way dynamic. Other relationships, like assignments, may be imbalanced, but vital relationships, like those with Life Board™ members, should be interdependent and mutual in nature.

Does their presence contribute to my growth? Reflect on whether the relationship encourages confidence, accountability, emotional wellness, or joy.

To get to a season in life where you are intentional about growth and notice you have people around you who are nonchalant about seeing you grow is not good. Some people whom I see in the limelight in politics, government, and entertainment, I think, can’t have any friends or people. Living in a world where “yes men” come a dime a dozen, it is important to evaluate if those around you really help to catapult you to the next level and to the next level.

Now, I have a question for you: Who have you given access to your life, and have they earned the privilege of occupying that seat? Remember, having people around you is not the same as having the right people around you. Be intentional about who you allow to sit on your Life Board™ because the people you surround yourself with can influence the direction of your life.

If you need help assessing your relationships or designing your personal Life Board™, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com.

The Life Board™: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You is also available if you prefer a self-guided approach to identifying the people you need to build community and live a flourishing life.

The Leisure Companion – Finding Joy Together

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What is the saying? “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is a 17th-century proverb that means without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring. It is even more relevant in 2026, if you ask me. I have seen a shift in the lives of not only my clients but also in my personal space since the COVID pandemic. When things got slower and shut down out of necessity, people found out how beneficial it is to have work-life balance. I have even incorporated leisure into my ideal week. Not only do I believe it is good to have fun on the weekend, but I also try to fit it in during the week.

Here are 3 reasons to have a Leisure Companion:

They encourage you to have fun. They remind you that life is not just about work, responsibilities, and accomplishing goals. They encourage you to make room for laughter, enjoyment, and experiences that bring you joy. The benefits are numerous to having someone you can have fun with. From resetting your nervous system to giving you margin in emotional resilience, it is imperative to have a partner in crime to have fun/leisure with.

They help you experience new things. They are willing to explore, travel, try new activities, attend events, or simply break away from your normal routine. They help you create experiences and memories outside of your responsibilities. How this benefits you is by strengthening your brain’s neural pathways. By experiencing new things with a leisure mate, it also helps you with your identity. You are so much more than just a title or role on your job or in your career. It also makes for exciting conversations once you begin to explore and find out what you like to do.

When I was growing up, there was a commercial where the man, with the driest tone, would say, “It’s time to make the donuts.” It is draining to do the same old, same old day in and day out. Your Leisure Companion can help rescue you from the stagnation loop.

They help you rest and recharge. They understand that leisure is not wasted time. They encourage you to slow down, disconnect from productivity, and enjoy the present moment so you can return to your responsibilities refreshed. Who would have thought that having a person to experience leisure with can help prevent burnout? If you are able to rest and recharge, the benefits include cardiovascular health, enhanced immune function, improved sleep quality, and reduced muscle tension. Your recreation pal can help you by telling you to go take a nap and does not mind just chilling on the beach with you because they know how essential this is to your livelihood.

So, who is your Leisure Companion? Who is the person who reminds you that life is meant to be lived and not just managed? Your Life Board™ should include people who help you accomplish your goals, but it should also include someone who reminds you to laugh, explore, rest, and simply enjoy your life.

If you need help identifying the people who belong on your Life Board™, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com. The Life Board™: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You is also available to help you intentionally build the community you need to live a flourishing life.

The Wellness Partner – Caring for the Whole Self

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Oftentimes, this member, The Wellness Partner, is overlooked when it comes to designing your personal Life Board™ of Directors. It is essential to make sure those around you are living a healthy lifestyle. You may think it is inconsequential, but it is crucial to living a flourishing life. How, do you ask?

Here are 3 ways The Wellness Partner helps you care for the whole self:

1. They encourage healthy habits.

They motivate you to prioritize your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through healthy lifestyle choices.

If I am a speaker, but I am binging on sweets and alcohol while speaking across the globe, then I may feel energized at the beginning of the speaking engagement but crash soon thereafter. Or, if the speaker is mentally unwell, those who invited them to the event or even the audience may notice that something is off.

How this person helps you in this area is by encouraging you to increase healthy habits in your lifestyle.

2. They support balance and self-care.

They recognize when you are overwhelmed and encourage you to establish boundaries, rest, and make time for yourself.

Have you ever been around a person who looks tired or becomes irritated easily during neutral situations? More than likely, they lack balance and self-care. This member may help you see that balance is needed to be successful.

A well-rested person is able to make better and wiser decisions. They mention things like having capacity and realizing when you don’t have the capacity to deal with certain situations or family members at certain times.

3. They promote holistic growth.

They hold you accountable for nurturing every aspect of your well-being and encourage you to build a life that is healthy, balanced, and flourishing.

The accountability piece is always a big factor in us achieving our goals in life. If an idea or goal is kept to yourself, you can always hit that snooze button on the clock of success.

This member won’t let you set the alarm for every five minutes until you decide to get up to tackle your goals. They will call you out and challenge you to get up the first time that alarm goes off.

Now, I have a question for you: Who is The Wellness Partner in your life? Who encourages you to take care of yourself, reminds you to rest when necessary, and challenges you to develop healthy habits?

Remember, building a flourishing life requires more than setting goals. It requires surrounding yourself with people who support your overall well-being. Be intentional about who sits on your Life Board™.

If you need help identifying your Wellness Partner or designing your personal Life Board™, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com.

The Life Board™: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You is also available if you prefer a self-guided approach to building your community with intention.

The Values Twin- Aligned to the Core

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I’ve read that one’s values act as an “internal compass,” guiding one to make decisions, serving as the catalyst for our behaviors or actions, and giving us motivation to live life to the fullest. When there is an intrinsic or internal conflict within, it can make us unbalanced. For instance, if God is at the top of my values hierarchy, but my life lacks character, then my life patterns are incongruent with my top value.

Incongruence can show up with the people in your life as well. Have you heard the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together?” When that mismatch happens in relationship dynamics, it can be detrimental to your future. I have personally known people who were “just in the car” with someone who committed a crime. This made the person in the car an accessory to a crime.

That is why it is essential to surround yourself with people who are your Values Twins. Here are 3 things to consider when deciphering who your Values Twin is:

Identifying Your Core Values

There are countless assessments or ways to identify what your values are. An exercise that I have done before is writing my own obituary. It is a bit of reverse engineering. I read somewhere that the dash on an obituary is the most important thing. Not the day you were born, nor the day you die. It is the dash that is most crucial because it tells the story of what you did while on earth.

Sure, you can get a worksheet that lists countless values, but this exercise was the most vital exercise I have done to help me understand what legacy I wanted to be known for.

Surrounding Yourself with Aligned People

Remember when I used the old adage “birds of a feather” earlier in this post? Who you encircle yourself with can be a gift and a curse. I already gave an example of the shadow side of the company you keep having negative consequences. How it can be a positive thing is if the person you are around practices positivity, has healthy relationships, and sharpens you.

There is a scripture that says, “Iron sharpens iron,” that applies here. That is why it is important to have people around you with the same or similar values that you have.

Protecting Your Character and Purpose

Having a Values Twin definitely fortifies your character and purpose. Having someone with polar-end values weakens your foundation and can take you off track from achieving your goals and living a flourishing life.

Your Values Twin doesn’t have to think exactly like you, make every decision you make, or live an identical life. The important thing is having someone in your community whose core values align with the principles that matter most to you. When you are intentional about who sits on your Life Board™, you aren’t just choosing people to spend time with—you are choosing people who can influence the direction of your life.

So, ask yourself: Who in my life shares the values that I want reflected in the life I’m building?

If you need help identifying your values or deciphering who belongs on your Life Board™, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com.

If you prefer to explore this work independently, Life Board™: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You is also available to help you intentionally examine the people you need around you to build community and live a flourishing life.

The Accountability Partner – Challenging Growth

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Accountability Partner: Someone you trust to hold you accountable for the goals, commitments, and changes you said you wanted to make.

I had a conversation with a client who is struggling with communication in her marriage. When she attempts to convey a message to her husband, he says that she is “irritating” him. There is a cultural dynamic at play, with both of them growing up and living out the Nigerian culture. He doesn’t care for outsiders being involved in their relationship. So, I probe to find out if he has a father or father figure, a friend, or a pastor who guides him or provides constructive criticism. My client answered no. So then I get direct and ask the question: “So he doesn’t have anyone to hold him accountable or check him on his behaviors?” She responded once again, saying no.

I tend to stay away from people who don’t answer to anybody or have anyone in their lives to hold them accountable. This world is full of yes and wing men (women). I’ve always said I don’t want those kinds of people around me. I want and need people who will challenge me and hold me accountable to make sure I am living a life aligned with my values. Not only that, I need someone to check in with me to find out if I have done the things that I said I would do.

What follows are three qualities to look for in your Accountability Partner:

They challenge you. They aren’t afraid to ask the uncomfortable question: “You said you were going to do it. What happened?” I look at this point as being related to the iron sharpens iron scripture. If you’ve ever tried to cut something with a dull blade, you find out the hard way that this doesn’t work. In life, most things that are good call for being uncomfortable and even painful at times in order to see growth. Recall those first workouts that you’ve done and couldn’t move for days afterward. I need a challenger who tells me to get my behind out of bed and go to the gym despite the pain.

They check on you. Accountability requires follow-up. They remind you of what you said you wanted to accomplish and remain consistent with checking in on your progress toward your goals. This is the supportive facet of an accountability partner, providing reinforcement on your journey of realizing your goals or the things you hope to accomplish. Sure, we all need intrinsic or internal motivation to get her done, but extrinsic or external motivation is instrumental in seeing progress.

They share honest feedback. A good accountability partner will not hold back critiques that are vital to your success. Some of the constructive criticism may even hurt your feelings a little. That is the price to pay in order to have someone to “keep it real” with you. I have seen people do things on social media or carry on in public and have thought that that person can’t have any true friends or anyone holding them accountable. In safe spaces, even hard-to-hear truths can be spoken.

I belong to a wonderful coaching community called Daniels Den and have marveled at the amount of support and accountability present in the group. I have seen coaches reinforce the idea of accountability partners and have members give status updates on the things that were mentioned previously. Whether it is losing weight, updating that outdated résumé, or finishing the outline of a book, do not do it alone.

If you need to find out more about The Accountability Partner and their role, or even need a safe accountability partner through counseling or coaching, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com. The Life Board™: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You is also available if you choose a self-guided approach to accountability.

The Mentor-Gaining Wisdom

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Growing up, I really underestimated the importance of a mentor. Whether in your professional or private life, a mentor is a valuable but oftentimes underutilized source of success for individuals. This article points out three main ways a mentor makes a difference:

1) Wisdom from Someone Who Has Gone Before You

We all make mistakes, right? What would it look like to have a source of information from someone who has experience with where you are trying to go? People often sleep on this avenue of becoming informed about the road ahead.

When working with a mentor, you save one of the most valuable commodities that you will never get back once it is gone—time. Not only will you save time while working with a mentor, but you will also save money and energy.

It’s like when GPS takes you on a shorter route or saves you time because you avoided a road closure up ahead. As a native Houstonian, I can really relate to this analogy.

2) Guidance for Unfamiliar Territory

When encroaching on a place that you have never been, a mentor is imperative. Doing something you have never experienced before can be scary. Not only is it scary, but it can be a bit intimidating, to say the least.

Throughout history, people used guides to help them in unfamiliar and uncharted areas. They were definitely on the team of people like Christopher Columbus who were sent across the oceans to explore unknown areas. It was dangerous to go and move about without a guide.

A mentor helps their mentee by warning them about things they may be ignorant about.

3) Learning From Another Person’s Experience

This facet of the importance of having a mentor on your Life Board™ is priceless. Like my coach and mentor, Dr. Dharius Daniels, often says, “You can’t be your best self by yourself.”

Joining his program has been one of the most important decisions I have ever made. How so, you may ask?

Well, a mentor like Dr. Daniels has spent thousands of dollars, minutes, and energy learning about various facets of life. With a really good mentor, you basically get the cheat sheet and don’t have to experience what the older folks would call a “bought lesson.” Instead, you get to glean from their experience.

I don’t want to have to bump my head or burn my hand to learn a lesson when there is a more time-saving and better way to achieve my goals.

If you want to know more about designing your Life Board™, reach out to Nekeshia Limuel, LPC, c/o Meraki Counseling Services at 832-779-3039 or email merakicounseling@outlook.com.

Another option is to purchase the guided journal, Life Board: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You.

From Intimidation to Impact: Lessons from My First Women’s Conference

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After attending my first women’s conference as a vendor, I have to tell you all about it.

To be honest, I am in a season where I am intimidated by new ventures. When the opportunity arose for me to be a vendor at The Healing Seat event, I dove in feet first. I never want to pass up an opportunity that is aligned with my niche and metron of serving women, especially women of color.

However, I want to be transparent in sharing that, after looking at the panelists’ and curator’s résumés, I was afraid. There was also a learning curve because I had never been a vendor before. I learned three lessons as I prepared for and attended the event.

1. Social Comparison

I really believed that I would be out of my element doing this event. Here is where the imposter syndrome kicked in. I overprepared. I had so much stuff, including my journals, table props, and freebies, that I could not put everything on the table.

The perfectionist kicked in, and although I know there is no such thing as perfection, I attempted to make my table perfect.

The morning I set up, I watched one lady blow up balloons and another pull out well-polished banners and books for her vendor table. Social comparison came into play when I asked the curator’s mom, “How does my table look?” and then braced myself for the critique.

I was totally surprised when she said, “It looks good.”

That day, I received so many compliments from other vendors, panelists, and attendees. I learned that this was several women’s first time as vendors, too, and they had a learning curve just as I did. There was no need to compare.

2. Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready

I got a nudge from God to work on my businesses (I am also a genealogist) before the vendor opportunity became available. I had interest in participating in a fair in East Texas, where my maternal roots are.

I have dozens of journals and books lying dormant in files on various platforms that I have not self-published yet. I also have just as many creative ideas—bookmarks, shirts, and other paraphernalia—written in composition notebooks, waiting to get off the page and into reality.

So, I found myself doing so much during the last month leading up to the event. What I learned is that, in order to stay sane, I need to do a little bit every month so I am not ordering books, banners, and promotional items at the last minute.

3. Show Up and Be Present

If I had continued comparing myself during the event and wondering if my table was good enough, I would have missed out on some wonderful opportunities to glean from the women in the room.

There were so many moving parts and people that I could have missed the very purpose of the event—to experience faith and fellowship in a safe and healing environment.

As the panelists shared their testimonies and the attendees asked questions, I could see that my narrative and life story paralleled theirs. I learned to take a deep breath and sit back to enjoy the scenery and the gift before me—life experiences, love, and compassion.

I met so many women and networked throughout this conference. Although I did not sell as many journals as I had hoped, I experienced something much greater and priceless…connection and true healing.

Yes, I ugly cried at one point, overwhelmed with gratitude and relief after accomplishing my first event.

Healing does not happen in isolation. We were designed by God to be interdependent. As my coach and mentor, Dr. Dharius Daniels, often says, “You can’t be your best self by yourself.”

Don’t do it alone. Reach out today to Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com, and let me walk with you on your journey of self-discovery.

What If I Believed I Was Already Equipped?

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I thought about the potential that lies dormant in those of us who suffer with imposter syndrome. It lies dormant because, deep down, our core beliefs keep us trapped there. The “there” is not flourishing—just surviving.

Core beliefs are centered on what we think about ourselves, other people, and the world around us. Our core beliefs begin to form from birth through early childhood. These core beliefs shape how we view the world. They are our lens.

What follows are possible core beliefs associated with imposter syndrome:

About the Self: Usually, these revolve around having a flawed identity (“I am not good enough,” “I don’t have it together”) or competency (“I am incompetent,” “I don’t have the education or knowledge needed”). If one thinks they are flawed in some way, that belief alone can keep them from even walking into the rooms where they belong because of this inaccurate belief.

About Others: Our ideas about our peers or other people often center around omniscient judges whom we feel are watching us and waiting to critique us (“They are killing it,” “People will think I am a failure”). Somehow, we think that others are focused on us and will judge us, keeping us in performance mode.

About the World: Assumptions based on skewed views of social media and the news definitely shape this area (“Now that is successful,” “Hustle until you die in order to make it”). The thing about viewing the world through this lens is that, depending on what is trendy or not, you will never be able to live up to the identity God has given you.

Now, to answer that question: What If I Believed I Was Already Equipped?

If we have a healthy and realistic view of ourselves, we would walk into those rooms with confidence. We would look at others and not be afraid to ask what the reality of a situation really is. I have been taken aback to find out the true process of other women and, especially, to discover they are just like me. If I don’t make assumptions about the world and assimilate to the status quo, it will keep me walking in my own purpose and aligned with what God assigned to me. We would walk boldly in our callings.

If this post resonated with you in any way, I want to hear from you. Call Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or email merakicounseling@outlook.com.

Remember, and say it with me:

“I AM EQUIPPED!”