Unexpectedly Inspired

Recently, I attended the annual Journey of Hope luncheon hosted by Maryhurst.  The Louisville-based organization’s mission is focused on strengthening and empowering children and families in greatest need.  I have been a Maryhurst supporter over the years; so, I knew I would return from the event with a sense of gratitude for the amazing work they do.  I knew I would hear life stories of accomplishments and learn about the impact the organization is having in our community. What I didn’t see coming was the unexpected inspiration I received from the keynote speaker:  Robin G.

Robin G is a spoken word artist, published poet, host & keynote speaker. She utilizes her passion for poetry & spoken word to uplift, encourage and ignite her audience. Inspired by own adversities and triumphs, she is best known for her raw, transparent, and uncensored narrative in regard to women and their struggle with loving, living and maintaining their own identity. She has been recognized for her renowned spoken word pieces. "Unwrapped", one of her creative works, is an interactive journal which encourages positive self-reflection and written affirmations as you to embrace every emotion required of you on the journey of unwrapping and repackaging yourself.

To put this in context, I’m going through a rough spot in my personal branding journey.  I’ve had some work-related disappointments.  I’ve let myself get run down (self-inflicted over-working!) and as a result I’m not sleeping well nor putting on my best face forward. I’ve gotten in a rut of letting others’ stereotyping shenanigans get into my head trash.

So, Robin B.’s message of unwrapping myself, and shedding those balls and chains, spoke to me loud and clear. It pushed all the right buttons at a time where I needed that swift kick in the @#%$% to quit feeling down and rejuvenate the real me.

You would think that as the author of a book about how to build and sustain a powerful personal brand (UNBRANDED:  Emerge a Brand New You) this would be a mode of operation that would come natural to me. But we are all human, vulnerable and sensitive.

I think God had a hand in this today (and every day).  Robin’s message was an answer to some of my prayers. I’ll leave you with this.  When you’re a bit down, keep going.  Get out of the office and/or away from your daily home routine.  Make an effort to learn something new and stretch your knowledge base.  You never know what’s going to inspire you when you least expect it.

For more information on Maryhurst visit http://www.maryhurst.org

For more information on Robin B. visit http://www.robingpoetry.com/about.html