Tag: Houston Blogger

I bet you think a lot. Beyond the absent-minded mental to-do list. Away from the monotony of a repetitive 9-5. Your mind is as vast as the galaxies we have yet to discover. Am I right? What a coincidence! Me too. Always thinking of patterns, solutions, and what ifs. Reading, watching, and listening for knowledge, entertainment, and pleasure.

Let’s talk about the part of our minds that deals with opinion. Where you form your opinions and interact with others opinions. From news, to culture, to education, regardless if you prefer digital or printed media, we all now filter our reality. We tend to gravitate toward sources we agree with and mute voices we disagree with. As convenient as these filters are, I think they are gradually hindering our ability to consider an alternative perspective.

I love this quote by Aristotle, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” We could probably add an independent mind to that list. How can we entertain alternative thoughts if we filter out everything we disagree with? How can we engage with intellectual dialogue if we cannot tolerate an alternative opinion? The key to protecting an independent mind is maintaining a balance between your beliefs and alternative opinions. The best way to do that is to enhance your knowledge, pay attention to your reaction to alternative opinions, and be aware of how you interact with yours and others opinions.

You have to be informed. Take the time to find and follow sources of information that resonate with you, but are also credible. Do research beyond headlines and memes. I know the history of so many random things of life. Have I used any of it? Not all, but I am sure it will come in handy.

You need to see value in others view points. Regardless if you are the most exceptional mind in the room, unless you are giving a lecture, you should not be quick to label others perspective as incorrect. Enjoy exploring how other people think. Take the time to understand how they formed their opinions. There is no reason to feel defensive with someone who disagrees with you. No one is attacking you. Well, unless they are attacking you, then it is their loss.

You should know the difference between discussion and debate. This one can get a little tricky. Discussion can be lighthearted or heavy or a combination of both. It is a give and take experience where we share stories, advice, and insight. People do not have to agree with each other during a discussion. What makes the dialogue continue in discussion form or transform into a debate is how you deal with the disagreement. In a discussion, everyone can voice their different opinions and learn from each other. In a debate, everyone takes a different stand and competitively opposes each other. To avoid the feeling of being attacked, try to keep the discussion going.

What do you do to protect your independent mind? Let me know in the comments below. Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: New York & Company blouse; Marshalls skirt; Michael Kors shoes

Photography: Sofia Emm

Purpose. The mystery behind the meaning of our lives. The source of all the hustle, grind, and “werk.” Do you find or create your purpose? Does the difference in your perspective influence how you reach your purpose? I think it can, but both perspectives have its advantages.

When you believe your purpose is something to discover, your focus is solely on the search. You might experiment with a variety of directions, thinking something should eventually “click.” On the one hand, depending on your search strategy, this can lead to more options and experience. You might travel, work different jobs, and study various subjects during your search. If you are lucky, everything will fall into place in a timely fashion. However, like Captain Jack Sparrow, you might not be satisfied with what you find in that treasure chest.

The key to the purpose hunt is to be open to adjusting. We grow, our preferences evolve, and our journey shifts. When this happens, it is easy to feel uncomfortable and anxious. You might think this process is a sign of failure or confusion. It’s not. if you keep your eyes open, you will see your growing pains as guide posts. This shift is leading you on the right path for you.

When you believe your purpose is something to create, your focus is on the work. You might research and study to be clear on what exactly you want to accomplish, thinking only one thing can satisfy your goal. You take the initiative to make something out of nothing. Every obstacle or disappointment is seen as an opportunity to enhance what you are building. What if your creation is not supported?

Creating your purpose requires encouragement from within. You have to be your biggest cheerleader and backup crew. Since this is your own special path, there might not be much guidance or advice to follow. To avoid feeling lost, you have to be in tune with your heart and your gut. If what you’re working on does not make you feel fulfilled and content, it is not worthy of your time.

I think we all have a combination of both perspectives. We search for clarity and guidance to understand why we exist and what we should contribute. We create experiences and opportunities to fulfill our existence. Before, I felt uncomfortable with the adjustment and frustrated with the lack of guidance. Now, I have learned how to be more accepting with my present. Instead of dwelling on the past or stifling the future, I set realistic goals to fade my worries. It takes time, but the best step towards fulfilling your purpose is believing in yourself.

Do you think we create or discover our purpose? What are you doing to get closer to your purpose? Let me know in the comments below. Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: New York & Company dress; Aldo shoes; Charming Charlie earrings; Clutch made in Liberia