Do you fear failure? Have you experienced a tremendous delay in the accomplishment of your dreams? Join author Kristie Kennedy as she shares “Failure.“
Do you fear failure? Have you experienced a tremendous delay in the fulfillment of your dreams? How did the failure make you feel internally? Who do you lean on for help to weather the storms of life? What steps did you take to move beyond the crushing weight of hardship? Following the distressing situation did you view yourself as a failure or one who was strong enough to triumph and rise above the sting of struggle? These are vital questions to start the wheels of progress turning in a new direction.
It is inevitable that at some juncture in our lives we will come face to face with failure. As we boldly relinquish the chains of fear surrounding the unknown o
r become acutely aware that what transpired in our past does not define us nor dictate the possibilities we are entitled to.
Our true identity has no correlation to our socio-economic status, what we possess, who we know or where we reside. If you were to be stripped of every single thing you own right down to nothing, all that would remain is your most authentic self. We were born naked apart from any material appurtenances. I’ve personally had my share of disappointments and the bitter taste sometimes made it more challenging to detach from the emotional stigma associated with the perceived setback.
How does one move beyond the crossroads of calamity? Freedom is found, the instant you realize you were created with a purpose greater than any pain you will ever encounter. It is important that you redefine the meaning of failure. If you research the word it simply means a temporary condition of not achieving a desired end. When things don’t go as you plan, dust yourself off and try again!
A few months ago, I had an opportunity to obtain free business training and was certain of beginning the program immediately after my conversation with the Chief Executive Officer. During our dialogue he spoke to me in a very condescending manner and declared out of all the candidates my background was the weakest. He laughed in wonder at how I was even remotely able to become a motivational speaker with a Criminal Justice degree.
When someone or something disregards your potential, muster every ounce of passion and resolve to be relentless in the midst of adversity. After I shed a few tears, I decided to pick up my pen and write: “The diamonds of destiny are often discovered in the depths of despair. It does not matter if others can perceive the vast potential you possess. The question is, are you aware of the MAGNIFICENT potency buried deep within? The opinion of doubters, naysayers and unbelievers is irrelevant, insignificant and inconsequential in lieu of your divine purpose. It’s time for you to step forward, take center stage, reclaim your greatness, seize every moment, pivot into prosperity, rise up, dry your eyes as you shift and shine!”
Since that unpleasant verbal exchange, I have launched my first magazine, received two complimentary business training certifications and a host of other successes. The reason why is nestled in the heart of this profound statement by Life Coach Valerie Burton, “I refuse to stare at closed doors.”
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?
I gave myself permission to use my voice to impact the lives of others. I spent over half of my existence on earth living in the shadows of obscurity bound to the chains of fear. The moment you realize that what you possess on the inside is too precious to remain hidden a power surge of courage begins to infuse your entire being and who you were becomes a distant memory.
What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?
I appreciate my inner strength. In my life I have encountered countless adversity and many individuals become bitter as a result. I am grateful for the optimistic and resilient spirit I have been given that continually allows me to see hope in the midst of despair, triumph in times of seemingly impossible odds stacked against me and an unspeakable joy during times of sorrow.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have?
I value education because when I was younger I took knowledge for granted. I was the class clown who did just enough to get by and spent many days in SCHOOL SUSPENSION for misconduct. I struggled with standardized tests and almost failed to complete college. The day I walked across the stage to accept my high school diploma and later a college degree was a major milestone. It was most fulfilling in the fact that I overcame intellectual challenges and accomplished more than I expected I could.
What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?
I am a complete right brain thinker and artist in every way. We have our own special clock and it would be great not to ever look at time and just flow freely. Many of my friends talk about my crazy schedule. When an idea or thought hits me I just share it even if it’s three am in the morning. My spontaneity makes me the life of the party and at the same time it can be a monkey wrench in someone else’s world.
How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
Fun “Let the Good Times Roll!” personality! My goal each and every day is to add beauty to this world and turn frowns upside down into gigantic smiles!