How to be a Beacon in a 40-Watt World

Children know how to embrace life. They let their playful nature lighten the load during challenging times. Consider, for example, the actions of my seven-year-old grandson, Hunter, and six-year-old grandniece, Tori, the day after my father-in-law’s standing-room-only memorial service.

The immediate family gathered at the home of my mother-in-law’s best friend. At one end of the screened porch, brother-in-law Johnny and first cousin Brenda sat in the porch swing strumming guitars and singing gospel tunes, while other family members conversed in clusters. There was, of course, a group in the kitchen, where a food grazer’s delight could be found.

For Hunter and Tori, though, the upstairs playroom became a clubhouse retreat. Their gleeful giggles wafted down the stairs and commingled with the gospel music beat and adult conversation buzz. During one of my adult supervision checks, an invitation to join “the club” was extended to me. Membership requirements were simple: 1) be willing to play games, and 2) laugh and be silly. I accepted the invitation.

“Truth or Dare” was the game. Peels of laughter escorted us through rounds of imaginative dares. When the game seemed out of balance because Hunter had a penchant for “truth” rather than “dare,” Tori’s courageous one-word challenge – “chicken” – restored balance in the game.

What about you? Are you facing situations that seem heavy hearted or out of balance? If so, read on. In this month’s YES (You Expressing Spirit) Showcase, you’ll discover how expressing courage and relying on your inner voice brings the guidance to lighten the load and get positive results. Read on and meet Lenora Billings-Harris.

YES (You Expressing Spirit) SHOWCASE

Listening to an Inner Voice - Lenora Billings-Harris

Demonstrating courage and creating a balanced lifestyle was a process that began approximately 15 years ago for Lenora Billings-Harris, Diversity Consultant and Author of “The Diversity Advantage.” As a participant in an in-depth values clarification seminar, she was asked to identify 20 individuals she admired. Names on Lenora’s list included Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Maya Angelou and Sojourner Truth. Lenora found a common characteristic among these women – courage.

“When I think of spirit and female power, what I admire about each of these four women is the courage to be fully who they are, regardless of barriers.”

Courage has become a key part in Lenora’s professional life. She expresses it while working with clients to address cultural diversity issues. She says what needs to be said in a way that other people can hear it. In her keynotes, she uses the Wizard of Oz as a metaphor for many aspects of her message. “My approach tends to be one where people can recognize that all of us are part of this vast term we use in the United States called diversity. When everyone sees that they are a part and they can have fun while they are learning, they are more apt to remember the concepts and ideas.”

Choosing to create a balanced lifestyle was the result of an “aha” moment. “My body was speaking to me and I was not listening. When I thought I was going to get on an airplane to go overseas, I ended up in the hospital. That was a major wake up call. The inner voice is always there and she’s always talking, but she doesn’t talk loud until we totally ignore her.”

Lenora now has a keen awareness of the results that occur from being in or out of balance. “When I’m out of balance, I agree to do things because I think that’s what the other person wants; or, I do it because I want to be liked. When I’m in balance, things come to me that seem miraculous.” She shares examples of contracts with clients in Australia, Fiji, and Honolulu. And she has a signed contract with a client that takes her to the Greek Isles - her specific request to the Universe for her 30th wedding anniversary celebration. When in balance, Lenora calls and the Universe delivers!

Lenora’s tips to demonstrate courage and create lifestyle balance:

	“Use your courage to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed.”
	“Identify the negativity in your life and minimize your exposure.”
	“Make time for yourself – time for yourself means being totally quiet; not trying to solve anything, just be quiet and enjoy the moment.”

I’m going to miss my father-in-law, yet Hunter and Tori helped me understand the life-giving force of laughter. May their courage to express their innate stress reliever help you, too, during challenging times. May Lenora’s tips be a guide so you can create positive outcomes in your life. And one more closing note, may you have the courage to let YOUR Royal Spirit shine in all situations!

Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP is a Diversity Consultant and Author of “The Diversity Advantage.” (Visit www.LenoraSpeaks.com or e-mail diversitylbh@aol.com)