• I keep hearing the discussion about being “color blind come up on social, especially among white friends want to raise color-blind children. And I've become more aware than ever from the black voices and conversations I've been listening to what that actually communicates, most recently on an A&E special The Time Is Now: Race and Resolution (it's on demand until early July for free here: https://play.aetv.com/specials/the-time-is-now-race-and-resolution/full-special) - Beloved, color blindness, in terms of race, doesn't just miss the point, it IS the point. Yes, I get the good intentions behind it... but you know what they say get's paved with good intentions. First, color blindness is a disability, not a decision. Second, being color blind isn't about racial equality. Not really. When we say, we don't see color (other than our own), the message those who are different colors from us hear loud and clear is that we don't see them, their beauty, their culture, their heritage. Love sees. Love celebrates culture. Love celebrates color and uniqueness and individuality and race and all the incredibly complex things that make us who we are individually and ethnically. To be loved is to be seen. When we talk about color blindness as a good thing, we really are showcasing the fact we don't understand systemic injustice. Because if a broken system is EVER going to be fixed, we have to SEE it as broken first, and that can't happen if we don't see the people most affected by its brokenness. Just some of the things I've been thinking about as I read and listen and seek out perspectives from within the BIPOC communities affected who are calling for deep and lasting systemic change. Love is not color blind, it's color allied. And always, always learning - #LoveIsNotColorBlind #Loveseescolor #BlackLivesMatter #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #creativebusiness
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    I keep hearing the discussion about being “color blind come up on social, especially among white friends want to raise color-blind children. And I've become more aware than ever from the black voices and conversations I've been listening to what that actually communicates, most recently on an A&E special The Time Is Now: Race and Resolution (it's on demand until early July for free here: https://play.aetv.com/specials/the-time-is-now-race-and-resolution/full-special) - Beloved, color blindness, in terms of race, doesn't just miss the point, it IS the point. Yes, I get the good intentions behind it... but you know what they say get's paved with good intentions. First, color blindness is a disability, not a decision. Second, being color blind isn't about racial equality. Not really. When we say, we don't see color (other than our own), the message those who are different colors from us hear loud and clear is that we don't see them, their beauty, their culture, their heritage. Love sees. Love celebrates culture. Love celebrates color and uniqueness and individuality and race and all the incredibly complex things that make us who we are individually and ethnically. To be loved is to be seen. When we talk about color blindness as a good thing, we really are showcasing the fact we don't understand systemic injustice. Because if a broken system is EVER going to be fixed, we have to SEE it as broken first, and that can't happen if we don't see the people most affected by its brokenness. Just some of the things I've been thinking about as I read and listen and seek out perspectives from within the BIPOC communities affected who are calling for deep and lasting systemic change. Love is not color blind, it's color allied. And always, always learning - #LoveIsNotColorBlind #Loveseescolor #BlackLivesMatter #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #creativebusiness
  • First Father’s Day with this dear man gone from sight. He loved me with everything he had. He was an artist, craftsman, woodworker, entrepreneur, creative, Veteran, hard worker and a true romantic deep down at heart. He didn’t express his feelings often, and was a Navy man of few words. But he loved with all his heart. Cleaning out the porch at my folks house yesterday, I found the only letter he ever wrote me from 20+ years ago. All about how proud he was when I was born and how much he loved me. I miss you Dad, every day. So grateful for your legacy, and to be your daughter - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
    41 3
    First Father’s Day with this dear man gone from sight. He loved me with everything he had. He was an artist, craftsman, woodworker, entrepreneur, creative, Veteran, hard worker and a true romantic deep down at heart. He didn’t express his feelings often, and was a Navy man of few words. But he loved with all his heart. Cleaning out the porch at my folks house yesterday, I found the only letter he ever wrote me from 20+ years ago. All about how proud he was when I was born and how much he loved me. I miss you Dad, every day. So grateful for your legacy, and to be your daughter - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
  • I’ve been watching the protests & the pain as this nation cracks open & my words feel so freaking inadequate. Because they are freaking inadequate. Words without action will never create change. But words can be the building blocks of narratives and conversations and legislation and action. Losing my mom 3 weeks ago has made these last weeks brutal. But even the depths of my deepest pain cannot be compared with what communities of color are going through losing people they love to systemic violence every single day. I don’t have answers. But I do have ears. So when I’m quiet, it’s because I’m listening. Listening to BIPOC communities so I can learn the best ways to show up, hold space, and support, even if that means getting the heck out of their way. Sometimes the best way to amplify someone else’s voice is to step aside and stop shouting over them - #designedtothrivecreative #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
    56 4
    I’ve been watching the protests & the pain as this nation cracks open & my words feel so freaking inadequate. Because they are freaking inadequate. Words without action will never create change. But words can be the building blocks of narratives and conversations and legislation and action. Losing my mom 3 weeks ago has made these last weeks brutal. But even the depths of my deepest pain cannot be compared with what communities of color are going through losing people they love to systemic violence every single day. I don’t have answers. But I do have ears. So when I’m quiet, it’s because I’m listening. Listening to BIPOC communities so I can learn the best ways to show up, hold space, and support, even if that means getting the heck out of their way. Sometimes the best way to amplify someone else’s voice is to step aside and stop shouting over them - #designedtothrivecreative #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
  • After a devastating last few weeks, my mom spent Mother’s Day dying in my arms... fully passing over into eternity Monday morning. Her last words to me: well I love you more. She loved me with her dying breath. When you’re a caregiver to your mom who’s also your best friend... and your waking and rising, coming and going is completely oriented about her needs. Then in a second she is gone… Yep I am the one crying my lungs out in my car in the parking lot in between errands There just are not words. It is a pain that tears at the fabric of your soul. I have moments I ache and weep so hard it feels like my chest might burst and others it's all still surreal and still others don't know what I feel other than a big empty spot in my heart like someone ripped it out Nothing, no loss or plan or anything could have prepared me for a pain that reaches to heaven and back. It’s so deep every physical muscle hurts, I’m covered in hives, my nerves feel like they are frayed and on fire and even my scalp and hair roots burn. The one beautiful thing I could never be grateful enough for is you. You who reach out and encourage, friends who surround and family that hold me close I don’t know how I’m going to get through this season, but I will one baby step at a time. Please don’t stop reaching out. It means more than I could say in a million posts. It helps me remember I’m not alone or untethered 💔😭🥰 Swipe for photos of my gorgeous Mama, starting with her days as a pro water ballet swimmer in South FL with the stage name of Neptuna 🏊🏻‍♀️ - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
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    After a devastating last few weeks, my mom spent Mother’s Day dying in my arms... fully passing over into eternity Monday morning. Her last words to me: well I love you more. She loved me with her dying breath. When you’re a caregiver to your mom who’s also your best friend... and your waking and rising, coming and going is completely oriented about her needs. Then in a second she is gone… Yep I am the one crying my lungs out in my car in the parking lot in between errands There just are not words. It is a pain that tears at the fabric of your soul. I have moments I ache and weep so hard it feels like my chest might burst and others it's all still surreal and still others don't know what I feel other than a big empty spot in my heart like someone ripped it out Nothing, no loss or plan or anything could have prepared me for a pain that reaches to heaven and back. It’s so deep every physical muscle hurts, I’m covered in hives, my nerves feel like they are frayed and on fire and even my scalp and hair roots burn. The one beautiful thing I could never be grateful enough for is you. You who reach out and encourage, friends who surround and family that hold me close I don’t know how I’m going to get through this season, but I will one baby step at a time. Please don’t stop reaching out. It means more than I could say in a million posts. It helps me remember I’m not alone or untethered 💔😭🥰 Swipe for photos of my gorgeous Mama, starting with her days as a pro water ballet swimmer in South FL with the stage name of Neptuna 🏊🏻‍♀️ - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
  • My mama always told me that it's not just what you say, it's how you say it. I *might* have had a sassy side growing up. But the truth is how we communicate in times of crisis either builds up or breaks down the trust crucial to our credibility & ability to bounce back after that crisis passes. No small potatoes here. I learned that every day living and leading in an active conflict zone in Africa for 7 years. Winning crisis communication hits 5 Cs: Clear, Concise, Connected, Collaborative, Compassionate. CLEAR, accurate information from trustworthy sources. Focus on facts. When you don't know, tell me you don't know... & what plan you have for filling that gap. Avoid promises that cannot be immediately implemented. CONCISE formatting designed for action. Don't make me read a novel or a PhD dissertation to get to the important points I need to know. CONNECTED to how the crisis impacts different communities differently. Make sure your messaging connects with my experience, needs, concerns, situation... especially if I am in a different community, geographic or demographic reality. That means do your homework & if you aren't sure what would be perceived as disconnected messaging, ask. COLLABORATIVE, creative content that shares solutions on an accessible platform. You can share the most amazing content in the world online, but if I don't have internet access... Crises are about rising TOGETHER. COMPASSIONATE tone & heart that builds capacity & community. We get it. We're in this. We. I want to hear the WE. I need to know you are FOR me. I want to know you care, that I matter to you. So friends, what's your crisis communication strategy? Is it working? How could I help? - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness
    29 1
    My mama always told me that it's not just what you say, it's how you say it. I *might* have had a sassy side growing up. But the truth is how we communicate in times of crisis either builds up or breaks down the trust crucial to our credibility & ability to bounce back after that crisis passes. No small potatoes here. I learned that every day living and leading in an active conflict zone in Africa for 7 years. Winning crisis communication hits 5 Cs: Clear, Concise, Connected, Collaborative, Compassionate. CLEAR, accurate information from trustworthy sources. Focus on facts. When you don't know, tell me you don't know... & what plan you have for filling that gap. Avoid promises that cannot be immediately implemented. CONCISE formatting designed for action. Don't make me read a novel or a PhD dissertation to get to the important points I need to know. CONNECTED to how the crisis impacts different communities differently. Make sure your messaging connects with my experience, needs, concerns, situation... especially if I am in a different community, geographic or demographic reality. That means do your homework & if you aren't sure what would be perceived as disconnected messaging, ask. COLLABORATIVE, creative content that shares solutions on an accessible platform. You can share the most amazing content in the world online, but if I don't have internet access... Crises are about rising TOGETHER. COMPASSIONATE tone & heart that builds capacity & community. We get it. We're in this. We. I want to hear the WE. I need to know you are FOR me. I want to know you care, that I matter to you. So friends, what's your crisis communication strategy? Is it working? How could I help? - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness
  • A truly safe way to go to the beach in these #quarentimes — Paint an abstract one at home 🌴🌊🏖 - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #studiosunday #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #saferathome #itsthelittlethings
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    A truly safe way to go to the beach in these #quarentimes — Paint an abstract one at home 🌴🌊🏖 - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #studiosunday #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #saferathome #itsthelittlethings