A Reflection on Dr. Maya Angelou's Timeless Wisdom, "When people show you who they are believe them."

                                              Dr. Maya Angelou in 1993, Wikipedia

Dr. Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928-May 28, 2014) was an American memoirist, poet and civil rights activist. Her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) tells of her life up until the age of 17 and earned her international acclaim. She wrote seven autobiographies and several books of poetry.  Dr. Angelou also earned several honorary degrees. She recited her poem, "On the Pulse of the Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton. Her wisdom is highly respected, and her poems are frequently recited at poetry readings and graduations. Her quote, "When people show you who they are believe them" is very popular and one of my favorite quotes. Why? Let's discuss....

A Must See Film: Two Distant Strangers by Travon Free

 

Two Distant Strangers is a 2020 Academy Award winning short film written by Travon Free.  As of June 2023, the film is streaming on Netflix.  Even though the running time is only 32 minutes long, the short film tells a fully developed story and leaves a lasting impact for days after viewing. Two Distant Strangers explores relatable themes about power, free will, control, déjà vu, police brutality and racism. Why are these types of stories important and need to be seen?  In his article, How Stories Change the Brain, Paul Zak states “…stories are an effective way to transmit important information and values from one individual community to the next.”  Let’s discuss….

March is Women's History Month

(2023)

In the United States, March is a month designated to celebrate the contributions of women in society. Historically, women were not given the same privileges and benefits as men. For an example, it was not until the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 that women had the right to vote.  The Equal Opportunity Act of 1972 prohibits employment discrimination against women, and other minorities.  However, according to the Pew Research organization in 2022, women earned on an average 82% of what men earned. Women continue to make inroads into traditionally male dominated careers such as accounting, engineering and actuarial science, even though most leadership positions in these careers are still held by men. We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Let's discuss...

Phases and Stages: A Look At Erik Erikson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development - Part One

                                                                      

Courtesy of Chegg Stages of Psychosocial Development

Happy Spring! Nature has a recurring cycle of four seasons - winter, spring, summer and fall.  As such, in my community, now is the time to plant seeds for a fall harvest, watch flowers bloom, and enjoy summer weather in a few months.  Gardening is a step-by-step process. First you till the soil, then you plant the seeds, water the seeds and hope for the best. Some seeds grow only in specific climates.  Gardening is sowing and reaping; Everything happens in stages. Likewise, human personality development progresses in stages, as well according to some theories.  Recently, I researched Erik Erikson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development which broadened my outlook.  Let's discuss…..

A Poem Analysis: Songs for the People by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

 

                                       Frances Ellen Watkins Harper - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Poems express the trials and triumphs of the human condition with picturesque imagery, relatable metaphors, intense emotions, melodic rhythms and sounds. My love for poetry began in elementary school. I fondly remember reciting and performing the narrative poem, "In the Morning"by Paul Laurence Dunbar for an elementary assembly program about the Harlem Renaissance. Memorizing all 108 lines of The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe was challenging for a 7th grader, but I still remember some of the lines today. As an adult, I enjoy the poetry of Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Lucille Clifton, among other poets. You will regularly find me reading original poems at open mics and virtual poetry readings. Recently, I discovered the poet Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825-1911) when I did a random #poetry search on Facebook. In 1859, Ms. Harper's The Two Offers was published in the Anglo-African Magazine, which is believed to be the first short-story ever published by an African-American writer.  Known as the "Mother of African-American Journalism," Ms. Harper was a prolific writer, abolitionist and speaker. Her poetic topics include slavery, religion, civil rights and peace.  Let's discuss Ms. Harper's beautiful poem, "Songs for the People"...

What is Trauma? An Overview of Waking The Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine with Ann Frederick

Knowledge is power. When I started Synchronicity Revealed-Inspired Writings, my purpose was to share and inspire.  Thanks for going on this journey with me. After three years, my mission continues, even though my topics have expanded beyond analyzing the Hero's Journey and the philosophies of Carl Jung to include book reviews. Recently, I pondered on the impact of trauma on the human experience. At the library, I discovered Waking The Tiger: Healing Trauma by Dr. Peter A. Levine with Ann Frederick, which describes trauma from a mental and physical perspective. Let's discuss…

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene: An Overview

In a previous post, "Lessons Learned from Little Red Riding Hood and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs", we discussed Little Red Riding Hood, a fairy tale about a cunning wolf and a naïve young girl.  Unfortunately, this story is not just a children's cautionary tale.  It is not uncommon for adults to be conned, manipulated or lied to for various reasons. After experiencing a perplexing social interaction, a relative suggested I read The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. The book can make you laugh, cry and seriously be concerned about the state of humanity. However, it is worth a read.  In the Acknowledgements section of the book, Robert Greene says,

"Finally, to those people in my life who have so skillfully used the game of power to manipulate, torture, and cause me pain over the years, I bear you no grudges and I thank you for supplying me with inspiration for The 48 Laws of Power."

Let's discuss….

2021: Hope for a New Year!

 

Happy New Year from Synchronicity Revealed-Inspired Writings!  

2020 was a challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a wave of despair across the world. Millions have died, lost jobs, family and health due to this pandemic. As the earth begins another revolution around the sun, we are faced with a new year and attitude. I have chosen to be hopeful for a fruitful new year! Let's discuss...

5 YouTube Book Vloggers You Need to Know

My love for books began in childhood. Our neighborhood had a library within walking distance from my home. During the summer, the library was my weekly hotspot. Checking out as many books as you can carry for free was perfect. The library offered a summer reading program. Read 20 or more books and you were rewarded with a free McDonald's cheeseburger coupon. Check! I usually read 100 or more books each summer. I still have my reading certificates.  Fun times. As an adult, I read as many books as my time allows. I aim to read a book a month, even though I usually come up short due to work and other responsibilities. Since my time is limited, I often seek out book recommendations to increase my chances of choosing interesting books. Yes, I have started books that I could not finish. Reading book reviews is one way at getting a preview of a book before investing a lot of time. There are 5 YouTube Book Bloggers that are interesting and worth checking out.  Let's discuss…

What I Learned About Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Part I

 

In December 2019, I attended a vision board party.  I gathered magazines, pictures, a poster, scissors, glue and hope to create an exciting vision board for 2020.  My plans included travel, spending time with family and friends, yoga and exercise, cooking and enjoying life.  My 2020 vision board is still in my bedroom. I look at it occasionally reminiscing on what could have been.  Surely, I am not the only person whose 2020 turned inside out. The unfortunate reality is the COVID-19 global pandemic altered everybody's plans. Sadly, people perished, illness abound, businesses closed for good and the tragedies continue. We are still in the middle of the storm even as people are inoculated with the new vaccine. For over nine months, I have been sequestered in my home. My limited social contact with people, outside of my household, is through Zoom meetings, phone calls and social media. Life continues, albeit with new constraints.  Traditionally, in December, I review my previous year and ponder on my growth, lessons learned and change. This year is no different. Living during the COVID-19 global pandemic taught me new facts of life. Let's discuss…

Lessons Learned from Little Red Riding Hood and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Fairy tales are written for children and cherished by adults. The stories are like flower seeds which bloom in our unconscious as we mature. As a child, I read Little Red Riding Hood, a famous folktale. I thought the story was cute and entertaining. Recently, I revisited the story and uncovered a cautionary tale about the dangers of naivete. Folktales reveal insight about human nature so we will recognize these behavioral tendencies in ourselves and others.  This knowledge helps us wake up, and educate our wants to desire goodness for ourselves and humanity. Let’s discuss….

"What You Resist, Persists" by Carl Jung, A Perspective

Recently, my friend Jean caught a debilitating cold. Per doctor’s orders, she was placed on bed rest for several days. Eventually, she recovered. Jean may catch another cold, but probably not the exact same one she just experienced. Why? Because her body is now immune to the particular virus that caused her cold.  Jean’s cold inspired me to reflect on a popular quote by Carl Jung, “What you resist, persists.” Let’s discuss….

This Jungian Life: A Podcast You Should Know

My friend Mae habitually procrastinates. If Mae has a Friday deadline to complete a task, she will start working on Thursday night. At one time in your life, you probably experienced procrastination directly or indirectly. What causes the propensity to put off into the future, what can be completed in the present?  Is it due to a lack of self-control? Laziness? Not caring? Apathy? As I pondered these questions, I coincidentally discovered This Jungian Life, a podcast which brings a psychological perspective to important issues in life, according to their introduction. From their episode on procrastination, I learned about causes for the tendency to procrastinate, and strategies used to overcome the habit. Let’s talk about it…

Peace Begins With You: The International Day of Peace, September 21, 2019

On September 21, 2019, I plan to join the world community in observing the International Day of Peace with rituals, reflections, meditation and songs. Join us. Like you, I believe peace is a daily goal. Who doesn’t want peace? However, we are challenged to manifest peace due to our internal and external political and social conflicts. Yet, within the human collective is a strong desire for peace. Why should you observe the International Day of Peace? Let’s talk about it….

Open Yale Courses (OYC):Lectures Offered Online, Free of Charge

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

If you enjoy online learning, I recommend Open Yale Courses (OYC).
According to their website,

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Reflections on the Challenges of Leadership

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo retrieved from Wikipedia

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also known as the MLK Day, is an American federal holiday which is observed annually on the third Monday of January.  As a spokesperson for civil rights and justice, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  was a central figure of the civil rights movement. After his death, labor unions, politicians and leaders from all walks of life rallied to make his birthday a national holiday. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law on November 2, 1983.

Follow Your Strengths: An Interview with Dr. Ariela Freedman of MavenTree Consulting

In my post, Why Do Groups Fail? Review of the Law of Triviality and Game Theory, we explored a philosophy of life as being a game, defined as social interactions. If we are the players in life's games, then who are our coaches? During my research, I met Dr. Ariela Freedman, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and owner of MavenTree Consulting. Ariela agreed to meet for coffee and conversations at Chocolate Coffee. We discussed how strengths-based coaching enables you to fully discover and apply your innate gifts to become the best version of yourself. 

Below is our interview:
Enjoy

2018: AJC Decatur Book Festival - A Commentary

In the United States, Labor Day is a holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. The celebration honors the American labor movement. The holiday is inclusive because everyone has had a job at one point in their lives even it if just included household chores. Most companies give employees the day off, but grocery stores, malls, restaurants, and gas stations usually remain open. Traditionally, families and communities honor the day with barbecues, gatherings, and parties. 

Why Do Groups Fail? Review of the Law of Triviality and Game Theory

The smaller the stakes, the bigger the fight

You organized a group with a clear mission statement with achievable goals. Your participants were congenial professionals with impressive resumes and resources. However, after just a few months,

Sammy Davis, Jr., Loyalty, Hugs, and Betrayal: Reflections on Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History Episode - The Hug Heard Round the World

(written in 2018)

Malcolm Gladwell’s writing is a mixture of history, psychology, and mystery. Whenever I read his work, I am impressed by the clever way he strings facts and storylines like beads on a necklace.  In his stories, as the plot progresses, every carefully chosen word peaks your interest until it reaches a plateau, and you are forever smarter for taking the ride in the first place. His stories are duplicitous-both educational and entertaining.