Core Values: In Everyday Life
Hello Gumbo Family,
Values are still prevalent for me this month. Let's face it, having our core values dozing off in a file on your computer or snoozing in a notebook isn't going to cut it. I've been on a bit of a quest to weave these values into the fabric of daily life. It is important to review those values regularly—let's aim for at least a monthly values check-in. Why, you ask? Well, without it, we could end up veering off course faster than a GPS recalibrating on a cross-country road trip. You know, like when you're cruising down those north-south interstates, but suddenly your compass swings wildly east or west. Just when you're about to hit the panic button, it swings back, reminding us we're still on the right path. That's our values for you—our internal compass, keeping us aligned
WELLNESS WISEDOM:
Integrating core values into our daily routines is key to living a life that truly reflects who we are. You can stack it on other habits that you do everyday. Here are three simple, actionable ways to make your core values a part of everyday living:
Set Intentions: Write down one specific intention each morning that aligns with one of your core values. It could be as simple as, "Today, I will express gratitude to those around me."
Decision Filters: When faced with decisions, ask yourself, "Does this align with my core values?" Let this guide your choices, from the way you interact with others to the purchases you make.
Value-Based Goals: Set small, weekly goals that are directly tied to your core values. Achieving these will reinforce the importance of living in alignment with your values.
HIDDEN HERSTORIES:
Shirley Chisholm and the Value of Authenticity
Shirley Chisholm's historical significance as the first African American woman to be elected to the United States Congress and to run for President of a major party is symbolic of her commitment to the value of authenticity. Throughout her career, Chisholm was renowned for her courage in voicing her convictions, often in the face of formidable opposition. Her personal and professional motto, "Unbought and Unbossed," shows she lived true to herself, firmly sticking to her own values despite the pressure from the black community and overall society's beliefs.
Shirley Chisholm was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the Congressional Black Caucus,. In her legislative capacity, she was instrumental in the enactment of Title IX, a pivotal statute that mandates the elimination of gender-based discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. She successfully led the passage of legislation that extended the provisions of the minimum wage to encompass domestic workers, a demographic historically marginalized in labor regulations. A stanch advocate for the formal recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s contributions through a national holiday, Chisholm persistently introduced related legislation annually from 1969 until her departure from Congress in 1983. This relentless advocacy bore fruit with the posthumous enactment of the law in 1985, two years subsequent to her retirement, thereby cementing her legacy as a pivotal figure in American legislative history.
Chisholm's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that can be achieved when individuals steadfastly remain true to their principles. Her run for the presidency was jeopardized because of her need to reach out to George Wallace after he was shot. George Wallace was won the governorship of Alabama on a platform of “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” . "I don't take one incident of a person's total life and hang the person with it forever," says Chisholm.
Embracing authenticity, as Shirley Chisholm did, enables us to lead lives of integrity and purpose, making meaningful contributions to our communities and society at large.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us, but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves.” - Shirley Chisholm
FEEL-GOOD FEATURE:
Based on her track record of award winning performances, I recommend watching on March 22:
"Shirley" The film by John Ridley on the 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm starring Regina King. I cannot wait to see it. Make time to support this movie.
SOUL FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Are you willing to do an integrity audit?
Conduct an "integrity audit" of your past month. Reflect on moments when you were (or weren't) true to your values/principles. This challenge involves identifying situations where you could improve, setting actionable goals to uphold integrity in future interactions.
We're all in this beautiful mess called life together, and every bit of support counts.
Until next time.....remember your voice matters!
