Christmas has always been a special time of the year. The reason for the season varies depending upon whose house you are in. In our house, the reason for the season has always been the "gift of life; Christmas represents the day that Jesus was born. There were Christmas carols that everybody knew and my kids can't get one right.
When we were driving home, the lack of Christmas decorations sparked a conversation between Adrian and I. In 2013, what is the meaning of Christmas? Once thing that we agreed upon was that the celebration of Christmas has become so commercial and seems to be viewed as just another holiday to go shopping. Now our children are either texting on their smart phones, listening to music on their ipods through their Beats by Dre, surfing the world wide web on their tablets and laptops, or gaming on their Xbox or PS4. Where are the children riding Big Wheels, Green Machines, Bikes? I am ashamed to say that two years ago, I bought my children bikes for Christmas and they have yet to learn/really ride them but I redeemed myself this year by buying electronic scooters! :-)
After yesterday, I made a conscious decision that next Christmas, we will have decorations galore, a lot of caroling, reciting the story of baby Jesus and all day outside play! Let's bring back "traditional" celebrations and the Christmas decorations!
I hope each and everyone of you had a Merry Christmas!
Geneise
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Thanks for Family
Today, I think it is only fitting that my blog focuses on family. November is the month of giving thanks and I would like to thank my family; without them, there would be no me! Often more times than not, when one thinks about family, they think about blood relatives. When I think about family, I think about people who have come into my life and have made a difference. I regard them as family because they cared enough about me to try and steer me in the right directions.
My family is from rural Georgetown, Georgia and it is one of the poorest counties in Georgia. I am not ashamed to say that I am one generation from an outhouse and I say this because my family has had to struggle and sacrifice on many occasions to get the things that they needed. It hasn't been easy but I am glad to say that my family has battled and conquered the majority of the obstacles that were placed before them. My family is built on persistence, perseverance, and determination!
One obstacle that my mother, Carrie, had to face and endure was integration. My mother was the first Black to graduate from Georgetown High School. For 3 years she endured the name calling but it did not deter her from her goal of graduating. I applaud my mom because is my strength. The fight that she possesses has been passed down to me and I am thankful for that.
Family means the most to me! I am thankful for everyone that is from the union of Ephraim Griggs and Lizzie Shepard! My great-grandfather fathered 29 children by his two wives and had 2 other children, making the total 31!
Take this Thanksgiving and reflect on your family, find out the history of your family, talk about the struggles that they faced and how they overcame. It is important to know where you came from so that you better plan where you are going! Be proud of yourself and your family.
Geneise
My family is from rural Georgetown, Georgia and it is one of the poorest counties in Georgia. I am not ashamed to say that I am one generation from an outhouse and I say this because my family has had to struggle and sacrifice on many occasions to get the things that they needed. It hasn't been easy but I am glad to say that my family has battled and conquered the majority of the obstacles that were placed before them. My family is built on persistence, perseverance, and determination!
One obstacle that my mother, Carrie, had to face and endure was integration. My mother was the first Black to graduate from Georgetown High School. For 3 years she endured the name calling but it did not deter her from her goal of graduating. I applaud my mom because is my strength. The fight that she possesses has been passed down to me and I am thankful for that.
Family means the most to me! I am thankful for everyone that is from the union of Ephraim Griggs and Lizzie Shepard! My great-grandfather fathered 29 children by his two wives and had 2 other children, making the total 31!
Take this Thanksgiving and reflect on your family, find out the history of your family, talk about the struggles that they faced and how they overcame. It is important to know where you came from so that you better plan where you are going! Be proud of yourself and your family.
Geneise
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
My Place and My Mission
The Purpose Driven Life written by Rick Warren, it a great place to begin in determining what you were placed here on earth to do. I am a firm believer that each person has their own talent and mission in life. Currently, I am struggling with finding my place and my mission. Although, that should be the last thing that I am doing because I put my ideas on paper 4 years ago.
I am originally from a small rural town in Georgia and my vision has always been to give back to the community from which I came. I want to reach back and assist as many people as I possibly can in reaching their goals or just connecting them with resources and information that will make their lives easier. I want to help our youth create and execute a successful plan for their futures.
For a number of years, I have had a vision to bring my family and friends together to create a business that we can build from the ground up. Each one of us are at a point in our lives where we would like to venture out and try something new. We have different skills, interests, and abilities. Why not think outside the box?
Today, my co-worker, told me that if my vision is one that is near and dear to my heart and if God keeps bringing it to the forefront, then it is time that I take that vision, create a plan, and put it into action. The following poem is one of my favorites and will be the catalyst to my family's success.
Robert Frost
I am originally from a small rural town in Georgia and my vision has always been to give back to the community from which I came. I want to reach back and assist as many people as I possibly can in reaching their goals or just connecting them with resources and information that will make their lives easier. I want to help our youth create and execute a successful plan for their futures.
For a number of years, I have had a vision to bring my family and friends together to create a business that we can build from the ground up. Each one of us are at a point in our lives where we would like to venture out and try something new. We have different skills, interests, and abilities. Why not think outside the box?
Today, my co-worker, told me that if my vision is one that is near and dear to my heart and if God keeps bringing it to the forefront, then it is time that I take that vision, create a plan, and put it into action. The following poem is one of my favorites and will be the catalyst to my family's success.
The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow
wood,
And sorry I could not travel
both
And be one traveler, long I
stood
And looked down one as far as
I could
To where it bent in the
undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just
as fair,
And having perhaps the better
claim,
Because it was grassy and
wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing
there
Had worn them really about the
same,
And both that morning equally
lay
In leaves no step had trodden
black.
Oh, I kept the first for
another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on
to way,
I doubted if I should ever
come back.
I shall be telling this with a
sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood,
and I—
I took the one less traveled
by,
And that has made all the
difference.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Making Each Day Count
It has been five weeks since my last post and I hope you have missed me as much as I have missed you! During that time, I have had the opportunity to really sit down and give some additional thought to this blog and my writing process. Usually, I sit down and just write about what comes to mind but now, I would like a more structured approach, therefore, this post is going to be about each of you making each day count.
When you hear the words "making my bucket list" what comes to mind? For me it is a vision of things that I want to do, places I want to visit, and people that I would like to see. It is all about experiences. The bucket list itself is a plan; it is a starting to point. Once you have create the list, then you can start organizing it to reflect which things are a priority and the time frame that you need to have it completed and the budget. Now it is time to set goals and deadlines and if possible go ahead save the date and pay for anything that you can in advance. This eases the stress and creates an enjoyable trip or experience.
Planning and preparing are essential to all walks of life. In order to be successful in anything that you do, you must first have an idea, which becomes a vision which manifests into a plan, and then it is put into action. Many times, we have ideas and we do not act upon them. We allow ourselves to become complacent with where we are in life. I say embark upon a new adventure, take risks, and enjoy life. You only live once! Even if I can't do some new every month, I plan on doing something new and different at least once a month. There is nothing wrong with that.
I think it is important that parents encourage their children to be creative and not be afraid of sharing their ideas and creating visions. So often parents assume when children reach a certain age that they do not have to be encouraged but the reality of it is that children need to be empowered. I want to empower my children to have the intestinal fortitude to put their ideas into motion and to embark on new journeys and new experiences.
Take the time and make each day count!
When you hear the words "making my bucket list" what comes to mind? For me it is a vision of things that I want to do, places I want to visit, and people that I would like to see. It is all about experiences. The bucket list itself is a plan; it is a starting to point. Once you have create the list, then you can start organizing it to reflect which things are a priority and the time frame that you need to have it completed and the budget. Now it is time to set goals and deadlines and if possible go ahead save the date and pay for anything that you can in advance. This eases the stress and creates an enjoyable trip or experience.
Planning and preparing are essential to all walks of life. In order to be successful in anything that you do, you must first have an idea, which becomes a vision which manifests into a plan, and then it is put into action. Many times, we have ideas and we do not act upon them. We allow ourselves to become complacent with where we are in life. I say embark upon a new adventure, take risks, and enjoy life. You only live once! Even if I can't do some new every month, I plan on doing something new and different at least once a month. There is nothing wrong with that.
I think it is important that parents encourage their children to be creative and not be afraid of sharing their ideas and creating visions. So often parents assume when children reach a certain age that they do not have to be encouraged but the reality of it is that children need to be empowered. I want to empower my children to have the intestinal fortitude to put their ideas into motion and to embark on new journeys and new experiences.
Take the time and make each day count!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Relationships: Building Support Systems
"Relationship is defined as the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected."
Although, I live somewhat of a guarded life, for reasons that I will discuss in a later blog, I value my relationships. I only allow certain people in my circle, because I am a firm believer that your friends should encourage you, just as you should encourage them to do better and be better. I will give my last to help a person that is truly in need and is striving to do better. Honestly, my friends think of me as the resource capital in the circle, because if there is a program, a fund, a link, that will help them in a search for something, if I don't know it, give me about five minutes and I will have the answer for them. You need a support system amongst your friends!
There have been a couple of instances where I really and truly thought, that a person that I had allowed in my circle was being genuine and a friend, but instead, I found out that this person was conniving, manipulative, and jealous hearted. I could not understand why, because I would help this person in any way that I could. After thinking about the situation over and over again, it dawned on me that the jealousy sparked from me just being me. I established some relationships that she could not all because of my approachable personality. To me there is no reason to shut people out in a work environment. These are people that you have to work with day in and day out, therefore, it should be as cohesive as it can be. In a work environment, I study the people around me and I find something that would put me on common ground with that person before I approach them, sort of like a peace offering. This makes it easier to communicate with them and essentially, it shows that I pay attention to detail and I listen. You need a support system at work so build positive relationships!
Relationships with your family are very important. I love family! I wear my family on my sleeves. No matter if I saw you 20 minutes ago or 20 years ago, my seeing you today would be as if I just saw you. I think people need family as a definite support system. They may get mad at you from time to time but at the end of the day, if you really need it, usually your family will help you. So often, we (myself included) are so private and consumed with pride that in times of need, we do not reach out to our families because we want to pretend that we have it together. You always need a support system! For years, I have been trying to come up with a way to create a "family committee". The thought is there, I just need to put it in perspective and in action. You definitely need a support system in your family!
No matter what it is that happens in your life, at your job, or even in your family; you should always have a support system that you can turn to. Sometimes, hearing yourself discuss your problems with someone else, allows you to really dissect what it is that your are battling at the time. You can then put it in perspective, think about it, and develop your own resolutions for it!
Again, if I help you and you help me, then you are Building a Better Me!
Be Supportive!
Geneise
Although, I live somewhat of a guarded life, for reasons that I will discuss in a later blog, I value my relationships. I only allow certain people in my circle, because I am a firm believer that your friends should encourage you, just as you should encourage them to do better and be better. I will give my last to help a person that is truly in need and is striving to do better. Honestly, my friends think of me as the resource capital in the circle, because if there is a program, a fund, a link, that will help them in a search for something, if I don't know it, give me about five minutes and I will have the answer for them. You need a support system amongst your friends!
There have been a couple of instances where I really and truly thought, that a person that I had allowed in my circle was being genuine and a friend, but instead, I found out that this person was conniving, manipulative, and jealous hearted. I could not understand why, because I would help this person in any way that I could. After thinking about the situation over and over again, it dawned on me that the jealousy sparked from me just being me. I established some relationships that she could not all because of my approachable personality. To me there is no reason to shut people out in a work environment. These are people that you have to work with day in and day out, therefore, it should be as cohesive as it can be. In a work environment, I study the people around me and I find something that would put me on common ground with that person before I approach them, sort of like a peace offering. This makes it easier to communicate with them and essentially, it shows that I pay attention to detail and I listen. You need a support system at work so build positive relationships!
Relationships with your family are very important. I love family! I wear my family on my sleeves. No matter if I saw you 20 minutes ago or 20 years ago, my seeing you today would be as if I just saw you. I think people need family as a definite support system. They may get mad at you from time to time but at the end of the day, if you really need it, usually your family will help you. So often, we (myself included) are so private and consumed with pride that in times of need, we do not reach out to our families because we want to pretend that we have it together. You always need a support system! For years, I have been trying to come up with a way to create a "family committee". The thought is there, I just need to put it in perspective and in action. You definitely need a support system in your family!
No matter what it is that happens in your life, at your job, or even in your family; you should always have a support system that you can turn to. Sometimes, hearing yourself discuss your problems with someone else, allows you to really dissect what it is that your are battling at the time. You can then put it in perspective, think about it, and develop your own resolutions for it!
Again, if I help you and you help me, then you are Building a Better Me!
Be Supportive!
Geneise
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Personal Reinvention
Recently, I wrote about professional reinvention. After, really taking a look at the idea of reinventing oneself, it occurred to me that each year we reinvent ourselves or least we try to! On January 1st we all vow to eat less and workout more. For me that usually lasts a week and then I am back to my old ways. We also reinvent ourselves around our birthdays, we are determined that what we did last year will not be the same thing that we will engage in this year. The idea is anything can change as long as you are willing to change the way your mindset and look at situations and circumstances from a different prospective!
I am a firm believer that when you know better, you should do better. I saw this bumper sticker on a car a couple of years ago and it read: "Live the life you love." That statement stuck with me because at that time, I was living life but it wasn't the life that I loved. That statement alone made me stop and re-evaluate my life. The realization that I was not living the life I love was enough to force me to change my life. I became a parent and was so focused on my children that I literally began to forget about ME! I had to reinvent Geneise!
As a parent, it is important to ensure that yes, you are providing for your children but you also have to provide for yourself. I'm not talking about food, clothing, shelter; I'm talking about time with friends, minus the children; cuddling up with a good book, minus the children; a nice glass of wine, minus the children, etc. It is a must for each parent and notice I said each parent, father and mother.
Reinvention is fun and exciting! It gives you the look and feel of being a new person! The slightest transformation will make a difference, think about hair and eye colors. The minute that changes, some people look totally different but does it matter if their character is in question. You have to change your mindset in order for it to matter, because you will get such a clear view from the right perspective.
If there is something that you want to do, reinvent yourself and make it happen!
Geneise
#Remembering911
I am a firm believer that when you know better, you should do better. I saw this bumper sticker on a car a couple of years ago and it read: "Live the life you love." That statement stuck with me because at that time, I was living life but it wasn't the life that I loved. That statement alone made me stop and re-evaluate my life. The realization that I was not living the life I love was enough to force me to change my life. I became a parent and was so focused on my children that I literally began to forget about ME! I had to reinvent Geneise!
As a parent, it is important to ensure that yes, you are providing for your children but you also have to provide for yourself. I'm not talking about food, clothing, shelter; I'm talking about time with friends, minus the children; cuddling up with a good book, minus the children; a nice glass of wine, minus the children, etc. It is a must for each parent and notice I said each parent, father and mother.
Reinvention is fun and exciting! It gives you the look and feel of being a new person! The slightest transformation will make a difference, think about hair and eye colors. The minute that changes, some people look totally different but does it matter if their character is in question. You have to change your mindset in order for it to matter, because you will get such a clear view from the right perspective.
If there is something that you want to do, reinvent yourself and make it happen!
Geneise
#Remembering911
Sunday, September 8, 2013
My Introduction
I guess it is time for me to introduce myself...
My name is Geneise M. Graham. I am the mother of two, Adriyana (8) and Ashton (5). They are the world to me! I recently graduated from Troy University with a Master in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management. That accomplishment is special to me because my mother, Carrie also graduated from Troy University with a Master of Science in Counseling. Go Trojans! I am currently attending Capella University, working on my Doctor of Public Administration (DPA).
I started writing this blog about a week ago with no real direction. At first, I was a little skeptical about the content that I would focus on, but for some time now, I have been concerned about the state of our youth and our communities and wondered what I could do to help. For the past 10 years, I have wrestled with a concept of "Building A Better Me." My thought is that no matter what happens, when you take the time to help someone else, you are ultimately helping yourself become a better person. I try to learn something from everyone I meet; whether it is good or bad!
What I hope to accomplish with this blog?
This is a question that I am still struggling to answer. I would like to use it as a platform for character building and enrichment, as well as, a source of information on different subjects. I hope that each blog that I post assists someone in some manner, even if it is just a conversation around the dinner table.
One of my favorite quotes is:
"A Journey of A Thousand Miles, Must Begin With A Single Step!"~Lao Tzu
That quotes means a lot to me because no matter what you do, you have to take that first step and this blog is my first step to helping others because in doing so, I am "BUILDING A BETTER ME!"
Geneise
My name is Geneise M. Graham. I am the mother of two, Adriyana (8) and Ashton (5). They are the world to me! I recently graduated from Troy University with a Master in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management. That accomplishment is special to me because my mother, Carrie also graduated from Troy University with a Master of Science in Counseling. Go Trojans! I am currently attending Capella University, working on my Doctor of Public Administration (DPA).
I started writing this blog about a week ago with no real direction. At first, I was a little skeptical about the content that I would focus on, but for some time now, I have been concerned about the state of our youth and our communities and wondered what I could do to help. For the past 10 years, I have wrestled with a concept of "Building A Better Me." My thought is that no matter what happens, when you take the time to help someone else, you are ultimately helping yourself become a better person. I try to learn something from everyone I meet; whether it is good or bad!
What I hope to accomplish with this blog?
This is a question that I am still struggling to answer. I would like to use it as a platform for character building and enrichment, as well as, a source of information on different subjects. I hope that each blog that I post assists someone in some manner, even if it is just a conversation around the dinner table.
One of my favorite quotes is:
"A Journey of A Thousand Miles, Must Begin With A Single Step!"~Lao Tzu
That quotes means a lot to me because no matter what you do, you have to take that first step and this blog is my first step to helping others because in doing so, I am "BUILDING A BETTER ME!"
Geneise
Friday, September 6, 2013
Reinventing and Rebranding
On my last post, I ended with a question, "How do I reinvent myself?" I was unaware of this concept until my friend introduced me to 9 Things a Leader Must Do by Dr. Henry Cloud. In one of the chapters it speaks about change and how necessary and important it is to change according to the goals or aspirations that have been set for your life and your employment.
In order to reinvent something, it must be changed so that it appears to be entirely new. This coincides with the concept of rebranding as well, which is known as a marketing strategy to completely change a product so that in the minds of the consumers it is new and different. I thought that reinventing and rebranding was specific to products or things. After researching each, I have found that those concepts can be applied to people.
In each job that I have previously held, I have been an employee. Now that I am a job-seeker, with a Master of Public Administration in Public Management, I am having to reinvent myself, not as an employee but as a leader. At times its difficult because the knowledge is there, the job experience is there as well, but what is lacking is the supervisory experience and without that experience most companies are not willing to take a chance on you.
In most jobs, there is some form of unconventional supervision, although your job title does not reflect a supervisory role and it is not a role that is performed on a regular basis, it is one that is performed. Most of the time, we see this basic supervision with new hires. Yes, they go through orientation and sometimes job specific training outside of the agency, but once they return to the agency, the new hires are paired with a seasoned person that ultimately trains and supervises them for a certain amount of time. Can this be classified as supervision? I think so!
Employees that have been assigned special projects have to create a team or collaborate with multiple people in order to plan, develop, design, implement, and administer the project, have in my opinion taking on a leadership role and are responsible for the supervision of that project. Again, I think unconventional supervision
Through this journey, I am continuously finding ways to reinvent and rebrand my skills and abilities in hopes that I will be viewed as a new and improved person with the necessary core competencies for the demanding job market.
I hope you have been inspired to take a look at yourself and reinvent and rebrand!
Geneise
In order to reinvent something, it must be changed so that it appears to be entirely new. This coincides with the concept of rebranding as well, which is known as a marketing strategy to completely change a product so that in the minds of the consumers it is new and different. I thought that reinventing and rebranding was specific to products or things. After researching each, I have found that those concepts can be applied to people.
In each job that I have previously held, I have been an employee. Now that I am a job-seeker, with a Master of Public Administration in Public Management, I am having to reinvent myself, not as an employee but as a leader. At times its difficult because the knowledge is there, the job experience is there as well, but what is lacking is the supervisory experience and without that experience most companies are not willing to take a chance on you.
In most jobs, there is some form of unconventional supervision, although your job title does not reflect a supervisory role and it is not a role that is performed on a regular basis, it is one that is performed. Most of the time, we see this basic supervision with new hires. Yes, they go through orientation and sometimes job specific training outside of the agency, but once they return to the agency, the new hires are paired with a seasoned person that ultimately trains and supervises them for a certain amount of time. Can this be classified as supervision? I think so!
Employees that have been assigned special projects have to create a team or collaborate with multiple people in order to plan, develop, design, implement, and administer the project, have in my opinion taking on a leadership role and are responsible for the supervision of that project. Again, I think unconventional supervision
Through this journey, I am continuously finding ways to reinvent and rebrand my skills and abilities in hopes that I will be viewed as a new and improved person with the necessary core competencies for the demanding job market.
I hope you have been inspired to take a look at yourself and reinvent and rebrand!
Geneise
Monday, September 2, 2013
Interviewing
Having been pushed back into the job-seeking market, I have been forced to re-evaluate my skills and abilities. Although, I thought it would be easy, it has turned out to be much easier said than done. Interview questions are so position specific that skill sets are lost in translation. I have found it to be very difficult to explain my skill sets.
I am a person that enters an organization and not only do I learn my position and my responsibilities, I also take the initiative to learn the responsibilities and duties of the other positions that I have to interact with on a regular basis. I like to see the big picture know exactly where I fit in and how what I do affects the operation of the organization.
Often in the interview, the question is whether or not, I have actually performed in that position? The answer is no, but I know the policy and procedures that structure that part of the position because I was willing to learn what others were doing in order to have a complete puzzle.
How do I reinvent myself?
Geneise
I am a person that enters an organization and not only do I learn my position and my responsibilities, I also take the initiative to learn the responsibilities and duties of the other positions that I have to interact with on a regular basis. I like to see the big picture know exactly where I fit in and how what I do affects the operation of the organization.
Often in the interview, the question is whether or not, I have actually performed in that position? The answer is no, but I know the policy and procedures that structure that part of the position because I was willing to learn what others were doing in order to have a complete puzzle.
How do I reinvent myself?
Geneise
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