Wishing You An Intentional New Year Filled With Self-discovery

This past Sunday, I had the honor of supporting the worship service at All Souls Church, Unitarian in Washington DC.

One of my contributions included leading the “Time for All Ages” where I offered a Kwanzaa story called “Seven Spools of Thread, written by Angela Shelf Medearis. This story reminded us about the value of cooperation, communication, and creativity in achieving shared goals.

As I reflect on this worship service, I am acutely aware of how powerful it is to celebrate cultural and spiritual traditions that honor identity and community. 

This time of year is often filled with reflection, gratitude, and anticipation. For me, the celebration of Kwanzaa offers a special way to reconnect with African roots and Black American values. Kwanzaa is a holiday focused not on religious doctrine but on principles that uplift community, self-awareness, and intentionality. 

As 2026 begins today, I find myself leaning into the Kwanzaa principle of  Kujichagulia, which means “Self-Determination”. This concept of defining and creating ourselves, resonates deeply with me. I believe that we hold a lot of power in how we see ourselves and what we choose to bring into the world. 

Often, we let society and those we’re trying to impress take this power away. For me, this new year is about letting go of the need to control others’ opinions and focus on my own journey.

2026 is about recognizing that when we find that too many in our circle don’t understand us or our path, it means it’s probably time to seek out new people and environments who share our frequency. This can signal that new goals and integrity must mean surrounding ourselves with those who can appreciate us for who we are, even when they don’t understand.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the below affirmation:

“𝗜 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺.”

For me, embracing this mindset means trusting in my ability and worth, even when the journey feels uncertain. 

What about you? 

If you’re feeling called to embrace more of your own self-determination, I encourage you to start small with these three suggestions:

✨Affirm your strengths, set clear intentions, and speak your truth. Growth often begins one step at a time.

✨Remember that being misunderstood doesn't make you wrong; it just means you're unique, and the right people and opportunities will eventually find you.

✨Trust yourself and hold tight to your integrity. Refuse to let others or the status quo dictate your self-worth or identity.

We are the experts on ourselves. Or – as leaders, we certainly should be. It’s a given that we don’t all share the same purpose or calling. When someone doesn’t understand, it’s alright because it’s not their calling to understand.

Yet, as a leader it’s our role to observe and support the strengths and callings of others. Our responsibility includes transforming and mentoring a complex kaleidoscope of people into high-performing forces of nature. In doing so, we facilitate an atmosphere and culture where each person feels valued, inspired, and like they belong.

When this falls into place, positive change and desired results are inevitable.

My New Years' wish for you – is a year filled with intentionality and self-discovery. 

Cheers!

——

🪻 As a clinical sociologist, I facilitate organizational effectiveness and learning culture. I lead data-informed solutions and change management interventions. I provide leadership development, facilitation, keynote speaking, and consulting for continuous improvement that drives strategy, collaboration, and mission driven priorities.

I believe in bold, authentic, and transformative people-centric leadership. From this lens, I prioritize equity and collective wisdom to engage others. Innovation, inclusivity, and creativity are my superpowers. Growth is my mindset.

If you’re ready to overcome organizational challenges and retain your people or engage your members, email me, I’d love to connect.