The holiday season is here, and with it comes a massive, often unspoken, productivity challenge: connection . We obsess over to-do lists, gifts, and logistics, but the greatest source of our strength—and the greatest reward for our effort—is often overlooked. I recently experienced this when I had the chance to visit my family after nearly two years. It was more than relaxing; it was recharging . That connection is the fuel we need to be truly productive. The core of my Fearl

"Effectiveness" has changed.  It's not just about getting stuff done anymore. In our crazy modern world, you have to intentionally plan time for "nothing." "Nothing" is actually something .  Calling it "active recovery" sounds fancy, but it means giving yourself space to just be  and do what you genuinely want, instead of constantly reacting to urgent stuff. Real, honest connection is electric.  The best part of life is having those deep, authentic conversations with friends—

As a public speaker and writer, I've learned the power of sharing one's truth. Today, I'm sharing the first part of my journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—the day I got the diagnosis—with the hope that my story might resonate and help someone else. The date is relevant because exactly five years ago, on this very same date, I found myself sitting in a room that would change my life forever [ 00:00 ]. Setting the Scene My visit wasn't originally about anything serious; I had

11 Simple Ways You Can Improve Chronic Illness Productivity. This article really strikes a chord with me Summary : For those with chronic illnesses, managing an unpredictable schedule is key. This article provides practical strategies for working around physical and mental limitations. The best advice is to embrace flexibility , use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize based on energy levels, and most critically: Plan for flare-ups by having an emergency routine and commun

Beyond my speech impediment, the biggest ( pun intended ) thing I was teased about when I was young was my enormous head. Later in life, I wore it as a badge of honor. Recently, I decided to do some research ( like I have nothing else to do 😂 ) and found out some interesting ( to me ) info. We’ve all heard the whispers—or perhaps the playground taunts. The idea that having a "big head" is a sign of intelligence is a surprisingly persistent piece of cultural lore. It's

I was truly honored to share my story with VoyageATL . My mental and physical health journey took a sharp turn in 2021 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. But what I call my "battle with multiple sclerosis" became a powerful catalyst. This challenge amplified my spiritual strength and deepened my faith in God, which serves as my unwavering compass. I am so grateful for this clarity of purpose. My hope for the future is to use this journey to help others free up thei

From my vantage point as a writer and a leader, when I look at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, I see far more than a schedule of events. I see the architecture of a movement. It's a powerhouse of Black artistry, and for anyone who, like me, has dedicated their life to the power of creativity and the importance of an effective voice, this festival is essential. A Celebration of Our Voice and Vision At its core, the festival is a profound act of celebrating Black artistry .

There are friendships, and then there are those epic, life-defining connections that shape our identities. For me, that’s my bond with John C. Smith—a friendship that has endured for nearly five decades, all thanks to our unique and vibrant community of Roosevelt, New York, in 1975. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with John, reminiscing and reflecting on our incredible journey. We’ve compiled a video of our conversation below, The experience was so profound tha

Today marks the third anniversary of my MS diagnosis. It's a bittersweet milestone, a reminder of both the challenges I've faced and the...