A few days ago, I was setting up my self-hosted blog and was struggling to refine my vision. At the same time, I had to prepare a short presentation for my contribution to a leadership program I was attending.
Deep in thought, I despaired. I just couldn’t come up with anything sexy! Then my mind went back to all the people who have helped me in one way or another. And the vision formed like from a mist. “Become unmistakably authentic!”
We are all different, but in our authenticity, we form a band that is unmistakably rich in its diversity and beautiful to behold. When our leadership is authentic, we can’t but inspire hope and bring unstoppable change wherever we are. Together, we form a strong band with beads of every color. It can’t be missed!
My vision is driven by a heart filled with gratitude, and what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. I especially love Skip Prichard’s “5 Ways to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude”: 1) Write it down; 2) Talk about it; 3) Meditate; 4) Express it; and, 5) Seek it.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~Melody Beattie
Todd Nielsen, my good friend, inspired me to write better and boldly.
Barry Smith inspired me with his mission to help grow the leadership of Guatemala.
Michael Oyier opened up my eyes to a potential in me that was hidden in plain sight.
Dan Forbes and the awesome #LeadWithGiants Community, your engaging interaction and friendship is second to none.
Carlos and Anne-Thora who unselfishly connected with me through unimaginable circumstances.
Sarah-Leigh Paul and Sindiswa Nobula, your strength and passion for what you do amaze me, you are both inspirational.
So I am thankful for my awesome family, for great friends, for the few who believe in my vision even when many think I am nuts, and for all my readers (you keep me learning).
Q: What are you doing to become unmistakably authentic? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Lovely piece Kimunya, you have already turned this stranger into a friend! Thanks for being my friend and always making me think, as well as the warm glow I get when I read your posts. Authentically yours, David
David, it is amazing how authenticity can bridge distances and transform strangers into friends. Thank you for your friendship, I treasure it!
Beautiful and authentic post, Kimunya! You are a true gift and just need to be you. Look inside and all your answers are there.
Loved reading about your thought process.
Terri
I am glad to have you in my corner Terry. You are a blessing.
Wonderful article. Gratitude is so filling of the heart and truly brings new perspective on life. Have a wonderful Holiday season.
Thank you… May yours be filled with blessings too!
Thanks.
What a beautiful piece Kimunya
To you, a cheer 🙂
Hi Kimunya ~ I loved your post for its warmth, its generosity and its common vision ~ the interaction of people in authentic ways. You challenge my thinking and are an inspiration to me … and and long may that continue.
It fills my heart with joy to have a friend like you. Thank you for your support and mutual inspiration.
Thanks for the mention in your post, Kimunya. I am honored and humbled. You have been such an important contributor to the Lead With Giants Community. You, my friend, are a true leadership Giant.
Dan, I am honored to call you friend. Thank you for everything.
Thanks for all you have done for me Kimunya. It has been an um… interesting year for the both of us with lots of up and downs. I consider you one of my closest friends, even though we are thousands of miles away!
It has been an interesting year indeed. Testing but made us resilient. Glad to call you my friend…
Really cool post, thank you. It’s good to be reminded of the simple value we add to one another when we choose the boldness of being authentic.
Great to see you here Micah. Greatness is in the simple things we extend to each other. Thank you…
Kimunya, I read your blog for the first time tonight after spotting it in the Slow Down Challenge FB page. Great job and so on point with your thoughts. Keep diving deep for those nuggets. The world NEEDS more of this. There is so much noise we all need to SLOW DOWN and savor the moments.
Thank you for stopping by Mary, and for your kind comments! Watch out for my new book soon to be launched… “Down But Not Out: Becoming a Significant Leader at Home”