by Carjamin Scott on July 8, 2019 at 9:00 p.m. CST

A number of years ago, I read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and it completely changed my life. I learned that our thoughts attract what happens in our lives, both good and bad. This notion made me become critical about what I spend time reflecting on. Byrne says, “Your life is in your hands. No matter where you are now, no matter what has happened in your life, you can begin to consciously choose your thoughts, and you can change your life. There is no such thing as a hopeless situation. Every single circumstance of your life can change!” Below are seven ways to be mindful and pursue gratitude.

1. Every morning, spend time reflecting on everything you are grateful for.

Instead of unlocking your phone and checking emails, practice mindfulness. The very first thing you think about will shape the rest of your day. Start with thinking of three things you are truly grateful for, like, your health, family, and career. Then, add to the list every morning.

2. Welcome all of life’s challenges and learn from them.

There is very little you can control in life. In fact, the only thing constant is change and challenges. Embrace it all, learn from it, and teach others. Be grateful for setbacks, roadblocks, and detours. These moments are preparing you for something greater.

3. Assume that others are inherently good and do not want to harm you.

Yes, of course there are people who do not have your best interests at heart. Yes, there are those who want to see you fail. So what! Live your life with courage and never compromise. Treat everyone well even when they don’t deserve it. Life is just so much easier that way.

4. Appreciate the differences in people and find ways to complement those traits.

It’s very easy to be a member of a group where everyone thinks and looks alike. However, it is more fun to take the time to get to know people who are not like you. Discover the strengths of other people, we all have them, then work to highlight those strengths. Be grateful for what others have to offer.

5. Look forward to routine tasks in life by finding ways to make them fun.

Sometimes life can become routine and mundane. Spontaneity makes life more fun. A friend told me about the Waze app. It’s a driving app that alerts you about traffic delays, route shortcuts, and more. You can also text other people using the app on the road with you. On your next road trip, let your passenger use the app on the trip and test all of its functions. It’ll make a routine ride more fun.

6. Create opportunities to give more than you take.

It just feels good to give. Is your co-worker having a baby? Host a diaper shower. Did your friend graduate college? Send a celebratory card. Is someone having a bad day? Give them a hand. Never underestimate the importance of a good deed.

7. Show your appreciation when accepting compliments and credit.

If you are someone who has a hard time receiving compliments, now is the time to begin to change that behavior. Accept the “thank you’s”. When earned, take the credit. Gratefulness includes being grateful for what you do for yourself and for others.

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Carjie Scott provides a first-hand account of her experience as an administrator serving at trade schools, graduate institutions, and HBCUs. You are Accepted, is required reading for first-generation college students and higher education professionals. It encourages readers to own their story and accept themselves so that they can transform education for individuals who were historically excluded from attending college.

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by Carjamin Scott on May 26, 2019 at 10:05 p.m. CST

Last week, I attended The Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative Summer Institute at Vanderbilt Divinity School. I did not know what to expect. Admittedly, I assumed it would include, academic talking heads, speaking a language that would require me to keep a dictionary app handy and attendees who were racial justice experts claiming to advocate for inclusion but not actually doing the work. However, I attended because I wanted to silence my inner critic.

The institute lasted one week. We checked in on Monday and started with Collaborative Fellows giving us a Ted style talk of the work they had done regarding Public Theology and Racial Justice. I was impressed.

Later, we attended a Fearless Dialogues event. At this event, we were all greeted with, “It is good to see you.” Then, we practiced how to genuinely “see” the gifts in each other and the world around us. The experience was eye-opening and it helped me let my guard down for the remainder of the week. It encouraged me to “see” and call out what I see to make real change in the world.

Every morning started with “morning centering.” For me, morning centering was prayer, for others meditation or reflection. Each centering was led by a facilitator. After centering, breakfast was served. In addition, to breakfast, we were served lunch, and dinner and every meal was really good. I tried to sit at a new table during each meal to practice “seeing” new people.

We were able to choose tracks to further our understanding of Racist Governance or Radicalized Economics. I was interested in both tracks but ultimately chose Radicalized Economics because I am interested in learning more about Housing, Urban Development, and Gentrification. My tracks were led by Vanderbilt professors who were great at sharing their knowledge of the topics presented and engaging us to have group discussion.

After our tracks we had processing salons, in which we continued our group discussion and built community. It was during these intimate thought sharing groups that I came out of my shell and realized that the institute was not designed to teach me about Public Theology and Racial Justice. It was designed to encourage us to share our truths and engage in the work. The facilitators were effective at creating a safe space; and, it turns out that the institute was the self-care that I did not realize I needed.

Self-care is important if you are going to do this work. Community is equally important. Prior to the institute, I answered the call to service and committed to volunteering for The Equity Alliance. However, I was afraid to share that I am a member of this community. Reflecting on my fear and realizing that my assumptions were not valid, I understand how I have perpetuated the exact symptom that I claim to be against. In other words, if I am to continue finding a community of activists, I am going to have to share my activism too.

Now, I am no longer afraid to fight injustice, racism, and oppression. I am also excited to use what I learned to sharpen myself and my TEA community so that we can work together promote ourselves and seek freedom.

I am grateful to have ended the institute with a new beginning, new challenges to pursue, new confidence, and a new covering. Here are a few quotes from our leaders that you are welcome to share on your social media channels.

Ruby N. Sales, on inspirational women who have impacted the fight for social and racial justice.

Judge Wendell Griffin, on principles and presumptions for dismantling racist governance.

A charge to the cohort by Mary Hooks.

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Carjamin Scott can be reached at carjamin.scott@gmail.com and you can follow her on twitter @scottcarjie, instagram @carjiescott, and facebook at Dr. Carjie Scott.