John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach

"You have the greatness and the power.  I just help you turn on the switch."

MARVELOUS MONDAYS

 

June 16, 2014 - Issue 282

 

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

 
Dear ,

 

Welcome to Issue 282.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

 

Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.   

Did you miss a previous issue?  Click here to view an Archive.   

 

 

HEALING POWER OF POETRY

Maya Angelou dealt with her childhood traumas by reading literature and poetry.  This became a therapy which enabled her to regain her voice, which had been silent for five years.  Maya's love and passion for poetry inspired her to become a poet and fortified her though life's challenges.    

 

EXCERPTS FROM STILL I RISE

"You may write me down in history, with your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I'll rise

"Out of the huts of history's shame - I rise

up from a past that's rooted in pain - I rise 

"I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear - I rise

into a daybreak that's wondrously clear - I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise I rise I rise.    

                                                                    

-Maya Angelou

  

Although she suffered many hardships in her life, Maya continued to rise above it all.  Her life's journey gives us inspiration, motivation, and hope.      

 

EXERCISE

This week I invite you to reflect on the following:

  1. Who in your life has been an example of "rising"?

  2. Reflect on a time in your life when you chose to "rise".  

  3. What part of your life is calling you to "rise"?

 

 

 

Photo:  Maya Angelo reciting her poem at Present Clinton's 1993 Inauguration

 

"Ms. Angelou's beloved poem Still I Rise gives insight into 
her passion, determination and strength.  This poem will remain close to my heart for the rest of my life."   

 

 

-Dee Murphy, devotee of Maya Angelou


JOHN'S BIO
John has owned several businesses and is an attorney who has practiced in the business and estate  areas.  In addition, he coaches business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, speech makers and presenters.  He also coaches persons who are determined to accelerate their careers and leadership skills or who are considering a career move or retirement.  John uses coaching as a tool in his leadership and business results based consulting.  He is also a life coach.

                   **John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.**