Published January 31, 2023
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Wendy Gladney

My grandmother had little sayings and phrases that she would tell her children, grandchildren, and probably anyone that would listen. The other day one of my cousins reminded me of one of them. As we were talking about family stuff, she said do you remember when Mother Dear would say, if you suit up, show up, something is bound to turn up. I stopped and thought for a while, and I remembered my grandmother saying that statement several times. She would also say, sometimes opportunities do not always go to the smartest person or to the one you think should get something, but it may go to the one who is consistent, dependable, and shows up.

I know for a fact that I have not always been the smartest person in the room, or even possibly the most qualified, but no one was going to beat me at suiting up, showing up, and my grandmother was right, things would turn up. Life is interesting in that it is not always about who is able to do something, but rather who makes themselves available. There are a lot of talented people in this world that have special gifts, but they never make themselves available to fulfill a specific need. God can take our availability and turn it into something magical when we are willing to give something or someone our best.

All of us reach a point where we are not sure about ourselves, that is normal. Sometimes we go left when we should have turned right, and we get a little confused on our journey. We may not even be sure or clear about what direction we should be going in, but do not give up. If you continue to try and give life your best, and keep showing up for yourself and others, something will eventually turn up. Continue to take baby steps if you must, just do not stop. I have had to pivot several times personally and professionally over the past six decades, but what I have learned is that we can take our mistakes or stumbling blocks and turn them into steppingstones to where we are supposed to go. It is all about our perspective and attitude.

As we close out one year and begin the journey into a new one there are many things, we need to let go of and leave behind. Make up your mind that you are not going to carry unnecessary baggage, past mistakes, hard aches, negative thoughts, and unforgiveness into 2023. Let us be determined that we are going to show up for ourselves and put on our best suit (this represents our internal and external self), and I guarantee you that something positive will happen for you, even if it starts with just a better attitude about yourself and life. If you need help, I am here for you. The best can still be yet to come.

When we make up our minds there is nothing we cannot accomplish. The road may seem a little slow, but you will get there. Along your journey when you can bring others along, you will not get lonely, and you may just be what they needed in their life. I try to practice doing all the good I can, to all the people I can, while I can, and something great always turns up. Happy New Year!

Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit Life Strategist | WendyGladney.com and Season Of Greatness | WendyGladney.com to learn more.

Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.

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About the Author
Wendy Gladney

Wendy Gladney is a Coach, Life Strategist, Community Relations Consultant, Author, and Speaker. A multi-faceted businesswoman with close to thirty years of experience, Wendy is the founder of Personal Services Plus, (PSP); Season of Greatness (SOG); and nonprofit, Forgiving for Living, Inc. (FFL). As a Consultant and Strategist, Wendy has worked with individuals, leading community-based organizations, small businesses, and corporations in America; all while building a reputation of delivering exceptional service.

A native of Southern California, Wendy received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Continuing her education, she is a graduate of both The Protocol School of Washington, certified and licensed to teach International Protocol, Etiquette, and Intercultural Understanding; and Antioch University Coaching Tools Program, where she received a certification in coaching.

Wendy's professionalism extends through her membership in notable organizations including International Coaching Federation (ICF), Screen Actors Guild (SAG), UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA): Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and more.

Her reach also extends abroad as she participated in the UNCTAD Conference in Lyon, France and later was part of the China Trade Mission with the Upland Chamber of Commerce in 2005. She was selected by The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles as an Ambassador of Goodwill and Global Relations to Israel in May of 2015; and in October of 2015, she traveled to South Korea with G.C.S. as a Goodwill Ambassador on behalf of Los Angeles. For her achievements and commitment to community, she has been the recipient of several honors and awards.

As a writer, Wendy is a weekly columnist for both the Los Angeles Sentinel and the Inland Valley News and has authored two books: “The Preacher’s Daughter: A Memory” and “Forgiveness: Change Your Life Forever.” Her subject matter frequently revolves around the theme of forgiveness.

​​Wendy is a mother, grandmother, and wife and is committed to her faith, family, and community.  She believes everyone has the power to make a difference and lives by her motto: “Healing Without Hate:  it’s a Choice, it’s a Lifestyle, Pass it on!”  

To learn more visit: www.wendygladney.com, www.personalservicesplusllc.com, and www.forgivingforliving.org.