Personal Development Archives - Young Women Professionals League

09Jun 2020 by Nikeya Young

The “Gap Year” Gift

When the Coronavirus hit back in March and our governor gave the order to “shelter in place”, I thought certainly things will be back to normal in time for the summer. Now, as more details about this virus have come to light, we are having to face the very harsh reality that things aren’t going to get back to normal ANY time soon! All summer festivals have been cancelled. Church services, graduations, proms, the NBA season...CANCELLED! Schools have been switched to e-Learning for the remainder of the school year, and will more than likely still operate online in the Fall. A vaccine is being developed, but won’t be ready for another 12 to 18 months. So yeah. 2020 is a wash! Or is it? Perspective is KEY! About a month…

03Jun 2020 by Courtney Thompson

June 1, 2020

Personal Development

This morning’s alarm clock was the sound of sirens blaring and helicopters hovering over what is usually a peaceful neighborhood. These sounds come as a response to the unrest of a hurt people. The upset of people who have been oppressed for hundreds of years. These sounds mimic the screams of the broken hearted. This week, in particular, has been noisy. By now, the entire country is aware of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. He was murdered by a police officer who kneeled on his neck for 9 minutes until he died. Imagine that... NINE MINUTES. But his death alone is not what has caused all of the noise. There have been several murders of unarmed black women and men that came before his. Racism is unfortunately REAL. It…

26May 2020 by Dequiana Jackson

Is Fear Holding You Back from Pursuing Your Purpose?

Personal Development

Consistent action leads to success, but fear is usually what holds us back. And it's not always that you're afraid to fail. In the audio lesson below, I cover five types of fear that you’ll have to push through as an entrepreneur in order to grow yourself and your business.⁣⁣⁣⁣1. Fear of failure⁣⁣2. Fear of rejection⁣⁣3. Fear of success⁣⁣4. Fear of letting go⁣⁣5. Fear of leaving others behind⁣⁣⁣⁣Your clients are out there waiting for you. There are people who need what you have to offer so they can get closer to their own goals. While you may not completely get over your fears, you can push through them, get out there and serve.⁣⁣⁣After listening to the audio lesson below, which of these fears did you identify with the most? Post…

19May 2020 by Toneal Jackson

When Was the Last Time You Told Yourself, “I’m Proud of You?”

Personal Development

I recently posted this question on Facebook and was very shocked at the responses. Many said they had never said it; others said they couldn’t remember the last time; and a few even replied that they felt they had no reason to utter the words. I was saddened as I realized that these responses were probably because people tend to disregard the importance of their own validation, or mistakenly feel that this statement carries with it a feeling of arrogance. So, I comprised a list that includes three reasons why you should be proud of yourself. 1. Growth – Anytime you notice an improvement in your life, you should be proud of yourself. This can include personal, mental/emotional and social habits. If there were issues you noted that you desired…

12May 2020 by Reese LaFrances

Girl Fight! Are You Ready to Face Your In-A-Me?

Personal Development

The only enemy that destroys us is the in-a-me. What you believe about you is the only enemy that can control you and ultimately ruin you. Regardless of what anyone has done to you (parents, lovers, friends, etc.), it will NEVER be greater than the choices you’ve made for yourself. When we waste our lives blaming others, it only keeps us from dealing with the real issues inside that never allows us to truly be free. So we must ask ourselves, what past situations or decisions are still affecting our confidence and ability to move forward and authentically be at peace? Admitting we feel hurt, or disappointment, or guilty does not make us weak. God has this amazing, abundant life waiting on us and we know it. But in order…

21Apr 2020 by Reese LaFrances

5 Ways Stop Existing and Start Living

Personal Development

Stop Existing. Start Living. Go to school, get a job, make a living and lot of money. That seems to always be the suggested ingredients to making a good life. I’ve come to realize however, it’s just not that simple. Drake was on to something when he said, “everybody dies but not everybody lives.” Although there’s nothing wrong with making a living, life should encompass more. Our goal should be to build a legacy founded on our life’s divine purpose. If you’re ready to truly live life to the full, here are the five things you need to do: 1.) Be Purpose-Driven Life is too short not to love what you do and to do what you love. If you awake every morning and ask yourself why, it may be…

07Apr 2020 by Reese LaFrances

It’s Not You, It’s Them! 3 Ways to Deal With Rejection

Personal Development

Rejection is definitely no respecter of person. I have undoubtedly felt it’s sting many times. However, I have learned that man’s rejection is often God’s protection. I know that is extremely cliche but nonetheless true. Many of us need to seriously thank God he didn’t give us what we thought we wanted. He knew that it would have us discombobulated, distraught, and completely disconnected from His will for our lives. God ultimately knows when we are ready and capable to handle certain things. Often times His response of “no” or “not yet” may be because we are not responsible enough to deal with some of the things we so desperately desire i.e. a husband/wife, a promotion, a business, wealth, etc. Or, it may just be that God desires for us…

30Mar 2020 by Inez Woody

Silence, Grief & Loss: Unpacking the Miscarriage Taboo

Personal Development

I was about 20 years old the first time I miscarried; 11 weeks pregnant. It was summer; it was hot and muggy and I was home with my mom doing laundry. My boyfriend was at work, about 25 miles away. I remember the intense, sharp pains combined with an overwhelming feeling that I might have been food poisoned. What would have normally taken him 45 minutes to drive from Oak Park to our south side home in Chicago, took only half the time. We piled in his old school green convertible and the pain grew more and more as we hit every pothole down Cottage Grove. We arrived at the same hospital where I was born. My boyfriend was dismayed; like a deer stuck in headlights. It was dark and…

26Nov 2019 by Reese LaFrances

Sis, You Don’t Have Anything to Prove!

Personal Development

Many of us don't realize how much time we spend or actually waste trying to prove our worthiness to others. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, regardless of your age, race, or educational background we all want to feel loved, accepted, and acknowledged for our contributions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The problem lies when this becomes our only motivation behind what and why we engage. Nowadays it seems almost inevitable to escape spiraling down the rabbit hole of purchases, paper chasing, and posturing to prove you deserve to be where you are. Of course, social media has definitely heightened and contributed to this constant hustle for worthiness. And honestly, I feel like Black women especially feel the pressure even more. From our…

Category: Personal Development