Let The Healing Continue
Eardie Houston
In light of the recent events impacting our nation, what advice would you give to people in order to help them navigate the uncertainty?Please share one or two available resources that can help people right now.
With this unprecedented time that we are in right now, my advice to others would be to intentionally relinquish control... yes, be responsible; yes, prepare as best you can for you and your family; but please bear in mind that so much of what is happening right now is outside of our control. The best we can do right now after we've done our best to protect our families is to enjoy this season of life slowing down a bit. Our family plays more games together, spends more time in the backyard, engages in more reading challenges, and has eaten breakfast and dinner together at the table every day for the past two weeks! Consider all of the reasons that we have to be grateful right now. Yes, so much is uncertain, but there's so much to be thankful for RIGHT NOW. Don't miss it.
One resource that I would recommend for families would be an enhancement to the family library that would serve as both entertainment and resources for family enrichment. That is our children's book collection that can be found at www.LivingLifeWithTheHoustons.com/BookSeries
What is your personal mission in life?
My personal mission in life is to encourage and empower others to overcome various barriers in their life and reach for excellence... in their personal aspirations, their relationships, their parenting, and their careers. At times, the mission is carried out formally, through speaking and discussions... other times, it's just through example, serving as an inspiration through vulnerability and transparency, showing others what is possible.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have overcome?
Low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
What one action helped you overcome your challenge?
Some of what helped me overcome this challenge was time and maturity, definitely getting in God's word more.... And then another practical thing that I have done over the past decade was gradually disconnecting from those relationships (or lowering their influence) that fed the narrative of low self esteem and lack of confidence, and reached for relationships with people that encouraged me to be the best version of myself and not shrink.
How Do you define leadership?
Leadership can look differently depending on the leader, in my opinion. For some leaders, it's all about casting the vision, or having the creative, effective idea. Some leaders demonstrate boldness in their ability and willingness to blaze a trail. Some leaders quietly lead by being their authentic self, setting examples for others. At times, I've fit into several different modes of leadership. Most often, I tend to quietly lead by example.
What advice would you give to a person ashamed to share their story?
To a person ashamed to share their story, I would say, I understand and they have to share when they are ready. Being vulnerable and transparent can be intimidating, at times, because we open ourselves up to judgement and ridicule from others. So I get it. But as that person finds peace with their own journey and develop a desire to share, I would encourage him/her to focus on the people that will be blessed by knowing our stories. Someone needs encouragement and support in precisely the way we can give it. Someone is waiting... for you!