Full Circle w/ "Little Shanika" - More Workshops in 2023!

Happy almost summer!

I just realized this is my first blog post for the year - the reason for the 2023 reference in the title! Terrible, I know - but not so much considering it's because The Write Flow & Vibe has been keeping me busy (along with teaching, freelancing AND workshops!).

An avenue that I never imagined to become a regular part of business was leading and facilitating workshops. I am absolutely loving it! Last year took me to California to lead a resume writing, interviewing and elevator speech workshop for Amway professionals, so when I was selected to do a similar workshop in my old stomping grounds of Grand Rapids, MI for Fifth Third Bank professionals last month (April), I was ready! 

Last week I facilitated a different type of workshop in my hometown of Muskegon Heights, MI in collaboration with the Muskegon Young Black Professionals - writing and self-publishing. Although I have been a writer for decades, the idea of teaching others how to become writers/better writers was something that I thought was lost on me. If I would have been asked to do this two years ago, I'm not even sure I would have said yes, but last year one of my courses I started teaching at GVSU was story making. That preparation in teaching my students about the writing process and assisting them in bringing their creativity to paper/screen, along with my professional experience as a writer, is what built my confidence in leading a group of 12 last week in one of the very first libraries I was introduced to as a child (The Muskegon Heights Library). That child, little Shanika, didn't even know that being a writer was something she could be when she grew up, then add on being a teacher?? Mind blown! :-)

So, cherish and make the best of your talents and skills that you build along the way - even if they do not make sense in the moment. You never know how God will line things up down the road so you're utilizing them and impacting others.

Until next time, which will be much sooner rather than later, enjoy these endings of spring going into summer!

Shanika