Beverley East, Contributor

A group of happy employees

I have just returned from London and basking in the glow of all the love I received from the Jamaican community there. The Jamaican High Commission hosted a book-signing for me. How do we ever stay on track if we don't have people cheering us along as we travel on our career journey. I am now back in Washington D.C. and by the time you read this I would have travelled to Bermuda, given a presentation to another Jamaican community and returned home, you know Jamaicans are everywhere.

I, however, feel a tinge of guilt because I miss my son - so the days when I am home I take him to school. He hates it, of course, because then he has to talk to me. I am a teenager's worst nightmare. On this particular journey home from school, I remembered I had not prepared my column, so the time spent on the road had me thinking what to share with you this week. So, here goes:

First, anyone who has a child will tell you that your children keep you truly grounded. We can feel powerless when they are sick and powerful when they fear us - these days that's rare. So how powerful are you in the scheme of things?

There is nothing thought of, created, loved or hated without an emotion involved. The mind needs to process it, the heart needs to feel it and the soul has to stomach it. It's what you need to achieve it - Your true power. But what is it - this thing called power? It is when your presence, your actions and words awaken something inside of others - you are able to influence them and transform their spirit.

Step out in faith and understand what your real purpose is on this Earth, using the gifts and resources that you have and sharing them with others.

Recycle your inspiration because no dream should be thrown away.

Choose your friends wisely because people's spirits are transferable.

Do not compare yourself with others because you will never win.

Face the truth about who you are - the good, the bad, the ugly and the "crazy as hell side of you".

Take off a layer of the mask you may put on to come to work - take off the disguise and share your journey with another for the sake of healing for both, if not you. We really are all the same on the inside.

Remember adversity is the stuff that powerful leaders are made of: A good example is Nelson Mandela. When you learn how to "eat this stuff" you'll' learn to get nutrition from each attack, each setback or each challenge that comes your way. Life's challenges just make you stronger and wiser.

Step outside of your comfort zone daily and understand that the butterflies inside you mean you are taking your game to the next level. If you don't get up with them you are either going through this life being pathetic or you are flat-lining.

Have the courage to follow your heart. If not, you are creating spiritual suicide

Know when you go through the fire that there is joy in the morning when you come out on the other side.

Remember on whose shoulders you stand - your grandparents, your forefathers.

Know that leadership is a balance of being demanding and fair, tough, yet compassionate.

Know that you need mercy, because you will fall and require help to get back in the game at some stage of your career. You must give it and be willing to receive it.

Remember, every mistake made there is a lesson in it. Learn the lesson or you will continue to make the same mistakes.

Know that one of the most deadly sins of all is the demise of our children's spirit. If we don't give our kids time our country has no future. Beyond caring for your own child, take one other under your wing, you will get the gifts later.

Be open to discover your blind spots.

Do not take it personal when someone attacks your work or your skill. Vampires come in all sizes and shapes.

Help someone else's light to shine - don't worry, your light will not diminish or be extinguished.

Always turn your mess into your message so you and others can grow.

Know that your life's work is already written, all you have to do is show up.

Make today an 'I apologise day'. There is someone out there to whom you need to say sorry. Don't let pride get in the way.

Stay in the race because what is your option if you don't? You will miss your blessings - blessings have a way of disguising themselves.

Release past disappointments and hurts and learn to forgive. Don't stay stuck in the mud of life or stay SOS, stuck on stupid.

Have a productive and thought-provoking week.

Send me your thoughts at writefully_yours@hotmail.com