McGraw Rotunda | The New York Public Library

Pink Light Shining Bright!

It's been six days since I last posted on LinkedIn, so let me start by asking, did you miss me? Lol!

All kidding aside, I had a hectic week, which included moving on Friday, so I am still settling in and getting used to my new surroundings.

So when I woke up this morning to take my first jog in the new neighborhood, I didn't think I would publish my customary 11 am Saturday post for the first time in over a year.

However, a fascinating thing happened when I was out on the go, which inspired me to write, that I felt the need to share with you.

Are you ready for the latest episode of Anthony Sledge wandering around the city?

If you are, I kindly ask that you take a moment and envision me glancing down at my watch, seeing that the time is 6:27 am, and then take off running. Let's go!

It's still dark outside, and I know the sun will begin rising in 30 minutes, so I hurry to find a spot along the Hudson to get a nice view.

I eventually made it over to the Exchange Place Waterfront area, where I settled at one of the piers. I then found myself standing in awe, deliberately admiring the light from the sun rising over the Big Apple while also concentrating on the warmth and energy flowing throughout my body coming directly from the sun. Love it!

As I stood captivated by the beauty of the sun rising ever so slowly, all of a sudden, my eyes gravitated towards a woman wearing a pink jacket and matching hat who was taking pictures of a skyscraper.

Interestingly enough, her attire matched the color of the light illuminating from the building she was standing near, which I found intriguing and is probably why my eyes and attention flowed in that direction.

Now fully present and embracing a feeling of peacefulness inside, triggered by the assortment of lovely colors, lights, and spectacular images all over, it suddenly dawned on me that the pink light shining from the building was probably in honor of breast cancer awareness month.

My thoughts immediately shifted to thinking about the people in my orbit affected by this disease. As I continued processing this moment, a flurry of inspiring words popped into my head, which collectively produced a message that I could feel deep down in my soul!

Shortly after capturing that message into my journal app, I realized that I was where I was supposed to be and that this was a Saturday experience that I should share with my network and dedicate this post to anyone impacted by breast cancer.

Moreover, I encourage all of us to reach out to someone we know affected to say hello and offer whatever support we can. Do it right now!

Well, friends, that what's on my heart today. Indeed, I never know where my Saturday morning thoughts will take me, and I am so grateful that my mind took me here on this gorgeous autumn day.

Have a fabulous weekend! 😊

#breastcancerawarenessmonth #mindfulness #inspire
 

Washington Square Park

A dear friend of mine recently asked me, "the next time you're in Washington Square Park, would you favor me by writing about your #experience and sharing the pics I am sure you will take that coincides with the moment?"

I rarely take writing requests, but as luck would have it, I was near this historic park yesterday evening, on my way to a speaking engagement and #networking event next to New York University; so, the opportunity presented itself.

With that conversation still fresh in mind, I decided to take a stroll through Washington Square Park, knowing that I would most likely be inspired to write and, as a result, I could fulfill my friend's request and brighten her day.

As soon as I walked into the park, I spotted the area where the world-famous chess tables sit, and to my delight, there were games taking place.

Ordinarily, I would've stopped, scanned the area for an opponent, secured a match, and played a few games. However, I did not have time on this particular evening, so I missed out on defeating some of those self-proclaimed chess masters and making some easy money!

After watching a game and learning a new move or two, I was back on the go and headed straight for the middle of the park. Along the way, the word 'melting pot' popped in my head as I walked by such a diverse group of individuals while seeing some fascinating stuff, including a live jazz band.

This is one of the many things I love about #NewYorkCity!

So when I heard the sound of the band's music, I just had to stop and listen to a song before continuing my leisurely walk. As I continued making my way towards the Washington Square Fountain, slide-8, I saw another band playing, and let me tell you, they were jamming as well!

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the iconic fountain and historical landmark. While standing there in awe, I began to feel a lovely cool-mist flying in the air, coming from the fountain, and shortly after that, I found myself looking up as I was approaching the Washington Square Arch.

Minutes later, I was moseying towards the northside of the park, and that's when it dawned on me that I was near the infamous Washington Mews, the private gated street on the corner of Fifth and University Place.

With a kid-like enthusiasm, I made a beeline over there to get a close-up view and took some pics for my future viewing pleasure that I decided to share with you.

Now that you feel like you're standing right beside me, please take a moment and imagine me glancing down at my watch and suddenly realizing that I only have 15 minutes before my event will begin. Yikes!

I immediately picked up my pace, flew by the NYU Silver Center, arrived into the meeting room in the nick of time to give my talk, followed by making a bunch of new friends. 😊

Well, that does it for my lastest #NYC adventure, and it's now time for me to get off the train.

Did you have a favorite picture or learn something new?

#mindfulness
 

Taking the Stairs

I was about to walk up a ramp on my way to a local café when out of the blue, a LinkedIn notification popped up on my iPhone screen, ding-ding! Since I was already winding down from a long day, I chose to open and read the alert, hoping it would be a thought-provoking message; thus, giving me something to chew on mentally while enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

I came to find out; it was an email from a female connection asking if I would kindly provide insight into the routine I use when I want to reflect and write in my #journal.

Oddly enough, after reading her note, the framework of a response to her question flashed in my head and what I saw was so captivating that I felt compelled to enter it into my journal app!

So instead of walking up the ramp, I slid over to the right and started walking up the steps, and as soon as I made it to the 2nd level, I spotted a bench that looked perfect for sitting and collecting my thoughts. But before sitting down, I snapped a few pics and then got nice and comfy on the bench you see below.

After sitting down and rereading her email, I immediately started typing, and with just a few keystrokes in, it suddenly dawned on me that if she was reaching out, others might be wondering the same thing. That meant sharing some of my best practices could be valuable to my network, so I decided to share some insight via this impromptu Wednesday night post!

Friends, I can literally reflect anytime, anywhere by simply focusing on the beauty right in front of me and my surroundings, generally speaking. Sometimes, it could be something I hear, read, see, smell, or even a random moment like this one that captures my imagination.

Then, in the twinkling of an eye, I enter into a meditative state and instinctively begin documenting my thoughts into my journal in my natural writing style.

And, for those times when I want to reflect intentionally, I have songs that I listen to or specific places I like to visit that will lead me into a state of reflection.

Moreover, as I’ve gotten further along in my journey, I’ve acquired an insatiable appetite and tremendous appreciation for these moments. As a derivative of being fully present during these instances, often, I am inspired to write, which then leads my mind into what I like to refer to as a magical state of writing flow.

What’s more, I share portions of what I wrote and photos that I’ve taken during those moments on this platform, LinkedIn for Creators, whenever my instincts tell me to do so. By doing so, I hope to brighten the day of the many people in my social network. 😊

Well, valued connections, I will end by saying that the seven minutes it took me to write this post flew by, and I appreciate you reading my newest journal entry and viewing the accompanying slideshow.

Have a relaxing evening.

#mindfulness #motivation #authenticity

Meditation on a Sunday in October

I arrived at the gym early this morning and headed straight to the second floor to spend time in the #Meditation and #Yoga room. Indeed, after a hectic Saturday, I needed this time to relax my mind, body, and soul. Let's do it!

After entering this quiet place, I quickly found a spot to set up and proceeded to lay down my tidewater teal lululemon yoga mat gently. Once I was in a comfortable position, I looked around and waved at the other seven people in the room, all of whom I knew casually, and went on to meditate for nearly 30 minutes.

Upon coming out of a beautiful meditative state, I felt mentally refreshed and then calmly exited the room to go back down to the first floor to engage in my weight training routine.

As I was making my way to the stairs, suddenly, a solution to something I was contemplating yesterday flashed in my mind, so I decided to sit down in the maroon chair you see below and began documenting my thoughts!

Ten minutes later, I completed my latest journal entry, and then I was right back on the move walking downstairs, ready to get my workout in. Let's do it!

After an intense workout and my body feeling a little soar, I decided to make a quick visit to the gym's café to grab a healthy shake, and I ended up having a pleasant conversation with the woman working the café bar.

Worth mentioning, she was also a personal trainer and shared a few healthy eating and workout tips. Love it!

On my way outside, I came upon a sign that read, "Live, Love, Laugh," which immediately gave me a warm feeling inside; thus, making me smile and laugh out loud!

As for the rest of my Sunday, I plan on taking it easy. With the rainy weather predicted for most of the day in the Big Apple, I will probably lie on the couch watching football, reading, and doing a little journaling.

Well, friends, that's my message for today. Until we meet again on Saturday at 11 am EST, Live, Love, and Laugh! 😊

I wish you a relaxing rest of your weekend and a productive week ahead. Let's go!

#mindfulness #motivation #authenticity