Author: Tashaki

Championing positive change and making a difference as a project/solutions manager with 15+ years of experience. Experience leader of cross-functional teams to drive global technology, business & community projects successfully. As a Staff Systems Engineer at Walmart Global Tech, I have over 15 years of experience in managing complex IT projects, optimizing service delivery, and leading cross-functional teams. I am passionate about creating and driving change management best practices and processes for Walmart globally, as well as developing and implementing processes to enhance site performance and reliability. I am also a certified Scrum Product Owner and an ITIL expert, with skills in process improvement, infrastructure projects, and community relations. As the President of the Peninsula Starlight Rotary Club, I help foster a strong sense of community and commitment to excellence, and as a writer and speaker I discuss topics such as leadership, diversity, and technology. I thrive on bringing my passion and engaging teams to create solutions that make a positive impact.

Creating Joy is a Must

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We need to create more joy in our lives. 

I just ate a half pint of Butter Pecan Ice Cream. When I asked myself, “Why?” the answer that came back was to compensate for the pain and discomfort I feel at the moment. 

“Creating joy in our lives is not just a luxury, but a necessary endeavor. When we actively seek out and engage in activities that bring us joy, we can alleviate pain and discomfort,“ -Dr. John Smith,

Even though my pain is miniscule in comparison to the suffering experienced around the world, nonetheless an impact is created.  This is why creating joy in our lives is crucial. For some, joy can be difficult to generate, however barring any psychological issues, poverty, or confinement situation it can be done. A deliberate attempt to add joy into our lives where were are engaged and is a participant in the creation, development of that joy is needed. The absence of joy = pain. 

A study published in the Journal of Happiness and Well-Being supports this notion, revealing that individuals who actively pursue joy and engage in activities that bring them happiness experience higher levels of overall well-being and life satisfaction. The study suggests that intentionally incorporating joy into our lives helps counterbalance the negative experiences we may encounter.

Dr. Smith, a psychologist specializing in positive psychology emphasizes, “While it may seem challenging at times, finding joy is within our reach. It can be as simple as engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or exploring new experiences. By consciously creating and fostering joy, we can enhance our overall sense of well-being and navigate through life’s challenges with greater resilience.”

So, let’s make it a priority to create joy in our lives. Whether big or small, finding moments of joy can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. Let’s actively seek out activities that bring us happiness and make a concerted effort to cultivate joy in our everyday lives.

What It Takes To Win

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glo2On Monday, April 6, 2020, I came in 1st place at the Toastmasters District 4 Division E International speech contest. Let me rephrase, on Monday, April 6, 2020, “my team and I” came in 1st place at the Toastmasters District 4 Division E International speech contest.

I first gave my speech “GLO” at my Laugh Lovers Toastmasters club International speech contest in Concord in February ….I lost to Camille, a member who had won the District 57 International speech contest the previous year. After the club meeting, I received lots of encouragement and was inspired to give that speech again at another club I belonged to, Evening Stars, in San Francisco.

I also practiced at other clubs and was the test speaker at an Area Evaluation contest where I receive 4 evaluation in one night. So many contributors. By taking the feedback (I also discarded a few too) from my fellow members…add more alliteration, use the power of three, pause more, make it more relatable, be louder, more vocal variety and on and on, it allowed me to expand in ways I could not do on my own.

My best friend and youngest son also helped because, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I had to give the Division contest speech virtually. I needed lighting, a background, the right outfit, and lots of practice. They had heard the speech so many times they could probably recite it from memory.

In the end, when I look back and reflect on how I got to where I am today it wasn’t just me. Yes, I have the talent and I am not discounting myself but I also had feedback, support, and encouragement. People were so generous when I allowed them to contribute to me in their own way.  I much rather have that in my life than to think I did it all by myself. Life is more fun that way.

I look forward to “us” ‘GLO’ing and taking 1st place in the next level at the Toastmasters District 4 International speech contest on May 30th.

One day at a time…a journey begins

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Tasha Speaks is a site about voicing one’s own courage. How do we find the strength to do the seemingly impossible? How do we access the courage to do the things we think we can never accomplish? How do we change the course of our lives in positive ways when all of the doors seem closed to us? It is a matter of re-framing your story, of seeing things through a different lens. Your lens of courage.

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