We recently connected with Greg Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Greg, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
To be honest finding One’s purpose is not always easy… but finding my purpose was essential for me. Imagine navigating through life, constantly questioning your existence and wondering why you are met with so many challenges, hurdles or roadblocks… that was me. I used to wake up and not feel motivated or inspired to see the next day, and at a time I started thinking it was torturous for me to endure each day. I remembered hearing a phrase that changed my life and perspective. ” A man once complained about having no shoes, until he saw a man with no feet”. I think it is often that we become fixated on what we don’t have or what we may feel is lacking but we also are essential in the process of changing our current realities. I realized that the energy I put into complaining about ‘what was’, could’ve been invested in the ‘what is’. Our reality is based on our perceptions, and I started to do some self inventory and gauged what it is that I believe I kept being awakened for. Why am I being brought into a new day… it couldn’t be just to fill space , it had to be something greater. I started by evaluating the moments that allowed me glimpses of Joy, and I started to determine how I could prolong those moments to become more often and frequent. I started allowing myself to accept compliments and started to listen to the affirmations people contributed to my life. Through this new perspective, I started to see and understand my power, my impact and influence. I felt empowered to start approaching life with this awareness and it ultimately aligned me with my purpose and existence. I am not only a Bridge for my Community, but I am actively a change agent for those that may encounter similar life experiences that I was fortunate to overcome. I now believe my purpose is tied to Inspiring and Motivating people to activate their Best Selves to attain access to their Best Lives. Our journey to self discovery is on-going. The pathways for each person will look differently but Our Destiny Awaits Our Arrival.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Greg Wilson, I am a 42 year old, Black, HIV Positive Gay man, Author and Advocate, who has dedicated his life to addressing the issues that disproportionately impact Black and Brown LGBTQIA2S+ people in Los Angeles County.
I currently serve as Chief Operations Officer of REACH LA, a 30 year old ARTS based organization for Black and Brown LGBTQIA2S people in downtown Los Angeles.
I have worked in the Non-Profit/Community Service field for the last 20 years providing Health Services, Counseling, Resources and referrals to those in need. resources have included HIV Testing, STD Screenings, Linkage into Health Care Services, Access to Mental health Services, Care and Support for HIV Positive people, Supportive Services for individuals in need of Housing or Substance Use Treatment. I’ve also facilitated Grass-roots Interventions and helps to Educate, Motivate and Mobilize young Black and Brown LGBTQIA2S people.
While providing services and being a mentor, 8 years ago, I released and published my 1st book ‘Metamorphosis of a Heart’, (currently available on Amazon) which was about the early stages of my life and shared about my experiences maneuvering through many social determinants that can truly impact our lives (Depression, Homelessness, Suicide, Racism, Being Diagnosed with HIV, etc). This book has allowed me to speak Nationally in Schools and Non -Profit Organizations to Encourage and Empower young people about their resilience and the power that exists within their Stories. I’ve also been able to bring my experiences into my new Role as Chief Operating Officer, and have been able to provide insight and perspective to hundreds of people throughout the year to help navigate them through their current situations/circumstances, and navigate them to the supportive services that may be most helpful to them..
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Patience, Understanding and Kindness. I feel that these were 3 qualities/characteristics that were essential and necessary for me to access and utilize throughout my journey. Patience: Because no matter the circumstance or situation, I had to realize I didn’t have full control over what was happening to me, but I had the power to dictate and determine how I would respond or react to it. I also had to realize and recognize that change doesn’t always happen in a day, and that it may take time, so if I maintained faith and/or hope, that I should be patient and know that it would come to pass. Understanding: was a harder life lesson for me but it became a strength of mines. I didn’t focus so much on trying to be understood but seeking to understand. Many times the way people would treat me or communicate with me weren’t always a reflection of something I was doing, but most times had a deeper rooted thing to it… and I couldn’t always take it personal. If people were not receptive to me or my help/assistance, I had to understand that people can only be helped when they are open to or ready for it. Understanding helped me stop taking things so personally and helped me gain perspective about how I could approach life and find the light at the end of the tunnel. Kindness: is where my compassion and empathy is rooted. I learned not to judge or try to assume because I know that everyone’s life journey is different and that we are all supplied with different tools, and we are left to figure out how to best apply them based on the life we are given. My kindness is also shown through my ability to forgive and not hold grudges, because people are human and we all are made to be perfectly imperfect. My kindness also allows me to step away and close chapters when necessary without holding grudges or resentment towards people. These things has allowed me to maintain a positive mindset and perspective on life and ultimately has prevented me from being too distracted, so that I can stay aligned with my purpose. It’s not always easy, but with practice, it gets easier. I believe the knowledge and wisdom came from the experience, and it allowed me to know and understand my true purpose, strength and capabilities. I don’t advise people, but I provide perspective for them to consider, and that would be to continue learning yourself. I would also offer not to complain or make excuses… because the energy you put into creating an excuse or complaint can be used towards and for finding a solution. Allow yourself to embrace your Metamorphosis and know that there is a gift in every struggle. Once you unwrap that gift, you will see what is meant for you (or not meant for you).
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A book that has played an important role in my development (outside of E. Lynn Harris books) was Mr. Dream Merchant By. Erroll J. Bailey. This is the book that helped me understand the concept of life’s journey and patience. It also was essential in preparing me for The Gift In The Struggle, and how I managed and maneuvered through the challenges life brought my way. This book served as a reminder, a tool and inspiration for me when I was going through some of my most challenging times, and it helped me maintain my hope, peace and understanding that everything happens for a reason and that it was all apart of my Metamorphosis process. It helped guide and create the mindset and approach to my book Metamorphosis of a Heart. I absolutely love this book, and my 2nd book choice would probably be Celestine Prophecy by. James Redfield. This book helped me recognize and tap into my Discernment, Intuition and Spiritual Vibration on a much higher level. It awakened my awareness, and I am grateful for it.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: amzn.to/1W20jbj
- Instagram: Acquajaye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greg.wilson.908579
Image Credits
Photography By: Leroy Hamilton
