We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Regina Baltimore Barbour . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Regina , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Who are you learning from right now?
I am absolutely learning from kids. They are teaching me kindness, and compassion. They are even reminding me when I need to disconnect from the busyness of work, or responsibilities overall. They teach me to silly and to appreciate every single minute that life offers.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, life coach, transparent enthusiast, sought after speaker, full time teacher and most of all lover of life. I have a Bachelor’s in Marketing Management, Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Education. I recently received my Doctorate degree as well.
My purpose and my brand is my voice and speaking to the masses. Helping women find their voice, and live out their purpose and walk in their potential. Along with speaking, I dedicate my time time to writing books.
I am currently working on a developing a 501(C)3 where proceeds from my books are two -fold. 1). funding teacher’s classrooms 2). helping people receive quality mental care.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I always knew there was a call on my life to be powerful, but even knowing at the young age, I always hid behind other people, but the older I got that quickly changed. I remember in high school, there was a big event that needed to be managed. I pretty new to that school, but I remember volunteering for the role to lead the entire program.
In college my freshman year I remember boldly running for office, not knowing anyone but going out there and doing it and making a difference, and running meetings, and meeting people and staff within the university. Students on the campus trusted me and relied on me and that really set the tone for where I would eventually go and become in life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are a many times I almost gave up. It’s like my mini temper tantrum, when life doesn’t go your way, when I have writers, block, not getting the engagements, or keeping up with social media. Sometimes, we feel as if we should be so much further then where we are, not recognizing, that we might be where are exactly meant to be learning the lessons that we are meant to be learning in the season that we are currently in.
So instead of giving up, for me it has been a reset, or re-evaluation. Writing down my goals, and my visions. Remembering why I started, remembering why the desire was placed in my heart in the first place. I don’t want to leave a legacy of giving up, I don’t want to be remembered as one who started and didn’t finish.
I am 47 years old, and I am determined to keep going. I am tired? YES! Do I get discouraged? YES? Are there more negatives against me than positives for me? YES! but as long as I am breathing, that gives me a chance! that gives me an opportunity to keep going!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is definitely the real me and anyone who knows me will tell you that. I am truly the transparency enthusiast. I am all about being your authentic self! I believe in living in alignment with who you truly are, your values, beliefs, personality and inner convictions, rather than conforming to external expectations or social pressures. It’s about dropping the masks we wear to fit in and expressing ourselves honestly even it feels vulnerable.
Being self-aware and knowing our strengths, flaws desires and limits. Acting consistently with our values, not just for approval. Having the courage to be seen as we are even it not everyone accepts it. Letting yourself be open to connection without hiding behind pretenses. Choosing our path rather than being dictated by fear or people pleasing.
When we live authentically, we experience greater peace, resilience and deeper relationships because people connect with the real us, not a performance.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I always say no regrets, but I can answer this question. I regret even now wasting time and just procrastination. Time is so precious and I have so wasted so much of it even at the age of 47. In the digital age where most of time is used for scrolling, it really takes up our time, and it doesn’t serve our goals, values or well-being.
Wasting time usually is engaging in activities that bring little to no benefit. It doesn’t contribute to my growth, joy or purpose and it has kept me stagnant in a lot of areas, and I am the one to blame. Of course we all need some down time, and time for self care and just time to relax and please do that. Life gets busy and we need to rest our minds and bodies and be very intentional about that. On the other hand, we need to differ ate the difference between rest and wasting time and make sure that we are careful with our time. Our time is a valuable investment, it’s investment into ourselves and the legacy that we trying to build.
I truly believe, that I would be so much more further in life, or have completed my books, improved my social media if I didn’t waste so much time. Of course there are other factors that attribute to this, but for me, the common demoninator is wasted time. I can’t any of that time back, and that’s what I regret. What I can do is remember how much time I wasted, move forward, and treat time as a precious and valuable gift.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: dr_ginaforreal
- Linkedin: linktr.ee/forwardwithregina
- Facebook: Drginavbb
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