We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jewel Wilson-Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jewel , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
Growing up as an only child, I spent a lot of time with cousins or worked with my parents giving back to others through volunteer opportunities. From a young age, my parents always explained how fortunate I was even if I didn’t have everything I wanted. I learned and understood I had all the things I needed. My parents separated when I was 5 years old, however, maintained a good friendship throughout their lives which I often questioned. My grandmother always buys T-shirts for everyone in the family or picks up small trinkets just because she is thinking of someone. Til this day she sends holiday cards, birthday cards, and keeps the family group chat going. All throughout life, I struggled with understanding why people would be so willing to do things for others big or small if it came at a cost to them. Or why my aunt often gave away her own personal items to strangers just because they mentioned how beautiful it was or how much they admired it.
I am now 28, married, with a beautiful son and I truly understand what it means to be generous and why it matters. Being generous isn’t about making yourself look better. Yes, it feels good to be generous, but sometimes, the honest truth is that it doesn’t. Giving to others is humbling and it makes you appreciate all that you do have. Being generous doesn’t always mean giving something physical. You could be generous with your time, or with an opportunity. I have learned this more than anything. I am more generous with my ears, my time, my heart than anything physical. I have learned and believe that although gifts are nice, unless it is a thoughtful gift or one someone can truly use and benefit, we have more to offer. Sometimes being generous helps other people know you hear and see them. In today’s climate, people are overlooked or not cared for in the simplest ways. Too often we burn ourselves to gain materials or some status in the world, which may leave us feeling unfulfilled internally.
I will not deny being spoiled in my personal life, however, I have recognized, the people who pour into me do so because of how I pour into them. Although I do not think there is a criteria for other people to be generous, it does seem to circulate among people who truly understand it. If I have excess, I will share. If it is my last, I will still share. I do this in knowing and understanding how blessings work and trusting that my genuine efforts will not go unnoticed. I do not choose to be generous for recognition, however, those who are generous are recognized because they have an honest impact.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am currently a residential program supervisor at a residential facility here in Michigan. I work with juveniles who are susceptible to trauma and substance misuse. Through this role, I work intimately with families and court systems to help rehabilitate the youth and return them to the community with appropriate resources.
Outside of this position, I am a co-owner of Self Care Sanctuary which is a non-profit whose mission is to offer comprehensive services for the mind, body, and soul. We are currently preparing for our Fall in Love with Yourself series to connect with the community and offer services to clients.
Professionally, I am focused on having a mark in Detroit communities. There appear to be a lot of talent and organizations within the city of Detroit who are trying to foster hope. I want to be connected and partner with these organizations to be a part of impacting the community I live in and service.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think understanding my why has always kept me focused and grounded through my professional and personal growth. I would also like to mention my receptiveness to feedback has allowed me to take in other perspectives and learn how to develop in the professional world. Lastly, I would say networking with other people has helped me learn more about what is happening in different sectors of my industry, better learn and hear from clients directly, and have the ability to build with other professionals.
Advice I would give to others who are early in their journey would be to stay curious and ask questions, ask for help. One thing that has helped was understanding your ignorance and curiosity does not make you incompetent or inferior. There are times when we may want to prove just how smart we are or that we can handle a lto on our own, but there is power in teamwork and collaboration.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was allow me space to fail and allow me space to experiment. Both of my parents want the best for me, however, instead of trying to control my life choices, they have allowed me to make decisions and come to them throughout my process of growing up. My parents provide feedback when asked or even if unsolicited, however, they ultimately support me and have allowed me to mold into my own person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scsdetroit.org/
- Instagram: personal: _justaregulargirl
profesional: selfcaresanctuary_detroit - Facebook: Jewel Nicole Wilson-Taylor
- Linkedin: Jewel Nicole Wilson-Taylor, LLMSW
- Twitter: vocal_woman
