Today, we honor Whitney Smith as a Pink Love Purveyor. I met Whitney when we were in seminary together. We created a sisterly bond that continues to bless me whenever we come together. She has allowed me to grace stages and share doses of Pink Love across the nation through her platforms. It is always a blessing when someone thinks of you to be a part of their Work
💕Hi, Whitney! Please tell the people “a lot a bit” about you.
I am a God-fearing woman who is blessed to serve people by creating events, programs, and content that inspire, transform, and heal. I define myself as a servant leader who is willing and able to do ministry using various mediums. I am the author of “Whit’s Notes (A cheat sheet for the college Journey), Co-Author of “Meeting the Authentic You” and “Don’t Drop Out on You.” I am the Co-Founder of the “GoGetIT! Empowerment Conference which is a non-for-profit organization that honors women and men for their services in various types of industries. I created Pivoting Into Purpose, LLC, which provides tools through experiential programming and events designed to assist souls in the pivoting process in all areas of life; spiritual, career, finances, relationships, and wellness. I serve as a minister at Greater Centennial A.M.E Zion Church in Mount, Vernon, NY, and I am a proud mother of a rising freshman who will be attending Union College in Schenectady, New York, in the Fall of 2020.
💕Wow, Whitney! How amazing! Whitney, with all you do, how have you been holding up during the present climate? What have you been doing for your own self-care?
The present climate has been rewarding, but it also has its challenges. However, it’s all about perspective for me and seeking guidance from God. I asked one particular question during this season, and it is, “God, what is it that you are calling me to do in this season?” I had to ask this question several times because I found myself at one point on an emotional roller coaster due to the current climate we are facing. My ministry is to encourage and help those who are hurting, but I also had to make sure that I was taking care of Whitney’s emotional well-being to continue to minister to others. God deposited into my spirit; I needed to spend time with myself in this present climate to minister to others effectively. My self-care practices involve mediation, prayer, reading of scriptures, taking long walks, riding my bike, spending time with family and friends, and sometimes doing absolutely nothing!
💕That’s powerful. There is nothing like trying to pour from an empty cup. We often have to take the time to replenish so we have something to give. What have you been doing within your community to help with their self or personal care?
To help my community with self and personal care every Monday morning at 7:00 AM, I have an interactive prayer call led by myself and my co-author Dwayne Graham at 7:00 AM entitled “Monday Morning Glory.” In the first 10 minutes of the call, we have a segment called “Spirit check,” where the participants express what’s on their hearts, emotions, feelings, prayer request, and share testimonies. This call has been very refreshing for our participants because they have a safe place to express themselves without judgment. In addition to this, I hold seminars and conferences, which give our conference attendees tools and experiential learning that assist them in their self and personal care. I also use the social media platform to deliver content that will help people shift their perspective, offer support, and offer tools that will assist them in putting themselves first! Being an ordained minister, I hold bible studies and spiritual coaching as well to those who seek spiritual guidance. Stay tuned for information for my Women’s retreat being held in Mexico 2021 and the “Pivoting into Purpose” series starting in September 2020!
💕Oh, please keep me informed about all of that! Whitney, what inspired you to do the
Work that you are doing within your community during this time or were you already doing this Work?
I have been doing this work for a very long time. However, in this season, I had to pivot in my purpose. I had to change how I ministered to people during this climate. Instead of having in-person spiritual coaching sessions, seminars, and conferences, I started holding these sessions and events virtually.
💕Yes, people had no choice but to revisit how they are showing up in the world and create something new. However, this was not everyone’s story. Some people had a lot of emotions that they had to work through. What tips would you offer for those that may find themselves struggling through these tough times?
The tips that I would suggest to those who find themselves struggling through these difficult times that are holding me down would be, allow yourself to feel. Allow yourself to go through the emotions that you are feeling. Do not hide your feelings! Once you assess where you are, ask for support, and lean into trusted friends and family to help you deal with this challenging season.
I make sure that I connect to the right people. Be mindful of who you are allowing to deposit into you. During difficult seasons, sometimes we can be very vulnerable, and allow anything and anyone to speak into our spirit. Pray for divine connections and relationships that speak life into you. Turn off social media and turn off the world because this adds to your uneasiness and play on your emotional health. Social media can make us feel like we are good enough, or we are not doing enough.
Also, prayer, mediation, and reading scripture and books lifts my spirit and helps me ground myself. There are many support groups like Fearlessshe, which has programs designed around healing, intentions, self-care, love, and abundance, which I am involved in that has helped me work through my emotions, purpose, and self-care. Be intentional and seek the things that will help you grow and make you feel good!
💕Now that’s a Word! You preached a whole sermon right there. I might need to get the offering plate out. So tell us something you learned about yourself during this time?
During this time of the present climate, dealing with COVID, and the killing of Blacks Lives, this time gave me a chance to reflect on where I fit in. I had to do a lot of self-assessing where I was emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I learned that I needed time to myself to center my thoughts and listen to God more definitely in this season. When I did take the intentional time to do that, I learned that I had to slow down and not be so busy. It is okay not to do anything; it is okay to sit in my feelings but not stay there. One of the critical lessons that I also learned about myself during this time, that it’s okay to lean in for support! I used to have a hard time asking for help when I needed it because I was my support system! I realized that strong women need support too! I noticed that I tried to do everything by myself, heal by myself, and create by myself. Sometimes it became overwhelming! I learned that I had to lean in and ASK for the support that I needed.
💕I love that! Thank you so much for taking time with us today. You gave so many nuggets in this time. Before you go, share one thing about yourself that many people do not know about you.
One thing about myself that many people do not know is that I am a certified spin instructor. Yes! A spin instructor. I became certified in March 2020 because it was something I always wanted to do. I feel in love with spinning ten years ago. Spinning gives me life! Not only does Spinning feed my body physically but emotionally and mentally. I love the energy and motivation it brings out in everyone! It is transforming!