Listen "Unwritten Chapters: Reframing Plans and the Idea of Deserving 2.6.3"
Episode Synopsis
Season 2: Series 6: Episode 3- Unwritten Chapters: Reframing Plans and the Idea of Deserving September 14, 2025 This series explores the journey of understanding the profound relationship of understanding our realities, identities, and what it means to be human. In this series, Unwritten Chapters: Reframing Plans and the Idea of Deserving, we will explore some universal truths, such as the fact that life rarely goes exactly according to plan. Even when we map out our intentions, construct systems, craft visions, and work tirelessly towards them, life has a way of surprising us, sometimes with setbacks, sometimes with opportunities we never imagined. Equally, we are unpacking another universal truth: What do we think we deserve? Many of us carry hidden assumptions that we deserve success, love, or happiness only if we have “earned” it, or conversely, that we deserve hardship because of past mistakes. Also, we believe we deserve something that may not be for you. But where do these beliefs come from, and how do they shape our actions and self-worth? Today, we invite you to pause, reflect, and reimagine your plans and understanding of “deserving” and equip yourself with tools to respond, adapt, and grow when life unfolds differently than you expected. We are exploring two ideas we all wrestle with at some point: what happens when life does not go according to plan, and how our sense of what we “deserve” shapes our expectations and our self-worth. We all love to imagine that if we plan carefully, work hard, and do everything “right,” life will reward us the way we believe we deserve. But reality rarely follows the script we write in our heads. Plans get rewritten. New chapters appear that we never intended to write. At the same time, many of us quietly measure our worth by asking: Do I deserve this happiness? Do I deserve this struggle? This “idea of deserving” can either lift us or weigh us down, yet it often goes unchallenged. Today, let’s pull back the curtain on these unconscious or conscious beliefs. Let’s be honest about how to hold our plans, navigate the unexpected, and release ourselves from the trap of thinking our worth depends on what we get or lose along the way. Get ready to rethink your unwritten chapters and consider them, perhaps. We have a guest co-host with us today, Neshard Walker! He is one of my students who has done tremendous exploits in our society. Listen attentively and take notes as we discuss practical strategies and insights you can apply to your current situation. This episode's power lies in its potential to transform your perspective and actions. Share these learnings with another individual, and together, let's embark on a journey of personal growth and community impact. Some of the themes covered in this episode are: Culture and Family Beliefs: Confidence is essential to your growth and development Provide tasks and gems for children and adults “Not what you say, but how you say it” was a theme in this episode Deeper than what it is … must have daily communication Being an example or a living epistle of life and engagement Understand individual and collective context Use your gifts and dreams and put them into action Testimonial time about Ryan Academy The concept of deserving and how this affects our progress Appreciate the quick wins and be present Invest in your body in sports and life Do we mix up deserve with entitlement? Certain things cannot go with you to the next level. Access levels must change. How does manipulation affect deservingness and entitlement? Invest in yourself What type of mentality do you use to execute things? How hard is it to find your niche and gifting? Information is key Be authentic! Deserves work vs. character connection Co-Host Biographies: Jasmine A. Green, MAOL., is an inspiring, informative, and passionate advocate for individuals. With her extensive experience in personal development, she shares practical self-care and community engagement strategies that are both effective and accessible. Rhonda A. Lindsay is a servant leader at heart. She is continually seeking ways to enhance effectiveness within our community. She values collaborating with individuals and communities to benefit all participants. Sebrina A. Lindsay-Law, Ed.D., CPDC, is a career student who advocates for learning opportunities, structures, and practices in any environment. She believes that everything is a lesson with a chance to grow and improve as an individual. Connect with us: Facebook Page: Existence Podcast Instagram: @Weare_existencepodcast Email: [email protected]