Number 1, The Swollen Head

I don’t particularly like sites in which individuals do not disclose any personal information about themselves or they put up a picture but disclose nothing else about themselves. As a licensed Realtor (inactive now), I was taught that people get a perceived sense of who you are by looking at your photo, whether the perception is accurate is another thing. Realtors have their pictures plastered everywhere, not because Realtors are vain – well maybe a few. As for me, I hate taking pictures but I wanted folks to feel as if they could trust me by looking at my photo so I acted in accordance with the Brokers wishes. I also value my privacy and not big on boasting about myself or my capabilities but as a Realtor, that too I had to learn to do.

I’ve always put into practice what I appreciated about others and abstain from what I find found objectionable, or missing in character. So here’s a little about me,

As a Number 1, I am in the first grade of life, I am here to learn to be innovative, to appreciate my uniqueness, develop executive abilities, willpower, self-reliance, and to make the most of my knowledge, experience, and ability.

Generally the Number 1 is born into a family with domineering parent(s) who create tensions.

My father and sister are both Life Number 1’s so you know how it was in our household, lots of extremely hot tempers and rebellion. I couldn’t wait to leave home and I did so in my freshman year of college, I finally had my independence, so I thought, but now I had to figure out how to keep my father from interfering in my life, let me stand on my own two feet. As I matured, I realized we are more alike than different and as a Number 1, it’s natural to be forceful. Behind that forcefulness is truly love. I had to teach my father how to interact with me and that took some time and effort too but we are like two peas in a pod now, we love each other’s company.

In order to acquire the necessary skills to “bring together diverse groups of people to change communities for the better” I obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Administration, I graduated cum laude (with honors). I have worked as a public servant and for many years in the private sector. While in corporate, I was oftentimes acknowledged for my abilities to create cohesive teams. Now here I am pursuing Numerology – go figure! I’m also big on giving back, helping those that I can, that characteristic of Self was fostered by my father and I enjoyed it so much I continue to do so today, little did I know then that it’s part of who I am.

I have a double dose of the Number 1, my known name and Life Number are 1, so leadership comes natural for me, I’ve always been compassionate but, it has taken many years and some hard knocks to become softer, less dictatorial, and not so straightforward.

I can credit my employees and colleagues for the eye opener. One of my managers use to say stop sending emails, you’re too direct, pick up the phone or walk over to them so they can see you’re truly kindhearted, concerned. Another manager told me I need to reel ‘em in with kindness then get in their butt, don’t chew ‘em out in the first sentence. Employees often told me I scared interviewees because I’m so plain-spoken, so business like. At the same time I spent many hours in my cubical and/or office doing personal counseling, up many nights offering my support and personal guidance over the phone. Everyone always wanted me to meet their wives/husbands, lovers, kids, pets. I went to their house and entertained them at mine, always ensuring not to cross the professional, and business line.

I can also credit my male coworkers and supervisors. In the early years of my career I was routinely the “token negro” and one of two females in a work group. Adamant that I would not be run over, belittled, intimidated, or undervalued by anyone, I demanded to be treated as an equal. I learned to stand up for myself, be self-determined, lead the way, and also go for what I felt I deserved. I heard the word “NO” quite often, so I got used to hearing it. The word “NO” fueled my passion, confidence, and determination to work my way up the ladder. Years later, my confidence and determination benefited my employees and colleagues because I wasn’t afraid to push on my employees behalf, or my colleagues behalf, a quality they found refreshing and respected.

The Numbers 1 and 8 are ambitious, have swollen-heads, opinionated, dictatorial, competitive, we like to be the boss and don’t like to take orders, or advice.

Quite often a Number 1 will start at the bottom and in due course, work its way to the top. I’d say the Number 8 is the more boastful of the two. The other side of the Numbers 1 and 8, they hate to be criticized, you can anticipate a tongue lashing if you criticize them because they generally react and think later. Number 1 is a leader, ambitious, action oriented, the idea person and the Number 8, who is also a leader, has the executive abilities, draws what it needs, and expands its establishment.

Many accomplished athletes have a major Number 1 or 8 in her/his Blueprint. Unquestionably you have to be driven (not cutthroat) to be the best at playing the game. My motto has always been “know the players and how they play the game!”

Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Evander Holyfield, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman , Michael Vick, David Beckham, Michael Phelps, Serena and Venus Williams, Andre Dawson, Sasha Cohen

Yes I have a pioneering spirit, I go where others fear to tread, learned some hard lessons there too. As a young adult, I didn’t quite understand why I loved business magazines rather than Cover Girl, why I never felt a company could pay me what I’m worth, didn't understand why I battled against authority, why I had such a fascination with Psychics and Astrologist, and why I cried when I saw starving kids on television.

I've always used my creative talents to generate income. I had two official businesses, one a partnership with three other women, and the other my own, I was unsuccessful at both, but not intimidated by the failure. The experiences taught me the importance of NOT being too overconfident, not listening to advice, and about business relationships. My eyes were opened to what I was really good at, and what I need to work on. I learned that honey (sensitivity) always attracts the bees, and as an entrepreneur, you need a lot of bees to pollinate your business. I also learned to mind my own beeswax. In retrospect, there are definitely things I would do differently but I’m thankful for the experiences.

A Turning Point

My family and friends, my compassion for the wellbeing of others, my business sense, Numerology, my unconventional and creative Self is what I value and nurture most.

I am the beautiful inner workings of my Known Name, Birth Name, and Birthday! It’s been a long journey to get where I am today, I am finally in a place in time where I am able to offer folks my wisdom on the things I love as well as share and encourage folks by way of my knowledge and experiences.

Numerology appears to be the instrument to bridge all the inner workings of me together,

I’m a Number 1 so with confidence I say, my next entrepreneur venture will likely be cross-pollinating my worldly wisdom with my spiritual wisdom, and using the knowledge I gained through the aid of Numerology, knowing Self.

I’m still going to need a lot of bees to pollinate my business, so I hope this snapshot of who I am helps you be more comfortable with and confident in me.

Photo by Schlomo Rabinowitz