We had the good fortune of connecting with Kamala McWhinney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kamala, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Looking back over my life’s journey so far, I’m surprised by the pride I feel as I reflect on this question. The pride is stemming not from a list of achievements, but in how many things I have dared to do. An inherent in that, is how many risks I have dared to embrace.

Some of these thing are no longer in my “portfolio.” For example, in 2011 I started a Bridal Boutique. That journey ended in 2019. For 7 years I rode the wave of entrepreneurship and I low-key loved it. There came a time, though, when the brick & mortar entrepreneur in me needed to be full-time in my business for it to have the best chance of succeeding. I had already had the “keep going” or “give up” debates in my head and with my trusted few and I kept going. However, when faced with the decision and how it would impact the other versions of me and how I choose to use my gifts in the world, I knew a shift was coming.
It’s not easy to reduce the decision of when to shift and when to push through to a formula. So instead, let me try to highlight my process of deciding what actions or projects are aligned or not so much. Because, I have gotten clear over the years that not everything is for me and that everything is not for now.
Purpose had been my roadmap and so far It has steered me straight.
For me, purpose is that knowing of why I am here; what I have to contribute to the world while I am here. It grounds me. And as it turns out its a useful filter for choosing what serves me and what doesn’t. Purpose for me surrounds using my training as a therapist and coach, in connection with my other creative abilities to serve others. My purpose looks like creating spaces for healing and restoration of self and relationships. And because of my multi-passionate identity it also looks like creating beautiful things and experiences for others.

So then when I am feeling the itch to give up or step away from a project or space, I have learnt how to honestly (very honestly) reflect on what’s at the heart of the itch. Is it frustration because my systems need work? Is it self-doubt or is it that I have stepped out of purpose in pursuit of popularity or proving? Could it be that I said yes to something that really is not ‘my’ thing? It can be a good thing but just not my thing.And sometimes, the time has come for my skills and gifts to be used in another way. Because purpose, in my experience is not static. It grows and breathes even while being rooted in constancy.
That was the case with my bridal career. If I were to have ‘fixed’ all that was necessary, I did not know that I could show up in the way the business demanded without denying another aspect of self and purpose. And so I began the detaching sequence. I mourned. I felt the feelings of having failed. I resolved them. I embraced what other things I would go on to birth and how those things would continue to fulfil my purpose; in a different way but a meaningful way nonetheless. I don’t so much like the notion of giving up, period. I was clear that I surrendered one version to allow for time and space to birth the next version. This is my process and I’m standing by it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the CEO of White Lotus Blooms Wellness Services and I also serve the DEI firm Unsiloed as a Consultant.I am trained in Clinical Psychology. More recently I have shifted away from the 1 on 1 Therapy space and into Group Coaching through my White Lotus Blooms 70-Day Guided Coaching Journey that I call The Ultimate Level UP. I also provide Workplace Wellbeing Support & Psychological Safety Training and consultation to global companies.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is battling Breast Cancer at age 30 years. That experience was a huge catalyst in grounding my entire life in the matrix of Purpose. Because I survived, I am very intentional about continuing to survive but also thrive!
Being the CEO of my own firm is only possible because I gave myself permission to take my gifts seriously. I spent so much time comparing how others used similar gifts and therefore minimizing my own vision and expression of my gifts. Thankfully my tribe constantly affirmed how my showing up, made them feel seen and gave them tools. And so I gradually started to dare to dream of the highest expression of my gifts, manifested on my terms.
When I step into my Group Coaching Program with my blend of loving honesty and confrontation, humor and grace; and I hear the participants share how it helps them to name their stuff for the first time in their lives, I KNOW I am home. I know I am in purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Kingston Jamaica is a vibe, but I’m go ahead and share some magical spots across the island.

-Dinner at Stush in the Bush is a must. They are a plant-based farm-to-table-experience set in the stunning hills of St.Ann.

-Closer to my spot, dinner at Strawberry Hill or a few nights is also a treat. The views alone from the hills of St. Andrew are worth the ascent. Visiting The Bob Marley Museum is a cultural journey I highly recommend as well.

A day trip to Portland’s Blue Lagoon and a rafting trip across to Monkey Island is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am where I am because I stand on the shoulders of my Mom, Beverley and the women before her. My family has poured so much into me; my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and of course the friends who are also family. Shoutouts to Aunts Joyce, Inez, Pat, Sheila and Norma in loving memory. Thank you!
Shoutouts to Uncles Daniel, Beres, Berty ,Winston & Edwin. To my cousins who supported me in my darkest hour: Shavon, Bruce, Fabian, Gauri, Randel , Mel and others. Thank you!
To my Tribe! You all are too many to name but I love you all!
To my extended support in the church, workplaces and even virtual community: Thank you!

Website: whitelotusblooms.com

Instagram: @whitelotusblooms

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamala-mcwhinney-910b69a7

Image Credits
Body care product Images : Liana Adams-Salmon Wellness Box Images: Saske Lee

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