Life Lessons:
Spruce Dickerson
*Are you happy at the moment?
Absolutely! I know I am right where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. My spirit is contented and satisfied.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Application, Application, Application. Apply yourself, and don’t get caught up in the current of life and let it take you where it wants to take you. Take control of your life and its direction. Don’t ignore tomorrow, don’t live in tomorrow, but “prepare” for tomorrow.
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
The value of my value. My learning went from head knowledge to realization that what I possess is actually of intrinsic value. We all have golden pearls of wisdom through our life experiences. These are invaluable. We must truly realize the value of our experiences.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
Being able to serve a far greater geographic territory of people with inspiration and encouragement through my speaking, pageant coaching, and modeling. For my life to be a greater influence on others in order to inspire them to Love life, Live life, and Give life. Life isn’t about self-service, but serving others. This is my life’s Mission, and I want to do it on a grander scale in the next year.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
First, my personal relationship with Jesus. Second, forgiveness. Third, serving others. Fourth, not allowing life to control me. Fifth, determination and perseverance. To Love, Live, and Give; and know that life will be life. To glean the pearls of wisdom from every step of life’s journey. Sometimes, we might have to dive a little deeper for those pearls, but they are there to be had….and for our good.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Daily Bible study. God’s Word is living; it’s God speaking to me, guiding my every thought.
*What’s your biggest regret?
Not applying myself to a depth of learning, or a direction in life. I allowed life to carry me away on its pleasure ship; not applying a thought process to what I was doing or where I was going.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
I don’t have any children, but the lessons of my life have been obedience to the Lord first and foremost, to love and give sacrificially, and take care of your loved ones to the best of your ability.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
Hands down, procrastination! It really robs a person of a greater quality of life.
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
Being there for, and taking care of, my family in times of trials, tragedies, and sickness. Much heartache has happened in my life, and I did my best in loving and living through it. I am proud to say that through all of what “life” has thrown at me, I’ve risen above; and have done so with love.
*When were you happiest?
I was happiest when I married my late husband. To be in love, and have someone love you so unconditionally was, well, there was nothing like it!
*What ten words best describe you?
Passionate, Wise, Dedicated, Loyal, Encourager, Determined, Contented, Compassionate, Intuitive, Funny
Spruce Dickerson is a motivational speaker, model, philanthropist, national-winning pageant queen, and a national-winning pageant coach. She has had several media interviews and magazine articles on various aspects of her career, along with having two magazine covers and editorials to her credit in modeling.
Spruce is also a history-maker by winning her national pageant title of Miss Plus America Elite in 2011, as well as being bestowed with the first-ever title of Miss Plus America Essence; along with making history in modeling. She has been a Philanthropist of the Year Finalist for two organizations and has received Proclamations from her Governor, Senator, and Mayor. Spruce’s recipe for winning in life, and of which she speaks on, is based on three foundational components: Love, Live, and Give. It isn’t about ourselves, but about our service to others. Follow Spruce on Twitter @sprucedup.
