Life Lessons: Linda Murray Bullard

Life Lessons:
Linda Murray Bullard

*Are you happy at the moment?

When I began answering this it was December 5, my 55th Birthday, so YES!

*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?

At 16, my son was 2 years old. I was so still unsure about my future and was trying to figure out how to make what I wanted in life happen. I was in the 10th grade and didn’t want to leave my son because I felt like he needed me. I missed so many days in school, but because I could ace the written exams, I was allowed to continue to the next grade.

Having to live without maternal guidance, I would tell my 16-year-old self that everything will work out just fine. It is ok to be unsure as long as you stay curious.

*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?

I opened a small business consulting firm last year. This year I learned that my life lessons are valuable to others. Although I am not as far along as I would like to be, my 28 years of experience in Corporate America can lend insight and navigation advice to young adults who are now charting those waters.

*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?

In the next 12 months, I would like to pay off both of my homes so that I can start living the life I want without the burden of two house mortgages saddling down my desires. I want to start traveling more and blessing others more. In order to do that, I have to have reliable transportation and less debt.

*What’s your secret to happiness?

My secret to happiness is responding to the needs of others without them asking and expecting nothing in return and then repeat that as often as you can. I enjoy making others happy. When I receive a blessing, I give a blessing. When I help others move to a higher level of thinking or living it gives me such a rush. It is a remarkable feeling!

*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?

Reconnecting to my beliefs…praying, reading Scriptures, and talking to my Creator keeps me grounded. Sometimes I am perplexed and have no idea what to do, and sometimes I feel like I’ve gotten too disconnected with my purpose and am caught up in the dysfunction around me. It is during these times when I center myself by having two-way conversations with the Lord or I pray and read the Scriptures to get back in tune with my true self.

*What’s your biggest regret?

My biggest regret is that I did not get started living my dreams sooner. Putting off my dreams while raising my children is not regrettable, but I wish I had found even the smallest of ways to seek out my dreams sooner.

*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?

I have three sons. To me, the most important lesson I have taught them is to take care of themselves. I despise men who live off the incomes and backs of women; therefore, I raised the kind of men who know they are to take care of themselves and their families. I’m proud to say my oldest son has four girls and a wife who he treats with the utmost respect.

*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?

I am extremely critical of myself. I would love to change that bad habit. When I make mistakes, my “stinking thinking” kicks in on overtime. I am working on it, but sometimes, it is so automatic I cannot cut it off early enough.

*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?

I am proud of finishing my bachelor’s degree and planning to begin the Master’s program. I’m also very proud of being able to design and build my dream home in a location that set directly in the middle of both of my childhood communities.

*When were you happiest?

My happiest times in life so far came when I was able to bless someone who could not repay me.

*What ten words best describe you?

Honest, Trustworthy, Inspirational, Spirited, Loyal, Supportive, Happy, Tenacious, Determined, and Fun are the best words to describe me.

 

During the business hours, Linda Murray Bullard works in the Legal Department at a large hospital. Before joining the hospital in March 2013, she worked at a large health insurance company for over 26 years, in positions ranging from entry-level to management.

Linda is the owner of LSMB Business Solutions, LLC, a business and personal development consulting firm. She is also an alumnus of Leadership Chattanooga, Launch Chattanooga, and Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute, in additional to being affiliated with other local charitable organizations. She is a graduate of Bryan College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with emphasis on Organizational Management. Linda holds a 3-year certification as a Professional Project Manager (PMP) from the Project Management Institute and a Six Sigma Yellow Belt. She is also a graduate of Chattanooga State Community College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration. She is the author and self-publisher of “The Well Ran Dry: Memoirs of a Motherless Child,” her freshman autobiographical account of what it was like to be raised without her mother, as well as what it was like to be a teen mom. The book was accepted by the Library of Congress for their General Collection, in 2013.

She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee and has three sons, one grandson, four granddaughters and one great-grandson. You can also connect with Linda on Facebook and Twitter.