overcoming my fear of video 📹

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#WednesdayWisdom

"Even while you wait for certain things to fold into place, may you never forget that you are still free to thrive in this space, making the most of little things, making room for brand new things, fully living with all you have, even in your in betweens." — Morgan Harper Nichols

Morning Musings

First and foremost, I have to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who offered your congrats, well wishes, support and encouragement in response to last week's announcement. I'm grateful, I'm honored, I'm humbled and I hope to make your proud. Thank you for being here.

Secondly, this newsletter *almost* didn't happen. After a marathon two days of my first Instagram takeover on Monday, followed by an Instagram Live Q&A, ya girl needed a break and settled in to watch This Is Us ... and then promptly fell asleep on the sofa afterward into a wine-induced coma. Then, shortly after going to actual bed around 10:30 sprang up from my slumber and muttered, "It's Tuesday! I didn't finish the newsletter."

Now, pre-therapy L'Oreal would've gotten out of bed and gotten to work. Thankfully, I was able to talk some sense into my workaholic self and muttered, "I'll get to it in the morning." This is what my therapist would call "growth." So here we are...

The past two days have been all about me stepping outside my comfort zone. If you follow me on Instagram, then you already know I have a strong aversion to video. I know it's popular, I know it converts, but it still gives me heebie-jeebies. Why? After all, I don't get the same sense of panic before speaking engagements, but also I've practiced those.

You don't want to know how many "takes" I need to get the "perfect" IG video. And that's all it is really, my perfection getting in the way of progress yet again. In my mind, whatever product I release into the world -- an article, a blog post, a speech, a video, my future book -- has to be perfect before it sees the light of day.

And well, that little problem often keeps me from taking chances and stepping outside of my comfort zone, which is why I graciously (and nervously) accepted the chance to do an Instagram takeover when the opportunity was presented to me (thank you, Flavia!).

We all know that true growth happens outside your comfort zone. And while I still don't exactly *love* video, it's growing on me. As one follower told me, "it's so nice to see your face and hear your voice." I didn't realize how much I'd been hiding behind the camera until then.

So get ready to see some imperfect footage while I figure this thing out in a way that works for me. I won't always get it *right* and, truthfully, I think that's kind of the whole point. But I am going to try to have some fun with it and not take myself so seriously -- a tall order for a recovering perfectionist like moi. One step, one video at a time ...

Love,
L'Oreal

P.s. You can check out EmpowHerNY's IG story before 7 p.m. CT for replay of the Q&A, let me know what you think!

Happenings

Jan. 24 (Chicago): Flower Girls Meet: Kick Ass in 2020. Join me at this self-defense seminar hosted by my friend Vanessa Flowers and Warrior Evolution MMA.

Jan. 25 (Raleigh): MindBodyBrand. Alisha Robertson, business coach and founder of Living Over Existing, hosts an intimate in-person wellness event for women.

Links I Love

1. Rep. Ayanna Pressley's Personal Hair Loss Story. I've admired Rep. Pressley for some time now, and if it's possible, I fell even more in love/awe of her last week when she talked candidly about living with alopecia and revealed her beautiful bald head for the first time. As she noted in the video, "The reality is that I'm Black. That I'm a Black woman. And I'm a Black woman in politics, everything I do is political." I applaud her strength, courage and vulnerability. (The Root)

2. When Black Women Go From Office Pet to Office Threat. It took me a while to read this article because honestly, the headline sent daggers through my heart. The subhead reads "First your boss loves you, then they dislike you," and I nearly cried because that sentiment mirrored my own experience at a former employer. It's all fun and games and "diverse" until Black women start speaking their truths, exhibiting a bit of confidence, (rightfully) demanding more and ... insecure white women begin to feel threatened. (ZORA)

3. Where Are the Plus Sizes in the Adidas x IVY PARK Collection? Now y'all know I love Beyoncé, and after several writers, bloggers and influencers pointed it out over the weekend, I'm also wondering where the plus-size options are. I'll be the first to admit I don't know a thing about fashion, but it's 2020 -- I need everyone (including my girl Bey) -- to make inclusivity a priority. Hopefully future IVY PARK collections will include sizes larger than XL.

Pitch Clinic (Free Webinar Alert!)

There's no perfect science when it comes to pitching editors, but this free webinar will come close. Join me next TONIGHT at 7 ET/6 CT as I share the tricks and tips I've honed throughout my 12-year editorial career as both an editor and writer. Attendees will receive:

• real-life examples of successful pitches

• template for editorial pitches

• spreadsheet to track pitches

• sample editorial calendar

One lucky participant will win a complimentary pitch critique and a copy of First Draft: A Beginner's Guide to Freelance Digital Editorial Writing. Must be present to win. Register today.

My Latest Obsession

A few years ago, my amazing cousin-in-law recommended organic tampons to help combat my fibroid problems. I did not heed her warning at the time (I mean, this was 2017 and I wasn't as informed about all the toxins in average tampons as I am now), but now I have seen the light.

While bitching about my period a couple months ago, I asked my Instagram followers for their recommendations and quite a few people recommended organic tampons, specifically The Honey Pot Co., a Black woman-owned business. So naturally I gave them a try ... I'm all for supporting Black-owned businesses, especially when it comes to wellness and reproductive health.

Although several of their products are available at Target, I wasn't able to find the super absorbency tampons at my local store. Thankfully my homie Kelsey hooked me up with a promo code and I was able to order them online ... and now I'm obsessed.

Without being TMI, my periods are usually VERY heavy (as in, I was originally skeptical because I'm a super-plus/ultra kinda girl and the Honey Pot ones only go as high as super), but I used the super ones combined with my THINX as backup and ya girl was golden. No leaks, no accidents, no worries. AND my period ended a day earlier than it's typical five-day bit. Needless to say, I'm sold and I want to share the love with you. Use my referral link and save 20% off your purchase.*

Note: This review contains affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation if you make a purchase. But rest assured, all thoughts are my own. 

Now Hiring

1. Social Impact + Career-Growth Fellowship for MovingWorlds

2. Policy Manager, Illinois Policy for Ounce of Prevention Fund

3. Editorial Intern for Refinery29 UK

4. Advocacy Communications Director for Compassion and Choices

5. Senior Media and Presentation Coach for Throughline Group

6. Chicago Reporter for Chalkbeat

7. Special Events Manager for Gucci

8. Communications Manager for ColorComm

9. Speechwriter for the American Medical Association

10. Teen Programs Facilitator for Step Up Chicago

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