Ambition is not a dirty word 🙊

#WednesdayWisdom

"I'm not bossy. I'm the boss." ~ Beyoncé

Morning Musings

There's been a lot of talk about ambition lately. From Reese Witherspoon's essay in the October issue of Glamour to this article in The Cut about the so-called "ambition collision." There's even an Entrepreneur post about excessive ambition leading to shorter lives.

So what's an ambitious woman supposed to do? Hell if I know.

Having grown up in a family full of ambitious Black women, I didn't know "ambition" could be considered a dirty word until I got to high school and a well-meaning religion teacher told the class that men should be the primary breadwinners in the family, heads of the household. Did I mention I attended an all-girl Catholic high school? Needless to say, this particular teacher and I rarely saw eye-to-eye.

Then there was the time post-undergrad when I went on a "group date" with the 6'6 white soldier I'd been talking to on Facebook all summer while he was stationed overseas. We'd hit it off online, but upon meeting me IRL, he decided I was "too intimidating." That's guy speak for, "I'm not nearly man enough to handle you and your ambition is threatening to my masculinity." My response?

In her essay, Reese wrote, "Run away from a man who can't handle your ambition." But I'd dare to say that same rule applies to any romantic partner, friends, bosses, etc.

Ambition is not, despite what some people may say, a dirty word. And I'm going to proudly wear my "scarlet letter" until the end of days.

Love,
L'Oreal

FYI

If you're free tonight at 7 p.m. ET, join me on Twitter for the #20ReasonsWhy chat with In the Loop about imposter syndrome.

And if you'd like to work for a startup, but you're not sure where to begin, check out Venture for America's Twitter chat next Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Click here to learn more!

Last, but not least, if you happen to be in Chicago, be sure to RSVP for Black Girl in Om's Cultivate Your Sparkle event at Scratch Goods on tomorrow, Sept. 14. Did I mention it's FREE?

Links I Love

How to Ask for What You Want and Need (No, It's Not Selfish)

For Young Black Women, "Insecure" Feels Hella Good Right Now

The First White President

My Latest Obsession

Last Friday, I attended my first user-generated concert experience, otherwise known as Trap Karaoke. For those of you who aren't as familiar with the genre known as trap music, just think "Bodak Yellow," "Bad and Boujee" and pretty much anything by 2 Chainz. While I felt a bit of impostor syndrome because I didn't have a cool graphic tee to wear, I had a great time singing along to some of my favorite trap, R&B and even, yes, gospel music! If you're looking for an event full of pure #BlackJoy (and why wouldn't you?), be sure to check out Trap Karaoke when it's in your city.

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Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this of LT in the City Weekly! Hit me up on the Interwebs below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!