How do you find yourself? 🙎

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#WednesdayWisdom

"You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love — who you really are. And have the courage to do that. I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dreams." — Oprah Winfrey

Morning Musings

On Monday, my husband, Jeff, and I attended a Chicago Ideas event featuring Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon and notable actress and director Phylicia Rashad (thanks, Mel!).

To be honest, we mostly went to see Phylicia aka America's Mom. And while the conversation between the two theater heavyweights was interesting, the most inspiring part came during the Q&A when a young woman asked Mrs. Rashad "how did you find yourself?" 

And, of course, she had an eloquent response: How do I find myself? I took time to be with myself every day ... You are a wondrous creature.” Such a simple response, but yet so eloquent and profound at the same time.

Later on, in response to another question, she went on to say: “Every day you learn the truth of yourself. How can you ever deliver a truthful narrative if you’re always looking outside yourself for the answers?”

Nowadays, it's way too easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing and saying. You wouldn't believe the number of articles about impostor syndrome that were coming out as I worked to complete my book proposal.

Eventually, I had to shut it all off and shut down it down to focus on the task at hand. And also take some time to get quiet and hear my own thoughts and voice, which had gotten drowned out by all of the noise surrounding me.

So if you're struggling to find yourself, I suggest you get quiet. My morning routine comprises reading a devotional, meditating and journaling. By starting the day off with these 15-20 minutes to myself, I'm able to get clear on my intentions and hear my voice.

How do you find yourself? Reply and let me know, or hit me up on social media!

Love,
L'Oreal

IRL

There's nothing I love more than connecting with y'all in real life! If you're in Chicago next month, here's where you can find me:

July 11: Life of Yes Storytelling Showcase! Come and enjoy stories from me and seven other adults. Think of it as an adult storytelling recital.

July 14: My Blogaversary Party! It's time to party with a purpose. Join me for an afternoon of cocktails, cupcakes and conversation all while supporting a great cause and local women-owned businesses. Use the promo code LTINTHECITY to save $5. Note: Early-bird tickets end this Saturday!

July 21: Literassociates Trivia Night. I'm on the board here ... we're a good time!

Links I Love

1. Why You Should Keep That Passion Project (Even If It Doesn't Pay)

2. Here's How to Ditch Your 'It's Not Gonna Work Out' Mindset

3. Do Beyoncé Fans Have to Forgive Jay-Z?

My Latest Obsession

It's officially "too hot to do my makeup at home" degrees here in Chicago! While there's no place quite like #SummertimeChi, the heat and humidity was causing my face to melt. Thankfully, a few friends who are more versed in makeup introduced me to Urban Decay's All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray.

I don't know what kind of unicorn fairy pixie dust this stuff is made of, but this sh*t works. I put it to the test during the most recent heat wave in the (not so) Windy City and 12 hours and nearly 100 degrees later, my face was still in tact. Glory be to God!

Now Hiring

1. Art Director for beauty@gotham

2. Creative Director for Buzzfeed

3. Education Director for Youth Communication

4. Director of Planned Giving for an Environmental Organization

5. Happiness Engineer for Automattic

6. Culture Editor for Chicago Reader

7. Marketing and Public Relations Director for Lyric Opera of Chicago

8. Program Manager, College Success for iMentor Chicago

9. Editorial Producer, Snapchat for WIRED

10. Digital Media Analyst for Halo Top Creamery

11. Executive Director for League of Women Voters of Illinois

12. Manager, Government Strategy for Slack

Classifieds

Do you have a personal project you've been dying to share with the world? Perhaps you're looking to promote your #SideHustle or small business? Whatever the case, you can do so here and reach more than 8,000 smart, ambitious and engaged millennial women. Learn more about LT in the City Classifieds here.

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