when you wish upon a star... 💫

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#WednesdayWisdom

"Affirm: I will direct my attention, focus, and time towards what expands me, evolve me, and grows me on all levels. I am owning my greatness from this moment on." — Idil Ahmed

Morning Musings

Last week, I went home to Maryland to camp with my family at Assateague Island. They've been going for a few years and I've recently joined the annual tradition.

Late Wednesday night, after a rather turbulent flight from Midway to BWI, I finally settled into my childhood bed and smiled when I looked up at the ceiling and noticed the glow-in-the-dark stars that dotted my ceiling.

If you're of a certain age, you know how cool these were back in the day. I remember proudly purchasing two packs of stars at the Spencer's at White Marsh Mall and rushing home to recreate constellations on my ceiling. I was so proud of my handiwork that night.

And that same feeling returned to me last week. Part of me wishes I could go back and tell 16-year-old L'Oreal that it all worked out: I became a journalist, I'm helping women and girls through my writing, I'm finally comfortable (and confident) in the skin I'm in as a curvy Black woman and I married my Prince Charming. Sure, it didn't turn out to be Justin Timberlake, but that's neither here nor there... 

For all intents and purposes, I lived happily ever after. But I was so worried back then. So insecure. So quiet and meek. I'd stare up at the stars (both real and plastic) and wonder if I'd ever "make it." If I'd ever be "enough."

Well, I have and I am. I know that now (hindsight is 20/20), but in the thick of it..in the messy middle...I wasn't so sure. I would hope, dream, pray and yes, wish upon a star.

During a late-night restroom run with my sister, we spotted the Big Dipper on the way to the bath house. And, because I've been listening to Beyoncé's Lion King soundtrack on repeat, I instantly thought of "the stars" interlude where Mufasa tells Simba to look up at the stars. "The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars," Mufasa says. "So whenever you feel alone, just remember. Those kings will always be up there to guide you."

I know my ancestors are looking down on me, guiding me ... and I just want to make them (and 16-year-old L'Oreal) proud.

Love,
L'Oreal

IRL

Sept. 25: Homecoming: Back to the Hustle. Join me at the first fundraiser hosted by Prismatic's Associate Board. Use the promo code LOREAL5OFF to save $5. See you there!

Links I Love

A Rosa Parks Barbie is dropping and if you've been wondering what to get me for my birthday, THIS IS IT! In case anyone needs a reminder why Missy Elliott is forever and always an icon. And this piece about the "politics of the pavement" (as a Black woman who's been bumped by too many white women on the streets of Chicago, I empathize).

My Latest Obsession

Every now and then a book comes along that makes me thing, "Damn, I wish this had existed when I was younger." In this case, that book is Minda Harts' debut, The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure the Seat.

It's been billed as Lean In, but for women of color. And while I haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet (don't judge...my to-be read list is a mile long!), I have been following Minda for a couple of years now and I can tell you she is the TRUTH.

Psst...if you live in Chicago, you can catch Minda tonight in conversation with my friend, Deena McKay. It's going to be a great event!

Now Hiring

1. Senior Program Director for Mikva Challenge

2. Director, Human Resources for The Chicago Council on Global Affairs

3. Vice President of Development and External Affairs for Edible Schoolyard NYC

4. Desk Editor (Features) for The Seattle Times

5. Vice President, Development Communications and Outreach for Kiva

6. Accounting and Payroll Coordinator for Planned Parenthood of Illinois

7. Social Marketing Associate for The Honest Company

8. Director of Communications for CollegeTracks

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