a friendly reminder that your gifts will make room for you
but first you have to show up
#WednesdayWisdom
“August is a time for alignment and audacity.'“ ~
Morning Musings
You ever feel like you’re living inside a dream? Like a moment where everything you’ve worked hard for and set out to do is…actually happening? I’ve been fortunate to have quite a few of those moments over the last year (I mean, hi, national television with Gayle F*cking King and my husband and daughter by my side?!) And this weekend at Three Avenues Bookshop in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood was another one of those moments.
I was introduced to the local bookstore through my friend and fellow creative entrepreneur Nia. We popped in one day after leading a restorative workshop for her new moms’ group and the rest is history. I have a hard time leaving any bookstore empty-handed, but especially woman-owned independent bookstores. And if you have a cute children’s section to boot? Please, literally take my money! Which they happily did, because in addition to the books, there’s apparel, candles and stationery, oh my!
Anywho, I floated the idea of leading a yoga flow and guided meditation tied to my book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, followed by a Q&A and book signing to co-founder and co-owner, Jordan Felkey. A few months later, we did exactly that.
I have to admit, this has been one of my favorite book events to date (yes, including Gayle!). On Sunday morning, I felt like I was fully leaning into my gifts and truly living out my purpose: to inspire, encourage and uplift ambitious individuals, especially Black women, through insightful storytelling and holistic wellness.
If you read last week’s newsletter, then you know I’ve had this longstanding fear of appearing to be “too much.” Too loud. Too ambitious. Too liberal. Too feminist. Too Black. Too everything. And well, to quote my cousin Preston, “it is what it is and it can’t be what it ain’t.” I’m all of that, and then some. And I’m no longer afraid to claim those titles and all of the other ones I’ve deemed to be '“too much.”
I’m an author, an award-winning journalist, a motivational speaker, a certified yoga and meditation teacher, and a book coach. And this past Sunday I got to live into all of those strengths. As fellow author Danielle Bayard Jackson reminded me in a few recent publicity coaching calls, the throughline for all of my services is helping others succeed (which is fitting, seeing as how I’m an Enneagram 3 Wing 2). Whether you’re someone dreaming of making a career shift; finally launching that blog/podcast/book; and/or someone on a journey to personal wellness, I’m here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Sunday’s event was a much-needed reminder from the universe that my gifts will make room for me. And I’m willing to be they’ll make room for you, too. But first you have to act. You have to show up. You have to believe that you are worthy of taking up space and living out ALL of your gifts—no matter how weird they may seem from the outside looking in.
To paraphrase Tyra Banks, “I’m rooting for you. We’re all rooting for you.” Because the world needs your gifts and talents. All I’m asking is for you to show up and give yourself a chance.
ICYMI
Recently I had the honor of being featured in two of my colleagues’ Substacks:
The first was
’s Division of Labor series for her money newsletter, . In it, Jeff and I documented a day in our lives caring for a very active toddler amid busy careers:
The second was my business coach
’ newsletter, , about getting bigger in your business AND in life:
Celebrating One Year of Stop Waiting for Perfect!
What I’m Reading
What Does A Mother Sound Like? (Hazlitt)
Sonya Massey Should Still Be Alive, Say Activists (YES! Magazine)
Donald Trump’s NABJ Appearance Shows the Limitations of Both-sides Journalism (The TRiiBE)
Now Hiring
Director, Strategy & Communications at Women’s Equality Center
Director of Brand & Content Marketing at Shedd Aquarium
Journalist and Content Creator for National Domestic Workers Alliance
Executive Assistant for Arnold Ventures
Director of Development Operations for Black Girls Code
Manager, External Affairs for Teach for America
Sexual and Reproductive Justice Hub Manager for The City University of New York
National Vice President Programs, NextGen for The American Heart Association
Summer Colors Are In!
Have you checked out the latest Stop Waiting for Perfect merch? New colors and youth sizes are now available!
Thank You
A special thank-you to April, Jeff, Carol, Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel, Angel, Sarah, Camesha, Vix, Anna, Stephanie, Dominique, Tiffany, Emily, Mabinty, Lindsey, Casey, Lynnae, Dani, Amanda, Raina, Abigail, Sharon, Kristen, Heather, Renae, Jennie, Brittaney, Kyndall, Sarah, Cecilia, Jessica, Kimberly, Jessica, Ean, Lauren, Brittani and Jenni for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support! 💜
Did you write this for me?! lol Also I'm so sad I missed the event. It looked like a great time!
Thanks for sharing this, exactly what I needed to hear today as I am leaning into something that has been a dream of mine for probably a decade already. It is scary but exciting and like you say, it already looks like my dream is making room for me!