happy six months to Stop Waiting for Perfect!
literary dreams really do come true
#WednesdayWisdom
“Self-love is how you take your power back. Choose self-love first.” ~ Lalah Delia
Morning Musings
It’s been six months since I made my publishing debut with Stop Waiting for Perfect and what a ride it’s been! We kicked things off with CBS Mornings (!!) and I’m still pinching myself that I was on national television with Gayle King (and a very handsome Nate Burleson). What even is life?!
And then we had a standing-room only crowd at Café con Libros, moderated by my friend Aisha Beau. There may or may not have been tears (there were definitely tears…I was stunned that friends and fans would come out on a Monday night to see little ol’ me and celebrate the launch of my first book). I’m still in awe.
Recently on Twitter (I refuse to call it X), a fellow writer asked, “If you could relive a single day from your life, which day would it be?” To be fair, there are many, but Aug. 14, 2023 immediately came to mind. As I wrote in my quote tweet, that day was proof that all my wildest dreams could come true—the book, the career, the husband, the baby...NATIONAL TV!! God was really showing out that day.
There was a time when all of the above felt outside of my reach. And we’ve heard over and over again that women can’t have it all, a sentiment I’ve certainly bought into. But, I have to admit, this moment came pretty damn close.
Now, behind the scenes, it certainly wasn’t a fairytale. There’s the fact that we nearly missed our flight and I spent Violet’s naptime working on assignments for my day job (a job where I had recently put in my notice because of burnout and depression). Nevertheless, I persisted.
And now I’m standing on the other side of fear: a full-time author and journalist and part-time yoga teacher. It’s been six months since my pub day and it all still feels a bit surreal.
I’m not a NYT bestseller (yet) and I haven’t spotted my book at the airport (yet), and I’ve received some really kind notes from many of you about how the book has inspired you. Inevitably those notes always arrive when I’m feeling a little low, so thank you. I can’t adequately put into words how much your support and encouragement mean to me.
I know I’ve said this book wouldn’t exist without you and it’s true. Do you know how hard it is to get a nonfiction book deal without being a politician, celebrity or influencer?!
Thank you for buying the book; listening to the audiobook; requesting it at your local library; recommending it your family, friends and colleagues; sharing it on social media; tagging me in your posts; and sending me pics of you in your SWFP merch.
I feel the love, I appreciate the love and I love you back! Let’s keep the love fest going for another six months (and beyond)!
ICYMI
A little bit of what I’ve been writing…
Questlove Is Ready for the Next Phase of His Career (Business Traveler)
How Protective Styles Saved My Mental Health as a Black Mom (Expectful)
Links I Love: Super Bowl Edition
Usher Brings Romance to the Biggest Stage in America: The Super Bowl (Los Angeles Times)
The Queen Goes Country (New York Times)
What’s Next for Lil Jon After the Super Bowl? A Meditation Album, Of Course (Rolling Stone)
Upcoming Events
Feb. 25: Book Club with The Groove Chicago. Grab your copy of Stop Waiting for Perfect and meet me on the mat for this in-person event!
My Latest Obsession
Duh.
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Stop Waiting for Perfect is Out Now!
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 and Kyndall for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support! 💜
Congratulations! What a thrill <3
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