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It’s been awhile since I’ve shared an update because life is currently teaching me some incredible lessons at the moment.
Frankly, many of you who know what’s going on personally behind the scenes have commented on how surprised you are on how I still show up every day to get the work done.
How I live my truth and step out in my purpose.
It’s not easy going through one of your most challenging personal life transitions, while also experiencing a professional transition at the same time.
Transitions require strong grounding in my faith, complete trust in God and my spirituality, confidence in myself, the unconditional love of my family, and the unflinching support of a very tight knit circle of close friends.
So, these are the four (4) lessons life is teaching me at the moment.
1 – Continue to take things one day at a time
This has been the answer. Living in the moment and not stressing about the future.
For those who have been curious how I stay on top of it all, I simply take things one day at a time. I don’t keep massive to-do lists. I have wonderful teams in various aspects of my business who I delegate work to. I conserve my energy and choose projects wisely.
I practice holistic self-care mentally, emotionally, and physically. I’ve been curating what I mentally consume, meeting my therapist once a month, and moving those joints a lot more.
This has worked so far and will continue to be my approach as I work through all my current transitions.
2 – Continue to move audaciously
I’ve always been an audacious person in the way I move. I never let anyone else’s limitations become my own limitations. Heck, I gave an entire TED talk on The Power of Asking Why Not? – Audaciously questioning people when they try to shove you into predefined boxes.
I also audaciously ask for what I want or deserve at this stage of my career. Whether it’s asking for more pay or simply making some bold asks.
For example, I reached out to my favorite Nordic actor Pilou Asbæk (google him, you know him) to share a personal message with my travel writing students.
He did.
3 – Continue to fully step in my power
“I don’t think you realize you’re a big deal,” a friend of mine in Sweden told me this week. “Your name is feared in many rooms here,” she goes on to say.
As someone who has always written about the danger of believing your own press, I usually cringe at compliments like these.
My savagely-brutal sisters often ask me why I’m playing small. They remind me that I’m an international bestselling author published in 18 foreign language editions with four important books:
- DUE NORTH was awarded Best Travel Book by the Society of American Travel Writers.
- LAGOM was an international sensation
- IN EVERY MIRROR SHE’S BLACK was featured on New York Times Square as a GMA Buzz Pick and garnered incredible press. The Independent called it the most thought-provoking book by a Black author.
- The simultaneous (North America / UK) press and book publicity that’s planned around EVERYTHING IS NOT ENOUGH this October is going to be epic.
And that’s just my hat as an author.
As you already know, I wear several high profile hats. From being a Hasselblad photographer, my solo exhibitions in Sweden, writing opinion pieces for the New York Times, Nat Geo contributor, and many more.
The double-edged sword is that people often forget because I am approachable and relatable. Because my work is rooted in cultural connection, this brings a level of grounding and accessibility that I am proud of.
However, as I continue to move through this transition, I will continue to make my boundaries clearer.
4 – Continue to move in gratitude
All that said, I live each day with a profound sense of gratitude. I get to do what I love despite challenges and opposition. I am living the life I manifested for many years. God continues to send His helpers and angels to guide me along the way and open up incredible doors for me.
I have been paying this back in so many ways – from tender moments behind the scenes and mentioning other people’s names in important rooms to teaching and guiding the next generation through my academy and other larger partnerships.
I am so grateful to have people who love and fully support me as I work my path and purpose.
They say your path is harder because your calling is higher.
It has become abundantly clear that God brought me to Sweden to do this work. And due to my personal family transition, I will be here for the next 7-8 years minimum. Watching how God moves and has laid all these blocks and breadcrumbs along the way has been nothing short of a testimony.
So, here I am, Lord. Continue to use me.
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If you’re a creative person, what are you struggling with professionally? What would you like to accomplish so you can start living your own dreams? Do you need to schedule a one-on-one mentorship call? Let me know.
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