Own Your Authenticity

Truth be told, when I started this website, I don't even remember how I came up with the name. I think that I was just so ready to be in tune with the truest version of myself and what gave me joy, that once I got it, I went with it.

Earlier this year I invested in a coaching program, that essentially would help me hone in on my purpose and everything that is connected to it. The more I dig deeper into purpose, the quicker I see what truly brings me joy. I've acknowledged that I am solely focused on becoming better. When I started the blog, it was because I wanted to help women who were just like me, to get out of their own way, and become the best possible versions of themselves.

Just last week, I was watching an interview by Steven Furtick & Bishop T.D. Jakes discussing his book, Soar. In the interview, Bishop spoke about how we each have seeds. This blew my mind. He said, many individuals have seeds, ie. a strong sense of self and what they like to do, but they are oftentimes ignored by their parents, because they are seen as children. He then proceeded to give an example of his own granddaughter.

It allowed me to think of my seeds. I see myself as a motivator, a speaker, and a problem solver and these are traits I've possessed at a young age that I've ignored. I may have run from them by embodying a shy and quiet persona, but that doesn't mean it should prevent me from being the truest version of myself. I pride myself in being an introvert, but I acknowledge that there are gifts that come naturally to me without question. Which explains why I get phone calls from my folk asking for help trust me this is not an ego-boost but a realization.

A lot of us allowed others to silence our voices before we could even speak. And the sad reality is, it may have come from parents and family members at a young age. Maybe it wasn't family, maybe it was schoolmates, friends, your arch nemesis. The mind is such a fragile thing at a young age, so whatever we absorb, tends to stick with us until we are old enough to heal. I allowed titles which others labeled me to stick, and ran with that straight into my adult years.

Many a times, without your knowledge, your gifts will shine through in front of others, and they will utilize you. Thinking back to my prep school graduation, I remember delivering the prayer and I hated speaking in front of people, but I accepted the challenge and delivered like a boss! It's the same when not too long ago my former manager asked me to facilitate a unit-based training program I was very hesitant, but delivered, TWICE!

So instead of running from the person I am deep down, I find the strength more and more each day to discover her, and become her. It may be uncomfortable breaking through labels and barriers that held you back for so long, but it is necessary. I truly believe that the only way for you to quit going with the flow, is to dig deeper into who you are. And the good part is, if you truly don't like what you find, you have the opportunity to grow.

I'm at the stage of becoming. I love the person I see in the mirror everyday, flaws and all. She is not perfect, but she is worth more than money can buy. I am committed to becoming the best version of myself. If you hadn't gotten the chance to see my last IG Live, please visit my YouTube channel.

I invite you to invest in yourself, and do the same. Visit ownyourauthenticity.com/events to join me on March 7th, at 3PM EST, as we discuss all that it means to become YOU!