Embracing Change: Evolving Beyond Those Who Hold You Back

 One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my journey is that the people who start with you may not always be the ones who finish with you. Whether in friendships, relationships, or collaborations, some people may not grow at the same pace as you and that’s okay. In fact, it’s often necessary to evolve beyond them in order to continue your growth, not just in your personal life, but in your passions and creativity as well.

When I first started out on my path, I was surrounded by people who shared similar dreams, ambitions, and desires. We all seemed to be on the same page, striving toward success, and feeding off each other’s energy. However, as time went on, I realized that some of the people I started out with were becoming complacent. They were no longer willing to put in the work, the effort, or the time required to make their dreams a reality. They were content with where they were, or perhaps they simply didn’t have the drive to push past their comfort zones.

Meanwhile, I continued to evolve. I became more determined, more focused, and more willing to take risks in pursuit of my passions. I realized that, in order to truly blossom into the person I wanted to be, I needed to surround myself with people who were as committed to their growth as I was to mine. The fear of being left behind, of feeling unsupported, is natural but it’s crucial to recognize that our growth often requires us to step outside of our comfort zones, even if that means leaving some people behind.

It’s easy to get stuck in the idea that the people who were with us at the beginning should remain with us forever. There’s a sense of loyalty, a comfort in familiarity, and a fear of change. But growth requires change, and that often involves reassessing who is still walking the same path as you. As I’ve grown in my personal life, my passions, and my creativity, I’ve come to understand that not everyone is going to be willing to do the work that’s required for growth. And that’s not a reflection of your worth or the value of the relationship it’s simply a sign that both of you are moving in different directions.

The people who remain in your life should encourage your development, challenge you, and support your passions, not hold you back. If you find yourself constantly outgrowing your circle, it’s okay to seek out new relationships and partnerships that align with your goals. Life is about progression, and as you become more willing to put in the effort and constantly grow, you will attract people who are on a similar trajectory. These people will inspire you to keep striving, keep learning, and keep evolving.

When you are truly dedicated to your growth whether that’s learning new skills, pursuing new passions, or finding creative ways to express yourself, you begin to see the world through a different lens. You stop settling for mediocrity and start chasing excellence. You start to embrace the discomfort that comes with stretching yourself beyond your limits. Through this process, you not only grow as a person but also as a multifaceted individual who can wear many different hats: creator, dreamer, doer, and achiever.

Sometimes, this journey means stepping away from those who no longer serve your higher purpose. People who don’t want to grow with you or who are too complacent in their own lives might become a distraction, even if they don’t mean to. It’s not about cutting people off out of spite, it’s about making room for the kind of relationships that nourish your growth. I’ve come to realize that my willingness to grow in every aspect of my life. My creativity, my passions, and my personal growth requires that I be around those who share a similar drive and determination.

I used to think that the people I started with would be the ones I’d always walk alongside. But I’ve learned that my journey is mine alone, and while I can share parts of it with others, I must continue to grow and evolve in my own way. Sometimes, that means letting go of relationships that no longer fit with my vision, and that’s okay. As I continue to cultivate my passions, build my creative work, and grow as an individual, I understand that I am not the same person I was at the beginning of this journey, and that’s something to be proud of.

Ultimately, being multifaceted means embracing change, not just in your craft, but in your relationships. You’re allowed to evolve and find new paths, new passions, and new people who align with the person you are becoming. Keep growing, keep doing the work, and don’t be afraid to outgrow the people who can’t or won’t keep up.

https://www.blackgirlinom.com/podcast-blog/2019/9/the-many-layers-of-black-womanhood-with-kenesha-sneed

https://www.cablackwomenscollective.org/

https://www.pinterest.com/rosamondibitoye/

Embracing My Multifaceted Identity: The Power of Failing Forward as a Black Woman

Being a Black woman is a beautiful, layered experience. From my upbringing to my creative passions, I find myself constantly navigating the space where multiple parts of my identity intersect. I’m multifaceted. I’m a daughter, a sister, a student, a writer, a creator, and so much more. Each of these roles shapes who I am, but it’s not always easy to live up to the expectations that come with them. There’s a pressure to be perfect in every aspect of life, to excel, to never fail, and to always carry the weight of our communities. What I’ve come to realize is that it’s okay to be imperfect and that failure, in all its forms, can be an essential stepping stone to success.

As a Black woman, I’ve often found myself in spaces where I am expected to prove my worth more than others. The world can be quick to judge, to label, and to dismiss us based on stereotypes or misconceptions. There’s a history of feeling overlooked or underestimated, and that burden can sometimes feel overwhelming. But instead of allowing those barriers to hold me back, I’ve learned that being multifaceted means allowing myself the freedom to fail and the courage to keep going despite those failures.

For a long time, I was afraid to make mistakes. I feared that one wrong step could tarnish everything I was working for. This fear of failure made me hesitate, second-guess, and often hold back from fully embracing my creative passions. I’ve come to realize that failure is an integral part of growth, especially in a world where nothing is handed to us easily. The most successful women I look up to, especially those who are Black, have all gone through failures but they didn’t let those failures define them. Instead, they used them as fuel to keep going, to refine their craft, and to expand their boundaries.

Take the example of many successful Black women in the creative industry: Viola Davis, Issa Rae, and Michaela Coel. Each of them has had moments of rejection, disappointment, and struggle. But they didn’t stop. They didn’t let their mistakes hold them back. Instead, they used their failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Viola Davis faced numerous rejections early in her career, but today she is a multiple award-winning actress. Issa Rae started with a YouTube series, Awkward Black Girl, that initially didn’t seem to lead anywhere. Now, she’s a creator, producer, and actress with a platform that celebrates authenticity. Michaela Coel’s show, I May Destroy You, came from a place of raw vulnerability and self-exploration, and while the journey was fraught with difficulty, it became a powerful, boundary-pushing series that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

These women are my role models because they refused to let failure stop them. They didn’t hide from their mistakes; they learned from them. They leaned into their passions despite the barriers they faced, and in doing so, they paved the way for the next generation of women like me. I look up to them not because they have never failed, but because they kept going even when it felt like the world was telling them no.

Being a multifaceted Black woman means showing up for all the different parts of myself, including the parts that make mistakes. It’s about embracing the fact that I am still growing, still learning, and still evolving. I won’t always get everything right the first time, but I will continue to pursue what I love, unapologetically, knowing that failure isn’t the end, it’s just a part of the journey.

So, to all the Black women out there who feel like they’re not getting it right, I want to remind you: Don’t give up. Your mistakes don’t define you. Your ability to keep moving forward despite them is what matters. Look to the women who came before us. The ones who failed and tried again, who used their setbacks as stepping stones to greatness. You are capable of achieving everything you dream of, and failure will only bring you closer to the person you’re meant to be.

https://insider.deadline.com/i-may-destroy-you/inside-the-mind-of-michaela-coel

Finding Inspiration in the Stories of Black Creatives

There’s a saying that your story doesn’t have to be typical to be meaningful. For a long time, I struggled with this idea, feeling like my journey wasn’t the “perfect” one that others might expect. But as I grew, I realized that the most powerful stories aren’t always the ones that follow a prescribed path, they’re the ones that are real, messy, and filled with faith.

My own story is not one that fits the traditional mold. There were times when my life felt like a mess, when I didn’t know where I was going, what I was doing, or who I was becoming. But through those struggles, I found something powerful: myself, and in finding myself, I found Jesus and my creativity blossomed.

I began to look to Black women in the creative industry who had paved their own ways, women like Quinta Brunson, Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and Viola Davis. Their stories spoke to me on a deep level because, like me, they didn’t have typical stories. They didn’t follow the traditional script of what success was “supposed” to look like and yet, each of them has made an incredible mark in the world of arts and entertainment.

Take Viola Davis, for example. She grew up in a small town, went to college in my home state of Rhode Island, and faced countless struggles along the way. Despite it all, she pushed through, and now she’s one of the most respected and celebrated actresses in the world. When I hear her story, I’m reminded that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll end up. It’s about perseverance, faith, and staying true to your purpose.

Then there’s Issa Rae, who started her career creating a web series, Awkward Black Girl, because she didn’t see stories that reflected her experience. And look at her now she’s created Insecure, one of the most groundbreaking TV shows of the last decade, all while staying authentic to herself. Her journey was unconventional, but it was authentic and that’s what made it resonate with so many of us.

Quinta Brunson’s story is another one that feels personal to me. From starting out on Vine to becoming a star with her own TV show, Abbott Elementary, she’s shown how perseverance, humor, and faith in your craft can take you to places you never imagined.

Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, has also been a beacon of inspiration. She built her career from the ground up, shattering the glass ceilings. She’s a woman who knew her worth and wasn’t afraid to claim her seat at the table, even when that table wasn’t made for her.

These women’s journeys weren’t easy. They faced rejection, doubt, and countless obstacles, but they trusted the process. Their stories show me that my own unconventional path doesn’t have to be a roadblock, it can be a launchpad and the same goes for anyone who feels like they’re off the beaten path. Success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.

As I continue to grow in my creative journey, I remind myself that nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself and lean on God. The passion I have for writing, creating, and storytelling comes from a deep well of inspiration, and I know that I’m not alone in this. Just as these women have created their own lanes, I’m learning to do the same, trusting that God is guiding me every step of the way.

Looking at the journeys of Black creatives who’ve come before me has taught me something invaluable: Your past, your struggles, and your mess don’t define you. What matters is your heart, your faith, and your willingness to tap into the creativity that God has given you. If they can do it, so can we. And with God’s guidance, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

As I look at the trailblazers like Viola, Issa, Quinta, and Shonda, I’m reminded that our stories are what make us unique. They may not fit into the typical narrative, but they are real, they are powerful, and they are worthy of being shared. I’ll continue to trust in God, believe in my own potential, and walk confidently in my creative journey, knowing that the best is yet to come and if they can make it, so can I and so can you.

https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/by-shonda/a46914009/shonda-rhimes-black-history-emmett-till-center/

https://www.essence.com/celebrity/quinta-brunson-bwih/

https://www.abff.com/miami/nice-crowd-names-issa-rae-creative-director-for-the-2024-american-black-film-festival/

https://www.nubianimpulse.com/post/issa-rae-is-pure-black-girl-magic?srsltid=AfmBOopXROryfxTU0vy4-fVjrmLL8f_T_bvaul0FCUN600V5iEs3mLQG

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/oct/10/i-can-change-the-way-black-women-are-seen-viola-davis-on-stereotypes-success-and-playing-a-warrior

Being Your Own Friend: Embracing Isolation, Creativity, and Faith

There was a time in my life when I felt completely alone isolated, unsure of where I was going, and disconnected from others. During that time, I turned to something that became a lifeline for me: YouTube videos and podcasts featuring young Black women who, just like me, loved being multifaceted and creative, and who trusted in God to guide them through the difficult seasons of life.

I remember watching these videos and listening to these women share their journeys, how they found strength in their faith during times of loneliness, how they pursued their passions even when the world around them didn’t always understand, and how they thrived creatively while embracing every side of themselves. They spoke about their struggles, but more importantly, they spoke about their victories. They taught me that being alone didn’t have to mean being stuck. In fact, it could be a time of deep growth, self-discovery, and connection with the God who sees me even when no one else does.

Listening to these women helped me realize that the isolation I felt wasn’t a sentence, it was a season. A season that I could make the most of, even when I didn’t feel like I had a single person around me to lean on. I started to embrace the time I had to myself, seeing it not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity. I leaned into God, trusting that He would reveal my purpose and help me grow in my creativity.

There’s something special about being in a season of isolation. When you’re alone, you’re forced to turn inward. You have the space and the quiet to reflect on who you are, what you want, and where God is leading you. For me, that’s where I truly started to discover my creativity. I began to write more, dream bigger, and explore new ideas without the pressure of others’ expectations. But I didn’t do it in silence. Through YouTube, podcasts, and books, I found community in the stories of women who had walked a similar path.

These women showed me that being alone didn’t mean being powerless. It didn’t mean I couldn’t do meaningful things or make progress on my goals. I began to use my time to get creative in new ways, whether that was through writing, making content, or just brainstorming ideas. I took comfort in knowing that I wasn’t truly alone, because I had God with me every step of the way. I trusted that He was leading me, guiding my steps, and giving me the strength to keep going.

What I learned most in this period of isolation is that you can be your own friend. You don’t have to wait for others to show up to start living your truth. You can be your own cheerleader, your own support system, and your own source of encouragement. As you learn to rely on God and trust His timing, you can create and grow, no matter how alone you may feel in the moment.

Even now, as I continue on my journey, I look back at the times I spent in isolation and see them as some of my most valuable moments. Those were the times when I grew the most in my faith and in my creativity. Those were the times when I learned to love my own company, to trust in my ideas, and to walk confidently in my identity.

So, if you’re going through a season of isolation, don’t be discouraged. Don’t feel like you’re falling behind. The time alone can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life. You have everything you need within you, and with God’s help, you can turn that alone time into a season of self-discovery, growth, and creativity.

Keep watching those inspiring YouTube videos. Keep listening to podcasts that encourage you. Keep relying on God. Use this time to build a relationship with yourself and your creative spirit. And remember: Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you’re not doing meaningful work. The seeds you plant now, in this season, will bloom in ways you never imagined.

You are never truly alone, especially when you lean into your faith and allow yourself the space to grow. Trust that God is working in you even during the quiet moments, and know that your creativity can flourish in isolation. Make the most of the time you have with yourself, and let it shape you into the person you were always meant to be.

https://youtu.be/hAcaToorna4?si=i1XjvKj5hn9Vvg1L

Staying True to Myself: Navigating College, Creativity, and Faith

College is a time when you’re expected to figure out who you are, what you stand for, and how to fit into a world that often pressures you to conform. For many, that means blending in, following the crowd, and embracing the latest trends. For for me, college became a journey of standing out of daring to be different in a world that wanted me to be the same.

From my hair to my outfits, to the way I approached my passions, I always felt like I was swimming upstream. I didn’t fit the mold that society, or even the college community, wanted to place me in. More importantly, I never wavered from my faith in Jesus, and that was my anchor through it all. It wasn’t always easy. In fact, there were times when it felt isolating, especially when people around me tried to convince me that I was doing it all wrong.

You see, there’s an unspoken pressure to fit in, to look like everyone else, think like everyone else, and be like everyone else. Society tells us that the most successful women are the ones who look a certain way, act a certain way, and don’t make waves. As a Black woman, I’ve often felt like I’m not just standing out, but standing apart in ways that others find uncomfortable or even threatening. My presence alone sometimes feels like a challenge to the status quo.

But I realized something: I wasn’t meant to blend in. I wasn’t meant to be another face in the crowd. From the way I express my faith to how I carry myself, everything about me says, “I am unapologetically me” and that has been both a gift and a challenge.

I loved creating, acting, and pursuing my passions in ways that didn’t always align with what my peers were doing. I would often find myself creating content that was authentic to who I am, sharing my faith in ways that didn’t shy away from my truth. And yes, there were times when I felt alone in that pursuit. I looked around and saw others embracing trends, fitting in with groups, and navigating college life in a way that felt safe, familiar, and normal. I knew deep down that staying true to myself, my creativity, my faith, and my identity was more important than fitting into someone else’s mold.

What’s hard about being different is that it can feel lonely. It’s easy to start questioning whether it’s worth it when everyone around you seems to be following the same script. I’ll be honest there were days when I wondered if I was making the right choice. Then I’d remember that God didn’t call me to fit in. He called me to be authentic, to use my gifts, and to shine in my own unique way. Through every struggle, I leaned on my faith to keep going.

There’s this misconception that to thrive in college or in life you have to fit into a box. Society loves women who conform, who look and act a certain way. Here’s the truth: You can thrive without fitting in. You can thrive by staying true to who you are and trusting that God has placed you exactly where you’re meant to be. The journey might be tough at times, and you may face isolation, but you’ll always be stronger for staying true to your identity.

To anyone who feels like they don’t fit in, who feels like their passions or their faith make them different, don’t give up. You are exactly where you’re meant to be. Even though it’s hard to stand out in a world that loves conformity, you can still thrive. Your voice, your passions, your creativity, and your faith are needed in this world. Don’t be afraid to shine in your own beautiful, bold, and unique way.

Navigating college while staying true to yourself can feel like a battle at times, but it’s one worth fighting. Embrace your uniqueness, hold tight to your faith, and never apologize for being authentically you. No matter how much the world may try to box you in, you were made to break free.

https://upspokenwomen.com/2019/09/24/a-black-womans-guide-to-self-love/

https://herbertlui.net/how-to-find-your-passion-with-objects/

https://www.tonyrobbins.com/personal-growth/how-to-find-passion?srsltid=AfmBOop20ogt4DH1oxpkjULNE6LxTpjGpJHmMYbqaJZYrjEBv2gTVolF

Embracing My Multifaceted Self: Breaking Free from the Box

As a Black woman, a Christian, a college student, and someone with a passion for creativity, I often find myself pulled in many directions. Sometimes, it feels like society wants me and people like me, to fit into neat little boxes. You’re either this or that, right? Here’s the truth: I am all of those things, and more. I refuse to believe I have to choose just one.

Being a young Black woman in college means navigating a world that often expects me to define myself by a single label. I’m supposed to be one thing, stay in my lane, and follow a prescribed path. Whether it’s my faith, my studies, or my creative interests, society seems to think I can’t have it all. I know better, and I’m here to say: You don’t have to choose.

I love writing scripts, acting, creating content, and exploring all things creative. I also love Jesus, and my faith is central to who I am. I’m passionate about public relations, and I have goals in that space too. These aren’t conflicting parts of me; they’re all aspects of who I am. And none of them are less valid than the others. The idea that we have to fit into one category whether it’s as a student, a Christian, or a creative is a myth. You don’t have to limit yourself. You can be multifaceted, complex, and true to who you are, without fear of judgment or rejection.

It’s easy to feel like we’re not enough when the world only allows us to be one thing. How many times have I been told, “You can’t do everything”? Or “Pick one thing and focus on it”? But that’s not the truth. We can have multiple passions and dreams. We don’t have to let others define us or put us into boxes just to make things easier for them.

I want to challenge you to live in the fullness of who you are, no matter what that looks like. Embrace your creativity. Embrace your faith. Embrace every part of yourself, even if it doesn’t always make sense to others. The world will try to tell you that you need to be “this” or “that,” but the reality is, you are allowed to be everything that you are.

I know it’s hard. It can feel isolating when you’re the only one who doesn’t fit neatly into a box. But we don’t have to be alone in this. By speaking our truths and sharing our experiences, we can build a community of people who are unapologetically multifaceted. No one should ever feel like they have to hide parts of themselves to be accepted. You are enough just as you are.

So, let’s break free from the boxes that try to limit us. Let’s embrace our full, authentic selves and let’s speak our truths, no matter how complex they may be.

I hope this post encourages you to take up space, to be bold in your uniqueness, and to know that your multifaceted identity is beautiful and worthy of celebration. No matter how many interests or passions you have, you’re allowed to explore them all. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you have to choose.

Speak your truth. Be multifaceted. You are not meant to fit into one box.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14687941231206739

https://www.aaihs.org/black-womens-histories-and-the-power-of-truth-telling/

https://www.fiercebychoice.com/blog/break-free-from-who-you-should-be

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