Dear Africana Woman,
How are you? I have so much to be grateful for. The AWV Community is really growing into a lovely bouquet of amazing women. One of the members just told me the best story of how she found Africana Woman. Apparently, she was at a salon, and another lady was listening to the podcast. She couldn’t help but eavesdrop until she had to ask what the lady was listening to. Then she was introduced to the podcast. She went on to join the community and the Book Club. Now we are taking about how to collaborate. How amazing is that?
This is why I say don’t be stingy. Share this with your friends, your sisters, your mother, your nieces, your workmates … even your hairdresser lol. There is really something for everyone. My favourite part is seeing the diversity not only in ethnicity but multiple generations, locations and professions. There is something so special about interacting in diverse spaces because it expands your mind. If you only ever talk to the people that you have always known, your knowledge will stay the same. But when you interact with different kinds of people never mind that they are in different industries, you will learn new things that you can adapt in your own life. Really innovation and creation are born from inspiration. Inspiration doesn’t happen from the same old same old environment. Stretch yourself. You will be delightfully surprised.
There is something I like to talk about which is Make Yourself the Hero of Your Story and not the victim. I say this because we are always telling ourselves stories. And guess what you are always right. Whether you tell a good story or a bad story you will always be right. Take for example me. If you have seen a picture or video of me, you may not notice that I have bad acne on my face. When puberty hit my face became as rough as sand paper. The adults around me panicked and tried to ‘FIX’ me with creams, soaps, and anything you can imagine under the sun. The story I told myself is that I am ugly and I am not meant to be seen in public. Worse still I was told that is was puberty and it was a passing phase. Babe pass what, phase what? The Rocky Mountains are a mainstay on my face. There I was as an adult hiding myself, not wanting to be seen and yet my mouth couldn’t stop itself from being heard. I made myself small almost wishing to be invisible because I was ugly.
Only recently after working with a coach, did I have to come face to face with the story I had told myself. At the time my coach insisted that I go live on social media. Which meant showing my acne ridden face on video. Oh lawd the pressure. I’m pretty sure the first one I did I deleted. But I did it. I did it once. I did it twice. Now I have done it a thousand times. You see the story I told myself was that because I had acne I was ugly and therefore was not worthy of being on any stage or camera. I even went on to say, that no one would want to listen to me if they saw me. RIDICULOUS right? I changed the story to say my worth is not determined by what is on the outside. But I add value to the world because of what is on the inside. I have something important to say that someone needs to hear and if I don’t say it I am robbing the world of a gift. That’s why I do videos and lives all the time, sometimes even without makeup lol sacrilege. I mean if Alicia Keys and Kerri Washington can be mega stars with acne, then so can I. Bless makeup for when you do need it.
You laugh at my little example. But I want you to think about you for a second. What is the story you have told yourself? Remember, whether it is a good one or a bad one it is true. So you might as well rewrite it and make it an amazingly good one. For me the story was the difference between continuing to sit in self-pity doing nothing or creating Africana Woman and reimagining networking for women, connecting them and celebrating African Women as loud as possible.
You get to choose. You are the author of your life.
Alright Beautiful, I must go now. Oh but I must tell you that on the podcast this week is my favourite episode out of all the 84 episodes. It is a conversation with Meryanne Loum-Martin, a creative genius and the only black female hotelier in Marrakesh, Morocco. Listen to it here, it is a very special story. I told her that the vision for Africana Woman is to have destination retreats in different African countries and we will definitely be going to Jnane Tamsna one day. In the meantime, we are taking baby steps and starting with our first AWV Retreat, right here in Siavonga, Zambia. Click here to find out more.
If this is your first time here, welcome love, this is a very special sisterhood. I recommend you hold on tight to it. To you my dear reader who is ever faithful thank you. Remember to be like the lady in the salon, share this with someone. Africana Woman is a blog, podcast and community. Take time to check them out. I am found on Instagram @ChulubyDesign. Always love yourself, flaws n all, and attract the life that you truly desire. #30DaysWriting
Love ya
Chulu