For as long as I can remember, my mother has been my biggest cheerleader. She always encourages me to do my best and reminds me that I can do whatever I aspire to do. So when she tells me I write well, I am encouraged to keep at it. But today, I had a “Sidney Shaw” moment and asked myself, “can I write at that level?”
I gave myself an aggressive writing goal for this weekend, but at 8:05 pm EST, I’d only completed one of them. I spent the majority of the day procrastinating. I have no idea how many videos I watched on Facebook. Most of which were expressions of discontent for Derrick Jaxn—but I digress. It wasn’t until I had a short conversation with my dad that I realized the source of time-wasting behavior.
I’ve recently been blessed with an opportunity to work on a project with an artist. He asked me to write a short story to accompany his illustrations. I am truly honored and humbled by this ask; however, I realize writing a short story is not the same as writing an article or a blog post. So—I honestly asked myself if I can write at that level.
Although I asked myself that question, I didn’t stay in the mindset for long. I decided to tell myself I won’t know until I try. But more importantly, if someone on the outside looking in views me as capable, so should I—if not more.
So, I made another decision to be as bold as this big hair, Leopard print sweater, and red pants ensemble I put together. The fact of the matter is, my mother is right. I can do whatever I aspire to do. Furthermore, I have the desire and passion to write for a reason, and I’m not going to let anything stop me from bringing it to full fruition. And I hope this inspires you to do the same with whatever you’re wrestling with too.
Until the next time be you—and more important—love you.
Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.
-B.B. 💋
Attribution: “Brown Sugar” Searchlight Pictures (2002)
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Screenplay: Rick Famuyiwa, Michael Elliot
