Today, I am thrilled to share with you about a piece of the incredible journey of growth, knowledge, and experiences that led me to my first LEGIT public speaking moment! *fan girl squeals*

The first needs a bit of special recognition because well, it’s the first! Also, because of the story behind it. 

Despite my debut of my blog in January 2023 and this new venture, I was also going through some personal stuff. If you have been watching any of my YouTube videos (if not, there is still time 😏 - Subscribe here) I have been pretty open about how I am having to practice what I preach yet again. Thankfully, believing in leading with vulnerability and transparency, I have shared the values of transformation in my story of miscalculating my energy, mistakes with previous business ventures, and having to study ‘the lessons’ again. It has helped immensely in my mission to normalize mental health and advocate for therapy as I have navigated grief of relationships, versions of myself tied to fear and distrust of my own capabilities, and in turn, dealt with the repercussions of being SUPER stressed by getting sick.

Ever since I made the changes to my life, focused on my (gut) health and stress management, sickness has been MIA (not including COVID). Thankfully, my recovery program secured some space from regressing into the ‘all or nothing’ mindset that comes back with a vengeance when our bodies are tired and mental exhaustion makes intrusive thoughts an Amazon Prime item. 

As great as my support system is for being there to listen and share the weight of my struggle, I knew the only voice I responded to was my own. I had to use my resources and knowledge to stand up to those flighty, two-faced fear-mongering thoughts by challenging them with my own intention and intrinsic motivation.  I flooded my mind with the voices and encouragement of those where I wanted to be. I listened to this Spotify playlist and still do every morning as I get ready. One thing really hit home: “The further that God pulls you back, the further you will fly into what is next for you.” The setbacks are what set us up for ascension. 

I also had to SEE my own thoughts so I could keep tabs on the tone. I started journaling about how I felt this new venture of creative entrepreneurship was intimidating and my imposter syndrome pushed itself back into my mind, anxiety peaked as I felt I was running out of time, and I started considering a W-2 form again. For an entrepreneur spirit, that is quite the low.

Then one day as I was mindlessly scrolling and distracted by social media, I see a Facebook post from a random Fb connection, asking his followers for good vibes and prayers for a special meeting to go well. I’m all about sending out good vibes so I 👍, said a little prayer, and kept it moving. Little did I know what I was about to receive as a lesson of letting imposter syndrome live rent-free in my mind, a true test of my faith in a higher power.

This random FB encounter turned out to be the catalyst for a whole vision. Mr. Elton Benjamin, creative director and visionary for CreativeVerse2023, reached out to me via FB messenger and asked whether I would be interested in speaking about mental health and entrepreneurship at this conference he was putting on. Turns out that the post that I liked was for the meeting to secure the keynote speaker of this conference, the very skilled and successful mentor for creative entrepreneurs, Chris Do. Long story short, when you ask for new people who can teach you things and give you the recipe for success, and friends smarter than you, the powers at be are listening and will deliver. You just have to show up for the challenge.