That Girl!

Hello!

This week, ya girl needed a lil reminder. A reminder of the woman God shaped me to be. It’s so easy to lose sight of who we are when life throws challenges our way or when people try to define us based on what little they know.

A childhood friend of mine recently spoke words of encouragement that pulled me out of a slump. It wasn't that I didn't think I could do it. It was just that I had this voice telling me that I was wasting my time by pursuing it. As if all the work wasn't going to lead to success. A lie! And it made me realize how important it is to keep our focus on who we truly are.

Many times, the self-doubt comes from hearing others who question our moves. There was a speaker I once heard who said, "Never let people tell you who you are." And for years, especially as a teacher, I allowed others in the profession to tell me who I was and critique every little thing I did with little to no positive feedback. I'm woman enough to admit that I almost allowed it break me. But one day, that quote came back to mind and it lit something within me. How could someone who’s only known me for a short amount of time and only in one capacity dare to define me? I know who I am, and even when things get difficult, I refuse to let them cause me to forget it. Not to mention, numbers don't lie. And my student data showed that I was killing it as a teacher. Bloop!

So, let me encourage you to do as I did (or do) and remember who you are at your core. Take a moment to reconnect with the things you love. Pursue that new thing that’s been lingering in your mind. Step out and get it! And if you need a reminder, just recall the words of our queen, Angela Bassett, in Black Panther and, "Show them who you are!"

You’ve got this, friend. Now go out there and make it happen!

Ingrid