I LOVE Taraji P. Henson so much, man. Not only is she crazy talented, but she seems like such a fun and cool person, and has done so much in her career. I already know so much more success is going to be coming her way!
On a recent episode of The View, Taraji was asked if she ever dreamed that she would make it as far as she has. She boldly answered, “I did dream it!” and went on to say that, in all of your dreams, you have to dream big and fearlessly, seeing a greater vision for your life in the long run.
That’s not to say that it doesn’t come without hard work, though, and Taraji has most definitely put her time in. But she did it all, knowing that so much more was ahead for her. That’s how we have to dream, y’all. I now refuse to put any limitations on where I can be, or what I can do. I dream big, because I believe in myself, my gifts, and my destiny. How about you?
“I will do this…no matter what it takes
‘Cause I know no limitations
And I’ll reach my destination…I will get there.”
— Boyz II Men (“I Will Get There”)
This throwback from Boyz II Men is probably one of my top five songs by them! “I Will Get There” was featured on the soundtrack The Prince of Egypt, one of my favorite childhood movies, and it’s a really moving track that I wish more people knew of. So I’m sharing it today!
The song is all about first being lost in the dark, wandering around to find your life’s destination. It’s painful and depressing, to be honest, but this track inspires faith that we will all make it through whatever pain we’re going through. It could be with our family, our friendship, our jobs, our finances, and so many other things. However, I know I’m optimistic that I will get to a better place in my life, and optimistic for you all too! I hope this song uplifts you today.
Watch the official video below (it’s a little old and grainy, but it serves the purpose!).
Say whatever you want about Sean “Diddy” Combs, but that’s a hard working man! With an estimated net worth of $820 million, the man’s worked to create some of the biggest songs and names in music, through finding his own. He’s made a name for himself not only in music, but also fashion, acting, food and drink, among other ventures. So Diddy’s definitely somebody who’s a great inspiration!
A guy I follow on Twitter shared Diddy’s inspirational video below, simply saying, “LET’S GO!” It’s a phrase that the mogul is known for saying, moving people to push past the distractions and procrastination, and take that work up another notch. “Let’s understand what it’s going to take to achieve that dream…LET’S GO!” Diddy says in the video.
It’s a simple message, but now and then I need a fire lit under my butt! Hope it pushes y’all to get moving towards your goals too.
Watch Diddy go in below!
“Let’s Go! Make sure you’re pursuing your dream and staying focused.” – Diddy pic.twitter.com/uNz4BTGHoe
Words of wisdom that I’m sharing with you all today come from the amazing and talented Salma Hayek!
In an interview a few years back with Bystander Revolution, the actress dropped some serious gems, one of which I’m glad to have learned at a young age. Salma strongly advised us all to own our mistakes in life. Mistakes, after all, are how we learn and improve in our personal and professional lives!
Check out Salma’s advice below!
I’ve made A LOT of mistakes of my own over my short time on this earth. Some when it came to school. Some when it came to my writing career. A good bit in my personal life, too. We all do. We all mess up. We all miss the mark. We all are imperfect. And it’s okay…as long as you’re working to correct your mess ups.
For myself, some of my many struggles over the years included procrastination, grudges, and attitude problems—each of which led to a good deal of issues. With these struggles, I made a lot of mistakes in my work and relationships, and had to learn the hard way in order to improve. If I hadn’t have made some of the mistakes I did along my path, finally owned up to them, and worked to do better the next time, I would’ve continued to excuse bad behavior, inconsistent work, and terrible discipline. So I’m glad that I made the mistakes I did, and actually learned from them.
So own up to your faults, your screw ups, your mistakes in life. Like I said, we’re all imperfect. We can only strive to be better each day, learning and growing from each fault as time goes on.
These Words of Wisdom from performance artist Lindsey Stirling are no small thing. I share this video today specifically for those who keep getting hit with rejection and negativity, or feel overlooked in spite of their gift.
Lindsey knows that tune all too well. After taking her own gift and passion for dancing while playing the violin to America’s Got Talent in 2010, she wasn’t appreciated by the judges at first. In fact, Piers Morgan (a former judge on the show) said she sounded like rats being strangled! The nerve! I’m sure she’s heard some jacked up stuff before regarding her talent too.
After those mean comments, it took a lot for Lindsey to get to the stage, but she got there. “I had to pick myself up, and I think anybody that succeeds has had to do that. Not just once, but multiple, multiple times,” Lindsey shared. And now this girl has a thriving YouTube channel with millions of dedicated viewers, has toured all over the world with her unique gift, has her own documentary, and is on Dancing with the Stars this season!
Watch her encouraging words below…
Me personally, I go through periods of self-doubt after multiple rejections or no responses regarding new opportunities and pitches. Had a moment yesterday, matter of fact. We all do. A lot of us have heard negative comments about what we want to do, having to face doubters who don’t get our vision (side note: it’s not their job to). Yet and still, enough negative feedback can hurt, and make you doubt what it is you want to do.
We all have those moments where we fall down, or where we want to quit and settle for something less than we deserve. I GET IT. It’s okay to doubt yourself for a little bit. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to wallow for a minute (trust, I had the ugliest cry in my car yesterday…I’m not judging). What’s not okay is to give up. Give yourself a minute to hurt a little bit, but then settle your nerves, stand on up and press on anyway!
Imperfectly B 