Happy Women’s Day!

Unlike the emails you receive at work, we truly hope this article finds you well.  We want to inspire and motivate you to go out into uncharted territory, for you to be imaginative, and for you to begin fine tuning the direction of your life – if you’re feeling stuck and are not where you want to be.  There’s something to be said for contentment and the idea that we should not always be striving and pursuing, and I personally agree that we should not be killing ourselves to accomplish any-and-everything.  And – at the same time, if you’re not happy with where you are, you have the God given right to embark upon your personal pursuit of happiness.    

The conundrum 

I’m sure you’ve seen some of the not so startling statistics about Black women in the workplace. As of January of 2022, the unemployment rate for Black women was 1.8 times their white counterparts and was the highest among men and women of any ethnicity.  Additionally, employment rates for Black women have recovered the least among major race and ethnic groups, and there were 2.6% fewer Black women employed in January 2022 than January of 2020.   Black women ranked last in workplace sponsorship, allyship, and psychological safety.  A 2022 Women In the Workplace Report by McKinsey and Lean In found that Black women know that corporate America is not designed to champion our success. This report also stated that Black women ranked dead last when it comes to having their manager’s support and expressing interest in their career, being concerned about their well-being, and promoting inclusion.  All of these significant barriers in the workplace have Black women re-evaluating their goals and have undoubtedly contributed to them being the fastest growing demographic group of entrepreneurs.  Between 2014-2019, businesses owned by Black women grew 50% and accounted for 42% of all females who opened business during that same time.  

Do…it afraid

It takes courage to do something different.  I moved to Boston in October of 2006.  I was single and didn’t even know one person.  All I knew is that I wanted a new life in a new city that had somehow stolen my heart a few years earlier while on a quick visit.  In order to pump myself up for the big move, I carried a little devotional book in my purse called “Do it….Afraid.”  I was afraid and excited.  To be honest, I was beyond afraid – I was absolutely terrified.  I was afraid of everything about that move.  The cost of living and whether my salary would be enough, what I’d do if something happened and I needed help, but had no one to call, or how I’d build relationships as a natural introvert.  Every-Single-Thing-About that move was scary, but yes – I did it afraid.  Here I am 17 years later….still living in Boston and am so glad I did.  I made the move and am better for it.  I developed a stronger sense of self, pursued and achieved some of my life goals, and met the love of my life.  This is not to say that there were not any challenges –  but with God’s help, I’ve been able to meet and overcome each one.  

Getting out of your own way means getting out of your own head 

It’s estimated that 80% of our thoughts are negative.  We are receiving a lot of negative information throughout the day, while also having a lot of negative experiences.  A whopping 95% of our thoughts are repetitive – so we spend a great deal of time ruminating. We have to work really hard to get a hold of negative thought patterns and belief systems, some of which are so deeply embedded that we don’t even know they exist or why. 

You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Beyonce once said people are scared to try new things because they don’t want to look stupid.  This really hit home because as much as we don’t want to admit it, we care a lot about what people think about us – think Facebook and Instagram likes.  While you may not feel like you’re addicted to likes, you wouldn’t want there to be a dislike button on either platform – like how are you going to dislike someone’s vacation photos?  At least now, all of us can keep it moving if we don’t like something as it takes more of an investment of time to write your disapproval.  You might look crazy at first.  You might feel strange doing it.  You will probably feel like a baby trying to walk for the first time.  Unsteady.  Unsure.  People might even be questioning your competence, your skill, and doubting that you’ll be successful.  Despite all of that, do it….afraid.

5 books to keep you inspired

If you’re looking for books to spark your creativity and provide inspiration, here’s a short list of books I’d recommend.  Shop your local, independent bookstore using Bookshop or try Audible.

Everyday Magic by Mattie James

Called to Create by Jordan Raynor

How I Built This by Guy Raz

Bamboozled by Jesus by Yvonne Orji

The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin

The Urgent Life by Bozoma Saint John

We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers