Regina King Offers The Secret To Gaining True Power & Success
Nowadays, everyone wants to be a boss. From social media influencers to the women side-hustling just to make ends meet, there are so many different definitions of what being a “boss" really means. But when you take a closer look at the most successful, most impactful businesswomen of today, there is one factor that they all have in common: the ability to empower others.
Whether it's through their words, their actions, or their ability to use their platforms in order to help others find hope for a better future, empowering others has played a pivotal role in any boss babe's success story.
Variety recently held its annual Power of Women event in Beverly Hills to honor women who inspire and influence change through their work in their careers and in the community. As one of five honorees at this year's luncheon, Emmy winner Regina King took the time to highlight the idea that there is no such thing as power without the ability to empower others. The 47-year-old told the crowd:
"You can't feel and understand real power unless you feel and understand what it means to empower… Civility, respect, the ability to make a difference in someone's life by supporting or lifting them up, are qualities I don't take lightly."
And for every success story, there are tales of someone else inspiring them to run toward their dreams in pursuit of greatness. The Seven Seconds star says that she wouldn't be where she is today without the tribe around her--including her mother--encouraging her to dream big. She told the audience:
"I wouldn't be standing here right now if I didn't have a mother who encouraged me and my sister to dream beyond the sky."
Regina isn't all talk and no action. The actress currently works with the "I Have A Dream" Foundation - Los Angeles, whose mission is to provide children and youth in underserved communities long-term support and financial resources. This allows them to understand the value of higher education and, in turn, pushes them to reach their full potential.
In a world where it's almost impossible to avoid the constant onslaught of negative news and salacious headlines, empowering news stories are few and far between. However, over the last year, we have seen an insurgence of women sharing their experiences and supporting one another. Women are using their voices and banding together in an "all-inclusive sisterhood" that the world really hasn't seen before. For Regina, this movement is another example of power. She says:
"There is an all-inclusive sisterhood that's happening right now. Women are supporting, loving, and protecting each other outwardly on a grand scale… It's a beautiful thing, and it makes my heart smile. And that is powerful."
In an intimate, behind-the-scenes video of her cover shoot with the magazine, Regina also reminds us that we are individually created to fulfill our own personal destinies. Our paths are intended to be unique, and when we try to compare ourselves to others, we rob ourselves of the chance to be our true, authentic selves.
She told Varietythat we shouldn't try to "outbloom the other flower" and, instead, we should focus on how awesome we already are.
"Don't compare yourself to the person next to you. A flower just blooms, it doesn't try to outbloom the other flower… I think we get so consumed with what someone likes about another, instead of just kind of focusing on, 'You're pretty fantastic in your own skin.' The world needs to see your fantasticness."
When we take the time to evaluate and understand our own personalized skill set, we can then move towards using these skills to improve our own lives. As we hone in on our gifts and talents, we can start the process of empowering others simply by being ourselves. As we become more of what we wish to see in the world, others will inevitably take notice. You never know who is watching and who you might be inspiring, so why not make it really good?
The Hollywood Reporter
I encourage us all to stop and think: how can we become more encouraging to those around us? How can we use our own "fantasticness" to help uplift and empower others?
To read Regina's feature story with Variety, click here.
Featured image by DFree / Shutterstock.com
Michelle Schmitz is a writer and editor based in Washington, DC originally from Ft Lauderdale, FL. A self-described ambivert, you can find her figuring out ways to read more than her monthly limit of The New York Times, attending concerts, and being a badass, multi-tasking supermom. She also runs her own blog MichelleSasha.com. Keep up with her latest moves on IG: @michellesashawrites and Twitter: @michellesashas
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
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Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
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The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
Photo Courtesy
The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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