![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![What You Do Isn’t Who You Are](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTA0NTg0NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTczMzM3Nzg4N30.Du8hHrXAFJbxEep8dYWjKJ0CvzMUmd3sdkZLvyMN4E0/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C60%2C0%2C60)
What You Do Isn’t Who You Are
When talking about purpose/passion or succeeding in life with friends, or even to yourself, do you ever think, Why them and not me? or When is it my time?
Now don't get me wrong, I too had these same struggle questions and after a while, they fizzled out until I saw or heard someone else leveling up and the questions come back. Each year, I found myself having the same talk with my girlfriends, and each year we said, "THIS IS OUR YEAR!"
Yet, halfway into the year, nothing has been accomplished and there goes December and you are left questioning yourself again before the fastly approaching New Year with the same pep talk. It yields the same outcome as the years prior, getting yourself pumped up to take on new challenges and face fears, only to fall flat again and be defeated by your own fear.
It was nearing the end of 2016 and a week before Thanksgiving. I went back and forth in my head of whether I should pursue writing or not. I knew I was good but was I that good? Then I remembered something that stuck with me, a quote from Jay-Z:
"I believe everybody in the world is born with genius-level talent. Apply yourself to whatever you're genius at and you can do anything in the world."
I knew I wanted to tell stories, make people feel good, laugh, cry, escape reality, hell even think about their reality or whatever. I knew I had a voice that was worth listening to. I was attending a networking event and someone asked me the infamous question, "What do you do?" I paused for a second and replied, "I'm an X-ray Technologist, however 'Who I Am' is a writer."
They looked at me, stood for a moment, and smiled. I smiled too. At that moment, I proclaimed myself as writer.
I defined Who I Am. I knew it. I felt it. I stepped one foot into my purpose just by saying it aloud.
I learned something that night. I learned that I was the magic.
So when it comes to shifting the perception of how you view yourself, you may be wondering, "How Sway?"
I don't have all the answers, however I do have some helpful tips on where to begin:
- Start by asking yourself, "Does my current job/career define me?" Follow that with the question, "Who am I?" It's a deep question but needed to really find your magic.
- Just DO IT. YES, like NIKE. Stop making excuses just to end up asking yourself the same questions again.
- Forget failure. Because if you're not already who you are, finding out will not hurt you.
- Be consistent. Do so with everything you do, and don't half ass it.
- Choose your friends wisely. Your vibe attracts your tribe. You need folks on the same wave as you to keep you grounded.
- Reflect on your influence. Even a small amount of influence can be impactful.
- Your character should precede your reputation. When you do for others and not just self, the blessings come.
- Trust the universe. What you put out comes back to you.
What you do isn't who you are until they both align with your purpose, passion, heart, and soul. You're essentially just going through the motions and not living the life you were meant to live. Until you decide who you are is what you don't do, and vice versa, you will always ask, "When is it my time?"
Instead, it's about fully committing to the role you play in your life, tapping into that genius-level talent, and leveling up. Since I've made that decision, the conversations I engage in have shifted from "They must know someone" to "I am that someone."
My favorite line to say is, "No one can stop you from being great but you!"
I have the magic. Just like you.
You hear of these success stories, or people say it took me "xyz" number of years to "make it." It took that amount of years to realize who you are and now you know to be great.
Do what you love, create your own lane, and don't just exist but LIVE in that mutha.
Related Stories:
When You Feel Like You've Accomplished Nothing In Your Life – Read More
My Disability Doesn't Define Me: Issa Rae's Executive Assistant Candis Welch – Read More
Start Celebrating Your Small Wins – Read More
10 Self-Affirmations To Start Your Day On The Right Note – Read More
Featured image by Getty Images.
- Your Job Doesn't Define You — Frank Sonnenberg Online ›
- How to Make Sure Your Work Does Not Define You | Inc.com ›
- 5 Reasons Why Your Career Does Not Define Your Identity | The ... ›
- 'What You Do for a Living Doesn't Define You!' - The Atlantic ›
- It's actually a good thing if your job doesn't define you - HelloGiggles ›
- Your Job Doesn't Define You. Here's How to Discover What Does ›
- Your Job Doesn't Define You ›
- 5 Reasons Why Your Work Doesn't Define You - GenTwenty ›
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images