Being who I am is service.

"It took all of these lifetimes to understand that being who I am is service." - Maryam Hasnaa

A word. I have written often about the importance of being yourself. Being true to you, the gifts that God gave YOU, and seeing those things to fruition is paramount. That's the root of destiny and purpose. Trusting in who YOU are. That in itself is a journey. There are so many things vying for our attention and social media can often inflame our insecurities because we dance on the line between admiration and comparison.I love that quote from Maryam because it reminds me of an important realization that I had. I used to try and tailor myself. I used to think things like, "I just need to scale it back some." "I feel like I was too loud in that moment." "I wish I would have said that in a different way." "People probably think I'm dumb as hell." This is why, to this day, I identify with the Cowardly Lion from The Wiz. I know myself to be bold and brave and big and confident, and I walk in that. And sometimes, I second-guess everything and feel like I was just putting on, pretending to be brave and fearless. When you're feeling like this, I suggest you listen to "Be a Lion" from The Wiz soundtrack. Because. See, being introspective can be a gift or curse. Because thinking back on things turns into analyzing, which can spiral into a pity party or an "Everything is shit and I'm a clown" thought fest. And it dawned on me. Trying to be anything other than myself, as beautiful and messy and bright and magical as I am, is doing a disservice to the world. The world needs me. And being myself is a gift to myself, and to everyone I encounter. It took lots of prayer and boldness and support and tears to come to that place, but I'm grateful that my eyes have been opened. And part of my mission is to spread that truth to everyone.But let's talk about the impostor syndrome. It's a thing! The Harvard Business Review defines this as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. That part! Despite evident success - despite the fact that you know you are talented, called, capable and ready! And even after conventional success - people following and supporting your brand, buying your product, you getting that job or gig - you can still feel like a fraud. And again, the fears and insecurities that you had to push past to take the leap of faith in the first place, can seep right back on in like that water on the Titanic. But it's up to you, to always come back to the truth of who you are and who you are meant to be.Feeling like you aren't the "real deal" is a lie. It's a fear tactic. It's a dangerous "what-if" notion that can keep you from unleashing your highest potential. Living in your purpose is one big trust fall. You literally have to lend yourself to the Universe and trust that you won't fall or fail. And even if you do fall, you must trust that there's purpose even in that, and that you will always be exactly where you're supposed to be. It's trusting in your abilities, your vision, your skills, your support system, and God's timing. I was watching Toy Story the other day, and didn't Woody and Buzz get me all the way together?! Remember when they lit the rocket, trying to catch back up to the moving truck? The rocket exploded, and hurled them into the air, right? Stay with me, I'm going to bless you! Woody got scared, and Buzz let out his wings, and they plummeted. And right when Woody thought it was over (SHONDO!), they started flying! That's what it's about. See, my guy Buzz TRUSTED in his purpose! Y'all don't want this Pixar word though!*dabs sweat from my upper lip like Nippy did after singing* The doors of the church are open! But really, y'all. There is a certain audacity required to believe that there is a seat at the table for you. It's easy to forfeit your seat, but please know your presence is both NEEDED and MISSED when you don't show up. The greatest thing that you can do for yourself, and for the world, is be YOU. Bishop Seuss said it this way:

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

So what shall we say then, about the real impostors? Chrish and I had a whole podcast episode (Listen here) dedicated to this topic. And I'm talking about the internal bites like self-doubt and self-sabotage AND the actual biters. What happens when you do take that leap of faith and put your art out there and all of a sudden you see a bunch of posts that look eerily similar to your movement?!

I've definitely found myself in this space. And what I have learned is necessary, is checking my ego. My purpose is connecting people, spreading love and light and freedom to be yourself, by being myself. And I intend to do that in a million ways, using my voice. I read an article on Buzzfeed that said, "Some brains are just wired to create, invent, explore, and innovate." That's the whole energy of the community known as creatives. Of course this includes any art form, but also any aspect connected to serving people. I know that my assignment on earth is directly connected to people. So, I can't feel a way when people are influenced by my work. After all, isn't that what I want? Once again, that's literally what social media is about - sharing. We all have screenshot or shared or retweeted or reposted someone else's original thought. Sometimes it's hard to even trace who said what first. But the need for recognition is definitely an ego issue. And I don't want to come directly at your neck, so I'll testify and address myself. I can't say that I want to be used by God and that I want Him to get the glory out of my life and the work that I do, and then be outraged when I don't get the credit or feel haughty when someone is inspired by what I'm doing.Now hear me, if someone is literally stealing your copyrighted idea and plagiarizing your content, that is absolutely a problem and I'd advise you to collect your receipts and meet the culprit on Judge Mathis. But my point is, an often understated part of being a creative is making peace with the pressures of being an influencer. There will be vultures. There will be appropriation. But I'm meant to influence people. I am a visionary, a catalyst, a movement, I create culture, I contribute to the trends, I'm innovative, I pave the way. And I also stand on the shoulders of giants who did the work before me. So when I see my influence in the world, I choose to be grateful that I am in fact living out my purpose. I'm happy to inspire the gleaners, the biters, the disguised haters and the peasants. People are GOING to want to be like me. And again, I recognize I have been trusted with a light that people are drawn to.