This Black History Month, I’m sharing art, songs, movies, and other creative expressions from and about Black women that spark joy for me. Because Black women are often not remembered for their contributions, I thought this would be one way to give flowers to those who inspire me.
For Day 13, I’m sharing this TED Talk from Luvvie Ajayi Jones about the power of being brave enough to do the things that scare us, but we feel called to do.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones is the author of four New York Times best-selling books, and fellow Capricorn seems comfortable speaking truth to power. She’s done a lot during her career, and her current work focuses on coaching and mentoring other entrepreneurs to help them become successful.
In her TED Talk, Luvvie talks about how scared she was of becoming a full-time author instead of working for someone else. When she turned 30, she decided to do the things she was most scared to do. Luvvie talks about how overcoming fear can be like the first domino falling that leads to system change, like Tarana Burke, who started the #MeToo movement.
Luvvie shares that being the first domino is often about being who you are in your purest, most authentic form. This last point resonates deeply with me. I often feel scared about being seen fully. Growing up, there were negative consequences when I was my authentic self - I was too loud, too much, too everything.
I’m realizing now that my greatest power will be unleashed if I’m brave enough to be my fully authentic self. This feels absolutely terrifying. Luvvie’s wisdom in this TED Talk calls me to step into the light and do the terrifying thing.
Thank you, Luvvie Ajayi Jones, for calling on us to do things scared. Imagine the world we might create when we do.
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