Yesterday my morning started off perfectly. I meditated, went on a 45 minute walk around my new neighborhood, and got lost in my thoughts listening to Usher (and the sounds of laughter from kids playing outside at a nearby school). When I arrived in Kuala Lumpur I consciously made the decision not to get a SIM card because I didnāt want to be super connected to what was happening at home (my first interaction with international news was watching Ilhan Omar talk about the muslim ban from Tokyo). Ā As soon as I walked into my apartment and was reconnected to wifi my phone immediately started blowing up with text and Facebook messages from home:
The opponent I ran against for state representative in 2014 (and lost to by just 6 votes on Election Day) had just resigned. WTF.
The universe has a funny way of working. Iām one week into a 52 week trip around the world (I told you the universe was funny right?). Currently living in Malaysia, the plan was to spend the next 4 months in SE Asia and then to go on to Europe and South America ending the year in Peru.
After talking to Jeremy and my twin sister Racheal I went into the bathroom and cried. I felt so conflicted: was this trip really the best idea? The very thing I wanted for as long as I could remember was now available. Or was it? After getting my shit together I asked God/the universe for a sign. Almost immediately I heard (and even felt) a voice say something to the effect of āuntold riches are waiting for you if youāll just trust meā (totally sounds like something God would say right?). For me those riches are freedom. And Independence. And joy. In that moment I felt like it was a test from the universe to see if (as my mentor Rosetta would say) āAre you a 10 all in?
Are you committed to your dreams no matter what?
Are you really willing to step out on faith?
Are you willing to believe that everything you want is already yours?
Thereās a song Iāve been listening to on repeat all day called āIntentionalā by Travis Greene that says:
āAll things are working for my good
Heās intentional
Never failingā
The timing of this isnāt a coincidence. And to be honest, this entire situation isnāt even about me. Itās about being willing to stand in your purpose and chase your dreams no matter what happens and no matter what distractions comeĀ your way.Ā My mission to help change the face of power is real. And that work would cease to exist if I was a state representative right now. Sure, maybe I could do it on the evenings and weekends but I know thatās not enough because Iāve done it. For years.
There will always be more time to run but this mission feels urgent – because it is (and because Donald Trump is president). So, Iām going to stand in my purpose like never before and when I do run Iāll be bringing an army of other black women elected officials from across the country and around the world with me.
Rebecca
Now I want to hear from you. Whatās your ā10 all inā goal for your life? What is the one thing youāre committed to no matter what?
My “10 all in” was running for office and losing by a close margin in 2015. I had to discover what was next for me and started my life coaching business as a Parent Educator Coach. Being passionate about helping my community and narrowing my focus on mothers. I’m called to help mothers who are already successful in business or career translate that success to motherhood.
I LOVE that Leona and congratulations on your new book! It looks amazing š
My 10 all in goal is to fight alongside workers for justice– at the work place, in the community, and the ballot box. My life goal is to use my gifts in relationship building and honesty to build bridges in the movement. —
Yesssss! We need you and your gifts right now more than ever before. So glad you’re doing this work!
Trying to figure out my 10 but this little fat turtle is on her way! Toot! Toot!
LOL! You are well on your way Lacy! Even if you don’t realize it your gifts are shining every single day. You will be absolutely certain about them soon enough <3.
Dear Cousin, I am a 10 all in, but at 54 I find myself searching for my purpose again. Reading your words today has inspired me to search until I find it again.
One of my favorite quotes is “We are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream”. One question that helped me get clear about my gifts is thinking about the thing you do BEST with the LEAST amount of effort. Or another way to think about this is what comes easy to you that other people struggle with? Everything you have done in your life until now has prepared your perfectly to use them. Hope that helps!
I love it!!! I already know God is directing you to be the Best !!!! It’s your time to be refined, that u may Shine like pure Gold.
#KeepSoaring
Love you Ros:)
Thank you big sister! Amazing things are opening up for you as well and I’m so proud <3. Love you too!
My “10 all in” goal for life is to know that undoubtedly I can provide a life of substance for my 5 children with the gifts God has given me, without compromising my happiness, independence, and ability to be a Mom.My goal is to use my gift of teaching, clairvoyance & healing to pave the way.
That is beautiful Jade and you’re right! You have everything you already need inside of you to make it happen <3