Burn Brightly

Some fellow phoenixes were raised to shine in mediocre blue. With embarrassment and bashfulness under their wings, they burn modestly, causing a few cackles and sparks. Knowing damn well they’re autumn auburn orange, they dim their flames to make the inner circle comfortable. They cover their stories of triumphs, hoping no one will attempt to ridicule their low moments and trauma.

But… if those phoenixes won’t burn in orange or fiery red… how will others be encouraged by the victorious stories lighting up the path?

I know you’re all tired of the line, “Don’t dim your light.” It’s the bumper stick of the “Don’t be ashamed of your story/ don’t hold back.” self-confidence conversations.

 But it’s true.

How many times have you heard people laboriously proclaiming they’re “not trying to show off” or make fun of themselves before discussing their recent accomplishment? How often have you seen people hide their excitement and celebratory tone to soften the “blow” of discussing an achievement? Or what about the people who are ashamed to tell their story because pieces of it reigns taboo?

Fellow phoenix, you are not cocky for celebrating yourself. You are not better than someone else just because you received an award or your business is your version of successful. Neither is it your business to be concerned if your friends will think you think you are better than them.  Besides, genuine friends will celebrate with you.

You’ve worked hard to achieve that goal.

You’ve worked hard to improve yourself and break the habit. 

You worked hard to accept who you are.

So burn brightly, fellow phoenix.

Cheers to all who have chosen better self-care tactics, placed personal boundaries, lived through COVID-19, started a business, got a new job, new home, new daughter or son. Congrats! Celebrate!

Burn brightly.

Soar High

Fellow phoenixes, after celebration and rest, go higher. It’s okay to be afraid when your heart is calling you to go higher. It’s just fine to be nervous when flying into the darkness that you were initially motivated to endeavor—only to be temped to fly back to your comfort zone when the answers aren’t clear… Keep soaring. You may fall back, there may be obstacles, long pauses and distractions. That’s fine. Keep soaring high.  Growth, evolution and freedom to do better is always worth it.

Always Remember Where you Came From

Your Mama’s stubborn ways that got into you is why you never give up on your dreams. Your rough upbringing is why you have grit and strength to carry on despite it all. When life gets heavy and you doubt that you’re equipped to fly towards your purpose: Remember where you came from. Reflect on your parents’ victorious and lessons. Remember where you were in the past versus where you are now, fellow phoenix. You got this!

Long Live Phoenixes (LLP) is about continuing one’s journey of self-discovery, self-awareness and purpose. It’s about walking in who one is, despite the hurdles one may face. Hope, inspiration, motivation and love are the themes that run throughout the project. LLP highlights my mission statement for my life: To encourage, challenge, and uplift. Self-discovery and walking out one’s truth is imperative.  In a society that tells us how to be ourselves half-heartedly (“ourselves” that fits on its limited checklist), it’s hard to see our own value with all the distractions on how we should look, think and feel. Our voice can become murky in the waters of surviving/ living. One can find peace when one authentically walks out who they are.

But, um. Say ‘dere: What is a Phoenix?

A phoenix is one who has been shot with the fiery darts of life, stones of trauma and the flames of heartache. One who has risen from the ashes of tribulations, character assassination, heartache and familial wounds. One who continues to rise from all that life hurls at him/her and continues to soar as his/her authentic self… by any means necessary.