You know you're a star when...

"A star does not compete with other stars around it; it just shines." ~ Matshona Dhliwayo

For a long time I doubted my greatness. I was always taught to be humble and not brag. While that is not a bad thing, as a result of that, I never gave myself much credit and it affected the conversations I was having with myself.

I used words like "if", "try", "might" and all those words are more questions than affirmations.

"I'm just trying to live my best life."

"I'll try to be the best person I can be."

"I might be successful."

"If I get that opportunity..."

See, how that sounds when you say it aloud? A simple change of words can make the difference in how you speak to yourself and view your greatness.

"I'm living my best life."

"I'm the best person I can be."

"I will be successful".

I am learning to catch myself when I say "If I..." and instead say "I will!" I'm no fortune teller but when you speak life into yourself and claim the things you want, magical things happen. Now life may not go as planned but honestly, whose life goes as planned? We can't control everything that happens in our lives but we can control how we roll with punches and what we put out into the world.

As my good friend Steffany reminded me yesterday, if something is meant for you, it will happen. In the meantime, I am going to look ahead, stay focused and follow my purpose.

I'm going to be happy in the moment and love myself. I'm going to keep speaking out to the world through my writing and voice so I am heard. 

I am going to give myself credit for my greatness.

It's not bragging. It's about believing in yourself and what you can do in your life. 

Last week, I had the opportunity to be a guest on a Facebook Live segment with plus size styling subscription service Dia & Co, where they were styling me for an industry event. 

The host, Dia's Community Manager Ashby Vose, was so friendly and welcoming. I was so nervous and kept thinking, "Will I do well? Will the fans like me? Will I mess up?". When I told Ashby I was nervous, she told me "They will love you! Watch!"

I then decided to just go on and be myself. Just as I blogged a few weeks ago, I had to show up for myself, the folks at Dia and their Facebook fans and customers.

And guess what? The segment was incredible!!!! The customers tuning in really showered me with compliments and asked questions, which I loved. They chose this amazing floral dress for me to wear, which I did this week at a blogger/influencer event thrown by Fruit of the Look/Fit for Me during Full Figured Fashion Week.




The dress matched my mermaid hair and was a hit! So many people came up to me and said how great I looked and how my hair and dress looked amazing in their matching glory.

I was reminded that evening that I am a star in my own right and there is nothing wrong with embracing that. The journey to that evening and the story of how I got that dress from Dia & Co was one that reminded me that I can do whatever I set my mind to. 

And at that event, so many people validated that by complimenting me on my outfit and what I have done in the community. I heard from a few people that they appreciate what I do and that my voice is so needed in the world.

I will never forget after the Facebook Live segment at Dia & Co, as I walked to the elevator to go home, CEO and Co-founder Nadia Boujarwah looked at me and gave me the thumbs up and a big smile. That moment told me that I need to appreciate what I bring to the world more because others see it. Others see my greatness.

I won't lie, there are times when I revert back to the old words of "if", "try", "might" and etc. But it takes moments like that that remind me of my greatness and keep me going. I'm human and not perfect but I also control the way I talk to myself. It's always my choice.

And a fabulous dress with matching hair always makes the world take notice of a star. 

Dress: Modamix via Dia & Co

Handbag: Out of the Closet (Oakland, CA) 

Sneakers: Lane Bryant