Here’s to 2019, Sprinkling #BlackGirlMagic Everywhere I Go

I’m declaring the new year to be my “32nd Year of Magic” (paying homage to the jersey number that NBA legend, champion, entrepreneur and mogul Magic Johnson wore). My year of magic will include sprinkling #BlackGirlMagic everywhere I go.

For those who need a quick reminder, #BlackGirlMagic is having the power to mysteriously influence events; to magically move, change and create. #BlackGirlMagic celebrates the resilience of black women who excel despite adversity -- which is what I will continue to do in the new year.

I learned from Queen, Oprah Winfrey, that focusing thankfulness is magical and rewarding. "I live in the space of thankfulness — and for that, I have been rewarded a million times over. ...When you focus on the goodness in life, you create more of it," said Winfrey.  

Regardless of life’s moments, we must focus on the positive -- finding it, loving it, and leading with it. It takes a little magic to stay committed to positivity. We are in control of our own positivity, it’s our individual magic. Remember, positivity is needed in all that we do with our families, at work and amongst relationships. This year, I will turn my routine of gratitude and positivity into a joyous daily practice.  In the words of Doris Day, “Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.”

Here are five specific ways that I will be sprinkling #BlackGirlMagic in 2019:

1. Practicing Gratitude and Sharing Knowledge -  Maya Angelou said, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.” If you are really thankful you share. No one achieves success without some sort of help. There’s always a blessing in being a blessing. Here’s to obtaining more mentees, teaching great lessons and presenting at more speaking engagements in 2019!

2. Being my own cheerleader when needed. Not everyone will clap for you, but I’ve finally learned that a group of cheerleaders are not needed for your purpose to unfold. You can be your own cheerleader. Not everyone is nice, or excited and happy for you. Not everyone wants you to win. But, it doesn’t matter! You do not need people to clap for you for your purpose to unfold.

3. Focus on what’s next and most importantly, keep going! I cannot begin to count the amount of times that someone told me no, or literally laughed in my face when sharing a goal (especially ones that I’ve now accomplished). It may take longer than planned, but stay focused on what’s next and stay on task. I promise, it’ll be worth it.

4. Don’t just dream, PLAN! In order to transform, continuous learning and growth is needed. Here’s to always finding new opportunities to learn regardless of how intimidating or out of the ordinary they may be, which is mandatory for growth.

5. Purpose-filled evolving. Fear, intimidation, it’s all a part of the journey. The magic happens with you move towards your purpose and evolve accordingly. I have learned along the way, that it is usually a good outcome when you are a little nervous or afraid. Diamonds are formed with the combination of high-temperatures and extreme pressure.

In 2019, I will create more goodness by channeling my #BlackGirlMagic. Speaking of creation, the “creative” industry is one of the hot fields of the decade. Why? Because creativity is responsible for letting the imagination drive, for original ideas coming to life and producing artistic work. I look forward to using my #GiftofGab to tell stories of #BlackGirlMagic to celebrate black women who are shaping our future with resilience.

Ending with Queen Oprah Winfrey: “Wherever you are in your journey, I hope you, too, will keep encountering challenges. It is a blessing to be able to survive them, to be able to keep putting one foot in front of the other — to be in a position to make the climb up life’s mountain, knowing that the summit still lies ahead. And every experience is a valuable teacher.”