I changed my mind. I thought my word for the year was revitalize. But during my five-mile run (the first one in a very, very long time) the word FLOURISH kept popping up. So that is my word. Yes, I feel the urge to infuse my mind, body, and spirit with renewed energy, focus, and purpose, embracing the power of reinvention. I will still strive to minimize self-doubt (because who am I kidding, it never fully goes away). However, this year’s task is e to dig deeper, take all of that, and do something. Perhaps something new, different, and/or a bit extra. Channeling my inner Billy Porter. My dream is to have lunch with him and walk in his closet. And definitely touch things.
Of course, the goal is to break free from past limitations, and societal expectations, especially those I placed on myself. I will allow myself to bloom and thrive, with the richness and fullness of honoring my own lived experiences. I will also embrace my wisdom, beauty, and strength in every aspect of life. And that is the epitome of flourishing.
I will also stimulate and embrace the awakening of new passions, perspectives, and possibilities that may have always been within me, ready to be rediscovered. And I will find the courage to rest.
Do you have the courage to be in the pause between what is no longer and what is not yet? Octavia Raheem
You can’t ever put yourself in a position where someone is requiring you to inhabit somebody else’s energy. You have to own your thing, or own it with very fiber of your being.~ Billy Porter
My 2025 MANIFESTO
- *Remember that rest is a verb and do it often
- Stand tall, embracing my worth and the space I occupy in this world.
- Continue to speak my truth, unapologetically sharing my voice and vision.
- Prioritize my needs, recognizing my value and caring for myself fully.
- Recognize and own my impact, confidently claiming the contributions I make to my community and beyond.
- Evolve boldly, continuously growing, learning, and expanding into the fullest version of myself.”
- *Learn something new every month
- *Honor the lived experiences of others even when I do not understand
- *Strive for excellence in all my products
- * these are carryovers from previous years
Wish List
Be in an Olay ad campaign
Visit the 8 remaining states on my list (North & South Dakota, New Mexico, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, Oklahoma, and New Hampshire)
Travel to at least 3 more continents (Asia, Africa, Australia-Antarctica is a maybe)
Swim with dolphins
Produce a television show
Go to Egypt
Have a regular column in a newspaper or magazine
Own a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes and Louis Vuitton bag
A Few of My Favorite Things
Food: fried chicken, cupcakes, and champagne
Color: orange
Ice cream: mint chocolate chip
I’ll bet you didn’t know…
I am allergic to cats and dogs (and maybe horses, pigs, and squirrels)
I hate:
English peas
The color green
Bell peppers
Cinnamon
Cooked tomatoes
Cherries
