The Dream Work
I’ve always wanted my writing to help, inspire, empower, or uplift my people. Especially black women. Whether that’s with my creative endeavors, my freelance projects, or building my community, I’ve wanted to use my gift to give back. From the moment I began to build my career and “personal brand”, this has always been the intention. And although it’s been a slow and steady grind, it has been worth every moment.
Over the past few months, my freelance work has looked like this: partnering with a black owned marketing agency, joining a team of inspiring black women as a wellness writer, interviewing a black woman beauty entrepreneur that I admire, and becoming the content strategist for a black woman centered platform while working as the content manager of another.
Whole client list looking like a panel of black woman excellence. Intentions manifested. I’m literally doing the dream work.
I wish I could tell you there was some deep, detailed plan to do the work you dream of doing but, that’s not a formula I’ve mastered. Here’s what I do know though:
Find out what it is that you really want to do. One of the biggest obstacles to living the lives that we dream of is that many times, people don’t actually know what that looks like. There are a lot of reasons for this, social media being a big one. Too often we associate what “our faves” are doing to what we want to do. It’s tough to fight through the noise to work on being still but, it’s essential.
Do more of what you love and less of the rest. Not all of my work is rainbows and unicorns, but the majority of it is stuff I truly enjoy. And doing what you love attracts more of what you love. When it comes to the dream work, you have to make a conscious effort align yourself with companies and businesses that align with your values. Sometimes this comes with a bit of a sacrifice, but that’s why it’s essential to be clear on what it is that you want.
There’s no one way to do things. This is a biggie. For me personally, the digital space is one where “gurus” and “coaches” abound. It’s easy to fall in the line of thinking that things are this way, and this way only. Except, that’s not true. You have a unique vision for your life so your path will be unique. Take what you need from people giving advice and leave the rest.
Write the vision. And keep writing it. Allow it to change, grow, and evolve as you do. Document your triumphs, reflect on your journey, learn from trials. Not only is writing a spiritual practice but, it’s also an accountability practice. Referencing your writing is centering and helps you focus when you get off track. Write and reflect often.
Practice Gratitude. Daily. Hourly. All day. You are here, taking steps, learning, breathing, living, earning, setting examples, loving, growing, shining. You are blessed and loved. That’s the dream life, that’s the dream work. Practice gratitude for all that you have. Major key.
Go forth and do your dream work.
This post was originally published on my personal blog This Brown Queen.
