She Mogul Profile

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She graces the cover of this months Essence Magazine. She has emerged from the shadows an American Icon. People will be talking about her just as they do Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Her works, style, and servant heart will transcend her time as our First Lady. Thank you Michelle Obama you inspire me. Every time I see her smiling face on the cover of Essence I must pick it up to see what great tidbit of knowledge that she shares with all of us. In the October issue of Essence Mrs. Obama talks about leading the way, looking toward the future. In the article she discusses passion, confidence, power,authenticity, and the investment in self.

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As I read the article I began to wonder if I was indeed "looking toward the future" or was I just going through the motions. I began to ask myself some hard questions:

What am I passionate about? Am I living in my passion? As I asked myself that question I wondered if I was engulfing myself in what I loved, and as I answered that question for myself I realized that I was not. I was not giving myself to my passion, which is what life is all about. I made a list of the things that am passionate about and committed myself to being a part of that each day.

Am I going through each day with confidence? This answer came quickly. I seemed to scream NO, at myself. I had not be leading with confidence, I however just want to blend in. Taking a cue from Mrs. Obama blending in is not going to get me where I want to be. To be noticed I need to stand out, shine.

Am I using my power to make a difference? When I got to this question I hesitated. I needed to think. Do I have power? Am I powerful? Influence, power is all about influence. I realized that I had been using my influence, but not to it's fullest extent. I picked and choose the things that I want to have power over while leaving everything else for someone else to handle.

Is my life Authentic? I am still in the mind boggling process of trying to separate what everyone else wants and expects from me from my own desires. I know that once I accomplish that will I be leading an authentic life. A life that resonates truth form me to others.

Have I been investing in me? I chuckled as I answered this one, but a part of me did not want to her the no that was sneaking out of my mouth. The laundry list of things that I know that I should be doing but just don't keeps growing as I fill my life with work, school, and other responsibilities and tasks.

Answering these questions helped me realize if I was indeed preparing for the future. I felt as if I failed a test, but isn't the beauty of an article such as the one on Michelle Obama. It's purpose is to help us recognize the obstacles that are holding us back from our own greatness.

Are you looking toward the future? Find out!

Shameka