Glambitious Guide To Greatness - January 2018 Release

THE PROCESS Rejection from my applications and having to live with my undiagnosed breast pain challenged my sense of pride and self-worth. After lots of prayer, I built up the courage to change the course of my life. I quit my job in Orlando and moved back home with my parents in Tallahassee, Florida. Coming home was symbolic of coming to a place of rest and rebuilding my foundation. My mom was such a guiding light and my biggest support system. She reminded me to not fear my weakness because this was when the power of God could perform more brilliantly.

The first choice I made was to become a proponent for my own health and take preventative measures from breast cancer. I got a lumpectomy to remove both lumps. The recovery process took about eight weeks but, ironically, the breast pain didn’t come back after the surgery. During this period, I found out my Auntie Baby, my mom’s youngest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She became my source of strength and inspiration to inquire more about the link between breast health and women of color. I began to think of the many young women in similar straits who were unsure of the next step. I knew then there was a need for a voice for young women to learn about breast health and I trusted God to use me as that vessel. My mind shifted from a narrow view of life, according to the world’s standards, to something bigger than myself.

Over the next two years, I birthed a non-profit organization, Painted Pink Inc. During my exploration of the subject, I noticed a severe lack of resources and outlets available for young adults to advocate for their own health. I realized I never wanted another young woman to feel as alone as I did. I initially began fundraising with the support of just my family and friends by inviting them to charity luncheons that I privately funded. I also partnered with local hospitals and clinics for resources and added financial assistance. The cause grew into its own identity and mission that is dedicated to educating every millennial on breast health. Since its inception, we have raised over $40,000 providing financial assistance to breast cancer warriors in Atlanta.

THE LESSON I have internalized so many lessons that have preserved me through this process and brewed my passion for breast health. I know now that everything that has happened to me is a part of God’s plan.

Even what may have looked like a giant setback in being rejected from the M.B.A. program, was an opportunity to pause, re-evaluate my life and realize my true direction. This was the space I needed for quiet reflection to be completely honest with myself. This was where my true purpose in life with Painted Pink would be ignited. There was victory in my testimony and there was a gift in my breast pain, but I had to make it to the other side first in order to discover it. God wasn’t breaking me; He was reconstructing me. In order to be transformed, sometimes we have to be inconvenienced. For me, taking my time building Painted Pink is what sustained me through the dry seasons of life.

I now know that peace is more than a feeling; it’s also knowing that everything is going to be alright because God is in control. Pushing through life with peace can be uncomfortable because you are relying on faith alone but, if you honor the process, then the harvest will show why it was all worth it.

God is already proud of you. He qualified you when He created you. Nothing you truly want begins until you honestly believe that it is going to happen for you. www.PaintedPink.org | Instagram @PaintedPink4BC