Do you have what it takes to do what you want?

Do you have what it takes to do what you want?

That’s a question I found myself asking A LOT. Did I really have what it took to make my dreams a reality or was I just really good at dreaming? I used to be afraid that the latter question would be yes. But I knew I couldn’t short change myself. No, not when there’s so many people doing exactly what they’d dreamt of doing.

For you, you might be wondering if you have the mindset or the skillset to accomplish your dream. I want you to know that even if you feel like you don’t have what it takes NOW doesn’t mean you can’t acquire the knowledge, skills and information to propel you into your future.

Perspective is important to keep in your forefront. …More on that later.

Today’s Motivational Quote

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” – Diane Mariechild

She’s Brave

Quinta Brunson is a writer, producer, actress and comedian who recently won her first Emmy for her incredible work on Abbott Elementary on ABC. (You can check out her full acceptance speech here.) Now this is a big deal. This win makes Quinta Brunson the second Black woman in Emmy history to win independently in the category of Outstanding Writing for A Comedy. To put a cherry on top, she’s also the first to win the award solo.

Oh and let’s not forget she received an additional two other nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Comedy Series as an Executive Producer.

And if that wasn’t fantabulous enough - in addition to writing - she also stars in her own show.

What incredible accomplishments! Some may remember her from her viral digital series on Youtube entitled The Girl Who’s Never Been On A Nice Date or you may recall seeing her on BuzzFeed when it was of more relevance.

The point is - Quinta Brunson dared to be brave even before all of the glitz and glam. Perhaps the glitz and the glam is the result of her choosing to showcase her talent and abilities to the world. She’s brave because she wasn’t afraid to start small. She went for something she created and believed in. Most importantly, she went for it.

The beauty in Quinta’s story is that from her small steps came big opportunities that I’m sure evolved over time. They always say there’s no such thing as an overnight story - just small brave steps after the other.

The takeaway is that: If there’s something you’re desiring to do, but you’re reluctant to put yourself out there because of the time it might take to really get to the vision you see in your head, don’t let that stop you. If you start now, you’ll be further along in one year than you would be if you waited until everything was perfect.

It’s not like Quinta produced her digital series back then with a whole production crew and network. It didn’t matter because the value she provided in her work paved the way for where she is now.

She is a testament that if you follow that idea, stay true to your creative genius and stay the course, you’ll eventually get to your version of an Emmy.

Embrace your brave!

Chief Dream Aim

Have you chosen your Chief Dream Aim yet? You know that one dream that you can’t stop thinking about? Well, if not, I challenge you to choose one thing and aim your focus on seeing it through. Don’t give up on your dream when times get rough or things get challenging. If there’s a will, there is a way for you to get exactly what you’re looking for. I encourage you to stay with it this week. I know you can do it.

Affirmation of the Week

I AM OPEN-MINDED. I AM FLEXIBLE. I embrace new perspectives and the opportunity to learn from unlikely circumstances, people and things. I will not break because of things that I cannot control. Instead, I choose to adapt, refine and grow into a more understanding, capable and fulfilled version of myself.

FUN UPDATES

Our Youtube Channel is gearing up to launch its first show iteration pretty soon! Andddd I want you to be the first to know when the first episode airs. Make sure you’re subscribed to the BRAVELY Youtube Channel. There’s some brave things in the queue ;)

Founder’s Feature

I’ve been looking forward to when I’d be able to write to you again. And with this excitement, I still pondered on what I’d wanted to share. Over the last week, I’ve been quite reflective on the past: past events, past circumstances and even past versions of myself. I used to get caught up in the hoopla of not being able to let the past go and embrace my now. But currently, my pondering of the past have been teaching me that it’s important to keep perspective.

Keeping perspective allows one to stay grounded in their current reality while staying grateful.

When you’re able to look around and express gratitude for what’s in front of you, you’ll find less reason to complain about what you don’t have. Yet, it gives you a serenity to see your world exactly as is. Exactly how it’s supposed to be at the moment.

This gives you the clarity to dream and dream big. How? Because you’re not operating in the energy of desperation, anxiety or longing. But you’ve harnessed the power of perspective. This gives you the flexibility to really conjure up the imaginations you wish to live out loud without tainting it with a hurried feeling.

As you go through this week, 1) I want you to walk in confidence knowing that what you desire is already here for you; it’s just being actualized (like painting a beautiful masterpiece. The image of the painting is already in your head, but by painting (acting upon the idea), you’re allowing it to come to life in its own timing). 2) Stay grateful for your journey. With each day, you become a little bit better. These iterations you’re going through is what’s going to make your destination much sweeter.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Know that what you want is yours (if you really want it). Staying grateful keeps you grounded. Keeping your perspective is what keeps you sane.

You can do anything,

Ayanna Bravely

#BRAVEMOVES

Taking Brave Moves means initiating the required actions to become better and braver in your daily life. For example, that might look like getting up a few minutes earlier. Or, it could be choosing a more nutrient rich food over a sugary snack. What brave move are you going to take this week? Let us know. Or use #bravemoves and tag us on IG @bravelyinc!

Wrap-up

It’s a great day to have a great day. We hope you have one. If you enjoyed today’s issue, totally share it with your friends! We for sure look forward to growing with you. Cheers!

Have feedback on what you’d like to read on the next newsletter or ideas to help make it better? Send us a note!