Be Bold, Stepping out of your Comfort Zone

When I turned 30, I was ambitious and wanted to do 30 things I’ve never done before. One of the things on my list was playing mass at Caribana. Caribana is a celebration of Caribbean culture from the music, people, costumes, food and spirit. For me to play mass took me out of my comfort zone and the reason I wanted to throw myself into it was to build my self confidence and celebrate my body where it was at. Normally I’m always covered up and if you know anything about Caribana and the costumes it’s completely opposite to what I’m use to.

The day of the parade came around, I was hype to be on the road with my friends, dancing, drinking etc. then I realized it’s the moment to step out in my costumes and thank God my friends were with me. But when I say I was scared and nervous, I was SCARED and NERVOUS. My fear came from thinking about being judged in my costume cause I’m definitely not a small girl so walking up to the start line I was feeling very self conscious. At this moment I was very aware of the other women in their costumes how great I thought they looked and comparing myself saying I don’t look like that. But let me tell you once the music started and I realized that no one really cared what I looked like, and everyone was just there to have a good time and enjoy the moment I loosened up and had an amazing time.

Being able to really put myself out there not for anyone else but for myself was the start of becoming more aware of the things I wanted for myself and my life. For years I always thought about others, what they thought about me, what I was portraying, and I don’t think I was ever really being me. Being able to realize that and set aside those thoughts of having to be “on” all the time is freeing. Being uncomfortable or doing things that make me uncomfortable have taught me a lot about myself, it taught me that I am capable of doing what I put my mind to, how to embrace who I am as a person and not be afraid of being BOLD and standing out.

“Be bold, be brave enough to be your true self.” – Queen Latifah