Trying something new is always scary; fears held me back for many years. The what-ifs dominated my mindset: What if I was not liked, or, worst of all, what if I failed? I was not the typical person you would expect to start a business.

Researching starting a business is the easy part. I took classes, developed spreadsheets, and made plans; organization is one of my strengths. But the next step, actually creating the business and working with clients, was terrifying. I constantly asked myself if I could be a wedding planner and run my own company.

Initially, I kept my full-time job. I was full of doubt about my ability to make any money in this new venture. Quietly, I took clients and worked after hours and on the weekends. This lack of confidence meant I charged too little, and I did not have confidence in my abilities. That first two years before every wedding, I would throw up and be unable to eat anything. I began to dread the panic that I knew would rise as the clock got closer to the ceremony and reception time.

Then I had my first successful wedding, another, and yet another. I received handwritten notes saying how happy the couples were and that they couldn’t imagine their wedding without me. I started getting less anxious on wedding weekends.

My day job became tedious, and I felt disconnected and bored. However, I came alive after work. I scheduled client meetings, catering tastings, and networking events, and soon, I began to refer to my profession as a wedding planner and business owner.

My annual review is where I told my boss I was leaving. I always worked well with him and told the truth. My calling was no longer in a cubicle in a corporate job. It was being independent, running my own business, and planning weddings. He looked at me and said, “I cannot even counter with a better salary or promotion, as you will have neither. But I am happy for you, sad for us.” With that, I left the comfort zone of an air-conditioned office, 401K matches, and a guaranteed paycheck every two weeks.

Had I not taken that leap of faith right then and there, I may not have ever taken it. The atmosphere was right for the risk; I was young, the economy was booming, and I had a supportive partner. It was as if the universe conspired to provide the right time and place for this new venture.

You always hear about the financial investment in entrepreneurship. What needs to be talked about more is the emotional investment. You get attached to logos, taglines, mission statements, and website copy. Couples that entrust you on one of their most important days become friends. Fellow industry professionals become confidants, casual Instagram followers, or arch-nemesis. You find yourself advising newer planners, telling them what you would have done differently, and teaching them how to be successful. You realize they look up to you, you of all people, the person you thought would fail.

I began this journey 18 years ago. Two years ago, I sold my business to one of my employees. It was hard letting go, but I knew it was time.

When an international pandemic occurred, many canceled or postponed weddings. Deftly negotiating this financial and emotional minefield for clients was one of my most significant accomplishments. There wasn’t a playbook for making this work. I didn’t have the luxury of perfectionism, but I had the confidence I sought once I let go of expectations. I could say I was a damn good wedding planner.

This pandemic earthquake fundamentally changed the industry, but more importantly, myself.

I began to reevaluate my priorities and my feelings about the business. I realized that, much like when I quit my corporate job, I was ready for something new. I didn’t dislike wedding planning worse; I didn’t have any feelings about it either way. That was my cue to leave.

I left with the professional designation of Master Wedding Planner. My company, Red Letter Event Planning, was listed as a preferred vendor at most of the area’s venues and had hundreds of five-star reviews and referrals from past clients. More importantly, though, I left satisfied that I had built something successful and resilient. I no longer was the anxious perfectionist who wondered if I was good enough.

Taking the risk of starting and building was nerve-wracking, but it was one of the best things I have ever done.

Be yourself entirely and unapologetically
Be love purely and magnetically
Be wisdom openly and prophetically
You will detour as you explore to become more
You will rise as you begin to amplify your core
You will experience moments to recover and restore
Redefine what you value and believe to be true
Stand in love and harmony to be the most authentic you
Don’t allow shame to hold you captive
Negatively evaluating yourself is maladaptive
Your purpose is deeply rooted within
Release the fears that make you pretend that you don’t have what it takes to win
The world awaits your creativity so PLEASE begin

I feel like we forget sometimes that it’s not about sharing our story but the wisdom that comes from the experiences.

You don’t have to have everything figured out to be great. It is who you are naturally.
You just have to be you.
And continue to be you.
That is your power.
Because no one else can do that
It’s all you.

And knowing that
is the greatest thing you could ever know.

I feel like we get caught up in trying new things
or trying to figure out life
that we forget to check in.
To check in with the one who got us this far in the first place.
It’s important to check in
it keeps you balanced
and connected
to the source.
The source within

*I often look back at my younger self and think, oh, if she could see me today!

If I had the chance to tell her what I know now, what would I say?

Things are much different now than they were back in the day.

*You see when I was young I didn’t have your typical dream

My life wasn’t always what it seemed

Some days all I wanted to do was scream.

*There were times in my life I didn’t think I was going to make it.

There were days where all I wanted to do was quit.

You see I had trauma that needed healing, but I never wanted to admit.

*I thought that I could do it all on my own.

I never wanted any of my pain to be shown.

So I thought, I had to go through it all alone.

*Truth was there was always someone by my side.

He stood there with his arms open wide.

All I had to do was lay down my pride.

*You see pride is a deceiver, it makes you think you can do it all.

Truth is it just puts up a wall.

Eventually you learn, that the burden is too much to carry, and you fall.

*That’s what happened to me.

I fell down right on my knees.

Praying to God to forgive me, please!

*I had felt so worthless that I never thought I could be loved.

God said to me, my daughter you are beloved.

Your sins are forgiven because of his blood.

*Jesus gave his life so that I could be saved.

So that I no longer had to live a life of being enslaved.

His sacrifice and forgiveness makes me feel amazed.

*So here I am today.

I stand here to say, all will be okay!

With Jesus, you will find your way!

*Your dream to be loved and to be free is available for you.

I’m here to tell you that you will make it through.

With God he makes all things new.

*Dreams really can come true!

It can happen for you too!

So never give up on your pursuit!

Life is beautiful and ugly
Life is loud and quiet
Life is light and dark
Life is sad and funny
Life is long and short
Life is exciting and boring
Life is lonely and congregated
Life is here and then it’s gone

In the blink of an eye life will turn and show you the dichotomy that surrounds us every moment

Never be complacent in this world and appreciate the NOW because that is all we really have

There is always an outcome… unpredictable. The constant is knowing it will either be positive or negative – this is the power of the universal energy

Be present always and understand the value of recognizing these possibilities

Never fear change as it will happen regardless

Focus on the space you inhabit right where you stand

Realizing your place is ever changing and malleable

The freedom of this
acceptance and no expectations is priceless

So love this life and those you meet along the way

They too are learning the lessons

If we pay attention we are each the teacher and the student

We each have so much to offer and so much to gain

So much to lose in failing to see this in everyone walking their own path

Always be kind ❤️

Purple SKY
This thing called life
It’s your chapter
No matter if this is your CHAPTER 1
Or your CHAPTER 21
Life isn’t just short
It’s precious
Don’t be alarmed when it’s only YOU
Even if your sky is Purple
And not so much of the color baby blue
Don’t forget the one up above chose YOU
Don’t give up
Do it afraid
Because GOD knows the true YOU
You see
Life doesn’t accommodate our trials
Nor does it wait until things are just so perfect
The moment when we hold on to something so tight
We slowly start to feel that fright
The fright of letting go
And the fright of the what IFS (of course)
THIS THING CALLED LIFE
We continue to ask ourselves
Can I do this ?
Is it me you chose for this assignment GOD?
This thing called life hits a little different
But, It’s ok to be different
It’s ok if your sky is purple
It’s ok if you have to rehearse before it’s time for your actual rehearsal
It’s ok to be in the PRESENCE of your own moment
Even when others are so far gone in their future
Don’t worry
You will get there
You will get to the finish line
Now to be honest
Maybe not as fast as Track star Ms.Richardson
But soon
Dare to be different
Even if your sky is purple
Who cares if you’re a little different
This thing called life

-Rayven Washington

In isolation’s deep and shadowed fold,
Where silence reigned and stories went untold,
A broken spirit found its healing grace,
In faith’s soft whisper, in the sacred space.

The world was still, the pandemic’s grasp so tight,
Yet in the stillness shone a guiding light.
Through walls of worry, faith began to blaze,
And from the ashes rose a hopeful gaze.

Caring hands with love’s unyielding strength,
Brought solace in the darkened length.
An elder’s plight, a storm’s fierce roar,
Tests of faith that opened new doors.

A mother’s pain, a locked-down world,
Where hope and hardship seamlessly swirled.
In those quiet, strained, and fragile days,
A divine vision lit my weary ways.

From every tear and every trial faced,
An inspiration gently graced.
A vision of care, a balm so pure,
To soothe the skin, to heal and to endure.

Through Urban Meditation’s open door,
On 5th Ave in Naples, my hopes would soar.
Or online, where dreams and faith align,
Essential Art Skin Care finds its shine.

Crafted with a spirit strong and true,
Each product born from trials and through.
A testament to faith’s enduring might,
That turned dark days into hopeful light.

In faith, I found my strength renewed,
In every challenge, purpose accrued.
Resilience built on trust divine,
Guided my hands, and made them shine.

So now these products tell a tale,
Of faith that prevails when all seems frail.
A journey of the soul, of skin and heart,
Where divine strength and hope impart.

For in adversity’s harsh and testing storm,
A life of faith and care takes form.
And through each struggle, doubt, and tear,
Faith’s ultimate power draws ever near

Dear Unsealers,

A few words about the beauty of goals.

Pinnacle?

Bright lights shine
Impossible
Eyes open wide
Remarkable
The moment, it rings
Forevermore
Here you stand
Commendable

You worked so hard
Your dreams, they grew
You cried so much
You thought you knew
The struggle, is real
Here we go
There you rise
Unstoppable

Success, it beats
Like a drum
The scared young girl
That was
Stands here now
A Queen
I’ve reached my goal
This diploma means

Joy consumes
Me to my core
A great delight
Worth waiting for
The surprise one finds
In reaching goals
Is the gift that
There is still much more

Dessmer A. Mims

“Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.”
-David McCullough Jr.

Dear Sophie,

Remember when you sat on the stairs of the two-story farmhouse, head in your hands, overwhelmed with the self-imposed task of saving the world?

Guess what?

We are now 24 and the world is far from being saved. But let me tell you a story about how you got everything you thought you wanted only to find out it wasn’t what you wanted at all.

At the ripe age of 12, you decide you want to be a war correspondent journalist. You identified the gaps in the mainstream media storytelling and your compassion drove you to want to be a voice for the voiceless.

Over the years adults told you no. This is a dangerous dream and you are too pretty and dainty to go to waste in a war zone. Why would you want to endanger your life?

You ignored them.

Your dream drove you through the grueling years of high school. Like a horse drawing a carriage, you put on your blinders and kept your ears forward, focused on your long-term goal.

Flash forward to your senior year of high school. You get accepted to a myriad of journalism schools and decide on Seattle.

You walk into your first college journalism class and the professor deadpans; “So we are all here for passion and not a paycheck, right?” You smile and laugh with the rest of the class.

You learn about media systems around the world. You learn your chosen profession has a body count. Your questions are a corrupt world’s worst nightmare. You bring light to the darkness.

Arming yourself with questions, you find yourself published by 20, pulled into the harrowing world of investigative journalism.

Safe from behind your laptop, you interview and research and listen intently to your mentor as he tells you of Russian Oligarchs and Israeli Spies, lawsuits, and retaliation. You adopt a mindset that you are a justice warrior, too young to understand the consequences of leading with an ego.

You begin to understand the role of the journalist. Your job is to uncover bad news and move on to the next bad thing. You chase the darkness of the world and to your naive surprise, the world is a dark, dark place.

You cry.

You switch to cyber security and learn from professionals in the field.

You talk to them about your dreams and they remind you that at the end of the day, how are you preparing for retirement? They explain changing priorities to provide for their families.

You realize lawyers have the power to investigate and have more agency for advocacy. You tour law schools and pick up books for the LSAT.

One lawyer says; “I wish people would tell me they are in for money and not justice because justice doesn’t exist.”

You ponder if this is true. What are the risks of adopting this mindset? Is this the reality of the world?

You cry.

All this to say, Sophie, while your career will continue to change, your dream remains the same — to be a voice for the voiceless.

Hold onto the dream, but don’t be disillusioned; you are learning the resiliency it takes to be a truth seeker. The harsh reality is that if this is your calling you better toughen up.

Listen only to those who are living the life you want. Block out the rest. The world is bad but it is also good. There is nothing in absolutes. If there is injustice, there must be justice. Refuse the crab bucket mentality. Remain flexible and open. Remain an individual. Do not give up hope.

Remember; you don’t have to go global to make a difference. It starts small.
In the wise words of Gandhi — be the change you wish to see in this world.

With love,

I remember thinking that I’d get sucked into the drain along with the water after a bath. I know now that it was because I could not see what was on the other side. Just a baby in the universe, so it made sense you know? My Ama would laugh & tell me not to be afraid…I believed her but I still didn’t know what was on the other side.
I remember looking at these little pieces of me- afraid of going down the drain after a bath. But I knew what was on the other side, so I’d laugh & explain how it wasn’t physically possible to go down the drain. But they were babies… so none of it made sense.
I remember opening my eyes to see God before me, laughing- with the same adoration in her eyes that I had when my babies clung to me. She was confident that there was nothing to be afraid of & amused by my fear of the unknown.
I realized a few things then, but mainly that I was just a baby in the universe. Afraid of silly things that I don’t know yet & things that I can’t see. I can bet that if I just have faith to keep going wherever life leads me, I will find myself on the other side of what was once unknown…& I will probably laugh. So I want to encourage the readers to let go of fear & go forward in peace. You don’t need to know what is on the other side, you don’t need to play it safe or set limitations. I promise you will get to where you need to be if you just persist. It would be a much more pleasant experience if you do so in peace. So have faith in yourself & in your ability to achieve your desires. You are here for a reason and it’s your job to make it there.

If you find yourself getting frustrated because you haven’t gotten there yet, channel that energy & label it instead as motivation to keep going. Your soul is telling you that you’re so close. If you find yourself in a stagnant place, take that time to recharge. There is so much beauty in the now and you only get one chance to be present in the now. Just be, before the moment is gone. That faith will remain in the back of your head- what’s for you will always be for you. Expect it just like you know to expect the reflection in the mirror looking back at you.
We do not have to fear the unknown, we’ll know it one day.