I recently came across a clip from Oprah Winfrey where she shared a reminder that you alone are responsible for your life. It’s not about anybody else or what anybody did to you, it’s about understanding exactly what William Ernest Henley said in his poem, Invictus: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul means that I solely have control over determining my feelings and my destiny despite the circumstance.
Put yourself in the driver’s seat of your own life and give yourself the control to choose your final destination. You are the only person with the power to decide the person you want to be.
I love asking children what they want to be when they grow up simply because their answers are infinite. As adults, we have been conditioned to limit our dreams and desires. We are conditioned to think that we’re unable to conquer set goals because of different variables such as age or lack of schooling.
Ava DuVernay didn’t pick up a camera until she was 32 and the first black woman nominated for a Golden Globe as best director and the first black woman to direct a $100 million film. Tiffany Haddish worked on her craft for years and was 37 when she received her breakout role as Dina in “Girls Trip.”
There will always be naysayers who will tell you you’re too old or that you don’t have what it takes. When you have a vision or goal it’s important not to be distracted by the opinions of others when you are captivated by your purpose. This isn’t about anybody else. Live for you and honor the vision you set out for yourself.
On your journey it’s inevitable that you will hit roadblocks and challenges that may seem too big for you in that very moment but it’s always important to zoom out and keep that final destination in mind. Remember, despite the size of the obstacle that in order to get something you have never had, you have to step out of your comfort zone and do things that you have never done. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, think back to your purpose and your why and I guarantee it will inspire you to keep moving forward.
In the same vain, it’s important to motivate others to achieve their dreams and conquer their goals. Having a support system or likeminded community behind you will make all the difference. I don’t think people understand the strength of their words and the power they have to either uplift someone or to derail off their mission.
Our nonprofit, Positively Caviar, instills mental resilience, equips minds with knowledge, and empowers lives to overcome adversity. We believe that it’s important to become the architect of your own life and take control by using the frequency and vibrations of your own. While you can’t control what happens to you, you can control how you react, and you always have the power to achieve anything you desire in this lifetime.
Positively Caviar, Inc. (PCI) is a grassroots nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on instilling mental resilience by way of positive thinking and optimism. PCI relies on positive digital media, high-intensity speaking engagements, and their signature B.U.I.L.D. Self-Empowerment workshops to amplify their audiences’ minds towards a resilient and purposeful life. Each month, a member of their Nucleus Team will feature a column focused on mental and physical health tips, scientific studies, nutrition facts and stories that are positive in nature to support a positive and healthy lifestyle. To learn more about how you can support, volunteer, or donate to Positively Caviar, Inc. please visit: staybasedandpositive.com.