Soul Train Awards 2013 - Show

 

When the STACKS Magazine journey started, I was in my 30s. Even though the dreams of having a magazine frequented nightly sleeping sessions, putting forth the effort was constantly met with procrastination. Having a full-time job, also killed any moments that required me to pull out a pen and pad and begin brainstorming.

 

People go through these setbacks everyday. But, what I wanted to one day prove was that I was different. The need to release my creative juices began to revisit my thoughts year after year, day after day. The one thing I knew was that time was not on my side. Instead of holding myself back, soon I decided to empower myself with the Nike motto and “just do it.”

 

I remember having a discussion with a corporate executive in his mid-40s. Our conversation started off with me getting advice on best practices that will help me move up the corporate ladder. As we talked further, we began to share our non-company related talents and hobbies. I found out that he was a writer and that he’s always had an affinity for the hobby. At that point, we both realized that we had something in common. While I sat there in his corner office, inside I was thinking why he didn’t pursue that as a career choice. Why did he allow time to catch up to him and prevent him to write books?  That was something I didn’t want to happen to me.

 

I could tell writing was something he truly enjoyed doing. I could see the joy in his eyes. I’m sure he could see the joy in my eyes as well as I revealed to him that I write too. I’m sure he could also see disappointment. I had reached my ending point at the utilities company. My work ethic and accomplishments weren’t being recognized by my manager. After giving the company 8 years of my life, I was at my wits end. I knew it was time to go and pursue my dream.

 

For individuals, especially creatives, your talents haunt you over time. If you are out in the working world, not doing what it is that you love, you’re never satisfied. You become a little depressed. Sometimes a light goes off however that motivates you to start putting your dreams in motion. Although, my want to leave corporate America started developing years before I even sat down with the executive, that one-on-one meeting was the defining moment. I knew it was time to go full force on this magazine idea that I had been slowly cultivating outside of my job.

 

Time is not on anyone’s side. Each year we get older. We must understand, however, that it is never too late. We hear stories about older individuals in their 70s or 80s finally getting their high school diploma or college degree. We hear inspiring stories like Tamar Braxton’s most recent Soul Train Awards speech. In her speech she talked about being 36 years old and having the courage to keep striving to become a top R&B singer. She started in the business as a backup singer for her sister Toni Braxton. Tamar survived several failed record deals and solo albums. But, she persevered. Now, she’s a household name with her singing career off to a good start and two hit reality TV shows. Again, Tamar has persevered despite her age. In the music business, age plays a major part in how labels devote time, effort, and money into the artist. So, the fact that she’s out living out her dreams while being in her late 30s (which is against music business standards), is a testament that anyone can do whatever they want at any age.

 

Dreams aren’t meant to fade away. In fact, they are present in our minds so that we can manifest them. Talents given to us as gifts from God aren’t meant to lie dormant. They are within us so that we can share them with the world. If you have been contemplating whether or not to pursue a new career, go back to school, or start a business…now is the time to do it. Keep in mind, you may be too old to pursue that dream of becoming a star basketball player. In your 50s, you’re bones may not be as strong as they used to be. But, that doesn’t mean you trash your dream. Renovate your dream and try the coaching route. Start a basketball camp and enlist some top ballers in your city. The key is to still try to achieve what it is you love, even if it is in a different shape or form.

 

You only have one life to live. Live it up while you can and don’t allow age insecurities deter you from following your dreams.

 

 

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