Defining Identity: Homework from Word of the Week Ep. 1

This last week has been a whirlwind! So although I was able to complete my homework from my first Word of the Week video, I didn’t post it here. And, as requested, I was chastised for it! Lol.

I will not be posting the full action plans here, as they’re long and I would like to hold onto some surprises for you guys! But, I can share about my process and let you guys in on the words I’ve chosen!

Let me start by saying that, as I anticipated, this exercise was not easy. Even as I was just free writing the words to describe myself and my message, I felt a little stuck. “Does that word really describe what I do? Is that too bold of a statement?” I had to get out of my own head and allow whatever came up to go on the paper. For all I knew, something that sounded false at first could end up being one of the keys to narrowing my focus.

One of the things that helped to clear the clutter was some sage advice from a friend. He suggested focusing on you all–my audience! “Think about who you’re talking to. What are their profiles? How do they dress, where do they like to hang, what do they do?” This really helped to unlock some things for me.

I also went to the pages of a few bloggers/personalities I admire. What is it about them I admire? How do I use that and make it my own? I was noticing that although some of them may have a wide range of topics they cover, they are very specific about the voice they lend to those topics. This was also very helpful for me.

The last key in the process for this was taking all of that information, looking at the words I had and asking myself, “Who do you foresee yourself being? What kind of things would you ultimately like to do with this passion?” I had to envision the career wanted in order to help me understand how to frame everything. As I thought of what I would like to be doing and the types of events and projects I want to be a part of, I was able to fill in the gaps.

I’m sure these words will change and grow as I do. I never want to be stagnant. But, as it stands, these are the words that help to define NataliNicole and what this venture is about. So, without further ado or disclaimers:

MOTIVATOR: Through this work, I intend to guide people towards living freely, truly and on purpose. I want everyone to find their greatness.

ACTIVIST [WOKE]: Social issues matter to me a great deal and I don’t intend to hide that. In fact, I want to do a better job of calling attention to the stories and issues that matter to me. I’m unabashedly black, queer, feminist and all about freedom and justice. Knuck if you buck.

CREATIVE CONNECTOR: I am an artist and have been immersed in that world for a long time now. As a result, I am blessed to call many incredibly talented artists my friends. I want to showcase their artistry and cultivate conversation around the life, work and legacy of artists.

WOMANHOOD: I want to promote women being whoever and whatever they want to be. This belief colors the way I will look at and speak about the work. I think this aspect will feature most prominently in my promotion of sex positivity.

DORK: I know that may sound funny as something to want to highlight about myself, but I think it’s important. I’ve never been a cool kid, but I’ve always been down with them in some way. And that works for me. I’m quirky and I say a lot of silly shit! That’s who I am and that’s who I’m going to give to you.