From Fired To Focused: Katrina Craigwell Shares How She Overcame It

Happy Thursday, friends! As many of you know, I recently was let go from my job - and I'm now on the hunt for the next cool opportunity. (#HireChasity is in full effect - tell a friend!)

Any who, I recently RSVP'd for an event that will be hosted in D.C. next week by Worn Creative, an agency based out of New York City that works with a pretty dope roster of well-known brands. (Think Jrink, &pizza.)

As I continued to explore their website, I came across a YouTube video of a pretty black girl with amazing curly hair and awesome shoes (#BlackGirlMagic is EVERYWHERE y'all.) She explains how she got fired from her job early on in her career, and while she had her moments of doubt and insecurity, she didn't let that moment define her.

Katrina Craigwell is currently the Director of Global Programming and Content at GE, and during one of Worn's F*it events in NYC, she encouraged the audience to stop, think, and breathe even in the midst of life's most chaotic moments. Her story just goes to show that you can get fired from your job, overcome it and STILL end up the Forbes List. (Katrina is on the Top 30 Most Creative List - pow!)

Check out Katrina's chat below, and if you're in the DC area, be sure to RSVP for Worn's F*it event next week - I'll be there! And Katrina, thank you for sharing your truth, reminding us all to take a moment breathe, and inspiring me to take control of my own debris so I can continue to move forward.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fc3WCdRcnA]

Know Yourself, Know Your Worth.

"Oh Lord - know yourself, know your worth." - Drake It's been a minute since I've penned a personal post, so here it goes.

For the last month or so, I've really taken the time to reflect on my worth as an individual, and how I am adequately projecting that image to the world. Being the self-aware individual that I am, I've found that re-discovery periods like these have sent me down a rabbit hole, which can sometimes make the process even more difficult. But I've learned that being open to the journey and specific about what you want are vital keys to the exploration phase.

Speaking from experience, it is uncomfortable, daunting and down right scary to look into the mirror and ask yourself, "Who are you? What's your purpose? And where in the heck are you going?" If you know me, I am my own worst critic and I tend to put and insane amount of pressure on myself. Especially when you're uncertain about what is next, it can cause you to grow anxious about everything around you. But once I've got out of my own way, I've noticed that my load is a little lighter, and I'm much more focused on the things I want to accomplish.

If you've found yourself in the re-discovery phase, here are five quick tips that have helped me put things into perspective and move forward purposefully:

• Have quiet time. This could be in the form of writing in your journal, reading, yoga, meditation, prayer or just sitting in silence. While I love hopping out the bed and turning my swag on, I've done my best the last few weeks to take a moment in the morning to sit cross-legged with my eyes closed and just breathe. No scrolling through my phone for Twitter notifications or checking emails, just taking in the silence and stillness that is around me. It centers me, and allows me to gather focus for the day.

• Kick comparison to the curb. "Comparison is the thief of joy." It's so easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others. But once you start looking over your shoulder at what the next Sally, Sue or Sam is doing, you lose sight of what it is you're supposed to be doing. While it's good to look up from your every once in a while, it's important to stay focused and keep pushing forward.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Yes, it is okay to ask people for help when you are in the midst of a struggle moment. I've said this time and time again, and have to constantly remember to take my own advice! Those that love and care about you want to see you succeed! I'm stubborn as all get out (I'm working on it, lol) but what I've learned is that the worst thing someone can tell you is "no." And when they do, keep asking until you get a "yes." It doesn't make you less that or weak to raise your hand. I've learned this the hard way several times and now that I know, I want to encourage you to not be afraid to raise your voice when you don't know the answers.

• It's okay to say no. The moment you realize what you truly want, you'll be surprised at how many opportunities pop up in front of you. Most of them will be good, but others could simply be distractions that could slow you down. Maintaining specificity is like self-discipline - once you've set your sights on a goal, you don't want to let anyone or anything move you away from it. I've learned that if something doesn't feel right, I'm not even going to take a step toward it. Say thanks, but no thanks, and keep on trucking baby!

• Let it go. Anything that has happened in the past can and will not define who you are. Take the lessons learned, apply them to where you are now, and continue to move forward with your head held high. Letting go doesn't just mean physically detaching yourself from things and people, but it also means releasing toxic thoughts. Negativity is a TRAP, so it's vital in this season to surround yourself with people and things that are only going to lift you higher.

I'm a firm believer in speaking things into existence, so speak positivity and life over your situation! Trouble don't last always and the best is always yet to come.

Here's to an amazing rest of the week!

Chasity

What I've Learned Since Becoming A Runner

"The people who are the most successful know who they are, what they believe and why they are pursuing what they’re pursuing." - Paul Angone For as long as I can remember, I've always loved to try new things. From a new dance move to a new dish, doing something other than the norm is totally my jam.

So when I decided to pick up running two months ago, I didn't think it would be any different than other 'new things' I've taken on in the past. (Boy, was I in for a rude awakening.)

The first time I ran 3.2 miles with District Running Collective (DRC), I honestly didn't think I was going to make it. While I started off at a decent pace, the moment I saw people whizzing past me, I got flustered and self-doubt set in immediately. I griped, complained and damn near cried for half a mile. But luckily my good friend Ashlee was there with me every step of the way to cheer me on until we finished. ☺️

Now for those of you that aren't as familiar with the art of distance running, there's more to it than lacing up your sneaks, pressing play on your favorite Spotify playlist and putting in miles. Just like anything in life, we must prepare, focus and see ourselves completing the course that is before us. Running has not only become a new hobby, but it has made completely impacted the way I pursue my goals on a daily basis.

Stride. Your stride is like a snowflake – it's not going to be nor will it ever be the same as the person you're running next to. In life, we may find that some of our peers are cruising through life and accomplishing goals left and right – and that's fine. Remember that your stride determines you being one with YOUR personal journey, no one else's.

Breathing. This is pretty self explainatory. But you can't forget to breathe! During my 10K this past Sunday, I caught myself getting ahead of myself mentally because of all the runners that were way ahead of me. This caused me to panic and then hyperventilate. Needless to say, I had to stop, catch my breath and remember that I was running this race for myself. Not only does breathing send the oxygen we need to our brains to function, but it also provides focus. This is one critical element that I will continue to work on in running (physically) and in life. And trust me, it's okay to slow down and take a breather if you need it.

Pace. Similar to stride, your pace determines this speed in which you travel. As a novice runner, I'm not runnig 6-7 minute miles yet, but I'm going to work hard to get there one day! You can't compare your beginning to someone else's middle. I admire the hell out of elite runners, but never will I front like I can keep up with them EVER. My current pace is a reminder that I can always improve and become better, but I need to conquer this level before I look to advance to the next.☺️

Support. The support that I've received from family members and friends has been unbelievable. And it also helps to be apart of a community of runners that is always encouraging one another. I've learned so much about myself and running as a sport in the last two months, and I hope that I can inspire those who are contemplating hitting the pavement to do so.

If anything, running has taught me to get shxt done. Whether that be working on a project I've been putting off, answering that email or finishing a book, running has motivated me to push myself one step further. It also has reminded me not to put so much pressure on myself. It's literally impossible to go from walking to Usain Bolt in one day. (thanks for the analogy J. Nesi, 😉) Progress is a process, but as along as you stay the course and keep your focus, you see the fruits of your labor in no time.

Welp, gotta run – these miles aren't going to run themselves!

Thanks for the love everyone,

Chasity

P.S. – I'm heading home to run in the 16th Annual Race Against Hate next month, and would appreciate your support in helping me reach my fundraising goal. Click here to learn more – thanks in advance!

You're Not Behind; You're Right Where You're Supposed To Be.

Sometimes, we just need a moment to pause and reflect.  I'll admit, these first four months of 2015 have been an amazing experience. From going back to my beloved alma mater to deliver my first (paid) keynote speech, to picking up running and completing two 5 K races, (I've got a 10 K next month and a half marathon in September - wee!) I've been pretty busy. However, I'm grateful for all of the growth and lessons I've learned thus far.

But of course, being the "Millennial on a Mission" that I am,  I always think that I could be doing more. More speaking engagements, more blog posts and Twitter chats, and of course, much more with certain activation ideas that are just floating in my head waiting to be released. But over-thinking more often than not lead to stress, break-outs and most importantly losing sleep. And as much as we want to THINK that we have the same 24 hours as Beyoncé, we have to remember that our own real lives are a little bit more complex than hers (no shade.)

In a conversation with a fellow Millennial On A Mission the other day, I mentioned that I felt like I was behind and needed a moment just to stop and breathe. Her next response helped me put a LOT into perspective very quickly:

"Chasity, you're not behind at all. In fact, you're a lot further than most. You just need to redirect your energy and time to things that matter the most to you."

Of course! Why didn't I think of that? While I love helping others strategize how they can reach their full potential, I can't neglect things that make me the happiest. No doubt - I can name about 50-11 distractions that have kept be from launching that blog, or starting that new venture. But now is the time to learn from my mistakes, and move forward in the right direction.

What helped me even feel more at ease is that my mentor-in-my-head blogger, queen of shade, ultimate #gladiator and social extraordinaire Luvvie Ajayi has even admitted to feeling the same way. And while people think her brand has blown up overnight, she had to quickly set the record straight via her Facebook page:

"Nothing happening for me right now was fast. This was a 12 year process. I am a 12-year overnight success. And what comes with it is that I am currently overwhelmed. It's a first world problem but I am. I feel like I'm neglecting so many people from it too.

I just saw a picture of me where I looked exhausted. That is what my default is nowadays. I NEEDED the last 3 days in Phoenix. And to twerk in a pool. And to ignore emails. And to act like I'm not constantly playing catch up. Or that I am not drowning in THINGS. But yeah... I am overwhelmed. But I am grateful. Always grateful." 

Moral of the story? Right now, at this moment in your personal and professional life, you are RIGHT where you are supposed to be. While being proactive is always a plus, don't force it boo-boo! By all means, if you don't like something - change it! But know that it will TAKE TIME for you to see the results of your labor. Yes, you will get overwhelmed, anxious, and even a little scarred at times. But as long as you remember WHY you started, you will be able to keep going. Take the time to really enjoy the experiences that come your way, and ALWAYS show gratitude. Because when you do, the universe will continue to bless you with new opportunities on your journey to greatness.

Never forget that you're amazing, and don't let comparison steal your joy, or stop you from reaching your goals. We all have the ability to be successful, it just takes pacing ourselves and practicing patience.

Here's to much more amazingness in 2015,

Chasity