By Anastatia Ketchen
Hello, ladies! I am, like many of you, a woman of many things. A woman of many hats, shoes, bags, utensils, roles, hair, undies (including our secret weapon the girdle, a.k.a. quick love handle and tummy tuck) and so much more. That’s right. I know what it’s like to have so many roles and responsibilities yet still have dreams and goals you want to accomplish. I’m here to let you know it’s possible. You can have it all. It takes tons of sacrifice, patience, extra cookies, coffee, Snickers, toys (wink, wink) but most importantly our natural gift of perseverance. Yes, with perseverance you can be a full-time entrepreneur “with jobssss,” as said by reality TV star Phaedra Parks from the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Yassss, honey. That’s right. I’m speaking from experience. I’m a full-time single mother, author, actress, life coach, motivational speaker, community activist, painter, sketch artist, dancer, spoken-word artist and CEO/founder of my own women’s support network. I’m now the program director and developer for my very own after-school program, oh, and for what I pull out of my purse sometimes I might as well be deemed a magician too. Yes, I did it, and I’m doing it, and so can you.
Now, don’t get it twisted. Times have definitely been difficult. I’ve been on a very taxing, nerve-wrecking and sometimes nauseating emotional and mental roller coaster. Financially has definitely been questionable. Ummm hmmm. You know that woman holding up the line at the Wendy’s drive-thru and Walmart checkout because she’s counting her change to pay for her order? Yup, that was me. Oh, and the one tripping over a coupon that wasn’t scanned and would have saved her five cents? Yeah, that was me too. Oh, and let’s not forget the one who almost wrecked flying to the gas station next door to save two pennies. Yes, and the woman who crossed four lanes when she saw the “hot now” sign on and a free donut sign in the window of Krispy Kreme. That was definitely me. Shoot, that was a double bonus! There have been plenty of times I’ve swiped my card or written a check as I crossed my fingers, eyes and toes while I prayed for the payment to go through. Heck, if my car could talk she would tell you that we truly have a ride-or-die relationship. Yep, my car knows The Little Engine That Could story all too well.
We’ve crossed bridges and climbed hills by the skin of our teeth and literally rolled into a gas station and put just enough in the tank to make it home. Heck, I do a praise dance and somersault anytime I get a free sandwich or coffee on a receipt. The way I shout for those you’d think I’d won bingo! Nope, not the lottery but bingo. If I win the lottery there would be complete and utter silence. I ain’t telling nooobody. Nope, I’m gonna appear just as broke as I was before winning and stuff my mattress until I skip town. I’m running and changing my name to Uretharahh and my child’s to Sudukory! Y’all will never find us, especially not the tax man. I say all that to say two of my favorite quotes: “I am thankful for my struggle because without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled upon my strength,” spoken by Alexandra Elle. Another one I remember from childhood and used to beat the odds with is a biblical one: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” found in Isaiah 54:17.
You see, despite the financial obstacle, fears, gender and other prejudices, as well as most times lack of support, I continue to overcome adversity. My greatest obstacle was myself. Once I started believing in myself, changed my focus, truly trusted God, stopped waiting for others to pat me on the back or even notice me and gained a newfound confidence, I became my own hero. My shero! I was then able to defeat depression and suicide and see the unconditional love and support I have from my own precious child, who became my motivation for living and all that I do. I was able to face the devil himself and smile while I stood on the solid foundation created by my own two feet and graceful poise.
I became all I was seeking. Heck, I didn’t even need a man for pleasure anymore. Not that I would mind. I’m just saying… The bottom line is I started believing in myself and my own dreams. Now they are coming true. And guess what? Yours most certainly can too. I encourage you to stand fearlessly and gaze in the mirror at the most phenomenal maiden of all. Chase your dreams and wear all of your hats and weaves too. Can’t forget them. Shoot, I finally got my weaves off layaway. Yes, ma’am. They were laid all the way off my budget. I will share with you my journey and keep you updated on where it takes me, as I do I want you to join me and share yours. Take your first step right now. Strip down buck naked, run to a mirror, throw your shoulders back and proudly say, “She has arrived and is here to stay!”
For more information on Anastatia, her women’s support network (D.R.I.V.EN.) or her various other ministries contact her on the web at: www.togetherweshall.com or anastatiadriven@gmail.com