As we wrap up another year of fabulous and begin the “anniversary celebration” planning, I am filled with bittersweet emotions. This issue marks our 25th of celebrating and showcasing amazing women and their stories, successes and struggles and THAT is HUGE to mi. When I look back at the women I have encountered I hear their voices, telling me, “I don’t know how to write my story.” “I’m not as impressive as the women you feature.” “I am so honored you find my story noteworthy,” and so forth. And I am drawn immediately to a favorite quote of mine by Marianne Williamson that says: “who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, are you not to be?” DO we not know that our playing small does not serve the world?
Why is it we see value in others but not in ourselves? How come we can toot the horn of other women but feel uncomfortable when the spotlight is on us? To mi, every day I open my eyes and see the sun shine through my window is a day to celebrate, to be the best and BRING the best to the world around mi.
In addition to the achievement of producing 25 issues, I personally hit a milestone in July when I embraced turning the big 60! Turning 60 set my soul on fire and churned my mind more than usual. It got mi thinking about my purpose in this world, my reason for being survived by my mother instead of aborted and wondering what kind of legacy I will leave when the sparks are gone from my eyes, and I am mere dust. Everything dies. I know that. Our job is not to live forever but to create something that will. Whether Focus on Fabulous magazine lasts another year or continues into the next generation is yet to be seen but I can truly say that I HAVE created something that will live on forever through this publication.
By building one relationship at a time, one story at a time, I have touched lives and tooted horns, shared stories, provided encouragement, motivation and hope to others who may have lacked some in their daily lives. I have built. Set free. Exposed… myself and others, revealing the beauty we forgot we had; and have brought the inside to the outside, exposing the light from within. I have liberated, loosened and challenged others to step out of their comfort zones and awaken themselves to the possibilities of what lies within and share that light with the world. I have showcased what truly IS fabulous in each and every woman that has graced these pages, rooting for the underdog because it is a journey I know well and a path that unites us. Through my own transformation, I have shared my moments, my flaws and my light with a transparent and passionate purpose such that everyone should feel worthy, wanted and revered and will continue beyond my last breath.
I look over the trials and tribulations of not only putting together this magazine every quarter but also putting myself together. A once battered shell of a person now turned 60 and trailblazing, leaving a glow of glitter and sparkle behind me, I am excited to hit the ground full throttle from here on out and be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous along the way. I hope you will join mi.
stay fabulous, stay you,
“mi”