What’s Standing Between You and Your Dreams?
Dearest Superstar,
I recently had a powerful conversation with my uncle that left me deeply moved. He shared a glimpse of his life growing up during the Jim Crow era. Though I won't share his story—it's his to tell—one detail struck me: as a toddler, he was referred to as "alligator bait." The weight of that memory still lingers for him, and hearing it shook me to my core.
That conversation sparked a reflection on how silence has been a survival mechanism for so many of us. It’s something I’ve wrestled with, especially as a businesswoman. Why do we often stay in the background, propelling others forward but holding ourselves back? Why do we hesitate to take center stage, even when we know we have something meaningful to say?
Even when I see people thriving on social media or commanding a TED Talk stage, I often sense a layer of restraint. It’s as if we’re conditioned to hold back, to stay safe, to blend in. This survival strategy, rooted in generations of trauma, shapes how we move, how we show up, and how much of ourselves we’re willing to share.
For so long, I hesitated to fully express myself—even in my own writing. I was afraid of being judged, of being "too much," of stepping into a space where my vulnerability might feel unsafe. But my uncle’s story reminded me this isn’t just about me. It’s a generational weight, passed down from my parents, grandparents, and beyond. And it’s time to let it go.
What about you? What do you think is holding you back from going all out—writing that book, building that business, starting that podcast, or being your truest self? What’s stopping you from stepping into that next chapter, where all your dreams come true?
We all have stories that matter. We all have gifts that make the world better. And we all have the knowledge to share that can create a lasting impact.
As the holiday season invites us to slow down and reflect, I encourage you to take a moment to reconnect with your dreams. Let’s reimagine what’s possible for the year ahead. Let this be the season where you decide to step boldly into the fullest expression of yourself.
What is your big dream? Hit reply and let me know.
Let 2025 be AUDACIOUS.
With love and purpose,
Monica Wisdom
www.monicawisdomhq.com
