I'm THAT Fan

What does Steven Levitt (author of the Freakonomics books), Tyler Perry, Celine Dion, Kevin Hart and Hasan Minhaj have in common? They are people I would LOVE to spend an afternoon with – individually or as a group. I’ll let them decide on the place and time, my schedule is flexible. I have followed their careers, read their biographies, resonated with their work and found inspiration in their speeches. I’m that fan; the one that wishes I could tell each of them how they impacted my life. I admire their courage, taking chances that brought them wealth and recognition. I’m not saying these things because I secretly hope they read this paragraph and decide I may be someone worth talking to. I am saying this because I would be so proud if even ONE person gets to know me and says I helped them with a chapter in their life. Being myself, unapologetically, didn’t happen until I was 24 years old. Accountability for my actions and prioritizing my responsibilities wasn’t easy so I can relate to those who go only where they are pushed. It’s so much easier to be a follower because being able to lead would mean you know where you are going. Knowing your self-worth and having direction are the lessons you live and learn firsthand. Reading, watching movies, listening to music and enjoying comedy helped me laugh at myself while I gained understanding of who I really was. These were my outlets when I found myself in a dark place. I call it ‘The Hole’ because if you stay in it too long it will swallow you… whole.