DO THE UNIVERSE A FAVOR, DON’T HIDE YOUR MAGIC!

QUESTION FOR YOU: WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?

It might be that special story or uncomfortable thing that you are hiding.  You are doing the world NO favors by playing small or hiding. It’s time to be boldly YOU and live the life you’ve been dreaming of!

If you have been hanging out on my Instagram and following me, you know by now that I hate small talk, refuse to share cheesy sales pitches about products I don’t use, and love sharing openly (in lots of long captions) about topics that most people are afraid to talk about.

I share myself with a lot of heart on every topic from struggling with the losing my Dad to Lukemia, growing up with insecurity as a mixed race person, to the struggles of keeping a relationship positive and thriving.

Looking back on my journey, I remember heading off as freshman to college right after my Dad died and remember telling NO ONE that he had died.  Since I was making new friends, I remember deciding it would be more comfortable and easier on everyone to pretend he was alive.  I would make up so many little white lies – referring to him in the present tense “My Dad loves science and it was really nice to catch up with him on the phone yesterday.” I thought that by hiding my grief and the trauma of the cancer experience I considered a ‘dark secret’,  I would protect others and myself from pain, embarrassment and awkward social interactions.  I just kept thinking “I don’t want XYZ friend to feel the need to say sorry my Dad died.”  I even didn’t know if I should say he died or passed away?  It was too much for me to find my own voice and OWN my story at this time in my life.

A photo of me teaching my Dad about the Von Dutch trend on my 16th Birthday. He was always willing to learn about my interests even through he 3 year battle with cancer. He passed away the year after.

Sometimes the things that we are most scared to talk about or the things we are most insecure about are the things those magical things that offer genuine connection to others.  Its those not so pretty experiences that allow us to to truly serve others.  At the end of the day, being an entrepreneur or creative is not about selling something but about being of service.  On this self growth journey that I have visually and verbally documented on Ms Coffee and Cream, I finally learned that I had to use my true voice and the darker parts of my story to be of service.

Ms Coffee and Cream started as a fashion blog, but as a grew into myself it has become the journey of learning to love myself, and through sharing that process, helping you too love yourself.

As dreamers, doers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and artists we often share only our own praises.  But let me tell you something – all human beings are struggling or hiding from something uncomfortable!

Embracing my Indian heritage in a way that feels authentic to me! Shot in Bangalore at the Leela Palace

When I see the rise in anxiety, suicide rates, and stress over social media I feel like we are all craving to see we are not alone.  What does this teach us?  It teaches us that we are all craving connection.  Today I challenge you to share a meaningful or difficult part of your story on your Instagram, on your website or just to a friend!  I value your story, and wouldn’t it be worth it to change ONE life by sharing it?

Ask yourself – what cause or hobby am I passionate about? What life struggles do I care about?  What is my special superpower?  What is something in my life I am afraid to talk about but can shed some light on?

We all see enough perfect in the media.  So today, let’s start showing up for each other through those phone screens with genuine connection that can touch the hearts of strangers from across the globe!!!!!

Comment below with your Instagram handle and a sentence about what ideas this post sparked in your mind!