I want to be open about my personal experiences and the challenges I have faced in believing in myself. I am that friend who always makes time to show up for others and encourages them to pursue their dreams. However, behind closed doors, I spend hours questioning myself, overthinking my ideas, and doubting my abilities. Recently, I met a lady whom I had admired from a distance for months. As she praised all the wonderful things, she saw in me and expressed how proud she was of me, I silently prayed that I could see myself the way she did and believe in the wonderful things she said about me. (I know we’re new here, but that was our first moment of transparency with Tiffany).
I often feel like a late bloomer. It wasn’t until my early 40s that I fully realized there was more to life than working a 9-to-5 job and climbing the corporate ladder. As my son grew older and needed me less, I discovered a yearning for something more. However, after dedicating so much time and effort to my career, it has been difficult to imagine myself pursuing my dream of becoming a motivational speaker, an influencer, and a full-time non-profit Executive Director. Being over 50, I know I’m not the only one facing this dilemma. Many of us find ourselves at a crossroads, questioning our purpose and searching for meaning in our lives. It’s a stage where we are afraid to prioritize ourselves, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones. But it’s not an easy task. This is where the Me First Movement begins.
As the end of 2023 approached, one thought consumed my mind: “Tiffany, you have more years behind you than in front of you. You need to make them count.” I needed to figure out how to do just that. During a recent move, I stumbled upon some of my old journals and decided to seek guidance from them. To my surprise, they provided exactly what I needed. I had made promises to myself that I had forgotten about or pushed aside due to the demands of life and, at times, fear. Flipping through page after page, I realized that over the years, I had stopped making myself a priority. I had become a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a minister, and more. But where was I on the list? My journals were filled with days spent at my mom’s or sister’s, celebrating friends’ birthdays, helping others move, visiting the sick, and starting my mornings serving. But what about me?
The thought of prioritizing myself felt both empowering and selfish. I couldn’t be the only person feeling this way, but I needed confirmation. So, I turned to God and asked for a sign that I was on the right track (yes, that’s how He and I communicate). To know me is to know my love for Tabitha Brown. She embodies authenticity and transparency, and I eagerly pre-ordered her new book, “I Did A New Thing”. I couldn’t wait for it to arrive on January 30th, just in time for me to see her on her book tour the following Sunday. As I opened the book, the dedication page caught my attention. It read, “THIS ONE IS FOR ME. FOR TAB.” And that was the official birth of my Me First Movement.
I hope you will join me! Starting on my launch day, February 20th, I will share my 30-day journey of trying new things and putting myself first. My goal is to inspire you to do the same. I believe that our Me First journey will help us tap into our authentic selves and rediscover a sense of purpose. I am filled with excitement. It’s time!
