It’s the start of Black History Month and if there’s one thing our history proves, it’s that movement creates change. From leaders to innovators to artists, Black trailblazers didn’t wait for permission.
Most times, the biggest thing stopping us from moving forward is us. Hesitation, overthinking...
But success or momentum doesn’t wait for perfect timing. If anybody understood this, it was Josephine Baker. She ran towards her dreams, literally.
Quick backstory, Josephine Baker was born into poverty in St. Louis, dealing with racism and rejection at every turn, like all black people during this time. She could’ve accepted the limits society placed on her. Instead, she packed her bags and moved to Paris. She reinvented herself, took risks, and went on to become a global icon- a singer, dancer, and activist. Did you know she was a spy in WWII? I didn't until now. Ha! But, that's not relevant to this post. Let's move on...
America tried to box her in, so she left and built her own stage.
Is something stopping you from going after what you want, or are you ready to move without limits?
Momentum Requires Courage
It's frightening to leave behind the familiar and take big risks when you don’t know if they’ll work out. But without leaps of faith, you stay in the same place. Josephine Baker stayed in motion, constantly evolving, whether it was performing or standing up for civil rights. That’s the kind of momentum we need in our own lives.
It’s easy to get stuck waiting for the right time or the right circumstances, but progress comes from movement.
Action creates opportunity.
How often do you limit yourself because you don’t see immediate opportunities? Josephine’s story reminds us that sometimes, where you are isn’t the place where you’ll grow. Sometimes, you have to step into the unknown, bet on yourself, and move forward despite challenges.
Your Dreams Are Bigger Than Your Fears
“I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the houses of presidents. But I could not walk into a hotel in America and get a cup of coffee, and that made me mad.” - Josephine Baker
What if she had given up? What if she had played it safe? The world would’ve never known her name.
I believe we all have a purpose and our potential is limitless, we just have to be willing to step outside comfort and into our calling.
Keep Moving Forward
Josephine’s story is proof that it isn’t just about working hard, it’s about being bold enough to chase what we deserve. She could’ve stayed in her hometown, let the obstacles win, and lived a life full of “what ifs.” But she didn't, and look how that turned out.
If you’re standing still, it’s time to move. If you’re doubting yourself, it’s time to believe. The world is waiting for what you have to offer. I'm waiting for you...
To close this out, please ask yourself:
- Where am I holding back?
- What dream have I been too afraid to chase?
- What’s one step I can take today to break past my own limits?
Then, like Josephine, move forward anyway.
Peace.
written by Morgan | @MORGANtheCEO
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