- I repeated personalised affirmations about who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. I would repeat them daily alone or with like-minded friends who had their dreams and weren't afraid to tell the world about it. Little did I know I was rewiring my subconscious beliefs about myself.
- I wrote in my Diary - stories, poetry and drawings. I didn't realise it would become known as
Introspective Journaling and a means to explore your beliefs, values, and past experiences.
- I would visualise my ideal self and set some crazy-ass goals that aligned with my vision. The material goals were hit and miss, but my aspirations for an ideal self would often materialise more often than not, and they helped reinforce my self-concept.
- I surrounded myself with individuals who supported and uplifted
me. I lucked out here because I had some great people around me at that early stage of my life. Healthy relationships can serve as mirrors, reflecting your strengths and potential.
- I dedicated myself to lifelong learning and skill development. I was the geeky kid who loved books and science. Each time I learned something new, it enhanced my self-concept and provided tangible evidence of my growth.
All of this was going on in the period I lived in Jamaica. When I arrived in the UK and started getting the doors slammed in my face, I was nearly ready. The final puzzle piece was the actual writing of the stories and the lessons I learned from that.
Speculative fiction allows writers to envision worlds that defy societal norms and expectations. As a Black author, I saw this genre as a canvas where I could break through stereotypes and challenge preconceived notions. I needed the courage to do that, so I started writing. I didn't dive into what I wanted to do, but I began.
Like authors past and present, I infused my experiences and interests into my work. This meant exploring the rich tapestry of African and African diasporic cultures and integrating them into my work. By embracing my identity, I enriched my stories and sent a powerful message to readers – that diversity is an essential component of our creative
universe.
I needed self-belief to pull that one off but I did. As I delved deeper into my writing journey, I found myself growing more confident in my abilities and capacity to impact the genre. This newfound confidence directly resulted from my strong
self-concept, reminding me that my voice deserved to be heard and my stories deserved to be told.
I love connecting with readers on a profound emotional level through speculative fiction. I reached out to a global audience, forging connections with people who
resonated with the themes of empowerment, diversity, and the triumph of the human spirit. This connection gave me even more faith in myself and what I was doing.
Your self-concept is the canvas upon which your life's masterpiece is painted. It needs to be strong
and tight because it will undergo societal stresses, but once it's in place, nobody but you can shift it. Point yourself in the direction of your goals, embrace the power of self-concept, and you'll find that you hold the brush to paint the life you've always dreamed of.
Be Your Own Hero.
