Is there a hidden dimension of your personality, ability or mindset that you wish to dial up or have already amplified? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Are there parts of you that are starving for expression? Have you put desires on hold because duty called or your talent, energy, time or treasure were needed elsewhere? Have you recently thought about stepping into a different lane? If so, you are not alone. Whether it's switching careers; ending a relationship or starting one; making healthy lifestyle, exercise or dietary changes; trying a new hobby; moving or buying a home; retiring; visiting a new destination or starting a new business, many sisters are discovering that their multidimensionality can help make it happen. It’s the seed of transformation that is already germinating within us.
I realized that the day job was limiting my creativity. So, I started writing and podcasting, and I created an accountability community.
Deesha Dyer, Entrepreneur and former Obama White House Social Secretary, is a prime example. At age 46, she’s already had a thriving career in politics, business, and reproductive justice. She is now the author of a new book, Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble. In it she shares her struggles with impostor syndrome, and her journey from community college student in Philly to the halls of power in Washington DC.
When asked about her inspiration for adapting to change, Dyer said in an email, “I didn't even know multidimensionality was a thing.” Still, she attributes the premise to a long lineage of women who, by choice or force, had many dimensions.
You can be an artist, a lover, a believer, a mogul, a nurturer, a leader, a fun-seeker, an adventurer, a change maker, a wealth builder.
“I have that hustle and poverty scarcity mindset that never lets me rest. I'm always thinking about the next thing, making sure that my bases and bills are covered. This means having multiple streams of income, which I don't think is healthy overall, but if I'm being honest, that is where part of the inspiration comes from,” she continued.
Your time is now
What joy will you invite into this moment? Are you ready to explore the many complexities of your full self? Know that nothing’s stopping you, Sis. You can be an artist, a lover, a believer, a mogul, a nurturer, a leader, a fun-seeker, an adventurer, a change maker, a wealth builder. You can pursue anything and everything that your heart desires when you’re ready to try something new and release old limits or narratives.
Multidimensionality means adapting to change. And for some, life’s events cause a deep internal shift.
Change is gonna come
Multidimensionality means adapting to change. And for some, life’s events cause a deep internal shift.
Lia Jane, a 44-year-old artist, shared through Instagram direct message that after unexpectedly losing a good friend, her perspective on seizing all of life’s splendors began to change.
“Losing her puts everything into perspective for me. I’m not waiting anymore!” explained Jane.
Over the past few decades, Black women have also navigated multidimensionality within their work lives. In fact, according to reports from the Brookings Institution, we are the fastest growing entrepreneurs and side-hustlers in the United States.
“I realized that the day job was limiting my creativity. So, I started writing and podcasting, and I created an accountability community,” said Brée Nachelle, who is a Maryland-based creative strategist.
You can pursue anything and everything that your heart desires when you’re ready to try something new and release old limits or narratives.
But perhaps switching jobs is not in the cards. Brand strategist, web designer, and career coach Toni Brown explains that there are ways to embrace mixing it up at your current job.
“As a brand coach for women mostly in their 50s and beyond…I guide women in finding their voice and creating messaging that reflects their narrative and expertise. I believe that this positions women to enter rooms and have the opportunities they desire,” said Brown in an email.
For many women, multidimensionality is not tethered to work, but achieved through participating in hobbies and meaningful day-to-day routines.
“I’m returning back to fine arts after a 25-year break,” said Jane. She continued, “I designed clothes as a kid and got accepted into fashion design school and I even designed and made my own prom dress. Now at 44, I figure why not pick up those paints again.”
Do something you’ve never done
One important step to embracing multidimensionality is doing something you’ve never done before. In Tabitha Brown’s latest book, I Did a New Thing, she recounts 30 days trying something new. She includes stories of “play cousins” who also learn important lessons from charting the unknown.
Christy Pruitt, a near 50-year-old empty nester, is rediscovering herself through solo dates. Some of her newest hobbies include afternoon tea, Bourbon blending, cooking, and flower arranging.
Here are a few helpful tips from the book, which Pruitt also puts into action:
● Connect with your inner child. Coming back to what you loved doing when you were a child is a necessary part of finding those layers.
● Remain open minded. Even if you’ve never tried something before, it doesn’t hurt to try.
● Share your experiences. Start that blog, social media page, or podcast – because you never know who’s watching (or listening!).
Real (brief) stories of inspiration
We wouldn’t leave you without a few real examples of Black women who are embracing multidimensionality. Get motivated and step fully into your power!
40s and 50s
● Dorothy Price, 42, joined a 40+ Double Dutch Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. She found joy through the games she played in childhood
● Desiree Bell, 46, is training for the United States Track and Field Masters
● Gahmya Drummond-Bey, 41, is currently in Bangkok Thailand training as a Muay Thai fighter
● Felicia Pride, filmmaker, founded of It’s Honey, Chile!, a platform celebrating Black women 40 and older.
60s and 70s
● Wanda Crawford, 60, became a luxury travel agent, specializing in immersive trips around the world
● Wendy Ida, 71, author, speaker, coach bodybuilder, and fitness guru
● Carolyn Doelling became a fashion model at age 73
80s and beyond
● Ernestine Shepherd, 87-year-old record-holding bodybuilder and exercise enthusiast
● Annie Judis, 80-year-old Guinness world record holder for jump rope
● Viola Fletcher, 110, oldest known survivor of Tulsa race massacre published her memoir and continues to fight for reparations
Is there a hidden dimension of your personality, ability or mindset that you wish to dial up or have already amplified? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
