The Origin of “That’s So Mo” Blog/Vlog and the series She’s Carib·BEING
In December I took a six-week sabbatical. I know what you’re thinking, “What is that?” No, I’m not a priest or a professor, but I subscribe to the notion that we all need and deserve a time out, a place to cleanse the soul and realign with our original design, our assignment for such a time as this.
I knew I wanted to go somewhere, and for some reason, when my travel agent sent over the options of inclusive resorts, I chose Saint Martin (French side)/Sint Marteen (Dutch side) AKA SXM. I spent five of my 42 sabbatical days on an island I had never heard of and fell in love with the inner parts of me I discovered while I was there.
By January I told my Executive Assistant how alive I felt and how I’d love to live internationally for a month. She said without hesitation, “I could see that,” and that’s all I needed – my dream and her confirmation. I booked a trip in March to see if I could see myself staying there a whole month. The plan was to get a car and live in town instead of staying at a resort to get a better fill of the island. But, as soon as I stepped off the plane I knew. I booked my Airbnb for July before the trip even ended.
And here I am today in SXM, typing this blog on the front terrace overlooking the beach as the sun shines on my face.
I am committing to writing a blog every day and vlog at least once a week about what I’m experiencing as an island gal or what I had to do to get here. Why, you might ask. Well…
- One: I am a creative. I have a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and used to write, produce, direct, record, and edit. While I may be rusty, it’s time to put those skills to use!
- Two: My heart really is to inspire. I’ve always said that everything I am able to accomplish in this life is telling another poor, abused, young Black girl that she can too. This ministry helps bring purpose to my trials and my triumphs.
- Three: I thought it was pretty cool when I saw the movie Julie and Julia when Julie Powell blogged daily as she attempted to emulate her idol, Julia Child. I said I can do that too! It felt like a challenge, and this island livin’ is a perfect thing to kick it off.
I didn’t know what to call the blog/vlog at first, but then as I thought about embracing all that makes me Mo and my EXTRA, I reflected back on a my 30th party theme, “That’s So Mo…” This blog is going to be all things me – from mothering to CEOing, my friendships, ups and downs, and adventures. It will be all facets of Monique.
My first blog series is called She’s Carib·BEING. I love the play on words because one of the women in my WOC leadership program talks about just being. Then in our recent session I mentioned it and our guest happened to pray about it without knowing I had spoken about it earlier! If that wasn’t enough, a fellow CEO sent the name suggestion, Just Caribbeing, in response to me asking for blog name ideas. When I read it, I said, “THAT’S IT!”
It was the perfect name because this trip is all about BEING. When you have lived a life of pain and trauma – some inflicted and other you perpetuated, you don’t know how to “just be.” You’re constantly striving, pushing, fighting. You’re tight and guarded, always ready to protect yourself. Well, at least I can speak for myself. But over the past couple of years, I’ve discovered a new way of BEING and I’m striving to go deeper to embrace and embody it, as well as learning how to stay there.
I believe in the power of setting intentions. Look where it’s gotten me with just this trip alone! While I’m in SXM I want to find and sit in quiet – let it envelop me. I want to get in order from the inside so I can outwardly exude nothing but excellence and abundance wrapped up in EXTRAordinary. I also want to tap into parts of me that have laid dormant for too long. Time to come out of slumber, shed of conditioning, and be me. What better place to reimagine your BEING than the Caribbean?
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