I Stand on the Shoulders of Giants and I’m Blessed For It
I gotta talk about how I’m where I am today.
I’m 5’4 but I always feel tall. It’s not because I put on fierce 4-inch pumps (often red) either. Even in flats, I never feel diminutive. Plus I talk shit like I’m big so there’s that. O_O
But for realsies. I am where I am today, and I’ve grown into the woman I am because of God’s grace and the people who’ve guided me and helped me on this journey. Recently, someone I look up to sent me an email saying how proud he is of me. As one of my mentors and the people who I respect the most, it meant THE WORLD to me. And he ended the email by reminding me to “stand on the shoulders of giants.”
He’s said that to me before but this time, it sank in even more. Stand on the shoulders of giants. And I realized that I know a lot of giants.
All around me are people who live life TALL. Folks who do epic shit. They wake up and create dope things. They write. They act. They produce. They blog. They create the lives they want to live. They are the change they want to see in the world. They work for themselves. They work for others with their own rules. They travel shamelessly. They raise families. They live life like no sky exists.
They’re brilliant, gifted, well-read, hilarious, empathetic, dope, fierce, awesome, amazing, multi-faceted and so much more.
I know SO many giants, and they challenge me to live life just as tall as they do it. They challenge me to break the walls I’ve built for myself. They push me beyond my comfort zone. And I’m taller for it.
I am already standing on their shoulders because I’ve been elevated in my work and life as a result of knowing them. My mentors, friends, family members and associates have been instrumental in any and all success I have today. Their lives are stories worth telling and they are testaments to what it looks like to chase your dreams and realize them. They’re hard work personified, and what they do matters.
I am inspired to be and do better everyday because of my circle of awesome people, and I’m so thankful for them.
I’ve said this before but some of the things I’ve done still feel like dreams. This past year has been beyond amazing for me and has taken me places where I never thought I’d go. I’ve met so many people and I’ve seen my dreams starting to come to fruition. I’ve worked on a TV show, went to the Academy Awards (as press!), been flown to Africa, met and befriended some of my heroes and spoken at the same conferences as people who I could never imagine I’d even MEET.
People have told me their dreams for me and I’ve been shocked at how grand they are. And they’ve offered to help me see them come true. And every single time, I’m humbled by it. If these folks have such strong belief in me, who am I to question myself and my abilities? Every time it happens, I get all verklempt and in my feelings.
When people recognize my accomplishments and tell me they see more happening for me, it’s just like WOW. I don’t take the time to smell the roses of my work often. I’m always on to the next one. But the email I got made me take some time to say “You know what, Luvvie? You’ve done good. A lil bit.” Five minutes later, though, I was on to how to the next task at hand. Gotta keep it moving.
I’m a raging workaholic, which is probably a direct result of my not-so-hidden narcissism which is a consequence of my need to make some impact and leave something that lasts longer than I do on this Earth. I must do epic shit.
My fave shirt. I wanna do DOPE SHIT.
I don’t think I’ve accomplished even 10% of what I will, so I gotta keep chugging along. But the little that I have done is due to God’s blessings and the LIFE TALL people I’ve been honored to meet and know and connect with.
The rest of the email from my mentor said:
“I am very proud of what you are doing. You are on your way. But you are not there yet. Dream big and then think even more! Keep striving. Never “settle.” Yet in all of it find satisfaction in where you are – seems contradictory but without it (constantly finding satisfaction) you won’t know to enjoy and be thankful to God for what he’s accomplished in and through you. Your best days are ahead of you.”
Amen. I’ll take that and hold it with me.
I stand on the shoulders of giants and because of them, I can see clearer and farther than I ever thought I could see. I see places I’ve never been and I don’t even have to crane my neck. I see past people who try to make me feel short because they lift me up above them. And I see greatness.
So to all the “giants” in my life, thank you. I will remember to stand even taller and straighter on your shoulders if I ever feel short. You make my life super tall. I look forward to the day I can pay it forward and be someone else’s giant.
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12 Comments
You know Luvvie, this was beautiful and I thank you for writing this… You know, to me you are that Giant. I have to tell you that I am constantly inspired and in awe of what you do! YOU keep me motivated, throughout all my little gchat sessions with you!
I cannot wait to see the next place in your do epicness chapter, because I can only imagine where it will take you and I am here to watch, do herkies and toe touches on the sidelines, and roundoff back handsprings to cheer you on (yeah I was a cheerleader, so what)!!!
THANK YOU! For what you do!
MARIE! I truly appreciate you for always having kind words for me. You’re awesome yourself, and I can’t wait to see where you go on your journey too. And I’ll be here fist pumping as great things continue to happen for you.
This was very moving!! I’m trying my best to also live the life I’m destined to live and make sure I leave a legacy. You inspire me. I’ve been following you since 2010 and I’m amazed at the things you’ve accomplished. I’m trying to be like y’all!! I had to first realize God’s destiny for me not what others wanted me to do. It’s a long road to where I’m going but I’m at least a few steps in. Thanks again,
Thanks, Stacy! <3 <3 <3 "I had to first realize God’s destiny for me not what others wanted me to do." YES GAWD! So important and glad you're on your way to living the life you want to.
hi Luvvie, i remember attending your session at BlogHer and thinking how awesome you are. This post right here is proof of how much of a beautiful soul you are. to all the giants who helped you, “thank you” from your readers and followers who get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. keep doing what you doing.. i am not a frequent commenter, but this post was beyond moving in so many ways.
Aawww Cassie! Thank you for supporting my work. This post was long overdue, and I’m so thankful for the love I’ve received from it.
I’m so proud to be a supporter of you..and you are right; I don’t think you’ve accomplished even 10% of what u will either! Cheers to you Luvvie!
Luvvie,
I am so so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet you this weekend! My spidey-sense usually steers me in the direction of quality people, and you my dear are quality! Beautifully written and I hope when you’re in NY or I’m in Chi-town we can get together soon!
Keep doing the DAMN THANG. Holla at cha girl.
Nicolette
Luvvie,
This is a GREAT piece. Very inspirational and a reminder to dream big and work hard. You are one of the best at what you do and you clearly work hard. You help others to know that accomplishing your dreams, ( and other blessings you didn’t anticipate) can happen.
*eyes sweatin’* You’re one of my giants already! Whicho dope ass..
<3
Suga
You have purpose – and you bring us all along for your party – which is consistently off the hook and full of _realness_ and joy. Narcissists don’t bring people along like you do.
Thanks for sharing this. Thank you for this lesson in gratitude. 🙂
You are one of my idols, one of the giants, you are amazing, and I love seeing all you do. You inspire, and you empower. Thank you for being you. (and for rocking awesome shoes and red velvet) 🙂 <3