What’s good, good people. This is your girl Anna DeShawn, founder/ceo of E3 Radio where we play queer & independent music in high rotation.

You are now tuned in to Episode 6 of Anna’s Got A Word. A podcast where I share my word as a Black Queer woman in America.

On August 30th I took another trip around the sun. My wife being the amazing person she is organized a surprise trip to LA with my friends. It was a fun & crazy 48 hours. I came home for 24 hours & then headed out to my family reunion in Mississippi. Talk about polar opposite locations. It’s sorta the story of life though. Now this is a road trip I’ve made many times with my mom. The 10 hours is spent sleeping, eating popcorn, figuring out the music playlist, more sleeping & now that I’m legitimately old enough a little driving. I treasure these trips & the time with not only mom but my family. Our history is so beautiful & so rich. I’ll have to tell you more about it in a future podcast. So all in all this bearthday was pretty dope.

Now for every bearthday I take a moment to reflect & evaluate the previous year. The successes & areas of growth. I spend a lot of time planning & dreaming & thinking ahead. So my bearthday is a great opportunity to reflect. To take a look back and you know what… I’m pretty proud of myself.

I’m an audiobook kind of girl and when I listened to “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes, I knew I had to try it. I did & it’s been everything. When I opened myself up the opportunities found me. It’s been exhausting at times but so worth it. I’ve met new people, spoken in different places, and expanded my possibilities.

Have you ever felt like you’ve found your sweet spot? Your perfect balance? I’ve finally found mine. The work/life/play/work balance I need to feel fulfilled. I have a large capacity. And let’s be clear everyone’s capacity is different and you have to find yours. I don’t allow myself to feel overwhelmed. When that type of anxiety even begins to peer its way in I stop, I breathe, and I re-prioritize. It’s a learned practice that has proven to be so beneficial.

Family, I say try saying yes a lot more in your life. I know all the self care talk teaches the power in saying no and not feeling guilty about it. The importance of taking time for yourself. I’m not negating that but what I am saying is there is power in saying yes to the opportunities that will serve your greater purpose. You don’t have to do an entire year of “yes” but try it for a few months. See if you like the results. I think you’ll find it’s well worth it. Till next time, peace.