I recently watched a segment of a public broadcast show highlighting acclaimed visual artist, Carrie Mae Weems. As she discussed her collection and its possible place in history she said, “I don’t know if this work will be important, but I know that it’s important for me”. Those words resonated, rather loudly for some time after the credits rolled and I’d gone back to my daily routine. I began to mull over them, toy with their meaning not just for her or myself, but also for all of us.
If there is one thing I hope for our future is that our mothers, our sisters and our daughters will know how important purpose is to their lives and the lives of all they encounter. In my role as Co-Founder of Black Girls Social, I’ve committed myself to helping young women of color build their professional networks, grow their personal brand and offer their best work to the world. It is my purpose in life to empower and enrich the lives of young women and to remind them of the work still to be done.
We aren’t all called to be lawyers or doctors but our titles don’t determine the impact of the work we do. Whatever your role or calling in life, be purpose-filled, committing to be the best version of yourself and driven to present only your best. Some of the work we produce won’t be for the masses but we must do work that is important. We cannot worry about who will recognize us or even understand! Often we won’t see our work as glamorous or significant, work anyway!
Please don’t misunderstand me when I use the word “work”. It can be the time you spend volunteering, the parenting you do everyday or the studies you take on in school. If you want to measure your potential for impact; first measure the importance of your work by the attitude in which you go about it, the sincerity of your efforts and the lives you touch by completing it. Your helping hand may change a life. Your motherly love can raise a child from boy to man. Your college degree will be proof that it can be achieved. So what makes your work important? How will the works you’ve done impact those you leave behind? You may not know today exactly for what you are purposed or what work you must do. It’s okay. Until then prepare by investing in your future and giving of yourself or time to those in need.
There is work to be done. Let’s get to it!
Kellee Moore is the co-founder of Black Girls Social (BGS), a professional networking company based in Dallas, TX. She received her Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is an entrepreneur and non-profit professional with a passion for helping young women find and live out their purpose. Kellee is a believer in Christ, self-proclaimed foodie and frequent flyer.
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