simply more – Left of the Dial

Buy the book! I contest that even if you’re not a person who has been told you’re “too much” you could be a person that others frown on simply for taking up space.

Either way Cynthia Erivo in her just-published manifesto gives readers permission for us to be the fullest iteration of our ourselves.

Despite with and because of the fear we might have this is exactly why each of us should not cater to cowards. Kick the shame that others try to impose on us too.

I recommend installing Simply More on a device like an iPad. It’s worth reading again and again in moments of self-doubt. At the times when we are tempted to internalize the shame.

The administration of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts/RADA discriminated against Cynthia Erivo while she studied there in England. Then the actor wins an Emmy Tony and Grammy. RADA courts her as their Vice President which she is today.

Cynthia Erivo’s story is exactly the lantern to shine for all of us to walk down our path to freedom from fear and shame. The actor illuminates all the colors of everyone’s self-worth.

Sadly I don’t think the hate and judgment will ever go away. They’re the evergreen expressions of cowards who are too insecure in their own inferiority complex to give others applause.

Take the stage I tell you. Be too much. Be yourself. Shine brightly like a ball of fire or have a quiet sparkle either way.

2026 is arriving soon. The time to pump up the volume on praising each other for our badass beauty.

Today more than ever we need more brave lamp lighters casting a glow in the darkness.

I’ve posted in here about Cynthia Erivo before. She’s the face on the cover of this month’s Harper’s Bazaar Performance issue.

To wit the the actor and vocalist had this to say at a GLAAD Media Award speech: “What I wrote about was [that] those of us who are in the light, who are walking around with our lanterns shining bright, should just change the direction of the lanterns and shine it back on people who don’t know where their path is yet.”

I quote this in the hopes you’ll go out and buy a copy of the magazine.

I’m set to check out of the library Cynthia Erivo’s new forthcoming book Simply More. You could likely get the guide from the library too.

Asking ourselves: “Where is my path? What is the way forward?” can be a scary proposition. Often we don’t fear failure half as much as we fear getting what we want.

The expression is: “Be careful what you wish for it might come true.”

What has come true for me is that I achieved a goal I had long hoped for.

Having the courage to risk acting to Make It Happen–whatever the It is you want–should be a common occurrence. Too often we put off doing this because we’re scared of the outcome or what others will think or worse we think it’s not the right time to try.

Today is always the right time. I encourage followers to reach for the brass ring always. Life can be a carousel moving ever faster and faster. Too often going around and around in the same circle we’re stuck in.

Breaking out of the rut you’re in is called for. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve been terrified to do something and do it anyway. Your friends should be your cheerleaders.

Cynthia Erivo is like a role model for me. Her story can be empowering for countless other nameless faces going about our days not famous like her.

Erivo is right that those of us in the position to do so should shine a light on others. My goal while I’m here on earth is to share stories and teach others to be well.

On the cover of Harper’s Bazaar is this Cynthia Erivo quote: “I feel so fully myself right now.”

My hope is that I can give followers a shot of confidence to say: “This is who I am. I’m not going to hide in the shadows. I’m going to shine my light whether others like it or not.”

Be that lantern I would tell you. Be bold and brave on the path you’re on so that others can blaze their own trail coming up.