The Greatest Story I Ever Told Myself

Who do you think has the power to change your life? Is it the neighbor who lives beside you? Your parents who have influenced you? How about the society that imposes itself on you?

Whether you know it or not, you are the one with the power to control and change your life!

Katharine Hepburn said, “We are taught: You must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers—but never blame yourself. It’s never your fault. But it’s always your fault, because if you wanted to change, you’re the one who has got to change.”

If you really want the power to take back your life, then stop blaming others for what you know you are responsible for. Take a long hard look in the mirror and have a serious talk with yourself. If you want to become a leader or even a better one, then take some accountability in your life.

It takes courage and faith to lead a more effective and productive life. You must have the courage and will to change this equation in your life. Less blame and more accountability.

Another well-known quote goes: “Your thoughts become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your character, your character becomes your destiny.”

It is with that discovery that I developed and started my online brand, The Digital Vibe Podcast (Network).

Purpose is one thing that we all have, but purpose is specific to the individual and her circumstances even more so.

One of my greatest pleasures in life is being able to accomplish what people don’t think I can do as a human being, as a woman, and as a woman of color. Life never promised me that the circumstances were going to be easy, and that was and is the struggle. I set out to prove them wrong by doing this one thing—that one unique thing that only I can do…and that is being myself. I don’t believe anyone on the planet can duplicate this authenticity. It is mine to own. My struggle, but also my victory.

Since I cannot change the external parts of me, I go from within. That is where the true spirit of Annette comes alive!  That’s when this boldness and power within expresses herself in a way that defies every obstacle that’s in her way. A Wonder Woman, perhaps—or maybe just a woman who is truly aware of herself and her passion, and expressing that through her voice.

My podcast, The Digital Vibe, is that one thing I get to do that is my unique voice and that came by way of my owned experiences in my life, apart from anyone else on this planet.  It is only I who can envision how I see my life within a world that is so complex and confusing—and find a way to express who Annette truly is. Not everyone’s assumptions, values, misconceptions, but my own assessment of how I see myself in a world that truly has it all wrong!

To be able to see life as you see it is to truly become your authentic self: real, not imagined. It also enables me to see how others who have a different experience can see themselves reflected here where I live, and to be able to have the courage to be fearless about what’s outside and get to know their power from within. For inside is where the power lies and where it cannot be destroyed!

In life, when you are growing to become the person you were meant to be, you recover and discover yourself at the same time. You recover from becoming the person you are not, so that you can find your true and authentic self. As I grow through the process of becoming my true self, I discover that what the universe thinks of me is the only thing that matters. Everything outside of that really doesn’t mean much.

My purpose in being here is twofold: to become my best self and be a contributor to this world. At some point, I discovered that I mattered and had a lot I wanted to say and contribute. I had much to share. The journey of my reason why began to unfold—and what you see here is the result of who I am. I am very proud of that!

My mission, vision, and goal for my podcast is one in which I want to inspire myself and others. I chose to do that, and it’s a decision that I do not regret.

I had to stand up and fight for the person I most loved—and that is me! If I don’t, who will?

When you boldly stand up for your greatest treasure, then who can really touch you? No one can get in your way. I had to learn that lesson the hard way, but it’s because of this that I will always fight for my greatest treasure: me. My dreams, goals, and all there is in between means more to me than anything or anyone else. I have literally fallen in love with everything I do and the ways I express myself. My podcast and what you see here are expressions of me and what I want my brand to convey. I want there to be no doubt about who I am and my commitment to it.

The power of The Digital Vibe is the power of self-expression and influence. The power in the person who is me is knowing who I am and leaving a legacy of good intentions in this world.

You are only as good as who you choose to become, and only as great as the legacy you leave behind. My greatest success is accomplishing both and doing so with excellence!