by Akilah “Kiki” Monifa
Stardate 12/6/16
Stockholm– 40 years ago, at age 19 I wrote in my journal that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I fashioned myself as a cross between the two writers I knew, one Nikki Giovanni, and the other Lillian Hellman (or at least Lauren Bacall’s portrayal of Hellman). Both brilliant writers, tough broads, smokers and hard drinkers. I neither drank nor smoke at the time, but the notion or the long suffering artist was attractive to me.
I didn’t get published as a writer until I was 40 years old. I pursued other full-time work and family.
Now, at nearly 60 I am truly living the dream. Starting my own media outlet with my best friend, an online version of the print publication he started 16 years ago that I was a part of.
This time I am writer, editor, and publisher. Currently on assignment in Stockholm, Sweden covering Nobel Prize week and more.
Numerous people have said that they wish they could have the life I am leading. Much of what I do does not appear to be work.
That is the beauty of following your passion. And having the courage to do so while dealing with the economic realities of life. I have two teenaged children and I personally like the good life. I am privileged.
Many things are afforded to me as perks in media that it would be difficult to attain paying for myself. I acknowledge the perks and continue to work hard and dream harder.
I am traveling alone but I am not lonely. Yesterday I met the chef for the Nobel Prize Banquet. I interviewed him and then took the subway with him to his restaurants.
I then spoke via phone to my best friend, hubby, muse, co-publisher and co-founder of Arise 2.0 for nearly two hours as we plotted and planned.
I spoke to my friend Raul who directed me to two pieces of content to aggregate for Arise 2.0 I then spoke to Shaun Haines, a young man I have seen at events but never knew he was a writer and a social media strategist. A welcome addition to Arise 2.0.
And finally I connected with JC, Juan Carlos in Lima, Peru via FaceBook audio and interviewed him. We are FaceBook friends but had never met, but connected through a mutual friend and Trans Woman editor, Veronika Fimbres.
There are no accidents, it is a wonderful life. I am thrilled to be doing what I love, my destiny.
If you have a desire to write, do it, and after studying what appears on the page of Arise 2.0 please send me your submissions to kiki@arise2ptoh.com.
Live your dreams as they become reality. What ever they are.
Peace, love, gratitude, compassion and blessings.
KikiPosts 