Lightworker Billy Chapata talks about finding and embracing the power of vulnerability.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Is falling in love with yourself on your new year’s resolutions list? (If not, jot it down. We’ll wait.) Getting caught up in the noise can make it hard to see ourselves as the masterpieces that we are. But lightworkers like Billy Chapata are living their truths to inspire us to self-love with more compassion and curiosity. How does Billy do it? By pouring love into himself and onto the page. Inspired by his journey toward acceptance and understanding, the prolific writer has grown a strong online community seeking clarity and communion with his self-affirming words. In our chat, Billy opens up about turning his self-love ritual into a career and the mindset shift he uses to move through fear and show up fully.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
I am full of life, love, and things to say. I’m trying to find a way back to myself through my writing. I write poetry and short stories that speak to my inner child [and] other people, and I’m managing to help others find their ways to themselves, too.
HOW DID WRITING COME TO YOU?
Writing came to me as a means of sustenance. When I was younger, [writing] was mostly about having fun and playing with words. Over time, it just became more serious. [Writing became] a consistent habit of putting my thoughts down online and on paper. Now, [writing] is ingrained in my purpose, who I am, and where I’m going.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?
I think a lot of people get scared when it comes to putting their thoughts out into the world — whether it’s fear of judgment from their peers or fear of judgment from the world. Putting my thoughts on different platforms such as Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram really helped me. Whenever you put yourself out there with good intentions and energy, I feel God responds to that. Just create something tangible because if you don’t have anything tangible, you can’t see your reality happening.
DO YOU HAVE A WRITING RITUAL?
I’m very fortunate because I find myself writing in different spaces all the time. Sometimes when I create an intentional space to write, the thoughts just don’t flow as easily. [However,] I could be walking in a park, sitting at home, or having a conversation with a friend, and something just sparks. In a way, spontaneity is a ritual for my writing.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SO VULNERABLE IN SUCH A PUBLIC WAY?
It feels like emancipation, straight up. It feels like freeing myself or releasing something held up within me. I would say 60 percent of the time, I’m not sure who’s gonna resonate with [my writing]. But the more consistent I became with putting my thoughts out there, the more [fear] became an afterthought. Now, whoever resonates with my work resonates, and whoever doesn’t, doesn’t. You can never lose as long as it’s true and authentic to you.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE LEARNING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m learning that I need to be more patient with myself. I need to be more understanding of situations that I have no control over. And [accept that] everything is temporary. Everything is temporary within me as well. I’m always growing and evolving, and not everyone will be able to keep up with that. Not everyone is going to be able to understand that, but that’s okay.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE UNLEARNING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am unlearning that sensitivity [is a weakness]. I pride myself on being very soft as a man and being masculine. [There was a] time when that was very conflicting for me. I’m learning that there’s freedom and life in being sensitive.
WHAT’S YOUR HIGHEST VISION FOR YOUR WORK?
I feel like the highest vision I’ve achieved. Honestly, having my work in people’s hands, in a tangible form has always been my vision. It’s really hard for anything to top that. I would [like] more people to have access to my work. I’m originally from Zimbabwe, and a lot of people ask where they can access my books.
WHAT’S YOUR HIGHEST VISION FOR YOURSELF?
To be unapologetically myself, in whatever I am doing. Whether I am writing, showing up at someone’s event, or whatever, [I want] to bring my full self to the table without hiding from fear, judgment, or opinions.
WHO’S YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My mother is the one inspiring me the most. She’s a single mother who raised three amazing kids. She’s a fighter. She’s resilient. And she’s probably one of the biggest reasons I’m so connected to my divine feminine. A lot of the time when I write, her voice comes out. It’s really spiritual,interesting, and strange.
WHAT MAKES YOU A LIGHTWORKER?
My ability to relate to people. Having the space for emotional intelligence to hear anyone and whatever they’re going through. [I’m] able to put myself in a space to relate to people, encourage people, and inspire people, even if it’s just a short paragraph to help you throughout your day.
Billy is BIG on vulnerability and putting your fears aside. How can you practice more vulnerability in your life? Share your insights in the comments!
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