The multi-hyphenate women’s advocate, doer, and dreamer on believing in magic… and making it happen.
– KEYS SOULCARE
True to form, her Soulcare 7 is sure to leave you equally at peace and inspired to keep learning, doing, and connecting.
My dream for the future is…
There are so many, but one that has been top of mind is for everyone to be able to realize their dream — no matter their zip code, color of their skin, or primary language. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to believe in you, and there are so many of us that don’t have that. I truly hope that we can get away from being such a competitive culture to becoming a caring culture.
What is your favorite part about yourself?
Hmm, that’s a hard one. I think my favorite part is that I trust myself — I always have. I think trusting [yourself] has a lot to do with being willing to discover yourself again and again, through the many different phases of your life. The more you let go, the more familiar and trusting you are of your inner voice. I’ve always been a bit impulsive and don’t put a ton of thought into the decisions that I make (and perhaps I should). But, I’ve always known that if it works out, then wonderful. And if it doesn’t, I trust that I can get back up, learn, and discover what that new life path looks like.
How do you take a moment for yourself?
It can be really tricky — especially during this time when everyone’s home and the days seem to go by so slow but also so, so fast. Since the pandemic, I’ve found the best and most fulfilling way to take a moment for myself is to go on a walk. Even if it’s just around the block. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes. I’ll pop in my AirPods and listen to music or a good podcast episode, or I’ll give my parents a call. Sometimes I’ll bring a cup of coffee with me. I always get a pretty immediate lift in my mood after doing this. Being outside, moving your body, connecting with yourself or someone you miss — it’s all so important for your mental health.
What is your personal mantra of the moment?
“Hope is a discipline.” That one’s from [activist and organizer] Mariame Kaba, and it means that hope is not an emotion or a sense of optimism, but something that we practice. And if we practice it every day, then we can truly build a future that works for all of us. That’s the mantra that I’m leaning into right now, and what I’ll keep coming back to — especially in my organizing efforts throughout the year.
What music, book, or podcast are you vibing to?
I’m almost done reading Alicia Garza’s The Purpose of Power. It’s brilliant. Alicia is brilliant. I’ve been following and admiring her work for years, and her book lays out her journey and the journey of movement-building so beautifully.
What does beauty look like to you?
To me, beauty looks like taking your time to be in the moment. Taking your time to absorb your surroundings, to sit with yourself, and to listen to someone you love, with care. These are the things you remember. These are the things people remember of you. And you just don’t get them back. It’s the softest, most beautiful call of time.
Who and what inspires you?
Progressive organizers really inspire me. Ai-jen Poo, Alicia Garza, Stacey Abrams, Mariame Kaba, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Paola Mendoza… I could go on. They’re all brilliant. I often go back to their work and their words for inspiration because this fight… this fight for justice is long and weary, but being in good company makes you feel less alone. The world doesn’t work without everyone.
Which people, ideas, and causes are inspiring you right now?
Image Credit: Ren’ee Kahn Bresler
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