"The Audacity to Live Authentically"

Sometimes, a story is a great way to understand a concept. Some things have to be put into context."

​Tari woke up just late enough to know she’d miss the early train. Dragging herself out of bed with her eyes half-closed and head hanging low, she stubbed her toe on the bedframe.
“AGGH!” she groaned, clenching her jaw as the pain subsided.
Grabbing her phone, she noticed three missed calls and an ALL CAPS message from her mother:
"TARI SLATES... YOU BETTER BE HERE ON TIME TO OPEN THE STORE AND MEET THE NEW CLIENT. I’M LEAVING FOR MY TRIP AT 8 AM AND DECIDED TO COME IN EARLY TO CHECK ON YOU AND HELP SET UP FOR THE MORNING. GET UP!"
Punching the delete button, her gaze shifted to a picture hanging from her necklace holder. The photo was hole-punched and strung with pink yarn onto a simple gold ring with a tiny diamond. It brought back memories of last summer—of laughter, dreams, and wearing that ring. Sometimes, she still slipped it on before bed, though she always removed it in the morning. She couldn’t let her mother see her clinging to an "unrealistic" dream.
“Riiiing... Riiiing...”
The phone vibrated again as Tari swished mouthwash from cheek to cheek. She stared at the screen, hesitating to answer. She was already late and rushing, but every fiber of her being wanted to hear the voice on the other end.
“Tar’, I know it’s early, and you’re probably running late. Hope you didn’t stub your toe—haha! I just wanted to share some exciting news. Please call me back. It’s been a while, but I still love you… even if we’re just friends. Oh! I GOT the business loan last month and SIGNED with The Epic Time! They loved our portfolio. I’m heading to the UK next week to begin working with them. Call. Me. Back.”
A smile crept across her face as a single tear escaped. Her heart wanted to be happy for Ryan, but it ached for the future they had once envisioned together. Last year, her parents were vocal about their disappointment when she "threw away" her degree to chase freelance photography with her “starving artist” boyfriend.
Her mother and her ritzy friends laughed at the modest ring Ryan proposed with, dismissing their dreams as impractical. Her parents expected her to continue the family’s designer clothing business and eventually take over. But for now, Tari managed the store while her mother partially lived out her dream life—traveling for work, posing in Paris with friends, and showing off her adventures. Tari longed to say, “I want to go too...”
Grabbing her coffee, keys, and bag, she began dialing.
“Morning. Yes, I overslept by 10 minutes! I know you thought I was ignoring your call. Why didn’t you ask me to come on the trip?” she demanded, trying to keep her tone respectful.
“I didn’t think you’d want to come. And… who would run the store?” her mother replied, voice unsteady.
“The store was never my dream,” Tari said firmly. “I love photography, and I’m done burying my passions to meet someone else’s expectations. How dare anyone think I should!” Tears streamed down her face as she smiled up at the sun. “I love you… but I’m coming.”
“I still love you too,” Ryan said on the other end, barely able to contain his excitement. “I hope you sound this confident when you explain this to your parents. I’m buying your ticket before you change your mind!”
Tari walked past the subway entrance and pulled her camera from her bag. “I think I’ll take the scenic route today,” she thought, as the shutter clicked.

What If You Had Ridiculous Audacity?What would happen if you had the audacity to pursue what makes your heart skip a beat or gives you butterflies?
Tari’s story may not be your own, but the message applies universally. Too often, we avoid following our passions because we fear the outcome won’t impress others—or worse, won’t meet our own expectations. We forget that fulfillment lies in doing what we love, not just reaching the finish line.
How would your life change if you had the courage to be unapologetically bold?

• Live an authentic life
• Start a business
• Commit to something you’ve always wanted to do
• Speak up for yourself
• Take that trip
• Change your major to something you’re passionate about
• Wear the outfit
• Look in the mirror and LOVE the reflection you see
• Engage your passions

Life isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing what sets your soul on fire.
Stay well,
Frankie.Alisha