Hey, PLUMS!
This post was long overdue but very necessary as was my absence from thatplum which you’ll hear about more in depth in an extended version coming to you soon. So, I’ll keep it short for you guys because it’s RESET season and I’m reclaiming my time here at PLUM!
Aside from the obvious responsibilities of motherhood, marriage, the life of Kaye had become more complex, busy, and increasingly challenging. While most women (many of whom I’m inspired by) make it appear effortlessly in sustaining the ‘balancing act’ of it all, I couldn’t!
” Even In The Face Of Adversity, At Some Point You Must Deal With The Presence Of What’s Happening In Your World “– KP
The year of 2022, was my year of reflection. In the years leading up to that moment including the pandemic, I was enjoying life and basking in the happiness of my ‘high moments’. As a mother – I had gone from being a full time housewife of five years to ‘wonder woman’ thanks to the success of my blog that populated further than desired since it’s 2011 launch.
For several years I was just on the move, and thought I had everything going on and under control. I was producing 5-to-10 posts of daily writing content, attending 3-4 events per week, conducting monthly speaking engagements, and fulfilling my role as a mother and wife.
I never had a blueprint, a prior experience, exposure, internship, or ‘hook up’ to get into ‘the industry’. No one showed me the ropes, brought me in, and or told me ‘how to get it’ as a writer and journalist. But, I already had some of the tools needed to embark on this new chapter of mine.
As a Woman; I am Tenacious! As a Creative; I am Confident and full of great ideas. As an Educator; I know the ‘Value of Service’ to others and paying it forward. As a Mentor and Coach; I know the value in empowering others. So, my beginner steps to ‘figuring it out’ began with using my ‘GIFTS’ and filling in the pieces of the puzzle as I moved further along.
It’s like making a ‘Vision Board‘. You place all of your goals on a board that you want to achieve in the forms of words, images, affirmations, etc and you create actions steps for each of those goals along with a timeline of achievement dates for those goals. The board must be visible to you daily because it serves as a reminder to YOU in keeping your word and actions in obtaining your goals. That was Kaye, when it came to that-plum. I had a long term media vision that included (the blog) to serve as the vehicle to get to my ultimate career dreams, but I had to first execute and establish myself, and I did with P.L.U.M.
The timing of it all was perfect! I had given birth to my second child, my husband and I was moving upward from our one-bedroom shack to a newly-built home. Finally, since the age of 14, I chose to sacrifice my own independence and take a leave from the 9-to-5 workplace to become a stay-at-home mother, and render positive parenting and child rearing principles for my family. This outcome yielded great results and more ‘flexible time’ to start a business of my own, and set up a ‘legacy’ for my family. I had time to study, research, write and build content, and create my own brand. These moments were self-defining for me, and they came with a few tears and many joys, but nonetheless – they were my priceless moments that I’d chosen.
Opportunities were pouring in left and right, my kids were flourishing in their development, hubby and I were thriving in our marriage and businesses, and things seem to be falling into place for us. I felt like things could only go up from this moment , and then…
In the midst of my ‘good seasons’, I was hit with some extreme ‘lows’ that directly impacted me mentally, and spiritually. At those times, I should’ve stopped and been present in what was taking place in my life; allowing myself to go through the process. But, I kept going with the flow of it all, consistent in my role(s), and suppressed those feelings instead!
The things that I was accustomed to (ie: real feelings, friendships, interconnectivity with others, etc.) somehow got lost along the way. It’s like Social Media! As a new ‘friend entry’ of whatever platform you’re choosing to be on, in the beginning there’s much optimism and excitement to share, converse, and co-exist in a space with others, and so you begin authentically. But, it slowly morph’s you into a something else.
” People Pleasers Quickly Lose Sight Of Their Value” – KP
Posts and pics are now premeditated by the ‘linguistics of likes, comments, and followers’. You’re now doing things for a particular result which is inconsistent of your normal behavior because you’re caught up in the matrix of it all. The ‘squid games’ of social media has begun and whether you’re a current or newcomer to any of the platforms (ie: TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Twitch Streaming, etc.) the rules to play game has change to recruit others, and or build a consumer base. As your popularity grows, so does the rise of envy, jealousy, and monitoring spirits of your success. Ultimately there is no great ending for this path without ‘proper discernment’ as you’re slowly losing your authentic-self in the process.
With the newly AI meta tools , it is now easier for many to copy and paste the work and ideas of Grass Roots Media, Journalist ‘Blueprinters’, and YouTube Vloggers, to gain instant fame from viral commentary. The ‘truth tellers’ of my kind are often silenced and blacklisted in the Industry; and yet today we see the rise of GMO persons including ‘Celebrities‘ joining the media outlet wave, establishing their own podcasts, youtube shows, books, and more due to its popularity and growth thanks to independent journalism that is now super-ceding ‘Mainstream Media’ that once dominated the narrative stories, and stereotypes of people.
There is now a surge and a yearning of ‘truth’ from the masses, and the same for those who choose to play on the opposing team to keep up the speed and trends of media that sustains and appease audiences; many of whom we don’t know personally and or outside of our phone and computer screen.
My passion for writing has always been my outlet to release my inner thoughts, opinions, ideas, dreams, and provide story-telling since I was an adolescent. It’s one of my natural talents! So, when I first decided to blog -I’d done it in such an unpretentious way; that it was revolutionary and a different approach than my fellow bloggers and the average mainstream news reporters. My daily writing(s) and speaking comes with a strong dose of the ‘truth serum’ based on research and science. Opportunities came knocking at my doorstep frequently, as did the interceptions of lawsuits, and constant threats to remove particular articles and news media image content that was changing the mindsets of the ‘greater good’ of people.
The ‘Blogsphere’ was new to mainstream media. It was edgy, different, entertaining, honest, and it quickly dominated the digital market. I was inspired to join the movement of independent ‘bloggers / journalists’ who fearlessly carved a lane for themselves to share their opinions on various topics in entertainment, culture, sports, art, and in politics. We took it a step further by using this new platform to spark conversation that was only often seen or heard amongst close peers, family, and inside certain social quarters.
We, the bloggers were breaking the news, delivering investigative journalism with a more innovative and visual approach. We influenced main stream media to switch up their format with new segments and cover topics that were seldomly discussed. As seen today, bloggers and mainstream media are a ‘power force’ in disseminating information to the public.
” A Popular Choice Doesn’t Mean The Right Choice”– KP
I’ve met some influential and empowering individuals along my journey, and quite a few ‘charlatans‘ who aspired to nothing more than to achieve fame. I’ve seen the highs and lows of trying to make it in the industry and I don’t feel like I hit my peak as yet, but the time had come where I needed to take a break from the industry as a whole.
Yes, I was booked and busy… but I was un-balanced trying to multi-task and be anywhere and everywhere. My creative juices were no longer flowing with ease. It was time to hit the STOP button. One of my favorite quotes is: ” Even Trees Need A Break To Grow Back Stronger. “ There was a moment where I felt like the ‘energizer commercial bunny’. I had to keep moving (by any means), and move at a rapid pace to be at the top of my game and competitive with my peers, and the same with my presence, and support of my immediate family, friends, and family relatives. I soon realized that my battery life was sure to die (fast) if I didn’t sustain ‘its power’.
The ‘Entertainment Industry’ is like the energizer bunny commercial; it portrays truth and lies, but YOU must discern between the two. Many of us are the ‘energizer bunnies’ full of love, soul, ambition, art, and creativity and because it is innately who we are, too often we selflessly and willingly give our service, talent and time freely to others without protection. But, who restores our battery life when it dies out?
” The RESET Awakening “ – KP
During my reflection period, I was reminded that I AM the gatekeeper of my battery life. Although I continued to create, and give my value of service to others, I’d somehow lack the desire to write for plum. It was like GOD had purposely placed me under a spiritual cleansing that allowed me to confront and get clear from any and all disturbances and distractions that was altering me from ‘keeping the balance’.
To restore my power, I had to re-discover my truth. I had to learn when and how to separate myself from the confusion of false media stories, and toxic people which included friends and family persons. Losing my paternal grand-father, the last of my surviving grand-parent lineage, was the ultimate dagger that struck my heart. This was a personal low and truth revelation that only I could get myself through. Hitting the RESET button, I sought to re-engage myself with real and meaningful things that I’d enjoy freely without restrictions. I began diary journaling, book reading, traveling more, interior decorating and home designing, along with more quality time with myself, my children, and my favorite side-kick partner- mother nature.
Losing unhealthy relationships was not an emotional roller-coaster and self-guilt process that needed to be examined by others. ‘Letting Go’, ‘Forgiveness’ , ‘Having Gratitude’, and ‘Moving Forward’ for my highest good was necessary for my growth and I’d begun to see myself again.
I was less-stressed, yet more creative, and self-motivated which inspired me to return to my role as a life coach inside the workplace. New and different opportunities bloomed over me yet again, and I’ve formed new relationships personally and professionally. I had become happier Kaye!
” RESET When Necessary, REMOVE What Is Necessary For Your Mental Health, and RECOVER In Your Gift And GREATNESS Always” – KP
Like many during my wins and losses, I took a worthwhile risk that served a bigger purpose than people pleasing and never looked back since. I CHOSE SELF. Fast forward to present day, I find myself in the center of the balancing beam in control of my self-worth, value, and life’s purpose This is teaching tool I instill unto to my children, my students, and other women alike when I am at speaking forums. “YOU CANNOT POUR ON TO OTHERS FROM AN EMPTY CUP.”
Maybe this was all pre-destined somehow, so, I’ll spare you the ‘what’s up next’, and or what to expect? What is true is that thus far, I’ve made an amazing career in my profession and in the entertainment industry. Although, I’ve missed writing on plum, and interactions with my supporters, I’ve written and published thousands of articles, independent breaking news stories, on both my website and for other publications in my fifteen years of journalism in the entertainment industry. I am still an exceptional wife, mother, and more and the “kids are big now”.
During the 2020 pandemic, I transitioned from daily writing, attending events and red carpet interviews and took my speaking and journalistic talents to new heights and launched two podcasts “Free Talk Fridays With K” (a live interaction weekly series on Instagram) and “Ok Regarding That” which is in current production of theSeason II launch. If you’re reading this, and still with me, thank you for your continued support and love always, and I welcome you on this new journey of the life Kaye Plum!
One Love PLUMS!
