The Bloom Report Vol 18 [Bloomology]

Welcome To Friday! 📆

From the time we open our eyes in the morning to the moment we rest our heads at night, we’re surrounded by privilege.

For many Black and Brown women, privilege may seem like a dirty word and something that seems unattainable– a term wrapped in guilt, defensiveness, anger, or jealousy. But sis, privilege is for us too. I encourage you to view privilege from a different perspective: as a source of power and responsibility. When acknowledged and cultivated correctly, it can become a catalyst for change. It can become the battery in your back for operating in your power and purpose.

Two huge privileges that I wake up with every day are my mindset and my status as a first-generation American and the daughter of two immigrants. The bravery, the courage, the risk-taking abilities that come from that type of upbringing. It’s in my blood is unmatched. I love stepping into my privileges at work and exercising certain privileges through my skillset and expertise. It helps me move with a different type of self-assurance and confidence.

Let's dig into why I believe all of us have privilege.

💅🏾First Take Time To Understand Privilege: More than Just Silver Spoons. Privilege isn't just about wealth and Karen's draped in Daddy's money; it's about privilege in your unique life's experience in everything from education to cultural capital, from your network to the simple freedom of expressing oneself without fear.

You can start by noticing and listing the privileges you hold, no matter how big or small. This could be winning awards as a child like the spelling bee, growing up in a supportive environment, or even having the ability to speak multiple languages. Recognize that these are strengths, assets, and platforms to extend help or advocate for those without similar advantages.

💅🏾Transforming Guilt into Gratitude and Action. Feeling guilty or like an imposter about privilege can be paralyzing, but converting that emotion into gratitude and actionable change is empowering. Instead of feeling weighed down by your privileges, actively seek out ways to support those who lack them. teaching others and sharing your knowledge is a great way to unlock privilege. This could mean, mentoring a young woman who could benefit from your experiences. The power of privilege isn’t in hoarding it, but in leveraging it for collective upliftment.

In all the privileges we all have, there's a subtle one that often goes unnoticed – our mindset. It's easy to overlook, especially because it’s intangible, but the power of a positive, growth-oriented and positive mindset is an undeniable privilege that can redefine our lives.

Unlike many external privileges, mindset is an internal factor that, to a large extent, one that we have the power to control. The privilege lies in the very realization that you have the freedom to choose your perspective and how you perceive opportunities, challenges, setbacks, and successes.

When faced with adversity, pause and reflect. Instead of defaulting to a fixed mindset that believes abilities are static, adopt a growth mindset that sees potential and learning in every situation. One that sees evolution and expansion in everything.

Every time you switch from "I can't" to "I'll learn," you're exercising this incredible privilege.

🧠 Leverage Your Mental Real Estate: The space in our minds is precious real estate. When we fill it with positivity, aspirations, and resilience, it becomes a privileged area, abundant with opportunities instead of self-imposed limitations.

A privileged mindset doesn’t just benefit you; it has a ripple effect on those around you. When you approach life with enthusiasm, resilience, and a can-do spirit, you inspire others to break free from their self-imposed mental barriers.

The mindset you curate and build is one of the most powerful privileges you can have. It impacts have you view the world and your place within it. We can't control all external factors, our internal world – our mindset – is a place we own and can rule with grace, power, and intention.

Take advantage of this privilege, shape it with care, and let it be your guiding star. What privileges do you own and take advantage of?

XoXo,

Jeneba