LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: THE SOUL OF A BUTTERFLY

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali

I love autobiographies. They offer a window into the intricate lives and journeys of polarizing individuals. I find motivation and inspiration from the experiences and narratives of those who have come before me, including the legend, Muhammad Ali. He was the first boxer to claim the world heavyweight championship thrice and defended his title successfully on 19 different occasions. Beyond his prowess in the ring, Ali transcended his role as a fighter to become a civil rights icon and a dedicated humanitarian. He fearlessly utilized his influential platform to spotlight and challenge societal injustices, risking his career for his convictions.

In his memoir, The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life's Journey, Ali penned, "My mother once told me that my confidence in myself made her believe in me. I thought that was funny, because it was her confidence in me that strengthened my belief in myself. I didn't realize it then, but from the very beginning, my parents were helping me build the foundation for my life."

I believe his self-assuredness was the key factor that allowed Ali to resonate with people worldwide. He exemplified grace and effectiveness; always smooth yet impactful. The world of entrepreneurship can often feel like a solitary endeavor centered on "me, myself, and I," and confidence is required to maintain the charge. I often turn to these insights from the champ for guidance while on my journey:

"People run in packs because they don't feel safe alone. I run alone because I don't feel safe in packs."
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."
"The man who has no imagination has no wings."
"I don't have to be what you want me to be."
"Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee. You can't hit what your eyes don't see." 
I've come to understand that maintaining self-confidence is closely tied to self-care practices. Nurturing one's body demands a continuous commitment. Evaluating what's best for it requires more effort than one might think in my opinion. This week, I decided to deviate from my regular nighttime skincare routine by incorporating Peach Slices Acne Toner instead of Dickinson's. I'll provide my thoughts on this change next week. Below is an unsolicited list of other beauty products currently in my skincare arsenal, at least for the time being:
If you have time, check out the Sainte Jean piece of the week, Sainte Rose Noir:

Best, Tenay Mathis

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