By Latrina Caldwell
Healed. Empowered. Renewed. This is an ongoing journey, one of awareness, change, striving to be the best person one can be. This is Latrina Caldwell’s story, I Am “HER,” shared in sisterhood, hope, positivity, common sense, and love.
In this narrative of one woman’s life experiences to other women, the HER serves as an acronym for what a woman needs to fully be what God wants them to be. Thus, awareness leads to an understanding of your purpose.
As a guide to this journey to HER, Caldwell takes us to the following checkpoints: 1) what our “normal” is 2) our unconscious searching (thought life) 3) “getting yo life” 4) how to own a backseat 5) getting to know yourself by uncovering your layers 6) switching things up 7) mind control (the good kind) 8) suffering and sacrifice 9) taking your power back and 10) your HER. Because this is a process, there is no timeline involved. It boils down to whatever works for the individual.
Different facets of Caldwell’s book stood out for me. First and foremost is the spiritual element; God is always in the mix, guiding us to make good decisions along the way. Next is the importance of time and time management. I know of a quote that says, “You can get back money. You can get back possession. What you can never get back is time.” Third is the effect of habits, reminding us that we’re not locked in by old destructive ones. It only takes 30 days to replace it with a new habit that adds value to you.
Caldwell illustrates with power the importance of our thought life, in changing what we don’t like in our lives, continually educating ourselves, surrounding ourselves with positive, supportive people. In our thought life, feeding ourselves only that which helps us grow is crucial. She reminds us that this is a journey, not a destination, adding “If something isn’t right along your journey, change it.”
What we give is what we receive. What we do now will impact our future selves. Through this process, a higher purpose and motivation will be revealed, and women will be Healed, Empowered, and Renewed. By no means does Caldwell state that this will happen in a day; by doing the work on a daily basis, the rewards will be great for mind, body, and spirit.
I Am “HER” can be purchased on Amazon or through the Minnesota Black Authors Expo website. My deep appreciation to you, Latrina, for the inspirational example of your life and sharing your story.
W.D. Foster-Graham
W.D. Foster-Graham is a native son of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received a B.A. in psychology from Luther College, and he was an original member of the multi-Grammy-Award-winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness. He has also been recognized by the International Society of Poets as one of its “Best New Poets of 2003,” is a guest writer for journalist/author/entertainer Wyatt O’Brian Evans.
