We recently connected with Linda Orji and have shared our conversation below.
Linda, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Firstly, thank you for having me; it’s a true honor. Stepping out of my comfort zone is definitely a good thing. Interestingly enough, I guess that’s also the answer to your question, at least the short version. I discovered my purpose by pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.
The longer answer is, I don’t believe purpose is something that’s found. As human beings, we all share a general purpose, regardless of race, religion, or any other factors. That purpose is simple, to help one another. Now when you factor in race, religion, and culture that general purpose becomes more refined. As many may know, I’m Nigerian. In my culture, our names often reflect who we are or who we’re meant to be. My last name, ‘Orji,’ meaning strong tree, has always been a source of strength for my family. My middle name, Ogundu, translates to “fighter for survival” in the Igbo language. I attribute these names to the divine inspiration of my roots. So, I’ve figured out my general purpose as a human being – to help, influenced by my culture and the meanings of my names, right? Now, I bring all these elements together and ask myself, “What should I do with my life?” I stick to what I love, what I excel at, what brings me peace – like listening, writing, and teaching. It wasn’t until I pushed myself and my talents beyond my comfort zone that I started seeing the fruits of my labor. It wasn’t until I mustered the courage to share my creatively written words in public that I truly experienced the joys of spoken word. It wasn’t until I challenged my knowledge as a writer by helping one writer develop their first book that I was able to now help creatives globally develop their screenplays. It wasn’t until I decided to take a chance and break down all the projects I’ve done over the years and start my Writing Coach Business. You see, the idea of purpose isn’t driven by worldly concerns or fear; rather, it comes from a divine source – a deep sense of faith. When we decide to act in a certain way, it’s crucial that we set aside our egos and resist the urge to compare our gifts with others. Whether it’s offering a simple smile to those passing by or taking the stage to inspire others through words and voice, both actions fulfill our collective human purpose. Looking at it from that perspective makes it much easier for me. Society puts immense pressure on us when it comes to purpose. So many people are out here feeling depressed and stressed trying to find their purpose.Perhaps we’re asking the wrong questions here. Perhaps the question should be: How did you find faith? Okay, I’m gonna let you go on to your next question because the way my mind is set up. We can be here all day, lol.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about those skills you mentioned that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Man, so I’m all about that entrepreneurship life, founder of Uplift Nanny LLC, providing child and adult nanny care throughout North Carolina. I also wear hats as a Writing Coach, Author, and Spoken Word Artist. Actually, you know what might answer your question and maybe even your next questions, even better? I wrote a poem called K.N.O.W. It’s my personal mantra for those times when I feel like I’m not doing enough. It reminds me of what I have done and to just keep being me. Here’s a lil snippet:
…Yo Linda!
BE aware.
Be aware people will try to discredit you, but to know who you are they gotta know who you be boo.
You be that chick that they can pull up on if they want to at www.lindaorji.com baby.
Grew up Jersey but forever a Bronx Baby.
4 train 176 street, West Tremont Avenue, and University, where white rice and butter was a delicacy when yall aint have no electricity.
It was all gravy though, you never went outside ashy though, when moms aint have no Vaseline she looked at the stove and grabbed the Crisco.
Your friends aint have to know your secret to your glow.
And since we are on that note, be aware of your skin tone.
It ain’t enlightening to a lot of folks.
Your dreams they will provoke.
Smile in your face then hit you with the okie doke.
Try to push you to quit but you dip that ish like an artichoke.
Layed low for a few years, some took it personal.
They can’t be mad at you. This is what you were born to do…
Yo Linda! You be that chick that’s beautiful…
You be that chick that sheds tears once in a while,
It’s okay to cry, you ain’t gotta be strong all the time.
But when it’s time, wipe your eyes, cause you be that chick that’s bout it.
Take a loss and won’t complain bout it.
Go somewhere, meditate, pray bout it.
Buy a journal and write bout it, turn the entry into a book, get on stage and talk bout it, turn that book into an online course, take it to the streets and go teach bout it.
You be that chick in the camouflage that made it through the mud, supreme court trenches, on a mission, Viola Davis, fences.
You be that chick with the middle name Ogundu.
Silent shooter, popping off in the published magazines, Issue 19, Harvey Gantt center finalist of Spoken Dreams.
Know that when you have a calling on your life you’re gonna be misunderstood. Know that one day you’re gonna be able to move your mama out the hood. Know that one day you gonna look back on this piece like damn on July 9th of 2023, you made history.
Wow, that was amazing. You are absolutely right, you pretty much answered this next question. Let me see how I can ask this, ok, so there is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
- Deciding
- Becoming
- Being
If you reflect on that poem, you’ll notice those three things are the driving forces behind my life and actions. I made the choice to take risks and have faith. Through that journey, I began embodying the woman I envisioned. Now, I find myself here with Bold Journey Magazine, preparing to speak on stages like the Blumenthal Theatre in Charlotte, NC, where I’ll be performing on April 28th, 2024, at the annual event called A Night of Artistic Renewal, produced by the incredible Dionne Hunter.
I’m becoming the woman I’m destined to be, and what’s remarkable about her is that she’s not just about me; she’s about the legacy she leaves for those who come after. To truly succeed in today’s competitive world, you have to become one with the process. When you’re immersed in the journey, competition becomes irrelevant. It may sound strange, but I find joy in the process more than in achieving the goal.
What makes everything I do truly special is the journey—the experience of what it takes to get there. I put immense effort and time into capturing every aspect of my journey. That’s why you won’t see me on social media much—I’m too busy immersing myself in the process. I have a six-book series, a fitness program, self-help books, and even plans for my own health and body company in the works. But I didn’t just hastily throw these ideas together; I meticulously documented them, just like I said in the poem:
“Buy a journal and write ’bout it,
Turn the entry into a book,
Get on stage and talk ’bout it,
Turn that book into an online course,
Take to the streets and go teach ’bout it.”
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Yes there are two books actually.
Book 1: The Glory of Living by Myles Munroe:
“We are spiritual beings in an earthly body. To deny our gifts and our glory is an insult to God.”
Book 2: Manifesting My 8:28: How I Became Stronger by Lifting the Weight of My Wait by Linda Orji
“Nothing about God is small. Therefore, nothing about you is small. Your glory and your being were destined to be good and significant. Regardless of your physical stature, irrespective of how challenging things may become, much like the ants, you are tasked to move in a specific, detailed, and impactful way.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindaorji.com
- Instagram: @iamlindaorji
- Other: https://linktr.ee/lindaorji
Image Credits
Dante Bland and Rachel Orji
