We recently connected with Natalie Diane and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I developed my confidence and self esteem learning that you have to do it for you and not anyone else. I have to wake up everyday knowing that it may not be the best day but I’m still going to get up and do it. I’m still going to put on that dope outfit. I’m still going to do my makeup (or not) and know that I’m just as beautiful. I’ve always had a saying, “I’m not going to dim my light because someone else doesn’t know how bright their light shines.” And I stand by that. Also people love and adore you so much more when your just true to yourself. A lot of people value everyone else’s opinion more than they value what they know to be true about themselves. And there is nothing wrong with listening to someone when it’s beneficial and could help your growth. But never value someone else’s opinion of you more than you value the truth you know about yourself. They only see what’s on the surface not what deep inside.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
So truthfully the biggest thing I’m focused on right now is self growth. Normally I would say my artistic career. The art of storytelling and gracing someone’s runway. And although all of that is true this interview came at a time where I truly just decided to focus on me. I decided to take time to figure out what I truly wanted out of this life and remembering my why. Why I started this career journey. I made sure that my reason for doing what I do was not for anyone else but for the purpose The Most High has for me and for myself.
But what I do is tell beautiful stories as an actress. I’m also a fashion model who love playing dress up and gracing the runway. This is something that I get lost doing (in a good way). Writers write these beautiful stories and create beautiful characters and trust us storytellers enough to bring those words to life. Every character that I play I feel a connection with. I can relate to them in some way and that allows me to extend grace to whatever situation they are in.
During the writers strike I was blessed enough to still do some independent work so definitely be on the look out for some amazing work from not only myself but those I got to share a creative space with.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Okay this one is tough because I have leaned more then three things on this journey! But let’s see the ones that stood out to be the most.
Patience. On this journey not only as a creator but on a self care journey I had to develop a lot of patience. Because certain things didn’t necessarily turn out the way I wanted them to but it was what I needed. And I had to be patient enough to see that. This isn’t necessarily an easy career path. So hearing a lot of no’s may discourage some people but I had to be patient enough and know that I have the skills, work ethic and determination to make it happen.
Gratitude. This one is a pretty deep one for me because I was so focus on making it not realizing I’ve accomplished so many great things around me that I didn’t acknowledge. It’s like as soon as I moved to GA three years ago I got the ground running. And no it’s nothing wrong with that but I just think I didn’t even take the proper time to celebrate my success of moving from Birmingham to Georgia. That’s huge for me. I was always so focused on what’s next I didn’t see what was now. And that’s the message I want to spread. Be in the now. It’s nothing wrong with having future plans but know the past and future don’t exist we are literally always living in the now and that’s what we should be grateful for. Everything in life happens me and moves me into the direction I’m supposed to be in. So I’m going to be grateful where I am and enjoy every step of the way.
Peace. The last one is me learning to protect my peace and energy. Knowing that sometimes you have to allow certain people and things so move out of the way in order to obtain that peace of mind. I choose peace and happiness and I hope everyone reading this does too.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth has been the ability to change the way I think. And I know people hear that all the time but I’m telling you it’s true. The older you get the harder it is to do because we become stuck in our ways and for the most part don’t like change when it doesn’t feel good for us. Or when it’s uncomfortable. But the biggest thing I learned is that whatever I go through in life is for me. For my growth. For the love I desire to have. For my career. And my desire is to teach others especially those close to me the beautiful place to be in. I have less worries (I’m human now I still worry sometimes) but I know that I am in control of my thoughts. I know that I have the ability to change my life and so does anyone reading this. Things may be hard or difficult but know time heals. Change your mindset. Change your life.
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Image Credits
MontyAngelo Productions
