We were lucky to catch up with Alaceia Prince recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alaceia, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
For self care most times I detach and isolate myself and spend time with me. The real me, not me as an author, wife, mom, or business owner. Just with me, the person I am at the core, aside from any title I attached myself to. It may be for a weekend or a full day, it really depends on what I feel my soul and spirit need at the time, and I fill those days with things that bring me fulfillment.
Self care for me is also releasing fear, so I might use that time to do something I really want to do but some type of fear has me on the fence. Rather it’s fear of not doing it right, or doing it alone, I make a conscious decision to overcome the limitations that stop me from doing things I want to do. I will take a trip alone, I will run barefoot in the grass sipping my favorite wine. I will always give myself the freedom of being who I am unapologetically. I do not have a self care routine, I have conversations with myself about what self care looks like for me at that moment.
Self care wasn’t always a priority for me. I had to get accustomed to making it a requirement in my life. I used to put myself on the backburner for every other title that I carry, but life taught me a lesson, to pour into myself first. If I don’t, I will have nothing left to give anyone else. I learned that self care means refilling an empty cup. When I am priority, I am more productive, more understanding, and more creative.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a Self-published Author and Entrepreneur, however, my most distinguished roles are Mom of six and Wife. I write urban fiction novels, full of suspense and mystery. My free time, as much time as my big family allows, is usually spent furthering my writing career. My love for this started with reading. Reading has always been a hobby since I was a small child. I remember being in first grade checking out library books on a fifth grade level to challenge myself and learn more words. I wanted to read faster, yet still retain the information. From there, I started grabbing books off the shelves of my aunts and cousins. I was probably too young to read their books at the time, but that was my introduction into Fiction, specifically Urban Fiction. And I fell in love. And this love feels life long.
I went from reading to wanting to write and create my own characters. I wanted to give them life, a voice, and a sense of being, even if it’s just through the imagination of the readers! I completed my first book Missing Loyalties in 2020 and the second book Missing Loyalties 2 will be released this Spring. Missing Loyalties 3 will likely be an ending to the series, as I branch out and give the characters their own story. However, in a world of fiction and imagination, all of that is subject to change. I’m enjoying embracing the process.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most impactful qualities of my journey are confidence, consistency, and persistence. Confidence is the most important thing! You will always have people that doubt you. It may not be personal but people will sometimes project their fears onto you and that is not your fear to carry! Do what makes you feel free, and be confident while doing it. A million people may be doing the same thing you’re doing, but no one can do it like you! So, just do it!
Secondly, be consistent. It’s so easy to get caught up with what’s happening in our lives, that we neglect what fulfills us. I’m guilty of this myself and while you should never overwhelm yourself, be consistent. Even if it’s only a chapter a day or week, make a plan and consistently meet your mark. Even if the plan changes, do not neglect your talent, it will make room for you! Lastly,persistence. Success does not have a deadline, so it’s not a race it’s literally what you put into it. Put your all into your dreams with every step you take in your journey. There will be times when giving up seems easy, don’t. Be persistent or everything you have worked so hard for up until the moment of giving up would be for nothing.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth in the last year has been accountability. I’ve learned that I am the only one truly responsible for my happiness and fulfilling my dreams. It’s not anyone else’s job to show up for me, I have to show up for myself. I have to have honest conversations with myself, even when it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes you are the only one to see your vision, and that’s ok, that’s why it’s “your” vision. People may love you but it’s not on them to get you where you want to be in life. With or without a cheerleader you have to get in the game and play hard! Accountability is recognizing what you may have not done right, forgiving yourself and moving forward with pure and honest intentions. Accountability is the best character molder, it will only make you better.
Contact Info:
- Website: Alaceiaprince.com
- Instagram: @Aprince_3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlacedLetter?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Cedric Bacon Photography
