By @itisidanimarie
In the past seven weeks of livestreaming Follow Me Friday
(FMF), we've seen a diverse range of panelists from various industries grace
our platform. But for our September 1st episode, I decided to wrap up the
summer and welcome the first day of fall with a special theme: authors. The
power of storytelling is immense; it allows people to connect, self-identify,
and expand their knowledge, and that's precisely what we aimed to do.
This time, we shook things up a bit in terms of format.
Instead of having everyone on camera simultaneously, I introduced each author
one at a time, stepping back from the camera to ensure they had the spotlight
they truly deserved. It was less distracting, more aesthetically pleasing, and
gave each author a chance to shine.
The passion and emotion with which each guest spoke about
their stories were truly captivating. We had heartbreak, suspense, inspiration,
and survival stories that left an indelible mark. Some panelists shared stories
of surviving assault, abuse, and even captivity. I remember one guest reading
her book from her bed due to a stroke, demonstrating incredible resilience.
Another joined us using a generator in Georgia during power outages,
highlighting her dedication to sharing her message.
But let's dive deeper into the stories of three of our
remarkable panelists:
Jose Pereina:
Jose, a Venezuelan-born dual citizen, had a distinguished
career in the oil and gas industry, ultimately becoming the CEO of a
multinational company in the U.S. In 2017, he and his colleagues endured a
five-year hostage ordeal due to political disputes between the U.S. government
and Venezuela, earning them the moniker "Citgo Six." Jose penned a
book titled "From Hero to Villain: The True Story of the Citgo Six"
to share their harrowing journey.
Chrys:
Chrys hosts the "Cucci Talk" on Tha Monthly
podcast, where she discusses women's reproductive health. Her book, "Cucci:
Basic Sentiments for Knowing That Cucci," draws from her experiences with
conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Chrys aims to raise awareness and
empower women to prioritize their health.
Alma:
Alma's writing journey began when an opportunity to
contribute to an anthology came her way. She later authored her first solo
book, "Dream Killers," delving into how people, circumstances, and
self-doubt can thwart our dreams. Despite suffering a stroke two years ago,
Alma remains resolute in pursuing her purpose, currently working on a book
about elderly individuals in nursing homes.
Each of these authors has a unique story and message to
share, whether it's about resilience, women's health, or pursuing dreams
despite obstacles.
Additionally, we had several other inspiring authors with
captivating stories:
Zalika- A first-generation female doctor working on a memoir
about her journey, battling anxiety and depression.
Leigh -Advocating for the homeless and low-income
individuals, Leigh's book "Road Home" emphasizes the importance of
not ignoring people's voices.
Rae - A children's author who penned "Making Room for
Grandpa," a heartwarming tale about family and change.
The beauty of Follow Me Friday lies in its ability to bring
together a diverse range of voices and experiences, forging connections and
inspiring one another. If you've been touched by any of these stories, if
you've found a sense of belonging or inspiration, I encourage you to continue
supporting FMF. Like, share, subscribe, and consider becoming the next guest on
our platform. We're building communities, and your story could be the next one
to inspire and connect with someone out there. Together, we can create a safe
space for all. Stay connected with us, keep following Follow Me Fridays, and
never stop sharing your stories and listening to others'.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
Best wishes,
Dani Marie
Follow Me Friday
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