I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOTTEN INTO ME.

It could be this pandemic, it could be that I’m halfway to thirty 

(a co-worker once told me that you develop a “f*ck it” button around then; I’m excited for that level of unbotheredness), it could be the chili I made in my slow cooker last night. But all I know is, I’m doing all types of things I usually don’t do. Exhibit A:

Writing a book.

It feels so weird to say “I’ve written a book.” It’s honestly more of a collection because it’s been years coming. I’m not exaggerating. Years.

During college, I started writing down everything that came to my head in my phone because — listen — no one has time for paper and pen when you’re walking to class and a realization comes at you a-mile-a-minute.

There were so many puzzle pieces — so many singular statements and questions — that I decided to gather them all into one note. I named it “Note to Self.” It became an extension of myself. It became my life’s journal. I write in it to this day.

Basically, Note to Self was a happy accident. 

I had no idea it would turn into a book when I started compiling these thoughts. I can’t really explain it, but I always felt like I just had to write them down. To get through it all. To put things into perspective. To show the Universe my gratitude. And then when this pandemic hit, it was like I knew what I wanted to do: put it all together. 

If your eyes are glazing over, pour yourself a cup of coffee. I’ll put it simply.

What actually is Note to Self?

It’s a book of personal-thoughts-turned-quotes I’ve written over the years.

You could call them...

• Affirmations
• Advice
• Convictions
• Commencements
• Expressions
• Lessons
• Questions
• Quips
• Realizations
• Reminders

Got it. What’s it about?

It’s broken up into five chapters.

Dreams, People, Love, Life, Self.

I write about how dreams are secretly shapeshifters. How people are shitty, but also, pretty amazing. How heartbreak molds you and how love is not only a feeling but also a choice. They’re about how decisions are hard but less hard when you realize that existing is about what makes your soul sing. They’re about how this life is playful, and scary, and above all things—beautiful. 

Who is this book for?

Anyone looking to connect or reconnect with themselves. 

Is it long?

It’s punchy. 

If you like to read, amazing. It’ll be an easy read that you can keep on your coffee table and keep coming back to for more. Every time I read it, I get something new out of it. 

If you don’t like to read, perfect. This book is 117 stinking pages. You can do it. 

What’s in it for me?

It’s about time you recognize your power. 

Oh, and I’m donating royalties from the book to a nonprofit called Girls For A Change, so you get to feel good about buying it. More on that later. 

Cool.

Totally. Speaking of cool stuff, 

Keep scrolling.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

We stan Ryan.

PRESS

I was recently on The Lituation Podcast with Alisha Brown!

We talked about my version of positivity (it's definitely not what you think), how boundaries can breed creativity, and quite frankly, how to chill TF out.

FROM THE BOOK

YOUR TURN

If you support me, you'll read this.

You’ve probably seen all of the news last week. I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand by and pretend like nothing’s happening. I’m taking this time to start a “Note to Self: Pull Up” campaign. 

I’m asking you to reply to this email with a photo of a sticky note on how you plan to be a better ally. 

Before you do that, though, please read THIS and/or THIS fully understand what it means to be an ally.

You can vow to call out your friends who make excuses (and not wait until it happens, but start the conversation today), you can donate (see below), you can promise to listen, you can take anti-racism classes, you can pledge to do your research (here’s a good place to start).

Here’s the thing: us black folk didn’t build the racial system in this country. So we can’t be the ones to dismantle it. 

Join me at this time in donating to Color of Change and George Floyd’s GoFundMe, fueled by his heartbroken family. 

Then, put this sticky note on your bathroom mirror, or at your desk, or in your car as a reminder. I’ll include the sticky notes in a special newsletter coming up. Remember — this is only the first step, not the last. 

If your heart is racing, this is your call to do something.

Rihanna said it best. It’s time to PULL UP. I’m counting on you, and I see you.

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Content by Mia Brabham

Design by Madison McGhee & Mia Brabham

Headshots by Jordan Jones

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