Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Cocoa Fly is Heading to the ATL to Speak at Blogalicous 2013 & How to Get a Discount Off Registration

 I'm excited. I'm hyped. I'm ready to get crunk (do people still say that?)! I haven't been back in Atlanta since 2001. And what a great time to return as a speaker for Blogalicious 2013. I love this conference and this year they're celebrating 5 years of success. You learn so much information at Blogalicious and have tons of fun while doing so. Whew, I had too much fun last year!

This year I will be facilitating a discussion panel called "Spreading a Message, Sharing a Mission: A Conversation About Awareness Blogging." We'll be discussing ways to blog about serious topics, branding and how you can make a difference with your voice while still profiting.

It's going to be a great discussion with:

Christine Koh of Bostonmamas.com and TheMissionList.com, an online community of women with social media influence who want to use it for social good. She's been covered all over the place in respected media outlets like Redbook, NPR and the New York Times.

Rhachelle Nicol, whom I had the pleasure of kicking it with last year, blogs about domestic violence and healing on her website RhachelleNicol.com. Her brand of t-shirts "I Show My Scars So They Can Heal" have been a big hit in the Christian community. She'll also talk about merchandising your brand.

Lisa Quinones-Fontanez is founder of the award-winning blog AutismWonderland.com. There she writes about her family's experience with a child who lives with autism and gives readers the 411 on sources for kids with special needs. Last year Babble rated her blog one of the top 10 blogs for parents with autism.

If you follow this blog, you know mental health is one of my passions. I cover mental health on my show award-winning show Mental Health and Wellness Radio. And I blog about it on Cocoa Fly in my "Girl, Get Your Head Right" series.

We all take on social issues, but bring our own flavor. I can't wait to chat with these ladies. If you want to go to Blogalicious there's still time to register. And lucky you because I got the hookup. Get 30% off registration by using the code SpeakerFriend at http://bit.ly/12BnBJS before it sells out.

I can't wait to visit Atlanta and catch up with sorors, visit the King Center, see Spelman, and eat some fried chicken. I cut meat out of my diet by 95%. But I'm hitting up a Waffle House and Gladys Knight's restaurant. You can't go to the South and not eat fried chicken. And I couldn't miss Blogalicious this year. I hope to see you there!





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