Empowerment, Passion & Dedication: Lynda Abernathy

Lynda Abernathy was born and raised in Georgia. She developed a passion for writing, and never let it go. Living as a freelance writer, and published author of “After the Dash”, Abernathy inspires writers to pursue their dreams and live with dedication and empowerment.

“I have a poet’s soul, a pirate’s wit and a passionate heart”, she stated in her interview. She is a demonstration of how passion is a throttle in life, the vessel in which we travel through day in and day out.

Empowerment

Abernathy understands the importance of inspiration throughout life. Her goal in inspiring others is wanting people to know that they matter. She gracefully stated that her goal of inspiration, was the premise of her novel, “we are made of stardust, born from hundreds and hundreds of generations, pairs of people with their own identities, genetics, gifts, and talents. That vast family tree boils down to you, here today, doing your thing. Whatever your thing might be. It matters. You matter.” This vessel of inspiration leads her to be a role model of empowerment.

Empowerment, to Abernathy, is defined as the “strength of self”, that the inner belief you have within and what you work for each day can be accomplished, and deserves to be. Understanding that you have the opportunity to self-reflect on what you can do for yourself, and feel empowered while doing so. She states that “You have the right to make choices in life. That’s empowerment.” An agreeable statement, that can lead to inspired individuals worldwide.

Our world is made up of atoms, molecules and organisms, some with qualities that inspire and support, while others finding ways to make us feel weaker than we are. Abernathy states that our reflection of “self” can be distraught by our environment, and guides that teach us to put down, rather than to bring up; she states that, “we are often our own worst critics and our own obstacles”, causing confusion within our souls, but we can break free, that is how empowerment can impact us. She believes that “if we can overcome that whining, constant, negative voice inside ourselves, the sky is the limit.” Allowing us to be the empowered vessel that proves to ourselves, the accomplishments be can obtain.

Passion

Passion is a path of emotions, from disappointments to successes. From understanding value to understanding life. Although it can be the driving force on one’s map, Abernathy states that it is not necessary for everyone, and for every life; however, it is necessary for her’s. She shares, “I have been criticized, mocked and even fired for having too much passion,” a path that some won’t follow because the flame isn’t burning as bright. The heartbreak might be too agonizing, or the doubts might be fluttering by; however, Abernathy shows the value nonetheless, because “What is the point without it [passion]? […] Why not take the leap and go all in?” Showing that there is more to passion than just emotions, but a drive that reaches above the sky’s limit.

When asked what resonates with her with the term “Live Passionately” she gracefully states:

I hold on with all of my might to the things that matter to me. I have thrown caution to the wind. I have packed up my belongings, left my job, and moved to a brand new town to pursue what moves me. I have fought back to naysayers and those inevitable few who always try to tear people down. I was mocked at my previous day job for writing a novel, but I just smiled to myself (at their ignorance) and kept plodding on with my book. I tell people when they matter to me, even if that puts me out on a ledge. I take chances, even when I might look like a fool. I travel, even when it’s scary or unfamiliar. Basically, I am all in.

Dedication

Abernathy explains that dedication is the work that is involved and put forth in the dream, in the passion. She states that, “dedication is the thing that drives you, even when you’re tired or sad or broken down. Dedication sees us through the hard times.”

She believes that dedication is what we fight for, that although there are moments of luck and chance, that wishes might come true, there is more work involved, tears and roller coasters of emotions, to get what we want, and be where we want to be.

When asked how the combination of the three, empowerment, passion and dedication work together, Abernathy explains:

I think sometimes luck can kick in with just one of those attributes. For the other 99% of the time, however, it takes this magic combo of empowerment, passion, and dedication to produce the results we desire. It takes so much fight, so much heart, and so much hard work to see our dreams to fruition, but man is it worth it!

So, who is Lynda Abernathy and why was she a fit for this series? She is an author, a writer, a person who sees passions and dreams and takes off after them. Understanding that there are cause and effect measures, but the result of success are worth it in the end.

“I drink too much coffee, I love too hard and laugh too loudly, but those things help make me who I am.”