What Won’t I Fall For?

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me, and let me tell you, I’ve been going through it. That old version of Kendra tried creeping back in, whispering those tired old lies: Maybe you’re not good enough. Maybe it’s time to coast, stop fighting for more. Maybe you’re too old for all this.

Let me tell you, I’m a work in progress. Just as I was gearing up to slap her back into place, I found myself in the middle of a health scare. And when I say "middle," I mean fighting to be heard by doctors. Yes, the all-too-real struggle of Black women being dismissed when it comes to our health is playing out in real time for me. So here I am, wrestling with emotions, exhaustion, and frustration.

If you’re already feeling tired just from reading this, imagine how I feel.

And yet, I almost fell for it. That “it”—you know what I’m talking about. The “it” that creeps in when you're vulnerable. The “it” that makes you question your worth, whispering that it's easier to quit. The “it” that tells you to stop reaching for more, to settle, to silence your complaints.

But let me tell you: I had a serious conversation with myself. And it went something like this: "Hell NAW!" (in my best Miss Sophia voice). “You didn’t work this hard, climb through barbed wire, and punch through the concrete ceiling just to stop here.”

I stand here declaring, I am HERE! I will not fall for it. As Mother Nature sheds her leaves and prepares for rest, I’m sprouting new courage. I’m moving forward. I will keep pushing my leadership business Leader Bubble and Lucy Leadership Project because our students deserve exceptional leadership.

I will keep sharing my story, promoting Unwrapped—the book that took blood, sweat, and tears to create. And yes, I’m still aiming for that 10,000-copies-sold goal.

I will keep advocating for women’s health, refusing to be diminished or dismissed by doctors who think, It’s not that serious. For anyone doubting, read Under the Skin—you’ll understand the urgency.

So here I am—standing tall, unapologetic, and ready for what’s next. I will not fall for the doubts, the fears, or the urge to quit. Neither should you!