Live Life as Your Bold, Authentic Self With Arianna Davis

It’s difficult to fight against fear and live life boldly, especially in the face of insecurity and judgment. However, when you choose to stand up, create, and seize your own opportunities, you’ll find your fearless, authentic self. Frida Kahlo was a woman who did just that. She rose above her hardships and now inspires millions of people all over the world. You, too, can choose to live your life boldly.

This week on Radically Loved, writer Arianna Davis joins us to talk about her work on Frida Kahlo, who inspired her to live life boldly. Arianna shares how she navigated through her struggles and fears growing up and working in a demanding workplace. We also talk about creating space to grow creatively.

Curious about how you can seize the day and start living boldly? Make sure you tune in to the episode!

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 

  1. Find out more about Frida Kahlo and how she inspires thousands of people, including Arianna, to live boldly every day.

  2. Learn how you can nourish your creativity to create art.

  3. Discover how you can push past the imposter syndrome and fearlessly be yourself.

Resources

    Episode Highlights

    [01:51] Meeting New People

    • The right people come into your life at the right moment.

    • Rosie was seeking female friendships when she met Arianna.

    • Arianna can be introverted when making friends. Nonetheless, she found it easy to connect with Rosie.

    [05:07] Growing Up to Write

    • Arianna saw her writing as a medium for Frida and creativity. She hoped her book would inspire creativity in others.

    • From a young age, Arianna knew she wanted to be a writer. She enjoyed reading, wrote books and stories as a kid, and received compliments for her work.

    • Unfortunately, it wasn’t easy to make a living by writing books. Arianna pursued journalism to continue writing while ensuring she had a stable income. 

    • Her goal, however, was to write a book one day.

    [08:04] What Would Frida Do?

    • Arianna’s deep interest in Frida Kahlo made her one of the best candidates to write a book.

    • Despite having just started a demanding job, Arianna couldn’t let the opportunity go. 

    • Many people before her have already told Frida’s story. She wanted to do the same in a new way that would benefit the current generation.

    [10:07] “For me, if I'm going to tell Frida’s story, I want to do it in a way that will bring something new to the table, that will potentially tell her story for a new generation.” - Click Here To Tweet This

    [10:37] Frida Kahlo’s Impact

    • In the 1930s, life was especially hard for women.

    • Frida was married to Diego Rivera, a famous artist. When asked about the fame of her husband, she replied, emphasizing her own fame as a great artist.

    • At that time, confidence and boldness in women were not the norm. It was her passion and belief that allowed her to declare her achievements proudly.

    • For Arianna, this story encapsulates Frida’s work and character and continues to inspire her.

    • Even decades later, people continue to remember and celebrate Frida’s life and work.

    [12:35] “I think that it's just so amazing when you think about how much staying power her work and her image and her story have had long after she died.” - Click Here To Tweet This

    [13:48] Living Boldly

    • Since her book came out, Arianna has felt encouraged to live more boldly.

    • She’s proud of having been able to write a historically accurate book.

    • Arianna faced many challenges while writing. She worked with tight deadlines, the fear of being unqualified, and that she couldn’t do it.

    • She persevered and made the best out of this opportunity to reach her goals.

    • Arianna would never forget the moments in her career when she seized the day and lived boldly despite her doubts.

    [19:51] Navigating Past Imposter Syndrome

    • Imposter syndrome is the thought that a person doesn’t achieve the ideal that has been set in their space. They struggle with internalizing their accomplishments.

    • She realized this was something she experienced. Arianna constantly questioned her worth and ability.

    • Affirmation from the people around her helped her believe in what she can do.

    • Having people to validate and affirm you and your work can help you deal with imposter syndrome.

    [22:13] “I started to believe all of these people wouldn't be saying these things if there weren't some kernel of truth there. So I think that getting that affirmation is a good tool to battling that impostor syndrome.” - Click Here To Tweet This

    [23:52] Nourish Your Creativity

    • The internet hinders her creativity. To be her most creative self, she chooses to unplug completely from the internet. 

    • A change of scenery as simple as a walk outside can inspire her. Arianna often takes solo writer trips and retreats to step away from the noise.

    • Taking a shower or during her trips also gives her room to think.

    • Set aside time in your schedule to focus on clearing your headspace and nourishing your creativity.

    [25:35] “My go-tos are taking walks, taking a long shower or a bath because that's another place where you're just connected. You're just in a little space where all you have is the room to think.” - Click Here To Tweet This

    [28:49] A Message for the Readers

    • Arianna hopes for the reader to feel emboldened and inspired to push past fear.

    • Frida’s story held so many difficulties and pains. However, she persevered and lived fearlessly and true to herself.

    • The ultimate lesson she wants to share is for people to be their most bold, authentic selves.

    • Arianna and Rosie once went into a bookstore together. It was a pleasant surprise to find both their books in the self-help section.

    [30:24] “I think the ultimate lesson is being your most bold, authentic self. That's really all you can give yourself in this life.” - Click Here To Tweet This

    About Arianna Davis

    Arianna Davis is an author, writer, and the Editorial Director of TODAY Digital. Growing up with a passion for writing, she delved into the world of journalism. Arianna began her career at Oprah Daily and rose to become their former Senior Director of Editorial and Strategy. 

    Having been inspired by the icon Frida Kahlo, Arianna wrote What Would Frida Do? A Guide to Living Boldly in 2020. Currently, she is working on a novel alongside her editorial work. She has also written for Refinery 29 and has been featured in New York Magazine, Glamour, MarieClaire, and many more. 

    You can learn more about Arianna and her work on her website or follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

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    To feeling radically loved,

    Rosie

    Rosie AcostaBIPOC Mindfulness Teacher, Latinx, Teacher, Spanish Speaking Meditation Teacher, First Gen Mexican American