Meghan Markle Imparts Lessons on Achievement, Tenacity, and Elegance in Triumph
Duchess Meghan Markle of Sussex Returns with a New Netflix Series, Reinforcing the Polarized Opinions Surrounding the Sussex Royal Brand
Meghan Markle Imparts Lessons on Achievement, Tenacity, and Elegance in Triumph
The New Year commences with a series of challenging incidents such as domestic terrorism attacks in New Orleans and a bomb incident in a Tesla at a Trump property. Additionally, the departure of America's 39th President, Jimmy Carter, casts a gloom over the start of the new year.
Transitioning into the new season, we could all use a boost of kindness, excellent culinary skills, laughter, happiness, and good manners. And as expected, NETFLIX doesn't disappoint. Joining the scene is the Duchess of Sussex, formerly known as Princess Meghan (or officially, Princess Henry), the wife of the 5th in line to the British Throne, Prince Harry of Wales, now titled the Duke of Sussex.
The Duchess, subjected to public and media criticism in the UK, made her social media re-emergence public on New Year's Day with a short black and white video, this time being filmed by none other than Prince Harry himself. As a follower of Meghan's journey as a successful millennial bi-racial woman, actress, and media maven, I have witnessed her rise since her days as a prominent character on the hit TV series, "Suits," and her relationship with Princess Diana's son, Prince Harry. Like many women of color, I am proud of her global influence and celebrity but cannot overlook the unfair treatment she's faced by the Royal Family and the British media. The relentless daily abuse and slander aimed at Markle have been incessant since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
Despite being more than a decade her senior, I have taken valuable lessons from Meghan on handling professional rivals, personal detractors, and yes, even the persistently "hateful" ones. Meghan has seemingly found the secret formula for rising above the bitterness and attacks on her family, even from within her own family (her father and half-sister, to name a few, and I won't even start on the Royal Family's unforgiving behavior). She relies on a tight-knit circle of friends, supporters, children, her mother, and of course, Harry. She understands what truly matters and disregards the noise around her, focusing instead on her vision. She is an exemplary woman, brimming with potential for a promising future.
As the New Year begins, here are five (5) life lessons in grace, power, and resilience we can learn from Meghan:
1.) The Power of the Pause: Meghan took a seven-year break from Instagram. She paused to reevaluate her situation, recalibrate, and strengthen her relationships with her family and finances.
2.) Operate in Secret—Unveil in Public: Never reveal your plans to the public until you've accomplished your vision and completed your preparation in secret. Then, unveil your work or your celebration.
3.) Regain Your Strength—Lean into Love & Healing: Meghan and Harry left a toxic environment in the UK and moved to the United States. They found solace in each other amidst the uproar, attacks, and derogatory comments thrown their way.
4.) Do Not Dim Your Light: Meghan is well aware of her power and influence. She also knows she's a target for criticism and those who wish to pit her against Princess Catherine of Wales. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in sharing her truth, building her brand, and enthusiastically radiating her light around the world. Princess Diana would be proud.
5.) Return Stronger than Ever: Both Harry and Meghan have demonstrated their impact on the global stage. Harry's book "Spare" broke publishing records, dating back to the publication of the King James Bible. Meanwhile, Meghan answered her critics and detractors not by retaliating in kind but by spreading positivity and light across Netflix's vast platform. As one of my mentors once told me: "Success is the best revenge."
These five lessons are just a few we can derive from the Duchess of Sussex. However, they are potent examples of powerful 21st-century women living their best lives by staying true to themselves and daring to inspire others to do the same, despite the distractions of our modern world.
In the wake of various challenges, including terrorist attacks and presidential transitions, Netflix offers a much-needed boost of positivity with Duchess Meghan Markle's return to the limelight. As a successful millennial bi-racial woman, actress, and media maven, Meghan Markle continues to break barriers and inspire many women of color, despite the harsh criticism and scrutiny she faced within the Royal Family and British media.