I love Beyoncé. I've stayed up late waiting for albums to release, seriously considered blowing money for concert tickets, and *almost* subscribed to Tidal. But my love for Beyoncé doesn't exist because I'm just a crazy fan, I look at her as an inspiration. Whether or not you agree with her music or her message, you cannot deny that she is one of the most influential black women in the world right now. Like all of her other fans, I spent this week being mesmerized by her Paris vacation photos. I said, “I just really want my life to be like Beyoncé’s,” and, of course, my mom wanted an explanation.
1. Beyoncé is a triple threat.
Singing? Check. Dancing? Check. Acting? Check. She chose a career in the entertainment industry and excelled in all areas. From 21-hour workdays to singing on the treadmill, she works until she is the best at everything she does.
2. She isn’t intimidated by other women.
I have never understood why we feel the need to pit successful, powerful women against each other. Rumors are constantly brewing about beef between Queen B and other female artists like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. She makes music that is meant to empower women rather than degrading them.
3. She uses her platform to make a difference.
In my eyes, Beyoncé is a humanitarian. She shines light on the #BlackLivesMatter movement and pays her respects in both her public and private lives. As a woman of color, her acceptance speech for CFDA's Fashion Icon of the Year award was extremely influential because she discussed being a "black country curvy girl" in a society that has its own ideals of beauty.
4. Her family is a top priority.
"Momma taught me good home training,
My Daddy taught me how to love my haters,
My sister told me I should speak my mind..."
5. She makes moves in silence.
There are so many rumors and conspiracy theories about her life that eventually die because she doesn't add fuel to the fire. Beyoncé's life is only as public as she chooses to make it. What happened after the divorce rumors? A family vacation and an album. When did we know about the release of "Lemonade?" Seconds before it released! Before the album release, her Twitter hadn't been active for two years! Make your moves in silence, my friends.
6. She’s proud of her roots.
"My daddy Alabama, mama Louisiana"
7. She doesn’t ~need~ a man.
I'm pretty sure that Jay-Z is fully aware that Beyoncé's life and career could go on just fine without him. Don't believe me? Just listen to his verse on "I Got The Keys."
8. Her confidence is through the roof.
9. She cannot be placed inside a box.
This is what I find to be the most influential about the Queen. She isn't just a country girl from Texas that made it big, she's so much more. An entertainer. A daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend. She's a fashion designer. A producer with her own artists. A humanitarian. A representation of little black girls with big dreams and an overall inspiration.
So, when I say I want my life to be like Beyoncé's, this is exactly what I mean. Time to get in formation!
