Amanda Eaddy is not one you hold down for long. The deepest of sympathies to anyone who attempts to pigeonhole her. Underneath the monikers of mother, author, educator, lies flesh and bone, desiring all the best life has. And life has come through - bestowing a resonance of word and encouragement. I chatted with Amanda. Follow our conversation after the jump.
1. What does bravery sound like?
Bravery sounds like empowering chaos. Brutal, life-changing, tedious expressions of freedom. Bravery is when you push past yourself and tackle obstacles that make your soul quiver in fear. Bravery is a superpower that we all have yet many fail to tap into fully.
2. Define security in the midst of pain.
In 2019, I started the “Secure Yourself, Sis” movement where I encouraged women to stop focusing on “securing the bag” and start focusing on “securing themselves”. This means physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, sexually, and financially. A woman must have her ish in order and sometimes this isn’t easy because of pain, life circumstances and her inability to choose ‘her’ first. I had to live this movement out firsthand. Pushing towards my expected end while healing from heartbreak. It wasn’t easy but it was necessary. Every woman will experience “pain” in this lifetime. Sometimes it is out of her control and sometimes it is self-inflicted. Nonetheless, living her best life should never take second seat to it.
3. Describe a note that hasn’t been played.
The Righteous Brothers has a song called “Unchained Melody”. Every time I heard it as a teenager, I immediately would tear up. It was the perfect love song in my opinion. Filled with passion, promise and pureness. As I have matured, I realized that an unchained melody is a note that hasn’t been played. Everyone is seeking a love so pure and perfect and unfortunately, it doesn’t exist. Every single one of us are flawed individuals. An unchained melody is free from control and bondage. Sometimes, we wind up in relationships/friendships/situationships that force us to lose ourselves and confine us mentally, emotionally, physically, and more.
4. What’s something we constantly get wrong about educators?
The idea that educators have the best careers because they have summers off is way off-base. Life as an educator is uber-difficult. By the time summer comes along, we are burnt out yet having to prepare ourselves mentally for a new school year. Our pay is dry and yet every day, educators everywhere are giving it all they got just to ensure that the next generation is filled with young people who are intellectually sound in their decision making. Young people who are cognitively ready to be the leaders and change agents we need.
5. If you had the power to destroy anything without getting your hands dirty, what would it be and why?
I would destroy the belief systems that society, religion and fear have placed on what love is and what it is not.
I have been loved by both sexes. Who someone falls in love with shouldn’t matter - yet it does. Some people can’t unapologetically live in their truth. I was that person and that saddens me. True freedom is in our ability to love and live.
6. Year 39. What’s on the horizon?
Self-care at its finest. I really am surrounding myself with what makes “AMANDA” happy. Focusing on becoming one of the baddest storytellers in the land. Perfecting my craft. Loving my children. Becoming a wife. Living and loving and pushing others to create dope ish.
Yea, that’s all I got.
7. What are you working on that the world should know about?
The Secure Yourself, Sis conference is coming. It is the conference for the female world-changers who are looking to shift to the next level physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. This isn’t just any conference. There will be no “FLUFF”. We are pushing women to break boxes and go after the businesses, relationships, and the life that they desire. NO MATTER WHAT!
Amanda Eaddy is an educator, storyteller and creative assistant in Richmond, VA. She is a mother and wife. When she isn't serving her family, she is a feminist and founder of The Literary Enthusiast Creative Firm, LLC, where she teaches others how to increase their brand awareness, increase their revenue and change the world through creative storytelling and word-smithing.
You can follow her on Instagram @justamandaeaddy
Connect with her on her website at www.amandaeaddy.com