Taraji P. Henson is gracing the cover of Essence's November issue, and with the show Empire being all the rave, E! Online says she's just now become a household name. When I read that, I had to pause for a second, because in my circle Taraji has been a household name ever since Baby Boy. E! does attribute that role, as the lead character's (Tyrese Gibson's) girlfriend, as her breakthrough performance though.

Taraji has been hustling in Hollywood since 1997 when she appeared in an episode of 'Sister, Sister' with the Mowry twins. Her career may have taken a while to take off according to some, but she reveals in an interview with CR Fashion Book that her dad reminded her she asked God for longevity, lol. That's certainly a lesson in being specific when we pray and ask God for something.

Longevity and persistence is certainly what has brought Taraji this far, and is also the reason why she's not concerned with the younger generation coming up gaining fame through reality TV shows as she argues to Essence "These kids are thinking they can do reality TV and come and do this craft that I studied, sweated and grinded."

Taraji has no qualms being transparent, keeping it real and telling the truth. So much so that she had a photoshoot sans wig, revealing her cornrowed braid pattern for the world to see. 

This entire blog is about being yourself, make that embracing yourself, staying true, and pursuing your dreams. [More on how staying true will give rise to your opportunity here.] Pretending to be someone else will never serve you in the long-run. Take a leaf out of Taraji's book as she declares "I'm just gonna keep amassing an audience." Put your best foot forward, and keep putting it out there. Your next audition (or attempt) could lead to your breakthrough. Taraji may be 45 years old and only now becoming a household name, but the reason why I'm convinced that she'll have the longevity she asked God for, is because she never tried to be who or what society wanted her to be. God cannot bless who you pretend to be, so be you. Trust me, you'll enjoy the journey so much more that way. 

Speaking of having fun, have a look at Apple Inc.'s recent commercial (click on the image) starring Taraji, Kerry Washington, and Mary J. Blige, having just that, fun.

Be blessed!