For #ThrowbackThursday , this photo of me from eight years ago is a reminder that confidence is the best make-up a woman can own. It was taken at the Pumba Private Game Reserve and Lodge in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa, back in the days when a bold lipstick and a kiss from the African Sun was all the foundation I needed most days. During those years, I was traveling around sub-Saharan Africa participating in conferences, organizing journalism workshops, slipping in the occasional adventure side trip--never imagining a time when just boarding an airplane could be a huge risk. These past six months of #workfromhome life during #COVID19 have forced me to reassess the meaning of "putting your best face forward." I've worn full make-up maybe twice since early April, and my sole concessions during Zoom calls are a swipe of lipgloss and a few strokes of an eyebrow pencil. These days, it's more important to be sure about what you know than to worry about how you look. That's why this picture makes me happy. It reminds me of a time when I felt strong and fearless. When the future looked bright and limitless. It still does...I just have a few more mascara free hours to spend chasing my dreams. #professionalimage #confidence #confidencebuilding #selfesteem #wfhstyle #Africa …see more