Feeding the Soul (Because It's My Business) Summary

"Everybody has their own prescription in life; you're the only one who can see through your lens clearly." - Tabitha Brown

1. Embrace Your Unique Vision

Each person has their own individual vision for their life, just like a custom glasses prescription. Tabitha urges readers to stop comparing themselves to others because no one else has the same path, goals, or perspective as you do.

She shares her struggles of trying to fit into an unsuitable mold during her acting career. Tab altered her speech, style, and even used diet pills to conform to Hollywood's expectations, but this didn’t lead to success or happiness. It wasn't until she embraced her individuality—her humor and love for cooking—that she found her true direction.

Tab reminds us that our talents, even ones we overlook, are gifts given to us for a reason. Sometimes, the very qualities we take for granted can be the key to unlocking our purpose. As Tab says, "That's your business," which means it’s your responsibility to take ownership of your uniqueness.

Examples

• Tab's humor made her the "family joker" long before it boosted her career.
• Her effortless cooking skill, once a mundane habit, became central to her fame.
• Hollywood's vision of success clashed with her authentic self, showing that staying true to oneself leads to fulfillment.

2. Let Go to Grow

Growth often requires shedding: habits, beliefs, and even relationships that no longer serve you. Tab uses the metaphor of losing hair to show how natural it is to let go of things you've outgrown.

She recounts how she once contorted herself to fit superficial ideals, such as trying to “fix” her Southern accent after criticism from both Hollywood and online commenters. Over time, she realized how these compromises betrayed her roots and only held her back. To truly grow, she had to let go of these fears and false expectations.

This shedding isn't limited to beliefs. Tab also discusses the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries with people. Supporting others is beautiful, but you can't let it come at the cost of your own peace of mind. By letting go of harmful influences, you create space for personal transformation.

Examples

• Tab reclaimed her Southern accent to honor her heritage and family.
• She stopped being a people-pleaser to focus on her dreams.
• Letting go of societal expectations helped her "peel off layers" and find joy.

3. Recognize Life's Signs

Life gives us signs, if we’re willing to notice them. Tab emphasizes the importance of being alert to these signals, as they often guide us toward our destiny.

A powerful example from her life is the morning she felt the earth shake and heard a voice urging her to follow her path as an actor. Despite the twists and setbacks that followed, this experience became an anchor during challenging times. She remained focused on the long journey ahead, interpreting life events as signposts rather than barriers.

Following these signs takes practice and faith. Whether it’s through feelings, opportunities, or unexpected changes, being attentive to what life shows you helps steer you toward your greatest potential.

Examples

• Tab received a memorable calling to be an actor through a literal "wake-up call."
• Positive feedback from her fans acted as a sign to pursue social media content.
• The viral TTLA video proved the unexpected power of being herself.

4. Value Persistence Over Timelines

Achieving a dream isn't always fast or easy. Tab's journey to success took 23 years, teaching her the value of persistence despite obstacles.

Her slow trajectory included moving back and forth between California and North Carolina, juggling jobs, raising kids, and enduring rejection after rejection. She even had to pause her acting dreams due to health crises and financial strains. Yet, at every low point, she'd feel a nudge to keep trying.

By sharing her story, Tab encourages readers not to lose hope when progress feels slow. Your path may not unfold in the timeline you imagine, but persistence can eventually pay off in ways you never anticipated.

Examples

• Tab returned to acting after a five-year detour working corporate jobs.
• Despite burnout, she kept taking unpaid acting gigs to stay on the path.
• Her career breakthrough came unexpectedly through a viral food review video.

5. Rediscover Joy in the Simple Things

Sometimes, it's the simplest things that bring us true joy. For Tab, this was rediscovering her love of cooking and sharing it with others.

As a struggling aspiring actress, cooking was a comfort that connected her to her family and her Southern upbringing. Although she didn’t consider it special at the time, it became the very activity that made her famous. By turning to what she loved, she found a way to inspire millions.

This lesson speaks to the importance of appreciating and nurturing the small, everyday passions that can light up your life.

Examples

• Tab's cooking skills, once overlooked, became the heart of her online presence.
• A simple vegan sandwich video sparked her meteoric rise to influencer status.
• Yoga, dancing, and family meals are other ways she reconnects with joy.

6. Overcoming Challenges Builds Strength

Tab’s story is filled with obstacles: her mom’s untimely death, health challenges, and financial pressures. Yet, each difficulty taught her resilience.

She turned her grief over her mother’s ALS diagnosis into motivation, working even harder to pursue acting after her passing. When health issues nearly derailed her, she found healing through a vegan lifestyle, which led to new opportunities. Instead of becoming bitter, she used her experiences to grow stronger.

By persevering through hardships, you not only build character but also find opportunities to uplift others.

Examples

• Losing her mother fueled her passion to live authentically.
• Chronic health issues led to her discovery of veganism and online fame.
• Financial struggles forced her to adapt and innovate, such as driving for Uber.

7. Accept the Unexpected

The most meaningful moments often come unplanned. Tab never expected a sandwich review to change her life, but she embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.

When her Facebook video went viral, she didn’t focus on how unconventional the moment was. Instead, she doubled down on being herself and sharing her joy unabashedly. This openness to stepping off the old path allowed her to walk into new possibilities.

Tab shows that being flexible, even when life seems confusing, can lead you to your best moments.

Examples

• A 30-day vegan challenge dramatically improved her health and outlook.
• Her Whole Foods brand deal came from a spontaneous food review.
• TikTok videos, urged by her daughter, made her an inspirational icon.

8. Freedom Comes from Authenticity

True freedom means living as your authentic self. Tab highlights how letting go of others' expectations leads to a life of peace and fulfillment.

For years, she tried to change to fit in more comfortably with societal and industry standards. Her relationships and self-image suffered as a result. Only when she decided to unapologetically be herself did she feel liberated—and her career took off.

Authenticity isn’t just a personal gift; it inspires others to live more honestly, too.

Examples

• Her decision to embrace her Southern accent marked a turning point.
• Sharing vegan recipes reflects her holistic, authentic lifestyle.
• Teaching values like love and joy through her platform promotes genuine living.

9. Share What You Love to Inspire Others

Tabitha’s success is rooted in sharing what she loves, whether it’s a recipe, a story, or an uplifting message. Her goal isn't just to entertain but to help others find their own joy.

Through social media, her warmth and relatability have turned simple acts, like cooking or talking about life, into sources of inspiration for millions. Her nickname “America’s Mom” captures how profoundly her messages resonate. Tab teaches that sharing your passions can touch and transform more lives than you imagine.

Examples

• Her passion for veganism encouraged others to try healthier lifestyles.
• Millions followed her advice on living with joy and gratitude.
• Her story reminds people in all walks of life to persevere for their dreams.

Takeaways

1. Embrace your unique talents and passions, even the small ones, and use them to guide your purpose.
2. Shed limiting beliefs or relationships that keep you from authentic growth.
3. Persist in pursuing your dreams, even when the journey feels too long or daunting.