New Beginnings
When the transition period hits a little too hard...
Photo by Lydia E.
Beginnings can be tough.
Well, it depends on how you look at it. For me, whenever I get cast for a musical or a film, I see it as a new start. There are new people to work with, and new vibes to get used to. Because essentially spending time rehearsing you’re going to have to learn each other after a while. It’s during those times at the beginning of the process when you find yourself either holding back or you bring your most authentic self. I would want authenticity all day, but of course, it’s not always easy to be open with just anyone.
It’s the same thing whenever a good idea comes to mind. You’re excited to go after it in the beginning. You plan out all the essentials and major details. All of a sudden the emotions kick in. The questioning of whether or not the idea is even worth the execution. I know that all too well. I still find myself as one of those who appreciate good ideas forming. Then as soon as it’s time to make it happen — I freeze. Sometimes due to fear, other times due to lack of encouragement. Then there’s the big one - FEAR. My gosh! If I could go bout for a bout with that one, I would train like Ali, and pounce on it like Sugar Ray. Knock out, first round, no question! Yes, she watched boxing. We’ll save the sports talk for another post, yeah?
Growing up as a Christian, you’re taught to not let fear get the best of you. With God on your side, you should not fear any man, place, or thing. No nouns period! In true human nature we completely don’t listen to that though, right? We go with what we feel. We think, “Hey this thing that I dream of doing scares me. I don’t want to fail.” Mmmm, failure. That’s another one I’d take in the ring.
Keep pushing on. It’s your mind playing tricks on you.
My main thing in life has always been to aim to be my truest self. Whether that's to my family & friends, my peers, or meeting a stranger. As an artist, mainly as an actor and vocalist, I find that to be the most rewarding part. I've spent so many years working to get to this place of solace within my individual being. That I look to be more grateful and also humble for what I’ve accomplished. My truest self is my happiest place to be, and I want to share that with you. Where I had to start from - the beginning. I’ve come across a few friends and peers who’ve realized unlearning certain things can be a tough bag to hold. Whether it was how they used to greet someone without feeling small in the end. If it was how they received love or affection. Or, how to show more love and grace to themselves because no one else cared to. That’s the beginning.
It’s not too late to start a new!
Above I shared a photo from my family vacation back home to Ghana. My father is from Accra, and he makes a point for each trip to be a time to come home and rest. Being the busybody that I am, hearing the word “rest” can be a task at first. Sometimes though I know I’ll be doing #TeamTooMuch, and need to make time to chill out. This past trip we just took was very inspiring. My dad wanted to take us to see the Akosombo Dam located in the Volta region. The trip there was long but well worth it. The sights were amazing.
Photo by Lydia E.
Onward and Upward!
Looking out into the river, and taking in all of the different sights gave me a burst of hope for what was to come. I’m currently going through a pretty tough transition, and it’s beyond my control. All I can do is maintain my mental and be set for the newness that comes with letting go and looking on. The tricky thing about those new beginnings, is you can start whenever you’re ready. I choose to set aside the fear, and the flaky emotions, and start now. So, take your time, and come to it when you’re ready. It’s on your time.
