Personal Empowerment

Oftentimes we forget how awesome we are. We are artists, we make the world beautiful!  We are writers, we weave stories that pull at the heart, and boggle the mind. We are musicians, we transport the world to places inside, outside and across space and time!

We are also, very often, 9-5ers with ..."Day Jobs" and it was in this moment, a moment of  preparing for my "day job" that I had a very empowering revelation. Those people...are damn lucky to have me! So...why was I feeling insecure? Why was I questioning my skills? I don't do anything that I haven't done literally hundreds, if not a thousand (by now) times before. I was doing work that I could do with my eyes closed, and a one word prompt! So again...unsure why?

What I realized, was that although I am great at what I do, my place of employment, my position, because it is heavily dependent on external factors, was what was insecure. I obtained my position, like the previous 4 positions before it via a letter and c.v., or simply on someone's word. And, although I was  am good at what I do, I've been hired, and gone on working. However, the organizations I've worked for, nonprofits and educational institutions, are simply spaces that are often financially insecure.

Realization 1
I'm not insecure, institutions are. I am excellent at what I do. I do it well, I'm knowledgeable in my field, and continue to build my skill set.

Another thing I know, because of Realization 1 is that security...comfort is important. I'm the only one looking out for my comfort..its not like anyone is going to come up to me and say, here dear, you do much too much...take a rest! Therefore, I must do it myself. And for me, a day off isn't enough. For me, there is more...the day must start with a delicious snack of strawberries and tea. Then yoga and a steaming hot shower. After that, an hour or so of writing, journaling, planning and reading. Maybe a few phone calls, a pedicure, and a decadent lunch. Chocolate is involved. Some time in nature...a park, a lake, a river, walking, reading, animal or people watching. Capturing some of the beauty in photographs. Creating, writing, teaching. Finding children to chat with- they have wonderful stories and totally understand the concept of lounging, discovery and imagination, and finally journeying home.

Realization 2
I'm going to start living from a place of luxury. Period. 

That is to say, a day off, or my ideal day, shouldn't be special, my ideal day, is how I should live my life. I've already incorporated this ideal into my life in many ways, but this week's realizations only spoke to the urgency with which I need to incorporate more.

I'm so thankful to have had these revelations, as they are the cornerstone of the LoveJonesLifestyle. I look forward to hearing how YOU empower yourselves to live a life in alignment with LJL...

We've been Working!

Greetings LJL family we have been super use but have not forgotten about you Lovelies. 

We have so much exciting news to share, and want you to be a part of our growth! 

We have been busily building programs, platforms and businesses to serve YOU, the LJL reader, lover and lifestyle living world citizen. Right now, we are building a beautiful new collection of plays and independent theatre experiences through Harkins House Productions. We are so excited about our upcoming season, which includes a second run of the previously sold out show The Man Store. 

The Man Store is about a scientist named Dr. Delilah Banks, who becomes the first Black woman and scientist to develop a clone in the image of Black men. Along with her daughter, Portia, Delilah opens a business that sells these newly designed Black male clones to single Black women as options for husbands. The stage play is one part satire, one part drama, and one part comedy, and it offers a unique perspective on Black love and relationships.  The Man Store is scheduled for another run during the weekend of November 22-24, 2013 in Memphis, TN.

We are also working on building fun and exciting platforms for you to express your creativity with writing workshops,  acting workshops, and culture based entertainment. We can't wait to share all of this goodness, art, culture,fun, excitement and richness with you all. 

Right now, we are building a solid foundation and asking for your help with that, by donating to and sharing the indiegogo campaign found here (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hhp-donation-drive?mobile=1) with your friends and community who also support positive representations of our culture, good music, new Black theatre and quality entertainment from a fresh perspective. 

We will be sharing more updates soon! In the meantime, keep living the lifestyle! 

P.S. go to Facebook and Like our Harkins House Productions (www.facebook.com/harkinshouse) page to get the updates pics and progress of all of our exciting projects!