So true!
This is true. People have been talking about me most of my life some good and some bad – but one is true ‘they’ keep talking and I keep doing. If we all did things worried about opinions of others – where would we be? Where would I be? Those opinions are irrelevant at the end of the day – never one to follow the crowd or popular opinion I say – you have a brain, instincts, savvy, smarts – use them! Who cares what someone else thinks, often the negative chatter is rife with fear, jealousy, envy and resentment anyway. If you believe in something or have a dream or goal for the right reasons – go after it.
My father would always tell me as a little girl “It’s not what others think about you – it’s what you think and believe about yourself.” A great lesson for life and self-esteem. Do You!
In celebration of The GRAMMY’s weekend, this blessing came at the perfect time at that time in my life and career and the goals I had ‘back then’ and the obstacles endured. A lot of people were happy for me – a lot of people are probably still angry and confused how this triumph happened. Some artists never get to experience a moment like this – ever. My tears of joy were genuine and heartfelt-I was stunned. Remember Little Richard taking his well deserved moment to let the people know that as the ‘Architect of Rock and Roll’ he’d never been honored or the recipient of a GRAMMY. It holds a special place in my heart as well because it was New York City, radio City Music Hall and Micheal Jackson performed a riveting ” The Way You Make Me Feel/Man In The Mirror.” The music business and my peers at that time were all heavy hitters. There was so much diversity in R&B/Pop and Rock, though it was already transitioning to the next phase.
I remain full of gratitude with a passion for what I do as an artist, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur decades later – but most of all who I am as a woman/human being – to be a good person through my actions is success. Looking at this younger ambitious part of who I was back then makes me proud because despite everything going on I chose to believe in myself and step out on faith. Choosing to be happy and in control of my life – remains a constant in the woman I have since become. The love and respect of my children is everything and remaining appreciative of those who continue to support me personally as well in my music career keeps me uplifted in an often treacherous business and world. Never one to back away from a challenge, being fearless and unafraid to make mistakes, lose fans and popularity or any of those things..it’s so much more meaningful to remain authentic and proud of ‘the work.’ Commercial, under the radar, experimental, you name it, it’s all very much me..always going my own way.
Like you, this is a process of continuing to learn and grow. As always, I encourage YOU as well on this journey of life no matter what field of work you’re in. Stay and BE Fabulous!! Make NEW goals and dreams continuing forward.