Hi There Beautiful Soul,
I am so excited and a bit scared to be writing you my very first blogpost!
I want to share what I’ve learned with you in the hope that I can somehow be helpful to your life.
I want to inspire you to release yourself from whatever chains may hold you back.
It’s always been my underlying intention to help people do this, but now it’s time to put it on the surface. I want to thank you because you are a huge part of a the new, uncharted territory in my life. You are integral to my expansion and extension in the world.
We’re doing it together!
Here’s a little story you may enjoy about me and Lupita Nyong’o. I thought my first time meeting her was a few months ago at a mutual friend’s birthday party. But when I went back into my emotional memory bank, I realized we met years before that.
I first met Lupita when I visited the Yale School of Drama as a prospective student back in 2009. She was in her first year, I believe, and after a long day of asking questions and taking notes, and visualizing myself in the hallways and studios of YSD, I ended up at a party with several of the black students.
Lupita was there. I remember now.
We officially, officially met however at another party this past fall for our friend who was celebrating her 30th. I recognized her right away as I just saw her in 12 years a Slave earlier that week.
We danced the night away in this teeny tiny club in the Village. The place was so tiny, actually, that we all danced in a circle around a little bar table.
Now, I’m an energy, woo-woo kind of gal and I felt that me and Lupita connected while we danced. We didn’t care how we looked, who was looking, who wasn’t. It was just carefree, abandoned movement.
Freedom.
Watching her win the Oscar a couple of weeks ago was incredible and strange: like watching a friend land on the moon. Absolutely incredible to see someone I knew and spent time with up there holding a golden statue.
And strange for the same reason.
What a lot of people don’t know about Lupita is first off, the intensity of the training she’s been through. Not just at YSD, but also writing, producing and shooting films in Kenya, interning on American movie sets like The Constant Gardner; watching the actors work while running around the set, doing whatever was required.
Lupita may be new to the public, but she has worked. She co-created this opportunity with the universe. It didn’t appear out of nowhere, it was a space that opened with a combination of her own effort and Divine Timing.
When I got this lesson the other day, I got so excited. It made me even more determined to do keep doing my work–not because I covet an Academy Award (don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t mind one! but it’s not my motivation), but because I want to signal to the Creator that I will be ready for whatever opportunities are given to me. I am putting forth my own effort and trusting in the Divine Timing.
When someone you know lands on the moon, it brings the stars much closer.
That being said, be sure to get ready for some new music this summer–this song is very personal and beautiful and I think something a lot of people will relate to. I hope when the release date is announced, you will join me in spreading it to as many people as you can!
To Moon Landings and Dance Parties,
Jillian