Design Your Kingdom
“What’s the world for you if you can’t make it up the way you want it?”
This year's intro was one for the books - oooh, can't wait until the next generation comes of age and read about this moment in the history books. We'll be on standby to fact check. "Have a seat kid, this is how it all went down." We all know the books will leave out a crucial element or many. I thought what should I write about? Immersing myself in the Great Halls of Morrison and reflecting upon this past weeks turn of events does make one pause. I thought I'd follow suit as everyone on media - social and what not - replay an iteration of the chaos and ongoings. Then in an instant I grew tired. My mind rebelled, sought out comfort food and television. Food. Sustenance. I immediately thought what do I NEED in my feed? What do I need Periodt.
“Know what you need, never apologize for it, never compromise, and never settle for less. You simply have to believe you’re worthy. ”
Photo credit: Ellis Dawson, Hair: Jada Israel, Style & (Wardrobe & Set) Design: Angela M. Fludd
What does my space represent? What is my recipe? Safety, peace, solace, empowerment, enrichment, love (of self and unto others), reflection, examination, and insight. How do I want to design my space, my kingdom? Seek refuge? I decided not to participate and regurgitate but rather focus on necessity, re-accessing, learning, and elevating. Discerning what is truly important - cheeto blockers up - There has to be good stuff going on in the world. I will not give negativity center stage…bratty kids pass the mic. The world has it's systems, if we follow them blindly without providing balance, not cultivating our own filtration systems, we cannot simply let ANYTHING walk through the door. The past few years were the perfect example of what happens once our defenses are down - people and things enter our home that had no business being there. Squatting, not paying rent, eating up all our food - eating away at our spirit. A little sage and a better security system will do your mind some good. Sometimes, you gotta change the code up on them.
“They don’t care nothing about me. All they want is my voice. Well I done learned that. And they going to treat me the way I want be treated no matter how much it hurt them.”
Photo credit: Netflix/Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Viola Davis as Ma Rainey
Creating and designing your own kingdom is important - only YOU know what feeds you. Only you know what you need to keep the lights on. The set design behind “The Pieces I Am” shoot served as a metaphor for creating your own safe space. Anywhere. POC's, Black people, LGBTQ, women - the systems of this world weren't designed with us in mind. Know what you need, never apologize for it, never compromise, and never settle for less. You simply have to believe your worthy. The only difficulty is unscrambling your programming to believe it. That work is not easy, but it’s worth it. Those who've watched August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom know exactly what I mean. If you don't decide, they'll do it for you.
“Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can anyone deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me.”
Your kingdom is not only where you thrive, it's also where you hide, lick your wounds, deep cry, and muster up the courage to rise again. Wrangle for your rightful place in this world.
Create your oasis. Your space.
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