To The Dreamers, Stay The Course
This essay is dedicated to those with dreams, possessing an understanding of their life's purpose(s), yet occasionally find themselves stumbling over the journey or the 'how' of seeing it through.
At the 66th Grammy Awards in February, Victoria Monét didn't just leave with one or two victories but a three-peat, beyond well-deserved, considering her undeniable talent as a singer/songwriter. During her acceptance speech for “Best New Artist,” her words resonated deeply, striking an emotional chord that still lingers in my heart and mind daily. Victoria’s rise began in 2009 when she relocated from Sacramento, CA, to Los Angeles, backed by ambitions of making a mark in the music industry. She later released her debut LP in 2014 and has since shared more projects, including her latest album, “Jaguar II,” which is still in heavy rotation for me. Beyond the spotlight, Monét has been the force behind hits for artists such as Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, and many more, establishing her as a seasoned songwriter and showcasing her unwavering determination throughout these fifteen years to see her dreams come to life.
In her speech, Victoria metaphorically paints herself as a plant, with the music industry serving as the fertile soil that nurtures her growth. The roots embody how her labor's endless effort and fruits have grown over the years, partially concealed from the public eye until this moment of blossoming. Her words are a significant reminder for the dreamers to stay the course. In the complexity of creative spaces, where vulnerability is essential and sharing art is an intimate revelation, it's easy to feel our efforts go unnoticed, unheard, or unappreciated. Reflecting on the 'whys' behind our aspirations becomes supreme, propelling us forward when the path seems obscured. And even during the moments when we must ease off the accelerator and temporarily slow down, understanding our life's purpose and maintaining faith in God's plan acts as a steady guide.
Unnoticed, Unheard, and Unappreciated
One of the most beautiful aspects of being an artist or creative individual is the inception of an idea in your mind and witnessing it come to life. When Erykah Badu said, “I’m an artist, and I’m sensitive about my shit!” she was speaking for us all. Sharing art is intimate, as we unveil a fragment of ourselves to the world. While creating what brings joy to our souls should always be the driving force for what we create, the human inclination to seek connection with others is inevitable. Consistently creating and sharing your art, only to feel unnoticed, unheard, and unappreciated, happens more often than not and can be extremely disheartening.
When Victoria Monét mentioned the fifteen years she's dedicated to her musical journey, I thought about the perseverance it takes to keep going. It's not uncommon to glance around, seeing peers seemingly advancing at a quicker pace. You may even be excited about releasing art you feel deeply connected to, only to get little acknowledgment. We tend to question our creativity in those moments, but this introspection paints a distorted narrative. There are two truths to keep in mind. One of the first life lessons we learned in elementary school was keeping your eyes on your paper. Comparing your progress to others will snatch every ounce of joy from your art. Secondly, each person's journey is different, meant to be felt and experienced tailored to our own life. Release the fixation on seeking validation from anyone outside of yourself. I’ve embraced the reality that artistic expression doesn't always resonate universally. By maintaining tunnel vision and crafting creations with personal significance, you attract the right audience drawn to your authenticity. This alignment becomes second nature when you diligently pursue what is meaningful.
Remembering Your Why(s)
Every decision we make is fueled by a reason – our "why." For artists and creatives, keeping our why at the forefront is important. It’s common to veer off course, particularly when money or the influence of your ego (while necessary, it demands a delicate balance) comes into play. Clarity regarding our why and understanding our life's purpose, a topic I'll delve into shortly, is the foundation of perseverance. The why varies from person to person and is rooted in individual values, aspirations, and life objectives.
I have a few different whys in my art creation journey, but two stand out. It’s a must for me to contribute art to the representation of my deep-rooted Black culture. The joy I feel being Black and a woman is indescribable. We are the crème de la crème, the blueprint for all things, especially in art; our creativity is otherworldly. Our hues differ, but in each of us is our heritage's beauty, history, and liveliness, which deserves to be celebrated and shared regularly globally. Equally significant is the desire to leave behind a tangible legacy. I pray for my children, grandchildren, and future generations to see my art visually or through words and know I was always bold enough to be myself. When I’m an elder or an ancestor, I can glimpse into the essence of who I am, who I was, and my beautiful life.
How Will You Ever Know If You Quit?
Recently, I tuned into Shannon Sharpe's interview with mogul Steve Stoute, in which Stoute said, "I've never seen anyone fail who didn't quit.” In the intricate journey of creativity, there are moments when quitting seems tempting, but what's needed is a moment of rest, a strategic pivot, or crafting a more refined game plan to propel you toward your destination. When nothing seems to align, or progress feels stagnant, these moments signify proximity to what you’ve been dreaming of. How will you ever know how amazing those dreams are if you quit? The passion for your creative expression transforms staying the course into an instinct. This doesn't only establish a solid foundation for you to thrive; it instills a profound responsibility to keep believing in yourself.
Understanding Your Life’s Purpose and Having Faith
I firmly believe everyone is given a specific purpose upon arrival on Earth. Knowing you are here to fulfill a mission greater than yourself compels you to see it through. Disregarding your life's purpose only magnifies its presence, like the elephant in the room, persistently nudging you to pursue what your heart truly desires, regardless of fear or self-doubt. In my mid to late twenties, I began to feel the essence of my calling and why my path differed from others.
Creativity has been in me since birth. I loved to dance as a baby and create dance routines at age ten. At summer camp, I found joy in arts and crafts, while my passion for fashion has been an innate part of me since I could pick out my clothes. One of the reasons God placed me on this Earth is to utilize my voice and express myself through storytelling, poetry, and writing. Despite moments of self-doubt, I've come to realize the importance of my voice and the impact it can and has had. Through my words, in my private journal, or on a public forum, I speak my truth, and people gravitate towards realness. I’m also here to share art through fashion styling and creative direction, shedding light on the beauty of our Blackness. While there may be numerous talented wardrobe stylists worldwide, I understand that I bring a unique perspective. My eyes and mind perceive things differently, allowing me to create looks and ideas that are distinctively my own. This celebration of individuality sets us apart and makes each of us special.
When shit is hitting the fan left and right, up and down, and you don’t know how or even if you should continue to push through, you have to remember that faith is your anchor. Someone on TikTok said, “How are you praying and still worrying?” I felt like they were talking to me. Part of praying is handing your issues to God and your ancestors. Yet, when questions take over the mind in moments of worry, it's easy to succumb to overwhelming doubt. But I've realized that there are instances where it isn’t my business to understand all the details. This hasn’t been easy, and I still struggle sometimes, but it’s in your best interest to let go of control.
In Victoria Monét's song "Hollywood," she poses these questions: "What do you live for? What are you here for? What do you breathe for? What do you stand for? What would you die for? What will you leave when you're gone? What are you here for? How could you give more? How could you love more?" As dreamers, we must navigate our journey clearly and stay the course to answer these easily. Releasing the need for validation from external sources, staying aligned with our why, and trusting our abilities are key. Quitting is not an option, as we remain committed to our path. With faith in our life's purpose, we are assured that we are on the right path. In this alignment, we find solace, knowing that our dreams will manifest in due time.