thank u, next
Hi!
On Monday I posted on Instagram a photo with the quote, “it’s okay to live a life that others don’t understand”. I resonated with this quote and decided to share it, not as a plea for sympathy, but rather to relate to others who may be experiencing something similar. The post garnered more attention than usual, so thank you to whoever liked, commented, or reached out to me privately.
This quote has been timely for me as I’ve recently been doing interviews for a short film I acted in last fall. Upon getting asked the question, “what is the main takeaway of the story”, I reflected not only on my character's growth, but also what the film strives to leave the audience feeling. Overwhelming, the answer from the director, the screenwriter, the cast, and myself is that the film explores the power of living authentically. My character seeks to live authentically through performing in drag, but anyone who has ever pursued something somewhat unconventional can relate to this message.
Another theme of the film is to find your community of people who will encourage and inspire you to grow. My character finds her support through the LGBTQ+ and drag community. Reflecting on my own life, I feel incredibly fortunate to have people that support me in my artistic endeavors. I know some people may not have that support right now, so if you feeling any lack of encouragement, please DM or email me. I'm here for you!
Coincidentally, before I posted on Instagram, one of my favorite professors from college wrote to me expressing his support of me pursuing my dreams. I hadn't talked to him in years, and it made my day reading his message as I attribute him as the catalyst for me taking a nontraditional post-grad route. You never know who your silent supporters are, and I've found that there's always more people than you think cheering you on from afar.
Ultimately, there may be people out there who don’t understand the life you have chosen to live, but that’s okay. Naysayers can cause discouragement at first, but you have to remember that what works for them doesn’t have to work for you. You don’t have to prove to people the value in what you are doing if you know the value in yourself.
I hope this reached anyone who may be experiencing doubt right now. If no one else, just know that I believe in you :)
Talk soon,
Emily
Artist Feature:
Jazmine Sullivan
Though Jazmine Sullivan is certainly not an up and coming artist and a legend in her own right, I had to include her in this Artist Feature. I'm honestly not sure why I haven't featured her already. Her album Heaux Tales came out early this year and explores nuanced stories about love, sexuality, and loss. With interludes of friends and family confessing their innermost thoughts and feelings about relationships, Heaux Tales dares to tell stories about female experiences not often told. Check out Jazmine on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
Want me to feature your favorite artist? Send me an email and I'll check them out!
My journals are now available in Coffee Haven!
If you're in the area, check out the cute display they put up!
76 Railroad St, Holliston, MA 01746
@inbloombyemily unsure of who is in MA, but you can get your journals at coffee haven in Holliston now :) #journaling #stationery #UltaSkinTok #shoplocalma
♬ This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) [2005 Remaster] - Talking Heads