The Emancipation of Jesse
Mariah Carey was on to something when she dubbed one of her last albums, “The Emancipation of Mimi.” After years of uncharted musical success, which so happened to coincide with years of unsuccessful attempts at love, Mariah or “Mimi” proudly declared to the world her freedom; freedom from the box of celebrity, the expectations of her critics, and the taunts of her “haters.” Instead of dwelling in misery, she did something invigorating by opting to embrace the woman she was always meant to become: free and happy. Now look, I am by no means a die hard Mariah Carey fan, but you know what? Right now, I’m feeling a bit like Mariah myself (or at the very least, like her vocally inferior cousin). Like “Mimi,” I have my own announcement I’d like to share with you and the rest of the world.
So here it is, my declaration of emancipation: I relinquish the dull, heavy chain of negativity. I will subtract unfulfilling relationships from my life. I will multiply my happiness. In other words, I’m finally going to “treat myself,” and it doesn’t end there. I also refuse to block my blessings by worrying about those who do not share the same level of concern about me (we girls sure do love the attention which comes with having others fuss over us, don’t we?). From this moment on, I am making a conscious effort to invite the positive and will no longer live my life based on fear. Not the fear of failure, the fear of the unknown, nor the fear of getting hurt. Living, if you can call it that, in such a way will only hinder my growth and this is not an option. You see, I believe that I have a bigger purpose or a calling if you will and fear has no room in my future. (This may sound a little ”namaste” but I mean every word.)
My decision to grab life by the shirt collar was reinforced after an unexpected conversation with someone I had once been romantically involved. After nearly 14 months of his “trickery and foolishry” (yes, I did make that last word up), we parted ways.
This dialogue eventually transpired after weeks with little to no communication. It was during our brief conservation that I had realized how much stronger I had become. The old “J” might have allowed this person, someone who did not value or respect my time, back into my life for fear of the pain which comes with parting ways with a significant other (isn’t it crazy how we can make someone “significant” in our own lives, but be insignificant in theirs?). Instead, I remained steadfast and decided that there will be no reunion, no 15th second chance (yes, it was one of those break up/make up relationships). At the end of the day, it really all boiled down to this: my self-worth is far too great, and time far too valuable to be wasted.
Bottom line: Make yourself a priority. Be your own great love story. Get emancipated.
I hope you find the freedom to be your true self.
Live. Laugh. Smile.
J.
