New Year's resolutions are common. We've all heard them. Even if we claim to not make them annually, we've heard others going on about how they're going to start working out more, eating more healthy foods, travel more, or give up cigarettes. The list goes on and on.
Instead of me only telling you about what I want to achieve and resolve this new year, I wanted to also hear what others had to say. I reached out to 2 creative individuals who are ready to take on 2018 with their best foot forward.
Also, our guests will also give us a recollection about something from 2017. Of course, we want to look forward, but we can also be thankful for a past occurrence or learn from it. Also, you don't have to wait until the new year, to put something good into practice.
Andre Crawford.
Northern Virginia. Freelance Writer.
What are your New Year's Resolutions for 2018?
Throughout 2017 I've been working out and losing quite a bit of weight. It's been a slow process. I want to be more consistent. Not as many breaks or cheat days. I have a goal in mind. I want to strengthen my mind and body connection. I've been working on my mental health. I also need to work on my physical health.
I think we often focus on our physical because it's more apparent. We can see it in a mirror. What are some ways to work on mental health?
Journaling is one of my most important tools. You have to do it right when you feel something, if its possible. You might be at work, but find a minute to go to the bathroom or outside to write it on your phone and come back later. When you're feeling something and write it in the moment, its the raw emotion. It helps to figure out your problem areas.
I know you recently started a podcast. Tell us how it has positively affected your mental helath and creativity, overall.
The name of my podcast is WRSHP (pronounced worship). It stands for "we really shouldn't have a podcast. The podcast is from the perspective of two fat, black, churchy folks that realized they need to heal from past traumas.
What are some topics.
We have segments, The 1st is called raw & honest. During the segment, we talk a bout a realization about ourselves that we need to work on due to trauma. Basically, its a self drag. We talk ourselves and things we need to wok on.
The 2nd segment is called church affirmation. We pick a Bible scripture and give an in interpretation from our fat, black, queer, churchy perspective
Tell me more about the "fat" part. We often understand how the black, queer, and churchy realities can take a toll on someone. How does being fat play into it?
A lot of spaces weren't built with fat people in mind. Sometimes, people are looked over and thought of as less than or gross. This affects desirability and relationships. We struggle with employment when people view us as less capable. It's almost like some people view "fatness" as a disability.
Going into 2018, what are your main focuses, creatively?
I want to foster my creativity to be more consistent as opposed to spurts of creativity. I want my creativity to be harnessed when I need it. I'm working on writing at least one thing a day even if I don't publish it. I want to write for more publications regarding race and sexuality.
What are some pubs on your radar that you'd like to contribute to?
I would like to write for The Root. I really like the work they're putting out and they are definitely pulling back the reigns on what black writers can say and produce. They are giving them a space to truly have their voice.
Philadelphia Printworks also has been putting out a lot of dope content from black creatives, also. The Griot is also another excellent platform. Pretty much my reasoning for these sites is that they are making space for black voices.
Outside of that, I would like to write for HuffPost Black and Queer voices.
What are some recollections or something you learned from 2017?
I learned that healing takes time and it's not respectable. What you feel like you can't get over right now, you'll look back in a year and say I'm good. You have to trust the process. It hardly ever looks like it's going to work, but you have to give it time.
Preach, preacher! I think that we have preconceived notions about healing and what "the process" looks like. You've discussed it on the pilot episode of your podcast. Give the audience the major keys before they check out the full episode.
My co-host Janae Williams said "Healing is not respectable." It will not look like what you think it will. "Healing is about repairing. It will break you down first if it needs to in order build you back up. It doesn't care about your aesthetic.
Antoinette Childs.
Baltimore, Maryland. Writer/Social Media Manager.
Antoinette, we interact online a lot and you always seem busy, in a good way. Tell us a bit about the creative work you do.
I never considered myself a creative. These are things I liked to do. I was never really encouraged to take it seriously. I always had the yearning to do creative things, but I don't think that I had the push to do creative work. I wanted to engage in those things growing up and my parents told me no. Now, that I'm an adult, there is no one to tell me "no."
My writing portfolio is something I landed in. I never thought of myself as a writer, but 200 clips later and boom. It's time to call myself a writer. It was always interesting to me.
From there, I got into social media to promote my brand. Social media is a win for me professionally because the older generation doesn't understand it in the same way that we do. Clearly, this creates opportunities to use our skills.
I feel like you're holding back. Go ahead and tell us more about your personal brand and blog.
After college it seemed like I wasn't getting the job opportunities I deserved. I knew I had an interest in blogging, but never thought of it as a piece of me. I lived in New York for a couple months and got my first writing job.
More opportunities came along and realized I wanted to make it a full time gig. After many trials with the "job search," it all culminated into my brand, TheFancyFriend. It features a "high low mix of feminine style." I am a Baltimore-based fashion, beauty + lifestyle blogger, and your go to millennial friend for beauty, hair and fashion advice and news.
How has this last year been for you? What are some takeaways you can give us?
Coming off the worst year of my (and seemingly everyone else’s) life, 2016, I wasn’t very hopeful about 2017. But 2017 (and 2016) was a needed catalyst in my life. I had a lot of struggle. I’ve done a lot of growing. I’ve had the most vivid and life-changing revelations of my 25 years.
This year I finally fully embraced the label "creative." Even though I’ve had plenty of creative endeavors in my life, I never *really* believed in myself and my abilities.
In the back of my mind, my “creativity” just felt like a phase or something that would go away when I "grew up" and "got serious." Besides, I always felt like I wasn’t "good enough" to be a real creative anyway. Compared to “real”, “talented” creatives, I was just playing around. I, now, have deeper self belief and feel that I am working with a purpose
I can relate. I think a lot if us go through periods where we lack belief in ourselves or have some sort of "imposter syndrome." How did you persevere and what are some resolutions for the new year?
Creativity has always tugged at my heartstrings. I remember as a child my ambitions of being a writer and attending art school - squashed. Several times. I was always, to my dismay, guided into something more "practical." Nothing seems as practical as satisfying that deep down desire, that if left unchecked, gnaws at us day and night.
So this year, I decided to “grow up” on my own terms and give into my heart. But giving in means a lot of hard work - hard work to improve and expand my skill set. But also hard mental work to silence my inner critic that’s been running rampant in my head.
The passion is always there. I would have my low moments, but I'd come out of it and want to create. I felt a push to do things that I always wanted to try and also new ventures that I didn't realize I could excel at.
It sounds like the keyword for your 2017 was "growth." I imagine 2018 will be bigger and better. What else are you looking forward to?
I've gotten back into graphic design. I earned a job in marketing that truly implements a lot of graphic design work. I'm dedicated to building those skills because I believe will take me to another level. Those are things I can take with me on my journey.
In 2018, I’m going to try to full-hearted into my creative endeavors. I’m going full-hearted to learning new skills. I’m going full-hearted into silencing my real (and imaginary) critics. I’m full-heartedly pursuing my God dream in 2018.
Put that Gooden first
As for me, I think the first firm decision I will make is to start putting myself first. "Putting myself first" does not mean to disregard others. It means that I'll start to consider myself more in decision making, overall.
I've been realizing that I don't do enough for myself, lately.
— Darren (@Darren_Gooden) December 1, 2017
I've gone years putting others first and cheering them on. I've had some wins while doing it, but I notice that it left me burnt out, sometimes. It's as if people have no idea what reciprocity is. Many of them don't think to treat me the same way. I've learned that I must control what I can control and not stress about the rest.
Attitude of gratitude
Next, I'm going to say "thank you" more. If you know me, then you know this isn't an issue for me. Why would I claim it as a resolution then? The reason is because I think it's extremely important and I want to keep it top of mind, regardless.
I want to live a life full of gratitude, so I'll voice it. People deserve to hear it. When they help you, they deserve to be thanked. It comes down to respect, which is another trait I refuse to lack.
Make sure you say "thank you" today.
— Darren (@Darren_Gooden) August 16, 2017
Risk and reward
I will take more risks. I feel like I've leveled up in this department over the last year. I think I care a lot less about the opinions of others and my confidence is always gradually increasing. The combination of those two things leads me take more appropriate risks which has had positive results.
I recall times when I was fearful. I had to mature. Leaving your comfort zone can be frightening, but all the things you're seeking to accomplish lie outside of it. It starts with one step, then two, and the next thing you know...you're in the thick of your life's marathon.
Get out there and try. I've traveled more. I've met some amazing people. I've earned opportunities that I never would have gotten without putting myself out there and trying.
It might sound weird, but get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
— Darren (@Darren_Gooden) February 14, 2016
No matter what happens in 2018, I'll keep going. When I look back at how far I've come and realize the progress I've made, I'd be a fool to stop now. I hope you'll take some time to realize how far you've come too. I hope you'll join me (however the opportunity presents itself) in taking the steps to be a little better than we all were a day before.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it. Also, feel free to contact me with your resolutions and recollections.
