The first time I heard Beyoncé’s 4, I didn’t like it. It was different than what we normally get from her. That’s not to say that I thought it was bad; I just wasn’t quite ready to embrace this new, mature Beyoncé. Because I have a 3-go’round rule when listening to new music, I kept playing 4 in the hopes that something would eventually stick. By the time I was finished with my third listen, I was impressed.
It’s hard for an artist to go outside of what is expected of them and do something different. Yes, there are still songs on 4 that make you dance, and even some that could be adapted as personal anthems, but they all have a different feel to them. This is not the teenaged Beyoncé who is trying to establish herself. No, this is the married, about to be a mother, grown-ass Beyoncé. I like her.
This is also the Beyoncé that is still digging deep and finding herself. In my opinion, Beyoncé is probably the closest thing to the ultimate entertainer that we have seen since Michael Jackson (R.I.P.). I in no way believe that this is Beyoncé’s Thriller album…she’s branching out, but still holding on to the things that made her popular in the first place.
I thought it appropriate since it seems like everyone is on Baby Jayoncé watch that I give her CD another listen. 4 turned into one of my favorite CDs of 2011, and it leaves me wondering what she is going to do next. I look forward to continuing to watch her grow, both as a woman and artist.
I’m really glad to see 2011 go. It was a rough year, tarnished by tragedy and pain. The year 2011 wasn’t all bad; I met some wonderful people and had my eyes open to possibility. I have been thrown off my path by the flirtiness of love and life, and yet, I’m still here. That in itself is a huge blessing. And the lessons I’ve learned will stay with me and make me stronger, better, wiser.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned this year was that you cannot hide from love. It will chase you down and envelop you. It will tackle and twist you up, so much so that you no longer know if you are coming or going. No matter the form that love takes when it comes to you, I’ve learned that you must acknowledge it and not try to hide from it. It will find you, inevitably. What you do with that love is the most important lesson. Love is not to be kept or stored; love is for sharing and spreading. I’ve learned to be true to my feelings and acknowledge that they are valid and real, and to give that love freely, no matter the consequence.
This year, I lost my cousin Ed and my Aunt Fronnie. While it is always difficult to lose someone that you love, I find comfort in knowing that they were great people who lived their lives. My cousin Ed was a phenomenal man. A man that loved his family and friends, and who graciously gave his love to anyone who came in contact with him. I still cringe when I remember that his life was cut short by bullets and jealousy. It is my job, I believe, to continue to live fearlessly because of his death. Ed’s death taught me that tomorrow is never promised, and that in order to fully stand up in place destined for you, I have to be deliberate. Resting on my laurels will never get me the life I want…I must fear nothing and continue to progress.
This whole year was a reaffirmation of the blessings that I have been given. Even when I was down and out, I kept breathing, kept waking, kept receiving another chance to stand. I’m thankful for that. It may seem to be a simple blessing, but I think it’s the most important one. God has chosen me; he wants me to achieve and grow and be completely who I am. That’s why I keep waking in the morning; that’s why I still have a chance to go after all those things that have evaded me, in spite of myself.
“I look in the mirror…my only opponent…” (c) Jay-Z
I stand in my own way. I could look around and blame others for where I am, but truly I am my biggest obstacle. I’ve learned this year to get out of my own way, and let the universe take care of clearing my path. I had to swallow my pride this year and climb over seemingly unconquerable mountains, but I did it. When I got stuck, it was because I chose to stand and look around rather than continue on. I am moving, and I have to thank those that forever have their hands at my back, pushing me towards myself.
I have the most amazing friends. It has taken me a long time to establish friendships that are supportive and giving. My SisterFriends are the most amazing group of ladies that I know. I love them because they are honest and pure with me, all while coming from a place of love. I don’t have to worry about backbiting and jealousy, I don’t worry about that whole crabs-in-a-barrel mentality that I think plagues us as women. Any competition among us is healthy, and we don’t tear each other down in order to make ourselves look better.
I also came back to my family and made a commitment to be more involved. It is within the walls of my family that I learn life’s best lessons. I’ve learned how to be a woman, how to be a friend, and how not to ever give up from my family. We argue and fuss, we don’t speak to each other and get mad, but always come back to the center of it all when life throws a curveball. It’s not perfect; I still have ties that need repairing…I’m working on it.
Going into 2012, I am choosing to continue being positive. there is so much I could complain about…but why? Complaining never changes anything. I choose to take those things that impede my progress and find the positivity. I am living to find the possibilities. My motto for this year is simply,
“Remember that at any given moment, there are a thousand things you can love.” (c) David Levithan
I choose to find those things to love, rather than settle with the things to hate.
We’re halfway through and I’m going with a classic for # 5. It is the impeccable and stylish voice of none other than Nancy Wilson. I love Ms. Nancy’s voice…it is soothing and enchanting. Her version of What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve is one of my favorites.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on December 19, 2009 by LittleMissLounge
During this time of year, everyone seems to get so caught up. There are dinners to plan, parties to attend, gifts to buy. It is so easy to forget and move through these days without spending some time being still and listening. This Sunday morning, I’m up early and listening…to the silence.
It is during these silent moments, when my ears hear nothing, that I hear what I need to hear. It is in the silence that I find clarity. When the world keeps turning, when life continues to happen, I find comfort in the silence. I am reminded of my purpose, and reconnect with my focus on ensuring I’m living up to my destiny.
I fall short. I don’t think I’ve done all that I can do. But everyday that I get that touch and open my eyes, I am given a gift of a new day. This new day means that I can try once again. This new day means that I can continue walking. This new day means one more chance to be. I am chosen; God has favored me and that is the most humbling, beautiful thing I can even imagine. So who am I to not keep on living, keep on being, keep on listening?
I’m listening this morning. And my heart is full. I am in love, and love is in me.
This song reminds me of the times that my family gathers. I imagine my aunts, my mom, and my granny in the kitchen whipping up tasty treats with this song playing in the background. It is full of joy, and gently reminds us why we celebrate Christmas. Let’s listen to Soul Holiday by The Sounds of Blackness.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on April 14, 2010 by SoundsBlacknessVEVO
Up next is something a little different. I always hear this song in the mall during the holiday season, and it always makes me snap my fingers and sing along.
Plus…it’s George Michael. Enough said.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on October 25, 2009 by WhamVEVO
The first time I heard Beyoncé’s 4, I didn’t like it. It was different than what we normally get from her. That’s not to say that I thought it was bad; I just wasn’t quite ready to embrace this new, mature Beyoncé. Because I have a 3-go’round rule when listening to new music, I kept playing 4 in the hopes that something would eventually stick. By the time I was finished with my third listen, I was impressed.
