Janelle Monae Opens Up On Her Life Journey To Inspire You

Yesterday Janelle Monae posted a #tbt picture on Instagram of her writing the vision while she was still in a place that had her hungry, yet inspired, broke, but still creative, a lil scared, but oh so strong willed. 

When I saw that picture it served as a reminder that we're all on a journey, and we all got a path we gotta walk out. Monae herself uses the picture as a reminder of each step and to never forget where she came from. 

This was me. Writing out my goals, dreams, and song lyrics on a chipped wooden deck. sitting on a dusty plastic chair. Corn rolls. And wearing My fav yellow thrift store Lacoste sweater. Broke. Determined. Hungry. Passionate. A lil scared. Huge ideas. Creative. Inspired. Unsure. Capable. Strong willed. Independent. Prayerful. Nervous. Humorous. Humble ... yet knowing I had shit people needed to hear and see. Wide eyed. Hopeful. I use this photo as a reminder to me and inspiration to you (hopefully) to always remember each step of your journey. Never forget where you once were. I may not have made it to the final destination (is there even 1?) or seen as many things as others but I would not change a step of the journey I have been on. Always remember, we don't have to take the same coordinates to reach the same destination. Even if it sometimes takes you the long way Enjoy YOUR climb.

A photo posted by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on Mar 17, 2016 at 7:22pm PDT

Yea we could probably all agree that Monae has "made it", yet the journey still goes on. She even questions in the caption if there's even such a thing as a final destination. What would that even look like if it existed? In a world that's always changing, always revolving and evolving, the millisecond we stop, we've been left behind. 

It's humbling, encouraging and uplifting to see a beautiful black woman who still knows to remain humble because as "easy" as God brought you to a place, it can all be gone in an instant. And we know that Hollywood's memory is about the worst there is. They love you today and don't even recall you tomorrow. 

Embed from Getty Images

Reflection is key to remain grateful. You can never take anything for granted, and appreciation is just common courtesy. Someone gives you something, you say thank you. Likewise, when the Lord blesses you, you should say thank you. No, it was not your skills alone, because I've heard about a dozen singers who have trouble getting beyond the church choir. Not to mention, your vocal ability, regardless of where it's being expressed, is a gift from God anyways. 

Janelle expresses her gratitude, not only reflectively, but also by giving back. She appears on the track "This Is For My Girls," waiving all her royalties and fees so that all proceeds can go towards Michelle Obama's and the Peace Corps' "Let Girls Learn" fund. Check out yesterday's article for more on that.  

How androids take pics.

A video posted by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on Mar 5, 2016 at 7:56pm PST

Janelle has surely got some recognition but in my opinion, she deserves way more love. She admits in her caption that she's not trying to get to the "top" the same way everybody else is and that may cause her journey to be a bit longer. But guess what? It's OK! Cause when we do get there, I'd hope that we have some integrity, morals, and self-respect left in the tank so we can say it was well worth it.

So to Ms. J., this is me showing you love and appreciating who you are and what you stand for. Thank you for sharing of your journey and inspiring us along the way. 

Be blessed!