2014: Will It Blow Your Mind?

I know my posts have been far and few between this year.  I don’t mind admitting that leaving Los Angeles and making a home for myself in New York has made for a challenging transition.  But I’m a fighter.  Thankfully, I’ve powered through and championed the situation much better than expected.  As I sit and write to you now, I do so filled with excitement and wonder.  I’m in a great place mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Things in the world of Jaz are charging forward with buckets of positive, productive energy; and I’m thrilled.  My hope is that you are filled with similar emotions as we welcome in this New Year.  But not excited for me, of course.  My hope is that you’re excited for you.  Excited to see what new heights you will reach over the next twelve months.  Excited to see what seemingly impossible obstacles you will overcome, and what hurdles you will jump.  Every January 1^st brings with it a year of possibility—but you already know that.  Otherwise there would be no such thing as New Year’s resolutions.  What you may realize is every new month brings with it that same level of possibility.  As does every new week…. As does every new day.  It has always been my belief that one need not wait until January 1^st to make grand life-changing decisions.  Each morning you wake up is a gift.  And what you do with those 24 hours is your decision.  You have control over how each week will progress, and subsequently over how each month will unfold.  Yes, accidents happen.  Yes, drivers run red lights and thieves steal.  The actions of others we have no control over, but what we always have full control over is how we react to those actions.  That has never changed.  And it’s those reactions…those small decisions that shape and mold our character.  And as your character becomes stronger so does your confidence.  It’s only natural.  And once you’re cruising through life riding confidence at its peak, you’re unstoppable.  The words of others don’t sting you, and you become your loudest cheerleader.  All of a sudden you seem to only travel in lanes with no traffic and the weather in your world is always sunny—regardless of what Mother Nature brings.  THAT’S the space you want to be in, and it is very possible.  You just have to make the personal decision to attack every day with purpose and waste not a single moment.  If you’ve been blessed enough to awaken after a night’s sleep, do something with that day to make yourself proud.  Procrastination is a beverage guzzled by the weak.  Be better than that.  Be stronger than that.  Choose to wake up tomorrow (and every day) with a renewed sense of being.  The next 365 days have the potential to blow your mind away.  Whether or not it happens is completely up to you.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES. 

Let Someone Else Claim That Baggage

Today is Day 4 of the New Year and I’ve only got one message:  leave all your mess at the door.

Every moment we’re alive we have the opportunity to make changes and do something a little different than we’re accustomed.  That’s a gift that we all have, yet few take advantage of.  However; every December 31^st most sprint for the chance to make grand, sweeping changes in their lives; also known as ‘resolutions.’  Well I don’t necessarily believe in resolutions, but I’m all for positive change; and if the New Year is the time you’re choosing to do it, so be it.

I’m not gonna talk about your addictions.  I’m not gonna talk about your anger issues.  I’m not going to dig into the reasons why you hate your mother or your father.  Your baggage is your baggage and you know exactly what it is… you know exactly how many pieces of luggage you have… and you know exactly how much all that mess weighs.  I’m giving you until Monday night to drop it all.  Say good-bye to every stitch of it once and for all.  It’s weighing you down and it’s hindering you from becoming the best you’re able to become.  It’s given you its fair share of worry, sleepless nights, heartache, pain, disappointment, and frustration.  Enough is enough.  And I think even carrying it seven days into the year is too much, but I realize it takes most folks a little time to choose, decide and adjust.  And let’s be honest.  I’m not telling you anything that you haven’t already thought of.  Especially if you’ve spent any time thinking about what you hope to gain out of this fabulous new year.  You’re already thinking it; all I’m doing is prodding you to speed up the process a little bit.  For the people that are living perfect, fun-filled lives – clearly I’m not speaking to you.  I’m speaking to anyone that wants something different and knows they are capable of more – if they could just rid themselves of a few things/people.  I say, “Do it!  And do it now!”

There is a book entitled, “You Can’t Steal Second With Your Foot On First,” and that’s the message I’m trying to get to you (awesome book by the way).  If you’re truly focused on what’s ahead of you, you can’t possibly have the energy to keep looking behind you.  You just can’t.  And if you’re wondering why you keep taking two steps forward just to keep getting pushed three steps back; it’s because you’re knuckles are white from clutching on to old mess.  Let it go, man.  Come on now…just let it go.  I know the unknown is scary at times, but I would much rather see what it’s got to offer than to keep dragging around a bunch of heavy bags.  Good grief!  You’ve got to be tired!  You have to be!  No wonder you can’t make any headway – you’re carrying around all that unnecessary mess.  That would be a task for even the best athletes.  Shed it now.  Get that pep back in your step.  You’ve probably forgotten what that felt like, but you can have it back.  You need it back.  I need you to have it back.  But I’m only gonna ask this once.  You’ve got till midnight on Monday, January 7^th to be done with it all.  And, please… don’t start in with the excuses.  But Jasmynne this – And but Jasmynne that.  Let’s not, ok?  You know I don’t have time.  This is already something you’ve been thinking about, I’m just giving you confirmation that, yes, you need to go ahead and get it done.  And I’m going one more step by giving you a timeline to work within.  Everything else is up to you.  Take it or leave it.  But know this:  until you rid yourself of all that luggage, you’ll never beat me in a foot race.  Never.

Let the games begin!

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

photo:  http://pushingthirtyy.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/baggage-claim.jpg

Out With the Old, In With the New Year!

I have no doubt that today is a day of reflection for many. It’s the last…the end of yet another 365 day cycle; and good, bad, or indifferent, we’ve made it. Fingers crossed, we will wake up tomorrow morning with smiles on our faces ready to meet the highs and lows of the year we’re calling 2013. Today is indeed a good day. And for the final time this year, I will share with you what I’ve managed to get done. With the goal of accomplishing one new thing each month, this is how my 2012 shaped up…

JANUARY

STEPPING ON A FEW TOES successfully completed another run by participating in Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest 2012.

FEBRUARY

I participated in another installment of URBAN LEGENDS, a poetry showcase held several times a year in Hollywood, CA.

I co-directed the short play THE BLACK HISTORY OF POLITICS written by Justin Key.

MARCH

I was a featured guest on the Rare Woman show, and the interview can be heard here: http://gvbradio.com/archives/rarewoman-031612.mp3

APRIL

I worked at this year’s Milk and Bookies (http://www.milkandbookies.org/), which is a celebrity charity event that focuses on literacy and giving books to children that don’t have access to books of their own. It was a wildly fun event and I was part of a host of character actors brought in to entertain the kids in attendance. The character I played? The White Rabbit from Alice In Wonderland, and yes – Alice was there with me. We had a blast.

In addition, I had the great fortune of being the guest on the Rare Woman radio show again last Friday. Feel free to listen here: http://gvbradio.com/archives/rarewoman-042712.mp3.

MAY

STEPPING ON A FEW TOES had a successful run of a show sponsored by the Rare Woman organization on May 12, 2012.

I was the guest speaker at A Celebration of Strong Women presented by The Dream Catcher’s Foundation on May 31, 2012.

JUNE

I worked as Associate Producer on CAN YOU SPARE SOME CHANGE, an indie short written and directed by Nicolle Whalen. It’s a comedic film taking a look at how far one will go to secure funds for a film. In addition it gives perspective on the homeless living in Los Angeles. I had a small cameo in the film as well.

JULY

I have created my very first poetry CD. The title is STILL STANDING and it’s a compilation of some of my most intimate pieces, really letting you into the life and mind of the person that is Jasmynne Shaye. My poems are laid to original music by Jasonic Audio. I’m calling it the soundtrack of my life. Interested in owning your own copy? Email Noelle Ryan for info: soft_noelle@yahoo.com

AUGUST

I have been hired to be a regular contributor for the new online presence: YEAH I SAID IT MAGAZINE (http://yeahisaiditmagazine.com/). I was invited by the site's founder and creator, Bonnie Sludikoff, because of my unique writing style. With this site it is her goal to cultivate conversations that engage and enlighten at the same time. I am super excited to be a part of this fresh, new online space, and I can't wait to unleash my tongue on the world! Yeah, I said it! [More info regarding the site's official launch will be forthcoming.]

SEPTEMBER

I was one of three selected artists invited to provide entertainment at this year’s Miss California Ethnic World Pageant. I performed an excerpt from my one-woman show, STEPPING ON A FEW TOES, and had an absolute blast. It was a great opportunity and a wonderful experience.

OCTOBER

I worked as Associate Producer on a short film written by David Burrus, Sr and David Burrus Jr. It’s called PARANEGRO ACTIVITY and is an obvious take on the popular Paranormal Activity series. The film is directed by Jaimyon Parker and it describes how events are likely to unfold if the freaky events were to take place within the home of a African American family. The set was ton and I’ll stop right there before I get to giving it all away. As always, it was a blast to be able to team up with Jai Parker again. His brilliance and creativity continues to blow me away. Stay tuned for more updates on PARANEGRO ACTIVITY.

NOVEMBER

Both sites get a facelift!! That’s right gang… the Jasmynne Shaye website and the Stepping On a Few Toes site both have fresh new looks – wait for it – created by yours truly!! Yesireebob! I did it all myself. I put that challenge on myself a few months ago, and I tied myself to a computer until they were complete. So I welcome you to check them both out. Now each site is equipped with an online purchasing section where you’re able to pick up your own copy of the show as well as other fun things. So go on…have a look-see and tell me what you think.

DECEMBER

In a sentence: I made it to New York.

I set goals for myself every year but I’ve never forced myself to achieve monthly accomplishments. In doing so I stretched myself and saw that I’m capable of much more than I thought. And having to remain accountable to my readers was key. Of course I never wanted to let myself down, but I certainly didn’t want to ever have to come to you all with my tail between my legs saying, “I tried.” This was such a worthwhile project and I think it’s one I may have to carry over into next year, and I really urge you all to join me. Just by putting this kind of expectant, positive energy into the universe good things come to you that you hadn’t even thought of or asked for. Three easy steps:

1. Set the goal

2. Make a plan

3. Follow through

It’s really not that difficult. Even the most daunting tasks can be broken down into bite-sized pieces. I think the important thing is to do something everyday. When you lay your head to rest each night you should be able to do so with a smile on your face knowing that you’re one step closer than you were before that day began. It’s so empowering and it totally builds your self-confidence. I am now at the place where I no longer believe anything is impossible. Everything is possible as far as I’m concerned and I’m excited to unwrap the box of possibilities that is waiting for me on the other side of midnight.

I want to take a moment to thank you all for journeying with me on this blog all year. You have given me so many kind words and so much encouragement. I sincerely thought me and my imaginary friends would be the only people reading this thing and you guys have shocked the pants off me. Thank you HUGE and many blessings to you all. I pray 2012 has given you at least one thing to smile about and I hope 2013 continues to build on that positive energy. I really think we’re all gonna be in for a wild ride and I could not be more excited! Whew! Come on guys! Celebrate (safely) tonight and kiss number ’12 good-bye, because ’13 has told me, “We ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

Thank you so much for hanging out with me. I love you guys!

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

photo:  http://www.prlog.org/12032440-new-year-2013.jpg