The Artistry of Joy

A Way Pass The Black & Gray

2011-10-29T09:34:00.001-07:00

So, a couple of days ago my confidence was low. I was feeling sadden, about a few disappointments, which in reflection seems to be a history that I've let disappointment take me off track. Well anyhow, my life was feeling stagnant and as if I wasn't moving or making the progress that I long desired. After looking within my thoughts, seeing what negative beliefs or things I was holding onto from the past I had a good cry. I cleansed out some things that needed to be free from me holding onto them. Not one to dwell, I started looking for something to lift me up. I watched Oprah's life class about taking responsibility for your life. Her message was so true, because I wasn't completely owning my power and taking responsibility in my career, my love life or in my artistry. So, after feeling better this song emerged (because I don't write songs/poems from a place of despair). The hook basically goes like this:

I'm making a way out of no way,

when it seems to be no way.

I'm making a way out of no way,

looking pass the black and gray...

Live by Faith

2011-07-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

"I have fears. But, I have faith. But, blessed am I that my faith triumphs my fears. It is what enables me to move forward in spite of the unknown. It is what enables me to reach for success in disregard to failures. It is the catalyst that feeds my hunger for greatness. It is my power." ~Joy Njema

A little TLC for Me

2011-06-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

This post is well over due. Nonetheless, a while ago I had an opportunity to experience a liberating moment of honesty and self-disclosure.

The synopsis, I was asked to participate in the Easter play at church. A friend was asking me to do a collaboration on a poem. I could rely on my talent to get me through this project, but the ministry isn't about talent, but ministering. The fact that I wasn't in a place spiritually, reading the Word or in prayer, was just part of the problem. Spiritually I was in a mindset where I was just going through the motions and I didn't want 'to do no poem', nope, wasn't feeling it. But I’m the co-director of the spoken word ministry, currently on educational leave and my friend has taking the role interim. So, a flat out “no” didn’t seem right, besides this friend can be pretty persistent and didn't want to do the poem solo. But, instead of just going through the motion, I decided to tell her my true hesitations. The message summed up that I wasn't in a place to give what was being asked of me. And, to continue and do so, would be dishonest and only done to save face, because of everyone's expectation of me. And, I have too much respect for God and self to be faking the funk in front of the whole congregation.

I had been feeling conflicted because I wanted to show commitment and support. After all, I get joy out of helping others. But, I was being asked to do things from different people, at work, at church, family. I was drained. But, no one was asking the question I wanted, needed, to hear "How are you?" So I made a decision to self-disclose. I realized, I would be waiting, and in some cases, had been waiting, a long time before someone genuinely checked in with me.

People are not always going to stop and ask, "How are you doing?" And if they do, they don't literately mean it. But that doesn't mean we can't lift the mask and tell those close to us "Everything's not okay". I was able to lift the weight off my own shoulders, rather than wait for someone else to take the time to check in with me. It's not that people are mean or unconcerned, but everyone has their own life story, their own personal experiences they are living through. (And sometimes when they do take the time to stop and listen with concern, they still want you to do the poem, but that's another post; part two maybe… probably not).

All in all after taking the moment to be real and self-disclose I felt better. So, in essence we must administer self-care and check in with our self and ask "How am I doing?" Self-care is the best care.

Yay! My blog is here.

2011-04-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, after many long nights and much coding frustration (and resistance to ridding off all forms of technology), but through sheer dedication, I am proud to say I've accomplished satisfaction with my blog layout. Now, to my next triumph — content. =)

Me....

2011-04-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Living through artistic expression, owning authenticity, and gaining inner joy in the process.

Getting to the Other Side

2011-03-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

It is with our eyes looking onward and our feet ever so moving forward, step by step, that we reach the light at the end of our tunnel.

What is the artistry of joy?

2011-03-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

"My artistry is apart of me. Ingrained in the very veins that give life. A breath which comes through what I write, like a stroke on a canvas it's my silhouette. It gets no better than this. Letting creativity flow, I feel most at home, within the crevasses of my soul. My art form, like a fetus unborn pressing through to live life, I give way to it's freedom; to that which is birthed within me. My artistry is the part of me that makes me - me."

Image courtesy of Heartfelt Fine Art Greetings.

The above quote is something I was inspired to write to express myself, as well as embrace, the intricate parts of me that lives for creative expression. In various aspects of my life (fashion, poetry, etc.) I lend an artistic energy. It is an energy that comes from within, and whether consciously or subconsciously is always with me. I believe we all have something within ourselves that is an intricate part of who we are. I had a very good discussion today with my mother about the artistry of joy. On the surface, my name is Joy and I'm very artistic and talented. It's nice wordplay. But, the discussion got me thinking in depth that the artistry of joy truly encompasses, not only my expression of self, but is about tapping into that inner joy within all of us.

I've never been one to fit neatly into one box. Thus, I see the artistry of joy as encompassing all parts of who we are. It's living life authentically. As the least, if you don't yet know the answer to what that is, it's discovering one's authenticity on the journey through life. I believe that part of experiencing joy is embracing ourselves and in turn embracing others.

For some years now, Spirit has been calling me to hone into my gifts. I can't be content sitting on the creative gifts given me. The desire for creative expression (and just the mere expression of self) is too great within me to not go unnourished. Their is a constant calling within me to come forth, to step into all that I am. It is a flame that shall not wither and die, so I have no choice but to feed it. Embracing the artistry of me, is the artistry of joy.

How do you embrace the artistry in you? What is your idea of living authentic? Is it challenging or does it come with ease?

Joy.Njema

Poet.Artist.Educator.

Looking Forward

2011-03-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Looking forward, I feel each day I am closer to my divine self. Embracing the truth that is within - my gifts, my love, my humanity. It's all apart of living the authentic life. That's what joy is to me, embracing that inner truth. I express it in my artistry, my soul's music, my life's poem. I am the pen authoring my life's work. And I choose to share it with the world, at least all who'll listen.

~Joy Njema

I Wanna Play...

2011-02-25T22:16:00.000-08:00

But, more than that, I want the discipline to learn!

Shine On...

2011-02-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not gone be afraid to shine,
afraid to live, to rise
afraid to love or spread my wings and fly
I'm going to stand in - who I am
you taught me this
this was your greatest gift
Your wisdom comforts me
in the lessons I've learned
the scars I've earned
tumbling - I stand taller than before
I walk through opens doors
Upright - aligned with your sight
vision for (my) life
I'm not afraid to shine
afraid to live, afraid to die
a soul on borrowed time
I stand in who I am - your light,
your gift, your strength.

The Decision

2011-02-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

I made a decision to live life authentically and discover Joy in the process. Step 1, Honor the gifts which I have been given. Step 2, Write a blog chronicling the journey. Step 3, Have fun!