I was watching a video of Oprah Winfrey interviewing Tracee Ellis Ross that was absolutely extraordinary! I truly advise you to go view it, I believe it to be the best out of the whole series that Oprah did. Yes, even the Michele Obama one, at least for me it was. One of the parts that stuck with me months later is a simple phrase that Tracee said, "Gentle, Gentle." She said that whenever she starts to get ahead of herself or if she is too much in her head, that this is what she will say to herself. It is to remind her to be gentle with herself no matter what the circumstances are. I didn't even realize at the time how much of this I took to heart until one day I was internally berating myself for a stupid mistake I made that had big consequences. Softly within myself, I heard, "Gentle, Gentle Monica" In that moment I knew that I was doing the best that I could, especially considering all of the changes and chaos going on in this year. I knew that if no one else handles me with care and gives me grace, the least I can do is be that for myself. So I say to you, you are a good mother, employer, son, artist, father, employee, daughter, man, person, woman...you are... You are beautiful, caring, sweet, giving, approachable, intelligent, loving, and kind...you are... You are wonderfully and magnificently made in your own unique package of perfection...you are! So, gentle gentle beautiful people. Gentle, gentle.
Photo credit: Photo by Tim Samuel
Comments