Courage & Longevity

Most actors I know who pay attention to award season find it to be a time of great inspiration and deep reflection about their own careers. This one was no different for me. And without opining too much on who won, who didn't win, and who should have received a much deserved nomination, I must say I was moved to happy tears alongside my community of Asian friends and actors as history was made! Here though, I'd simply like to share more on what I believe it takes to keep an elusive dream alive: Courage & Longevity.

C O U R A G E
I've been thinking a lot about how to transform my ability to see hypothetical outcomes in the negative far more clearly than being able to see them as successes. Maybe it's a defense mechanism to guard against heartbreak and disappointment. Some might even call it being a realist. But if it can all fail (your greatest dream, your highest goal, your most desired outcome) shouldn't the possibility exist that it can all come to fruition and be exactly as you desire it to be, if not better? I'm working on answering YES to this question more and more. But it takes courage, something I've had to redefine recently.

Beyond faithless optimism, to me courage is:

1. Believing that the universe is limitless - putting limits on what is possible and what I am capable of is at best counter productive, and at worst self-sabotaging.
2. The ability to be discerning - knowing that I have refined wisdom and will be able to  identify the right steps to take in any given situation.
3. Being confident that I can overcome any obstacle - disappointment, fear, failure, heartbreak are all part of the journey. I am capable of withstanding any setback and strong enough to bounce back better and wiser for it.
4. Following my soul's calling - regardless of recognition, reward, or even acknowledgement, I must know from the depths of my own being that I am fulfilling the mission only I can fulfill.

L O N G E V I T Y
This job ain't for the weak! It's also not for those who are seeking nano speed success. I firmly believe our greatest success isn't even sustainable if we haven't had the time to build a sturdy foundation and develop some character along the way. Michelle Yeoh said in her speech "Don't let anyone say you're past your prime". I literally crossed my legs--all sassy like--and proclaimed to the group of friends who'd gathered to watch the Oscars last Sunday, "Exactly, 'cause I need time." 

It's been said many times over: This is long ball. A marathon. A process. I will never forget something Glynn Turman said at a panel years ago. I am paraphrasing here, but it was something to the effect of "Keep honing your craft, and eventually your talent will make a way for you." I believe this with my whole life. In fact, the proof of my absolute trust in this truth is that I am still here! 

"Don't let anyone say you're past your prime."
-Michelle Yeoh

enisha b jane

In my own words.
​E as in Elephant

P.S. And now for the opining: ANGELA BASSET DESERVES HER FLOWERS TOO! 

​Below are the thoughts I shared last month on IG after the nominations were announced for Best Actress and Best Director:

Disappointed that neither Till nor The Woman King received a single Academy Nomination.
A missed opportunity for the academy to recognize phenomenal storytelling centering real life black women as the protagonist. Danielle Deadwyler deserved this nod. Viola Davis deserved this nod.

Not to mention the black women directors who moved heaven and earth to make these phenomenal films. Chinoye Chukwu deserved this. Gina Prince-Blythewood deserved this.

In every way you look at it, these films represent the great strength and majesty black women have always possessed. They are an opportunity to recalibrate the image, and our understanding, of the contributions black women have continued to offer humanity over time. 

HEROINES regardless of nominations received or snubbed, and deserving of all our praise and gratitude! And so the fight continues.