JULY 30, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
As I saw my life growing beyond a shy little girl, I mirrored her, signing the notes I passed to my best friend in junior high by the name Janet J. My best friend responded to those notes with her own but with the signature of Paula Abdul. We looked up to them and this is during a life stage when you really really dream. You feel all the possibilities in the world are yours because you see your role models rocking this world.
I had not actually thought I could see Janet in concert (just memorize a lot of her songs and dance and sing along) until I traveled to Vegas for work this past week. When my friend and coworker and I suggested it to one another, I still wasn’t sure if we would have the time.
Another limiting thought for me, personally, was how much it may cost! I lastly questioned if the dates had already passed. All of the above were exactly not the thoughts of the little girl (now inner child) that Janet had helped raise and mold while instilling so many moments of dazzling self-assurance. I knew I needed to get on with it and finally turned to Google, as the reliable friend it had become. My friend was doing the same from her computer at her workstation.
Right away, the description read that this was Janet’s Metamorphosis Performance in which she would be playing out her life, via her albums, via the life changes, including all her growth and transitions. She spoke to us several times, mentioning how funny that your life can become full circle. She was recalling having her debut in Vegas at 7 with her brother Randy and the many shows the children had put on. Her description was on point. She was actually playing a part in my now full circle. This included who I was, who I have become, and where I will be going.
There will indeed be some changes. I won’t be doing everything as usual. Rather, as I settle into my passion of helping others reach their potential, I will evolve. As I hopefully encourage others to honor their dreams, I will pay attention to where I am needed. I will listen to the whispers (as Oprah calls them) of what I need to be doing and how I must be.
As my face, mind and body light up, I will lean in more – write, translate, read, volunteer and lean in more. As I feel the strength of what wakes me early, keeps me up late, never drains me and gives me peace, I will lean in. I will rejuvenate myself with my efforts, seeing how I can continually take care of others and myself.
This past Friday night was unexpected. The MGM Park stage lit up the memories of what seemed boundless possibilities for a little girl like me. A multitude of thanks goes to Janet for radiating a warm inspirational energy while being a symbol of abundant opportunities to come.
Cassandra Johnson