Life Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
BY DANIELLE ELAINE
What do you consider to be two major turning points in your life?
Two major turning points in my life would be leaving NJ to attend undergrad at CAU and the birth of my daughter. It was pivotal being immersed in Black southern culture after a lifetime of suburban living. My time in Atlanta definitely helped lay the foundation for who I am today. Secondly, becoming a mother was the catalyst that sparked my journey as a published writer and freelance blogger for major print and online publications. Becoming a mother also was the catalyst that initiated my healing journey and led me to reiki and spiritualism.
Image by AsiaEmerlle from Pixabay
If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
Everything. When I was in high school, I moved in with my dad to attend a performing arts school in Brooklyn. I wanted to leave one weekend to visit friends and family, but he said if I left I couldn't come back, so I tested him. I regret that.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
Unwavering discipline and dedication. I would have accomplished so much more by now if I wasn't so easily swayed by my own thoughts, fears and insecurities.
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
Yes. I haven't done it yet because I haven't had the room or space to pursue it - but I know when the time comes, it will manifest.
If you knew that you would die suddenly in exactly one year, would you change anything about the way you are now living and why?
Yes, I would stop paying bills, sell everything and spend my time traveling and pouring out everything i have to leave behind.
Image by Masashi Wakui from Pixabay
If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone and why haven’t you told that individual yet?
I wish I had something romantic to say and someone to say it to, but I don't. I think in working on my throat chakra and overall healing, I have said all I needed to say, so I wouldn't leave earth wishing I said more.
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I'm set on my end goal and I would give up anything to get there in order to become a better writer.
Favorite book when you were a kid?
My favorite books when I was a kid were Oh no Otis and Messy Bessey's Garden, and even though I was scared of it, Rumplestiltskin. I would have my mom and Granny read these to me every day and night.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a writer, singer, actress, artist and a rapper. I'm good at being an actress, and rapper at this point, HA!
What was your dream job when you were younger?
Y'all are going to judge, but I don't care. The only “job” I really dreamed about having was being a stripper. My logic then (which I still think is completely sound) is that everyone loves strippers and they have tons of money. Had I not been fearful of others; opinions, I would have definitely tried it.
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
Tonight, we are having spinach ravioli for dinner - but i wish it was curry veggies and roti.
What’s your favorite food?
This is so hard to answer, because I love all food. Soul food, Caribbean food and Italian food being my top three categories.
What is the best part of your day?
The morning. I love the way the sun pours into my home and showers my plant babies. I love that scene. Second, is laying cuddled up with my daughter watching a movie that I always end up falling asleep to.
If you could choose three people to invite for a dinner party, who would they be and why?
If I could choose three people to invite to a dinner party, I would choose D Smoke, Mia Ray and The Vogue Lawyer. I think these three would be a great time and conversation. They are all extremely intelligent and talented individuals that I truly admire. I know I'd leave full of knowledge and wisdom after a conversation over dinner with these phenomenal people. I can only imagine the range of topics that would be discussed.
Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
I am Jamaican, but I’ve never been. I've always wanted to go, and when I finally booked a trip, I ended up getting invited for an interview, and got into a car accident on the way. I was so frustrated and frazzled that I decided not to go, and now, I regret not going.
Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
If there could only be one season a year, what would you want it be?
One season a year is ideal and my choice would be summer. I hate being cold, even though my birthday is in the winter. I prefer tropical climates so much that I intend to move to a tropical country one day.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Funny, introspective and perceptive.
If you could cure a disease, what would it be?
If I could cure a disease, it would be capitalism. This colonial concept has destroyed humanity and significantly diminished our experience on earth, at least for those of us that do not have disposable income.
If you could choose celebrity parents, who would you choose?
I would definitely choose Beyonce and Jay-Z or Rihanna. I think Rihanna would be a cool mom, she's always seemed fun and down to earth, and has proven to be very business smart. I would choose Beyonce, because of the level of access she's been able to build from her work ethic for her children. With that kind of access and their resources, the possibilities are endless.
Shemazing
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
I think I’ve taken the hard road my whole life, intentionally and unintentionally. Due to my upbringing, I never felt like asking for help was okay, which led me to taking the long road to the finish line in a lot of ways. Also, until recently, communicating in any way was very difficult for me, because growing up expressing myself was always met negatively and I grew to assimilate it with confrontation, which I'd formerly avoided at all costs. Now, I'm confident in myself and my feelings and my throat chakra is balanced, so I speak up when necessary.
Hailing from New Jersey, Danielle Elaine is prolific writer with a love affair for words. She is a self-published author of the book, Love Letters I Never Sent. Although she specializes in a wide range of poetry, she has gained experience writing for print and online publications such as KONTROL and KONTROL Girl Magazine, MommyNoire, MadameNoire and more. On a quest to pursue a passionate and purpose driven life, Danielle found herself on a journey of self-healing.
Through her rediscovery of crystals, she found herself following universal breadcrumbs to spiritual evolution, energetic growth and healing. Today, Danielle takes comfort in a fluid existence. As a Mother, creator, healer, vessel, she happily greets each day using the spiritual guidance and tools imparted to her. As a healer, and vessel she only seeks to show others, especially women and children, how easily they can free themselves from social shackles weighing down their physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies.