Anybody ever had an era, when things could’ve been better
Feeling like you was on a stretcher
And all you remember was the Hecklers
But the Universe lifts that weight
Then you shine like a new feather, blessings on blessings, et cetra
Feeling like the best year ever, damn, it’s nice.
—The Carters

The pretty much sums it up for me this year.

Last year was one of the worst years of my life. My Grandma Lina died followed by my best friend Steffie. It was almost too bare. Many of you never knew the deep depression I sunk into behind losing to of the most important people in the world to me. I kept working, I kept smiling, I kept fighting. Sometimes we have to do those things to save our own selves.

But I took a lot of time to really focus on me and getting myself back to as right as I could be without those two in my life and I appreciate everyone who helped me in the process.

I went back to church–because for me that is where I felt I needed to be.

I decided to have surgery to alleviate my physical pain.

I learned to be comfortable and accept me at 160 pounds and 230 pounds and more importantly–not care what anyone else thought about the shape of my body.

Earlier this year, I extended my commitment to my community by accepting a gracious offer from Los Angeles City Council Herb Wesson to join his wonderful and dedicated team part time as one of his Special Assistants. That was one of the best decisions I made and exactly what I needed to get me back into things.

I stayed on with the Reform L.A. Jails ballot measure that I shepherded into qualifying for the March 3, 2020 ballot here in Los Angeles County. And I am really excited to see all of the work and organizing happening around it as we head into the thick of election season.

Oh and then there’s the issue of Ed Buck being arrested and charged in the deaths of Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean. Yes–that was a monumental moment for me that I am still adjusting to.

But perhaps the most important thing I did was take a deep dive into Jasmyne and made sure that I was living the life and doing the things in that life that was authentic and true to my spirit. I made sure that the relationships that are important to me were nurtured and maintained and I made myself available and open to new friendships. You’re never too old to make new friends.

I am looking forward to the next chapter of this thing called life and I appreciate everyone who has helped me along the way to get to where I am today. There’s still a lot more to come and I am here for it.

My advice to you–if there’s something you want to do in life, do it.  As attorney Carl Douglas puts it, “life is not a dress rehearsal.” Also, don’t leave things left unsaid or undone. If you love someone, if you’re sorry about something, if you miss someone–tell them.  Don’t wait. Life is too short. Be there for others.  Be there for yourself.  Be present. We all need one another.

Thank you for believing in me and for supporting me. It has made all of the difference. ❤️