“This may come as a surprise to many people but I majored in music and art in high school. I did take all the science and math courses to the extent they existed; however, my major was music and art. I played the clarinet, baritone, alto and tenor sax. I also arranged and transcribed/transposed music for different instruments. Believe it or not, I wanted to be a music conductor when I grew up. I had visions of standing in front of an orchestra with my baton just waving it around while I got lost in the music (seriously). However, my music career ended my first semester in college when I never showed up to my 8AM music theory class and got my one and only F. Hey, I was a first generation 18 yr old college student living on campus, away from home for the first time and no one told me – never take an 8AM class, especially on a Monday.
I never lost my passion for music and art so a lot of my self care and how I relax is centered around these two areas. For example, I paint. Most of my paintings relate to nature and I find it extremely relaxing. Fun fact, the BTC logo is based on an actual painting I did which I titled “Happiness”. I made sure to copyright the painting, and the logo is trademarked. I created a “Happiness 2.0” painting for my goddaughter which is based on the original. My most recent painting was a painting for my son on his 29th birthday which I titled “The Journey” and I am in the process of working on another piece but haven’t decided what the title will be. Sometimes I begin with the title then once I start painting I figure out if the title fits what I have painted. Other times, I just start painting based on a picture in my head and then I see how it evolves before I decide on a title. My paintings never end up the way I start…I take photos of every evolution throughout the painting process. Painting for me is freeing….the piece is whatever I decide it is and it doesn’t matter if anyone else sees what I see.
In addition to painting, I enjoy listening to music and going to concerts – especially R & B and of course Jazz artists. My favorite thing of all is traveling to places where I can see the ocean. There is something about looking out at the ocean and hearing the rush of the waves that centers and calms my nervous system. Lately, I have been experimenting with portraits using my camera, similar to the recent video of the cherry blossoms on BTC IG.
The point is, whatever brings you joy in any form that is healthy, is a form of self-care when you are intentional about it. I think it’s important to speak to yourself and let yourself know that you are doing this “thing/activity” to show compassion, love and care for yourself. You are ALWAYS worth it!”