A question we as artists frequently ask: “Can I Be Me?” It’s not as simple a question as it sounds. We are told how to look, what to say, what genre to sing, how to behave throughout our careers. Everybody probing and directing. It takes a long time to know who actually has your back and really really really understands you, that includes wanting the best for you without some kind of return. As Whitney says, “we have to know ourselves before we even start”. And knowing yourself allows you to know others too, because you come from a place of truth - so you’ll know who to trust. I speak about this a lot...create your dream team for life in whatever your path is. This is a heartbreaking story of a massive talent we lost too soon. There’s no one left to blame when a person is gone. They’re gone for good. Don’t leave it too late to help someone, to reach out, to be kind, to bring them back to their truth when all the chaos of life clouds in. And trust me chaos has many faces; emotional abuse, drugs, alcohol, debt, cigarettes, power-play plus many more - and it’s all driven by fear. Fear to stop, fear to stand up for yourself, fear to not know what the ‘good stuff’ is, and fear you’ll fail and go back to the dark side. The up side of courage to speak up is you could be saving a soul - you and them, and that’s all that matters. For the greater good. Of course that person needs to also save themselves and be willing to improve how they live this one lifetime. Maybe you’ll be hated for that moment of being the party-pooper of bringing someone to their senses but one day, the light will shine through and they’ll open their eyes with gratitude. I always believe in hope, in being true to my core, in being the hero. As we evolve in 2018...may we shed the fear of losing face and embrace the art of making a difference every day. 2017 has tackled sexual harassment, women’s rights, gay rights, children’s slavery, nuclear war, anti-terrorism, racial equality and standing up to the wrong people in power more than ever. Armour yourselves with this kind of bravery and positive change is inevitable #weallcouldusesomepeaceandharmony #whitney #canibeme #bethehero #iwillalwaysloveyou
