A while back, I wrote a post about being terrified to fail and as a result giving up on my dreams. I won’t get into all the details again but I do recommend that you read it if you haven’t. But in summary, I’ve been a song and dance girl ever since grade school. I have a degree in musical theater yet I traded in auditioning to sling plates at a Jazz club and watch some folks half as talented as me live their (and my) dream. But they deserve it. They were courageous and I quit. So, I vowed to start auditioning again and my first one back at it, I booked the role.
The show is a really sweet show. It features timeless music written by Harold Arlen (who wrote The Wizard of Oz, Get Happy, That Old Black Magic) and I am honored that I get a chance to sing his music. It’s especially dope that I snagged, “Blues in the Night”, “Come Rain or Come Shine”, and “Stormy Weather” all to myself. You’ve got to realize that in no other existing show would I or any actress for that matter have the opportunity to sing all three of these classics. This role is just gold.
I am in a really good place right now. I feel alive and like I’m doing what I am supposed to be doing. For a while, I found myself going in and out of a slight depression and falling into a rut. I would come out of it when Shanti and I would be working on an event or project that I was proud of but after, (even if it was successful) I always felt unaccomplished and somewhat ashamed of myself. That’s how I knew I had to get myself together and get back on stage. It’s even sweeter now because I have a new appreciation for it. Before, it came so easy to me that I took it for granted and didn’t make it a priority. I didn’t fully respect the art and own my craft. But now, I am completely committed.
So, the transitioning phase was necessary. It was grueling and painful but necessary.
So, I have vowed in 2013 to get mine by any means necessary. I’m telling you yall. I am not playing. You thought I was serious in 2012? Nope. That was a fraction of what I can really do when I put my mind to it. And I’m not just talking about performing. I’m talking about the blog, future events, expanding the company, my physical and mental health and even my personal life. You know, I sought someone out the other day to give him MY number. If you know me, then you know that’s huge. So, from this point on, I’m fearless and I live by one of my favorite quotes from my favorite philosopher, Shanti Mayers.
“I ride around and I get it. You talk it. I live it.”
For more information on my new show, The Wonderful Wizard of Song click here and for tickets click here and enter the code wizfnf for a hefty discount : )
Tell us, What Are You Riding Around and Gettin This Year?
Wow! I remember when you first wrote that post last year and I was like I feel the same way! Now your doing what you love again that must feel amazing! I too started doing stuff to get back into my first love [art]I haven’t got as far as you but hey its a start! and like you said in 2013 I shall be fearless in EVERYTHING that I do ! I’m so proud of you Antoinette go giiirl! lol
Inspiring! I just started voice lessons with the same exact mindset. I figured it was high time I stopped wasting the gift & instrument the good Lord gave me. I’m hoping it helps with my depression also. Congrats on your role, Blues in the Night, yaaassss guhl!!! Lol!
That is sooo awesome! congrats!
beautiful.
Congrats, boo! I’m so, I’m so, I’m so proud of you (in Drake’s voice). I spent my winter break, networking and contacting my resources to acquire an internship with doctors in my city. Thanks to hard work ansd focus, I’ll be shadowing one of the top pediatric nurses in my area.
*and
Wow this is really inspiring!! You go ahead girl!!
Thats hot. Congratulations!
Wonderful, Congrats, Go Get It! Girl, once you get outta your own way…
YEEEEEEESSSSS!! You better go!!! I remember reading that post last year, and relating at every turn, and even tearing up a little (shhh don’t tell, I’m a G!). I’m so happy you got so far so soon. How many people have these revelations but take years to act on the information. ::hand raised::. I moved back to NY 9 months ago, and I feel like I have little to show for it lately. I keep trying to go back to the 9-5 thing when experience has shown me “that ain’t you boo” but it’s safety. Something I realized, after too many days at home for Christmas, that I seek in so many ways, places and people in my adulthood because I didn’t get it as a young one. I’ve realized and now have to act on the fact that God is my security, he’s kept me these last 9 months, without a job. I realize I just have to trust Him and myself to do the rest, to finish it.
While having lunch with my homies over Christmas, two of us were talking about how we just kinda settled as far as health & weight maintenance is concerned. We both could have been contestants on the Biggest Loser a decade ago, and we’ve come far, but we both realized that we can do better. For me, better is toned abs and a high booty, which despite my successes, I have yet to get to. This is the year to finish it. And when I do, I’m going to do the most; because I earned it. So many people who shouldn’t do the most, do, and I’m never mad at them because they have a level of courage and confidence that I aspire to. Anywho, as always I’ve written a letter. Point: GO GIRL!!! Now finish strong and go get it all!!! Blaze the trail, we’re coming!!!
Get it girl…congratulations on reclaiming yourself!!
Wow! Thank you for sharing your powerful words. You have inspired me and no doubt countless others. All the best on your show!
Sooooo inspiring…good for you!
Get it! Get it! Get it! I love when people follow their passions. That’s good living right there.
Love it. God bless you on your journey!!
This right here…was right on time for me! Read this post and the previous one-thanks so much for sharing your experience and encouraging me and others to ferociously pursue our dreams. This year I’m riding around and getting… my dream of being the Next Chocolate Chip Martha Stewart in 2013!!! Butter pecan cupcakes and all…lol!
last year, i graduated from college. and yet i wasn’t sure what i wanted to do with the rest of my life. my whole life i thought i wanted to become a doctor and go to medical school, and then suddenly i realized that that might not be the best fit for me. so for the past 6 months i’ve been procrastinating, sitting still, being stagnate. i’ve been so afraid to admit my dreams to myself and others, so afraid to fail, so afraid of rejection, that i haven’t done anything at all. that changes this year. i can’t live for other people. i have to do what’s best for me. i have to start making decisions and going for them, full force! so while you go for yours, i’m gonna be going for mine. hopefully i’ll be ridin’ ’round and gettin’ it very soon
Love this site……very inspiring….much love
Im so happy to read that you stuck with your dreams and got back into it. I to remember reading about this a while back and you inspired me to take that leap (especially since I had been feeling the same way) to do what I really want to do in life. Ive tried starting my business so many times but its always failed due to my full time job consuming my life mentally and physically which prevented me from being able to put in the 100% a business needs to succeed. So at that time I made a deal with my boss to go part time (since she didn’t want me to quit LOL) and work full time hours when we have trade shows. Im soooo glad you wrote that post because it really gave me the courage to approach her and tell her that ill be quitting next year to focus on my dream unless I can get the schedule I need. It actually benefits me since Ill still be bringing in a steady income while im switching over to freelance.
Thanks for taking the time to post that and the update on your dream!! Im about a month or so away from officially going part-time
!!!
You and your words are so beautiful….ride around, get it, and I for one will too…..I love it!!!
Yes, this is inspiring, and congrats to you!
I am sooo proud of you my dear! You make me smile!
thanks girl : )
I soooo want to come hear you but IDK if I can make it on those dates
. Please keep us posted on more of your performances. I’m so proud of you! You’re awesome! Get it girl. I’m inspired 
xo
~M
YOU GOOOO GIRL! I struggle with the same fear of failure which holds me back from living my best life even when people ask me why am I not doing XY&Z. I’m back in school to finish my undergrad in International Studies so I can teach English abroad…Two more semesters to go!!I’ve also started working on my jewelry line! IT’S THE LITTLE STEPS THAT REALLY TAKE US WHERE WE WANT TO BE!
Antoinette, when I was 22 I had a clear vision as to what I wanted to do with my life. Yet it didn’t happen. Why? Because I let other people (who LOVED me and felt they knew what was best for me…this is important) get into my head and tell me how I should be living. And due to my own fear and naivete and insecurity I listened to them…and proceeded to spend the next almost-20 years living a life that was very comfortable and respectable but that wasn’t authentic for ME. At the age of 40 I took a massive detour back to where I originally wanted to be but deep down I STILL struggled with fear and doubt. Actually I’ve just pushed the reset button on my life AGAIN but this time I’m much more conscious of how short a time we really do have on this earth. Some (hell, MANY) would say I should just give up at this point…I say, at this point (with new gray hairs sprouting almost every day, lol) what do I have to lose?
When you look back on the story of your life, what do you want to be able to say? You already know what MOST people will say because most people are too scared to follow their dreams. I’m trying not to be one of them. Don’t you be one of them either. Know that there will always be ups and downs. Just keep your vision of your life strong and clear.
you and shanti are like my cuzzos in my head so right now i’m SO proud of and happy for you. WERK!
I saw the 1/28 performance and Antoinette I was floored. You have an amazing voice! A blessing from God. Your first solo, Blues in the night gave me goosebumps because I was not expecting such a big beautiful voice to come singing out. When you sang Stormy Weather I was holding back tears. Come rain or Come Shine has now been added to my wedding playlist. I am a fan of your art and look forward to seeing you in more performances.
Oh snap really? Thank you so much for coming!