Artist: Sabreehna S. Essien

Oxford dictionary define visionary in two forms. First visionary as an adjective which is a person who thinks about or plans the future with imagination or wisdom. Secondly visionary as a noun is a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.

This word and the definition is significant to me today because nowhere within the definition will you find another person to decide your future. This is important when you know your plans and ideas for your own future. Why? There will be days you encounter individuals our societal constructs that have planned out a future for you that don’t align with your vision of self.

What I have learned is my vision of self is of more value than a distorted version of self imposed on me from a broken person. Yes, broken people or a broken society can try to shape your reality of self only if you allow.

A few weeks ago whilst in reflection, I came to a personal revelation. I am a creative who is compelled on a constant bases to create and manifest the ideas flowing in my mind like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I have resolved to accept my self in totality, unapologetic, and unbothered about whether someone else accepts me or not.

It is wonderful to connect with those with who you share common ground. It’s is even better when you find acceptance amongst ones peers. However, if you find yourself rejected repeatedly like I have you learn that the joy of being ones authentic self is all that matters.

The journey of self discovery is amazing. It puts a new meaning to my mother words of encouragement when I was a child, “ Honey, you can be whatever you want to be”. I heard what she said but as an adult who has accepted the reality that no man-made construct defines me is power. The world does not tell me who I am; nor can the world define self for me. The world or society is the audience to my divine reveal. The world and society are privileged to know who I am.

It’s is scientifically proven that plants thrive from kind words, uplifting music, and tender love and care. Imagine such research accomplished to empower those who endeavor to prosper their green thumb and brag about their abundant plants or gardens. How much more would our human relationships thrive with these same principles.

Psychologist teach a principle found in the Bible which say our words and the tone we speak impact the lives of those we direct our words towards. In fact tender love and care brings life…ask an Occupational Therapist or anyone who works in an industry that require touch to restore health in others. Ask a Speech Therapist or Vocal Coach the power of words and tone upon the human ear.

I say all this to encourage you to communicate on a frequency that brings life to yourself and others. We must be intentional about this within our interpersonal relationships and amongst those closest to us. How odd to practice a respectful demeanor towards strangers while the common courtesy is not practiced within ones immediate family.

I am learning to operate at a higher frequency and detox my being of all negative so light can flow perfectly through my being.

I have come to a place in my life where my power to chose means more than ever before. Being an empath draws broken people and compels me to want to fix broken hearts. Perhaps it is the bases for my drive to become a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with specialization in trauma, grief, and loss.

Our stories and how we assimilate or process the life we were born into versus the life we live versus the life we dream to live are in the power of our tongue.

I am my Ancestors prayers manifest.

It is certain in this life we will suffer tribulations but for those of us who sow love every step of the way watered with our tears will reap love a thousand fold over and gain a life of peace and eternal joy.

This morning while hearing the sounds of my husband preparing for work, ours boys rushing around for morning snuggles, and the noise of my life in this season, I felt gratitude to be alive to enjoy all these things. Pre-Mom life, I used to rise at 5am, run downhill to catch the first bus to my gym which was uptown. I would workout until 7am and stop at McDonald’s for smoothie and pastry or hash brown before walking to the transit center to catch a bus home. Once home, I prepared myself, gathered my books, walk down to UWT campus and would spend nearly the rest of my day nestled somewhere in the University of Washington Tacoma Library. I always had a research paper due in those days and the prize of all that hard work paid off ;as a result, I graduated from the Argosy University online Masters of Public Health program.

These days early morning rise is me meditating quietly within before my family wakes up. There are days I start breakfast and dinner preparation while other mornings meals are made to order. (Smile)

My life as a wife and mother are complex and walking in these new roles has made me stronger, wiser, and strengthened my voice. Being a boys mom, I am learning how to speak with firmness and authority. In my relationship with my husband I am learning every statement does not require an answer. The growth I have experienced in this season has refined my communication skills.

There is so much more growth ahead and together with my family the process is so much sweeter.

It has been a whirlwind of changes, adjustments, and here we are in 2022 safe and sound. Exhale! It is a great time to be alive and creativity and innovation abounds. I opened my store in January 2022 and business has been intermittent. Being a start up takes courage to keep ones doors open with such huge investment; yet small returns. I am hopeful for all this to change in 2022. I started my small business 2015 and have come a long way to build my vision. This year my business plan and marketing strategy will be revised in order to maximize my investment, broaden tangible community support, and explore other media platforms to build a client base for my business.

In April, I was invited to share studio space at the Legacy Building located in the Hilltop; a vibrant community currently being revitalized in Tacoma Washington. It has been refreshing to have a dedicated sacred space to manifest my creativity on a continual basis in the midst of Art Mess…wink wink. It’s an honor to create Art in the community I grew up in. I am almost done with an unnamed painting, make-over for the Noire Femme Series, and will soon start a Portraiture Series. Don’t worry new photos will soon follow this post of the studio space, my shop, and latest creations.

ND Art Studios, LLC is my Artist page on Facebook where you can keep up with all the latest information and upcoming events.