The Dark Art of Punching Down
babes - don't let these haters get you down
So I don’t know who needs to hear this and maybe it’s just me…
I’ve been witnessing an epidemic that has been arise in my own personal life and honestly maybe that’s me solidly entering into my 30’s in a real way or maybe it’s me venturing into paths unknown/foreign to me or maybe…just maybe it’s me firmly starting to not give a sh*t.
I’m tired too. Tired of folks questioning my endeavors or the sly comments made to me like…
“Oh, look at you and your little projects.”
Little…wow what a choice of word. Now, as a Black person I know this is common in my community but let’s be clear its diminishing. It has taken a lot of self endurance and reliance within myself as someone who honestly grew up in a verbally abusive place when my accolades seem to shine hard.
Grateful. Thankful. Ungrateful. Selfish.
Those words still ring true in my head. Weights and inner demons I have to push down daily. Thankful for therapy and friends that have turn family and family that still remain. I had to realize that the need to push me down to make me feel small had literally nothing to do with me and all to do with the insecurities that these folks, whether they be family or foe, were battling within themselves.
Something in me…whatever it is…is triggering to them. A limiting belief that they have placed on themselves. Or respectability politics that they have allowed themselves be governed by has stunted them in ways that feel unescapable.
I find that my best advice come from those so full of hope and promise so that sweet spot of 17-25 years old and the older generation 60-100 years old. The prize information I have gained from them is this…life is full of possibilities but life is so short. The only thing limiting to you is you.
I have had a lot of people try to shrink me and my light, and look I wasn’t always healed and wow do I have more to do, but I also realize what was hamstringing me this whole time was me. The fears placed on me that I allowed to penetrate me and honestly left me immobile.
Again, I could be just talking to me and I need to just get this out…but if I’m not and you feel alone or limited or scared know you aren’t alone. Change and history is made by those who break those boundaries and push. Those boundaries don’t even have to be societal. We live by example.
For all those who dealing with those comments or naysayers know this, if they could they would and the reason they are coming for you is because they wish they could.
IN THE CROSSROADS: INSPIRING PATHS
with this new series, I will be interviewing women who I admire and hoping their inspiring paths will help others who are either in a crossroad or looking for something to inspire them to push them forward to their pursuits and dreams
We are highlighting Jordun Lawrence, the literary mind behind the newsletter, The Midday Snack where she candidly shares her journey of life in your 30s and her journey of finding creative paths.
Jordun Lawrence is a dynamic communications leader with a track record of developing communications strategies that drive enduring impact. As Impact Communications and Strategic Partnerships Manager at PayPal, Jordun is a key convener and collaborator, spearheading communications efforts that humanize the PayPal brand and highlight PayPal’s mission to improve financial health and expand economic opportunity.
Jordun brings over 10 years of experience to her role, having worked across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. She previously served as Communications and Strategic Engagement Director for the Public Religion Research Institute – an organization focused on conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture, and public policy. She has also served as Deputy Press Secretary for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, as Senior Manager of Communications for the National Urban League Washington Bureau, as Deputy Press Secretary for Hillary for America, and on Capitol Hill.
A proud native of North Carolina, Jordun received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a master’s degree in strategic public relations from The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management. Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Jordun Lawrence for our next edition of In the Crossroads: Inspiring Paths Series!
How do you balance your career with your creative passions?
I have historically struggled with finding balance in my life and have felt like "having it all" meant burning myself out at work. Last year, I made a conscious effort to devote more of my time to the things that bring me joy and fulfillment. I started taking classes and trying hobbies until I found a few things that I was truly passionate about. Including writing a novel and my weekly newsletter, The Midday Snack. Making this lifestyle change hasn't been easy. It requires me to be more diligent about time management, especially because I work in a demanding industry. Despite those challenges, making a choice to prioritize myself and the things that matter most to me has made me feel like I'm living a well-rounded life.
What are some creative outlets you've explored outside of work?
I've tried French language classes, art classes, writing classes across genres, a creative writing retreat, and most recently, an intro to acting class. I also purchased a couple of cameras, which I've really enjoyed taking around to practice shooting content with.
sidenote from Niccara: She takes the most amazing photos!!
Have you ever turned a creative hobby into a side hustle or business? Share your experience!
I haven't turned a creative hobby into a side hustle yet, but I am writing a book, which I hope to publish someday.
How do you find time for creativity in your busy schedule?
Time management has never been my strong suit, so I've had to find some creative ways to ensure that I'm making time for the things I love to do. One big thing that has been helpful for me is learning how to time block my days. I usually do this through Google Calendar and will plan out every moment of the day, from work calls, to writing time, to snacks and breaks. I find that knowing what is coming up helps me stay focused on what I can and cannot accomplish in a given day.
What advice do you have for people who are looking to start a new creative project or hobby?
Just start it! Writers don't talk about what they're going to write one day; they just write it. Whatever the thing is that you've been wanting to pursue, do it.
How has pursuing creative outlets impacted your mental health and well-being?
Pursuing creative outlets has truly changed my life. I have a new outlook on my purpose and a new attitude about what it means to invest in myself through the things that I do every day. Through these choices, I have begun to feel more like myself than ever.
Have you faced any challenges or setbacks in your creative journey? How did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was overcoming the fear of doing what I wanted. I agonized over whether I'd be bad at the things I wanted to try or if I would decide I hated it. I spent a long time talking myself out of doing things before I ever even tried, and getting past that inclination was difficult but worth it.
What role does creativity play in your personal and professional development?
My creative pursuits outside of work truly make me a better employee and colleague. I feel more relaxed at work and contribute unique ideas that I wouldn't have been able to tap into if I hadn't taken the time to do these things for myself.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue pursuing your creative passions?
My motivation comes from the accomplishment and joy I get from doing things that make me feel more alive. I feel rewarded when I do something that honors my creativity and feeds my passions.
What resources or tools do you recommend for women seeking to explore their creativity?
I recommend looking in your local community for things you may be interested in. Local libraries and museums are great places to start because they often have free events that allow you to try something without committing money. If you hesitate to do new things alone, bring a friend or partner and make it a bonding activity.
currently obsessed with.
where I went.
Mama Koko’s in Baltimore, MD
my freak? intentional, beautiful spaces.
For my work from home folks, sometimes you need to switch it up. Mama Koko’s supplies just that. I went to check out this beautiful curated space affectionally named and co-owned by Mama Koko herself. Food is amazing, playlist on 1000, & staff and decor are unmatched. This will be a staple in Baltimore for sure.
What I’m Watching
We Are Lady Parts
What They Say
Geeky biochemical engineering Ph.D. student Amina Hussein becomes the unlikely lead guitarist of Lady Parts, an all-female Muslim punk band on a mission to get a proper gig. Saira, the band's fierce and enigmatic frontwoman, sees something in Amina the others can't. Saira leverages Amina's desperation to find a husband and offers to set her up with potential matches if she agrees to join. Torn between her straitlaced university friends and members of Lady Parts, Amina tries to find her voice.
What Eye Say
This show is witty, funny, on time, and the songs are catchy especially Villain Era. From being friend zone, or drowning in the sea of family and friend expectations for your life, or dealing with how to control your image or how you are perceived or even people taking your hard earned sound, this show has something for everyone - especially my lovers of punk. You can stream this on Peacock!
Niccara’s Book Club
what I’m reading.
the plot.
One weekend.
The elite underbelly of a Nigerian city.
A party that goes awry.
A tangled web of sex and lies and corruption that leaves no one unscathed.
Aima and Kalu are a longtime couple who have just split. When Kalu, reeling from the breakup, visits an exclusive sex party hosted by his best friend, Ahmed, he makes a decision that will plunge them all into chaos, brutally and suddenly upending their lives. Ola and Souraya, two Nigerian sex workers visiting from Kuala Lumpur, collide into the scene just as everything goes to hell. Sucked into the city’s corrupt and glittering underworld, they’re all looking for a way out, fueled by a desperate need to escape the dangerous threat that looms over them.
what you should be reading.
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming
SPICY! Fun. Witty.
It is so refreshing to see the main character be a Black woman and featuring a Black family. I completely crushed this book in a day. Cinnamon is a complete bad ass, lover of cheese, and queen of sarcastic remarks so truly a character after my own heart. Follow Cinnamon and her family of spice farmers as she discovers how she may be the key to help Fallon and his fellow demons but how the key ends of up her getting dragged along then the real fun begins.
If you need a quick escape fueled by spice, fun, and adventure, this is your next read.
See ya in two weeks!