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Joanna

By Joanna Jean Baptiste

If you are reading this, I hope you are okay.

We all know that 2020 was an intense year and we are still living with the consequences of that. Also Covid…I mean it doesn’t need any introduction.

However, we have no choice but to slow down our life’s pace and for some of us we have more time to do other things. We can focus on personal projects, spend more time with family members or even get some sleep. Personally, I’ve slept a lot, I’ve watched High Fidelity with Zoe Kravits on repeat because there’s only one season due to the show being cancelled
(I signed a petition.. we never know!).

I’m sewing clothes that hopefully I’ll be able to wear this summer, I’m learning how to mix on a DDJ controller and honestly, I’ll probably end up with arthritis because my body is always in weird positions. But mostly I try to focus on my mental health. And for that, I’d love to give a huge shout out to my best friends (Noona) and my mom with whom I’ve had long conversations over the phone.

Also, I temporarily deleted Instagram to have less “noise” and that made me reflect about the relationship I have with social media. I reflected about my lessons learned last year, my mistakes and my accomplishments.

The other day, I had this deep conversation with my mom about her accomplishments in life and her regrets. I was wondering if she ever got a dream that she wished she had done.
She paused for a bit… then she said: I realised all my dreams and I wish to continue to do so.

At first, I thought she didn’t understand my question because all her dreams had something to do with us, her children. I wanted to know what was her dream for herself, only herself. Her kids made her have bigger ambitions, for us but mostly for herself. These dreams were hers but she knew that by achieving them it would also be favorable for her children.

Pa kite moun voye dlo sou dife’w
Rèv ou se manman reyalite’w

– Gade Papi Emeline Michel

When we talk about achieving your dreams we often use the term sacrifices, I was curious to know what was hers. She simply responds by saying there are no such things as sacrifices when you want to achieve your dreams … These things that we call sacrifices are only part of the process. You are in the right path as long as you keep your eyes on your goals. And just before we changed the subject she quoted this lyric (she actually ended up singing the whole song) of her favorite singer Emeline Michel “Pa kite moun voye dlo sou dife’w. Rèv ou se manman reyalite’w.” The singer is saying to not let anyone discourage you, your dreams are the source of your reality.

My mom told me, having dreams are really important and we should always have dreams and turn them into our reality. Despite the fact that she had kids she didn’t forget about herself at the end of the day she is not only a mother she has her own life to live.

I know the last months have been challenging and we are beginning a new year and I hope you don’t forget about your dreams and goals. The journey might not be easy but I hope you don’t lose yourself on the path. To conclude this, I wish you to be surrounded by your loved ones from a distance or close, I hope they are doing well and mostly, I hope that you are taking care of yourself.

May this year be another eye-opening one and full of learning experiences and joy.

Wish you the best.

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  • Joanna Jean Baptiste

    Joanna Jean Baptiste

    Writer

    Joanna Jean Baptiste is a young Canadian of Haitian origin living in Montreal. This art lover lets her open-mindedness and curiosity guide her in many facets of her life. She joins the afro-feminist platform SAYASPORA in promoting local artists and entrepreneurs. For her, this platform, which is naturally linked to the pan-Africanism movement, is a space in which she can also express herself and share her thoughts on issues affecting the African community.

Want to write for Sayaspora? We’re always looking for new talent!

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