Camille Joy and her partner Jason reflect on 2021 and what they’d like to welcome in 2022. The podcast will shift from affirmations to writing/thought prompts. Here is your assignment: What are you leaving behind in 2021? What will you make possible in 2022? What would you name 2021 if it was a chapter in your book? “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken” - Oscar Wilde

Referring to yourself in the third person while speaking to yourself and even aloud may sound awkward or “crazy” but it can really put things into perspective and allow you to see and act on the bigger picture. When we constantly refer to ourselves as I and ME, we individualize our experience as if it’s unrelated or disconnected to those who are related and connected to us. By referring to ourselves as someone’s child, partner, parent, grandparent, friend, etc, we hold ourselves accountable to the relationships we have or would want to have with those people. We’re able to move towards a more aligned life when we check ourselves and those around us on how we are to be treated and regarded based on the relationships we have built and been born with. We may see ourselves encountering difficulties in equipping ourselves for this journey of alignment. At some point, we must take responsibility for the journey we want to take, equip ourselves and stop blaming our parents and caregivers for not being and doing enough. What we acquire on our own, we appreciate so much more because we know what it takes to get it. We are able to have more gratitude for others and their struggles and accomplishments because we have experience overcoming and acquiring. This is when we’ll have something to share. This is what goes towards our family legacy. The live electric guitar at the opening and closing of this episode was recorded at the Kroger on the Beltline in Atlanta on 8/16/21 [Affirmations]: I am happy with everyone doing their best ~ I am respected, valued, and adored ~ My legacy lives on in my actions, which match my intentions

Knowing the difference between instinct and intuition is key to move from survival to thrival mode. Too much emphasis on instincts can put you in unnecessary jams, making you take pride in surviving something that was avoidable. This episode also discusses acceptance and forgiveness, why we can’t expect both, and what happens when we have one but not the other. The episode opens and closes with a poem called ‘Bout to Get Chipotle’ written by Camille Joy Powell on 8/23/21 in Midtown Atlanta and it’s final version, the one you hear, was written on 9/1/21 at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Chicago. [Affirmations]: I assume good intentions and ignorance ~ My intuition grows stronger the more I follow it’s guidance ~ I forgive others and myself easily and often

‘Homesick’ was written and recorded by Camille Joy Powell on 8/13/21 outside of The Old Four Ward Skate Park in Atlanta. On 8/22/21 she learned of the tragic death of an old friend and Chicago organizer, Malik Jabril Alim, and realized she was was trying to build community somewhere other than where she already has it. On 8/28/21, she returned Home. This episode is a reflection on coming back to Chicago from camping and living in Atlanta and what makes home home. [Affirmations]: My intuition grows stronger the more I follow it’s guidance ~ I am currently living my best life ~ I am my strongest friend and hero

Well-known Black queer female Chicago -based DJ, official DJ for Young Chicago Authors (YCA), Louder Than a Bomb (LTAB), and WGN Producer, DJ CashEra explains why The Best Revenge Is To Prove Them Wrong. DJ CashEra never fails to be accessible, responsive, and full of energy, light, and great vibes. Book and/or Follow her on ALL social media platforms Including Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch @DJCashEra. Mixes that you’ll want to play over and over can be found at djcashera.com // Affirmations: I am right when I stand in my light / My actions match my intentions / I allow doubt to motivate me.

Confront your fears. Don’t assume you know until you’ve experienced it. Learn how to make a fire. The upside to doing things alone. Get in tune w/nature.

What Was Breakfast creator, photographer, interviewer, and documentarian, Alan Epstein shares what he wants to be remembered for, some of his influential quotes, and most importantly, his energy with the Listen or Leave Podcast. Follow his work on IG @whatwasbreakfast and make sure to tag @whatwasbreakfast for your breakfast photos! Alan’s audio was mastered by Jase Stigg who is an audiovisual fitness content creator who creates football highlight films for high school athletes. Follow him on IG @Urban_Elite_Athletes22 and YT @Jase Stigg

African Aesthetics is a young person from Chicago who has a self-titled podcast available everywhere and can be found on IG under the same name. Camille Joy has the pleasure of working with her and vouches that she is a vibe all on her own! In an unrecorded convo with Camille Joy, African Aesthetics discussed how she loves the aesthetic of studying, it’s highlighters, paper, organizing, and note taking, but despises the actual act of studying. How ACCURATE. African Aesthetics refers to two quotes that are featured in the podcast’s first two episodes as well as one from Langston Hughes. African Aesthetics’ audio was mastered by Jase Stigg who is an audiovisual fitness content creator who creates football highlight films for high school athletes. Follow him on IG @Urban_Elite_Athletes22 and YT @Jase Stigg

This is the first episode after an unplanned two-month hiatus. During this time, Camille Joy was able to rest, recollect, recalibrate, and sled until she was battered and bruised. She discusses the importance of questioning why we feel we owe people an explanation before she explains what kept her away and what brings her back. Affirmation: I assume good intentions. Correction: Seven out of eight of the Atlanta shooting murder victims were Asian women, not all eight as stated in the episode.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Affirmations: 1) I bring the light by brining the Joy 2) I love by being patient enough to understand and be understood 3) I spend my energy wisely on situations I can help