I have a saying that I pretty much live by. It’s my go-to response when people tell me that I seem to be “living the life,” but also a reminder to myself.
*cue Kendrick Lamar, Humble*
It isn’t a new concept, but in today’s era of Social Media and doing what I do, putting it this way really makes the overall message relatable.
IT’S NOT THE PICTURE, IT’S THE ANGLE OF THE CAMERA.
I’ve come to realize that life is just a series of taking negative aspects or attributes and turning them into positives, by any means necessary. You know those memes that say a true [boy/girl]friend knows your angles? It’s 100% true. And you, of all people, should know your angles better than anyone else.
Whether it’s “chin up, shoulders back, right hip up and head tilted 54 degrees right” or “glass half full, not half empty;” the key to life is learning your angles and sticking to them consistently.
There’s a point to this, I promise.
When I was younger, I loved running my mouth. Hey, I still do! I would talk so much I would annoy my family at home and get in trouble at school. Whether it was a monologue or a series of jokes, I was on it. I couldn’t sing and I was never a trained dancer, but boy, if there was a contest for running your mouth, I’d be the Beyonce of that joint.
Luckily, I had a little help turning that camera to capture a better angle. Even as a child, I was often chosen to address a crowd or student body on behalf of a class or group. I was almost always the one to present for group projects. I was (and still am!) a lector at church and often made announcements even when I wasn’t scheduled. I also learned to capture some of those words on paper (or on the internet!).
These days, you can find me hosting an event or emceeing your local gala. This past Wednesday I hosted the annual charity fashion show held by my former high school, for the 2nd year in a row, and I #securedthebag for next year! Let me tell you, there’s no better feeling than when I get up there, do my thang, come down and hear someone say “wow, you were so great!” When I’m standing up there, running my mouth, and every person in the room is hooked to each word, I am unstoppable. That’s the money shot.
All I’m saying is, I turned the camera and learned my angles, and it’s the best picture I’ve ever taken.
