Listen or Leave

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

“There are no mistakes, just happy accidents” -Bob Ross. Affirmations: 1) I let go of what leaves and accept what comes 2) My heart is filled with gratitude and it shows in my attitude 3) I understand that what will be will be and I will make it best for me

“Before a child talks, they sing. Before they write, they draw. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is fundamental to human expression.” Affirmations: 1) there is an art to everything I do 2) The world is waiting for my creative contributions 3) I live in the moment and express myself to be remembered

This episode centers on a letter written as part of an exhibit by fabric artist, Chris Roberts-Antieau about the marvel of childhood and importance of making your work about Joy. Affirmations: 1) I am the author to my life and I write well 2) My paid and unpaid work is about Joy 3) I am who I needed as a youth

“The lazy person works twice as hard”. Affirmations: 1) I am my future self's best friend 2) I am mindful of my time, energy, and resources 3) The quality for my work reflects the quality of my character

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going” -Beverly Sills. Affirmations: 1) I have gratitude for how far I've come 2) My patience provides me practice for what I'm about to receive 3) I have faith the path I land on is the one meant just for me

“You're always one decision away from a totally different life”. Affirmations: 1) I create my reality 2) I am the driver of my life 3) I understand my choices and my decisions. Be Joy.

This episode is the FIRST Listen Or Leave episode and was originally published on 11/15/20. It is inspired by the quote (title) by Eric Thomas, PhD. This is the first episode of this podcast, which is focused on influential quotes, a short example that speaks to the quote, and affirmations to change our inner voice and outer realities. Music: Chopin: Nocturne in E-flat major, op. 9, no. 2 Fou Ts'ong, piano. Affirmations: 1) I am extraordinary 2) I am preparing for my future self 3) I am going to impress myself today 4) I am more powerful than I know 5) I am skillful in my craft 6) I am willing to try 7) I am willing to fail 8) I am willing to succeed --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

“To be Ourselves causes us to be exiled by many others, and yet to comply with what others want causes us to be exiled from ourselves” -Clarissa Pinkola Estes Affirmations: 1) I let go of what leaves and welcome what comes 2) I am committed to my Joy 3) I am my future self's best friend

“We have to be ourselves, however frightening we prove to be” said by May Sarton and co-signed by Camille Joy. This episode explains how important it is for us to define ourselves by our thoughts, actions, decisions, and character rather than our role or results because those things can be taken away from us at any moment yet we can always control how we think, act, decide, and show up. Camille Joy shares a story of how a series of work, family, and role transitions led her to finding another version of herself and then finding her partner. She believes that cultivating the best version of yourself will allow you to cultivate your best environment through relationships that mirror the self you curate intentionally. May everyday feel like your birthday because you can celebrate another day you have to become the best you. Affirmations: 1) My wise self guides me safely in my current path 2) I release anxiety and embrace peace and calm

Camille Joy shares how a favorite childhood book by Dr. Seuss, “Oh The Places You'll Go” relates to the quote in the title. She shares how patience is key to success and how she harnesses her flow for productivity without force or control. Affirmations: 1) My patience is key to my calm 2) My consistency quiets the chaos 3) My opportunities are waiting for me to be available. Please choose 1-2 that resonate with you, repeat them at least 10x daily for at least 7 days so they become part of your inner speech and show in your actions. Plan to use them when you are waiting, anxious, or unsure. Camille Is allergic to peanut butter so instead she Spreads Joy.

This episode is inspired by Timber Hawkeye's podcast called the Buddhist Bootcamp. Camille Joy discusses what the quote in the title means to through a couple short stories. Affirmations: 1) My ideas are significant 2) My support is wanted 3) I am influential even when I do not know it.

Camille Joy shares how the quote in title helps her focus on her joy and goal for a lifestyle of adventure. Life is precious. Affirmations: 1) I am here for a good time 2) I create the energy 3) I choose to do what I do 4) I live in the moment 5) I collect memories.

Camille Joy illustrates how her life's experiences resonate with and validate the quote in the title. Affirmations: 1) I am worth knowing 2) I grow with each person I get to know 3) I am here to connect to the world 4) People are resources 5) I surround myself with good energy.

This episode is inspired by the advice in the title; one of many quotes Camille Joy has collected during her short time of classroom teaching . This is the second episode of this podcast, which is focused on quotes as advice, a short example that speaks to the quote, and affirmations to change our inner voice and outer realities. Music: Stravinsky: Excerpts from Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) Philharmonia Orchestra; Essa-Pekka Salonen, conductor Affirmations: 1) I am kind and forgiving 2) I am worthy of putting myself first 3) I am able to care for others after I care for myself 4) I am filled with love and Joy 5) I am more than enough 6) I am not for everyone --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app