Ciara Dropped Several Life Gems in Her Conversation on Angie Martinez’s IRL Podcast
Isn’t it funny how inspiration and confirmation finds you when you’re not looking for them? A new Angie Martinez IRL podcast episode premiered on YouTube and features an insightful conversation with singer and entrpreneur Ciara Wilson. If you’ve never heard her music before (we’ll unpack my disappointment later), then you’ve probably heard or seen someone say something along the lines of, “We need Ciara’s prayer!” This is who they’re talking about.
Not only has she had a storied career, but she’s walking in love and joy after experiencing a moment that caused her to pivot. While she doesn’t gloss over her struggles, Ciara’s made it clear she chooses to be intentional in how she lives. Whether it comes to her marriage to Russell Wilson, raising their children, pouring into friendships, etc., she’s the embodiment of what happens when you’re convicted about who you are and where you want to go in life.
On Following Your Dreams
Not only did Ciara have an idea about the kind of career she wanted, she shared that she found ways to manifest it in her life. But, she’s also aware that following your dreams isn’t always a straightforward path. “Sometimes you’re supposed to take a different turn, so you also have to be realistic about that,” she shares with Angie Martinez. “It’s like, ‘Okay, I tried all these things and this didn’t work. Okay, maybe it’s meant for me to try something else.’”
It’s such a profound thought because I think it’s easy to believe we’ve failed when things don’t work after we’ve put our best efforts forward. I definitely can relate to wondering if I wasn’t good enough, but the reality is that some things are out of our control. It doesn’t mean we’re not talented or passionate enough if a shoe we’re trying to squeeze into no longer fits.
Cherishing Genuine Friendships
One of my best friends Cookie & I always talk about recognizing true sisterhood among each other because we went through a period where we though a lot of our former peers were solid friends. Aside from hearing the occasional, “Everyone’s not your friend” speech from our parents, experiencing friendship breakups were tough because it’s painful when you realize you’ve outgrown something that’s been a core part of your world. However, it’s a blessing when you realize there are people you’ve grown with over the years. It’s something Ciara acknowledges in her life.
“I feel really blessed to have a circle of girls…All the girls I’m surrounded by are fearless,” she says. As far as paying attention to when it’s time to walk away from friendships, she believes that “who you surround yourself with is really important.” She thinks it’s essential to ask yourself questions about a person’s character that go beyond surface level. Someone may be fun to hang around, but who are they when life doesn’t feel joyful? Some questions she suggests considering are:
What do you they to you when you’re going through things?
What do they say to you when you’re vulnerable?
Are they a negative person?
Does the way they see life overall align with how you see it (not to be confused with being the same person)?
“Russ and I talk about being equally yoked in our marriage, but in your friendships, I think that’s important…” she says. She goes on to say she believes that “if someone is bringing negativity into your space, remove it immediately.” Without missing a beat, the singer/entrepreneur adds, “I get excited to drop dead weight.” Does it hurt to part ways with a person you thought would always be a part of your life? Of course, but seeing people for who they are and not who we imagine them to be gives you so much clarity.
Overall, I think Ciara’s in a place where she has a better understanding of herself as a woman. She’s learned hard lessons, sometimes publicly, but she hasn’t let them keep her in a place where she’s bitter or feels stifled. As we head into Thanksgiving week, I feel encouraged to reframe the narrative of this year because I’m looking at it with fresh eyes.
If you want to watch the full Angie Martinez IRL podcast episode, keep scrolling because you’re in for a treat!
