I discovered spoken word artist Jon Jorgenson back in 2018 while I was searching for empowering videos for women on YouTube. After listening to just a couple of his tracks- I was hooked. After years, if not decades, of struggling on and off with my own self-esteem issues, mental health and emotional wounds from the past- listening to his rhythmic words of encouragement and validation was like food for my recovering soul.
         So, since I'm in the process of converting my little company, Femmespire Media, into a full-fledged magazine focused on encouraging, inspiring and empowering women and teen girls through positive written media- it seemed like a good idea to share about him again. All his videos appear to be really inspiring and uplifting (and who can't use a little more of that in their life, right?). 
          However, the video I show below was particularly touching for me. Just reading the comments underneath on his page from the many high school girls posting made me tear up. One girl said she was battling anxiety, depressed and suicidal thoughts and that she would listen to this video every day to keep herself from killing herself. Another young girl, said she was bullied at school and had abusive parents, and that she would play this video every morning before school just to help her get through the day. 
         These kinds of comments broke my heart to read, but I’m grateful that there are people like Jon Jorgenson in the world trying to encourage people by sharing their struggles and passion through their gifts. I look forward to discovering and sharing more of his inspiring and life affirming videos with you in the future. You can check out his YouTube channel @JonJorgenson.
          But most importantly, never forget, like the video says: you are beautiful, you are worthy of love and you are enough!

- contributed by Tiffany Grand
www.tiffanygrandmedia.com
@tiffanygmedia

          She’s the Creator, Head Writer, and Executive Producer of Female led, hit, network TV shows “Scandal” (2012-2018), “Grey's Anatomy” (2005-present), Netflix newer period series “Bridgerton”, it’s spinoff “Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story” and the producer for (one of my personal favorites) “How to Get Away with Murder”. She’s also a published author and the writer of several films.  In other words… she’s a successful woman working in the entertainment industry who knows her shit. Just one quick Google search and you can see she is just oozing with inspiration and wisdom.
           I had been looking for an inspirational quote or two to share on my social media pages to encourage and empower people to pursue their dreams and help them become their best selves. However, she has so many, I could not pick just one. So, here they are, in no particular order:  some of the best, most empowering and inspiring quotes (in my opinion) from the talented, hardworking, Shonda Rhimes.  
          F.Y.I. I don't care if some of these show are technically off the air now, these quotes are still like gold and encourage and empower me to this day. So, I hope they will help you as well. Life is too short to not spend it doing what sets your soul on fire.
            So, listen to mama Shonda and do what you need to do to focus and pursue your dreams. Especially if you are a writer, creative, or just plain crazy dreamer like me. I know I will be...

1.) “Maybe you know exactly what it is you dream of being, or maybe you’re paralyzed because you have no idea what your passion is. The truth is, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to know, you just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new.”
 
2.) “Happiness comes from living as you need to, as you want to. As your inner voice tells you to.”
 
3.) “You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new.”
 
4.) “I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart. I am talented. I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Don’t call me lucky. Call me a badass.”
 
5.) “You want to be a writer? A writer is someone who writes every day. So, start writing. You don’t have a job? Get one. Any job. Don’t sit at home waiting for the magical opportunity. Who are you? Prince William? No. Get a job. Go to work. Do something until you can do something else.”
 
6.) “Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be better than anyone else. And don’t give a damn what anyone thinks.”
 
7.) “You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.”
 
8.) “Everyone’s got some greatness in them. You do. The girl over there does. The guy on the left has some. But in order to really mine it, you have to own it. You have to grab hold of it. You have to believe it.”
 
9.) “Ditch the dream and be a doer.”
 
10.) “Maybe you know exactly what it is you dream of being, or maybe you’re paralyzed because you have no idea what your passion is. The truth is, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to know. You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new.”
 
11.) “A lot of people dream, and while they are busy dreaming, the really interesting, powerful, engaged people are busy doing.”

12.) “Dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.”
 
13.) “The only limit to your success is your own imagination.” 

          So, listen to Shonda. You have greatness inside of you. Believe it. If you have a dream in your heart, don’t just dream it. Work hard and go for it. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t worry about what other people think. Don’t limit yourself. Create the life you want. Don’t wait for doors to open for you. Work hard and make it happen for yourself. You CAN live whatever life you long for in your heart. Be a doer, not just a dreamer. And most importantly, be like Shonda and believe in yourself. That no matter how your life may look and feel right now, you are indeed... a Badass. 

Contributed by Tiffany Grand
www.tiffanygrandmedia.com
@tiffanygmedia

What would you do if you were told you weren’t allowed to play music (or something else you loved) because you were a woman?
         I first discovered “Zohra” back in 2017. Afghanistan’s first all female orchestra, formed by musicologist Ahmad Naser Sarmast in 2010 at the National Institute of Music. This was and is still a huge deal because during the Taliban rule of Afghanistan- playing instruments was literally BANNED. Even today, performing music is still frowned upon by many conservative Muslims. 
        That’s what makes this group so exciting and inspiring. Not only are they an all female musical group formed in an extremely male supremacist society where many things are STILL restricted for women, but the orchestra is also led by a woman. And beginning at only 19 years old, the conductor Negin Khpalwak, is an inspiration in herself.  
       The National Institute of Music in Kabul, enrolls about 300 students between the ages of 14-20, most of which are female and many of whom come from underprivileged families. The institute is dedicated to promoting women’s rights and ensuring gender equality in the sector of music, as well as offering quality arts education in an area of the world that often tells their people that they can’t even play music. Giving the students outlets for self expression, creativity, and independence they wouldn’t have elsewhere in the country during a previous time.   
         Then in 2021, when the United States withdrew and the Taliban reasserted control, the school needed to be evacuated. The students were relocated to Portugal where they made shelter in a hospital and feared the day the Taliban would come find them and kill them.
         But these young musicians were determined to continue playing music and prevail in the mist of struggle, violence and starvation.
        "One can't be without dreams because dreams give us hope..." wrote Zohra Ahmadi, one of the top students. "If you have a dream, follow it..."
        
- contributed by Tiffany Grand
www.tiffanygrandmedia.com
@tiffanygmedia