So I watched the interview with Jenifer Lewis and it had my full attention for over an hour. Let me forewarn a few that she is who she is. If you have ever seen her or listened to her then you know she talks the way she wants to. She serves it with no sugar and her mouth slips when she wants it to. Some may find it offensive, I didn’t. I felt like the tone of her voice was real and it made her points even more valid. I will post the link so you can view it for yourself but I wanted to touch on the parts that spoke out to me. Again I shouldn’t have to say but I will that these are my views on what I received from her interview:
30 Summers Left
She speaks about time being short and how with that short time she doesn’t allow folks with negativity to dominate her space. I love that. I think it’s easy as she has done the work to be in that place AND she has gotten to that age where she can say and do as she pleases. She makes note that she’s saved her money so she really isn’t worried about someone coming for her. What a place to be in?! I was like well say that! How many of us can say the same? 
It’s like watching that smart mouth Aunt say whatever the Hell she wants and everyone got something to say to her but you got cash money on her cause you know not one person gonna try her. That’s what I felt. Now while I watched I wrote my points down in a notebook. I carry one on me at all times and she mentions having a journal to write down your feelings. She also talks doing this practice of writing things down since the 7th grade and how that is how the book she wrote came to be. I have it and will spend some time over the weekend diving in.
So what will you be doing with however many summers you have?! Will you be using that energy giving to folks who don’t need it? How about wasting your time on things that at the end of the day aren’t necessary? Wasting your time talking about the same folks and what they have or don’t have or where they are going?! Evaluate a few things, use your time better. Folks tired of hearing it. Speak about a few things that matter!! Move on!
Mental Illness
What’s I liked was her candid conversation about mental illness. She has said she is bipolar and suffers with depression. It is uncommon for anyone is show business to tell their business when it comes to this disease. People don’t want to admit it in fear that others will not book them for being in their truth. I like it because I stand with others in that mental illness is something that we need to stop making taboo and actually deal with it. She talked about how she was being perceived and how she handles it. She is not ashamed as she tells it. She calls out a few including Kanye West that she feels is suffering as well. Taking care of yourself is important and being honest where you are is even more important. You know something is wrong deal with it.
Multiple Friends
The notion we tell ourselves that we don’t need friends or we only need one friend has to stop. Not one person has what you need. Stop this island life. You need others around you. You are the issue as to why you can’t exist with others. Change it!
Beating your Kids
Now this is a subject that will ruffle feathers. Let me explain why! It’s not just because of the argument of violence towards kids and how that affects them. I think it has more to do with doing things “just because that’s how you were taught” is more of the discussion. She advocates for parents to stop doing it all together and spend some time disciplining them and talking to them. She talks about even in her age she still has scars on her from being beat as a child. Any beating or popping that is done to a child that leaves a mark is abuse. So have your thoughts or do what’s best but be open to that discussion when listening to her points.
Millennial
She stated she wrote the book for millennials and I can definitely see that. Too many times this new way of thinking which is fine on certain points wants to discredit things that have shaped the world as it is today. As she goes through this book tour she is also making sure she reminds people of where they come from and to respect those who came before them. This message here is necessary especially in regards to the many young people who are losing their lives daily and accountability seems to take a back seat.
So I’m enclosing the link so you can view and come to your own conclusion. However I think it’s a great watch for all. She keeps everyone laughing even through tough dialogue about rape, sex addiction and even sexual abuse. Please give it a look or watch!!
Jennifer Lewis the No Chaser Edition
