FREE-lease - Subscriber Edition - Finding Me by Viola Davis

Gave myself a birthday break and you guys access to the extended version of Finding Me by Viola Davis.

Also, included this poem that I am turning to right now for hope, comfort, and grit:

Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops,

Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

******
How do we choose grace and compassion?
 
In her heartbreaking memoir, Viola Davis opens up about her abusive childhood and the adversity she faced as a Black actress. My friend, Ngoc Anh, and I discuss her unparalleled talent, strength in her convictions, empathy and how she encourages us to reflect on what holds us back in our own lives. Through her life story, we see that though the journey to self-discovery is often difficult, it’s worth it. 
 
Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language and sensitive discussion topics including sexual assault

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Finding Me by Viola Davis

Other ways to support/connect with Viola Davis:
Viola Davis IMDB
Instagram

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. 

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Ngoc Anh. You’re my honorary big sis and I’m so lucky to know you!

Xx, Alex