Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in

Pleasure 2013
The Beginning of Truly Enjoying Life’s Pleasures



Cheers to Pleasure in 2013! A trip to Napa is on my
Pleasure 2013 list. 
For the first time since I ever learned of a “New Years Resolution List” I didn’t make one for 2013. I know what I want. I know what I need to do. Instead, I made a promise to myself to not only live more passionately but with pleasure. After a lot of pain in 2012, I decided to make 2013 the year I begin to live life more pleasurably.

I want to be fully present with tastes, sounds, touches, sights, smells and good feelings. I’m still on my never-ending journey to “Switch It Up” and challenge myself to live out of the box. But I want to take more time to enjoy life. I love life, but I think I do so much, that I forget to take in what I’m enjoying. Now when I travel, I don’t just snap a bunch of photos. Now I actually take in everything.  I just stand back admire the beauty around me and then take photos.

Although we’re a quarter into 2013, I’ve begun to live with more pleasure. And I’ll post photos soon. Pleasure for me is traveling, eating good food, enjoying something new, and that even includes my work. I love what I do, and am working to make my media presence even bigger. This can be toiling and frustrating at times, but I’m working at finding the pleasure in it. 

I’m taking a page out of Frida Kahlo and Josephine Baker’s playbook. They lived so passionately and didn’t apologize for their pleasures.  So far I’ve been to Washington, DC for the Inauguration, indulged in some good Italian and soul food, dared to be bold with red lipstick, and enjoyed taking in the sights of my new neighborhood. Next up is rocking out at next month’s Bon Jovi concert, solo.

Follow me on the CocoaFly.com all year as I write about pleasure in my Pleasure 2013 series. Twtter hashtag is #CocoaFlyPleasure2013.

How do you live pleasurably? 

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