EPISODE SUMMARY:

We’re all given gifts in this life from which to create a life we love living. Without question, some of us are dealt a more favorable hand than others. Yet, life is what we make it, and we ALL have something to give. Unfortunately, statistics and anecdotal evidence suggest that the great majority of us play it safe or fold. Rhodessa Jones turned an unlikely hand into a winning one—on her own terms.

Today’s guest not only personifies this season’s theme (Surviving to Thriving); Ms. Jones also embodies our tagline “Out of the Box. Straight to the Heart”. She is a multi-talented performer, writer, teacher, actress, director, mentor and activist. And at her core lies the heart of a goddess warrior with a tremendous heart. Her story is worth hearing and a blessing to share, even in this abbreviated form which truly doesn’t do her contributions or her personhood justice.

From a child, Rhodessa began changing the perceived narrative of a disadvantaged Black child raised in a mostly White rural community from one of just surviving to beautifully thriving. She transformed her teen mom story into a global mother-daughter adventure. And she intuitively turned a request to teach yoga to women inmates into what would become The Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women/ HIV Circle.

The Medea Project was founded to “explore whether an arts-based approach could help reduce the numbers of women returning to jail”. The goal is to raise awareness about the impact incarceration and HIV has on women and liberate incarcerated women and women with HIV from guilt, depression and self-loathing through writing, sharing and performing their stories. Rhodessa Jones believes that “Art Saves Lives”.

In our opinion, Ms. Jones’ captivating life story is so intriguing because it is a blueprint for us all. It is marked by occasionally surprising boldness, underscored by an enviable belief in herself and her dreams. and enlivened by her uncanny ability to turn the invisible into powerful life manifestations. Her reminisces are engaging, colorful and, most importantly, meaningful.

While one may not have made the same daring, and sometimes counter-cultural, life choices Ms. Rhodessa made. She. Chose. And she poured all her heart and energy into each of those choices. Her life is a reminder to us to CHOOSE and INVEST ourselves fully in those choices.

Sometimes you have to just sit back and let wisdom teach and lead. And as we sat around the proverbial tea table that’s what we did. We learned so much from this master storyteller and beautiful sage. So, we are incredibly honored to be able to share our conversation with you.

Ms. Rhodessa shares. And we listen– as one does when one is wise enough to recognize a legend is speaking—our impression, not hers. She is widely respected, and her knowledge and gifts remain in demand. This living legend is larger than life, yet loving, gracious and humble.

This is a “mining” conversation. There are so many gems to be extracted from Rhodessa Jones’ colorful reflections and thought-provoking musings. What we each collect for ourselves will, no doubt, be different. We guarantee you will not leave this conversation empty-handed.

Some of our personal takeaways and reminders are:

• Life is what you make it. Opportunities abound.
• Don’t be deterred by appearances, there is always a solution that is in alignment with your values.
• Don’t worry about what others think. It’s your life. Live it.
• Pivot when necessary.
• Your “yes” is powerful. Use it wisely.
• Find a way to contribute to the world that lights you up.
• Be open to unexpected twists on your path. They just might lead to magical new adventures and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
• Lead with openness and compassion.
• Live in joy…and find the humor in situations and life.
• Love, acceptance and sharing our stories changes lives…including our own.
• Art truly can save lives and help us find our magic.

We could go on…but Rhodessa Jones tells her own story better than we ever could.

In our self-mastery conversation, don Miguel Ruiz, Jr. shared that according to Toltec Wisdom we are all artists and our lives are our canvas. As we reflect on what we know about the Legend of Rhodessa Jones, it is clear that she used the most vibrant and bold colors to create a, yet unfinished, priceless masterpiece that only she could create. Even better, she continues to empower others to create their own.

Ms. Rhodessa’s “art” is an invitation to us all to discover and use all that we are to create our own unique life masterpieces. No excuses.

Here’s to Your Creation and Ours!

Enjoy the “Tea”,

Deb (& Nia)

p.s.  Fun Fact: She didn’t tell us this, but our research uncovered that in addition to the transforming impact she has had on so many over her lifetime, Rhodessa Jones also voiced Lulu, one of the characters in the Pixar film Soul. How cool is that? Love it! 💕