One is The Magic Number — my first solo trip.
Of course, I had to see what my “Reply’23’’ consisted of on Apple Music -- Jill Scott was my number one artist; I spent 2,478 minutes listening to Jill Scott. Her album Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds Vol. 1 was my number-one album; I’ve played that album alone 309 times. My top songs were Love Rain and Slowly Surely, my first and second most played songs.
I was in awe when I remembered that I traveled to NYC earlier this year to see my girl on her 23rd-anniversary tour of this album at King’s Threate in Brooklyn, NY.
My first attempt to see her was for AFROPUNK one year (2018/2019). I bought VIP tickets so I could do a meet & greet. However, the people I planned to go with never got their tickets. I planned to see her for a second time in Indiana, but a terrible snowstorm occurred, and the show was canceled and never rescheduled.
This was my third opportunity to see her, and I didn’t care who was & wasn’t coming with me.
Chicago wasn’t initially on the tour list, but I saw she performed in NYC two days in a row. As soon as the tickets went on Sale, I purchased my ticket for the Friday Brooklyn show.
My mind was set, and I was going.
Of course, I eventually shared my excitement with friends and family, but no one showed interest in joining me, and I was okay with that. I knew from the moment I purchased my ticket that this would be a solo trip. My mother eventually decided to come, but the most random thing happened: she had to have surgery on her appendix days before leaving and needed to recover.
It was meant for me to take this trip alone.
I was ready and motivated to finally do something I had always wanted in one of my favorite cities at the beginning of the year, during my first semester of returning to college.
It was divine.
I was doing things I genuinely wanted, which brought me joy.
I planned and saved accordingly.
I traveled without fear and by any means necessary -- I even took the bus & train at 5 AM to OHARE for my departing flight.
I had to be at the airport at 5 AM for a stand-by flight because I did manage to book the wrong flight….LOL. I was arriving on the day of the concert, so I needed to be there early, not after or close to 6 PM.
At this moment, I knew this trip was going to be special.
I got on an earlier flight & even checked in my room early.
I was determined to make the best out of everything.
I felt invincible. I knew I was doing the right thing for me, and there would be no regrets.
It was a pivotal moment for me.
What better soundtrack music to this moment in my life, and proper symbolism than the “Who is Jill Scott?, Words & Sounds Vol. 1”.
I was 27, going on 28. The same age as Jill began recording at 27, and it was released when she was 28. It was no coincidence that I connected so deeply with this album the way I did when I made it my business to LISTEN and fell in love with her artistry & pen. I knew I was listening to a wild, loving woman; I heard myself.
As a lover girl turned WOMAN, filled with fire & a tender heart. I felt so secure in my womanhood. I felt no shame for being the woman I am and had no regrets about how I carried my heart.
At that moment, I knew I would always be capable of giving love despite those inabilities to feel or receive me.
My confidence was gradually boosted, day by day.
I felt sexier, more mature, and more sure of myself, my passion, heart, and purpose.
I was in my body, fully.
My safety and enjoyment of the trip needed me to be highly present with myself. I was in a new territory, alone.
I walked the streets of Harlem, ate soul food twice, and had drinks at a bar alone (that had great music & vibes).
I visited two museums, the Jazz Museum and the Hip-Hop Museum.
I soaked up every moment. I even walked to a bodega near my hotel for snacks one night.
I danced in my hotel room and did my makeup to my favorite raunchy playlist, even my Hip-Hop is gospel playlist.
I can genuinely say that I had a great time.
I felt whole.
In a spiritual sense, I broke the mold.
I became new.
