“Rise Above” is a song about having the courage to find your voice in a world that often tries to dictate who or what we should be. It can feel as though there are so many messages that make us feel small and so many voices that tell us to be different than who we really are - whether it’s pressure from peers or family to be a certain way, or from the larger societal stereotypes that put us in boxes, It can be easy to forget that each of us is a beautiful spark of humanity with our own gifts to share and our own power for change when we stand in our full presence.
My vision for the Rise Above video was to highlight the story of the song with simple messages of inspiration and affirmation. The film crew and I spent the day on the beach in Southern California asking people to hold signs with these messages. As I talked to the people who volunteered, I listened to their stories of overcoming fear, illness, injury, and violence. I heard stories of hope and joy and love and awe. The signs they held may have only had a few words on them, but each spoke volumes. Take time to soak in some of the messages:
You are strong.
You are perfect just the way you are.
Your voice matters to me.
Anything is possible.
You are worthy of love.
These are the messages that I want my children to grow up feeling and believing in their hearts and souls. These are the messages we can share with one another every day, through our words and actions. As I learn to change the narrative in my heart and mind, I heal those love cracks that made me feel “less than” and begin to feel the fullness of my whole self. I can look myself in the eye and say “I love you.” And mean it. And that translates into every relationship I have, no matter how big or small.
Xoxo,
Jennifer
P.S. – Rise Above is the 2018 self love song of the year for the Path of Self Love School. Learn more at pathofselflove.org.