LIVE TO TELL-REMIX WORKSHOP

12:21 PM Posted by MS.NOVA

I had the opportunity to speak to some fantastical ladies who are involved with The Remix Project in Toronto. These ladies ranged in age from 15-23 it gave me the rare chance to remember what it was like (way back when) to be that age - life laid out in front of you, and you looking at it like , uh, am i supposed to DO something here? These are young women who advocated for themselves, applied to be in this 6 months arts program and really go after their dreams. Graphic Arts, Musical Arts, The Business of Art...these are Girls Who Get It in the making, and thats who I want to speak to. Because Remix has a reputation for being a safe, and creative community, I wanted to be a conduit for a space of acceptance.We talked about fears, boys, boys, accomplishments, challenges we've overcome and plans for the future and after that pow-wow, I conducted an hour long BUT I LOVE ME MORE workshop and touched on the following topics:

Steps to Love You More

Understanding the Difference between Temporary and Absolute Happiness

Changing Your Environment by Changing Your Mind.

(sound interesting? talk to me about speaking events - butilovememore@gmail.com)

While prepping for the workshop, I went for a long jog (ok, jog and walk) and asked myself; why should these girls be listening to me? When i began to think of these young women and what they may be facing, and reflecting on what dragons i left slayed on this journey, I've been through A LOT! I mean, things i forgot about, things my best friend, sister, husband and mamma don't even know! The details are for a book, but the lessons should be shared and getting the chance to do that affirmed two things for me:

one- that those moments of trauma and crisis were not in vain

and two- this is exactally what i should be doing for a living.

an eye opening and tear shedding afternoon. thanks again Remix ladies for sharing yourselves with me and giving me a chance to do the same. I received a stellar testimonial from the lovely and talented Amanda Parris who is the Program Coordinator at Remix and who also participated in the workshop.

Nova Browning Rutherford's ability to be welcoming, open, receptive and engaging enables her to rapidly get through many of the walls young women naturally put up and makes her perfect for this line of work. Her workshop at The Remix Project, helped us as staff recognize the need for a consistent and ongoing space that allows young women to share their stories and supports them through their journeys collectively. Her workshop touched on topics that often times rarely get voice and therefore provided a very important and critical space for these young women to identify their own issues and grow through them.

Thank you again!

Peace,
Amanda