Red Table Talk

Jada Pinkett-Smith has this new series called Red Table Talk which airs on Facebook. The show is appropriately titled as it features herself, Adrienne Banfield-Jones (her mom) and Willow Smith (her daughter) just having real conversations around a red table. I have watched all of the broadcasted shows thus far, including the live episodes. It’s been very… edifying for me. I can say that I have been touched personally in one way or another by each of the episodes which are less than 20 minutes each. I have always thought that conversations amongst women when gossip, ill will, judgement, pessimism and comparison  (among so many other catty characteristics that often come along with a bunch of women get together) are left outside the door and instead replaced with an open heart and mind, transparency, empathy and a desire to understand, can be quite powerful and magical even. ***I’m pretty sure that was a run-on sentence, but who’s grading? lol***

The great thing about the conversations had at the red table, is that they are had between 3 different generations. Each generation offering a different point of view. A different struggle or personal experience. There is a richness in this; an invitation to its viewers (at least this viewer) to carry those same subject matters beyond the conclusion of the shows. I know I have called my best friends or texted just to discuss some of the thoughts I was left with after watching. I’ve also found myself with eyes that were more moist than usual. lol

ANYWAY… lol I have to stop myself, because I will go on this long spill and lose the point of this entire entry. Focus Ebony, focus.

Last night I watched the second show, “Surviving Loss” and I can’t quite put into words what this episode did for me, but it was very… Shit, it was good. When the show went off I just sat there and I reflected for a moment…or two. I sent it to my best friend so that we could have a conversation about it. We later spoke and shared what our personal takeaways were. I will share a few of mine.

1. Ebony (That’s me!) has always been a caregiver, a protector and a good friend… to others. I have not been those same things to myself. It’s time that I care for myself and protect myself JUST AS (if not more) I do for others. It’s time that I be a better friend to myself.
2. Waking up and realizing that you have lost yourself is a blessing, because it comes with a call for action.
3. Unhappiness is not a life sentence. It is a realization. One that you MUST act on. Unless of course, this is a state you enjoy.
4. Self examination requires honesty and though the truth may be painful, it is a necessary component of growth.
5. Some things are completely outside of my control and I have to learn to not only accept this, but respect it as well.

When I started this blog, I started it with a desire to be transparent as I understand the healing power of truth. As I continue to have these very truthful conversations with myself, I am certain that I will be able to deliver as intended.

 

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