What Consistency Taught Me

body positivity
I watched March Madness for the first time two years ago 🏀

For context, I grew up in an NBA-loving household. Game days were family time. We would gather around that old 1990s tv set (I'm pretty sure this is the exact model we had) to cheer and laugh and cry. I learned to love sports by watching them with my family. 

Yet, I never really got into college sports until recently. In 2022, after the NFL season ended, DeMico and I were looking for some sports entertainment to fill our Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays in the absence of football. He asked me, "Do you want to watch March Madness?"

I loved it! I was so impressed with the discipline, courage, and work ethic of these young athletes. To have one of the biggest moments in your college career play out in real time in front of millions of people is not for the faint-hearted. I left that season (proud and cheering for South Carolina!) hooked and ready for the next one.

Since March Madness 2022, I've cultivated a discipline practice of my own. That summer, I got sick with COVID for the third time in three years (sigh) and I knew I needed to make a change. I met with my doctor to make a plan for building my immune system, and part of that plan was to move my body more consistently. To expand my lungs and grow its strength back post-COVID to support me in fending off illness. I'm not gonna lie to yall - I was nervous. Sure, I worked out. But he was talking about daily workouts, especially cardio. Could I do that? Did I have the discipline? Could I have that discipline consistently?

It's been almost two years since then, and I'm proud to say that the answer is yes! I consistently meet my cardio goals weekly, monthly, and annually. The goal has not been to change my body, but to increase my body's capacity. My body has grown - physically and mentally - because of this discipline. I am more present with myself. I can move with more ease. I can trust my body and my body can trust me. 

"Discipline taught me that I can do hard things and consistency taught me I can do those things long-term."

It has not always been easy. Just like South Carolina after that winning 2022 season, I have had some setbacks and some major comebacks (come on undefeated 2024 champs!!!). Today, I'm proud to say that discipline and consistency have been a worthwhile investment.

Yall know I no longer believe in before and after pictures. I have none. Instead, I just have my current joy, shared in a photo from vacation recently below. Wherever you might need some consistency in your life, I hope you find it. Slow and steady, friends. You're worth it and I believe in you.

Unapologetically,
Pam


It's Time We Celebrate Ourselves

self love

Today, I am celebrating one whole year of No Unpaid Passengers being out in the world! 🎉
 


When DeMico came home with this (huge) surprise canvas, I felt mixed emotions - joy, happiness, overwhelm, and...imposter syndrome.
 


I worked really hard for this book. The writing of these poems over two years (and the way some of them like "How to Build a House" vulnerably cracked me wide open). The editing process, the cover design, the press & interviews, the BOOK TOUR...and yet, when I looked at the magnitude of this beautiful canvas...I felt like I didn't deserve it.

"Why is the cover so big?!" I nervously asked DeMico.

He cocked his head and looked at me curiously. He paused a beat before simply replying, "Because this was a big accomplishment and you deserve to be celebrated."

*cue the waterfall of tears*

I don't know about you, but my brain is hardwired to minimize good news. It's as if my brain believes that if I pat myself on the back too hard, I'll break. Which often translates to not patting myself on the back at all. Not celebrating the milestones. Just keep moving forward to the next thing. Complicating all of this is the fact that I'm an internal processor - it takes time & deep reflection for me to really grasp when I've accomplished a thing. With life moving at a nonstop pace, it can be difficult to sit down & take the time I need to really understand a moment.

DeMico was right though. I deserve to be celebrated! No Unpaid Passengers is not just a title - it's a mantra. A commitment to shedding the people, places, & things that don't have good intentions for me. This includes imposter syndrome! In fact, imposter syndrome (or Nancy, as my bestie L'Oreal calls it in her new book Stop Waiting for Perfect - out now!!!) is, in and of itself, an unpaid passenger. It clings to me and whispers - "It's not that big of a deal, calm down, no one likes a showboat." BYE NANCY! This is a BFD, and I'm going to love on myself today.

Friends, how often have you achieved something HUGE (buying that house, getting that degree, starting a new job, writing a BOOK) and then downplayed your success? What "unpaid passengers" are you still carrying that prevents you from acknowledging the fruit of your labor?

If you've accomplished something recently, big or small, and you haven't celebrated yourself - here's your reminder to do so. You deserve it. You're worth it. Pop those bottles, dance in your living room, and feel free to send me a pic or drop me a line so I can celebrate with you. We earned this party 🎉


Unapologetically,
Pam

Pam R. Johnson Davis Releases Soulful New Single ‘Good Days’

music

 by Danny Jeffers, crossposted from The Industry Times


Rare is the artist who seamlessly blends genres while maintaining a unique voice in today’s music landscape. Enter Pam R. Johnson Davis, professionally known as “Unapologetically Pam,” who’s been making waves with her recently released single, “Good Days.”

This Arkansas native’s journey into music began early – at just eight years old. Growing up in a household where music was as essential as breathing, Johnson Davis credits her gospel-singing father for honing her pitch and harmonies, while her mother instilled the art of commanding a stage. These childhood lessons laid the groundwork for a career that would later earn her three Global Music Awards.

But don’t try to pin Johnson Davis down to a single genre. Her sound is a melting pot of R&B, Soul, Pop, Jazz, Indie, Funk, and even a dash of Country. When asked about her musical style, she pauses thoughtfully before responding, “To me, music is connection. It’s like… imagine having a heart-to-heart with a close friend, but through melody and rhythm. My music aims to be that friend – intimate, dreamy, and hopefully carrying a message that resonates.”

Her newest offering, “Good Days,” hit streaming platforms on September 1st, 2024. Clocking in at 3 minutes and 44 seconds, the track has quickly gained traction among listeners. “It’s that hopeful, longing vibe you need as we transition into fall,” Johnson Davis explains with a smile in her voice. The song’s lyrics reflect themes of perseverance and optimism, with lines like “Good days are ahead for you and me / I just need to believe” forming the chorus. The track’s production blends elements of R&B and soul, featuring Davis’s signature tender yet powerful vocals layered over a melody that alternates between introspective verses and an uplifting chorus. The repeated refrain of “good days” throughout the song serves as both a mantra and a promise, encapsulating the artist’s message of hope and resilience.


Diving into her inspirations is like opening a treasure chest of musical gems. She speaks fondly of her early influences – her father, brother Perry O’Neal, and husband Mico Davis. But her admiration extends to contemporary artists too. “I find myself in awe of voices like Ari Lennox and Jazmine Sullivan,” she admits. “And don’t even get me started on Sam Smith’s vocals or Jessie Reyez’s songwriting. Pure magic.”

But Johnson Davis isn’t just about the music. She’s also a poet with a TEDx Talk under her belt, titled “Where do you find your poetry?” It’s clear that for her, poetry isn’t confined to words on a page – it’s in the music, the art, and even in the mundane moments of everyday life.

With “Good Days” now out in the world, Johnson Davis remains grounded yet excited about its reception. “I’m always writing, always listening, always recording,” she shares, hinting at future projects to come.

For fans eager to keep up with Pam R. Johnson Davis, her official website is the go-to hub for all things Pam. She’s also quite active on social media – you can catch glimpses of her life and work on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

In an industry that often tries to put artists in boxes, Pam R. Johnson Davis stands out as a testament to the power of authenticity and genre-bending creativity. Her latest single, “Good Days,” isn’t just a song – it’s an invitation. An invitation to hope, to persevere, and to believe in better days ahead. As the melody of “Good Days” continues to resonate with listeners, one thing becomes clear: Pam R. Johnson Davis isn’t just making music; she’s crafting experiences that connect with the human spirit.
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