The 411: 002

Out of Many, One People

I was afraid that when I locked eyes with my girlhood MCing hero, Alesha Dixon at baggage claim upon arrival in Kingston, my time in Jamaica might have hit a peak before it even began.

Thankfully, this was just a sign of things to come as I spent the next two weeks soaking up the raw beauty of the island and the easy nature of its people, who had jokes and curiosity in abundance. Every night I was exhausted, having maintained a level of presence that somehow feels unattainable in daily life. I was desperately trying to retain as many of the feelings, sounds, tastes and smells as possible, willing them to sink into my very being rather than pass me by.

I have a Note in my phone detailing obscure observations (Jamaicans love a rake) and ridiculous interactions (being proposed to by Winston -allegedly the maker of the best jerk pork in Jamaica - at Winnifred Beach), which in time may make no sense, but for now are all etched so clearly into my mind.

Without doubt, I was looking for ways to relate to the island and the people, who make up half of me. I didn’t have to look far, in a quite inexplicable way, I fell right into the rhythm. The music, the food, the Clarks…the Crocs. While some Jamaicans suspected my Kingstonian lineage, the majority couldn’t accept that I was from anywhere else in England other than Birmingham!

I’m already planning the itinerary for my next trip, and don’t be surprised if that coincides with the launch of (what would surely be a very entertaining podcast) ‘Conversations with Jamaican Cab Drivers’ (yuh cyaan thief di idea but eff yuh haffi, yuh haffi gimme credit).

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The Artist’s Way

Julia Cameron’s timeless manual for creativity is as relevant now as it was when first published in 1992. Along with an accountability partner, I’ve been reading and living ‘The Artist’s Way’ for a year. For context, it’s a 12-week course to unlock your capacity for creativity - though I’ve thoroughly enjoyed slowing down the process and setting a pace that’s more suited to where I am right now.

When my friend first suggested that we embark on this creative endeavour together a year ago, I strongly considered saying ‘no’. I was half way through my coaching qualification, navigating a corporate restructure during the biggest sporting year of my career and trying to find the time to just ‘be’. Something told me that in spite of all this, the time was right to start the course and I’m so glad that we did.

We highlight what we deem the most poignant parts of each chapter, discuss where there’s crossover (if any) and share what specifically struck us about the prose. The sessions take hours at a time as we invariably go off on the wildest of tangents, such is our nature and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We know ourselves and one another so much more than a year ago and having the platform to probe the other along the way makes for a much richer (and sometimes more daunting) experience. We’re still only on Week 6(!), so expect an update on the progress in anywhere between three and six years time.

There are two fundamental elements of the course - I’m relatively consistent with Morning Pages (three pages of stream of consciousness journaling done daily), but next year I hope to be a bit more intentional with my Artist Dates (where you take yourself on a solo creativity-fuelling date once per week). I’ve spent time at exhibitions, drawing, playing football and going on photo walks, and I’m committing to creating a small football zine next year, inspired by Zine Freak (so you can hold me to that), but I’m always open to new ideas for dates so do send any suggestions my way.

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Curious Sundays

During the Pandemic, I devised the concept of ‘Curious Sundays’ whereby each Sunday, I’d text my dad a question as a way to stay connected and get to know him in new ways. We had a real life ‘Curious Sunday’ over the Christmas period, instigated by my dad, which was throughly appreciated. He cooked (jerk chicken and dumplings), we absent-mindedly watched a film (Jurassic Park) and took a brief interlude (at an amusement arcade), talking all the while and asking the questions that sprung to mind, or indeed those that had been lingering for longer.

Life moves quickly and not living in the same country as my family means that opportunities to connect like this are few and far between, but I’m happy that we’re able to take them when we can and create them when we must. It’s not always the easiest to be vulnerable with those closest to you (in proximity or by shared DNA) but this platform is something that’s given me a lot of insight and joy in understanding those close to me even just a little more.

Is there a question you’ve been putting off asking someone? Ask it next Sunday, or today. There’s no time like the present.

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Vision Board

For the past few years, I’ve worked on a Vision Board for the year ahead and have found it beneficial to have a visual aid as a reference for the things I want to work towards both personally and professionally. Where possible and relevant, I’ll use images of myself as a way to make it feel more real and more likely to become real. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the results of previous years so want to keep up the habit and continue to adapt based on my situation.

Last year I created a Reality Board, too, at both the 6-month and one-year mark, showcasing what I set out to do then mirroring that with what actually came to be. The reflection process can be humbling, heartwarming or a concoction of both, allowing you to more plainly see where your focus has been, and sometimes more glaringly, where it hasn’t.

Normally, I’ll work on my Vision Board in the time between Christmas and New Year, but for 2025 I’m taking a slightly different approach, allowing myself to disconnect fully and ease into January, aligning myself more closely to the seasons.

Winter is for wintering and when Spring comes, I’ll resurface with the solstice, having felt my way into the year, building new routines and instilling discipline with the hope that this gives me the clarity I’m looking for to create a fully focused vision for March and beyond.

One consistent element that features on every one of my Vision Boards is the word ‘Space’ - surrounded by white space, representing the unknown, the incredible things that may happen or come into my life that I couldn’t have possibly conjured in my own mind. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.

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Song of the Month

Summer feelings in the winter.

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I’m Jenny Simmons, Founder of MANON, a Mindset Coaching & Independent Consultancy focused on developing black and brown women working in the football industry. My aim is to positively impact client’s everyday lives, as well as their experiences in the workplace. Book a free discovery call with me to chat about how I could help you, your brand or your business.