We were lucky to catch up with Paula Champion recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Paula, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Amazing question! I’m a firm fan and advocate of self-care!
I struggled with depression for years.
A huge reason for my depression was co-dependency and caring for others more than myself.
There’s nothing wrong with caring for others, I believe in that too.
Yet, I’ve leaned that for me to be most effective, it’s important to step back and make the necessary adjustments.
People may or may not agree when someone makes a life change, but that’s why it’s called “self”-care.
I began to make a practice of stillness, prayer, reading, & meditating daily…
To forgive myself & others quickly.
To reach for things that bring me life.
To listen beyond speaking.
To drain the voodoo of past hurts & gaslighting.
To be generous with wisdom.
To take responsibility.
To not take on other people’s trauma.
To reinforce my boundaries (easier said than done).
To break up with co dependency.
To choose happiness, peace, and fulfillment.
To say no, graciously.
To Love.
To live in gratitude.
…& not to take myself too seriously.
“You” are the only common denominator in your story, so it’s always an awesome time to start self-care.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Re: my brand, “what you see is what you get”…lol… I genuinely try not to deviate too much from the other (personal vs. professional).
Re: Paula the Person: I love being a Mom!
My children are my inspiration!
They are featured on my debut EP, “ My World”.
Without them… who knows… ya know?
They keep me grounded, focused, laughing, in love, & motivated. They make me want to be better every day!
Re: Paula the Artist:
Ironically, right before Covid, we rebranded some.
So my music can be found on most streaming platforms under “Paula Champion”, “ (featuring) Paula”, or “__justpaula__” on IG. .It’s been fantastic to watch the boxes disappear..
Other than that, I’m an artist that is grateful to sing songs in several generous (jazz, house, r&b, soul, holiday, & gospel), and a lover of all things art, life, food, travel, giggles, spiritual, and natural.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are, faith, love, & discipline.
I would tell those who are early in their journey to develop thick skin and a resilience for whatever game they choose to play. If you opt in, know the rules of engagement.
The only way to develop or improve anything is by way of repetition. So keep at it. Maybe it’s The Divine’s will for you to strike. Maybe not. Either way, do it because you love it and let God, life, & time figure it out.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to give me faith, love, & culture. Something as simple as knowing which fork goes with which course can be a valuable asset in the right spaces.
They gave me the gift of appropriation and range to navigate anywhere. It’s an invaluable skillset that you begin to appreciate as you get older.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/__justpaula__
Image Credits
Tom Griscom – Reel People/ Vibe Single Cover-Art Antoine Duane Jones – The Medley Single Cover-Art Susan Raymond – All I Need Single Cover Art Sunday Best/BET – SB BET Images/ internet Tyus Photography – My World EP Cover-Art Spotify – This Is Paula
