We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tracy Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tracy below.
Tracy, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
“Awesome question! To fully address your question, I must first express my sincere gratitude for another opportunity to be interviewed for your prestigious publication. Participating in your discussions allows me to share my adventures and experiences with your adventurous readers, and I am thrilled to be considered for inclusion once again. I am truly grateful.
A significant part of the time since my Voyage interview has been spent reflecting. Each reflection feels like a small adventure into the depths of my thoughts, uncovering new insights and experiences along the way. Embarking on this journey of self-discovery has been exhilarating and eye-opening, propelling me forward with a renewed sense of curiosity about me and empathy.
My passionate exploration of the depths of my own empathy ignited a fierce passion within me. This passion led me to pour my heart and soul into the creation of a book that delves into humanity’s essence. As I near the final pages of this thrilling adventure, I am filled with a sense of exhilaration, knowing that I am close to sharing my discoveries with the world. This book is not just a testament to my empathy, but a daring exploration of the human experience that will take readers on a wild and captivating journey.
To answer this query, I needed to reflect on my origins. Here is how my book answers your first question from the onset:
In my symphony of childhood, music played a central role as I immersed myself in the church choir. Each note resonated with the joy and anticipation that filled my heart, particularly during holidays like Christmas. The festive season brought a special tradition — spreading joy through Christmas carols in snow-covered neighborhoods, creating a magical atmosphere that became etched in my memories.
Bundled up against the winter chill, I joined the choir in weaving melodies through the snow-covered streets. There was something enchanting about those moments, where the pure joy of the season radiated through our harmonies. Despite the child within me, spreading joy to others felt like a deeply fulfilling mission.
Among our holiday traditions, one that stood out was visiting the town nursing home during our caroling sessions. The elders residing there became recipients of our musical gifts, and the impact was palpable. The nursing home’s atmosphere transformed as our voices echoed through the halls. Our heartfelt melodies dedicated to the Lord offered solace and fulfillment to often-overlooked elders.”
These experiences not only enriched my childhood but also planted the seeds of empathy and compassion. The joy I witnessed on the faces of the elders during those caroling sessions left an indelible mark. This fostered a lifelong connection with the older generation. The simple act of sharing music became a bridge between generations, emphasizing the power of harmony in bringing joy to others.
As the chapters of my life turned, a pivotal moment unfolded around the age of twelve when my parents granted me permission to embark on an unexpected journey into the world of volunteering. Little did I know that this decision would shape my understanding of compassion and kindness in profound ways.
The nursing home, a place often overlooked by the bustling world outside, became the canvas for my unintentional foray into volunteering. Two distinct wings defined the landscape—one for the well-to-do and another for the poor. Intriguingly, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the neglected side, where the residents seemed to exist in the shadows of the more privileged.
My choice to explore the overlooked wing stemmed from a desire to offer companionship to those who appeared to have been left there, forgotten by society. These individuals, despite lacking financial means, regular visitors, or anyone to care for them, opened their hearts to my presence. In the simplicity of shared moments, I discovered the profound impact genuine companionship could have on those yearning for connection.
Volunteering in an environment marked by economic disparity and neglect had its challenges. The stark divide between the two wings of the nursing home highlighted society’s inequalities. However, my commitment to providing solace and companionship remained unwavering, fueled by the belief that I was born with empathy and sent here as one of God’s ambassadors for love and kindness. Even if I was too young to understand the term then, I completely understand now the purpose of my empathy. It is also why I believe everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to feel seen, heard and valued.
The unintentional journey into volunteering at the nursing home marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service. The neglected side of the facility became a sanctuary where genuine connections were forged, transcending the boundaries of financial status. This chapter of my life laid the groundwork for a broader understanding and development of empathy. It also laid the groundwork for the transformative power of simple acts of kindness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am genuinely passionate about a wide array of creative pursuits, and I’m thrilled to share them with you. Foremost, the book that took me ten whole years to accomplish. In retrospect, the journey I took was essential in preparing myself for this monumental task. It was not easy, sharing the raw truth was not something I looked forward to. Yet, once I found the courage to let go of my fears of judgement and ridicule, enabling me to bare my soul, my journey to healing and self-love began. It was divine order that I needed to first reach a place of understanding and self-acceptance that could only come through reconciling traumas and healing. Without the process of healing, the book would have no value. The span of my journey was lengthy, spanning a decade, but here I am, finally.
The book is a culmination of my journey towards finding my true self and embracing my passions. It explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and creativity’s power to heal and inspire. I am hopeful that through this book, readers will feel empowered to embrace their unique journeys and find the courage to express themselves authentically. Although a release date is yet to be confirmed, I assure readers that updates will be posted on my online platforms regularly. I believe that, in many ways, our journeys are quite similar. I want you, the VOYAGE readers, to be the first to hear of the latest developments.
Beyond writing, I find great joy in expressing stories through photography. As a visual storyteller, I aim to capture emotions and moments that leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s the beauty of nature, the vibrancy of a city, or the raw emotions of a person, I strive to capture the essence of the subject and share it with the world. Photography is my passion, and through my images, I aim to evoke emotions and spark meaningful connections with my viewers. I am also currently rebranding my beloved magazine, Haute Pink Mustard Seed. Haute Pink Mustard Seed Magazine is undergoing a transformation, and I am grateful to be working with a team of passionate individuals to bring a fresh and improved experience to our readers. Follow us on our website for updates! (www.HautePinkMustardSeedMagazine.com)But my creativity doesn’t stop there…
My love for fashion extends beyond just personal interest – through my resale business, I am able to give back to society while sharing my passion with others. Through my resale business, I am able to provide affordable, stylish clothing to others while also donating a portion of my sales to organizations that support causes I am passionate about. This allows me to use my love for fashion as a means of giving back and making a positive impact in the world.
I am also developing an exciting new podcast, aptly named “Talk Yo Shyyyttt,” and before you recoil at the title, allow me to elaborate. Talk Yo Shyyyttt will be a platform where people like us are allowed to self-express freely and receive flowers and acknowledgment for their self-improvement, accomplishments and accolades. “Talking shit” involves standing up for what you believe in, effecting positive change, or fearlessly pursuing long-forgotten dreams – all are celebrated on this fresh, innovative platform. Putting it metaphorically, talking your shit involves popping it.
In sum, my unwavering passion for creativity and self-expression has guided me on an incredible journey of self-discovery. I firmly believe that when we embrace our passions and share them with the world, we not only inspire others but also find true fulfillment and happiness within ourselves. I am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities that have allowed me to embrace my creativity and I am excited to continue sharing it with others.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I’ve traveled through my journey, I’ve learned the following:
1. Before I could effectively help fix others’ crooked crowns, I first needed to master the art of fixing my own. If I was going to do it and be effective at it, self-compassion was a prerequisite and self-love had to become my compass. Healing is not a walk in the park; it’s often messy and uncomfortable.
Healing often involves facing our raw emotions and pain head-on. We may have to face uncomfortable memories or feelings we’d rather forget. We may have to confront our own flaws and weaknesses, go back to the past and come to terms with our mistakes. It’s akin to walking down a long, dark, lonely, hollow corridor in all of our vulnerabilities. We may have to expose some things about our past that we planned to take to the grave.
Even when we typically rely on ourselves, we might find ourselves asking for help. We may have to let go of our pride and admit that we need help. This right here is hard for a lot of people, including myself, but there is no way around it. It requires immense faith, trust, and fortitude to enter a healing process that will hurt like hell. But I can promise you that it’s worth it. If you’re an empath like me, it gets easier with time. Now, as a conduit of healing and self-love, my ability facilitates helping others fix their crooked crowns. This reflects my identity as a person deeply.
2. Empathy, though a precious gift, comes with its own set of challenges. Unchecked empathy can morph into people-pleasing tendencies. I too, fell victim to this trap, often using it as a form of self-protection. Due to my sensitivity to disapproval, judgment, and criticism, I instinctively catered to others’ desires, using it as a shield against the hurt of disappointment.
For many empaths, the genesis of people-pleasing tendencies lies in this dance between sensing others’ emotions and safeguarding oneself from their potential negativity. The thin line between authentic empathy and people-pleasing can complicate matters. What might appear as selfless service can subtly transform into a cycle of over-giving, overachieving, and over-analyzing—a bumpy road that mimics the path of true service. It was another profound and impactful piece of wisdom I learned along the way.
3. I’m the reliable one at the picnic or party, always prepared with everything: the food, drinks, cups, ice, and anything else you might need. I’ve always been a generous person, at times, giving excessively. I believe in the law of reciprocity although I don’t intentionally set out to give just to get. It matters to me that my contributions are recognized. This can be done simply with a thank you. It’s fine to offer help, but learning to maintain my authenticity without compromise and to avoid being exploited are other valuable lessons I’m continually learning on this life journey.
As a kindred traveler on this boundless path of life, allow me to share some useful advice:
Life, with its endless twists and turns, may occasionally lead us astray, but it’s crucial to find ourselves again. Explore your feelings but manage your emotions. To whom much is given, much is required. Don’t be afraid to heal because on the other side of all the pinned up pain is freedom. Know that empathy is indeed a divine gift, however, learn to wield it appropriately as it aligns closely with your purpose. From the smallest atom to the vast universe of stars, everything is a manifestation of energy. As living beings, we too are energy, constantly vibrating a specific frequency. The quality of our thoughts, feelings, and words influences our frequency and consequently shapes our reality. My aim is to be so self-aware that I create my reality by aligning my thoughts, feelings, and words with the frequency I want to operate within. However, occasionally, this alignment may call for subtle shifts in relationships we assumed would endure forever. That’s alright too. Take time to refill your own cup when feeling drained, respecting personal boundaries, valuing your self-worth, smiling, extending kindness, and fostering your energy. Boundaries have now become the guardians of my inner world’s sanctity. Establish personal boundaries with others and with yourself. Recognize your self-worth, smile brightly, and radiate kindness. Surround yourself with things that foster your energy and flourish.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
It has been a pleasure to meet numerous people along my meandering journey through life. Some I met for specific reasons, some were there only for a season and a few have become forever apart of my inner circle. One such individual is Corey.
In terms of mentors and people whose care and support of me has been invaluable. Corey was one of the first individuals I met when I first moved to Atlanta over twenty years ago, and his friendship has never wavered. Corey has significantly contributed to my growth, providing essential skills and guidance needed to overcome challenges and build success. When he discovered new insights that could benefit my professional advancement, he shared them. When my decisions resulted in failure, he taught me to view these as learning opportunities. When he discovered new truths to help someone overcome and evolve, Corey shared it so I could grow too.
Our paths are similar in that we both seek truth, striving to dismantle oppressive systems within society. Few individuals in this world freely share knowledge and resources without expecting anything in return. However, Corey has consistently been an exception to this. Beneath the surface of his mentorship role, Corey embodies the true essence of a friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.photographyboutique.wixsite.com/TracyShoots
- Instagram: @theartoffreshbytracy
- Facebook: Tracy Photojournalist Johnson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-johnson-0321142b/
- Other: www.hautepinkmustardseedmagazine.com. Please also visit my Poshmark Closet @TheArtofFresh for latest and greatest vintage mod style statement pieces
Image Credits
Tracy Photojournalist Johnson
