Dec. 20, 2024

I’ve been reading Jay-Z’s Decoded, partly because I’ve been looking into his background with all the buzz around the Diddy scandal, but mostly because it’s a fascinating window into his mindset.

One part struck me deeply and made me think about us.

Jay-Z talks about how he’s comfortable in any situation—not because he’s trying to prove himself or challenge others, but because he’s rooted in his emotions.

He's at ease with how he feels, and he expresses that through words, music, and action—always with purpose and clear direction.

What stood out is how he describes the palette it takes to live this way.

It’s not just IQ or talent—it’s emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a creative depth that lets him show up authentically, no matter what.

That made me think about you, Meredith.

You’re so much like that.

You have this ability to navigate life with grace and authenticity, even when the world—or people around you—pulls you in different directions.

But here’s the thing, and this is where I think we can learn something from Jay-Z’s story: being true to yourself also means setting boundaries.

In the book, Jay-Z talks about his meeting with Oprah.

Everyone thought they’d be instant best friends—two giants connecting effortlessly—but the reality was more complex.

Their energies didn’t quite align, and instead of forcing it, Jay-Z embraced the truth of the moment.

It’s a powerful reminder that not every connection has to fit people’s expectations.

This reminds me of what we've discussed before—how certain friends and family approach you.

They see what you're going through, understand your life stage, and recognize the weight you're carrying.

Yet instead of showing respect, they seek escape—asking you to shut off your emotions and enable their avoidance.

Looking at it clearly, this is deeply disrespectful.

Meredith, your capacity for empathy is remarkable, but you shouldn't have to shoulder everyone else's burdens.