Thanksgiving is right around the corner. That means we only have one month left in 2022. There are so many things to be grateful for. I know 2022 has been tough. A year of holding on for so many of us. That’s why it’s even more important to be grateful. It’s one of the secrets to being happy. If life has been so tough that you can’t think of something to be grateful for, here’s what I need you to do.  

Stand up. Take one step forward. Then, take another step forward. And another. Now, turn around. Guess what! You are not at the same place where you started. Take a moment and be grateful for the steps that you have taken. Here’s a message from me to you:

I always operate from a place of gratitude. So I am grateful for having you on this journey with me. I am also grateful for the things that I’ve done. Some of which I’m excited to share with you for this Kwanza Jones Chronicles:

• As an indie artist, I make a conscious choice to use my voice and speak my truth without constraints. It’s a truth that resonates with many. All too often marginalized people and communities lack power, resources, and privilege; that is why I speak. From restrictions on women’s bodies, like the rollback of abortion and reproductive rights, to the shattering of lives by gun violence and mass shootings, to the war in Ukraine and other ongoing conflicts around the world, the stories are numerous and heartbreaking. I’ve seen enough apathy and inaction. I say enough is enough. We must use our voice. We must RISE. That is why I wrote these songs. For you. For me. For us.

Listen to “Rise” || “Enough.”

• Money is a powerful tool, but it’s not everything. When I invest, it’s not always about the numbers and returns, it’s also about the impact. That’s why I invest in firms like Act One Ventures, a community focused, early stage venture capital firm that invests in founders of all backgrounds. They understand the value and importance of diversity with over 70% of their portfolio companies led by women founders and those from under-represented groups such as LGBTQ+ and people of color. This month, I celebrate Act One Ventures. I celebrate diversity, equity, and culture.
  
• 2022 has been a year of holding on. More now than ever, we need to hold on to the power of possibility. A few months ago, I announced the release of the track “More Now Than Ever.” Today, I’m beyond excited to let you know that the music video is now available. It features a cast that represents the strength of diversity and unity. It is my hope that this video will inspire you to make a difference. Watch the “More Now Than Ever” music video on YouTube.
• This season reminds me of an event I hosted back in 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing. It was titled “It’s Ok Not To Be Ok” and we had Omar Brownson as our guest speaker. We discussed how gratitude can get our minds SUPERCHARGED®and improve our lives. It was a powerful event.

If you’re reading this right now, you have at least one thing to be grateful for—eyes that can see! Make it a daily habit to affirm the person you see in the mirror. If you find it to be challenging, just think about what advice you’d give to a friend. Now, give that same advice to yourself! #BeGratefulForYou

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Who loves you? I do. 

Bye for now,

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Upcoming: Can you believe it’s almost the end of 2022? So much has happened this year and there are lessons to be learned when we look back at what we’ve done and how far we’ve come. I can’t wait to share with you some of the things that made my 2022 a success.