THE POWER OF DECLARATION
It’s been a couple of days since I sat down to have an intimate talk with Patrick L. Riley, for the book signing of That What’s Friends Are For: On the Women Who Inspired Me. Patrick is an endearing, loving, fun, energetic and gracious man. Everyone in attendance was there to celebrate Patrick and before we commenced our talk he acknowledges them for all the ways in which they’ve supported him. It was touching!
I’ll take Patrick’s lead…Thank you Patrick for saying yes to having me sit down with you, it was an awe-inspiring moment. To my dear Mr. Curtis Dennis for arranging it, and to my baby girl, Destiny for supporting and streaming live.
If you haven’t seen the interview, it’s worth the watch and can be found on my Facebook page @KeishaOrr
About Patrick
Born in Tokyo and reared all over the world, Patrick L. Riley is a global citizen who calls Savannah Georgia his family home. Patrick -- a Morehouse man who oozes Southern charm -- has had a stellar and storied career as a journalist, producer, stage and television personality, actor, speaker, and writer.
Think of any of today's icons of entertainment, politics and education; and it's very likely that Patrick has interviewed them. Think of some of today's premium brands; and chances are Patrick has represented them in some way. He has been honored by numerous civic, professional, and philanthropic organizations, including various chapters of the National Association of Black Journalists, and Momentum Education.
And now Patrick has shared his extraordinary life in a memoir called "That's What Friends Are For: On the Women Who Inspired Me." We we're there to celebrate Patrick, his book and the special connection that he has with us all through his love of humanity.
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I’ll say upfront that the book is a page-turner and I’d describe it as part memoir and part history, as Patrick beautifully chronicles his life in relationship to so many icon black women across all industries and the impact that have had on him since childhood.
Patrick’s connections to these women isn’t just about their music, acting, or literary work it was also how they could reinvent themselves, through several entrepreneurial endeavors, how they took care to nurture themselves and their craft, create a loyal fan base and above all their generous spirits and love for humanity. They were friends to him in his head and heart before they actually became friends in real life.
I can’t say enough about the book; it is inspiring and shows these women in their entire splendor. Please get the book at dorpiebooks.com. You are sure to travel down memory lane picking up so many gems along the way.
During our extensive interview where you can watch in full on facebook at @KeishaOrr one of the main takeaways that I’d like to share with you all, is the Power of Declaration. I surprised Patrick by reading an excerpt of an email he sent to me in 2005 when his then partner Kodjoe passed away suddenly. I referenced the part of the email just as an example to what can be created post lost when you remain open to love.
This excerpt was Patrick response to me asking him how he was doing and at the end he says, “So, of course, I have no clue when love will find me again, BUT I WILL CONTINUE TO BE LOVE... while spring slowly but surely sets in. And I will continue to BE AUTHENTIC and VULNERABLE --- having people around for sharing, laughter, and the inevitable crying that rears its head at any given moment! I'll just stay OPEN for LIFE's next round of MIRACLES... (I think you know what I'm talking about...).”
Less than a year after Kodjoe’s passing Patrick found love again with his current partner Ant of thirteen years.
An earlier example of Patrick’s declaration was when he was 17 years old and a journalist at graduation asked, “where do you think you’ll be in 10 years?” He said, “I’ll be interviewing Diana Ross and working with Oprah because eventually, I’ll be the next black male Oprah Winfrey.” Patrick would eventually go on to interview Diana Ross and became a freelance senior field producer for the Oprah Winfrey Show.
I encourage you to make a powerful declaration today. What will it be? And by when will you achieve it?
Here’s a short list of what I believe is needed to support you making you in making your next declaration(s) a reality:
1. Let Go: of any story or belief that you may have as to why it is that you don’t have what is that you want. I’m here to let you know that it’s blocking your blessings, as your energy is on what’s not instead of what is or will be. You can start today, simply because you said so.
2. Write It Down: create categories for your declaration; in love, finances, health, and career. Be sure that it’s clear and affirming and includes a date as to when you want to see it come to fruition.
3. Speak It: share it with people, be vulnerable. if there’s a request to be made or support to be asked…ASK!
4. Get an Accountability Partner: they should know what you’re up to and will hold your feet to the fire.
5. Get A Mentor: in the field you’re pursuing, become affiliated with a professional organization, be sure to connect with people that can learn and grow from.
6. Take Actions: let the actions be in alignment with your goals.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”
Just.Bloom,
Keisha "Kiki" Orr
In all matters give thanks.
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