How has Janet inspired me?
by Ari Boyajian
Janet inspires me in so many ways. It's kind of hard to pinpoint one specific way. I've grown up loving her from her appearances on Differ'nt Strokes, to Fame and re-runs of Good Times. Musically, I started loving her at Control. I used to take dance lessons in hopes of becoming a back up dancer for her someday (unfortunately I never followed through with that dream). I would come home from school each day and study all her dance routines. In grade school, two of my friends and I learned "If" and performed it at our school talent show.
While I was in my first year of college, I hit a very low point, and played her "Velvet Rope" album daily in hopes I'd get through some very tough times of self discovery and depression. Sure enough, I made it through to some happier times that her "All For You" album carried me through and beyond. Then, the unthinkable happened in my life. Almost exactly 6 months to the day of Janet's brother Michael passing away, my best friend who I considered my brother passed away in a tragic car accident. My life was absolutely turned upside down and I never thought I'd see happiness or be happy ever again in my life. It took me a while to see some light at the end of the tunnel, and the only thing that got me through was listening to Janet and seeing her in movies. It always brought some kind of peace and serenity to see her act, and to listen to her albums all over again.
She took a break from the music scene for 7+ years and finally came out with her "Unbreakable" album. I felt as if she had been living my life or close to after listening to the entire album. I still feel to this day that this album speaks about so many topics, on so many different levels of where we are as a nation, world and individually. There's so much more that needs to be done to get rid of hate and embrace each other and surround us with love. I hope that someday I get the opportunity to meet Janet so that I can thank her for all the good she has done not only for me, but for so many charities to help people better themselves, and add awareness to certain causes. She inspired me as a little kid, and continues to inspire me as an adult. I absolutely admire her in so many ways, that it is hard to put into words. I can truly say that Janet is the reason why I'm a firm believer in certain things, and why I continue to fight for what I believe in, and I continue to push myself to get an education and become a massage therapist.
Thank you Janet for enabling me to be me, and helping me become increasingly self aware to recognise my flaws, and still be able to love myself. You are my true inspiration! Thank you!