And So It Begins... Piloting My Joyous Justice Blog

Reposted from previous website. Originally posted on 2/13/2019.

I'm dipping my toe into the world of blogging. Wish me luck. I hope many blessings and much insight and learning comes from this, both for my readers and for me too. There is so much I want to say and share that it is hard to even know where to begin. Well, first, I suppose I should start by introducing myself...

Credit: Temple Beth Am, Seattle

I'm April N. Baskin. I have my front-facing professional life articulated pretty clearly on this website, as well as in various lovely places throughout the internet, like the Union for Reform Judaism, Ha'aretz, InterfaithFamily, the Jewish Multiracial Network, etc. I've put a tremendous amount of love, passion, and energy in building a career that is ethical, authentic, and can be of the highest service to as many people and sentient beings on this planet as possible. I decided long ago, around age 10, that nothing mattered more to me than making this world a better place, especially for people who are marginalized or forgotten. Not possessions, not fame, not comfort. Once you learn more about my early childhood, I think my fierce passion for justice and Tikkun Olam (healing the world), will make a lot more sense.

Then there's my personal and inner world. My history, my childhood, my lifestyle, my dreams, and spirituality. As robust as my professional portfolio is, my inner life is just as, if not far more, expansive. I'm both interested in sharing my lessons learned with others for whom it would be helpful, as well as connecting with kindred spirits along this journey who are exploring similar questions and ideas, and who are also diving in the deep end of life experiences with the hope of achieving great feats in service of the collective good.

Joyous Justice encapsulates these two broad areas of my life. Joyous comes first, not only because the phrase and name make sense that way, but also because that is my guiding intention and fuel. Joy, stemming from well-being and harmony, the vibration from which I want to do my justice work and experience my life in general. Our world is incredible, and it's a miracle I'm even here as a descendant of Jews, enslaved Africans, and Native Americans, all of whom have been targeted for destruction. Because of my ancestors and Divine intelligence, I am here, and that is a blessing I want to never lose sight of. In fact, I've gotten into the habit of intentionally celebrating and appreciating this blessing every day.

So joyous I will be! I'm here to dance, savor each moment, exchange love with beloved souls, and share my talent and passion with as many as possible. This is a relatively new concept for me, but after years of cultivating this mindset and outlook, it is here to stay folks. I used to have a much more self-sacrificial life and leadership model. But I've learned a tremendous amount in the past 5 years, and I'm so excited and open to sharing what I've learned with the world if y'all are interested in hearing. More to come, but I'm living the life of my dreams, and I want others to be able to do the same.

I could be premeditated about this, but I'm going to trust my inner wisdom as a strategic compass and follow my intuition and best thinking as it comes. I believe when my ideas emanate from that part of my being, they are divinely-inspired. I'm ready to witness and listen along with each of you as we see what my Higher Self calls me to share. May it be a source of goodness, clarity, humor, and love.

I'm excited! Please feel free to comment and share any thoughts, ideas or questions you have. Did my words spark any memories or feelings for you? What would you like to hear more about? So happy to try on being in greater dialogue with you!

Laila tov/good night.

(I want to say a BIG "THANK YOU!" to the handful of people who have been super encouraging about me sharing more of my insights and experience with the world. I see you and appreciate you!)