“Taking Up Space” is Lena Stone at Her Best

I rarely am in a situation where I turn on Spotify, and the very first song playing relates to my emotions that day. Most often, I usually have to hunt for the right tune to feature here on The Luncheonette. It either has to be relatable to me or a particular audience. A song that can do both is a hit, and I think pop artist Lena Stone has one with her brand new single “Taking Up Space”.

Without a doubt, female audiences will feel they relate more to“Taking Up Space”. That said, guys, measure each other up just as much as the ladies. Regardless of sex, we all think about our perceived shortcomings. For me, starting Southern Fellow felt like I put a magnifying glass on mine. Suddenly I was surrounded by extremely beautiful and talented people like Ms. Lena Stone. At times, it felt like my average looks and talents would end Southern Fellow before it even had a chance. Then, to add to the pressure, I stumbled with Lena. She was one of my first interviews, and I spelled her simple name wrong everywhere I could. It was an easy fix, but I am thankful Lena and her publicist Avery never showed up with a baseball bat at my house. Now I don’t have to add a limp to my shortcomings.

“Taking Up Space” hit me especially hard this morning. I was reflecting on my weekend and how hard it was. I had the opportunity to be one of the few journalists to cover Country Thunder here in Florida. This was my first time covering such a significant event and to rub elbows with other large media outlets. But, Lord, was there pressure. Everyone there had formal education in journalism and better gear. I was outgunned. On the very first day, I wanted to throw in the towel. I felt like I didn’t deserve to be there. Yet, Looking back on my short career, every time I thought that I was wrong. I wasn’t taking up space. My unique position allowed me to tell a different story than everyone else there.

I would like to say I resolved these negative emotions around myself in the blink of an eye like an “I Dream of Jeannie” episode, but it took three years, at least 100 interviews, and forcing myself to develop friendships with people who were outside my comfort zone. It’s still a work in progress. When I look at someone like Lena Stone now, I see a person like me and not someone on a pedestal just out of reach. I don’t feel like someone taking up space.

As much as I would like to believe Lena Stone is writing songs about me, the truth is we both have been going through a lot of transitions the past couple of years. When faced with change, we both cocoon up and do some soul searching. That way, when we come out, we can spread our wings and ride those winds of change. Unfortunately, that’s where the similarities stop. My transformation is more moth-like, while Lena will always be a monarch. All joking aside, Lena has had some major music and life changes recently. So many changes need reflection, and she has done just that and released her best music to date. “Taking Up Space’ is Lena Stone flying to new heights, and as her moth friend, I can’t wait to see high this monarch can fly.