Story & Lesson Highlights with Ricky Pannell Jr. of Greater Lansing Area

We recently had the chance to connect with Ricky Pannell Jr. and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricky, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m currently learning from my past choices and people I encounter on a daily basis. Good or bad, each decision I made up until this point has taught me valuable lessons that are baring fruit now and will continue to as well in the future. Whether it’s been something as quick as a hug or a full-length conversation, the depth in these interactions have also been impactful on my decision making. Being perpetually curious has created an insatiable urge to learn.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Wavie P. is the brand and it stands for Was A Valuable Influence Everywhere. I make music under this name and aim to make a positive impact with it. What makes Wavie P. unique is the style in which the music is expressed and it’s received by those that resonate with the messaging. My music is inspired by my life experiences and those close to me. I’m currently working on new singles and having them released on a monthly if not, bi-weekly basis. As of the writing, “Legends” is the most recent release on Youtube.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds can be broken by a multitude of things. Here’s a few I’ve come across: lack of trust, lack of respect, crossing boundaries, differing views, time, lack of communication, and allowing life to get in the way.

However, restoration is always possible when the following are at play: reestablished boundaries, increased and open communication, spending quality time with one another, efforts of rebuilding trust and respect and it being acknowledged, forgiveness and grace where/ when afforded, time, and growth within the party(ies) that need it during the time apart..

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Resilience. Suffering really shaped me, teaching me way more about sticking to my guns and being self-sufficient, when needed, than any win ever could. I’ve been able to place things into proper perspective when it comes to decision making and assessing priorities. Going through tough times made me see what I’m capable of and what I habits I need to break. so Now I face problems with more resolve and can adapt whenever the situation calls for. Those experiences also made me super empathetic and grateful, which has greatly improved and expanded my views on the world, thus helping me grow personally and professionally. Yeah, success feels good, but it’s those hard times that build you in ways you never knew were possible!

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
The power of prayer can move mountains when used with conviction. I’m not here to preach to anyone, but within my life, I’ve been able to see it work wonders when I put my faith in God and His will for me and move out of the way, things tend to align themselves up just right! Bills are covered when they need to be, a slight delay here kept me from a potential major accident, restoration after hardships, etc. Even having the taste of alcohol removed from me was and has been powerful as I am now 20 months sober as of this writing.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Life comes in ebbs and flows and it’s important to remain steady at all times. That’s not to say be numb to situations, but not allow yourself to be overcome by what’s going on. It’s wise to make yourself bigger than the issue and not the other way around. This also allows you to process things in a more calm manner and respond accordingly instead of reacting brashly. Within the ebbs and flows are morsels of lessons to better you along your journey. Try your best to collect as many of them early and often.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/waviep
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/waviep
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/waviep
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/waviep
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@waviep
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud/waviep

Image Credits
Gio Bartlett Productions
L.A.S.