Checking In

It was just two years ago when Michelle Williams – from the award-winning, globally-known girls singing group Destiny’s Child – released her book, “Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life—and Can Save Yours.” Throughout the book, Williams describes how one can be in the top music group around the world yet still be dealing with things internally.

According to an interview Williams had with The Grio, she said that “success doesn’t heal trauma.” She explained to Carvd N Stone (CNS) that we are all going through things, but if we don’t address our past traumas it’s hard for us to enjoy our present.

“Yes, I was successful, but there was some unaddressed trauma,” said Williams.

The 200-page plus book outlines Williams’ upbringing in Illinois, past romantic relationships, her experience in Destiny’s Child, and her love for God.

The Art of Freeing Yourself

For a long time, Williams was keeping her struggle with depression a secret. Eventually, she found herself acting out and admitted that it was time to check in with herself, which meant getting outside help.

Years later, Williams is an advocate for therapy and healing one’s self.

“There’s a root to every behavior…therapy can help you get to that root,” she said.

Williams has found her freedom by admitting that everything isn’t always okay, and that’s okay. One of her healing mechanisms is understanding how to respond when “life is lifeing”.

“You’re not weak by going inward…that helps you shift to get to the other side of where you want to be,” said Williams.

Williams admits that during the time of her downward spiral, she wasn’t the nicest to those around her. In order for her to heal, she had to be accountable for her actions and how she may have harmed others. She said it’s our responsibility to address when we’re wrong but to also let others know how they’ve affected us while learning the art of forgiveness and letting go.

“When you blame others you don’t grow, you don’t shift…the people we blame often move on with life while we’re still in shock…do the work so you can be free.”

– Michelle Williams

If this was 10-20 years ago, Williams said she wouldn’t be comfortable opening up to the world about her personal life, but within the last four to five years, she’s felt free. 

“I really feel free. I feel like myself…because it’s being authentic,” she said. She credits her present self as unfiltered but free.

Now that she’s free, Williams wants to help others transform and become their true free selves while keeping her freedom at the core of who she is.

“I can only help free people when I can be myself,” Williams said.

And being herself means accepting all of who she is, and that is Tenitra Michelle Williams.

Milwaukee Ties

As a Rockford, IL native, Williams has connections in Milwaukee, including family. On certain occasions, she’s flown out of Milwaukee Mitchell Airport instead of O’Hare in Chicago. 

In 2008, Milwaukee songwriter, producer, singer, and overall artist Rico Love helped with the creation of the song, “Too Young For Love”, which is on Williams’ third solo studio album “Unexpected”. The demo featured Milwaukee artist and business owner Leche Martin. According to Williams, Martin is such a beautiful singer that she just had to keep some of Martin’s vocals on the album track.

“It’s amazing when the demo is so dope. Her vocals were amazing,” said Williams.

There’s no telling the next time Williams will visit Milwaukee, but she’s always welcomed.

Michelle Williams’ Book

To order Checking In by Michelle Williams click here.