By Billie Jordan
Although “Still Standing” might imply that Monica Denise Arnold, professionally known as Monica, was dragged through the mud and experienced tough blows and tough challenges; the R&B singer, song writer isn’t just a broken survivor, she thrives. EURweb talked to Monica candidly about her philosophies for living, her closeness and dedication to family, the season finale of her reality show Still Standing" and her upcoming plans.
Monica was just 11-years- old when she was discovered; And went on to rack up unprecedented sales, establish herself firmly in the music business and make a name for herself while still just a teen. She grew up with a loving and supportive family and managed success that the singer admits she never would have imaged for herself. Plus, she proved with flying colors she could make it through a reality show, virtually un sacrificed. So what was the point of the dramatic title, Still Standing?
It’s true she witnessed the death of a boyfriend, and that she suffered a wicked relationship. And by her own accord, it’s true that just 10-years-ago her life was full of drama. But when asked if she had a hard life she said:
“Tougher than some, but not as tough as others. You know, I don’t look at anything in my life as things that I wish I didn’t experience. Let me just say that as bad as things have been there have been moments that were just great.”
So then, what’s the title all about? Apparently Monica was interested in sharing with her fans what it’s like to raise a family- have a personal life, deal with obstacles and juggle a music career. “Sometimes you have to go through it to get to it,” Monica has said. So “Still Standing” the reality show turns out a testament and an example for her fans, and not a plea for sympathy.
Straight ahead, Monica concludes the season finale of “Still Standing.” the 29-year-old tips us off there is talk about season two, as she continues to prepare for the impending release of her album slated to release March 8, 2010 with the same Title, and the launch of Regions of Rock, her clothing line intended for little boys.
In the distance, even though Monica suffers with high blood pressure, she’s no victim. When asked what keeps her going she said:
“My grandmother always told me when I was very young giving up was not an option, moving forward is,” she said. “Some of the things that I do if you write it down on paper it looks really difficult, but I don’t think about it because I’m just moving forward. So for me it’s passion, it’s love for my children first and foremost, but also its what I’ve been taught.”
As for how Monica cultivated the courage to move forward with the boldness of a reality show. Monica confided with her family members and they made the affirmative decision together, after they understood the show would reflect her life the way it is now. And if it could help to illuminate things for her fans, regarding juggling life in the music business, it was all worth it.
On another note, because music has been her whole life Monica said it might be possible she missed out on a childhood, but she couldn’t tell since she’s never experienced anything different to compare it with.
Furthermore, Monica said she doesn’t regret spending her youth in the business, she loves her life and what she’s able to accomplish for her children.
“Whatever they dream of I can assist them in making it happen.”
In the end, the reality show maven sights her mom as one of her biggest inspirations and greatest influences, and a large part of the reason why she’s sane. Monica said her mother wasn’t a stage mom and really wasn’t interested in the music business at all, in fact things were very normal for Monica when she got home. And perhaps that’s exactly why she is “Still Standing.”
As a side bar, Monica told Billie Jordan that her relationship with fiancé and the father of her children Rodney “Rocko” Hill Jr., is more than just the - I need a rough neck syndrome. Stating that when she met him she had just experienced the death of her former boyfriend Jarvis and she needed someone who was strong, she wanted somebody who wasn’t just focused on music. Monica said, Rocko knew she was hurting and wanted to protect her and that made her fall in love with him more. So he was just what she needed, when they got together.
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