Fatigue
How do you wake up tired? I never thought that was possible. Now, I know differently. I understand more day by day how much environmental factors can take a toll on me. I have less energy when the sun is not out. I don’t feel like doing anything after a mentally trying day. I miss my friends and it’s affecting me. I miss my outlets and it’s unnerving. We are all affected by what’s happening. We are tired. In fact, many of us are sick and tired because of the daily injustices and headlines. We are struggling in our own subtle and maybe not so subtle ways. We need respite. We need a reprieve. We need a release. Something's gotta give. Take care of yourself people. Be vigilant about your own well-being.
Cancel Culture
Cancel culture is a term used to describe people, organizations and entities that have done or said something offensive. We tend to find it easy to dismiss celebrities, organizations and entities that offend us, yet we struggle to rid our lives of destructive thoughts and toxic relationships. The same energy we use to cancel culture is the same energy we should use cancel racism, poverty, and negative thinking. We should use our platforms to decry our insecurities, our fears, and our self-destructive behavior. It’s okay to cancel culture, but maybe we should focus our efforts inward as well.
Counting the Cost
My news feed is filled with Chadwick Boseman tributes. There are so many statements about the testament of his character. For all accounts, he was an amazing human being with a legacy for the ages. I have to admit, I’ve been a fan since 42 and followed his career. More than his films, I’m impressed by how he lived his life. I can only imagine receiving a terminal diagnosis at the height of my career, and still choosing to live. He choose to still use and share his gifts regardless of how long he had left on this Earth. He chose to work despite his pain. He chose to give despite his need. He chose to encourage despite his own diagnosis. He chose art. He chose charity. All of us will have to count the cost. We will have to make decisions and ask ourselves, “is it worth it?” Will my gifts last? Does my life matter? Will my actions make life better for someone else? If the reward is greater than this risk, then it’s probably worth it. Counting the cost is the easy part. Living despite the cost is the hard part. Thank you Chadwick for doing the hard part, for giving us you in spite of your circumstances. #wakandaforever
Course Correct
I know we don't want to go into every venture or project with an expectation of failure, but it is always a possibility. Failure is sometimes out of our control. Market conditions, finances, supply and demand are all potential factors towards our success or failure. Truthfully, most of us probably know how to plan for success. The learning curve comes when things don't work out according to plan. We have to learn how to pivot. We have to recognize that sometimes success has many paths. We can always course correct.
Family over Everything
At some point, your family, your household has to become a priority in your life. Just like the concept of self-care, you gotta take care of home first. If your house isn’t in order, nothing else will be in order. If you don’t value where you rest your head at night, you will won’t find peace or rest elsewhere. Charity begins at home. Family over everything is the mantra. Family over everything is the priority. Family over everything is the goal. Family over everything is divine order.
Force of Nature
August always brings back memories of Hurricane Katrina. For as much destruction it brought, it brought opportunity as well. Many people were able to better themselves. Many people were able to create the kind of life they always wanted. Sometimes, it takes a force of nature to force people to change. Maybe that's what is happening right now. Maybe we aren't supposed to go back to business as usual. Maybe things are supposed to be different. Maybe we are supposed to be different. Maybe just maybe, we are being forced to change our nature.