Don't Give Up!
I know it hasn't happened yet. I know you thought things would look differently. I know you expected a different outcome, but it's not over. You're not over. You're not done. You woke up today. There's still time. You're not too old. Your dream is not out of reach. It's easy to focus on the negatives. It's easy to see what's not going right, but don't give up. No matter what. You are more than capable of making your dreams come true. There are countless examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. So, don't give up on your dreams. Don't give up on that relationship. Don't give up on that business. Don't give up on that job. Don't give up on that kid. Don't give up on you.
Dream
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
-Harriet Tubman
Harriet’s dream was freedom. She made it a reality for herself and made sure that others experienced her dream as well. She was a dreamer. Martin was a dreamer. His dream echoes every February. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come and how far we have to go. You are a dreamer. You have the strength and fortitude to execute your vision. What do you dream about? How close are you to making your dreams a reality? What’s stopping you? Who’s helping you? You have what it takes. You’ve seen it. Now is the time to bring your dreams to fruition.
Gifted
I was introduced to Nina Simone at a young age. I loved her raspy voice. I loved how she sang her politics and called it all jazz. I loved how this unapologetically big nosed black woman was able to leave us feeling good, spellbound, all while telling stories about four women and strange fruit. She was one of the first to tell me that I was young, gifted, and black. I learned that my youth was a gift. I learned that my blackness was a gift. I learned that my ability to write and express myself poetically was a gift.
Your intellect, your sense of humor, your business acumen are all a gift. Be unapologetically who you are because you are a gift. You are gifted. You are blessed. You are a blessing. To truly be young, black, and gifted is to recognize that you are the gift. Your complexion, your hair, your smile, your hips, your thighs, your nose and your eyes are a gift. Your sincerity, your peace, your joy, your faith, your heart, your spirit are a gift. You are gifted! Your talents, your treasure, your pain and your pleasure are a gift. Your desire, your dreams, your plans and your purpose are a gift. You are gifted.
More
There's more. I want more. I need more. I should be doing more. There's more to life than....What? What is that in us that can't appreciate the now? What is that in us that makes us think that what we have is not enough especially since there are people who live in unspeakable poverty. There are war-ravaged countries where combat is the norm. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with goals and dreams, but there needs to be some balance. We need to learn to appreciate what we have now. Sometimes, that promotion means less quality time with your family, but it does mean more money. Which one takes a priority in your life. Sometimes, what we want costs us more than we can afford...literally and figuratively. Ask yourself if your "more" is a blessing or a curse. Will it hinder or profit you in the long run? Sometimes, sacrifice is necessary for the greater good. Sometimes, you do need a bigger house or a bigger car. Sometimes, you do need a better job with better benefits. Sometimes, you absolutely do need more. Make sure you are seeking after the right "mores." Make sure you evaluate what "more" is going to really cost you, and if it's really worth it.