Learning Curve
I've always heard people say, "you learn something new everyday," or "you never stop learning." Most people associate education with formal schooling. However, knowledge can be gained from many non-traditional sources. Parents, family, mentors, co-workers, and associates all have lessons to be learned and taught. They have wisdom to transfer. They have advice to give. Life is one big learning curve. Hopefully, we learn from our mistakes and gain experience to pass to the next person. We then help create a community of shared wealth and wisdom.
Beacon
When life gets dark, we need something to help us navigate through our circumstances. We need a flicker of hope, a clarion call, motivation, or a beacon of light. This beacon can come in many forms. It can be an encouraging word, a smile from a stranger, a hug from a loved one, or even a sign that confirms you're on the right path. If you feel lost or tempted to give up, look for a beacon. You are not alone in this journey, there will always be something or someone to remind you that you are closer than you think. You are almost there. Just a little while longer. You are stronger than this. You are better than this. You are loved, and most importantly you can do it!
Detour
Before I leave my house, I always check my GPS to see how long it is going to take for me to arrive at my destination. I always try to give myself a 15 minute cushion for any delays. However, once I get in the car my GPS will update my route with the current traffic conditions. Sometimes, there is traffic or an accident which affects my original drive time. So, what would originally be a 45 minute commute can quickly turn into an hour and a half easily in Atlanta traffic. Depending on the cause, there may be lane closures or suggested detours. I despise detours. Most of us do.
We have a plan set in motion, a specific route, and a predetermined destination. We understand things happen, but we can become easily frustrated when plans change. Truth is....we don't like change or interference of any kind. We don't trust alternative facts. We want things to go according to OUR plan. If nothing else, life has taught me that things don't always go according to plan. Plans change. Situations change. Things change. Change is the constant. Detours are inevitable. The great thing about a detour is that it doesn't change the destination only the route to get there. Yes, it may take more time. Yes, it may be uncomfortable. Yes, it may be inconvenient, but it is necessary.
Design
Imagine going through your whole life thinking you were an accident. Your conception was mere coincidence. Your childhood was just a series of unfortunate events. Your existence is just happenstance. Believe it or not, there are people who believe that their life is insignificant and meaningless. Yet, scientist have confirmed that humans are made of stardust. Our bodies are composed of complex systems. We breathe air we can not see. We have the ability to procreate. Our very existence is by design. It was carefully crafted and created to fit into our universe. Our universe which is comprised of planets, galaxies, and stars that we can't even fathom. We are not here on accident. There is a reason and a purpose for your life. You were created by design for such a time as this.
Affinity
We live in a world where "living social" consists of various forms of social media. We hit "like" buttons instead of giving compliments. We "share" posts instead of having conversations. We take a screenshot instead of taking a photograph. We have an affinity for intangible things. Cash has been replaced with plastic. Books have been replaced by tablets. Paper and pen have been replaced by a blank screen and a stylus. And yet, we wonder why we have lost the "human touch." We are desensitized to basic human emotion. We have emoticons for that now. Even bullying has gone cyber. We no longer have an affinity for the things that make us human.
"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity."
- Albert Einstein
Fearless
Most of us live our entire lives in fear of something. It's not always something big. It's not always something terrifying. Sometimes, it's something small. We have a fear of being successful. We have a fear of failure. We have a fear of being like our parents. We have a fear of being stuck. We have a fear of change. We have a fear of anything and everything out of our control. Fear is paralyzing. It can keep you from moving forward. It can cause you to doubt everything and everyone. The first step to conquering your fears is understanding why they exist in the first place. It does require a bit of soul searching and introspect, but I guarantee it will be worth it. Overcome one fear at a time. Acknowledge they exist, and each day try to fear less. Fear less and less each day until one day you are fearless. Take one step in the direction of being fearless. You are fearlessly and wonderfully made. You were not created with the spirit of fear. Be fearless.
"Everything you want is on the other side of fear."-Jack Canfield
Get Your Shine On!
The year is 1985. Berry Gordy produced a urban martial arts film entitled, "The Last Dragon." Bruce Leroy was in search of "The Master," who can help him unlock the power of "The Glow." Needless to say, I loved Bruce Leroy and despised Sho'Nuff. I still have an affinity towards fortune cookies and Vanity because of this movie.
The year is 1988. Eddie Murphy starred in a romantic comedy entitled,"Coming to America." It was the 80's and Jehri curls, wave nouveaux, and texturizers were the latest craze in African American hairstyles. My mother and father both had curls. There was a commercial in the movie for a "jheri curl- ish" product called Soul Glo. I used to sing this jingle at the top of my lungs to my mother's chagrin.
The year is 2004. Jill Scott dropped her third studio album, Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 with the first single, "Golden." I bumped this album so hard from beginning to end. It is still one of my favorite Jill Scott albums.
The year is 2017. The beyhive is buzzing. Beyonce and Jay-Z have released a new duet entitled, "Shining." I'm sure it will be one of this summer's anthems.
From 1985 to 2017, there has been a constant theme of shining. From Berry Gordy encouraging us to find that "glow" to Eddie Murphy beckoning us to let our "Soul Glo" to Jill Scott telling us to "live our lives like its golden" to Beyonce telling us to keep "Shining." Even Birdman told us to "get our shine on!" We have something inside of us that needs to be seen. We need to let our little light shine. We need to let our soul glow. So, get your shine on! I'mma get mine on!