Skip to main content

Who Do You Identify With In The Sea Of Life?

Image
By

While attending Medgar Evers College, I was introduced to the worlds renowned author Ms. Iyanla Vanzant. My public speaking professor began each class with a daily meditation from Acts of Faith which was authored by Ms. Vanzant. Eventually, I purchased this book and a few others. Years later, I continue to read the Acts of Faith.

While sitting at my desk, I turned to today's meditation and my eyes made it's way to the bottom of the page. The message stated "I know who I am in the sea of life." After reading it, I reversed it and asked myself two questions. "Do you know who you are in the sea of life?" "Who do you identify with in the sea of life?"

My eyes scrolled back to the top of the page and I began to read today's daily meditation. As I am reading, I realize I have encountered almost every fish that was mentioned. This made me think about the people I have crossed paths with in the past, as well as, in the present. It also caused me to think about my life's journey thus far. It was never stated that the journey of life would be easy. 

We will face obstacles. We will face struggles such as finances, employment or lack of employment, family issues, health and wellness, relationships, friendships among other things. I know my journey through life has not been easy, but I am forever grateful. I have encountered some of the struggles listed above. Some due to the choices I chose to make and some as a result of others.

It is very difficult to face my fears, struggles, obstacles or whatever I choose to call them. It will be and can be a very dark, scary and lonely place. However, it is in that moment, in that space that I must lead by example and become one with my obstacles. It is in that moment I have to identify, become familiarn expose and come face to face with my struggles, obstacles and/or fears. I realized it is in that moment I must make the decision to Stand In My Truth so that I  can be carried gracefully into my future, my purpose and live my best life.

Photo Credit: RaisingBrownGirls
I went a step further and asked, "Who do you want your children to identify with in the sea of life?"  I do not want my daughters to identify  or hang out with any of the fish listed in the meditation. I want them to be true to themselves at all times. Life is all about perspective and I want them to see and live life from all angles. I want my daughters to have an amazing life experience. I do not want them associating with people who are going nowhere fast. I do not want them associating with people whose lips are constantly moving, but are saying nothing. I do not want them associating with people who have no ambition or with people who do not have a mind of their own. I do not want them attacking anyone in any way nor do I want them to be attacked by anyone. 

At the end of the day, I as well as my daughters are bound to cross paths with one, two or three MetroCard. Nonetheless, I want them to swim upstream, seek new experiences and opportunities. I want them to learn new things, motivate and mentor others. I also want them to know that things do not always go as we planned and they should not use that as an excuse. Instead, they should use that as a chance to come up with an alternative approach or to have new outlook on things regardless of the situation. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Help! My Parents Drive Me Crazy

By
A  few years ago, I created a Facebook group for children of Black and Brown parents called “Help! My Parents Drive Me Crazy.” The purpose of this group is to provide a safe, supportive space where adolescents aged 14 and up can connect, share experiences, and discover strategies for navigating adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and beyond. People from all walks of adolescence and young adulthood are welcome to join, creating a community where we can learn, grow, and support one another . This is a positive, uplifting space — no bashing is allowed. Here, we lift each other up, share our journeys, and celebrate the joys and challenges of growing up and living life as a brown child or young adult. You will find understanding, encouragement, and connection as you navigate the journey of being yourself. Discussion Topics Include: Navigating parent-child relationships Communication strategies with parents Identity, culture, and heritage Buildi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Happy 10th Birthday Nyasia

By
It was a cold February day. I recall being at work and talking to my friend/coworker "Medina". I told her that my menstrual cycle was late and I needed to go to Duane Reade during lunch. That day I took a total of four pregnancy test. I needed to make sure because of a previous experience I had with her sister Tereya. When I was pregnant with Tereya, I  also took three test. The results were not accurate. One was positive, two were negative and finally a positive blood test. There is no need for me to elaborate, we all know how the story ended. Lol! September 8th, is a very special day. God blessed me with my second daughter one decade ago today. I remember that night as if it were yesterday. If it were up to the ER physician, Nyasia would have been born in the elevator or the sidewalk. My Ob/Gyn was performing a c-section and he barely made it in time to deliver my baby. Dr. Kuno handed me this little tiny baby with the big beautiful eyes. She was born at 12:56am...
Post a Comment
Read more

Week 1: Before I Was Mom, I Was His

By
Remembering Your Identity Beyond Roles   Scripture: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1   Reflection:  Before motherhood, before the sleepless nights, before the endless tasks and responsibilities, you were known. You were loved. You were God’s. Motherhood is sacred and life-changing, but it can also quietly blur our sense of self. Over time, it’s easy to measure your value by what you do; diapers changed, meals prepared, schedules kept. And while  these acts of love are meaningful, they are not the totality of who you are.   God calls you first and foremost by your name, not your role. You are His beloved daughter, fearfully and wonderfully made. This week, we begin by remembering that identity. The part of you that exists beyond caregiving, beyond tasks, beyond roles.   Wellness Insight: Wellness begins with presence and awareness. When you recognize that your worth is not ti...
Post a Comment
Read more