Today’s Another Day…

Today I wanted to post about Fashion and share with you all some tricks and trades that I use when purchasing new items for my wardrobe.  But, my attention and immediate condolence must go to the families and loved ones of those slain at the hands of explicitly, prejudiced police BRUTALITY.  

By no means did I anticipate talking about social justice this week let alone describing to you the pain I feel knowing yet another black body has been viciously taken away. I really do wish a world with peace and love and consistent comfort existed. And I hope I don’t sound childish when I admit that I pray for this dream to one day come to fruition. 

There comes a time when you need to ask yourself, what am I doing. And while you’re at it consider adding some context. “What am I doing with my life?” “What am I doing to solve this problem?” “What am I doing here?”

These questions ask us to think, whether out loud or maybe to yourself, our purpose now- while captivated by the present events. 

When I ask myself these questions, I have to break them down- reviewing one question at a time. Given I’ve had time to reflect on the posed questions above, here’s how I’ve answered them:

“What am I doing here?”- I’m here because I want to help the less fortunate and underprivileged, serve and honor the legacies of those who came before me and advance my career in law and advocacy (whatever that may look like). 

“What am I doing to solve this problem?” – I, myself, struggle a little with my response to this question. Many of us including me, now have had to digest extreme tapings of brutality- hearing news anchors recite the killings and brutalizations of black and brown people nonstop. It goes without saying that many times, you find yourself needing an outlet/break. But I also grapple with still wanting to do more and advance the platform of equity, equality and the pursuit of happiness for all. 

What I’m trying to say here is that while I’m working on my blog and continuing to write and bring social awareness to themes I’d like to be broadcasted more and viewed by even wider audiences, I still can do more. I still can do more simply because I want to do more and I have the capacity to do so. I’m not saying do more and wear yourself out- that’s nonsensical to even suggest. But just imagine if ALL of us took a stand against police brutality and racial profiling and any other social issue for that matter. Now that would be sight for sore eyes! I’ve said this once and I’m happy to say it again, there’s so much beauty and conviction in unity. 

And lastly- “What am I doing here?”. When I’m frustrated about the tiresome pain and duration of agony people of color have had to withstand- I rephrase this question and pose it to my parents, “Why did you guys have me?”. But when I’m not so distasteful about what can oftentimes be viewed as society’s harmful ignorance of oppression, I find the silver linings of life in my own privilege and blessings. So now, when I ask myself “What am I doing here?” I eagerly boast about my purpose and identity. To which I reply, I am here to make a difference, have my environment be a product of me (and not the other way around) and encourage many (and myself) to think of the blanketed stories history has shadowed and the many faces and voices we don’t get the chance to see/hear everyday. 

When I think of these questions- it’s my responses to them that possess me to not give up. And my God- it can be SO hard at times. When breaks are ever so desired, I take them because mental health and self care are so invaluable. Once I’ve gathered my strength, I reposition my emotions and thoughts on present events and vocalize them on the platform(s) that I utilize (blog, Instagram and Twitter) as well in conversations with families, friends and loved ones.

“Life is a marathon!”

To that end, I leave you with this: while we are all battling tough times, I profess that we shall mount up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. Fight for tomorrow because hope exists! 

Love, 

S.