Today marks 18 years since I have been on this Earth! I've been blessed with great parents, siblings, mentors and life experiences that have shaped my worldview, values and beliefs. Some years have been more painful than others and other years have brought much joy into my life. Furthermore, I don't have everything figured out and am more aware of my need for growth in areas of humility, patience and joy. Nevertheless, I am proud of the woman I am today. I am proud of the choices I have made and the community I come from. I am learning to be less hard on myself. In true "Akua" fashion I wanted to reflect and share 18 things I've learned in 18 years. Feel free to share which ones resonate with you the most:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BONUS 19. Beauty is fleeting . Most people can achieve a level of attractiveness if they try. Cherish character over physical beauty 20. You can reject the victimhood of the political left and racial insensitivity of the right. Leave labels of conservative and liberal behind for compassion, common sense and practicality. No political camp has the monopoly on any of the above. 21. Financial literacy: a mood 22. Take people off the pedestals you built for them. Humans are amazing but they will fail you 23. There’s no need to obsess over convincing people of your opinions. Just build with people who are on the same wave length 24. Continue to understand the reason for your belief in Jesus and the Gospel. Understand the history of the Bible and the influence of Christianity on the world. Be willing to ask difficult questions 25. Culture is beautiful. Nevertheless, cultural values that stunt growth, don’t make sense anymore and are inefficient are worth reforming and innovating 26. Don’t work hard work smart 27. Assuming the best intentions of the heart of people will save you a world of stress, anger and hurt 28.Explore different stories in the African diaspora whether it be in Brazil, Jamaica, Haiti, Tunisia, Morocco and the U.S.A. It helps add perspective and displays global trends that are worth addressing. 29. There are pros and cons of generalization. Know when the appropriate time to do so is 30. Be suspicious of ideologies and worldviews that say your problems are primarily outward. 31. Don’t allow the vileness of others to harden you 32. You are not a victim. You have more autonomy then you think 33. Protect your peace and tap out whenever you feel like it 34. You can do everything right and some people with still hate you, assume bad intentions and disregard you. It’s not right but its okay 35. Wanting to do more with your life or having a vision will automatically separate you from your peers. 36. Mentorship is key! Get yourself a mentor girl! 37. Some people just don’t care and there’s nothing you can do about that 38. Remember that people and communities are more than the disparaging statistics that surround them. 40. God cares about people. Jesus, the cross and the Gospel are evidence of that. 41. Acquire a diverse amount of skills- coding, writing, language etc. 42. People of African descent are dope! 42. You have the immense ability to feel for others. Steward that gift wisely 43. Working for the general good of humanity is great but it’s okay to focus your energy on empowering or uplifting a specific group or demographic 44. Economics > Politics #realonesknow 45. Connect the diaspora! 46. Show yourself some grace you're on your way. Until the ink drips, Akua B
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is Akua B and I'm a lover of all things Africa, natural hair and poetry... Archives
March 2017
Categories |