Is it true that you associate yourself with who you spend time with and what you do? The answer is yes. Regardless if you believe this or not, it’s widely recognized that a person can be generalized as the average of their 5 closest friends. So what does this say?? Well, today it says to me that I still have the ability to create who I am.
I have the power and I have the authority to create who I am and how I view myself. And anyone who reads this has that same power and authority.
Recent events has caused me to reflect upon who I am and how the world sees me. Though I see myself in so many ways, so complex, so unique, and so beautiful… it’s true that many people in this world only see me as a young black man. But, what does that mean?? After the public racial profiling and excessive use of force by police which has recently taken the lives of at least 4 men, in cities across the U.S.: Ezell Ford (deceased 8/11/14), Michael Brown (deceased 8/9/14), Eric Garner (deceased 7/17/14), and Trayvon Martin (deceased 2/26/12)… it means a lot.
Let me be frank… people die all the time; murdered, suicide, war, hate crimes, you name it. I’m even not afraid to die, to me death is still life, but in another realm where I’ll be closer to God. So I don’t worry about my life, because I know I’m safe, but I do worry about the lives of those who aren’t safe. And when I see the police (who are supposedly protecting and serving me) disregarding and devaluing the lives of men of my race… it truly saddens me.
I will not even go into the depths of how the police has racially profiled me on many occasions.
In this world there is a lot that you CAN NOT change, however… there is a lot that you CAN change. If… you are courageous enough to take responsibility and make the effort to cause a change.
You have to be courageous enough to disagree with people, and speak your feelings… and sometimes that means you have to be alone. And when you’re alone you have the ability to label yourself, not by association, but by your IDEAS. And, this is really who you are at your core. You are your ideas, your convictions, your passions and your beliefs.
All in all… and I love to say this, the greatest love of all is when you learn to love yourself. Be you, regardless of who people think you are. Take authority over your life, and surround yourself with those who love you for you.
beautifully written…are you on twitter to tweet link
Thanks Tiff!! 🙂 I love and follow your blogs too
Yeah I’m on Twitter.. @jason_perry1
You hit the nail on the head with this one: “You have to be courageous enough to disagree with people, and speak your feelings… and sometimes that means you have to be alone. ” This is so true and I agree.
Thanks for reading Maya!
I love this article.