Pronouns: He/Him/His. This is a space where I reflect on all the things that make life stimulating, valuable, and beautiful. This blog is an open acknowledgment of the things I do know, and an appreciation of the things I don’t. All content presented here originates from my own thoughts. All posts are an extension of myself that I’m inviting you to see. This space is queer, black, radical, and meaningful.
Self-care to me is an ongoing process that requires sensitivity, patience, and forgiveness for the person that you were, who you are, and who you will be. If I wanted to befriend myself, I needed to learn how to trust that my body knew more than what my mind did. I needed to have faith that I was capable of healing, and have commitment to my recovery knowing that it wouldn’t be easy. As I came to terms with this I noticed that living alone became more liberating, and overall, more fun. I sing, dance, cook, and create way more than I had before and I’m feeling good while doing it. Through this freedom, I also was able to better assess my needs, prioritize, and lean into myself more authentically.
As we all begin to hurt a little more, grow more weary, I am filled with the fear that maybe all of this will be in vain. We have seen time and time again how our voices are amplified, just to then be muted by the operators of oppression. We move in solidarity until we’ve been knocked down one too many times, and we are then anchored into a uncomfortable normalcy that is praised by performative allyship. What I’m trying to say is that I can see our push for liberation unravel before my eyes, and my growing burnout leaves me too exhausted to do anything about it. Now more than ever it is important for black folks to prioritize their wellbeing, nurse their wounds, and locate community. Additionally, it is time for our proclaimed allies to take the toll we carry on their shoulders for once, and to continue the fight against the systems their ancestors created.
I have reached a point in my life where I can no longer beg at the feet of guilt-ridden allies who only use the images of our lifeless bodies to momentarily spread a message about our suffering. The weaponization of our suffering cannot be viewed as effective allyship, nor can we be made examples for the sake of providing an education to those who have made it clear that they do not want to learn. At this stage I have encouraged white people and non-black poc to celebrate the lives of those taken from us by continually sharing our humanity. I encourage folks that the work that needs to be done should not be done on the backs of my people. We should not have to retraumatize ourselves for you to give a fuck, nor should you only take concern when you realize that we are watching.
This is post is dedicated to the circulation of thoughts that I’ve acquired since tussling with the newfound flexibility in my schedule due to COVID-19. Although my emotions centered around the circumstances are complicated, I must admit that having the time to think my own thoughts for once has been liberating. Anyhow, feel free to […]
As the topic of anti-black racism and related incidents being pushed by media, I am often found asking myself on the lack of action taken when it comes to insurance of safety for black and brown folks within the country. Recently in the news, a video surfaced showcasing white high school students from Alabama using […]
The coolness of the winter air has proven to be a formidable and unpredictable force. Some days, the wind leaves burns on my exposed skin. On others, it brings a sort of freshness comparable to the first moments of rest after a long day. I woke up this morning inspired by the warmness of the […]
This post has been a long time coming. I consider these next lines to be filled with some of my rawest thoughts. Just as a trigger warning, I will be mentioning death, grief, sexual assault, and abuse. I encourage you all to take time to read, however I also encourage you all to take care […]
To be alone seems to strike controversy among others as an indicator of disinterest in maintaining strong relationships. On the contrary, however, the desire to spend time with yourself is a way for a person to establish a re-connection to the spirit. As someone who is typically an extrovert, it has always been challenging for […]
Salience can be described as the quality of possessing notable importance. When I think about salience, I think about choice. I think about the power that one has in determining aspects of their well-being, as well as the consequences that persist throughout the process that follows. In understanding choice, there is the need to acknowledge […]
Fall has always been my favorite season. Being a Florida boy, I never truly had the chance to see the season at its full extent. Now that I am in New York, I am captivated by the beauty that surrounds me. I’m so grateful for this experience, and for these crisp touches of gold.
Intentful Living 