Change = Healing

Peace Family,

It's been a while since I've done a podcast episode, let alone a blog entry but my spirit led me to get some things off my chest this morning.

As people we've endured a lot over the last few months and as black people specifically, we have endured ... periodt.

After working in journalism and the news industry for 5 years, I don't watch traditional news anymore. Social media makes sure I don't miss a bit, though. All the intake has been overwhelming to say the least. My frustration is tied to so many things.

I don't think many people realize that we're (black people) asking for healing.

I chose healing for myself almost 2 years ago now. It's all so confusing but, it wasn't any easy thing. Choosing better for myself has not been easy. That's still wild to me but also very much a reality. I've learned a lot about myself, the general process and people as a whole. Healing isn't linear. You never know where you'll end up despite your planned destination from the time of take off.

I learned healing is a 3 phase process: internal, communal then global. The process begins with you. My father says ALL THE TIME, "You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make him drink!" So is true in healing. You can't create that shift unless the person wants to. I'm sure we've all been in a position where we've wanted so much for a person; saw the potential of who they could become and what they could do; had more faith in them than they had for themselves. You quickly learn, none of that matters. If someone wants better, they have to choose it for themselves.

I believe this doesn't change for our oppressors. They have to want it for themselves.

They heard us. They've seen the videos. They aren't blind nor deaf. Do they care, though? After decades of the same cries, history repeating itself, do you think you truly have the power to make them care?

I challenge you to channel your energy into things you can really change: yourself. As we change ourselves, our reflections begin to challenge the ones in front of us.

I challenge you to reflect rather than project.

If you choose to protest, do so with cause and strategic ask.

Feel and express emotions, but eliminate them from the decision making process and action. Emotion has no place in leadership.

Godspeed, black people.

I love you.

FACE YOURSELF.

This + more in the podcast.

-Keyonna KMJ6