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Conservatism, Reaction, and the Elder's Responsibility: A Message to My Age Grade

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Conservatism, Reaction, and the Elder's Responsibility: A Message to My Age Grade Great Day, Fam. This one right here? It’s not for everyone. If you’re not at or approaching Eldership—defined in our tribe as about 55 years old and up—you might not feel all of this. But if you’re curious, or if you’re one of those younger souls already walking with wisdom, you’re welcome to keep reading. This message is for the Elders. For those of us who should know better. And yes—I’m including myself. Let’s Start With the Mirror I’ve got to confess something. I’ve been guilty. Guilty of being reactionary. Guilty of falling into the trap of conservatism. Guilty of romanticizing the past. Guilty of looking at our young people and calling them “soft”—as if we were born warriors, as if we didn’t have to become who we are through fire, failure, and guidance. Many of us Elders are stuck in a loop. We remember only the highlights of our youth—the toughest times we survived, the boldest moments ...

It’s Okay to Be Lost

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  I’ve always called my job an adventure, and I’m proud of that. I love what I do, even with all its challenges. But more than just my work, life itself is an adventure. And for anyone reading this—whether young or old—let me assure you: it’s okay to be lost . Being lost is part of the journey. It’s part of the process. Nothing is always going to line up perfectly. Things won’t always go according to plan, and that’s fine. The key is to learn how to be lost without panicking . Learn how to be lost and still keep your mind steady . Learn how to take a breath, be still, and move forward without fear . Too many of us stress out when we don’t have all the answers. We feel like if we don’t know exactly what’s next, something must be wrong. But that’s not the case. Some of the greatest growth happens in the confusion . Some of the best lessons are learned in the wandering . Embracing the Unknown Right now, I’m in a season of my own uncertainty. For a long time, I didn’t want to leav...

Question 2: What Does a Warrior Do?

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Peace, Tribe! We’ve made it to the second day of exploring the Gye-Nyame Questions , and today we’re diving into Question 2: What does a warrior do? Before we jump into that, let me give you some history about how these questions came to be because understanding their roots is essential to fully grasping their meaning. The History Behind the First Seven Questions The first seven questions—like “What is a warrior?” and “What does a warrior do?”—came about during an important chapter in my journey. At the time, one of my elders, Mama Malika, hired me to assist her with a project at the Africentric High School. She loved what I was already doing in the community, but she wanted to create something similar that wasn’t directly connected to other initiatives like the Underground Railroad (UGRR). Why the separation? There was concern that if the school’s funders became aware of our other grassroots projects, it could jeopardize their funding. So, I developed the first seven questions specif...

The Power of Progress: Embracing the Journey of Personal Growth

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  The Power of Progress: Embracing the Journey of Personal Growth Progress Brothers and Sisters, in the hustle of life's journey, we often find ourselves at crossroads. The decisions we make, the silence we keep, and the paths we choose not to tread upon all have profound implications on our destiny. Today, I bring forth the wisdom of Henri Frederic Amiel, echoing a timeless truth: "He who is silent is forgotten; he who does not advance falls back; he who stops is overwhelmed; out distanced, crushed; he who ceases to grow becomes smaller; he who leaves off, gives up; the condition of standing still is the beginning of the end." This proverb is a clarion call to action, a reminder that inaction and complacency are not merely passive choices but active decisions leading towards decline. At the heart of our journey, the essence of progress is undeniable. It is the fuel that propels us forward, the light that guides us through darkness, and the strength that uplifts us in tim...

Tribal Quotes - Embracing Innate Wisdom: Unveiling the 7 Pillars of Self-Mastery

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  Embracing Innate Wisdom: Unveiling the 7 Pillars of Self-Mastery In a world brimming with knowledge and philosophies, the profound words of Friedrich Nietzsche echo a timeless truth: "There is more wisdom in your body than in your deepest philosophy." This powerful statement serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to understanding and harnessing the innate wisdom that resides within each of us. As we embark on this journey of self-discovery, we align ourselves not just with our personal aspirations but with a heritage rich in wisdom and a community moving towards empowerment and growth. As the Dean of Students and the visionary behind GNJMedia, I invite you to delve into the depths of your being, to uncover the wisdom that transcends the confines of conventional learning. Through this exploration, we will unveil the 7 Pillars of Self-Mastery, a roadmap to harnessing your inner knowledge and transforming it into a tool for personal, cultural, and community empowerme...

Respecting Your Journey: The Essence of Self-Mastery

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Respecting Your Journey: The Essence of Self-Mastery Haiku by ha2tim No one will respect/ What is yours, more than you do/ What do you respect?/ Greetings, family! Brother ha2tim here, weaving the tapestry of our journey towards Self-Mastery. Today's Ha2ku reflects a profound truth: the level of respect we command for what's ours begins with how much we respect it ourselves. Let's delve into understanding and nurturing this self-respect, a cornerstone in our quest for personal growth and empowerment. Embracing Self-Respect in the Path of Self-Mastery: Recognizing Your Value : The journey starts with acknowledging your worth. Understand that the unique blend of your talents, experiences, and aspirations is invaluable. Respect for self is the first step in commanding respect from the world. Honoring Your Efforts and Achievements : Every step you take in your journey of growth deserves recognition. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and learn from your setbacks....

Sing It Like Popeye: Embrace Your Uniqueness and Boost Self-Esteem with the Popeye Principle

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The Popeye Principle: Boosting Self-Esteem and Embracing Our Unique Selves The iconic figure of Popeye the Sailor Man, a cherished character from the annals of 20th-century cartoons, serves as an unexpected guide to self-esteem and the celebration of our unique identities. This spinach-fueled hero, notwithstanding his peculiar appearance and singular eye, radiated an indomitable confidence that continues to inspire many. His daily affirmations, encapsulated in his signature song, offer a valuable lesson in today's era, where societal pressures often eclipse self-esteem and self-love. In this piece, we explore the essence of the "Popeye Principle" and discuss its application in enhancing our self-esteem and celebrating our individuality. The Essence of the Popeye Principle: At its core, the Popeye Principle champions the concept of embracing our unique attributes as sources of strength and self-assurance. Popeye's robust self-esteem, reflected in his daily affirmation ...

Full Time Required

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  Full Time Required Great Kujichagulia: Once again I greet you on this Kujichagulia within the 4th cycle of the year of 2022 in the week of Kujichagulia. Man o Man have I been getting insights on the other side of my fast. For those that don't know, the 21 day challenge is structured like a pyramid, and the beginning is a hard and steep climb, but once we hit the peak and start to descend we begin to get insights. This works like this for more than just the fast. Anything that you choose to use the #21DayNguzoSabaChallenge for will do the same. Just make it past the peak and you will see. "Once again I greet you on this Kujichagulia within the 4th cycle of the year of 2022 in the week of Umoja." The thought today was being full time. Family in order for us to become free we have to start building in time for us to work on our private projects. At the beginning regardless of what you are working on it will be hard, but if we stay determined we will be able to do it. We ha...

You Are The Greatest

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You are the Greatest/ You just got lost in a maze/ That you created/ The purpose of me writing for the Journey is to add value to  the life of those that read my articles. My goal is to uplift, enlighten as well as to  learn from those who are willing to share. This is a passion for me that I struggle with, but yet it has opened so many doors. I have learned so much over the years that sometimes it rushes out or through me so fast that I can't keep up. I need you to realize that you exist in a paradox. On one hand you are the greatest of creations, and on the other you are less than a speck in the total scheme of things in this universe. When we take time to look at where we are in life we can become overwhelmed. Because we have been placed in a place of utter confusion. These paradoxes we live with can sometimes exhaust those of us who were bold enough to begin walking this Journey. My passion is to help you in this walk. To help solve some of the confusion and to help yo...