I Need You To Listen To Me For A Moment
I Need You To Listen To Me For A Moment
Vol. 1, No. 13, April 1st, 2021
What’s good, young man?
Right now you’re going through a quagmire of uncertainty, self-doubt, and self-sabotaging behavior. You’ll claim everything is fine, but deep down inside that couldn’t be further from the truth. You may want to take a few minutes to comprehend what I’m about to tell you. Your ignorance is on display and shining at peak radiance. You’re in a dark place, but it’s one that you’ll climb out of with help. It’s probably best I give you more perspective on where you’re at and where you’re going.
You ended up marrying that girl. You probably should’ve left the others alone way sooner than you did. You unfortunately burned some bridges through your inability to just be honest on how you felt about them and what you really wanted from them. Parts of their outlook on men were probably shaped through their experiences with you. You really can’t blame them if some of their outlook skews to the negative.
You still mostly run with the same crew. You’re extremely close with a few of them, time and distance have morphed the relationships with the others. You all have grown and matured in your own ways, yet some have not changed at all. You deal with them accordingly and meet them where they are. You’re not disappointed in their actions anymore or how they’ve treated you, because you’re resigned to accepting them for who they present themselves to be. Your bond will grow even tighter with your day ones and that brotherhood will continue to flourish.
I remember once you told me that you wanted to be married with children and live in a beautiful home where love resides. You’ll obtain that and much more. Don’t rest on your laurels just yet, the Grand Architect has more in store for you. You’ll only achieve the new success through your own sheer will. Unfortunately, the level of prosperity that’s awaiting won’t just be handed to you, but you’re already aware of that. Nothing has ever been bestowed upon you except your name and even that is earned daily.
You won’t become a lawyer. To be candid, that was never a career you truly wanted for yourself. Like most choices in your life up to this point, they were not manifestations from you. You’ll soon find the courage to forge your own path and you’ll disappoint family members and mentors, but your admiration in yourself will outweigh what others think.
That mental breakdown that you had will cause some damage. Some relationships will be salvaged, but parts of them may remain irreparable. The depression and anxiety you’re suffering now will continue unchecked and will almost cost you your family. Mental health isn’t a catchy buzzword now, but you’ll learn about it soon enough. You may think you’re strong now, but you’ll surprise yourself shortly. As you’re reading this, you’re probably nursing a hangover or strategically planning your next binge drinking activities. You’ll continue to consume alcohol for a long time to mask stress, depression, and negative thoughts. That girl you’re currently dating will help you along the way. You’ll initially dismiss her overtures, but your knuckleheaded ass will finally listen. You’ll not only find sobriety, but you’ll discover your purpose.
You’ll slowly notice that you’re evolving and becoming increasingly self-aware. It didn’t arrive from happenstance, but through consistent feedback and reflection. You need to listen for a moment, I’m proud of the man you’re becoming. Now more than ever, you need to hear these words. I’m so thankful that you’re choosing to press on, regardless of any of the challenges that you’re currently facing. Let’s be totally honest, I wouldn’t be here if you decided to give up.
Sincerely,
The man that you become
Doing The Work
Black-owned bank and Terrence J partner to improve financial literacy for HBCU students
Terrence J is partnering with Black-owned bank First Boulevard to assist HBCU (Historically Black College University) students with financial literacy. The partnership is designed to provide HBCU students with resources and tools to make better financial decisions and be better equipped to achieve financial success. The partnership, Project Tassels, aims to help 1,000 HBCU students.
Patrick Mahomes partnering with the HBCUs for all-star game
NFL player and Super Bowl winner, Patrick Mahomes, is partnering with HBCUs (Historically Black College University) and his foundation, 15 and Mahomies, to create an all-star game that will feature NFL prospects. The game will be broadcast on the NFL Network, where the top 100 HBCU football players will participate.
What I’m Listening To
Rod Wave is an artist that I admittedly discovered sometime last year while quarantined with my family. The best description for his music is melodic rap, at least that’s the current terminology. Having seen major success with his previous album, he recently released SoulFly. Not going to lie, it’s one of the better albums of 2021 thus far. Stand out songs include the title track, “Don’t Forget”, “Tombstone”, and “OMDB”.
Notables
Musa I, also known as Mansa Musa, has been described as the wealthiest individual in all of human history. Musa ruled over the Mali Empire for over 25 years, which flourished culturally.
"I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to." - Jimi Hendrix