Tag: reflections

The Unfinished Business of July 4th

As we approach July 4th, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this day resonates differently for many. For people of color, the celebration of American independence can be a poignant reminder of a time when the freedoms declared in 1776 were not extended to all. Our nation’s history is undeniably complex, and the ongoing journey toward true equality and freedom feels particularly precarious under the current political climate.

While the ideals of liberty and justice remain worthy aspirations, this day also serves as a vital opportunity to recognize the profound struggles and invaluable contributions of those historically excluded from the original promise of freedom. Especially now, as we witness so many having their civil liberties eroded in the name of a narrow and manipulated definition of democracy, this reflection becomes even more urgent.

Given the current state of the world—the threats to civil liberties, basic human rights, and fundamental human decency—we must confront the difficult question of whether America can truly still be called the “land of the free.” The establishment of concentration camps under the guise of “detention centers” in severe and inhumane conditions and the relentless push towards homogeneity challenge the very notion of a diverse and inclusive society. It increasingly appears that genuine liberty and justice are reserved for a privileged few, and freedom remains profoundly incomplete if it does not encompass the ability for all to live with dignity and respect.

Despite these sobering realities, we must not give up hope. Many of us will persevere, choosing to use this day as a time to forge connections with friends and family, to find moments of joy, and to create our own traditions and memories. This act of coming together, of finding light amidst the shadows, is in itself an act of resilience.

Let’s harness this day not just for celebration, but for deep reflection on our history, for a courageous embrace of our collective shortcomings, and, most importantly, for a renewed commitment to working tirelessly toward a future where freedom and equality are, without exception, truly for everyone. Our continued dedication to these ideals is what will ultimately ensure that humanity and human decency prevail.~micaiah

Embrace Your Inner Queen: A Journey to Self-Worth and Empowerment

I speak from the perspective of a woman, for that is who I am.

As women, we sometimes accept preconceived notions and convince ourselves that these notions serve us well. For instance, when faced with men who habitually cheat—there is a stark difference between a man who deceives and betrays, and one who honestly expresses his desire not to be monogamous. The truth may hurt, but it remains the truth.

Some women accept the deceitful behavior of a cheating partner as evidence that all men cheat, resigning themselves to being treated as less deserving. They endure lies and disrespect, believing it’s better to stick with the familiar than to risk the unknown. They fail to realize that a lack of boundaries fosters a lack of respect.

You cannot accept someone’s garbage and then wonder why they treat you like trash. This is akin to Stockholm Syndrome—loving and empathizing with your abuser. Placing yourself in a situation where you are degraded through lies and treachery is emotional and mental abuse, leading to feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem.

What you allow is what will continue. You must command respect, and if those demands are not met, love yourself enough to walk away from any situation where you are treated as less than the treasure you are.

Women, do not view being alone as being lonely. Use that time to define and refine yourself. Treat yourself to all the things you deserve. Discover the beauty and peace in self-love and self-respect, and experience the soul-fulfilling joy of peace of mind.

Never allow someone else to become so important that you lose yourself and your dignity. Forgive yourself for lapses in judgment and poor decisions. As you learn better, be determined to do better. You cannot move forward safely if you are stuck looking backward.

A Queen does not cease to be royalty simply because there is no King by her side. Clothe yourself in love, crown yourself in self-worth, and never allow anyone to treat you as less than the regal woman you are.

Everyone has played the fool for love at some point; the key is not becoming comfortable in that role.~micaiah

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Embrace Your Own Truth


Life often feels less like a smooth path and more like a winding, sometimes treacherous, journey.

We’ve all been there—stumbling, our vision blurred by past hurts and present uncertainties. It’s easy to get knocked off course, to let our dreams gather dust, and to lose focus in the face of what feels like “foolishness and hocus pocus.”


My poem, “My own truth,” beautifully captures this struggle:

My Own Truth

Walking, no, more like stumbling through life
Vision blurred by all that’s occurred
Not staying on course has my dreams deferred
Allowed myself to lose focus
Due to foolishness and hocus pocus
Let comparison rob me of objectivity
had me forgetting about the blessings just for me
Doubt had me believing delayed had turned into denied
Had me trusting in worry and anxieties lies
Had to get regrounded and regroup
Had to familiarize myself again with my own truth
Had to remind myself of whose child I was
And that my gifts are truly a blessing from above
There is no timeframe or race
Just continue on and keep the pace
With renewed faith, my vision cleared
And once again I’m ready to tackle all I once feared.~MY


It’s a powerful reminder that comparison can be a thief of joy, blinding us to the unique blessings tailor-made just for us. Doubt can whisper lies, convincing us that delays are denials, and pulling us into the trap of worry and anxiety.


But the poem also offers the profound solution: we must reground and regroup, and most importantly, familiarize ourselves again with our own truth.

This means remembering our inherent worth, acknowledging the unique gifts that are truly blessings, and understanding that our journey isn’t a race against anyone else.


With renewed faith, our vision clears, and we find the courage to confront the very things we once feared.

So, if you’re feeling lost or off-kilter, take a moment to reflect. What is your truth? What blessings have you overlooked? And what fears are you ready to conquer with newfound clarity?
Embrace your journey, trust your pace, and let your own truth light your way.
~micaiah

Your Race, Your Rules: The Power and Freedom of Reinventing Yourself

Feeling a little overshadowed by the hustle of younger generations? In today’s fast-paced world of startups and side hustles, it’s easy for those of us over 40, who are just hitting our stride, to feel a flicker of doubt. It might seem like younger entrepreneurs have already reached their peak while you’re still climbing. But here’s the truth: your journey is uniquely yours, and your wisdom is your superpower.

For many of us, the path laid out in our youth was clear: get an education, find a stable job, and stay there. The idea of building our own empires? That wasn’t part of the traditional playbook. But times have changed, and so has our perspective. We’ve seen firsthand that while education can be an advantage, it can also lead to debt. We’ve witnessed the power of entrepreneurship and personal branding – the incredible freedom of building something for ourselves instead of just building someone else’s dream.


It takes immense courage to break free from old patterns and embrace something new. So, if you’ve spent years following the script and are now ready to revisit your passions and purpose, give yourself a massive round of applause! You’re not just changing careers; you’re reclaiming your narrative.


And here’s where your age becomes your greatest asset. With years of life experience, you bring a wealth of knowledge, resilience, and a deeper understanding of what truly drives happiness and fulfillment. These “well-seasoned” entrepreneurs possess invaluable life skills that are crucial for success in business and branding. You’re living proof that you absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks, shattering that myth with every bold step you take. It is never too late to reinvent yourself.


All you need is the drive, determination, and unwavering belief to shift your mindset and, in turn, transform your life. Don’t ever allow anyone or any circumstance to box you in. Remember this mantra daily, if necessary: the only thing standing in your way is you. Empowerment begins within. Believe in your self-worth, envision your success, and know that you are fully capable of achieving it.


Regardless of our age, we are all human beings striving to live our best lives. Let’s collaborate, learn from each other, and build a future where wisdom and innovation converge. The synergy of experienced minds and fresh perspectives is a force to be reckoned with.


As the timeless saying goes, “The race is not given to the swift, but to those who endure to the end.” So keep pushing, keep learning, and never, ever quit. We’re here believing in you every step of the way!~Micaiah

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