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PR’s “Hidden Figures”

It was those comments above by two African-American girls from a college in Pennsylvania, both PR majors, that prompted Baruch College professor and the founder of the Museum of Public Relations Shelley Spector to do something about it.

“That just blew me away because that was just the kind of peephole into these students’ lives and that’s how they feel. I am also a professor of history and I know that these textbooks don’t include any African-American PR professionals. I had to do something about it,” said Spector.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2017 was Historic and Powerful. When we think of Black History we often forget the communications field and in particular, the Public Relations profession. As an aspiring PR Pro at the time, I often wondered where our place was in the history of this profession. In our classes and our textbooks, we often learn about Bernays, Lee and not about Inez Kaiser, Ofield Dukes, and Pat Tobin to name a few.

These three individuals thrived in an era where they were segregated due to the color of their skin and had to be three times better than their counterparts just to get half of what they got.

For professional in residence at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Patrick Ford, the event was bigger than just PR.

“When I think about great communicators and great persuaders in American history, it’s way beyond just one industry. I think of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Mya Angelou, and Barack Obama,” said Ford.

During the event, some of PR’s “Hidden Figures” Ms. Inez Kaizer and Mr. Ofield Dukes were honored. For Rick Kaizer, the son of Inez Kaizer, the night was special.

“Being A woman and Being a woman of color, she faced a lot of obstacles, but she was the kind of person that never took no for an answer. That was always a beginning point for her to make something happen. The fact that she is being honored tonight is very special to me and the family,” said Kaizer.

For Roxy Victorian, the daughter of Ofield Dukes, this night was inspiring.

“My dad loved unconditionally. He was passionate about Public Relations, social justice, Civil
Rights, academics and providing an alternative to negative stereotypes and images presented within the African-American community,” Said Victorian.

Roxy Victorian speaking to the attendees at the Black PR History Panel on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Edelman’s New York City office.

If anything, this night was a reminder that we belong and we are just as valuable to the profession just like our counterparts. We matter.

To say that this was overdue is an understatement, however, I am thankful that The Museum of Public Relations brought to light for all Black & Brown kids studying PR, our Heroes.

If anything, the event amid the snowstorm metaphorically represents the ability that we as African-Americans have to continuously overcome any obstacles thrown our way.

Some worried that this was going to be a “One & Done” However, the museum has since decided to make this an annual event.

In summary, after hearing the panel speak from Dr. Denise Hill to my program director at the time, Dr. Rochelle Ford. I knew that we were in great hands and it’s on us to keep the legacy of these “Hidden Figures” alive and well.

Dr. Rochelle L. Ford and Shelley Spector (center) with several students, both past and present, from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Edelman’s New York City office.
Photo credit: Barry Spector/Museum of Public Relations

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“You Are What You Eat: My Journey”

Welcome back folks, I know it been a while (Writing this as I Lay in bed recovering from a Stomach Virus…How Ironic lol.)

So without further ado, here I go:

On March 18, 2019, I Stepped off the scale in the morning and after 5 months, I lost 27 pounds. Down to 196 lbs. from 223 lbs.

Most of you are wondering, how did I get here?

No, I wasn’t sick (at the time.) Everything was okay with me. No, I’m not strictly a Vegan/Vegetarian, etc.

I’m doing a better job of listening to my body and getting back to old habits. I didn’t do this alone, I had a lot of help.

Ain’t gonna front like most folks, I too developed bad eating habits between college & early in my professional career.

At the rate I was going, my life expectancy wasn’t looking too good.

It’s okay to have cheat days from time, It’s all about balance. Find a routine that works for you and STICK TO IT!

Since I’m asked about it, here’s a brief overview of my weekly routine:
1. Gym for an hour for 3-5 days a week & once a weekend (Rest when necessary.)
2. Managing my portion size when it comes to my meals.
3. Adding a large number of fruits, veggies, Vegan/Vegetarian based meals & lean meats on occasion for protein. (If I can’t find vegan alternatives.)
4. Drinking tons of water!
5. Not overeating (Listening to my body when it says it’s full.)

It’s amazing what 6 months (now) of taking the gym seriously, 6 months of cleaner eating, laying off the Henny, Ox Tail, Empanadas, adding more fruits & veggies to the diet can do.

I had to get real with myself about the type of life I wanted for myself and what it would take for me to achieve that. This journey was bigger than just having a nice looking body/abs. Our health as we get older should be taken seriously.

Especially for some of us who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds like myself and who for the most of our lives lived/still live in “food deserts” where access to quality food and nutrition is limited.

Trust me its not our fault. Most of us have been dealt a bad hand in life by our society (That’s another conversation for another day, I can go on about that topic.)

Is it easy, no! but I knew that being undisciplined with my diet wasn’t going to help me achieve what I wanted.

Being disciplined and honest with myself allowed me to get to the root of a lot of the problems that have crippled me not just relating to my diet.

It helped me develop solid habits and has allowed me to be much more in tune with my body (that goes far beyond the physical.) Understanding what meals gave me energy and which ones gave me the itus and trying my best to eat more meals in the former and not the latter has made all the difference.

If I couldn’t be disciplined in this area of my life, how could I expect to be disciplined in other areas of my life?

I hope that I can be the spark that can influence someone to make a change in their life if they deem it necessary and looking for a source of inspiration.

I’m in no way telling people what to do.

If anything, I just want folks to be smarter about the choices they make and take into account the consequences from the jump and not waiting until after the fact.

I didn’t say anything deep or profound, I’m just a messenger passing along a message.

Thank you for your time!

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Code Switching: My Journey

Code-Switching, “The practice of moving back and forth between two languages, two dialects or registers of the same language.”

You would think individuals Code Switch to adapt to a situation or a conversation that is unfamiliar to them. Code-Switching doesn’t just involve speech, it can involve every aspect of yourself. From your clothing down to the things that interest you.

Growing up in New York City, this definition of “Code Switching” wasn’t what it seemed to be. Being a young African kid in the U.S. was tough, especially under the tutelage of my parents who are immigrants from West Africa.

I never knew what Code-Switching was until I entered High School yet looking back, I can personally say that I have been a victim and have been code-switching all my life. Even till’ this day (Yup Deonte Wilder I feel you, till this day!) I still do it. It haunts me, it affects me and at times leaves me puzzled.

When I started my schooling, I was ridiculed for being African. My accent was mocked, my dark skin was made fun of and I got labeled and asked ignorant questions such as, “You’re an African booty scratcher”, “Does your family live in trees or walk around barefoot and naked” and lastly, “Do you hunt lions for fun” Those were a few of the many silly questions I had to deal with.

It broke me down and it made me begin to question, “Is my African culture inferior and not respected enough?” To a certain extreme, I even considered bleaching my skin a bit to fit in (silly me.)

As a kid early on, all I wanted was acceptance. Over time, I began to assimilate into the community around me. I started using more “slang” within my vernacular such as, “Yoo was good” “I’m chilling” and “Man this food is popping” to name a few.

Also, I began wearing clothing worn by popular Rappers and Athletes that we, as young kids of color, extolled; All while attempting to balance out staying true to my Ghanaian roots. Suddenly, I felt good. Which was what I wanted, until I arrived at High School.

Entering high school, as my knowledge of the world around me expanded, I began to notice something depressing but wasn’t a shock to me. This was the time when I found out from, my ninth grade-writing teacher, Ms. Castillo about, “Code Switching” which was, based on the definition she provided, essentially my experience up to High School put in perspective.

Its something I will sadly have to encounter for probably the rest of my life as an African male. I now needed to learn how to speak more, “sophisticated” and to become more, “articulate.”

To me, it meant that I needed to lose my, “Urban Ways” and adopt a “Corporate America” style of speaking.

I was turned off by it because of the way I was raised in my community. Yet, as a child of a single parent, my mom had this belief that, “Anything that will make you successful, safe and allow for you to have a better life, you must do it!”

I was raised on survival. All she cared about was her son being great, not having a felony on his record, for him to make it home alive and to not have any run-ins with the NYPD.

Part of me was telling myself that she was right and why she came to the country in the first place. Yet, on the other hand, part of me was telling me, “Why do I have to sacrifice something that I have grown to enjoy and be comfortable with to be subservient to some other colloquial language. Who is to say that that language is that much better than mines?”

Unfortunately, to get where I wanted to be, I had to, “Code Switch” and adopt this style of speaking, which many of the teachers said was the norm within our society.

Once I adopted it, I noticed almost instantly, most of my teachers were inclined towards speaking and encouraging me. They believed that I wanted more out of life because I was, “Code Switching” into a more “articulate” individual. Due to this, I was able to network an obtain opportunities that have benefited me greatly, including being able to attend and hold my own in college.

I just wanted to live well, be great and accepted. Yet at the same time, it was depressing because I felt some sort of, “Survivors Guilt”

“Like why wasn’t my fellow peers getting the same treatment?” I mean they too have the capabilities of succeeding if someone both motivated and believed them yet, all because I indirectly learned to “Code Switch” and accepted being uncomfortable, I was rewarded.

If anything, its, in a weird way, probably one of the best attributes I have. It has allowed me to be very versatile. As someone who wants to see and spark change, It allows me to easily connect with various people. Being in a position where I can provide my opinions to break down misconceptions or bridge the gap so we can have discussions to help others understand the differences that are out there and the elements behind those differences is huge.

It’s one thing to say ok this person is different, but understanding what makes them different is key in better preparing yourself to understand, help and work alongside that individual.

However sadly, I still have my moments where I question my identity and why I have to code-switch. Even now as a working professional in an industry where writing, communication, the ability to connect with both journalists and our audiences is both the foundation and what makes $ in our profession.

As much as I would like to ponder on who am I know that I must do what will bring me success and I along with others will, unfortunately, live the rest of our life’s wondering, Are we Switching To The Code or Is The Code-Switching Us?

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Interacial Dating: Thru My Lens

For starters (and I hate to state the obvious,) but Love has no color.
To some, that term will resonate but to others, it may be perceived as bullshit or a “cop-out.”

Interracial dating is a topic that is often addressed from a place of conflict and never from a place of understanding. I believe how society reacts to interracial couples or those who date interracially, reveals that we still have a long ways to go towards acceptance.

For me as a Black, specifically African male, I’ve had my fair share of interracial relationships/Dates and to be quite honest, it has exposed me to a lot.

Growing up, I never had a “preference” (Subconsciously, it’s a given that we all want someone who’s looks lights a fire up under you and that’s regardless of race.) I’ve always gravitated towards who I genuinely enjoyed being around and through dating and getting to know one another, figuring out if we can co-exist as one.

When I was younger, I was caught up in this immature mindset of, “Hey, this woman has to have these physical features, look a certain way, etc.” Yet, as I’ve aged, (Thank God for wisdom and most importantly maturity,) I’ve placed more importance on the ability to co-exist and the mental because as a wise man once told me, “Your looks may grab someone’s attention for the moment, but its the personality that will keep their attention for a lifetime.”

Dating outside my race initially wasn’t easy. I could recall when I was younger being with a woman outside my race, I got backlash from all angles. I got backlash from some family members who thought the worse would happen to me being a Black male dating a woman who was outside my race/ethnic background and they thought that I didn’t like/had a hatred for my race of people.

Those were some of the initial “struggles” I had to deal with. On the flip side, I had to deal with the backlash from family members of the woman I was dating. A lot of it about my skin color and why their daughter didn’t choose a man from their race/ethnic background to date.

There were also internal and external struggles. Internally when I couldn’t understand a certain language or quickly adapt to one’s culture and way of living, I wondered if the individual would have the patience with me to figure it out or if I was worthy enough to even be with them. Externally, it was worse. Walking in public or restaurants and seeing people side-eye me, make slick comments towards me or the person I was with. I won’t lie, it was tough. At times it made dating outside my race/ethnic background hard and to a certain extent, want to avoid it completely.

However, I realized that there is both strength and tons of teachable moments with interracial dating. For me, my initial experience very early on in my life prepared my family for what I had and will do in my life dating-wise so it won’t be a surprise at all to them.

For me, the strength comes from the fact that given all of the external and internal factors you can boldly love. I commend all interracial couples and people who are interracially dating both young and old who continue to fight for their union daily. I find it exciting to meet someone who has a different cultural background and being able to work as a team to figure each other out with the sole purpose of co-existing as one.

From a societal standpoint, Its important folks realize that if one is dating outside of their race, it doesn’t mean that they have a dislike for their race. It’s a beautiful thing to have the freedom to love who you want and we as a society should embrace the fact that some folks will date outside of their race if they want.

However, at the same time, just because you date outside your race doesn’t mean you put down folks of other races or your own. Too many times folks tend to uplift one set of people at the expense of others and that there isn’t cool at all.

The End.

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“Sexual Discipline 101: Tips On How To Become Better Disciplined Sexually”

1. Identify that there’s a problem:

Hate to state the obvious but to become more disciplined Sexually, you have to admit that there’s a problem. I used to shy away from the fact that I had a problem until it took a toll on me. Once I was able to admit that I had a problem, things begin to change.

2. Be productive:

Whenever those sexual urges arise (trust me they do, I still struggle with it till this day.) Find something to do! Go for a walk, exercise, read a book, etc. I’ve noticed that when you’re idle and not doing anything, those are the times when those urges kick in the most.

3. Limit your access to Porn:

For some of us growing up, we didn’t get the traditional “Birds and the Bees” story on how we should properly approach sex so we resulted to other alternatives such as Porn & probably watched it at rate that’s unhealthy for us (we are all grown here, let’s call it like it is.)
Many benefits will come from this. It will Un-desensitize you so you can enjoy sex when you decide to have it. It will allow you to have better relationships, etc.

4. Surround yourself with folks who understand your choices/be secure in your choice:

This is probably the most important part of achieving sexual discipline. For a lot of men, we let peer pressure force us to sometimes make very silly decisions and we have ignorantly tied our value on who we are as men to how much money, possessions and women we can obtain (there are other ways to be valuable & valued fellas.) You must remain strong in the choices you make & also be aware of the friends you surround yourself with. Not everyone will understand your decision and it doesn’t make you less of a man by committing to this.

5. Understand the Consequences Beforehand

We all think we are aware of the consequences of sex but a lot of us disregard it until its too late. Just because you may frequently test/check up on yourself doesn’t mean the person you decide to lay down with is. Also, understand that by committing to having sex with someone, there is a possibility that a pregnancy may occur. It sounds like an obvious/”No Duh” advice but I had to reiterate it because we wait until its too late to take these things seriously. A wise man once told me, “If you don’t see this person as a potential Mother/Father to your child don’t lay down with them, to begin with.” (Ain’t gone lie this is extreme but I understood where he was coming from with this advice.) No, I’m not saying be celibate but you and whoever you choose to lie down with must be both on the same page.

6. Respect & value Women:

I can’t stress it enough but this is probably the most important tip if you don’t decide to follow anything else. Shift your mindset on your perception towards Women. They are more than just objects of pleasure, they are more than the size of their Brest, Ass, etc. See them for the individuals that they are. Get to know them, support and honor them.

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Sexual Discipline

“A lot of s*** up on my plate so you know a n**** late to my first class. I’d much rather sit up in first class. Should I admit that a s***** b**** was my first smash. Wasn’t experienced, so nah I didn’t wear it out. Always thought my first time would be someone I cared about but being a virgin was something to be embarrassed ’bout. I used that a** for practice, so I wasn’t scared out my mind. You call it rhymes I call it clearing out my mind. Was just a young boy starin’ out my blinds, Till I got free from my momma leash. Running loose through the streets like a stray dog in heat”

“Is this too deep for the intro? If so I’ll find another use but just in case its perfect, let me introduce” – J. Cole

The above lyrics replayed through my head back then & till this day as I write & reflect on this journey regarding Sexual Discipline.

Growing up, I thought I had sexual discipline down. Who thought the kid that was so determined to have his “first time” be with someone he cared about, falter into a place where he thought he would never go.

My lack of sexual discipline caused a lot of pain. Individuals who thought the world of me, I let them down. Maybe some things in my life would of went differently had I been more disciplined sexually.

No, I wasn’t a sex addict but once I got exposed to it, It felt like I couldn’t get enough of it.

Maybe it was because I didn’t get any growing up, that I wanted to prove to my boys that I could “get some” to feed a fragile ego at that time or the fear of being taken advantage of/heartbreak.

It didn’t make it any better that as young men, Sex, sadly, was seen as a sport. About, “Who could get who” or “Who had more bodies” etc. We barely thought about the deeper emotional and physical impacts of Sex.

Overall, a very immature mindset was the driver behind a lot of my choices back then. I’m not proud of it at all.

As I got older, feelings of pleasure after an encounter were replaced with feelings of emptiness. At times, it felt as if I was all over the place, unfocused & that lack of discipline trickled down into my work performance & my overall well-being. I knew some changes had to be made.

The feeling was weird but I knew that It was a sign of a change in me.

Fast forward to today, I’m not perfect but it’s a beautiful feeling when I can look at a woman & not want anything sexual from her at first glance. It’s a beautiful feeling when I can respectfully turn down sexual requests from women. I don’t think the younger me would have the maturity or discipline to do that.

I constantly tell myself, “I don’t need to smash everything moving”

I had to remind myself that although I may be extremely responsible about getting tested & using protective measures, who’s to say the person you lie down with is?

I knew I was playing with fire every time I decided to lie down with a random woman. Ain’t no telling what could have happened if I didn’t become more disciplined nor do I even want to think of it.

I didn’t want an STI/STD nor did I want an unplanned pregnancy with a woman I knew I had no plans of being with long term.

I truly want to break that cycle of Fathers not being there for there child/family. It starts and ends with discipline & most importantly, holding yourself accountable.

No, I’m not saying don’t have sex but be smart about the choices you make sexually & make sure both parties involved understand the consequences beforehand before you do it. Sounds cliche and obvious but trust me, a lot of folks fail to follow this until its too late.

Sex, when approached correctly & from a place of maturity, is an amazing experience.

To the young men & women who may be virgins or celibate, don’t be ashamed of your personal decision. Don’t be peer-pressured into being someone your not or to prove a point. Go at your own pace!

To the men & women struggling with sexual discipline, the first step to change is admitting that there is a problem. It starts within.

I may get backlash for writing this from some men, some may even call me lame for this but hopefully, this can be the spark for someone to become better disciplined sexually or to at least begin the conversation.

Thank you.

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Redemption

Image result for derrick rose

We all deserve redemption.

No one expects to fall from grace. Redemption isn’t easy at all.

It’s accepting that a problem exists whether its caused by you or not. It’s fighting demons that you were too coward to address.

It’s seeking help, therapy and allowing yourself to be vulnerable.

The realization that there isn’t a need to be angry at the world or that it isn’t the end of the world if you fall backward.

It’s understanding your “why” when you lose focus.

It’s dealing with moments of extreme anger and frustration when you know what you’re truly capable of but for some reason, things aren’t falling into place.

It’s a reminder that the journey of others and their success isn’t a threat to you and your unique journey.

A reminder that your temporary situation isn’t a permanent definition of your life.

It’s pushing through the noise of the naysayers.

It’s walking alone when the folks you thought had your back…leave.

It’s listening to the folks who tell you what you NEED to hear vs. what you WANT to hear.

It’s a constant commitment to both being and doing your best no matter how lame or distant you may become from the same folks who were part of the reason you temporarily self-destructed.

There’s power in being able to come back from something that was supposed to destroy you.

In the end, we all deserve redemption.

 

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A Letter To My Father

Dear Pops,

This isn’t meant to bash you or to complain. It’s more of my way of getting things off my chest. A conversation, therapy, so hear me out.

Many years ago on Valentine’s Day, ironically the day of love became the day of heartbreak. Day after day arguments after arguments seeing the house get empty was insane.

No … This isn’t what you think, my heart wasn’t necessarily broken
but this day marked Change, like a High School Grad entering College. However, this change was unknown… I feared it. I became a part of a population of many kids who identify as living in a “Single Parent Home”

More importantly, I became “Fatherless.”

Something so mundane like being home and Seeing two suddenly became Strange. New Area Code, New Seven Digits, New People, New Everything.
The Number ONE became everything to me; It was my Provider, Protector, and my Advisor. Everything I needed was all in ONE.

This ONE made everything that wasn’t physically and mentally present… Available. This ONE was my Mother.

It was hard growing up without you in our new but empty home. Seeing Mom cry on a day-to-day basis because she struggled to pay the rent, was painful.

You know I constantly asked Mom when you were coming?

Like a kid impatiently waiting for Santa but sadly under my tree, I Was gifted with disappointment & struggle. I had to come to grips with the fact that your arrival would be, Permanently Delayed.

Having no furniture for months on in, seeing kids happy with both of their parents at PTA meetings, constantly worrying and praying about what time Mom would get home, or if she was in Harm’s way.

These images and our continued Survival was weirdly, a blessing.
because its what drives me now.

Everything I have and will do is because of that moment in my life. My drive and my confidence come from that. This was the first but not the only time where I was forced to grow up & become a Man on my own but How?

Where do I start? Who do I talk to? Can I even do this alone?

When Mom wasn’t there, the TV was my babysitter and music became my influence. Kick Pushing To Lupe taught me to embrace difference and Kendrick, on the other hand, did make me realize that I too was a Good Kid In A mAAd City.

As the oldest and only male in the house these were the things that kept me sane and my Potential intact. Sure, I missed out on the daily father and son talk in regards to women, sports, finance, etc.

Could it be of help to me … certainly, but I’m just glad I didn’t succumb to the smokescreen known as the “Street Life” that has Suffocated the minds and lives of many.

One day, it’s scary to think that I will become a father and a husband myself. That I will one day meet a woman who I will deeply love and create a life with. I know I will be dealing with The same pressures and responsibilities you once had.

However, I want my experience to be different if and when that time comes. More than anything I just want to know why & what to look out for Because as they say,

“Those who don’t know their History Are Doomed To repeat it.”

Yours Truly,

Your Son

 

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“The Choice is yours: A Man’s Internal Struggle” Part 1

Man you young, got money, got clout etc. Bruh do you, live wild & free, mess around. Fuck worrying about consequences. You only live once. And you in your 20s/30s too! Shit, when I was your age I was acting a fool. Look man listen, buy that car, hook up with that girl, run up that credit cuz money comes & it goes. So what if you may have a kid with several women down the line. At least you pay your child support right ? At least you visit your kids from time ? So what if you may potentially put yourself at a higher risk for catching an STI/STD that may or may not be curable, you stay strapped up & you ain’t gotta worry about catching anything. Don’t settle down, you can wait until you in your 40s/50s when you too old & washed to hang. That girl that’s with you now she gonna always be with you she’ll wait, she will put up with you “living your best life” ignore her constant nagging. Forget trying to get life right currently, you can do that when you’re older. This is your prime take advantage of it.

But hey, you can’t say that I didn’t warn you…the choice is yours!

Naw dawg listen! think about your actions & be cautious. Why risk long term comfort & stability for temporary pleasure. Man if I was your age again, I would have did it differently. I wish I would of married that girl that held me down I had her waiting too long for me to get my shit together and she went off to be happy elsewhere. I wish I would have been there to raise my kids, I wish I was smarter with my money. I wish I was a bit conservative in my sexual activity because now I have an incurable infection. I wish I would have taken it another level in my career. Ain’t you tired of seeing fatherless homes, men with several baby mammas, generational poverty. As tempting as it may be young man, fight to change the narrative.

How many more brothers you gotta see falling until you decide to make a change or to show them a different way. It’s okay if your whip ain’t foreign yet, if your diamonds don’t dance like the next man’s, if you ain’t the center of attention, If you are committed to one woman if you place value on being fully involved & invested in your kids, family and your community. See that right there is real. Some men & some women too may call you “boring” or “too serious” but always stay true to you. This is your prime take advantage of it.

But hey, you can’t say that I didn’t warn you…the choice is yours!

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Keep Dreaming

Young King, Young Queen keep dreaming don’t let reality get you.

I know it feels like you’re running a Rat Race but Young King & Young Queen, keep dreaming.

You ain’t come this far just to come this far.

“But what about my Student Loans, Under-paying Job, Expensive Rent, Bills & what if I don’t figure it out,” says your subconscious.

To that I say, fight aggressively against reality’s grips.

As one artist puts it, “See the power of the of mind is not a joke, man I SAID THAT I WOULD DO IT & I DID”

Don’t let that 9 to 5 wine & dine you, tell em’,

“Although I’m thankful for you, I got a date with destiny”

You gotta see the dream like an Epiphany.

I know with the flick of every TV channel, conditions may seem hopeless.

I know with the swipe of your screen on your mobile device, you may feel like you ain’t doing enough or your slacking.

I know with the deposit of each check & then “the checkin’ of the account,” you may feel like your not, “Securing The Bag”

Yet, Young King & Young Queen, it is imperative that you keep dreaming.

In the meantime, seek good company, good vibes whether it’s in the form of A Friend, A Spouse or an Adventure.

Realize that you are enough & that you have enough in the present moment.

Because In the end, we ain’t come this far just to come this far.

So Keep Dreaming.