Everyone wants change. We want to see a change in our government, in our boss, in our youth, in our paycheck (hello somebody!) But do we really understand that change must first take place inside a person. And for us to see change impacting our lives we must realize that the person who needs to change is ourselves?
Here is the way things work. Our lives are shaped by our actions and reactions. Our actions and reactions are shaped by our decisions. Our decisions are shaped by our ideas. Our ideas are shaped by our thoughts and beliefs. And our thoughts and beliefs are shaped by what we see, hear, and read. So it stands to reason if you want the actions and reactions you put forth to change, then change what you are seeing, hearing, and reading. I know waaaay to simple. But true non the less. I figured this out a few years ago and slowly I have been making changes in what I see, hear, and read.
Take seeing for instance. I started to take notice of the movies I choose to see and the television shows I choose to watch. I would ask myself “Is what I’m viewing supporting images that encourage or enhance me as a Black woman? Does what I view show the true nature of humanity AND some ideas for making it better?” These were just some questions that I asked myself. The same reasoning can be used for what I listen to and to what I read. I personally stopped listening to some R&B singers because their works showcased Black women as weak. Always chasing some pathetic man who is cheating on them. Singing songs that have women confronting the “other” woman. My view on this: If a man is cheating on a you, then ditch the man. And if you have anything to say to the other woman, tell her good luck.
My biggest belief is choosing wisely what you read. But for some folks we have to start with them just reading to begin with. We as Black people have a special reason to read….it used to be illegal for us to do so. And there was a reason slave masters did not want their slaves to read…. it taught slaves to think for themselves… to have their OWN thoughts. Not the thoughts that were influenced by what the slave owners told them. But thoughts that Black intelligence created. That is the BIGGEST fear of those who want to keep down the Black race. They fear our Black intelligent thoughts. Because we can do great things if we just think about it for a second.
So I encourage one and all to think about what you choose to see, hear, and read. Because what you put inside your head will show up in your actions and reactions. All of how we live is nothing more than a reflection of what we think and feel. So start with changing the inside and your outer expressions will change as well.
Hambree!
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