All posts by nedhamson

Activist, writer, researcher, addicted to sharing information and facts.

La saggezza della natura | le pagine dei nostri libri

“La saggezza della natura è tale che ella non produce niente di superfluo o inutile.” …

Niccolò Copernico

Source: La saggezza della natura | le pagine dei nostri libri

Driven By a Vision: To Win in Unexpected Ways | From Behind the Pen

Image Credit: TheDigitalArtist

No one can see your visions and dreams as clearly as you can. Purpose is the key to creation manifested through vision. -Kym Gordon Moore

When I wrote the above quote over 15 years ago, it was during a time when I felt like the rug was pulled from under me with such great force, that it left me feeling confused and deflated. I thought I had the roadmap of my life outlined to reach the short-term goals I thought were doable to lead me to my long-term dreams, with a little hard work of course. But I learned that sometimes, no matter how carefully orchestrated you put things in order, there will be times when that vehicle derails. Instead of sulking over a shattered glass of spilled milk, I simply poured another glass and shifted my gear to “drive.” That time wasn’t the first and as long as I live it won’t be the last. It just wasn’t my time yet, as I accepted that, and it didn’t stop me from continuing to work at it.

There is power when you have to stop before you resume your journey or trek down a new path. There is power in the ability to empower others. There is power in beating the odds and coming out on top. There is power in deciding to just go for it and do it.

The odds many people overcame that were more extreme than my woes, forced me to stand back, no longer complaining or feeling sorry for myself, and be productive, keeping my eyes on my vision. Yet, had it not been for those challenges and lamentations that I thought were debilitating, I would not have garnered the courage to move forward instead of remaining stagnant or slipping backward.

Our society has conditioned us to go for the big prize, knowing that there is only one prize for the taking. Yet even if you don’t win the big prize or get the type of accolades we see so many others savoring like the finest of champagne money can buy, that should not deter you from being your best or force you to abandon your goals. Just because someone else came out on top, even if you don’t win the way you planned or hoped, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself because you may have won in so many other unexpected ways.

To win at a specific time you thought you deserved to, may not have been for you. Quite often visions cannot be monetized. Your vision may be altered somewhat because your reward may come by pushing and encouraging others to believe in themselves and never give up. Some visions will come to fruition but you may have to take an alternate route. Your win could very well come through the collective achievements of others, by not focusing on your loss. Others don’t have your vision or determination in their view, so they can’t see what you already saw.

When you start to feel sorry for yourself because it seems like others are barreling ahead toward great things, do not compare yourself or your abilities to them. Just remember, no one can see “your” vision and dreams as clearly as you can. Live with passion. Live with purpose. Focus.

Free Man Think photo and picture

Image Credit: carlosalvarenga

Source: Driven By a Vision: To Win in Unexpected Ways | From Behind the Pen

The Freedom Towns You Need to Know About – The Root

Freedman’s Village, Arlington
Freedman’s Village, Arlington
Photo: Library of Congress

This month in the year 1864, The Senate passed the 13th Amendment to abolish Human slavery in the United States. The House would follow suit the next year, setting the ground work for the emancipation of millions of Black people.  As a result, “Freedmen’s Towns” built by and for formerly enslaved people began emerging all over the country. These all-Black communities, known alternatively as “Freedom Towns” or “All-Black Towns” have slowly been lost to history.

But here’s a list of some Freedom Towns you should know about!

Source: The Freedom Towns You Need to Know About