The Administration of Law

On September 30, 2020, the world woke up to the morning after the Presidential Debate. The shift of energy was so strong as people let their thoughts and reviews known. Protests are more vigilant and counter demonstrators are "standing back and standing by". This heightened response almost overshadowed the Breonna Taylor investigations. More truths are coming out. The Attorney General did not present evidence or argument of murder. He actually asked for more time to manipulate the voice recordings of witnesses. Also they discovered new bodycam tapes of the aftermath of Breonna Taylor's murder. The cries for justice echo louder as the FBI continues their investigation. The blinders are falling off as people struggle to support the news stories presented to the American public. This is a story that has gripped the hearts of everyone who empathizes with the vulnerability of being shot and killed in the home. As we watched this tragedy unfold before us, we pray a collective prayer for her and her family. Please share your thoughts comments and prayers below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

While You Were Sleeping

Say her name. Breonna Taylor. This hit me different. She tried to make a difference. Her apartment was raided at an ungodly hour. This young lady was shot and killed in her home. In. Her. Home. Baffling to me is that the person they were looking for was in their custody. Unfortunately,  too many young lives lost to violence turn into hashtags. So many hashtags that it becomes a habit that drifts into memory. But this hits differently. Breonna Taylor worked two jobs as an ER Technician, trying to become a nurse. For those who are working during this pandemic, can you imagine how tired you are after your shift? For essential workers, can you imagine the stress of having two positions in a high intensity filled emergency rooms? How many of us have fallen asleep while watching movies? Put yourself in her shoes. She is weary from working and needed to ease her mind. Instead, police break into your home unannounced and causing damage. Standing your ground doesnt work when you're against "trained officers " who don't follow their own protocols. A woman who was unarmed caught 6 bullets and bled to death in her home. Then, her murder is swept under the proverbial mat for over 6 months. Every day, more details are released about this murder we have.that opens the wounds. This young lady looks like anyone sister, cousin, or best friend. And her life was cut short of the potential she showed. The city paid her family $12M for wrongful death. But that's not enough money for missing her daily in their lives. Collectively, we miss her in our lives too. So how has her murder affected you? What are you doing to express your feelings? Have you lost a loved one tragically like this? How are you coping with it? Please share your comments below. So as we visit more sides to her story, let's memorialize her respectfully.  #sayhername #breonnataylor

2 good 2 be 4 gotten

The accolades continue to come in for Chadwick Boseman. Disney has released a mural in his honor. Marvel will be paying tribute by putting his name across the front of their newest comic books. The artwork that the creatives have made has highlighted many facets of his life. The grief has waned but is still present for many people. There's a hero sized hole that won't be filled anytime soon. There won't be any stellar performances from this rising star. We won't see anymore of his work ethics or onscreen imagery. His interviews revealed his depth and his speeches brought levity and light. Chadwick Boseman has moved into the "gone too soon" stratosphere like Prince, Jimi, Elvis and many others. He was a man of faith who practiced what he preached. He visited children in the hospital fighting cancer while he was fighting cancer. Chadwick made public appearances to the very end of his life. Chadwick faced his healthcare head on while he and his circle did not inform the public about it. I am looking forward to more extended versions, deleted scenes and background clips that will unfold. I remember when we used to sign yearbook, we always used the "2 good 2 be 4 gotten" slogan. As life happens, we truly do realize the good die young. Who have you felt left us too soon? How do you remember their lives and what they lived for? How motivated are you to leave your mark on this world? Please share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Prince: Sign O' The Times Re-Released

I have been in purple heaven. The Prince Estate officially re-released the 1987 Sign O' The Times album. There are several editions available to the public and the celebrations have been EPIC. On Thursday,  the Estate debuted the SOTT concert on Prince's YouTube channel. Afterward, the album was celebrated with an all night long jam session of both new and classic Prince songs. DJ Rashida and Natasha Diggs hosted this event with several guest speakers and disc jockeys spinning their musical mixes and remixes. On Friday, Paisley Park hosted the first public screening of the SOTT movie. The after party was hosted by DJ Keezy and Sophia Eris. The critics have been raving about the remastered versions of Prince's hits and collaborations. Personally, I loved seeing the deference Prince gave to the legendary Miles Davis in their only on-stage performance.  If the vault contains the volume of works that the SOTT and 1999 box sets reflect, we can look forward to extended editions of Prince's music "until the end of time". Let's talk about how  Prince is still making news after his untimely death. I need to hear from you, the Purple Family. Have you purchased your copy? Did you see the movie? Did you go to Paisley Park? What's the best part for you? Which album should the Prince Estate remaster next? Flood my comments section with your thoughts, reviews, and concerns. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

You Were Meant To Stand Out

As we remember the life and times of Chadwick Boseman, I found this quote attributed to him. These words remind us to hold on to our individuality. I liken this to the brilliance of children. They run. They play. They push boundaries. They aren't afraid to try new things. They are uniquely their own as they explore the world around them. Chadwick also modeled this behavior throughout his career.  As a student at Howard University, his classmates recalled his bright personality and spiritual grounding. He would not take one dimensional, stereotypical roles. He played smaller parts until his big break came through. He added new depth with each performance,  honing his craft to improve on his skills. And he persisted. Chadwick navigated the murky waters of Hollywood, creating his own version of success. His supporters held him up until the bitter end. He blazed a trail for strong black role models who are believable to the public and viable at the box office. He proved that sticking to your principles will pay off wildly and vindicate your actions. Chadwick distinguished himself by allowing his character and strength shine through each historical portrayal he performed. So I turn this statement on us. Are we giving our best performances to our job/business? Can we relate what we're doing to our purpose in life? What kind of character are we showing to others? Chadwick left so many mottos he lived by, and we will continue our journey to studying his mantras. Please share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay healthy and stay safe. 

An Indescribable Loss

Have you ever been at a loss for words? I mean nothing is coming out of your mouth? On August 28, 2020, the newscaster reported the death of Chadwick Boseman. In that moment, it felt like the world froze. I was dozing off, but that announcement sat me straight up in bed. Unlike the death of Prince,  this was completely unexpected. Out of the blue. Unimaginable. The collective response was "How? He was so young." Soon, the heartbreaking details started to come out. His life was becoming a patchwork quilt of memories that those around him shared. Everyone felt the pain of the enormity of his passing,  but clamored to share the piece of him that they received. Millions of fans of the Black Panther movie were and continue to offer tribute to their King T'Challa. I saw a listing of the five reasons why this hurt cuts so deep to those who didn't know him:

1. Their work helped us get through a difficult time in our lives.

2. Their work inspired our dreams and goals.

3. They modeled possibility.

4. Their death triggers our grief and losses

5. Their passing activates our fears around death.

While we struggle with the loss of Chadwick Boseman, we continue to celebrate the impact he had in our world. He lived his life on his own terms. His energy vibrated higher than his condition. Chadwick projected images of African American history makers while creating the image of himself. While we will miss the potential of his successful career, we can reflect on the catalog he left behind. I found so many examples of mottos that he lived by that I want to share. This will be a powerful path to add to our journey together. These nuggets will help us obtain our best life. The purple life. So what are some mottos you live by? Have you ever had to push through your health condition? Was there someone in your life who imparted this drive and determination? Please comment below. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

DJs are saving lives

Last night, entertainment history was made. The 2020 Emmys were socially distanced from 100+ locations. More importantly,  D-Nice served as the first DJ/ Rapper to do the Creative Director of Music/ Co-Host of the show. The CEO of Club Quarantine helped to ensure the production went off without a hitch. This pandemic has highlighted the fact that DJs are saving lives. Chicago is the birthplace of Gospel music. The team at Inspiration 1390am take calls, texts, and emails from their listeners.  Every single day, they get testimonies, sage advice and prayers over the airwaves. Often, the DJs get the same in return. The music is a Ministry for Sonya Blakey, Marcella Jones, and DeAndre Patterson. Whenever I travel back home to Cleveland, it's Haz Matthews chatting it up about the local scene. Staying home has become an exercise in isolation, depression, and hopelessness. People are reaching out to find some sort of comfort and community. Many DJs are putting their product and skills online and on social media. Whether you enter into the Magnificent House Party, Sunday sCQool, or Disco Sunday Fellowship, you're bound to chase your troubles away. I have seen the rise of House music with the Chosen Few DJs, the Hot Mix 5, and House Junkies sponsoring events like drive-ins and picnics for their loyal fans. I've even seen people who used to DJ dust off their equipment to see if they still got it. In fact, there are classes that can teach you how to DJ. All of this proves that the human race starves and will search for connections and confirmation.  The ultimate goal is a sense of wellbeing and belonging. Many lessons are being taught about pivoting your talents into a livelihood. I implore you to follow your calling. Hone your craft so that you are ready to be the next "overnight sensation". Let's take our creativity to the limits in pursuit of the best life. The purple life. What's the name of your favorite DJ? What type of music do they play? Are you inspired to reach for your own success? Please comment below. Thank you for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Prince: Master, Teacher, Preacher

What kind of music do you listen to? For me it's one word- Prince. His catalog stretches across all genres and affects all generations. His passion for performing drove him to technical excellence.  Prince controlled the sounds and settings of his recordings to produce quality product. His fans are loyal even beyond his untimely death in April 2016. Many articles were written at that time describing the loss and lessons learned. I've read many of them, and they lack the depth and breadth of the man and his artistic offerings. Let's get into it.

Master: Prince was a child prodigy. He learned and played all instruments on his first few albums. Most importantly,  he maintained all creative control of his product. Prince exhibited a winning formula that he replicated with the Minnesota Sound. Many artists came to him when it was time to reinvent themselves and revive their careers. With his skills, he has boosted those artist to another level, and they've reaped the benefits of his touch.

Teacher: Prince was a skilled businessman. He negotiated his contracts at age 17. When it no longer served him, he self-published and self-promoter his music. He was the first artist to sell his music online. He was the first artist to give his CD to concert goers. He was the first artist to co-brand his music with print media. He made much of his millions in concert sales. Artists are still following in his footsteps to maintain their livelihood and profitability. 

Preacher: Prince spoke volumes in his songs. His lyrical genius displayed in the cadence and delivery of his provocative words. The use of double entendre made decifering the meanings of his verses engaging to his fans. Emboldened by this knowledge, fans felt included in his fiercely private world. Drawn in like a flock, Prince used his musicality to translate his message to the masses and gain their fandom. His legacy will live forever as even more followers are introduced to his published works.

I've loved Prince since 1978, the very beginning of his career. Cleveland is the home of Rock and Roll, but music is life there. Prince was welcomed with open arms and held in high esteem by many. His musicianship gave credence to his status as a mega superstar. So who are you a fan of? How can you relate better to them? Please share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Music: The Universal Language

Music is the universal language of mankind. This saying was coined by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and it still rings true today. In my travels, I have found that people gather and celebrate with music. More impressive, they can appreciate music in English even when they don't speak the language. We have the ability to emote with the song selection chosen and transfer energy between each other. I took a class from a powerful, internationally known speaker. She relayed a story about an engagement she had overseas. The crowd reacted to the songs she chose for her presentation, but didn't understand the presentation itself. There is a sense of comfort and community established with the harmonies, timbres, and textures of the melodies played. Often, the music brings up memories of times past. Many musicians are remixing their catalogs to create fresh perspectives on past successes. Researchers have found that music can evoke empathy of mankind towards each other. As I engage others, they respond in kind. I often project positivity, which draws people in. Rarely have I had issues expressing my thoughts when music and movement were involved. How has music translated for you? What are some nontraditional genres that you listen to? Are there any cultures you'd like to immerse yourself in? Please share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Music For Your Soul

So how important is music? It is mentioned many times in the Bible. Since the world was, music has been. We've gone through music for your mind and body, but what about your soul? The Spirit inside of you. How does music touch your soul? Music's original role was to praise God. Over time, it has morphed into what it is today. As a black woman, I relish in our history both in Africa and America. African music tells the tales of our ancestors.  An oral history of our people,  experiences, and cultures. It expressed our languages and our deep rooted connection to each other. Once stolen from our land, music adapted to the "New World". Songs became spiritual medicine for broken souls. Music was used to ease the burden of the slave labor and relentless captivity.  For those who had to escape, songs were used as roadmaps to freedom. Once freed, churches became social magnets. This gave rise to Gospel music. Black people needed to uplift their spirits through the adversity that challenged them. The call and respond style allowed audiences to participate and release their tensions in a socially responsibly way.  As the genre grew, lyrics were formed around popular melodies of the time. Today, music is categorized and segregated by the companies that produce them. However, musicians have blurred those lines to bring our society some semblance of unity. Have you noticed how traditional church hymns are becoming more secular? Have you noticed how Gospel music has crossed over to all music genres? Every religious service I've ever been to has music incorporated into it. Whether its instrumental, soloists, praise teams, choirs or pre-recorded tracks, music is a part of the ministry. I am a lover of music and I enjoy the creativity and artistry that musicians use to craft their product. I also find that music adds the soundtracks of our lives. So now that we've seen how music affects the mind, body and soul, how has it affected your life? What genre(s) do you listen to? Where does music take you to? What memories does it evoke for you? Please share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Music For Your Body

I love music. Any kind of music. Cleveland's own O'Jays made these lyrics famous over their 50 year career. My favorite rapper, Rakim, stated that " to me, MC means Move the Crowd". Music blares during sporting events, exercise classes, lounges, nightclubs, schools and churches. Why is that? Well, dopamine is a hell of a drug. This "feel good" chemical is triggered when listening to music. Now we've looked at how music works with the mind, but how does it affect the body? Researchers have uncovered plenty of evidence for the benefits songs have on our bodily functions. Many doctors are musicians in their own right, and incorporate music into their therapy/recovery plans. Doctors have found that social isolation is a cardiac risk factor. Music helps by lowering blood pressure. The healing vibrations even stimulate the skin and the sensations felt. Elderly patients who get dance lessons have a better gait, dexterity and balance. They even found that work performance is better when completing tasks and tests.  Most of the studies centered on exercise ability and musical influences. Turns out that listening to music while exercising can push people further. Music affects the capacity and arousal of the muscles based on the speed and variance of the tempo. So no matter the genre of music you like (or don't like), do yourself a favor and add music to your daily routine. As we take a deeper dive into the effects of music, you will discover that the lyrics, melodies, and arrangements can truly transform your environment. During the pandemic, we need to keep our minds and bodies right. This will help ensure that we're living our best life. The purple life. So what kind of music do you listen to? How does it help you? Please share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Music For Your Mind

Did you catch it? The Verzuz between Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight? ***Spoiler Alert*** Did you fall out when Dionne Warwick came and joined them? It really did my heart good to see them together. Those career stories? Whew!!! As an added benefit, it eased my headache too. So I had to look into this further. Universities have been studying the effects of music on brain health, and the results are wide ranging. They all agree that music helps to release dopamine, which is known to modulate reward experiences. You are literally treating yourself whether you're singing or listening. Music helps with people who have dementia and those on the autism spectrum. There are no negative symptoms that come from the songs we enjoy, whether new or old. Scientists have proven that music with strong beats can encourage focus, activity and concentration. On the flip side, songs with slower rhythms reduce stress, increase relaxation and aids meditation. Some additional benefits include:

1. Pulls attention from negative stimuli 

2. Increases the "feel good" chemical

3. Stimulates brainwaves

4. Improves your state of mind

5. Reduces the perception of pain

I love music. Growing up in Cleveland, music was and still is life. We treasure the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and our hometown heroes,  the O'Jays. Diving deeper into the research, music is a part of the fabric of our lives. It's no wonder that radio stations run 24/7/365, and online options are endless. Join me as we take the scenic route of our journey to living our best life. The purple life. Share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

World Suicide Prevention Day 2020

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. With everything going on in the news and social media, there was virtually no mention of this very important annual event. I've lost many classmates to suicide, and I've always lamented over their deaths. For those who have lost loved ones, I can only imagine the range of emotions that you go through. In researching for my mindfulness blogposts, the goal is to focus your energy internally to be in the present moment. However, suicide prevention focuses on connecting with others. Watching human behavior and recognizing changes in them is key to recovery. 

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
• If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

Many organizations have listed resources online for symptom recognition. Therapists can assist with exploring the root causes for individuals who are not coping well with life or have expressed the desire to harm themselves. The key ingredient is you. Are you checking on family and friends? Is there someone who has been on your mind? Have you noticed subtle/drastic changes in those around you? Does your workplace have programs in place? Your school? Your church? Do you belong to a support circle or an accountability group? You can't save the world, but you can give someone the hope and strength to keep going. People can move forward and get through the situations that they think they can't overcome. 

Individual Impact: 

• 75% of all people who die by suicide are male.    
• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.  
• Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 and the 4^th leading cause of death for people 35-54      
• The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 31% since 2001  
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition  
• While half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms.

As we prepare to increase our mindfulness,  let's also incorporate mental health awareness into our schedules. It is shocking how thin the line is between the two. While we are in quarantine, let's strive to improve the quality of our lives and the lives around us.  Let's continue to press towards the mark of the high calling and live our best life. The purple life. Please share your comments below. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Clearing Out The Corners Of Your Mind

In the last part of our series, we concentrate on increasing mindfulness. We want to shift from brooding over our past to enjoying every moment of life. We lose our sense of being when retreating inside our heads. So the question becomes how do we break free. How do we clear the mind and tefocus. What practices should we incorporate into our schedules. Essentially, how do we empty out the bad thoughts and replace them with the good. Using these methods will assist with recentering your mind and body:

1. Breathe in and breathe out-feel the flow of your breath

2. Pay attention to your senses

3. Empty the mind- take some moments to be still

4. As soon as the mind wanders, bring it back to breath

5. Practice non-judgmental listening 

6. Be aware of every daily activity 

7. Go outdoors-walk around in nature 

8. Forgive yourself for negative thoughts 

9. Be grateful- say thank you

10. Go easy on yourself 

You will find it easier to use these methods as you bring the stress and anxiety to the forefront. In time, you will see the progress you're making. We must do everything in our powerful to overcome the constant barrage of horrible news reports and social media. I am leaning on my religion now more than ever. I often find reading biblical verses helps to withdraw from my plans and draw closer to Him. As we continue on our journey, we will move forward to living our best life. The purple life. Please share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Calm Yourself Down

Happy Labor Day 2020!!! How did you fair? Did you enjoy yourself? Were you out and about during the pandemic? Or did you shelter in place? For many families, tomorrow is the first day of "school". After watching the the news and social media, I can imagine all the scenarios you've sorted through.  I can also imagine the "talks" you've had about this. As a single person, I took the luxury to rest. We all must make the best decisions for tomorrow. However, are you finding it difficult to sleep? To relax? To enjoy life? Americans are increasingly concerned about outside influences that affect daily activities. We need to re-center ourselves to calm the forces in our heads. Let's concentrate the rest of this series on mindfulness. Here are some suggestions to adjust your activity toward mindfulness:

1. Gently refocus when your mind wonders

2. Release tension in your shoulders 

3. Imagine a relaxing scene 

4. Relax your entire face

5. Breathe deeply 

6. Notice, don't judge your emotions 

We need to work on small changes. We can certainly put these suggestions into actionable steps into habits. As we continue to use these steps, they'll become habits. I know I can use better habits to increase my health, wealth, and wellbeing. How about you? What are your thoughts? Can you use these suggestions? Are you finding methods that work? Please share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Free Your Mind!!!

How is your holiday weekend going? Sunny? Peaceful? Stressed? Ruined? If you've come up with more answers than questions asked, you are overthinking. People tend to go inside their head to create worst case scenarios rather than addressing what's in front of them. Celebrating during the pandemic is strenuous to plan and tentative to attend. Social media portrays our desire to have a glamorous profile versus a truthful one. People will create a facade to hide their reality or build a wall to block access. Either way, it keeps others from entering in and enjoying the presence of you. As we work on the issue of overthinking, let's continue with some ways to confront those probing questions. As listed in Inc magazine, consider these tips:

1. Awareness is the beginning of change.

2. Don't think of what can go wrong, but what can go right.

3. Distract yourself into happiness.

4. Put things into perspective.

5. Stop waiting for perfection.

6. Change your view of fear.

7. Put a timer to work.

8. Realize you can't predict the future.

9. Accept your best.

10. Be grateful. 

Compare your answers from yesterday and today. Are you noticing your pattern? Can you identify what you need to work on? As we finish this set of teachings, we'll dive deeper into strategies to combat overthinking.and practice more mindfulness. Thoughts? Share your comments below.  Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Ten Signs You're Overthinking It

Labor Day Weekend 2020. Pandemic raging across the US. Black lives lost at a rapid pace. Politics has dwindled down to battles and bloodshed in the streets. It's enough to make you lose your mind. Depression and anxiety are at an all time high. Public health officials are scrambling to come up with solutions to combat this problem. A recent health scare has brought this on my radar. The root cause of most issues is overthinking. Mulling over. Brooding. Stuck. Ruminating. Reminiscing. People who overthink tend to dwell in the past or worry about their future. These behaviors prevent the proper focus on the present. I found an article in Inc magazine which posted these probing questions:

1. I relive embarrassing moments in my head repeatedly.
2. I have trouble sleeping because it feels like my brain won't shut off.
3. I ask myself a lot of "what if..." questions.
4. I spend a lot of time thinking about the hidden meaning in things people say or events that happen.
5. I rehash conversations I had with people in my mind and think about all the things I wished I had or hadn't said.
6. I constantly relive my mistakes.
7. When someone says or acts in a way I don't like, I keep replaying it in my mind.
8. Sometimes I'm not aware of what's going on around me because I'm dwelling on things that happened in the past or worrying about things that might happen in the future.
9. I spend a lot of time worrying about things I have no control over.
10. I can't get my mind off my worries.

How many of these apply to you? Are you shocked or surprised by the number? How have you been combating this? An important part of life's journey is dealing with tough situations. In this series I will expound upon things we can do to get "unstuck" and clear the clutter in our minds. What are your thoughts? Share your comments below. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Five Ways To Handle Trolls, Haters, and Critics

You see it every day. Hecklers who try to interrupt a comedian's set..usually with disaterous results. Online disputes between complete strangers about a variety of topics. Politically divided conversations amongst opposing factions. Generally, the expert is challenged on their work by an observer. Sometimes they're interested in the subject. Oftentimes, they want attention. Trolls. Haters. Critics. Miserable Individuals. I call them Basement Dwellers. You can give a person the whole house, but they choose to go lower and settle for the least. No matter how you try to sway the minds or the message, they just want to infuse their own agenda. So what do you do? How do you maintain your dignity and your success while quashing the "noise". I got these tips come from Entrepreneur magazine.

1. Distinguish haters from critics.

2. Don't take it personally.

3. Use it to get better. 

4. Humanize yourself

5. Don't focus on the negative.

I implore you to put these tips into practice as you face your own challenges. Recognize that they can only come from their knowledge levels and experiences. Everyone has a different skillset and approach matters in ways they've learned. That's why it's important to know who surrounds you and who supports you. What have you worked through? Any thoughts to share? Please share your comments below.  Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Mawuphumle Ngoxolo Chadwick Boseman

Our king has died. Chadwick Boseman passed on Friday, August 28,2020. This hurt me more than any Hollywood passing. More than Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, or Aretha Franklin. This cut deeper than Prince's transition as the world went purple for him. His acting skills were unmatched. He was deliberate. He respected and perfected his craft. He brought gravitas to everything he did.  He did it with seamless style and grace. Most remarkable is that this young man died at age 43 after fighting colorectal cancer for 4 years. For. Four. Years. Many of the actors he worked with had no idea he was sick. As everyone is saying now, he waged a life and death battle without complaint. As the memories come to light, all who knew his said he lived his purpose.  They all say they wished they had more time with him. Portraying King T'Challa in Black Panther changed his life and the world as a collective. Around the world, everyone is mourning this regal talent who left his mark on everyone. Quite frankly, he is gone to soon. As the tributes continue to roll in, this one went the deepest. In his own words, Chadwick expresses his hope when he meets God in heaven. I dare say that he left nothing behind on earth. He shared his talent with us and left nothing behind. My reason for writing this blog is to ask the same of myself and for you. Are you giving it all you got? Are you serving your purpose? Have you put your stamp on this world? Even after his death, people are searching cancer sites at a rate of 8000% according to some stats. There are petitions to place his statue where a Confederate one now stands. His alma mater will create their own memorial. Some are even going as far as to request a theme park of Wakanda. I applaud them all and I anticipate even more. What are your thoughts? How did you mourn his loss? What did you learn of his example? Share your comments below. Hlala ukhuselekile. Hlala usempilweni.