Words to Live by in 2021
You made it Joe! Welcome to 2021 and the first episode of One Mo Minute. Let’s leave 2020 right where it is and was. It was a beast. One hellish 365 days. It offered so much for some and took away so much for others. It was a year of symbolism that will go down in history. I can’t even put into words what it was for me, but I learned the value of stillness and grace. There’s power in solitude as it really makes you face the music. Grace is a gift that keeps on giving especially when you give it yourself.
Listen to the latest episode about 13 quotes and words to live by in 2021.
2020 Vision: Evolve or Repeat
2020 was supposed to be the year of new vision and clarity. In spite of everything going on with COVID-19, quarantines, and social injustice-- believe it or not, it still is!
I’ve pondered on the symbolism of this year, even while sorting through my anxiety and discomfort. Trying to make sense of what 2020 means and searching for clarity. It registered to me that there are two idioms relevant to every single thing happening this year that deal with the term “2020and how it’s referenced.
"Hindsight is 20/20" means it's easier to analyze situations when we're looking back on them in the past, than when we're in the present moment. The word hindsight refers to looking back or reflecting on things in the past. This absolutely sums up what’s happening now, in real-time.
Keep reading.
There is no better time to be Black. Every single thing that our ancestors have fought for is coming to pass. The Civil Rights Movement ended decades ago and here we are still fighting for justice and equality. Laws against hate crimes are finally being passed. Confederate flags are being taken down. Statues of significant historical figures who oppressed Black people are being removed. It’s a new day all across the world.
Brands and businesses are making statements about the inclusion of Black people. It’s everywhere. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackDadsMatter. #BlackWomenMatter. Over the last few decades, these same brands have profited from Black culture. It seems like only NOW we’re seen, heard and felt. They’re finally recognizing what we’re worth.
Publications are being outed for inequality and bigotry in the workplace. Execs are being called out for being oppressors or problematic. For not giving Black people fair opportunities or overlooking respective talent. Folks at the top are being made examples of publicly, stepping down or being fired.
The veils of white privilege and even that of other people of color are being removed.
Our idols and people with influence are canceling themselves. Their ignorance and arrogance is showing and it’s loud.
In hindsight, brands, people and everything in between are realizing that not only have they had it wrong, they’ve done it wrong. They been blind to the experiences of other people or haven’t even looked their way. It sucks that it took losing the lives of innocent people to get the world’s attention.
Why are major brands and people in our networks issuing apologies, using #BLM, crying white tears, or are just now standing in solidarity with a whole community of people? It’s because when they look back on their past, it’s clear they’ve been a part and have perpetuated a larger problem. They are scrambling to find a solution to a crack in the system that they’ve contributed to.
There’s a whole lotta coulda, shoulda, wouldas now. Being Black and our experience, both positive and negative is more than a moment. It’s a movement.
And then there’s the most common “2020” idiom. 2020 vision. In simple terms, it means you see everything clearly. Denoting vision of normal sharpness.
Every single construct that we’ve ever known is falling apart. From the government to our personal lives.
What was -- no longer works. Things as they were, won’t do and what we‘ve been doing is null and void.
This time of isolation is causing people to leave relationships that never really served them. It’s becoming more and more clear to some that they are stuck in relationships and going through the motions based on the concept of time.
Friendships that were already on thin ice are either sinking or swimming.
People are realizing that their man-made distractions are just that…..distractions. The smoke and mirrors and over consumption of things can no longer fill in the void of being unhappy, sad, depressed, destructive or toxic.
Society is realizing that less is more. Minimalism will likely be a new way of life. We’ve been so blinded by material and social things that we haven’t even taken the time to take care of ourselves or our hearts and minds. It’s our fault that we’ve put so much pressure on ourselves to acquire things that speak to our egos and not our spirits. That way of thinking is melting away.
Stillness is forcing people to see what life is REALLY about. It’s about the love and acceptance of self. It’s about peace of mind and creating a sanctuary that whispers to your soul.
The forced isolation is making folks heal from traumas and disappointment. Both inflicted from others and what they’ve inflicted on other people.
People are clearing out their space and making room for new things.
It’s like we’re cutting the fat to get to the meat and root of things.
Solitude is a gift and a curse. It's peaceful and scary. Some days it can feel like the walls are closing in on you. And for some it can set you free.
On the positive side, people are taking up new hobbies, discovering new passions or birthing hidden talents. What a time to be alive.
Our visions are clearer because we’re getting rid of everything that’s been in the way. It’s like the way we see and experience the world is being torn down and rebuilt. Nothing will be the same after this. NOTHING.
There was a quote floating around on social media that read “If you don’t come out of 2020 with a new business, knowledge or skill set, you’re lazy and you’ve wasted time.” While I agree with some of those things in terms of time, time is subjective. This year is about taking notes on what has worked in the past to provide clarity on what to do in the future.
For me personally, I’ve always been the type of woman to be on the go. I’ve wasted money on fleeting things. Always a busy body. But thanks to quarantine, I’ve slowed down. I’ve never appreciated the sun and the stars more. I’ve never appreciated my space more. I’ve never valued the people who I can call on more. I’ve never appreciated those who show up for me more. I’ve never shown up for other people more. I’ve never appreciated where I am at this very moment more. It’s like a rebirth.
Now I’m also very aware that this is probably a really difficult time for some. Financially. Spiritually. Mentally. They are stuck in spaces that are symbols of sadness and negativity. But I am certain there’s still hope.
No doubt these times are SCARY. UNCERTAIN. UNPREDICTABLE. To think we’re only half way through the year. Take the time to be kind to yourself.
2020 is WILD. It feels like an extended version of the movie “Groundhog Day.” Yet, God is still present. He’s using time and circumstance to get our attention. Even in the midst of chaos He’s here. That’s the silver lining.
All I hear for 2020 is evolve or repeat.
So which one will you choose?
Listen a new episode of One Mo Minute: “2020 Vision: Evolve or Repeat” below:
#HappyJuneteenth
Happy Juneteenth. A day marked by 155 years of freedom for Black people in America. Realized and unrealized.
It’s been around for all of our natural lives. Some have celebrated it. Some haven’t. Some know what it is and some don’t, but we can all agree that in 2020 it’s finally getting its just do. This year it’s taken on a whole new meaning.
It’s no secret that the last three weeks have been, HELL! I mean our world, a Black person’s world is being redesigned and rediscovered. Some people are finally seeing the weight of their transgressions and judgements against a race of people. Who woulda thunk that in 2020, white people would see us and our plight? I guess it only took kneeling on someone’s neck for over eight minutes and them dying; or Black people protesting, rioting and burning down Gucci stores begging for justice, change and reform to finally be heard and SEEN! Brands and people are starting to capitalize on #BlackLivesMatter messaging and donations to the Black community to stand in solidarity. People’s coworkers, friends and allies are crying white tears and trying to figure out how they can be better allies. No matter how you feel about it. It’s starting an overdue and much needed conversation.
If I have to think of one word to describe how I feel it would be tired. When I say tired, I mean it in every sense of the word. Tired of seeing lifeless Black bodies on my timeline normalized. Tired of the confusion and division in our country. Tired of begging to be valued. Tired of falling victim to someone else’s privilege and proximity to access and opportunity.
This time of unrest has really made me think about the one thing that has motivated me my whole life. And it’s been my BLACKNESS.
I was born in Miami and raised by two people from the inner city.
I’m the descendant and great-granddaughter of the first Bahamian settlers in a formerly all-Black area in Miami known as Coconut Grove.
I’m the descendant and great-granddaughter of Black Cherokee Indians from Gafney, SC.
I’m a third generation graduate of one of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the nation, Florida A&M University.
I’m a member of the first Black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
My whole life has been deeply rooted in how Black I am and how Black I can be. It’s been engrained in me to do everything in excellence. To be 5x smarter and work 10x harder. To persevere and be strong. Taught to never let anyone see my weaknesses. My Blackness has always been and will always be my greatest badge of honor. It’s scary to think that the very thing I take pride in; will always be my biggest burden to some people in the world. I’ve realized more than ever that no matter how many accolades I collect or how much I do -- some people will never see ME. They won’t revel in my success or will make it that much harder for me; solely based on the color of my skin. And that doesn’t sit well with me.
There’s something about the death of George Floyd that’s different and it’s shaken me to my core. There’s a level of desensitization you get when you continuously see lifeless Black bodies on the ground and unarmed Black men and women being killed like Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, while their killers have no consequence.
Today’s climate leaves me with this eerie feeling. Every single social construct we’ve ever known is literally being torn down. The very bias’s and themes that have existed in this country for over 401 years. I guess the beauty in that is, while nothing will ever be the same, we can pray that it will get better.
Now while I sit here on Juneteenth, my mind is boggled. The first time I’d ever heard of it was in college at FAMU in our required African-American studies class. I learned about its origins and what it is to be free and Black. Yet, sadly this is the first time in my entire life I am intentionally celebrating it.
The resurgence and re-appreciation of this holiday is symbolic. It’s the beginning of something special and new. One that we’ll always cherish and appreciate. It’s like the strength we didn’t know we needed, until we needed it. It’s always been there. Now it’s time for us to do right by it, by enjoying the freedom that our ancestors so fearlessly and courageously fought for.
Listen a new episode of One Mo Minute: #HappyJuneteenth below:
Introducing Convos with Mo| Interview Series Featuring Melissa Mitchell of Abeille Creations
Introducing Convos with Mo, a new "One Mo Minute" interview series featuring movers and shakers changing the world one dream at a time. The first guest is Melissa Mitchell, abstract artist and owner of Abeille Creations as she discusses how to manifest the life of your dreams during the global pandemic and the power of watering your own garden. Follow her on Instagram at: @abeillecreations and order her new coloring book, "Color & Manifest" at www.melissaamitchell.com.
Listen to the full episode below:
NYE Edition| Dear 2020, A Letter to My Younger Self
Happy New Year!
As I sit here waiting on 2020, I can’t help but reflect on this past year. I must say that 2019 has been a season of tremendous growth that will easily carry me into my next decade of womanhood. This year, I celebrated years of friendship with my village, traveled the world, turned a side hustle into a budding business, got featured in ESSENCE!! (THEE ESSENCE Magazine) learned to charge what I’m worth, prayed a little more, met some incredible people, believed in myself, stood in all my truths, said what I said, enjoyed my own company, rekindled some old relationships, executed campaigns, saw God remove one of my biggest obstacles and most importantly learned how to put on my own damn lashes.
While I am looking forward to what’s to come, I am grateful for what’s already come and gone. It’s truly molding me into the absolute and most pristine version of myself. In the meantime, check out a special #NYE edition of the #OneMoMinutePodcast titled: “Dear 2020, A Letter To My Younger Self,” an ode to 22-year-old me about some of the biggest lessons I'l learn and triumphs I'll overcome that will prepare me to be a better woman, daughter, sister, friend, future wife, future mother, and dreamer. Happy New Year!
Birthday Episode: 32K M.A.G.I.C
Today is September 17th — my 32nd birthday!!! I’m calling it my “MAGICAL” year because this next season in my life is personal. I owe it to myself. This past year I’ve been stretched in every area of my life. My prayers are bolder. My dreams are bigger. My capacity to be great is larger. My focus is clearer. My intentions are precise. My growth is immeasurable. My words have meaning. My capacity to love and be loved is limitless. My desire to be the G.O.A.T. is bigger than ever. My village is present. My inner circle is strong. My confidence is solid. my body is tight. My spirit is awake. My mind is sound. My heart is intact. Life has taught me to be firm and unshakable. I’m betting on my damn self. .
God continues to blow my mind as He shows me that nothing is and will ever be impossible. Most of this year, I’ve been in awe of His presence and how I’ve seen Him show up for me over and over again! I’m beyond excited to see what He has in store for me with this next trip around the sun.
I’m finally 32 and focusing on my:
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M.(anifestation)
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A.(lignment)
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G.(ratitude)
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I.(ntention)
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C(onsistency)
_Check out a NEW + EPISODE of #OneMoMinute: Birthday Episode:32K M.A.G.I.C streaming now to hear about all the things I learned at 31 and why I’m the best version of Mo Mitch that I’ve ever been!
Plus, its’s also special as it marks the five year anniversary of #OneMoMinute. For all those wondering where I’ve been—stay tuned for a N E W episode—The Birthday Edition:32k Magic dropping TODAY at 11:11amET!
