The New School

"Lookin' in the mirror, I thank God for what I'm 'bout to be..." -ICY GRL, Saweetie




Yesterday marked a year since I graduated from high school. Tomorrow makes a year since my very first blog post. Those of you that have been here the entire ride, I'd like to say thank you. You've seen me discover myself in the rawest forms and while some of the posts have been taken down, they are not completely eradicated from the site and someday (when I'm ready), they will be back up.

I've taken a lot of losses since my high school graduation, but I've also accomplished a good bit of things. While I'm so proud of everyone graduating and going on to college or the work force, the church, wherever life takes you all, remember that it's okay if everything does not always go as planned.

Everyone says that, yet no one prepares you for the absolute worst case scenarios. Just be mindful of the changes that will happen in your inner circle, the confusion you will feel stepping into new adulthood, etc. Understand that you needn't let pride get in the way. Ask for help when it's necessary, and do not suffer in silence.

Still, remain optimistic about everything that is happening in your life. Love you, bees. Congratulations.

-Dree

911

"This a celly. That's a tool. On my Kodak (BLACK!), ooooo know that!" -Childish Gambino, This is America

"America. God bless you if it's good to ya..." -Kendrick Lamar feat. U2, XXX

"Rich white man rule the nation still. Only difference is we all slaves now, the chains still concealed in our thoughts..." -J. Cole, Runaway

"Her white friends said, 'You niggas crazy.' I hope no one heard that. I hope no one heard that 'cause if they did, we gone be in some trouble..."-Drake, Marvin's Room

You Can Be Educated

You Can Be Traveling

You Can Be Discussing Business

Understand this. There are people with bad intentions. There are people with good intentions. There are people that do not give a fuck. There are people who give many fucks. The ignorance it takes to generalize a group of people as being one way all the time is saddening. Would I walk down a dark alley with ten men in the middle of the night? No. If I saw those same ten men in the mall, would I call the police on them just for being there? No. Common sense says that yes, some circumstances cause red flags and should be avoided because "Why take the chance?". Common sense also says that fears can be irrational. Common sense explains the difference; your problematic thought processes do not. Stop the madness.

Werk

"Eyes low, I'm so loaded. Eyes, pose bitch!" -Pose, Rihanna

No matter how many times it happens, I cannot grow comfortable with doors being slammed in my face. Opportunity is rarely just come across and more likely than not must be searched for. How do we do it, though? How do we go from setting countless limitations on ourselves because that is what our environment or relationships have called for perpetually throughout the years?

Clean up.

Everything and everyone negative, let them go. Be frank with yourself. Learn and acknowledge all the ways in which you are toxic to yourself as well as others.

Get antsy.

Complacency is what keeps us in bondage. As people, we have to understand that change is something inevitable, but that does not mean it should not be consciously executed.

Be quiet.

Everyone is not entitled to your goals and dreams. If their field of vision is not as broad as yours, you are just speaking meaningless garbage, and they will not hesitate to let you know so.

Cry.

It does not equate to weakness. If anything, it removes build-up that could not be washed any other way.

While 2018 is practically over before it even started, I hope that you all do understand it is not too late to get started on those resolutions, to finally work things out with that person, to get started writing that book, get that gym membership, or even to pray if you are feeling like you have strayed from your spiritual health. These are trying times, and the only way to overcome so much hate is with love, dedication, consistency, and action because love alone does not mean you cannot kick ass or scream or fight for what you believe in. Be blessed, bees.

-Drea