BOOK OF JUDE – CHAPTER LVII

Chapter LVII – Right Back At It

I am Jude. The last chapter in the Book of Jude was posted on November 2nd. 

This is the longest I have gone without sharing my thoughts since I started the blog over a year ago. 

The truth is I have had a lot going on in the last couple of weeks, so I am giving myself some grace.

I am reminding myself that there are no deadlines except for the ones that I create for myself. This isn’t the national news.

I am right on time.

When I started, my purpose was simple: to confront my fears and express myself through my writing. 

I wanted to share my personal development journey in the hopes of inspiring others. And I have done that consistently for 53 weeks. 

Now, I’m taking some time to consider what’s next.

The one thing I know for sure is that I am committed to following wherever this leads. 

I love the challenge of bringing words to life and communicating my thoughts to the world, especially when it’s in the service of others. 

Stay tuned. 

Happy Belated Birthday

I turned 52 a couple of weeks ago. 

It was relatively uneventful except for an unexpected birthday gift from my daughter. 

It wasn’t anything dramatic and it didn’t cost her a thing. She simply mentioned some of the changes that she has recognized in me over the past year. 

Thanks Mama. 

It was a welcome reminder that, while l am only just scratching the surface, my efforts are producing some positive results.

I am Breaking Free from the pain, guilt and shame associated with my past and I am finding ways to Be Better. 

I am waking up greatful and I am experiencing happiness in ways I havent in the past.

I am convinced this is the way forward and with that, there’s no turning back. I am pot committed to EQUANIMITY, regardless of what the future holds.

Side Hustle – Unshackled Solutions Life Coaching and Consulting 

Most of us are seeking greater purpose and fulfillment in our lives. 

What if you could wake up energized and eager to confront every day? How would your life change if you possessed more passion and direction?

I believe that every sunrise presents a new opportunity to Break Free and Be Better. 

Who we are today does not define who we are tomorrow – unless we let it. We have the power to reinvent ourselves. 

However, change is an action. It is the result of consistent effort, determination and the right intentions.

That’s where I can help

Let’s work together to create more clarity, motivation and discipline in the pursuit of living a better life. 

Quote “You have to do it by yourself, but you can’t do it alone.”

If you are interested in finding out more about life coaching or exploring what working with me would look like, please contact me directly at unshackledsolutions@gmail.com to schedule a discovery call.

Positive Reflections – What’s Good?

The Black Men’s Health Conference

The 4th annual Black Men’s Health Conference was held on the weekend. 

By all accounts, it was another overwhelming success. Close to 200 Black men convened at the NSCC Akerley Campus to connect, encourage and collaborate with one another.

For me, this was the best conference yet! 

The energy was right, there was lively discussion and a strong sense of brotherhood. 

Being in a safe space full of Black men dedicated to positive change, personal development and our collective uplift is always a beautiful thing.

There were tradesmen, doctors, elected officials, MLA’s, entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, accountants, businessmen, educators, academics, public servants, and more.  

Every time I participate in these types of forums, I leave inspired. And this was no different. 

All of the speakers were on point, the workshops were relevant and there was active engagement. 

And if that wasn’t enough, there was a health/service fair where men could obtain information, Covid vaccinations, boosters, flu shots and have their blood pressure checked. 

I facilitated a session on the Transformational Power of Mindfulness.

The topic created some interesting dialogue around self-awareness, mindful practices and spirituality. 

A number of brothers expressed a desire to continue exploring mindfulness through a subsequent virtual forum, so here it is:

‘Mindful Conversations with Black Men’’ will take place on December 6th at 830pm. If you identify as a Black man you are welcome to attend. 

Topic: Mindful Conversations

Time: Dec 6, 2022 08:30 PM Halifax

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84873156626pwd=YjBlNlYwRUVzNlRaN2hXQjRYNW1hUT09

Black Offenders

My one major disappointment was that we weren’t able to provide the live feed to incarcerated Black offenders in the way we envisioned. 

This is the first time we attempted to involve provincial and Federal offenders in the conference through streaming. There were some logistical issues that compromised their experience but the organizers are committed to finding solutions.

We will do better next time. 

Personal Development

There are Lessons and Blessings in All Things

The year continues to present unexpected blessings and abundance but it has also offered some difficult personal challenges.

My father passed away earlier this year. Despite his advanced age(88) and health, it was still a shock. It affected me in ways I didn’t anticipate and I believe I am still processing his death.

However, one of the positives from that experience was the opportunity to strengthen relationships with my extended family. Despite being separated by time and distance, we were able to reconnect.

In fact, it prompted a trip to Florida this summer to visit my father’s remaining siblings and their families. 

One of the highlights of the vacation was getting to spend a memorable afternoon with my father’s younger brother Luke. 

At the time, he was receiving blood transfusions and appeared to be doing well. He was curious, likeable and funny, much like my dad. 

Two weeks ago I was back to Tampa Bay.

However, this time it was under some very different circumstances. Uncle Luke was terminally ill with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that affects our white blood cells. 

After a brave fight, he ultimately chose to discontinue treatment and spend time with loved ones.

As if by some divine hand, I was able to see him just before his spirit went on. It was difficult but it was also a blessing. 

I was able to witness the unconditional love of his wife and two elder sisters, who stayed by his side until the end, holding his hand and giving him permission to let go.

I heard memories, shared experiences about his cooking, his parties, his music and his magnetic personality. 

I could offer support, encouragement and comforting words from a place that is familiar to me.

I couldn’t stay for the funeral but the service was live streamed.

Once again, I saw the love and affection that characterizes the Alleyne’s who hail from Charlottesville, Tobago.

Everyone expressed themselves perfectly in their personal tributes and acknowledged his rich life in their own unique way. As Luke would say, they “stayed in their box”.

It was also the first time I heard the steel drums played during a funeral service.

The music was evocative of the Caribbean and the small islands of Trinidad and Tobago in particular. And it was perfectly appropriate. 

There are lessons and blessings in all things. I am Jude.