New Year. Same You. New Mindset? · R.I.S.E. and Shine Collective

New Year. Same You. New Mindset?

Happy 2026.

On the last day of Kwanzaa it is a tradition to ask: Who am I; am I really who I say I am; and am I all I ought to be?

Imani (Faith)

"To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle."

I was today years old when I realize that Imani the super model's name meant Faith.

As someone recently unemployed, Faith sustains me. Faith that I am enough and will find or create opportunities, faith in my immediate family and network, and faith in the goals of this community.

This is going to be a struggle because faith is living with uncertainty and believing the impossible is possible.

I can honestly say that I am not all I ought to be. I'm not proud of it, nor am I going to beat myself up.

I think it's taking this long to process recent events and to understand how toxic corporate environments can be. We have to build something different. I have the Faith that we can.

This is why the power center seems to divide us because together, we are unstoppable.

Thoughts?

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