Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine January 2018 New Year, New You | Page 13

In that vein, I think I’ve answered that question
to the man in the mirror. I’m in the midst of
stretching my comfort zone by going into
genres that I probably wouldn’t have entered
into a few years ago. In doing so, I’m going to
be honest and say that I’m freaking out because
this is truly new territory for me. At the same
time, I’m also hopeful that I have done enough
to be able to give the genres I’m venturing into
the authenticity that they deserve. I’m bucking
the time-honored tradition of “writing what
you know” and finding out if I can provide a
compelling story with the flair that I’ve always
been capable of.
I don’t do this at the beginning of every year as a
part of a resolution. This is something I try to do
every month, every quarter, every opportunity
that strikes me when it strikes me. It’s a constant
check to the system to make sure everything
is working and clicking on all cylinders. That
can’t be done at the beginning of the year; it’s
too much to take on. Which is why I’m always so
against the concept of resolutions. If it’s a part of
you, if it’s what you want to do even when you
hate having to do it, then you stay committed
to it.
Now, it’s time for me to stick to my own
commitment and get some writing in tonight. I
have to make sure I stick to the process, or I’ll fall
off the wagon.
Oh, and don’t forget to ask the person in the
mirror what you can do to stretch beyond your
comfort zone. And be honest with that person,
the last thing you want to do is lie to the one
person who matters the most in life. Enjoy the
start of your year, and may it be filled with the
prosperity and positivity that you hope for.
On another note ...
Fellas, can a bruh holla at you for a second or
two? Okay, cool.
See, here’s the thing: I know we’ve been on this
kick as of lately where we might have been
taking for granted the things and people who
mean the most to us. We’ve all been there,
believe me, and I’m not immune to it, either, I’ve
stumbled and messed up, too. Let me tell you, it’s
not worth the trouble of having to rebuild what
was once fractured or destroyed, life is too short
for all of that. It is much easier to maintain and
strengthen, and it doesn’t burn as much energy
and time.
In the span of two calendar years, two of the
most important women in my life, my Beloved
and my mom, had undergone illnesses and
surgeries that might have taken them from me
in an instant. Thankfully, by the grace of God,
they are both still with me today, and God willing
they will both be on this planet for me to cherish
for the foreseeable future. I was lucky in that I’d
already had strong and solid relationships with
them both to where I didn’t have regrets about
not saying “I love you” enough, or being the son
and husband I was for them.
What I’m trying to say is this: the two most
important things about being a man are the
lessons he learns and the choices he makes.
Make the choice to be the best father, husband,
son, brother that you can be. You don’t have to be
perfect, what matters most that you are present
and active. We are the foundation for which our
sons will go into the world and emulate. We
are the standard for which our daughters will
measure when it comes to the men that come
into their lives.
Shakir Rashaan is the author of In Service to the Senator and the national bestselling Nubian Underworld
and Kink, P.I. Series. He is also developing projects under the pen name PK Rashaan. You can find out more
about Rashaan at www.ShakirRashaan.com.
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