To my Unborn

One of my favorite shows on Television is "Russel Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam". It’s a show that provides a platform for poets, mostly urban, to share some of their best work. Not only does it feature unknown and upcoming artists but also established musicians such as Talib Kweli, Nelly Furtado, Mos Def, Matisyahu, David Banner, etc. Every episode, I hear at least one poem that inspires me to reflect upon my own experiences. Last nights episode featured a poem titled “An Ode to my Unborn”. More than the poem itself it’s the title that grasped my attention and got me pondering what I would want to say to my future child. Inspired by the title here are my original thoughts to an unoriginal idea – A message to my unborn.

Experience:
As the title of one of my favorite songs suggests, “Life is a beautiful Struggle”. Regardless of how achieved you are or what you have acquired there should be aspects of your life that require you to struggle. The journey to triumph or failure should be made beautiful. Success’s and Disappointments are variants; your determination should stay constant.

“Good Judgment comes from experience, experience comes from bad judgment”. Try to learn from what I’ve experienced. I understand if you ignore the guideline set out for you, for the lessons that stick with you are going to be the ones learned the hard way. Admire knowledge and show respect to age. If you make the effort, every interaction with the aged or knowledgeable will lead to self-betterment.

Put yourself in others shoes before acting upon your impulses. Never do onto others what you don’t want done to you (Karma). The natural balance is more like swift justice. Every act is quantified and the fruits of it are returned in equal proportions. So when you face the onslaught of one’s treachery; equivocate them to your own present or future actions. Keep yourself unattached yet love infinitesimally.

We lead our life as different people in different settings. Realize who you are and let your light shine on the world. Your thoughts and actions define you. Positive thinking leads to positive actions which lead to positive consequences.

“Nice guys finish last!!!”, even though you fill find this hypothesis proved time and again don’t falter from your path. Be nice but don’t be meek because even though “The meek shall inherit the earth”, this will happen after enduring dishonor and plenty of anguish over a sustained period of time. Be a nice guy because the repercussions of karma are far worse than the consequences of benevolence

Learn:
From your grandfather – Sacrifice, Patience, and maintaining high spirits
From your grandmother – Love, support and the art of winning arguments
From your great grandmother – How to persevere
From your Oldest Uncle – Hard work, selfless nature, and respect
From your other uncle – Free spirit, manners, and education
From your mother - My judgment in quality..haha ;)
From me – Diplomacy and the 2 step choke hold

To my daughter:
- Pride yourself and be selective on who you trust. Don’t get fooled by fake promises and sly talkers. Find a man who doesn’t think twice before standing up for you, the one who kisses you on your forehead when he says good bye, the one whose future synchronizes with yours. Be strong beyond peoples expectations yet express the humble and independent nature your mother raised you with.

To my son:
- Be humble but hold your ground and show your dominance when challenged. Make your territory be known and never fear defeat. Crowd yourself with people who respect you for the potential you have within not the capabilities you impart. Treat the women you love like family and see how she reciprocates before you commit.

Assurance:
- You will be provided with the resources to discover yourself. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing your own capabilities and not believing in limitations. Know that when all others have turned their back on you, your family is the one you can count on.

I write this to you when I’m at my prime with no major regrets in life. Trust in me without any doubts but don’t shed tears when I pass, for even at this young age I have led a great life and experienced many facets of life that I hopefully have passed on to you. When you read this many some days from this one day – Find solace in the fact that I’ve loved you since before you were born.