“In each present moment, we have the power to be the version of ourselves that suits our highest needs.”

- Farah Lawal Harris

DIARY ENTRY from June 17, 2024:

Dear Future Me,

I got angry today. I was on the way to pick up my prescription that sat at Giant Pharmacy for 12 days. It was time to get it.

This hot, sticky night felt nice. I made most of the green lights ‘til I met a red one at a major intersection. I didn't sweat it, instead turned up Kendrick.

As soon as the light turned green, a big clique of motorbikes on the opposite side decide to U-turn. One of them was not even wearing a helmet! They rode three lanes wide and six rows deep. The one in the back peeped back behind often. It felt like a threat to me. Suddenly, the one with the bun bumped a curb and he and his bike met asphalt. He quickly recovered and rode AGAINST the flow of traffic.

Pissed, I cussed, tensed my wrists and forehead, and hoisted my shoulders toward heaven. I commanded myself to breathe. Asked myself: “What happens when you observe instead of react? Baby, why are we THIS mad?”

After three deep breaths, the answer came:

I feel angry because fools endangered my safety.

I am precious cargo.

I didn't make breast cancer to hit the road

only to get injured by some jackholes.

Hell no!

3 more breaths.

My right shoulder starts to rest.

Anger is my birthright,

but so is peace.

I remind myself

of the highest version of me,

slowly morph into her

as I turn left into the parking lot.

In the Giant Pharmacy pick-up line,

I bopped my head to

"What if God was one of us?"

blasting through store speakers.

A brother behind me sang along.

I turned around beaming, shouted

"This is my shit!"

We laughed. It was like an air dap.

And just like that,

I returned to myself.