On Another Level

We were just inner city kids creating our own fun—jumping rope, kickball, red light/green light, sleepovers, playing in the water from the fire hydrant, etc. Remember those days? Very few concerns, just wanted to have fun and hang out with friends. Especially the ones that joked around and made us laugh. Feeling disappointed when the street lights came on because we knew it was time to go in the house—just wanted those days to last forever. At some point in life, some of our minds shift. Shift in a direction of isolation, but not in an asocial way. In a way of realizing you’re different, but not better. Being different to create your own lane, taking a step back to observe what everyone else is doing, but desiring to elevate to a platform of self satisfaction. Not forgetting the inner city kid that lies within, a mediocre mentality was no longer a choice. Learning to be comfortable with being different helped conform to inner strength, peace and making a difference. While there might be costs to being different, actually there are huge benefits too. Being different means you stand out, which is a good thing in a world where everyone is trying to fit in. It means while everyone else was hanging out on a Friday or Saturday night, some had their heads buried in books. It means you’re interesting— you make people curious, they want to explore who you are. It means you’ve learned to be picky with who you invest your time in. Trust me, wasted time is worse than wasted money— you can alway make more money, but you can never get that time back. It means everyone isn’t invited to the party, the attention isn’t necessary—keep it simple. It means when the street lights come on, we’re headed home. Therefore be rare. People like us don’t happen often.

“Over there is what you’re used to

....and then there’s me”

—Unknown