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Writer's pictureMaleika Rene'

Slowing Down

Who won the race? The tortoise or the hare?



For years I thought I was focused and on track to reaching the goals that I thought others needed and expected from me. Others include not only my family and my friends, but society as a whole, being a Black woman and a dark skinned Black woman and yes I do put emphasis on that because on my journey that has been significant; and because I have family members that are a lighter shade of melanin than me. I have directly seen the impact on how people treat women, especially if they have darker skin. The expectation has always been to reach the highest level of society. Via degrees, job titles, status in the community, the car you drive, the friends you hang with. It has all been about other's expectations of me that has been my focus for years.


As I truly begin the healing process, I realize that it's not the pace of this journey, yet it is absolutely the direction and the focus that we have. Living in our true purpose is the key to life. We were all put on this Earth, in this realm, at this time, perfectly designed with purpose.



The work is staying focused in that direction, on the path, at the pace that is aligned with the universe. When we move too fast, we miss the absolute lessons and the blessings that we were meant to get that will help with the rest of the journey.

So who won the race? The tortoise or the hare?


Think about the last time you saw the speed of a turtle and the last time you saw how far and fast a rabbit could go. Honestly, the answer is easy and we already know who won the race. Right?


They were both focused on winning. Crossing the finish line. Reaching the goal. Yet the tortoise won the race by staying focused, being patient, staying steady on the journey with intention to reach the final destination.

Where are you at right now on your journey? Are you a tortoise or are you a hare?



I am finally slowing down, shifting my energy towards my purpose. Realizing that sprinting towards the finish line is going to cost me more heartbreak and destruction to my physical and mental well being.


I have left tables that no longer serve my higher self. Mourned relationships that ended or shifted. Got rid of obstacles that were hindering my growth and development. Altered my communication. Recognized my role and impact. And most importantly and key...I forgave myself.


Most of my life, I have been on the hare's pace. Moving at lightning speed. Hopping over obstacles. Kicking down doors. Bring a trailblazer in a way that most would never even think about doing. I thought I was winning the race. Making my family proud and staying at the pace of my friends, sorority sisters and community as a whole.


And with the blink of an eye, the race got very difficult. Obstacles got too big to move, the doors too thick to knock down, and I was stopped in my tracks. Not only was my mental severely damaged. My body had enough as well. The pace I had been on most of my life was not for me.


Confused. Scared. Alone. Lost. Embarrassed. Ashamed. I tried for years to keep going. Trying to hobble along the path, despite not being able to recognize my surroundings or even myself.



I realized that I was not only moving at a pace that was not for me. I was on the wrong path all together. That was not even my race. And so a life changing pivot happened, I disconnected. I silenced everything around me. I sat still. Listened, instead of speaking. Observed instead of engaging. And decided not to fix myself, but to heal.


Finally, on the right path of my journey. Found my pace. My space. And direction that will lead to my purpose here on Earth. It's a journey with no straight lines. There are a lot of twists, turns, peaks, valleys. It no longer seems easy like the direction I was in before. Different surroundings, people, communication, understanding. Some days I feel like I'm going in circles. Like, haven't I been here before? I know it is the right direction and I truly believe I'm on the pace that I need to be on.


No longer interested in winning a race. My deepest desire is to live in my purpose as my true self. Unapologetic. With love, compassion and grace for all. Asé ✨!



🎶 9hz Alpha Waves (This Moment) by Music of Wisdom





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