“Another day. Another opportunity” is a phrase often uttered by my best friend Ja’Michael. He is an artistic soul whose passion and warmth inspires everyone he comes in contact with. Ja’Michael truly embodies this statement.
His words, I reflect on, every time I wake up in the morning. What opportunities await me today? I am not just talking about big life changing ones, but the everyday things that make life worth living.
Like laughs with my brothers or getting chance to use my Spanish on the job.
Like writing this blog and sharing my truth with people all around the world.
It is las cosas pequeñas that remind me that life is already good. I am not waiting to live. Estoy viviendo. I am not hoping for a fairy godmother. I am out there making things happen.
God rewards those types of people. People who do their best and let Him do the rest. People who look at everyday as an opportunity, a privilege, not to be taken for granted. I realize that being able to live and not just survive is a privilege that some people don’t have.
And even though I try my best to have a grateful heart, I sometimes fuss and gripe when I don’t understand everything someone is saying in Spanish or get local slang. I am thankful for the patient souls who take the time to slow down and explain these things to my non-native Spanish-speaking self. Because everybody ain’t patient!
Another day means an opportunity to be grateful…
I am grateful for the experiences that I have had that have made me who I am. For my father who hipped me to Spanish at a young age and ignited a lifetime of discovery. For Ms. Murphy from high school, one of the first Black American woman I saw speak the language of my heart with such veracity. For Dr. Frank Guridy’s challenging but rewarding Afrolatin America course and my Latinegr@s Project familia.
Another day means another opportunity to make mistakes…
I am learning that mistakes are just a part of life. Whether that be mixing up an “ar” verb with an “ir” verb or trying at something and falling flat on your face. You are going to fail. It is inevitable. The beauty in that failure is the lesson you learn from it. And the fact that you are that much closer to realizing your dreams.
Another day another opportunity to love…
PHOTO CREDIT: tumblr.com
Okay, not that type of love ( although, if that is your will Lord…)
I am talking about in love of self. We always talk about loving everyone else but we neglect ourselves. We marvel at others (like Laz) but forget what an incredible being we are.
It is time to fall in love with you and to know yourself. Latinegro actor Laz Alonso said it best : “When you are really in love, you become vunerable, and insecurities come out of nowhere.” Allow yourself to be honest, insecure and vunerable with the one person who has been with you longer than your mother, yourself.
Another day, another opportunity.
It’s not just a cute tweet or Facebook post. It is mantra that we all should live by.
Another day. Another opportunity. To love.
Another day. Another opportunity. To give.
Another day. Another opportunity. To fight.
Another day. Another opportunity. To [fill in the blank].
Another day. Another opportunity.
What are you going to do with it?
Thanks Ja’Michael for the quote!
Black Girl, Latin World 
Such a great reminder! I particularly loved this paragraph –
“God rewards those types of people. People who do their best and let Him do the rest. People who look at everyday as an opportunity, a privilege, not to be taken for granted. I realize that being able to live and not just survive is a privilege that some people don’t have.”
Thank you for commenting. I really believe that quote because you have to do something if you want something.
Exactly what I needed to read. Thank you!
Glad this piece provided some inspiration.