pro·gres·sion

/prəˈɡreSH(ə)n/

Definition: the process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.

So…

I.

I am.

I am a.

I am a work.

I am a work in progress. 

I admit, i’m aware of this. 

No matter how much I try to run away from it, it pulls me back in.

the work.

the progress.

It churns my stomach. Makes my heart ache. Produces the sweat above my lip. Insists on fogging the lens of my glasses.

The progress.

The work that I am.

The work that I was

no longer am i leaning on my self absorbed mastery

only depending on the Lord to instill in me understanding. 

Understanding.

Understanding.

Understanding 

the work that is made in me. 

The new work that is made in me. 

I heard pleading in streets. “Simplicity! Change from the simple things!”

…it’s time to progress

the creative mind

has eclectic grinds.

can you guess

what dreams are made of?

deprived of things

except for the joy that brings

the imaginative and its make up.

“fame is a fickle food upon a shifted plate…”

id let Emily D. speak about what i ate today

never liked limelight beans starting at the age of eight

staring at pale green testa upon my dinner plate

Last Wednesday I met a man from the motherland. I asked, “Are you from Ethiopia?”

He said, “No love, I’m Egyptian.” 

Offered me some water, told me to take his hand.

We discussed the people we loved, and the ones we thought we can. 

He talked about his two daughters Akua and Nkechi. 

Used colorful words about his children, he was rather lively. 

Described how they smiled when they saw him thriving. 

Shared concerns of when he’ll be back, he hoped that it be timely. 

Then suggested I close my eyes because he wanted me to see

the wind that sang whispers through the eucalyptus trees. 

It was gentle, quite simple, the scent that carried whispers. 

I saw stories of a fox who survived the coldest winter, 

and the gazelle who dove gracefully into earths fiery center. 

But before she took the leap she yelled, “Keep your spirit kinder!” and her legs burst into flames

*My name…I hear my name…*

“What happened?!”

 “Oh, you’re awake. I was calling your name.”  

The Egyptian said to me.

Puzzled, I answered, 

“The last thing I remember was the aroma from the eucalyptus trees.”

He replied, “That was the incense I lit, and its’ residue you smelled.

You started talking 100 miles per minute then began to yell 

about how you enjoyed the way the leaves danced in the wind

and every time they stopped you clapped,

“ENCORE! AGAIN! AGAIN!” 

So they danced about the same length of time that my incense burned.

With your eyes closed you stood up performed a light brise’ and turned.”

Staying consistent, even when motivation is lacking, is essential for achieving long-term goals. Consistency creates a reliable framework that supports progress and the development of productive habits. It requires discipline and a clear understanding of your reasons for pursuing your objectives. By establishing a routine and committing to small, manageable tasks daily, you build a foundation that helps you push through periods of low motivation. This approach ensures steady progress, preventing setbacks that often occur when relying solely on fluctuating motivation.

Additionally, consistency cultivates resilience and adaptability, helping you navigate challenges and distractions. When motivation dips, established habits and routines can keep you on track, reinforcing your commitment until motivation returns. This practice of persevering, even when it’s difficult, builds mental toughness and a sense of achievement. It shifts your focus from immediate gratification to long-term success, emphasizing the power of persistence over fleeting motivation. Over time, this dedication to consistency not only aids in reaching your goals but also in developing a resilient mindset capable of overcoming future obstacles.