Who Am I?

The person in the mirror needs you.

Finding Yourself Before You Build Anything Great

In today’s world, especially within the Black community, too many of us are trying to chase dreams, relationships, or goals without first knowing who we are. And that’s where the downfall begins. Because truthfully, you’ll never receive what you need if you are lost. You can’t expect clarity in your life if confusion lives in your mind.

When you look in the mirror and ask, “Who am I?”—if that answer doesn’t come easily, then that’s where your work starts. Identity is the foundation. It’s not about what you have, it’s about what drives you. Too many people run around with no sense of direction, trying to build a future without knowing their core values, purpose, or even their peace. Without focus, you’ll fall for anything—and that’s not just an old saying, that’s a truth rooted in experience.

Every generation in our community has faced systemic, social, and internal distractions. However, one of the greatest modern threats isn’t just oppression from outside forces; it’s the lack of alignment within. We can’t move as a unit if we don’t even know what direction we’re headed in as individuals.

And when you finally begin to find your rhythm, the real challenge comes: the naysayers. The people closest to you will often be the ones who doubt your vision the most. That’s why they say, “Move in silence.” Because not everyone around you wants to see you win. Some people will smile in your face, yet secretly pray that your ideas never leave the ground. Others will criticize your plans before they even understand them.

That’s why being mindful of who you share your dreams with is crucial. Every great plan starts small, and in its early stages, it’s fragile—easily crushed by negative words and energy. You can’t afford to water your garden around snakes. Protect your spirit and your ideas like sacred ground.

And remember—there are always people who want what you have, but don’t want to do the work to get it. They crave your shine, but not your grind. They want the crown but can’t handle the weight it carries. Success, peace, and self-discovery all come with sacrifice—not everyone is built for that.

But you can’t let that stop you. You can’t let the voices of others drown out your inner truth. Because at the end of the day, doing what’s best for yourself—and for others—is the balance that keeps your purpose pure.

So before you chase the dream, chase you. Before you seek validation, seek understanding. And before you share your plan, make sure you’ve first found your peace.

Because when you know who you are, no one can shake your foundation. When you’re grounded, focused, and spiritually aligned, even the snakes can’t slither through your garden unnoticed.

Stay mindful. Stay authentic. Stay protected.

Most importantly, you need to know yourself before you try to build anything for anyone else.