10 things I learned in Africa
Payge Means Hopper
Global Leader. Author of "Healing the Wounds of American Slavery". I am passionate about offering timeless, fresh, culturally-relevant language to transform the generational trauma genre.
1.?????Africa is home.? My mind, body, and spirit flourished there. The connection I felt was undeniable, and I thrived in a way that felt natural and deeply rooted.
2.?????I found inner peace. For the first time in a long while, I experienced a sense of complete peace and well-being. Being there allowed me to reconnect with my essence, shedding layers of hustle and grind mentality.
3.?????I am a product of resilience. I carry within me the legacy of ancestors who endured unimaginable hardship. Their strength flows through me, and that realization filled me with both awe and gratitude.
4.?????Quiet strength is my inheritance. Realizing how strong my ancestors were helped me see that I am just as capable. Their courage is in me, and it assures me of my own resilience.
5.?????Connection transcends borders. Despite misconceptions, I learned that Africans do not resent Black Americans. I was met with love, warmth, and a strong desire to connect, erasing the false narratives I once believed.?
6.?????Food can heal. The purity of African food amazed me. Eating clean, unprocessed, naturally grown food nourished my body and reminded me of the importance of what I consume.
7.???? Innovation is a way of life. I witnessed an ingenuity in Africa that inspired me. People work with what they have and create brilliance from it, gifting me with my own next level of resourcefulness.?
8.????Community matters. I felt firsthand the warmth of Ghanaian hospitality. Their friendliness and genuine care made me realize how important it is to lead with kindness and love in all my relationships. What others do with it is their business.
9.????Family is everything.? Seeing the deep family values and unconditional love that is woven into the fabric of African life made me appreciate the importance of family bonds in my own life.
10.? Patience is a strength. Africans taught me the value of patience, and the #spiritofwait. They can wait, without rush or frustration, for as long as it takes. This calm acceptance of God’s timing was something I took to heart. #healingthewoundsofamericanslavery