One Good Thing (Times 44)

This week, as I celebrate my 44th trip around the sun, I’ve been reflecting on what life has taught me. And yes, I know this newsletter is supposed to be about One Good Thing. But sometimes, one thing unfolds into many, and what’s better than one lesson? Forty-four.

Here’s the one good thing I’ve discovered: Reflection.

Looking back on my life has reminded me that growth isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Reflection allows us to honor the moments that shaped us, acknowledge the lessons we’ve learned, and share those insights with others.

So, in the spirit of reflection and sharing, here are 44 lessons from my 44 years of life. These aren’t just abstract musings. I hope these reflections can be useful to help others thrive, both personally and professionally. These are insights that have helped me as a DEIJ consultant, advocate, and Black woman navigating a world that often tries to dim my light.

44 Lessons for 44 Years:

1. Rest is revolutionary—especially for Black women.
2. You are not defined by the systems you resist.
3. Community is our greatest inheritance; nurture it.
4. Anti-Blackness is everywhere; so is Black brilliance.
5. Nuance isn’t optional. It’s essential.
6. Care is not weakness; it is a radical act of strength.
7. Never stop asking who benefits from the status quo.
8. Joy is your birthright. Take it, claim it, protect it.
9. Generational wealth doesn’t only mean money; it's resilience, knowledge, and culture.
10. Complexity is a gift; embrace the “both/and.”
11. Maroon leadership teaches us that survival requires innovation.
12. Your story holds the power to liberate others.
13. Sometimes, divesting from whiteness is the most loving thing you can do.
14. Black women have been the blueprint; honor that every day.
15. You are allowed to change your mind; growth demands it.
16. Being “the first” or “the only” is a burden, but also a path-breaker.
17. Decolonize your rest, and your work will feel freer.
18. Language is power; use it wisely and intentionally.
19. Protect your boundaries; not everyone deserves your access.
20. Being pro-Black is not anti-anyone else.
21. The land we walk on holds the stories of its first peoples. Honor them, and remember that our liberation is forever intertwined.
22. You are a descendant of survivors; their strength flows through you.
23. Black liberation is global—never forget the wanderings of those within the African Diaspora.
24. You are worthy of softness, even when the world demands hardness.
25. Radical honesty doesn’t need to be harsh, but it does need to be true.
26. Laughter is medicine for the soul, especially when shared.
27. Indigenous sovereignty and Black liberation go hand in hand; neither can be achieved in isolation.
28. Reparations aren’t charity—they’re justice.
29. Beauty standards are constructs; you are enough as you are.
30. Accountability is love in action.
31. A good book can feel like an ancestor whispering in your ear.
32. You don’t owe anyone forgiveness, but you do owe yourself peace.
33. Even the most revolutionary among us need a good meal and a long nap.
34. Create art, even if no one ever sees it—it’s for you first.
35. Humor is a weapon, a shield, and a balm. Use it liberally.
36. Your work matters, even if it doesn’t get likes or clicks.
37. Healing isn’t linear, but every step counts.
38. Center Black voices, and watch the world expand.
39. The Congo and Mississippi both remind us: that justice is always interconnected.
40. Love is a practice, not just a feeling.
41. The drums of Africa still beat loudly across the globe—don’t ignore them.
42. Every act of self-care is a seed you plant for future liberation.
43. You are your ancestors’ wildest dreams, and your own dreams are valid too.
44. Channel your inner Sagittarius: stay curious, aim high, and trust that your light will guide you to the right places.

The beauty of reflection is that it helps us see how interconnected our experiences are. These lessons remind me that even in challenging times. Amid “anti-woke” rhetoric, ongoing global settler violence and unrest, xenophobia, antisemitism, and systemic anti-Blackness there is still space to learn, grow, and work toward liberation.

That’s what I hope this list inspires in you: a moment of reflection on your lessons and the courage to move forward with hope, clarity, and action.

Let’s Work Together: If these lessons resonate with you, imagine what we could achieve together. Whether you’re seeking a DEI consultant to guide your organization or simply want to explore ways to create more just and equitable spaces, I’m here to help.

Reach out to me at [email protected], or visit my website at jreedconsultingllc.com. Let’s build something transformative together.

One Good Thing: Sometimes, the one good thing is the ability to reflect—and to realize that the good things in life multiply when we share them.

Until next time,

Kina

P.S. For anyone who wants to celebrate me please subscribe and share this newsletter with others! You can also feel free to also check out my public wishlist!?