NEW SERIES INTRODUCTION!

It is that time of year!!
By the way, I am not referring to the gifting and chocolate overflow season that we are in! I am referring to something more exciting: The beginning of a new exploration enveloped in a new series! This revelation might not excite you much. However, it enthralls me. Here is why! – A new series is an intentional expedition into the unknown. For you, an expedition into the unknown may translate into starting a new business, painting a mural, climbing Mount Everest, finding a hidden treasure, or cooking a new meal. Regardless of the type of journey you choose to embark on, starting something new is an opportunity for adventure. In my world, new adventures often entail exploring a subject matter and penning my thoughts – without an agenda!

A new adventure

At the beginning of a new series, I am clueless about what I will pen in 2 weeks and where or when I will stop. On these excursions, I am a reader who happens to be the writer. And I am a rider who happens to be the driver.  Unsurprisingly, this mirrors my approach to life. – To go on a journey, I need to know the direction of travel, but I don’t need to know what the last lap will feel like or where exactly the end is. In this respect, I am comfortable with the unknown. And it is a gift because life is uncertain. Furthermore, as a lover of adventure and an idealist, unknowingness is thrilling as it opens the door to newness. And in my world, newness is synonymous with opportunity. For this reason, in life and on paper, I often get excited whenever a page turns. And the excitement stems from the chance to uncover what seems new today – yet was likely known by others during earlier times.

Our new series will follow suit as we delve into age-old concepts through stories to uncover – not discover what demonstrates upstanding and good character. I am especially thrilled to start our new series for two distinct reasons.

Why this, and why now?

First, the idea for the series surfaced unexpectedly and as clear as a bell. As if it were appointed or meant to be all along!
Secondly, as always, we are going through a tumultuous time as individuals and members of societies worldwide. Therefore, the opportunity to explore how to navigate seemingly new terrains is necessary.
An aside: Whenever someone describes the present time with the over-used go-to phrase, unprecedented times, I chuckle inwardly. Then, I reflect: was there ever a time when humans did not feel like they were experiencing novelty, unfamiliarity, the unknown, and the unprecedented?

Fortunately, not! Globally, earlier generations waddled and waded through the unknown, including the pandemic spread of cholera, tuberculosis, polio, the Wall Street crash of 1929, the global financial crash of 1987, and two World Wars, to name a few. Yet, as a species, we overcame and perhaps became stronger. From this, we learn that struggles afford us lessons, and past challenges become future opportunities when we learn from them. Specifically, when we realize what abilities and skills enables us and others to traverse the unknown. – This is the pith of our new series: an exploration of what drives fulfillment and collective success. As these qualities are often subtle, they are easy to miss, and those who embody them can seem hidden, like a cast of hidden figures!

Hidden Figures, the new series!

I named this series after a story and movie I love! The story centers around the lives of three brilliant women in NASA who were the brains behind the launch of U.S. astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The women experienced a significant amount of racial discrimination and other challenges. However, they overcame them and enabled the unprecedented achievement that forever changed the Space Race. I love the story because it symbolizes an essential truth: True power lies in character, not possession. – Essentially, one who is powerful is set apart because they influence for good.

But what enables someone to influence for good? Is it a mysterious gift, a hereditary trait, or a set of qualities we can all cultivate? – We shall explore this realm starting next week!

I look forward to journeying with you.

Until next time!

For you and to you,
Aké

Image Credit: Pexels | Carolina Basi