“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”
- Maya Angelou
Keke Palmer knew she had met her match when Jenifer Lewis explained why she ended an engagement over a tree and went OFF on people criticizing her standards and non-negotiables in relationships 😭💀👀
“Nothing is non-negotiable, I don’t negotiate SH-T… you be nice, have a good time, or go the f-ck home. Life’s too short. I’m 69, I got 30 some years left. GO F-CK yourself!”🤣
I know many of us didn’t agree with all of their policies, but one thing I can say is that they understood the responsibility that came with the office. They treated people like human beings, communicated with a level of respect, and didn’t feel the need to constantly demean others to make themselves look better.
They also understood how to speak to the public. Whether you agreed with them or not, they could give a speech, stay on topic, articulate their message clearly, and conduct themselves in a manner that reflected the seriousness of the presidency.
Leadership isn’t about insults, personal attacks, or turning every disagreement into a spectacle. It’s about respect, discipline, and the ability to communicate effectively with the people you’re supposed to serve.
You don’t have to agree with someone’s politics to recognize the difference between leadership and chaos.
The best speedster scene still isn’t from X-Men, Eternals, or even The Flash. It’s Dash discovering his full speed during the 100 mile run in The Incredibles (2004). The animation mixed with Michael Giacchino’s score still feels unbeatable.
I have a co-worker who never announces anything. You don’t know she applied for a promotion until she’s already in the new office. You don’t realize she bought her own place until she casually mentions “heading home to finish painting.” She doesn’t post milestones. Doesn’t crowdsource opinions. Doesn’t invite commentary.
I used to think she was secretive. That success was supposed to be shared loudly. That excitement needed an audience.
Now I see it differently.
She moves with intention. Quiet. Focused. Certain. Her plans are protected while they’re still fragile. Her joy isn’t diluted by outside noise. She lets things grow roots before she shows the world the bloom.
It isn’t secrecy. It’s discernment. It’s peace. It’s self-trust.
Sometimes the strongest people are the ones who build their lives softly, without applause, and let their results speak when they’re ready.
"Being Black is not a problem for a Black person. Being Black is a problem for the community that doesn't understand that you are a human being." Diahann Carroll
Not being snide when I say that making everybody wait twenty seconds during the biggest moment of your career so you can have a quick cry is tough. Tough as hell.
Ratatouille (2007) is Pixar operating at full confidence. A movie about criticism & craft that somehow never forgets to be fun. Brad Bird even brought in real chefs to shape the kitchen choreography which is why the cooking feels as alive as the characters