I’m sitting here side-eying a bag of chocolate with almonds wondering what the UMOJA desk should convey. One nugget then another. A tasty morsel but too many of these can’t be good. Lo and behold I pause, and the thought hits me. Looking back over the last 12 months, maybe we should pause and reflect on all the people we’ve interacted with, the changes we made, the changes we needed to make or just after a year, who have we become.
Also, the events in which we participated, watched or heard about, the loved ones that passed on to glory, the lessons we learned and then, the resources that we can use to enhance our journey forward. As we ponder, we evaluate and reason with ourselves. How do we rate what took place and apply results to our lives? What should we give up, what should we add? How do our lives affect those around us? Pondering opens the lid of the pot where we deposit our thoughts or should I say the ingredients that will ultimately give us a plate to be shared in 2026. This dish that represents our lives should not be eaten or served bland. In any restaurant, the presentation makes a big difference. Therefore, if we apply that same concept to our lives, we’ll find that we should take time to plan out our long and short term goals. We will undoubtedly free ourselves from the many frustrations and procrastinations that come with a lack of planning. This will make your plate more appetizing and palatable. I make these meal references because food seems to be a good teacher. Afterall, it’s something that we take part in everyday. Eating healthy produces healthy outcomes. If we apply the same to our life’s journey we will feel better, be more prepared and be able to alleviate or withstand some of the unforeseen hiccups. UMOJA means unity and our bodies crave a unified effort of eating well and living well. So we say… Pause, Ponder and Prepare for 2026.
