May 31, 2026 by Cassandra Johnson
I woke up motivated every day, even in days of non-motivation. Habit and wanting took over. I saw my parents and heard their compliments about my determination and curiosity even long after they had been gone. My intelligence. I heard them and naturally felt comfort in my books, studies, music, writing, languages. I felt it. I believed in just as many ways as I did not and still do not believe in myself. I woke up moving, and even when uninspired, expecting to be eventually driven towards some goals, all goals. My ups and downs and ups.
I read the books and saw movies from their generations and felt inspired and defeated. I was followed around in the store and micromanaged from my office desk. I thanked both my parents and the ancestors for keeping me inspired, showing me and us how strong we can be in spaces of oppression and how far we could go in the spaces of decency, deep affection and support from others.