MY AMERICAN STORY

| Written by:The Empathic Realist aka Shaní (Sha-nay) Nicole |

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| Originally composed on December 1st, 2020 |

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Below are my reflections upon the release of my debut article feature in the Winter 2020 Issue of Liv Fun Magazine. 

(Link to article at bottom of page)

This past weekend marked five years since my father unexpectedly passed away. I began reflecting on how much my life has transformed since that fateful day. It is a sobering feeling with such a heavy emphasis on necessary endings that pave the way for beautiful new beginnings. So I thought the best way to honor my father would be by sharing my debut article featured in Liv Fun Magazine.

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This piece (which can be downloaded in the link below), represents a culmination of sorts; allowing me to make peace with the past in order to make way for a new beginning... A new chapter rooted in truth, fairness, compassion, healing, and community.

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At the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, I was asked, by one of my mentors, to lead a discussion on how we can begin the process of accountability, in relation to racial & economic injustice, within our communities. It was a somber yet powerful discussion. This discussion led to me being asked to write an article on my experience as an African American woman working in Corporate America and how that translated to my overall experience of being American.

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I am humbled to have been given this opportunity. It was an extremely cathartic and bittersweet writing experience as I left the corporate world at the end of 2016 to pursue music and writing full-time. I reflected on my many experiences in the workplace and how that trauma led to a beautiful healing journey; full of awareness, grief, honesty, endings and transformations.

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Reflecting on how this correlates to all that has transpired in the year of 2020, all I can say is that many more of us have begun to awaken to the unstable roots of this country. We can collectively see the foundations begin to crack and buckle. From police brutality, to community discrimination, severe economic inequality, to workplace abuse, it is clear that the system is flawed, toxic and un-Democratic. And with this truth, comes an uncomfortable reality to sit in, however, with discomfort comes breakthrough; leading to fresh perspectives and healing. We must see the shadow in order to journey towards the light.

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I feel this piece embodies just that; exposing painful endings as to awaken healing beginnings. Now is the time where the real work begins. We have the support of the universe around us. Major shifts are upon us now. It’s time for the voiceless to become our forefront’s of honest & true change and transformations. We have stood on the sidelines for too long. Now we rise to create the world we want to see for ourselves and future generations to come.

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I love you Dad. I thank you for all you have given me in this earthly incarnation. 💫

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I also dedicate this piece to every warrior who has unjustly lost their life at the hands of hate. We will continue to say your names until there is freedom for EVERY being on this Earth.

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You can read the full article by clicking the link to download, below.

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Peace & love | Shaní (Sha-nay)