Sociocultural Capitalism

An inmate asked me what I thought about mental health therapy tonight in my Speech class. I told him I thought it was a good idea, particularly for them because the bars of their cells are not just physical, but also mental/psychological.

What I didn’t tell them was some of my specific experiences going to therapy, particularly the negative experiences. I’ve been told that how and where I grew up, or growing up black, or going through an amputation was much worst than whatever I was there trying to work through. Or that some experiences where I felt discrimination or intimidation aren’t really mental health issues because I seem to be handling it well. Meaning I hadn’t hurt myself or anyone else, so since I could control that, a little discrimination can’t be affecting me that badly.

I guess I just wish that people will understand that it is another layer of manure that is raked over disenfranchised and dominated groups to minimize experiences because they just aren’t driving us crazy enough. It many times feels like there is no relief, no escape, no solace, nor sympathy. I’ve spent my fifty revolutions being told that my experiences are what they are, simply that, there are no remedies, no remorse, no remuneration and it just. doesn’t. matter.

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. – Luciano De Crescenzo

38 years, 364 days, 8 hours, 56 minutes and 32 seconds…

As I sit here on the eve of my 39th birthday, I recall all the years I have experienced on this Earth. Being alive these 38 years and 364 days has allowed me to mature and experience success and failure, changes and challenges, trials and triumphs. From a very young age I have always felt that I was here for a reason, that I was special somehow. As we count our life in years, and in my case down to the second, it is important to think about where we have been and where we are going. As a young adult I thought life could be short and sweet, thinking of living to 54 as having truly lived; making deals with God that if I made it to that age, I would be happy. Now at 39, 54 seems so close that I have to rethink that promise.

Growing up in the hood, many of my peers did not make it to 20, much less 30 and I worried during the dreaded years of 14 through 28, when men that looked like me were destined to be incarcerated or interred, that I needed some ethereal protection. Often, I felt like the hands of God were wrapped around me. During my reckless times, when I could have been dead several times over, it was only through this protection that I survived. Now, on the eve of the date of my birth, I realize that I am here for a reason, and my plan is to live out that reason to its fullest potential.

None of us know what is planned for us, when our days will end, or what our specific purpose is for travailing this world. What I do know is that those coveted ages: 18, 21, 30, 40 and so on, come upon us much quicker as time passes and which much less grace. Getting an education is not easy, keeping control of a career is difficult, and being a good father and husband is the toughest of them all. Next year, in my 40th year, 3rd month, and 10th day, I will be Dr. Lincoln Duane Johnson, and another chapter of the book of life will begin. This is called Mid-Life and I plan on continuing the success I have experienced thus far, to travel far and wide, to look deep within myself and leave a legacy that will exist long after I have perished. That is, in the words of my paternal grandmother, “If the Lord says the same.”

Hello world!

Hey Young World (The World is Yours)

A very good friend of mine introduced me to a quote about two decades ago. It quoted George Washington Carver, the inventor of products made from peanuts, and it has remained my favorite quotation ever since. It says, “No man has the right to come into this world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.” For most of my life I believed I was destined for greatness; I believed I was going to leave a legacy on the world and become someone important. I equated fame and riches with purpose and calling, and was therefore stricken by the quote which dared me to become somebody. Back then I was going to be a superstar: a successful actor, writer, and entertainment businessman. Reality has a way of changing our courses, however.

We all have dreams. Whether we hold on to the ones we swore would come true as we grew, or the ones that pop upon us by surprise later in our lives; we want to realize our inner fantasies. This blog is an attempt to integrate and assimilate it all, so that each day, as I move further towards my dreams, I may inspire, inform, entertain and persuade all of you to do the same.

When weblogs began to gain in popularity, I scoffed at the idea that it would catch on and others would be interested in learning and growing through one another. My faith in humanity has been challenged and changed over the course of the 39 years I have traversed these plains. In my attempt to “leave behind distinct and legitimate reasons” and purposes for this opportunity of life, I have created this tome and volume of blogs to instill my influence and inspire those with whom I come into contact. My academic background, professional experience and personal exposures have enrichened me and enripened my life so that I may be of service to others.

Life is fleeting. Life is temporary. Everything that lives is born to die. The most important time we have is right now. Purpose is not going to meet us at the corner store, and Opportunity rarely knocks of its own volition. The aspects of our lives that are drawn to us are drawn of our own hand. We wake up each day to take advantage of this divine opportunity to shine and actually smell the roses.

Recently, I realized how much of our time is scheduled and done in rote when I was inadvertently put on hold and everything came to a halt. Readjusting my life to not being able to work, the inability to walk or to even take care of my own basic necessities gave me greater insight into my human spirit, even though my disability is temporary. This re-education has shown me that many times we accomplish, but do not appreciate; we endeavor, but do not experience; and we achieve, but do not celebrate. As we begin another year, it is my duty to remind us all of the times we are having and to take the time to take over the world! None of us has the right to waste this life we have been given and each of us has the responsibility to leave behind a legacy, some heritage and purpose that others can speak about when they mention our names. It is, in fact, our reason for living.