I’m not a professional movie critic, but ‘Straight Outta Compton” is an instant classic in my mind. Here’s what it taught me, or rather what it helped me to remember:
- Speak up – for what you believe in, no matter how miniscule it may seem in comparison to the world. Open your mouth, and use it. What you feel your worth, express what you will not entertain, and how you are to be addressed. The power that you activate within yourself once you do this and own it, can never be purchased.
- Check your paper work (especially when it comes to your money): From your bank statements and pay stubs, to your receipts from a drive thru window. Too often we toss it to the side because we catch the bottom line. Which is usually, “X” is the amount of the money I have readily available in my account, or yes I agree to pay “this” amount. Find a way to implement enjoying the paperwork process. It’s always worth it. #notetoself
- Become adaptable: Change is inevitable, for this we know for sure. A great way to alleviate the stress of shifting seasons when they aren’t welcomed is to be fluid in your movement. Life is constantly revealing itself, and we have a horrible habit of ignoring the obvious. Making yourself adaptable decreases the blow that comes with change we weren’t expecting.
- Forgive and let live: Seriously. Life is too short, and time is too precious. Exercising forgiveness doesn’t equate to you being a “sucka”. When you open your heart to forgive someone, it makes you lighter. You’re able to enjoy life fully because that need to hold on to something that happened last night or ten years ago, no longer takes residence internally. Whether you are aware of it or not, lack of forgiveness shows up in our lives one way or another.
- Live your truth (also one of my Rules of Engagement): Speaking up is one thing, but speaking your truth is something different. Without a doubt life
I mean peopleprovides scenarios that require the uncut and disgustingly raw version of you telling it exactly how it is from your perspective. It won’t always be pretty, but you know what, sometimes the only to say “f*ck the police” is to actually say it.
Apply the lessons, and the rule. Do yourself a favor and go see this historic, and iconic story told that not only shines the light on the beginning of gangsta rap. It also tells the story of some incredibly smart young black men who refused to be voiceless when they felt like it was illegal to just be present.