“A narrative is a spoken or written account of connected events; a story.”
“I’m a master of my fate, plus I’m the type of nigga own the masters to my tape” Nipsey Hussle. “Young Nigga.” All Money In No Money Out/ Atlantic Recording Corp…, 2018
This story can be of a lifetime, of the right now or of the past.
Narratives becomes biographies, news reports, eulogies, or can end up as click bait on blog sights- anything spoken or written about you is a narrative concerning you.
What narrative do you want written about you when the time comes?
During Nipsey Hussle’s 33 years of life, he represented his highest level of self which provided social media, news outlets and blogs the outline of his story. In death, the greatness of Nipsey Hussle has not diminished, but enhanced. Stories of his investments in the community, his random acts of kindness, his devotion to his family and his liberating-like mentality floods timelines and internet searches of his name.
Nipsey Hussle was not a perfect man and he never portrayed himself to be, instead he walked in authenticity. Ermias was the master, the author of his narrative from beginning to end.
A first-generation Eritrean-American, neighborhood 6-0 CRIP turned entrepreneur, techie, investor, and modern-day Jesus to his community, Erimas always knew who he was. Criminal charges and stereotypes projected on him did not change the image he had of himself.
Mastering your fate, taking charge of your life, and writing your narrative gives you power. Despite of society’s labels and stereotypical projects, you will prevail in life as long as you know who you are because you will not be shaken by outside sources.
So, inspired by the power that Nipsey possessed, I wrote some tips on how you and I can take charge of our stories.
Be the author of your narrative, so no one else can falsify your story when you are not around.
1). Be mindful of the things you post on social media.
As I stated previously, no one is perfect and should never attest to be, however keeping arguments, past mistakes, and negativity off your timeline can paint you in a positive light to friends, family, future employers/ business partners, and strangers alike.
2). Always show up as your highest self.
Present yourself as the person you are on your way to being. You may not have the executive positions, however while you are on your way there, show up as her/him.
3). Align yourself with likeminded people.
Remove people from your circle who only see you in one dimension. Humans are multifaceted individuals. Who you are during college years does not define who you are now and who you are today does not dictate your tomorrow. Do not associate with people who do not understand, they don’t call for great references or witness to your characters.
It is OK not to be perfect. It is OK not to know exactly what the next chapter of life may bring, as long as you do not lose yourself or allow for someone else to make life decisions for you.
Be the main contributor to your story.
“ Regardless what you into, regardless what you been through I feel like I got to tell you you got someone to contribute”. Nipsey Hussle. “Face The World.” All Money In No Money Out, Inc, 2013
References:
“narrative.” Google.com. 2019. Nipsey Hussle. “Young Nigga.” All Money In No Money Out Inc / Atlantic Recording Corp, 2018
Nipsey Hussle. “Face The World.” All Money In No Money Out, Inc, 2013
https://shareexmedia.com/2019/04/22/ermias-was-the-masterof-his-narrative-from-beginning-to-end/
