To Be Great

To Be A Great- 

Finish the sentence with whatever you would like to be great in. 

I have heard time and time again that "to be a great writer, I must-read." Initially hearing that I wanted to associate that with studying, and like some, I'm not a big fan of studying. Now that I think about it, I shouldn't have felt that way.

Why, because it wasn't supposed to feel like studying. It should have been me understanding that I need to build on my craft and to build on my craft I need to understand those who have come before me in the writing industry. 

Another misconception on that saying is that you should only read the classics. I mean they are classics for a reason, right? But don't just read the classics, read current, read history, read poetry, read movie scripts. All in all, read whatever you can get your hands on. 

This doesn't just pertain to being a great writer. To be a great artist in any medium you have to understand the past and the present, while also anticipating the future. By grasping a greater understanding, you can shape your work a little differently while finding a stronger voice for yourself within your chosen industry.  

T. Neal | Cambridge, MD 

Disclaimer: Fenix Youth Project Inc. supports young writers and their voices and providing them with a platform to submit think pieces, poetry, short stories, and also reflect on experiences and program events. All blog posts are reviewed by the Executive Director, Amber Green. Blog posts are the opinions and reflections of writers and do not represent the organization as a whole. Questions and comments can be emailed to ambergreen@fenixyouthproject.org. 

What Does it Take to be a Decent Human Being?

It costs nothing to be a decent human being. 

You most likely read that in your head, but this time I want you to say it out loud. Repeat after me: It costs nothing to be a decent human being. 

I have heard this statement so much in my life, and it is one of the truest statements that I have ever heard. I mean think about how much money you have spent simply by smiling at someone or considering their feelings. The truth is if you just think about it, you'll see that being a decent human is really just the bare minimum. 

Something so simple as a smile could trigger a chain of events that can change more than one person's day.

After reading this I want you to make a creative piece based on what makes you a decent human being. It doesn't have to be big; it could be something so simple as holding open the door for someone or helping a neighbor carry in their groceries. 

Whatever it is that makes you a decent human being express that using your choice of medium. After you've expressed yourself, reflect on it. Ask yourself, "What new things can I do that will continue to make me a decent human being?"

Remember it really does cost nothing.  

T. Neal | Cambridge, MD 

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Disclaimer: Fenix Youth Project Inc. supports young writers and their voices and providing them with a platform to submit think pieces, poetry, short stories, and also reflect on experiences and program events. All blog posts are reviewed by the Executive Director, Amber Green. Blog posts are the opinions and reflections of writers and do not represent the organization as a whole. Questions and comments can be emailed to ambergreen@fenixyouthproject.org. 

Black Wellness Resources

Here is a list wellness resources here for you that may be helpful, prioritizing resources created by and for Black people. #BlackLivesMatter

• Fearless Action : Fearless Action empowers youth and adults by encouraging and teaching self love, self discovery and confidence through dance.(Salisbury, MD)

• Healing Black Lives, A Day of Renewal for People of African Descent (Online): facilitated by OneLife Institute

• The Nap Ministry: Rest as Resistance and Reparations

• BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) 

• Black Girl in Om: A meditation recording for Black Girls

• Liberate Meditation: Meditation app for Black, Indigenous, People of Color

• Therapy for Black Men

• Therapy for Black Girls

• The Safe Place - Mental Health app

• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

• Real to the People: Free therapy groups for Black womxn, gender expansive people, and people of color