Navigating the Intersection: A Reflection, A Pause, A Renewed Journey.

Happy last month in 2023! 🥳

As we embrace the dry air, soon-to-be merry atmosphere, and the promise of a new month, I find myself reflecting and immersing in the incredible journey we've shared this year - one phone call really can change everything (keep your phone lines open). It's been a whirlwind of emotions, from challenges to successes, to new territories to growth, to having an opportunity to do it all over again. I couldn't be more grateful for each one of you who has been a part of my journey. I read all your messages (from time to time) and I’m always left in awe.

In the spirit of transparency, I wanted to take a moment to share some personal thoughts with you. Over the past few months, I've been actively immersed in the digital realm, always online and sharing my life and reality with you all. I did promise an exhilarating November (and I’m pretty sure I delivered on that), but like any journey, it's essential to pause, reassess, and recalibrate - so we don’t get lost along the way.

The intersection between social media and real life can be a fascinating yet challenging space. Recently, I've felt the need to take a step back, be more deliberate with my approach, and align my brand with intentions that truly resonate with me.

Nonetheless, this isn't a step back; it's a step forward in the direction of authenticity, drive, and purpose.

In this process and my new reality, I've come to recognize that, inevitably, there will always be a section of the internet that may not be as kind as we'd hope. They’ll always see something wrong and that’s just who they are. However, in the face of negativity, we find strength and resilience. It becomes an opportunity for introspection and a reminder to stay true to ourselves. At the end of the day, everyone can’t like you, and even the strong ones crack when they read false or deliberate malicious things being said about them. But thankfully, words and opinions (from people who don’t matter) no longer affect me - thanks to the block button. 😏

While it may not be an easy thing to ask, I implore you all to please look the other way. As a fanbase, our first journey involved constantly defending and I’d like to believe that it was an opportunity to learn from. This time around, we are different from the rest. We will be doing ourselves a disservice if we don’t hold ourselves to that standard. Let those who choose to insult be, while we ignore and pay them no attention because, when all is said and done, they aren’t our focus. This should also be an opportunity for us not to poke holes or throw the first punch. In all of this, Islanders should never be found wanting.

As we enter this new month, let's celebrate the successes we've achieved so far - the milestones, the growth, and the unwavering support we have shared and gotten from each other. The new friends and families we have made. The community we have built and the strength we have amassed in our numbers. Your encouragement fuels my determination to keep pushing boundaries and achieving even greater heights.

Looking ahead, there are numerous successes on the horizon, and I am nothing but thrilled to share them with you. Together, we'll continue this beautiful journey, balancing the demands of social media with the authenticity of living life. It's about finding that sweet spot where I can give you what you want while staying true to who I am. It’s not easy, and sometimes one can drown in the noise.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. Your positivity, enthusiasm, and unwavering support, mean the world to me. I can’t wait to celebrate your victories and successes this month with you. You all deserve to be celebrated. And on that note, let's make this new and final month in 2023 a chapter of renewed energy, self-discovery, shared victories, and rising above all.

I wish you all an inspiring and fulfilling December. 

Always badding,

Deks 🤙🏾