what if you just showed up and did what you want to do? what if you showed up bad, messy, unrehearsed and afraid? it's common for people, including myself, to be pleasantly surprised when we take on challenges, such as sharing our work on social media, publishing a book, or starting a business, despite feeling unprepared or scared. The reward of showing up and thriving despite the outcome is a sweet gift.

so, I ask you, my friends, when will you just show up and surprise yourself?

Growing up, my father struggled with alcoholism, among other things, which turned our home into a volatile environment. As a child, I never knew what would set my father off; I had to develop hyper-alertness and problem-solving/ escape-planning behaviour. Being around him left me feeling uneasy which drove me to seek refuge in my bedroom away from him and his drama. I'd spent hours thinking back to when I saw all the good things in my father, better yet, when he saw them in himself. We used to have picnics in the golden African sun in Johannesburg. We would listen to music and eat all the treats we could manage that day. As I mourn for those days, I wonder how much my father mourns for the parts of himself he doesn't get to visit either. In my plea for escape, I turned to God with a request that used to make me sick to my stomach.

Our society's focus on capitalism and individualism has caused us to overlook the beauty within ourselves. Despite popular belief, these pursuits do not heighten our awareness but instead, diminish it. To fully appreciate the wonder of being human, we need to both observe and be observed by others. This interaction allows us to appreciate the unique qualities that have fostered growth and development in collectivist communities for generations. Let us unite and spread a love that honors and respects all individuals, rather than just ourselves.

In our relationships, regardless of their nature, we often struggle to trust that others know what they truly need, want, or feel - even when they express themselves clearly. This lack of trust stems from a society rife with stereotypes and misinformation, creating an environment of untrustworthiness. But what if we approached every situation with openness and trust, believing that we will communicate honestly and respectfully? Can you trust yourself to do the same? Let's strive for mutual trust and respect in all our relationships.

in this capitalistic system, we are treated as resources. our humanity and dignity are stripped from us as we are sold messages of productivity over health. the industrial complex began in factories and moved into our bodies. if we are to survive beyond a reset of revolution in every century, we must change our view and resource humans instead of treating them like resources. episode 7 is a cry out to hr departments to not penalize employees for taking mental health time and instead adopt policies to create mental wealth initiatives.

Imbali breaks down the word 'enjoyment' because joy can become a social media buzzword and lose its essence. they examine the origins of the word 'enjoyment' and encounter the sweet gesture of invitation for the self, along with the synergies of mindfulness and presence that are required. enjoyment is something we can engage in daily and in fact, Imbali would suggest that we take time to notice when we are in this blissful state of enjoyment. who knows, you might just surprise yourself. https://www.instagram.com/soundonsiren/

we are in the midst of a revolution and it's calling for us to reassess our social contracts and constructs. Imbali explores why society becoming more sensitive is not a problem and in fact how this sensitivity has always been there but tolerance is changing. we must invite ourselves to step up to the challenge of being more accountable for our words and actions, to better reckon with nuance and the re-negotiation of many relationships. comedians and artists alike are not immune to this call to change and elevate. https://www.instagram.com/soundonsiren/

Imbali takes an honest look at what happens to them when they revisit or restart a project. I am always thinking about the cycles that I experience in life, and how they inform the lessons that I am supposed to learn. in this process of becoming the best version of myself, I have come to realize how I hold myself back when I should ask for support and how helpful it would be to leave a detailed trace of my journey to see my growth over time. https://www.instagram.com/soundonsiren/

we can shout Pan-Africanism from the rooftops all we want, but if we do not embody it as the lifestyle it is, instead of a fleeting movement we become hypocrites. Imbali delves into some ways you can begin to live a Pan-Africanist life, which is ultimately the expansion of yourself beyond a Western lens. what you watch, and listen to, who you talk to, where you spend your money, what languages you learn, and how you spend your time are indicative of your commitment to Pan-Africanism. https://www.instagram.com/soundonsiren/