Meant for More...

Ever had that gut feeling you were meant for more — but you couldn't quite put your finger on what that “more” was? More love. More light. More joy. More happiness. A deeper, fuller life. A life that illuminates. I know that feeling well — me too.

I live in this limitless place. Not physically, not yet. But in my heart and mind, I live in a universe that’s boundless, where everything flows in abundance. A space where light reigns. And no matter how much darkness tries to creep in, that light keeps me rooted, keeps me sprouting, keeps me reaching toward the sun.

That light — it's in all of us. It wants to burst forth. It wants to shine. And the beautiful part? When we allow our light to shine, it gives others permission to shine too.

But the world… it’s heavy. It’s filled with people carrying clouds, sometimes without even knowing it. People who rain on others because they’re drenched in pain, not realizing they’re projecting their storm. And sometimes, they’re so deep in their own hurt, they lie to themselves about it — again and again — until they can’t see the truth anymore. And from there, it’s a slippery slope into bitterness, resentment, and disconnection from their own light.

I’m not here to judge. I’ve walked through my own darkness. We all have. That’s the test — the plunge into the abyss is part of our faith walk. Some will come to tarnish your name, slander your spirit, disrupt your peace. Let them. Like Mel said, “Let them.”

Because there’s beauty on the other side.

When people project onto you, try to see it as a cry for help — a silent plea for healing. Sometimes, they’ve done things they regret, things they wish they could undo. But instead of facing it, they lash out. Forgive them. Quietly. You don’t even have to let them know. Just forgive, release, and move on.

None of us are perfect. We’re all just trying to make it through this wild journey called life. And that “making it” looks different on different days. So go easy on others. Go easy on yourself too.

Because yes — there is more.

More to life. More to you. More to what’s waiting.

So press on. Wade into those uncharted waters. Carry with you the love and joy you’ve already gathered. Let them guide you. Let them remind you of who you are. Let every win — and every loss — shape you.

Even those giving you a hard time? Try to see their pain. Try to see the scared, bruised part of them. Hold space. Don’t excuse the harm, but understand the root. Be the best version of you for them, and then give God the space to work in them too.

We’re all searching for answers. Some things take a lifetime. Others, just a moment. It’s not on your time — it’s on divine timing. The universe is working for you. Even the pain is shaping you. Even the betrayal is building you.

Let go of your attachment to what you thought life should look like. What’s coming might be better than you imagined. And yes — the life you dream of might not be the life you need. Be open.

Wake up with urgency. But also with grace.

There is more to you. And there is more to this world. You’re not here by accident. And no matter how loud the noise around you gets — don’t lose sight of that whisper inside saying, “There’s more.”

At AfriKin, this is the why behind everything we do. Through art and culture, we shine a light. We cultivate community. We hold space for the beauty, the brilliance, and the boundlessness of Global Africa and the Black world. We showcase not just what we’ve endured — but what we’re capable of. We remind each other of the light within.

Winning the Arts and Social Impact Award yesterday, thanks to the Miami Cultural Department and every single person who voted — it’s not just a win for me. It’s a win for us. A win for the dreamers, the creators, the light-bearers. Thank you. I receive it with full gratitude and grace.

Here are 10 ways to get to your “more” in life:

1. Protect your peace. Guard your energy like gold.

2. Wake up with intention. Don’t just exist — live with purpose.

3. Stay prayed up. Faith isn’t a safety net, it’s the launching pad.

4. Forgive often. Not for them, but for your own healing.

5. Surround yourself with light. Be around people who fan your flame.

6. Stay curious. Keep learning, keep growing, keep seeking.

7. Create something. Leave a mark. Even if it’s just a line, a song, a smile.

8. Rest. Not everything is solved by grinding. Restoration is holy.

9. Be kind — especially to those who hate you. They need love most.

10. Give thanks. Every breath is a blessing. Remember that.

And finally, remember: Compassion is the highest form of strength. Especially for those who try to hurt you. When you respond to hate with love, you shift the entire vibration. You create room for healing. For them — and for you.

So yes, you are meant for more. And the more is already in you.
Shine.

CALL TO ACTION:
The AfriKin Art Fair 2025: Through Creation, We Find Meaning is now open for artist submissions. Be part of a historic movement. Tell your story. Share your vision. Heal through creation.

Visit Afrikin.art for more information and submission guidelines.

Written with love and urgency,

Alfonso Brooks, Founder of AfriKin.
Let’s rise, together.

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