by James Weeks | Nov 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
If you could talk to one of your loved ones in Spirit what would you say?
And why would you say it?
What would you want to know, and why is it important to you?
I regret not asking Dad and other relatives more questions about my roots when I had the chance.
That’s why I’m grateful for the work my uncle, Gerry Doward, is doing. He’s Mom’s youngest brother.
He’s also a genealogist.
Over the years, Uncle has put some of the pieces of our family’s history and migration together.
And he has also helped other families on St. Croix research their roots.
Uncle says his paternal grandfather, my great-grandfather, migrated to St. Croix from the country of Suriname. His name was Robert Doward.
Yet, there are so many pieces of our ancestral puzzle we still don’t know yet.
I’m hoping to travel to Suriname one day to learn more about the family and culture my great grandfather left behind.
What about you? Are you curious about your roots? How well do you know the stories of your ancestors?
This photo of me and uncle, Gerry is important to me.
It was taken more than 15 years ago during a hike on the north side of the island of St. Croix.
I felt strong ancestral and spiritual vibrations as I hiked with uncle. We swam in a pool made by natural rock formations. The water was soothing and warm. I emerged cleansed and revitalized.
The northside St. Croix is sacred because it’s home to Maroon Ridge – that’s where slaves leapt to their death rather than submit to a life of slavery.
St. Croix scholar and ecologist, Olassie Davis, says “runaway African slaves also developed their own government, culture, trade, and military defense against the colonial powers of the day.”
Our struggles continue…
We have to protect sacred sites, reclaim our culture and tell our own stories.
The land also has stories to tell.
On St. John, Virgin Islands, there’s an ancient petroglyph engraved at the bottom of a waterfall at Reef Bay Valley.
The late Guyanese scholar, Ivan Van Sertima, author of the book, They Came Before Columbus, believed the petroglyph is an ancient African script once used in Libya and Medieval Mali.
Van Sertima said the script was deciphered by the Libyan Department of Antiquities. It reads: “Plunge in to cleanse yourself; this is water for purification before prayer.”
Blessings,
by James Weeks | Oct 31, 2023 | Articles
I believe our ancestors travel back to our world on vibrations of love and hope.
Hope that we will realize we have gifts and spiritual powers, and we should cultivate them.
Hope we will live up to our potential and realize each day is sacred.
Hope we will stop dwelling on folks that let us down and focus on folks that lift us up.
Your loved ones in Spirit are there to guide and support you every step of the way. Trust the signs you see, the messages you hear, and what you feel.
It’s as simple as that.
I’m not sure where or when this family portrait was taken because Dad served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, and we lived in Texas, Japan and California before moving home to St. Croix, Virgin Islands in my early childhood.
I’m dressed in white, leaning against Dad. His name was also James.
My sister, Joan, on the far right, and I, are the only ones left. The rest are in Spirit.
I think about my parents a lot. I know they are pleased the second edition of my book, Meditations Across the King’s River will launch in a few months. A legacy continues.
I’m not the only one in my family feeling ancestral energy.
Two days ago, my son, Malcolm, said he could feel my Mom’s Spirit around him as he was fishing.
She always said Malcolm was her hero — even during his darkest moments. I know she’s proud of his amazing transformation.
As a toddler on St. Croix, Mom taught Malcolm to always respect nature.
Once when he wanted to step on ants that were biting him, Mom said; “don’t step on the ants — just move.”
Ancestral support does not always mean things will go your way. Sometimes the ancestors have a better plan.
Trust the plan. Trust the vision. Feel the love. Embrace it. You have a mission to fulfill. Your legacy must continue.
James
by James Weeks | Oct 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
Last month, I received a direct message I wasn’t expecting on Instagram.
The message came from award-winning dancer, choreographer, and actor Adesola Osakalumi.
He’s best known for his starring role in the Broadway musical, Fela, a powerful tribute to the life and legacy of famed Nigerian activist/musician Fela Kuti.
Adesola is of Caribbean descent. His Dad is from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and his Mom is from Jamaica.
“I’m working on the Soul Train musical in San Francisco,” he said. “If you’re around, I think you’ll enjoy it. I can get discounted tickets if you’re interested.
I was honored to meet Adesola in person for the first time; my wife and I loved the musical.
Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical tells the legacy of Don Cornelius, founder and host of the Soul Train TV show that was hugely popular in the seventies.
Adesola collaborated as a dance consultant and assistant choreographer on Hippest Trip.
I’m sharing this with you because clients often ask me for insights into their purpose.
Some people seem to be born knowing their purpose. Others discover it later in life. I believe our purpose can evolve over time.
Do you feel clear about your purpose? If so, what are you here to do? And are you doing it?
Adesola has been mesmerized by dance, African culture and the performing arts since childhood. He has never lost his passion for it. “I love what I do,” he says.
I’m inspired by his unwavering focus and dedication.
Here’s a bit of wisdom from Adesola: “always believe in yourself. Never stop pushing. If you have a goal or a vision, you’re going to get opposition and different opinions from people. You may not always be met with open arms and support but keep pressing forward.”
I hope this helps. Let’s get it. The world needs your gifts more than ever before.
Stand tall and walk in your purpose.
James
by James Weeks | Oct 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
A dear friend and client recently sent me some photos via Whatsapp.
I was so happy to receive them. The energy around her was uplifting.
She looked beautiful, happy, relaxed, vibrant, and I was quick to tell her so.
“Decided I’m going to live the life, I deserve. I get to choose what that looks like. The universe will support me. It’s very empowering,” she said.
I’m so proud of her, Constance.
And that’s because I remember the dark days. Not too long ago she was in the midst of a storm.
She faced one challenge after another: Her beloved grandmother died, a family business failed, she was in a car accident, and her marriage was in trouble.
I remember those days so well because we texted almost every day on Whatsapp.
But earlier this year she began making bold moves.
Not only did she file for a divorce; she took a leap of faith and moved to the UK from the Caribbean with her teenage son.
So far, it’s working out great.
Her old boss will provide work she can do remotely. She’s in a beautiful house in the UK with a pool in the backyard.
And she’s around like-minded folks who also had the courage to move on with their lives and embrace something new.
She texted me again a few days ago: “So grateful for the changes I’ve made. We were born to live. Not only is it possible — we deserve it. We were not placed here to struggle, barely scratch out an existence and die,” she said.
I’m sharing her journey with you because I hope it inspires you in some way. If you feel stuck or unhappy, you can move on too.
Not saying you can do it overnight, but surely with patience and a solid plan and lots of determination you can find your way.
I truly believe we can all live richer, more abundant lives.
This is the last quarter of 2023. It’s a great time to start envisioning what you want 2024 to look like.
And it’s also a great time to reflect on changes you need to make to turn things around for the better.
You deserve more, Constance. We all do. You get to decide what that looks like.
Let’s get it.
Blessings!
James
by James Weeks | Sep 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
My friend Jewel Love said something that caught my attention recently.
He’s on a bold mission to help black men make seven figures.
I’ve known Jewel for a long time. He’s the CEO of Black Executive men.
And he wasn’t always this bold…
Years ago, we would meet in his tiny apartment in Oakland to share our dreams for the future.
Back then he was an aspiring therapist; now he’s a coach living his best life in Jalisco, Mexico.
I love his mission because my community hates talking about money.
Spiritual folks often pretend money doesn’t matter. It does.
Some of my friends are literally working themselves to death – long, ridiculous hours and don’t have much to show for it.
And when Mom got sick years ago, it became clear to me why folks end up losing homes and their family inheritance.
Financial instability is linked to poor health, high stress, anxiety, depression and hopelessness.
We can all do better.
I included a chapter on financial wellness in my book, Meditations Across The King’s River because experts say African-Americans and Latinx communities are on a path of having zero wealth.
But here’s some good news.
You CAN improve your finances. You CAN learn new skills. There are so many paths to build wealth and preserve it.
Pick one path and don’t give up!
I’ve learned new skills: I’m a trader, an investor, and I’m also a bookkeeper. I love what I do.
As a bookkeeper, I help businesses grow. As a trader, I protect and grow money.
To learn more about my financial services check out these links: Learn to Trade, Bookkeeping
Your future does not have to be depressing. It can be bright. Set a goal for the rest of 2023 and start planning for 2024. Hold yourself accountable for reaching your goals.
Maybe you can work on your credit, or set up a trust, or turn your passions into a business, or learn to invest. There are many options. Talk to a financial planner or a tax consultant.
And keep this in mind…
Building wealth isn’t merely about making more money – we must be smart about the assets we already have.
The goal is to also find peace and fulfillment in other areas of our lives.
It’s not too late to learn and take action. You can do this. You can enjoy life and have money in the bank too.
I’m happy my friend Jewel is having wealth conversations. Let’s start having wealth conversations too.
Would love to hear your financial plans so comment or send me a DM.
Talk soon.
