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<figure id="figure-lvxa7ytwhkml67ha7r" data-full-width=""><img id="lvxa7ytwhkml67ha7r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3jisNB4Dt33sG8bM0XBL4sNVwRZYZjJIgHCkqIwr8jel12aCT7KtdtJGkLGm4q8P.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3jisNB4Dt33sG8bM0XBL4sNVwRZYZjJIgHCkqIwr8jel12aCT7KtdtJGkLGm4q8P.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 50%;"></figure>The Moment That Altered MeThere are moments in life that don’t just inspire you. They change how you see yourself.They quietly,almost imperceptibly, reset your personal standards. They draw a new line in the sand and say: this is who you are now.This is one of those moments for me.While serving as Student Government President at Kean University, I had the honor, and the responsibility, of bringing <a data-mce-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou">Maya Angelou</a> to our campus. I understood the academic weight of that moment. The cultural significance. The history.What I didn’t understand yet was that she was about to alter me.Before her talk, there was a long line of students waiting patiently to see her. Each one hoping for a signature. A photo. A few seconds with someone whose words had shaped generations.The energy in the room was electric. You could feel how deeply she had moved people.And then, something unexpected happened.She asked to speak privately with the leaders who brought her to the school.The room was cleared.No crowd. No line. No spotlight.No audience. No applause. No performance.Just presence.It was me. The Graduate Student Body President. Our Student Body Advisor. And the cameraman.In that quiet, intentional space, while a line of students waited outside, she shifted her focus from the many to the few who carried responsibility.She took my hand.Then she said something that has followed me into every room, every leadership role, and every season of growth since.“Never fear.”“Never stop learning, no matter your age.A diploma or a degree does not mean you stop learning, nor does it define who you are.It’s what you do, and the lives you change, that matter.Don’t be just good. Be great.And don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”There was no script. No crowd. No need for volume.Just truth, delivered with intention.In that moment, something crystallized for me, even if I didn’t yet have the language for it:Leadership is not about position. It’s about impact.Titles may open doors, but true influence keeps them open.Education is a foundation, not an endpoint.And greatness isn’t given to you. It’s something you choose to pursue, often quietly, often alone.What struck me most was this:She didn’t speak to us as students. She spoke to us as people with influence.She wasn’t concerned with who we were on paper. She cared about who would be better because we were there.That encounter altered my life, not because I met a legend, but because a leader saw potential and placed responsibility in my hands.A responsibility to keep learning. To act. To uplift others.That is why Altered Life exists.This blog. This platform. This work.It’s rooted in moments like that. In people who didn’t just motivate me, but changed how I operate.Especially during Black History Month, I reflect not only on legacy, but on inheritance, the values, expectations, and standards passed down.Maya Angelou didn’t just leave me with words.She left me with a mandate.And I’ve been responding to it ever since.Now I’ll ask you this:Who altered your life?Not the person who impressed you. Not the person who inspired you for a moment.But the one who changed how you move. How you think. How you lead.Who placed a standard in your hands—and expected you to carry it forward?Sit with that.Then tell the story.That’s how legacies continue.<figure id="figure-iltuebe6oml69fvhi"><img id="iltuebe6oml69fvhi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5dXwui1OgSYrnV7eqqGEOa18EVjhIziTSZNTz676xKbvflZyQjTeRZKilTWWQGyK.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="large" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="40%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>&nbsp;

Altered Life: A Moment That Shifted My Life

A happy interracial hardworking casual businessman is working remotely from home late at night.

<h2>Understanding the Concept of Choosing Yourself</h2>In a world filled with external pressures and societal norms, the idea of choosing yourself can feel both liberating and intimidating. At its core, choosing yourself means prioritizing your own needs, values, and aspirations over the expectations of others. This journey towards self-acceptance and intentional living invites you to embrace authenticity and live a life that truly resonates with who you are.<figure id="figure-asjqcxte5pmd5jq5ls"><img id="asjqcxte5pmd5jq5ls" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1387507971/photo/mirror-hanging-on-the-wall.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1faOjsWygiRljgJoYnN4uFV1UWF5VVNruLm6YDgrGls=" alt="Mirror hanging on the wall (Frame with Clipping Path)" title="Mirror hanging on the wall (Frame with Clipping Path)" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1387507971/photo/mirror-hanging-on-the-wall.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1faOjsWygiRljgJoYnN4uFV1UWF5VVNruLm6YDgrGls=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 50%;"></figure>Choosing yourself is not about selfishness; rather, it is about recognizing your worth and potential. It involves making decisions that align with your personal values and dreams, even if they differ from what others may expect. When you choose yourself, you are taking a powerful step towards living a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful.<h3>The Importance of Authenticity</h3>Authenticity plays a critical role in the journey of choosing yourself. Being authentic means living in alignment with your true self—your beliefs, values, and passions. It requires you to shed the masks you wear to conform to societal expectations and instead embrace who you genuinely are.Living authentically can enhance your self-esteem and improve your relationships. When you are true to yourself, you attract people who appreciate the real you, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections. Furthermore, authenticity empowers you to pursue goals that genuinely excite and motivate you.<figure id="figure-br0sveawbmmd5jqbfb"><img id="br0sveawbmmd5jqbfb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/c9KmRQe3hibv1YAXWEvI9rchgJFHij4xNh5Fl3FUYCkCT73AmNWhv3t9OpPnDmOG.jpeg" alt="living authentically" title="living authentically" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/c9KmRQe3hibv1YAXWEvI9rchgJFHij4xNh5Fl3FUYCkCT73AmNWhv3t9OpPnDmOG.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Steps to Embrace Intentional Living</h3>Intentional living is about making deliberate choices that align with your personal values and goals. It requires mindfulness and a commitment to creating a life that reflects your true desires. Here are some steps to help you embrace intentional living:<ol><li>Identify Your Core Values: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Understanding your core values will guide your decisions and help you live more intentionally.</li><li>Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you. Setting specific, achievable goals will keep you focused and motivated on your path.</li><li>Practice Mindfulness: Stay present and aware of your thoughts and actions. This awareness allows you to make choices that align with your intentions.</li><li>Eliminate Distractions: Identify and remove anything that detracts from your focus on living intentionally. This might include negative influences or unnecessary obligations.</li></ol><h3>The Challenges of Choosing Yourself</h3>While choosing yourself is empowering, it can also present challenges. You may face resistance from those around you who are accustomed to the old version of you or who have their own expectations. Additionally, confronting your fears and insecurities is a necessary part of this journey.<figure id="figure-5l0j3zefhmd5jqjys"><img id="5l0j3zefhmd5jqjys" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/17iKtdnXD8ouSvCbuJaoch3eF70MwBACFwnhN4ww4clMpvusDFqP0NwlNhW88qS0.jpeg" alt="overcoming challenges" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/17iKtdnXD8ouSvCbuJaoch3eF70MwBACFwnhN4ww4clMpvusDFqP0NwlNhW88qS0.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>It's important to remain resilient and committed to your path. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who respect your journey can make a significant difference. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.<h3>The Rewards of Living Authentically</h3>The rewards of choosing yourself and embracing authenticity are profound. By aligning your life with your true self, you experience a sense of freedom and joy that comes from living genuinely. This authenticity can lead to increased confidence and a deeper understanding of your purpose.Moreover, living intentionally allows you to make a positive impact on the world around you. As you become more aligned with your values, your actions naturally inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of authenticity and intentionality in your community.<figure id="figure-ik1rf862umd5jqqq6"><img id="ik1rf862umd5jqqq6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/20xBUzDs1x4x2TtOOtezyKny30HNINRPbLIjXDqWiZynTw8irS2VF02wa1TBnLTk.jpeg" alt="personal growth" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/20xBUzDs1x4x2TtOOtezyKny30HNINRPbLIjXDqWiZynTw8irS2VF02wa1TBnLTk.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>Ultimately, choosing yourself is a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth. By embracing authenticity and intentional living, you unlock the potential to lead a life that is deeply satisfying and true to who you are. Start today by taking small steps towards prioritizing yourself and watch as your world transforms in beautiful ways.

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Altered Life: A Moment That Shifted My Life

Choosing Yourself: Embracing Authenticity and Intentional...