Lay That Weight Down, Fam
by Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
Let me paint a picture for you: life can feel like dragging a suitcase with no wheels uphill in the rain. And not that light, romantic drizzle the kind that soaks you to your socks, weighs down your clothes, and leaves you wondering why you even bothered leaving the house. That’s life when you’re carrying too much: too many worries, too many fears, too much of what doesn’t belong to you. But here’s the thing it’s not yours to carry. The Creator and the womb of the Universe didn’t craft you from stardust just so you could grind yourself back into it.
We’ve all had those days where it feels like we’re the lone conductor managing an out-of-control train station. Deadlines loom, bills pile up, drama brews, and by the time you finally sit down, you feel like you’ve aged ten years in ten hours. Stop right there. Nobody handed you the job of cosmic CEO. The Creator’s probably looking at you like, “Why are they trying to micromanage what’s already handled?”
To protect the innocent I will use a different name so let me tell you about my friend "Harry". Harry bless his heart was the king of overthinking. The man could stress himself out about the sun setting too early. One time, he called me up frantic because his neighbor’s dog barked three times in a row, and he was convinced it was a sign of doom. But then Harry had his moment of enlightenment. One day, after losing sleep over an email that wasn’t even addressed to him, he threw his hands up and said, “You know what? Forget it. The Universe can handle this one.”
Harry grabbed a blanket, hit the park, and sat down to watch some ducks. No phone, no emails, no worries just him, the water, and the most carefree creatures you’ve ever seen. When he got back home, every single issue he’d been agonizing over had worked itself out. Now, I’m not saying ducks are magical (though, let’s be real, they might be), but I am saying that when you stop trying to control the chaos, the Universe steps in.
It’s funny how nature has a way of teaching us to let go. Ever seen a tree rushing to grow its branches? Nope. Trees stay rooted and trust the sun and rain to do their work. Meanwhile, we’re out here acting like if we stop for even a second, the whole world will collapse. Newsflash: rest isn’t failure it’s strategy.
Speaking of rest, let me tell you about a day I had recently. Everything that could go wrong did. Woke up late, poured myself a mimosa with a little too much kick (don’t judge me; I earned it), and couldn’t find my charger to save my life. By the time the afternoon hit, I was done. I lit some candles, turned on some calming music, and sat down to breathe. But of course, just as I started to relax, my neighbor decided it was the perfect time to start working on their deck. I mean, it was loud as heck hammers pounding like a drumline audition. At first, I was ready to scream. But then, out of nowhere, I started laughing. Not the polite kind the deep, tear-streaming, can’t-breathe kind of laughter. The kind that reminds you that life doesn’t have to be so serious.
And don’t sleep on the power of a good nap. A nap can be revolutionary. You ever wake up from one of those naps where you have to check the calendar to figure out what year it is? That’s the kind of energy the womb of the Universe wants for you. Even the sun sets every day why are we out here thinking we can shine 24/7?
Now, let me drop another gem: protect your peace. Some of y’all are letting people with hurricane energy blow through your life, and then you wonder why you’re drenched. It’s okay to love folks from a distance. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your soul is grab your metaphorical umbrella and step away.
And let’s talk about this grind culture nonsense for a second. Somewhere along the way, society decided that if you’re not busy, you’re worthless. Lies. The Creator didn’t form you to be a hamster on a wheel. You’re here to experience joy, connection, and harmony. Take a moment to breathe deeply in through your nose like you’re savoring the smell of fresh-baked cookies, and out through your mouth like you just found out someone else is paying for dinner.
Here’s the bottom line: lay that weight down. Stop lugging around burdens that were never yours in the first place. Let the Creator and the womb of the Universe handle what they’ve been handling since the dawn of time. They don’t need your help they need your trust.
Find a park, a bench, and some ducks. Watch how they glide effortlessly across the water, trusting that their webbed feet will carry them where they need to go. Be like the ducks. Chill, laugh, rest, and let go. Because when you finally put the weight down, that’s when you’ll feel the wings of the Universe lifting you higher than you ever imagined.
*****************
Author’s Note:
In these recent writings, I chose to adopt a more urban and relatable tone, hoping to connect with younger readers on a deeper level. Let’s be real it’s not always easy to dive into reflective pieces. Sometimes, it can feel like sitting through a lecture from an old-school dad, right? And let’s face it, that kind of energy can make people tune out before they even hear the heart of the message.
So, I switched it up. I wanted to meet younger readers where they are, using language and imagery that feels closer to home. My hope is that this style resonates with you that it carries the same love, wisdom, and intention that have always been at the core of my words, but now wrapped in a vibe that’s easier to relate to.
Much love and light,
– Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
Comments