Tradell Hawk

Happy Pride Month. I’m bi-sexual. I feel like a lot of people don’t think it’s a real thing, but it is. I’m attracted to both men and women. I don’t feel insecure about being called Gay, nor am I offended when people assume I’m straight. I know who I am, and I’m proud of who I am. Another man’s opinion of me will never hold more weight than my opinion of myself.

Being gay was the last thing I wanted to be growing up, and it definitely wasn’t a choice. I grew up in a homophobic environment and was very closeted and ashamed of myself as a result. Those who know my story, know that I was outed in college. In hindsight, it was one of my biggest blessings and it forced me to accept myself. Though I was forced out of the closet, the subsequent freedom has been priceless. Know that the idea of the fear is usually way darker than the reality. Just take baby steps towards your freedom. Tell someone you trust. The people who are meant to be in your life will stay. But it’s not okay for strangers to know you more intimately than your loved ones.

One of the best things my aunt said to me when I came out was “Don’t let that define you, your sexuality is only a part of you.” And she was so right. We are all so much more than who we love, but we should be allowed to love freely. Happy !

Whenever you feel superior, or inferior to anyone, that’s the ego in you
📸

“You’ll probably surprise yourself with what you can accomplish—if you’re focused on one thing.

You’ll probably frustrate yourself with what you fail to accomplish—if you’re doing 5 or 7 or 10 things.

Nobody performs well when stretched in a half dozen directions.” -

📸
🖼️

“One day I’ll make it.” Is your goal taking up so much of your attention that you reduce the present moment to a means to an end? Is it taking the joy out of your doing? Are you waiting to start living?

If you develop such a mind pattern, no matter what you achieve or get, the present moment will never be good enough; the future will always seem better.

Give up waiting as a state of mind. Come into the present moment. Just be, and enjoy being.

The only thing that is ultimately real about your journey is the step that you are taking at this moment. That’s all there ever is. ✨

words by