F7LN: Fredi Nyashia's 7 Loves..Nstruments of Nspiration

In 14 years of racing triathlons, I’ve NEVER not completed a portion of a race. It’s been 21 months since my last triathlon and I’m trying to give myself some grace after the sheer shock and disappointment as this completely blindsided me.

For this race, Pleasant Prairie Triathlon, I felt ready. I dropped from the International distance to the Sprint distance, due to COVID cancellations last year, as this was an event to get back into the flow of racing again.

With the start of each triathlon, I’ve learned to relax into my flow for the swim, however, a few yards in, water was leaking in my left side goggle. I got to the shore to adjust and continued further. A little further, I had to adjust again. Upon continuing I thought of just swimming through it, but it was difficult to get into my rhythm. I turned on my back to try adjusting again and water got in my right side goggle. At this point I’m trying to figure out what to do over the course of swimming another 25-50 yards not far from the shoreline. I then get to the shoreline again and after standing and taking off my goggles, I realize I’ve lost both contacts and can’t see clearly. I try to ease my anxiety, take a few moments to get my mind right and then focus on getting to the first turn buoy and a floating ramp nearby. Once I get to the ramp, I hold on to catch a breath because I’m clearly not mentally focused as the water was choppy because of the wind. Seeing numerous people being pulled out didn’t help.

Talking to the lifeguard on the ramp, he shares that the next lifeguard canoe is close to the next turn buoy, so I focus on getting to that canoe. About 20 yards from the next canoe, I realize I’m in trouble. Trying to calm myself from not being able to see and not even remembering if water is in my goggles or not at this point, I’m just trying to push through. I try not to panic 10 yards away and the water is feeling rougher than I thought it would be. There are 2 other racers already holding on to the canoe and I grab on. A boat comes and the other 2 decide that they are done and take the boat back. I decline and hold on just trying to relax while squinting trying to focus on the next turn buoy.

The female lifeguard on the canoe agrees to follow me as I’m set to head to the next buoy. Another 20 yards or so, I feel it setting in. I’m feeling defeated by not just the rippling of the water, but also not being able to see clearly and my anxiousness not allowing me to relax and swim with ease. I turn to her and say “I’m done”. She calls for the closest boat to come. Two guys pull me aboard and as we head for the closet shore, I’m crying and thinking how is this happening.

In many other races, it would be a wrap, but I’m able to head to transition and still bike and run. At this point, I’m not feeling like this race will count, but I came to race this triathlon (this one I’ve done quite a few times over the years).

As I’m running back into transition, since Coach Mo was volunteering at this race with Dare To Tri, I’m hoping I run into him, because I was feeling defeated. Coach Mo is not one to pull punches. With the hashtags of #effMo and #hatemenowlovemeraceday, even when feeling low, rather than words of comfort, he has a way of saying what is needed to give you that kick in the @$$!! As luck may have it, he was by transition entrance and saw me as I was heading in. I stopped briefly to share what happened. And true to Mo’s form, he says “yeah alright, now go catch a few people”. It was the reminder that I needed, that I can still beast this bike and run. So, on to the bike…

Of course that’s not the end of the craziness. Heading out of transition on my bike, note that with both eye contacts gone, I can barely see so I’m going off blurry shapes and unclear signage. Having raced this triathlon before and reviewed the race map, I knew the Sprint distance was supposed to turn a certain direction. Perhaps I was still in shock and disoriented, but it seemed the cones and direction only went another way, so I followed a few in front of me. It wasn’t until I was at a turnaround on one portion of the route that I saw/passed a large sign that stated “Olympic Turnaround”, that I realized I must have missed a turn out of transition and was on the International distance bike route.

Based on the bike course that passed back by the bike start, though I had to go a few miles further to turn around and get back to transition, I ended up biking only an extra 1.5-3 miles. Oh, and did I mention the wind. Yeah, it was so rough that a LOT of people found the bike tough. At this point, with a pulled out swim, a longer bike than the course, I wanted to redeem myself on the run. Though not my fastest run, as I was “catching” and passing people, I could sense that I was in my zone.

Post race, I was still in disbelief around what happened, and still feeling crushed, so much so that I haven’t even put on the race medal and got teary-eyed from not accomplishing what I thought would be a smooth race. After quite a few hours and taking stock of what happened, what I can learn from it, and how to use this experience moving forward, there are two things I will share..

I couldn’t see clearly during this race, which made this race intimidating and difficult. The life lesson in this is that there are often times when we won’t be able to see things clearly. However, we learn to trust the process, what we go through and learn from it, as well as have the chance to dig deep within to continue the journey, no matter what may come.

And the other thing I take from this is, the winds blew tossing the water around me, pushing and hindering me, seemingly overwhelming me, but not overcoming me. There are circumstances, situations, obstacles and more that will toss you about in life, as well as seem to hinder you and throw you off your goals and dreams. Sometimes you keep pushing through and other times you may experience a setback and come back another day. So continue onward… it’s all part of the journey.

Today in the midst of various conversations with different people making disagreeing statements, posting different perspectives and views, I observe that there is a LOT to be expressed, and fundamentally heard.

One thing someone shared was a common statement I’ve heard numerous times by different people who state “I don’t see color”. Typically the meaning behind that is that they don’t see a difference between them and others, and I get it. The implication is that from their perspective, they consider others the same or equal. Well, the latter part of that may be true, but to say that you see someone else as the “same” is problematic. It can be interpreted that you’re saying that someone has to be the same as you in order for you to see them as equal.

To say that one doesn’t see color implies that you are ignoring certain aspects of others that make them the person they are. One’s skin tone or heritage or nationality IS a characteristic of that individual. Now, what we make that mean is a whole other thing, but to say that you don’t see a Black man or Latinx woman or Caucasian boy or Native American girl is to deny what is actually true.

And by saying you don’t SEE that is to deny the truth of who or what a person is. Often the statement of not SEEing someone’s color is expressed when that person’s color is different from our own. The implication is that you can’t or won’t accept their difference, you make that difference mean something that is typically negative, or you are in denial of the two previously stated points. And the idea of acknowledging any of those make us uncomfortable, because it typically means we possess a prejudice or racist view. And most of us don’t want to admit to being prejudiced or racist.

I’ve spent years working with youth and delivering programs, many embedded with aspects educating them on youth voice and creating change, which included concepts of power, race, understanding oppression, the roots of violence and more. Before working on projects that spoke to violence and injustices we see in the world, it was important to me to ensure our youth understood the root causes of it in the fundamental aspects of oppression, prejudice, various ‘isms’ and our history.

Our preconceived opinions or prejudices, in which just about ALL of us possess, are the very things that cause divide in the differences that exist between us. It is not the differences that are the problem, it’s what we make those differences mean, that is the problem.

It’s key that we SEE our differences, acknowledge and respect them. The things that contribute to our biggest problems and societal ills is one, not respecting our differences, two, not seeking a mutual understanding of those differences of perspectives, and three, ignoring them, minimizing them, and/or ‘acting’ as if or not recognizing that the biases we have based on those differences are what creates systems in which our society operates that keep inequities and injustices in place.

I say all that to say, that with all that is going on in the world (ie. COVID-19, unjust killings, protests, riots), are we really willing to do what is necessary if we want to start to heal, address injustices and dismantle centuries of systematic oppression and injustice within our society?

If so, acknowledging the areas within ourselves that are uncomfortable to face, having uncomfortable dialogue to get these often hidden views out in the open so we can educate each other, and coming to the table with respect, an ear to listen, a willingness to learn, and a humble desire to truly seek change, would be a simple start. Yet, in order to do that, we must first be willing to SEE the truth of each other, as well as within ourselves.

I have often been told since childhood by my family in particular that I have an old soul and for a time such as THIS, I would normally talk with my dad. Our elders have an insight & wisdom and THIS is not new for them.

What do I mean by THIS? They are not new to seeing Black men and women killed by officers of the law, seeing protest, seeing riots, seeing justice not be served, seeing people benefitting by a life of priviledge, entitlement and inequity, and so much more. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, & Breonna Taylor and others are to today what Emmett Till, Chaney, Goodman & Schwermer, and Fred Hampton were to our elders.

Today I talked with my uncle, my dad’s younger brother with whom I often love our engaging conversation. In the midst of anger & pain in our nation, our elders have a calm observation yet perspective that I respect and find valuable. They have done a lot of the work to get us here and in many ways things have changed, but in many others, things are still the same.

After the Zimmerman verdict, I took to non-violent protesting in our Chicago streets and I respect those that today are allowing their voice & actions be instruments to activate change.

Since 2013/2014, I’ve recognized that my own calling & contribution to change has evolved to a different format & medium.

I write to inform and inspire, and at times I use my creativity to change the narrative that fans the flames to maintain inequity, injustice, and systems that hinder change. However, most importantly one or my roles has been to take the wisdom of our elders and what they have seen and done and connect that with our youth to empower them to continue the fight. That has become one of my greatest means to use my position & gift to create change.

Wisdom & experience + innovation & passion..being the bridge to evoke a difference.

10 years ago, ‘Design For Change’ was just one program through which I could educate & empower youths’ voice to contribute to what needed to happen.

To see in the days ahead & this coming summer be even more significant for youth voice as well as youth being civicly engaged and uplifted to be leaders is my passion & mission..

Today, tomorrow and continually, there is more work to be done. I appeal to ALL, in whatever way to use your gifts, your work, your abilities..use it for the change that is long overdue.

If we can be ALL IN during a pandemic to stay and keep each other safe, we can apply that to an epidemic (yes racism is a disease) in this country that has been taking place over centuries.

..We need #ALLINforCHANGE

#yourvoice #yourgift #weALLplayuniqueroles

In case you didn’t catch the Erykah Badu Verzuz Jill Scott on Saturday May 9th, you missed what I described as “a celebration of sisterhood, musicality and beauty of two phenomenal Black women”. If you were not previously aware of the ongoing series called Verzuz by producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, this latest sensation comprises of Instagram battles between 2 djs, producers, and/or various other music artists. This one was the first where two women graced this increasingly popular platform.

The Verzuz series typically is preceded by predictions by fans of either or both artists of who will win the battle based on the artists’ catalogs and the ErykahVsJill was no exception. As the date of the event grew closer, we saw many declare themselves as either #TeamJill or #TeamErykah, though personally I couldn’t choose as I find them both talented and possessing bodies of music that I find equally amazing.

As the event unfolded, these two women took us on a journey. In between the back and forth exchanges of their soul-stirring repertoires of music. they also exchanged many pleasantries, compliments, memories, and true admiration and respect towards each other.

The vibe of the afternoon became not one of a battle, but of a 2-hour melodic experience including snippets of their lyrical prowess’s, stories of their how songs were birthed, as well as shared womanly wisdom.

One thing that stood out so remarkably profound about the interaction between these two queens, that I personally love and desire to see more of is how subtlety it was a defining moment of the beauty of the nature of relationships between Black women that our society has not acknowledged as much.

I KNOW how much Black women uplift, admire, and relate to one another. Unfortunately, what we tend to see highlighted publicly or among media portrayals are representations of women including hyped-up drama & fights, verbal and social media “beefs”, and often individual or even fan-based competitions pitting women against each other.

Jill and Erykah made this Verzuz remarkable in the sense that despite previous expectations of what the event would be and how it would turn out, these two women created a unique moment to redefine the narrative of Black women. These two shined a spotlight on the fact that Black women have grace, class, gifts among which they share as well as value in each other. And with Erykah & Jill demonstrating that fact, many of us that tuned in, not only were reminded of it, but found it refreshingly invigorating while also being able to celebrate and share in that genuinely “sisterly” connection. #BlackQueenMagic

Here is part 2 of an interview series I did about being a triathlete.
Thank you to Something Wonderful Videos, Honey Stinger, Chicago Athlete Magazine, Infinity Multisport, and USA Triathlon.

With all the preparation for school-aged children to not have school for the upcoming weeks, businesses closing temporarily, people working from home, many may find themselves isolated and unsure of how these coming days will be. As a result of COVID-19, I’m already seeing and hearing people dreading and being uneasy about the idea of being confined to home and not able to go out to many places.

Though I often seem to be doing something, I actually enjoy making time to “be still”. Time to reflect, self-assess, gain clarity, enjoy the seemingly little things in life, and simply rest is very important to me. In the society we live in, it is challenging for many to be still or not have the freedom to go out to socialized, be entertained, or “stay busy”.

Honestly, these coming days are an opportunity for us to connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and get back to those simple things, as well as a means to rejuvenate and get in touch with new thoughts, ideas, and actions that can feed our humanity in a much needed light.

While we all distance and quarantine ourselves, here is a list of some things to consider for the upcoming days and weeks ahead: (many can apply to youth, adults, singles, couples, families, and more)

1) Write. Journal. Creative writing.

2) Read. A book, Kindle, online articles, etc.

3) Start that blog, vlog, podcast that you had been thinking about.

4) Family tree and ancestry research and project.

5) Crafting, jewelry-making, woodwork or fun projects.

6) Cook. Try new creative dishes or new recipes.

7) At home work out. You’d be surprised the exercises you can do with a chair, couch, on the floor and in a open space at home. Squat, sit-up, push-up challenges and more. Yoga & stretching.

8) Practice that instrument that has been collecting dust or warm up those vocal chords with singing.

9) Games. Family board games, video games, online games, etc.

10) That business idea that you have been putting off. This is the perfect time to start putting together a plan of how to actually do it and start working on it.

11) Winter to spring de-cluttering. Organizing and swapping out the winter gear for spring and summer wardrobe. Take items to Salvation Army drop boxes.

12) Puzzles. Grab a 1000+ or 3D puzzle to put together.

13) Home fix-it project that you may have been putting on hold or a parent/spouse has been asking you do do/finish.

14) Bake, make cards or small gifts for the people on your block to drop off on porch as a pick-me-up or uplifting message for you neighborhood or community.

15) Music. Organize all the music on you hard drive, create new playlist, check out new releases.

16) Get creative…especially if you have children but even if you don’t..drawing, coloring, grab some glue and make something fun with paper, markers, crayons, paint, etc.

17) Model cars/planes…believe it or not these are fun to put together.

18) Do your hair. Braid, twist, try a new style. Brothers, now is a good time if you don’t already know how, to practice or try cutting your own hair.

19) Do your nails.

20) Spa day at home with music, candles, and a nice long bath.

21) Organize phone pics, computer files, documents and things that you’ve likely long been wanting time to do.

22) Take a walk.

23) Work on your taxes. We have an extension until June 2020.

24) It’s Women’s History Month. Read, learn, research a woman from history that you didn’t know about. Do something to honor women.

25) An online class or webinar.

26) If you haven’t already done a vision board, its not too late.

27) Create a list of 2020 goals or now is a good time to assess one’s you have already set and create your plan for accomplishing them with the remaining year.

28) If you miss watching sports, Youtube popular past games to watch and reminisce. Yeah, I’m going for the Bulls Jordan flu game vs. Utah Jazz.

29) Blast some music for an hour and have either your own personal dance party or anyone in your household party.

30) Call to check in on family and friends. Host a conference call (Freeconferencecall.com) with a fun or interesting topic and invite 5-10 folks to discuss.

31) Cleaning and organizing your home.

32) Update your resume.

33) Update, organize or clean up your social media LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

34) Start learning a new language.

35) Have a family talk.

36) Start a family Facebook page for family updates.

37) Plan a post-Corona family or friend gathering. Even a social distancing gathering is possible.

38) Volunteer ~~to watch/care for a friend’s or family member’s child that is out of school but parent has to go to work.~~ Online volunteering, letters to elderly, essential workers, drop offs to colleagues, workers, hospitals.

39) Help a friend or neighbor with one of their projects.

40) If you have a yard, it’s a good time for yard work & outdoor projects.

41) If you have a computer, its a great time to learn (if you don’t already know certain apps, programs, etc) or share your knowledge. Ex: Using Gmail, do you know Sheets, Docs, Slides, create a classroom, ex.

42) Help run errands for elders in your family (groceries, mail, etc).

43) For small business owners or home base business owners, its a great time to assess, re-organize and enhance current business.

44) Scrap-booking, organize photo books, photo collage making.

45) Sewing, knitting, crocheting, wood working or try some new hobby.

46) Work on project for upcoming holiday (Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc).

47) Go for a drive.

48) Catch up on movies, TV series, and more.

49) Prayer. Meditation.

50) Sleep. Rest.

Check out below for part 1 of an interview series I did about being a triathlete.
Thank you to Something Wonderful Videos, Honey Stinger, Chicago Athlete Magazine, Infinity Multisport, and USA Triathlon.

It is just over a month since the passing of Kobe Bryant and I wonder now that the world has had time to process the shock of such a tragic event, what has and will be the sustaining impact.

To see the tears, emotions and humanity of men, in particular men who are known for their toughness, has been beautiful and powerful to see. Men expressing love for a man so revered, as well as the pain and vulnerability of their shock and hurt, is something that we need more of in today’s society.
I often think when we say everything happens for a reason, we think that is so cliche, however, the loss of Kobe, his daughter, and 7 others is something to examine and digger deeper into the why for us individually and collectively. What do we take away from this.

We have seen the continual sharing and posting of people emphasizing to appreciate our loved ones, to not take for granted our days as tomorrow is not promised, and various similar messages. It’s easy to think and focus on, in the days immediately following such a momentous loss of life, however, as the days turn into weeks into months into years, how do we not allow the very things that people have taken to heart, as a result of this impactful moment, to fall to the wayside as we return to the day to day of our lives?

How?

By choosing to intentionally honor not just the lives of those lost, but also the meaning we have taken from having them taken from us so unexpectedly. And still, to take that and apply it to that which we still have and the opportunities to spread and act out or shall I say ‘live out’ that meaning.

I’m sure that there are things that Vanessa Bryant and the loved ones of others killed that day would want to say and experience with those that they have lost. However, there are still the family members, friends, and close loved ones that they still have and have the opportunity to share those things with them. And if not recognized previously, now a light has been put on the chance they have to say, do, show, and cherish the days, the time, the people they still have. And that is something we ALL have been afforded…a reminder of what and who we still have, as well as the moments we may not have with those that are no longer here, but rather the moments we have with those that are still amongst us.

It’s easy to take for granted that or whom we have until we know longer possess that. Tragic events are often a reminder of such, however, it’s important to be intentional on building upon that message. These are a few things we can ask ourselves daily to be intentional.

What would you do or say today if you learned it would be your last? OR

How would you make today different/unique if you found out you would not see tomorrow?

If you’ve no longer have a parent, sibling, child, etc, the things you would say or do with them if given another opportunity, are you doing or saying them to those who are in your life now?

What will you do today to make it a great one or to seize the moments it holds?

What are you grateful for? Who are you grateful for and do they know/feel it?

Many blessings to you as you step into this new year of 2020. One of my usual expressions is “a new day, a new possibility” and in the spirit of that expression, today I’m excited to launch “Creations by Fredi Nyashia”!!

“Creations by Fredi Nyashia” are unique and custom crafted pieces made by me that represent my artistry, athleticism, as possibly more (as it grows) aspects of who I am. These are typically wearable pieces sold online and in the future at select events and physical locations.

Visit the online store to see the latest pieces and to purchase AND check back in the coming weeks as new items are to come.

Well, in 3 days it will be done. At the end of October, I embarked on the challenge of not drinking coffee for the month of November. Not that I’m an obsessive coffee drinker, I wanted to reset my body. Over the last few months, I noticed an increase in my coffee drinking. It’s funny how I used to not really like coffee and then would occasionally partake in the last few years. I’m very much a tea connoisseur. However, with early and long days, awkward sleeping or minimal sleeping habits and at times increased crunch time with my work, I found myself starting to drink coffee 3-4 times a week in the last weeks. I know for most that is not a lot, but I found myself not wanting to create a dependency on needing or wanting coffee to get me through my mornings or days. And with the fall/winter drop in temperature, it became very likely to pour or purchase a cup of coffee many mornings. So, upon the close of the month of October, on came “No Coffee November”. Why am I sharing this? Well, for a few reasons… Some of you may be wanting to cut coffee or something else and to share insight on how I’ve been succeeding at it may come in handy. I also want to share what that journey has been like, as well as why. First and foremost, when “giving up” something, as it relates to eating, fasting, changing eating habits (temporary or permanent), I like to have the mindset of focusing on what I can have so it’s not seen as a negative. Finding alternates to that which I’m changing works for me. There were 3 things I considered which include 1) having hot drinks for the cold weather, 2) fulfilling the creamy taste I get from the types of coffee I would drink (ie vanilla latte, mint mochas, coffee with hazelnut creamer), and 3) fulfilling the caffeine or “kick” I would get from coffee. So these are the alternatives I’ve been drinking: 1) Mint tea with chocolate syrup (replacing the mint mocha) 2) Vanilla chai tea with almond milk (for warmth, creaminess and caffeine) 3) Hot cider 4) Hot chocolate 5) Other various teas (for warmth) To be honest by day 6, I was thinking, hmm, maybe I will just do a week, because I really wanted some coffee by then. However, another thing I did was to tell people at work and various friends about my challenge. This way it forced me to be accountable. Yes, I could sneak and drink coffee anyway and it’s not like anyone else was really holding me to doing it, but I find that when I share things with others, it’s easier for me to hold myself accountable. One, I want to serve as an example, to encourage and inspire. Two, I have a strong sense of integrity in doing what I say I’m going to do, in particular when I tell others. And three, well, you know what they say about the power of the spoken word. I put it out into the universe. Towards the second week, I started to not miss coffee at all. I was having fun with making my different concoctions and having the diversity of tropical teas, honey-bush caramel tea, and other flavors. I even thought to try green tea for the caffeine, however, I’m not a fan of the way it tastes. Now as to why? These last few weeks I’ve been relaxing more, eating, and enjoying my 2019 post-race season. I’m preparing to start my winter training, which means getting back to a more disciplined scheduled and cutting back on some of the things I’ve been enjoying (food & drinks). To get me started, I decided to temporarily eliminate coffee. In the next weeks, I will be decreasing or limiting some of the other things (ie. alcohol, sweets) so this past month has been setting me up for the mindset to do so. As we enter the holiday season, it’s easy to get carried away eating all the celebratory dinners, indulge in many holiday parties and events flowing with food and drinks, and then of course to enter the new year with resolutions. And it’s great to enjoy this time of the year, the food and celebrations. However, why wait until the new year to refocus on goals, reset, and start building habits to get you towards your goals.

The WORST RACE. Not the Race I Wanted But the One I Needed…

What’s Wrong With Seeing Color…Seeing Our Differences?

ALL IN For Change

ErykahvsJill Redefining a Narrative #BlackQueenMagic

What I Most Want to Accomplish in Triathlon? – Interview

Why I Chose To Tri – Interview

Living Life Beyond the Lesson

Creations by Fredi Nyashia is HERE!!!

NO Coffee November!!!