In his biweekly column, Langley Shazor speaks to issues important to men within the territory.
Before we get into this conversation, I want to apologize if the title offends anyone. I understand the impact and severity of gun violence in the territory. Some may find this in poor taste; however, this is a very old adage. The context of this statement illustrates how detrimental a particular choice could have been. It is not to be insensitive but to reinforce how dire the consequences can be if, in fact, you don’t get out of certain situations. It is in this vein that I build the foundation for the first topic of the new year. And with that, I want to wish all those who read the column a Happy New Year and hope that your holiday season has treated you well.
The application of the phrase “dodged a bullet there” is utilized to underscore a profound sense of relief. This is often reserved to emphasize the near miss of some catastrophic life decision, or the recognition of terrible potential and moving accordingly. We have all heard and used this at some point in our lives, accompanied by an elongated sigh or “shew” with a typical forehead wipe. We are fully aware of how close we came to destruction and know that things could have gone in a very different direction. For all of us who have sidestepped and pirouetted our way around some traps and pitfalls, I want to remind us to pat ourselves on the back. Not becoming a statistic in some form or fashion is certainly something to be celebrated.
This ability must become second nature, involuntary, discerning, and sensitive. As we truly heal (which also comes with facing down demons and traumas), we increase our awareness and capability to detect vibrations, frequencies, spirits, and auras. This enhancement should allow us to see beyond our natural sight and identify things that are trying to disrupt and destroy us. In my own journey, I take comfort in the fact that I still went through bad relationships and poor connections, but in each situation, I recognized patterns or behaviors that I would not stand for sooner. This allowed me to get out of that situation quicker than the previous one. That is a win. We are never going to rid ourselves completely of problems; however, we can reduce their frequency and their impact, directly and indirectly.
This only happens if you move, hence the title. Those who follow me have heard me say often that awareness is only half the equation. Often, this is mentioned in the context of self-realization, self-actualization, and self-improvement. As we spoke a few weeks ago about the importance of the correct table, we mentioned having to excuse ourselves from the wrong setting. This is where we reiterate that concept. Dodging that proverbial bullet is taking the correct, and sometimes corrective, actions necessary to get yourself out of something that is not meant for you at all, let alone for your ascension. We have also mentioned that sometimes your blessings are delayed purely due to the people you are connected to. Again, separative action is required.
We have been preparing for a transition all of 2024, the year of executing a hard reset. It is now time to embark on the next phase of this journey, to have “bad things” happen less often and move toward your empowerment and alignment. The key word is “move” because a dream without action is just a wish. If you want to find the correct person, if you’re wanting a promotion or career change, if you are wanting better relationships, if you want to start a business or take on a creative pursuit, you must be willing to act; and decisively. Stagnation will leave you pummeled by arrows, debris, and a volley of various projectiles aimed at delaying and destroying you. You cannot dodge these advances of the opposition (or enemy) if you don’t move.
EVERYTHING REQUIRES ACTION. As an 80’s baby, one of my all-time favorite cartoons was G.I. Joe. At the end of every episode, and sometimes within the episode, the Joes would recite the tagline, “Knowing is half the battle.” This is an absolute truth. Once you know, you have an obligation to make a choice and follow through. You cannot dodge what you don’t see coming. You can’t see what you aren’t paying attention to. You cannot pay attention when you are distracted by misalignment. You cannot be realigned if you are not holding yourself accountable. Let us no longer be collateral damage by being inattentive and let us stop creating collateral damage by being negligent.
I encourage and challenge you to not simply claim “new year, new year” but to adopt new tools, skills, thoughts, behaviors, mindsets, and boundaries. Quantifiable progress is not being in the same place as you were last year. If you have been blessed to read this and see 2025, you have the opportunity to take action now that your future self will thank you for. Make your June, December, and 2026 proud and get serious about dodging the bullets in your life. Bring the momentum into this month and build on it every month thereafter. Make this the most transformative year to date!
Langley “Casual-Word” Shazor is a poet, author, publisher, entrepreneur, public speaking coach, podcast host, and pastor who is an advocate for youth and men. His goal is to enlighten, empower, and liberate those who are silenced, marginalized, and enslaved to self-destructive thoughts and behaviors.
Visit thecasualword.com.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
