The Future We Seek

This weekend, I attended an event that sparked a contemplation about the future—what it is, how much we are striving to see it, and perhaps even more so, how we work to create it. The event, Baobab Nights: Tomorrow’s Dreams by Omek, was more than just an evening of community, joy, and reflection. It was a space for self-exploration in honour of Black Achievement Month, one that opened a door into the concept of futurity and how our past informs the visions of tomorrow.

This special edition of Baobab Nights focused on a critical truth: that to imagine the future, we must deeply understand our history. Through games, conversations, and connections, we built a collective vision of what the future looks like and how we contribute to its shaping each day. The space was filled with energy and excitement—a reminder that while the future may feel elusive or distant, it's continuously being created through our thoughts, actions, and communal bonds.

In reflecting on futurity, I find myself shifting from thoughts of "what will happen" to "how am I creating it?" What does my future look like, especially as I grow more intentional about being present in my creativity and my growth?

For me, the future is no longer just a destination—it’s a journey rooted in presence. This presence, however, is more than simply being in the moment; it is about being expansive within myself. It means holding space for the full spectrum of who I am and who I’m becoming. Being present allows my creativity to flourish naturally, unburdened by the need for constant achievement. It’s about releasing the pressure to produce and instead cultivating an inner expansiveness that nurtures self-value, intuition, and flow.

When we are expansive inside, we make room for growth in ways that are sometimes unexpected but always aligned with our deeper truth. This internal spaciousness invites us to trust in the nonlinear nature of our journey, knowing that growth may not always look the way we envisioned but will still move us toward something greater. The future becomes less about what we must accomplish and more about who we are in each step of that unfolding process.

As I look ahead, I realize my desire for balance goes hand in hand with this expansive presence. I long for a life where peace, creativity, and financial stability coexist harmoniously, but I also understand that these things are not external goals—they are nurtured from within. It’s easy to get caught up in the race to the next goal, the next achievement, but if the future is shaped by our present actions and thoughts, then the key is to immerse ourselves fully in the beauty, challenges, and potential of this very moment.

One of the most powerful takeaways from the event was the sense of community—the realization that we are never alone in our vision for the future. We each hold a piece of the puzzle, a unique contribution to a collective dream. The beauty of futurity is that it is a shared experience, one that we can build together with love, creativity, and intention.

So as I continue on this path of presence and growth, I ask myself: What am I contributing to tomorrow’s dreams? How can I bring more of my true self into the world, not only for my own fulfilment but for the betterment of those around me? The future, after all, is being written in the present. And I intend to be fully present for it.

Shout out to The Extra Mile for opening their doors and Omek for creating such a transformative space for self-reflection and joy.