The Year of I AM

2020 In Review

2020 What a year!! This has literally been the longest, shortest, best, worst year, in my recent history. Much has been lost. Much has been gained. Friends and loved ones have been lost. Friendships have been formed in the most unusual places. Zooms BOOMED! Better relationships have been developed with those that matter. And for those who don't matter...who cares! All in all, I have tried to show empathy. grace and love to most! Most of all, myself. People of color have been seen and noticed in whole new light, globally. And some white people have felt freer than ever before to openly show and share their racism. Fake news has been rampant! COVID has taken over every day concerns. The term ESSENTIAL WORKER took on a whole new meaning.! And we even elected our first woman, woman of color, to the level of Vice President! I have learned so much about myself in this year of tragedy and triumph. My shoulders are broader. My wokeness higher. My tolerance for bullshit has dwindled. My level of gratitude greater!!!  I hope you enjoy listening to this Year of I Am In Review!  Written, edited, recorded and produced by Dina Scruggs

I AM ENOUGH - PART 2 GROWING UP CAPE VERDEAN

THANKS SO MUCH FOR HAVING PATIENCE WITH ME! With the current social & political climate and pandemic, I have not had the WANT to sit down and discuss much of anything with anyone except my therapist.. Seems like almost every conversation turns political, even when the topic should not be.  In keeping my promise to produce a 3-4 part series about race, here is Part 2 of how race has affected my life. You may learn a few things about me and about being Cape Verdean.  I hope you enjoy. I look forward to your feedback.  Written & Produced: Dina Scruggs Edited: Dina, Scruggs, Gina Ramos, Joyce Antunes-Barboza, Bae

I AM ENOUGH 1 of 3

My life in color. In this 1st of 3 episodes discussing my experiences with race, I get into my formative years in elementary school to junior high/middle school. I am a black woman and I am ENOUGH.  Even though my experiences with race are minor compared with most, it still affects me. This face. This face you call "friend". Even if today's racial issues do not affect you personally, "friend", they affect me. In so, as my "friend", they should affect you. Just like any of the times, you may have come to me needing to talk, laugh, cry or just share; I probably listened intently. Probably cried, laughed, hugged and/or empathized with you. I need you to be THAT person for me now. When will it be enough? When will WE be enough. Just KNOW that I, we, know we are enough in God's eyes. We are just waiting for everyone else to open theirs.  If you want to get more into race and color-isms watch just about any of the Spike Lee films. But, Do The Right Thing and School Daze are 2 of the most well-known that focus on racism and color-ism. Of course, there is Jordan Peele's Get Out. Although these are, of course, dramatized, you must pay attention to the undertones of what is being said and meant. Please feel free to comment with your choice of movie that discusses race.

#IAMOK

The comment I hear most these days, "Dina, I don't know how you are isolating alone. I would go crazy!" / Plus my thoughts on allowing others to judge how I am, or you are, dealing emotionally in this unprecedented time. / My gratitude to our nurses, doctors, support staff, first responders & ALL essential workers. / Shout out to the teachers, students, seniors and parents who have become PT teachers as they work FT. Written, edited and produced by Dina Scruggs Special Ghost editor (you know who you are) THANKS!

#IAMSUCCESSFUL

This week's episode will discuss SUCCESS! What does success mean to you? Does success mean having a fancy car, good job, a big house or just being a good person, doing what you love and being able to give back? Everyone's definition will and should be different.  Let's talk SUCCESS with retired NFL OL for the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, Flozell Adams. Did playing in the NFL make him successful or is it deeper than that? Enjoy! #theyearofiam #itoldyouiwasdedicated #striveforprogressnotperfection #firsttheyllaskyouwhyyouredoingit #thentheyllaskyouhowyoudidit The Year of I Am Podcast is written, edited and produced by me, Dina Scruggs.