Jalal Wilson

A Moment That Stopped Me in My Tracks

Yesterday, while scrolling through my feed, I stumbled upon J. Cole's heartfelt words at the Dreamville Festival in North Carolina, where he openly regretted a diss track against Kendrick Lamar. "The lamest s--- I ever did in my life," he confessed. The internet had its opinions, but something about his apology struck a chord with me.

Why J.Cole's Courage Speaks to Me

Amid the sea of comments branding him "soft" or accusing him of "running from a fight," I perceived something strikingly different—a rare and often misunderstood strength in vulnerability. J. Cole, in that very public moment, chose authenticity over pretense, prompting me to reflect on my own battles with vulnerability and the facades we construct to protect our insecurities. It also led me to consider how attacking others often serves as a shield for our own insecurities and missteps. Aka, the beliefs many of us men have grown up with around manhood. One comment that resonated with me was "I would never." But the real question is, would you have the courage to hone your craft, put it out there for the world to critique? Probably not. 

A Personal Battle with Shame

I've been there—hiding my fears, swallowing my truths, all because of the expectations of "being a man." We're taught to man up and never show weakness, as if our worth is measured by our stoicism. But watching J.Cole stand in his truth, I felt a kinship—an understanding that maybe it's time to dismantle these barriers we build around our hearts. What is clear to me from J.Cole's apology is he has figured out a way to not be trapped in shame. He spoke what needed to be spoken so he no longer had to carry around the shame of it. What a freeing space to be in—a space I am working towards in my own life.

Part of dealing with shame and guilt. Is admitting we feel it. And finding the strength to work through it. Rather that be by writing or talking to someone we love and trust. We don't need to suffer in silence any longer. You can't stand up straight while carrying the weight of the world. Only when you release it can you. 

My Journey Towards Authenticity

This isn't about J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar; it's about you and me. It's about the courage it takes to face our flaws, admit our mistakes, and step into the light of vulnerability. J. Cole's public apology was a reminder that there's freedom in owning our stories, in laying bare our truths, even when the world expects us to wear an unbreakable veneer.

Finding Freedom in Vulnerability

Part of dealing with shame and guilt is admitting we feel it and finding the strength to work through it, whether that be by writing or talking to someone we love and trust. We don't need to suffer in silence any longer. You can't stand up straight while carrying the weight of the world. Only when you release it, can you truly stand tall. This realization has been pivotal in my journey towards authenticity, offering a clear path out of the shadows of unspoken fears and into the light of genuine self-expression.

Two weeks ago, I bought this blog site, but J.Cole's moment of vulnerability finally inspired me to write my first post. If his honesty can be a beacon for someone like me, perhaps sharing my journey can offer you the same thing. You might be wrestling with societal expectations, personal shame, or just searching for a space to be authentically you.

Let's Start a Conversation

Is it weakness to admit we're wrong, or is it the very fabric of our strength? This question isn't just rhetorical; it's a doorway to a deeper conversation about vulnerability, masculinity, and the liberating power of truth.

I know society sends mixed messages about what it means to "be a man." We're told to open up, yet when we do, the backlash can be swift and severe. But here's the thing: if J.Cole can face his truth with the world watching, we can too, even if it's just within the pages of this blog or the confines of our minds.

What does vulnerability mean to you? How can we support each other in embracing our truths, no matter how uncomfortable? This blog is more than just my thoughts; it's a space for us to grow together, to challenge the norms, and to find our own path, just like J.Cole did.

I'm here, sharing my story, hoping it reaches you at the right moment. Let's take this journey together, one step at a time. Let me know what you think in the comments below. 

Huge Side Note!!