A Sip of Flava

Just Thinking…

I was sitting with a hot cup of coffee this morning, thinking about my elders.

Coming up, I valued them.

Not just respected them — I leaned on them.

They were the ones who corrected me without trying to embarrass me.

Who told stories instead of giving speeches.

Who watched quietly and spoke when it mattered.

Their wisdom wasn’t loud.

It was steady.

They mentored by example.

They didn’t rush me.

They didn’t compete with me.

They wanted me to do better — and they showed me how.

Now, I find myself in that elder space.

And I won’t lie — it feels different.

The value doesn’t always feel the same.

Wisdom isn’t always sought.

Experience isn’t always welcomed.

Sometimes it feels like being older means being overlooked instead of leaned on.

And yet… I still carry what my elders gave me.

I still listen first.

I still notice patterns.

I still care about passing something on, even if it’s not always received.

Maybe the times have changed.

Maybe the pace is faster.

Maybe wisdom doesn’t look the way it used to.

But I know this much —what my elders poured into me still matters.

And I’ll keep offering it, quietly, kindly, without force.

Just like they did.

— Lady Flava