I think I made an honest, free-floating obligation to this thing but I always find that I have to remind myself that it’s okay to take breaks and even more okay to focus on getting my ‘life together’.
The universe is a mysterious and magical thing, folks.
People and opportunities arrive in our lives at moments we may not readily anticipate.
The call to be a Community Engagement Coordinator for two wonderful United Churches in St. Thomas is certainly one thing I did not anticipate, for example.
Prior to beginning my role in September 2022, however, I made a huge leap: from Thunder Bay (back) to London. Okay… maybe not a HUGE leap.
I came home.
Thunder Bay is also still ‘home’, though.
Returning to London certainly reunited me with my family and friends that I rarely got the chance to see over the course of my years away in the Bay.
That, and going home led to peace and growth in ways I am still figuring out (naturally).
I’m in the midst of something big here, I can feel it!
I have always felt a call to spread the idea of love and loving one another.
To help people see the best in themselves and the world around us.
Even just as a concept, let us consider my potentially wacko theory here for a second: what are two of the most potent, emotional forces that compell human beings psychologically, physically, and spiritually to action?
Love and Fear.
Thinking about this at even a basic level or from a logical point-of-view, one need only look to historical examples of times when human beings embraced love versus times when we allowed fear to drive our actions to see that a movement steeped purely in a mission of love should be beneficial for all involved and even those who choose not to be.
I am, of course, referring to Christianity.
I am, of course, referring to ideals and moral complexities that have been used for good and grave ill since their very inception.
And, thus, we have part of the problem: there is fear tied to the church.
Fear of judgement. Persecution.
In the wake of Covid lockdowns, paranoia surrounding vaccines and health or mobility restrictions have also presented significant challenges; though, on a positive note, virtual worship is a whole new, booming ball-game, so to speak.
Either way, I found fellowship and community in the United Church.
There is a sense of growth that has occurred over the past few years I find hard to describe in words. It’s a series of feelings and thoughts and memories-made, jumbled up into this body of lines – this aging vessel of life.
Beautiful, twisted, oxymoronic.
I finished my time as a Community Engagement Coordinator with a newfound sense of purpose and optimism about the kind of change we can make in this world – not just in a broad sense but especially on a personal level.
You have no idea how important you are to someone.
You have no idea how important you are to you.
I’m someone who has historically struggled to believe in himself… an immense sense of guilt weighing on my conscience since the day I developed anxiety.
I’ve always thought of myself as too much yet simultaneously not enough.
But there have been signs, motions in the universe, movement of the soul and spirit that have shaken me to my core.
Call it an epiphany.
Y’know, in some ways this blog has been an experiment to reflect on my growth and the changes that come with living a life – changes in personality, friends, location, goals – but it’s also been (for me) a fascinating way to express my creativity and remind myself I am worthy of love, even with every mistake I make along the way.
Even still, there is something to love. There is always something to love.
Well, folks, I’m back. And, I’m still figuring it out (as you can probably already tell) but I am thankful for the opportunity to keep growing and keep learning.
After a year marked by loss, financial strain, and friend breakups – all of which I intend to dig into further here eventually – I emerge from the fire as always, a phoenix ready to burn bright. I emerge ready to emit and embrace every colour of my character or at the very least with the intention and concerted effort to do so.
I am trying. I am human.
My partner and I are currently back in Thunder Bay.
I’ve been working as a local journalism initiative reporter for Dougall Media and loving it. There’s of course been a learning curve – but the challenge is what keeps me excited.
I’ve made new friends, been to new places, bridged new connections, and have a growing portfolio that will one day speak for itself.
I also intend to pursue ministry once our time in the Bay is finished (more on that later too) but I think journalism will always stick with me.
Writing is imperative to my mind.
The words move inside of me until I can’t contain them. It’s painful to hold them in too long. Hence why it felt high time to return here.
Thank you for joining me (or not). Here, we can continue to see what kind of madness I indulge in and what creative pursuits I endeavor to complete or fail or whatever.
Speaking of which, I finally finished my novel, The Book of Naz!
Again though, more to come and lots to say. All in good time.
For now, let’s just enjoy the moment.
What is “the fro writes”?
Hey, hiya, ho!
My name is Austin Campbell – MA graduate of Lakehead University and avid writer of poetry, scripts, and short stories. However, I also dabble in afro-care, hosting a podcast with my pal, Clint, and competing in the World’s Winter Raccoon Racing Championships in which I train and lead a pack of feral raccoons to the ultimate racing victory.
The Fro Speaks is an ongoing series in which I describe my engagement with life’s many hurdles. Read, watch, and listen as I slowly descend into some sort of semi-functional madness!
Or make it as a filmmaker/writer… which ever comes first.
For short stories, poetry, and other life updates, head on over to https://thatfroninja.wordpress.com.
thatfroninja. 