Dear Unsealers,

“See? I told you he wouldn’t care. Mr. Weatherford’s chill.”

“Chill” may be one of the highest compliments a high school teacher can achieve. And indeed, the label is largely a nod to my patience, my understanding, my compassion, and my empathy. Apologies for tooting my own horn… and more apologies for griping about how this compliment leaves me feeling misunderstood.

It’s just that there’s other connotations with chill- not caring, a lack of passion, that in some way, the word approaches an adjacence to apathy.
I may indeed be placid- like a lake in summer. Not much ruffles my feathers, and even when ruffled, me flying off the handle reaches a Mr. Roger’s level of intensity at most.

Perhaps, in that silly comparison, lies another clue as to why the label feels off, why it makes me feel so misunderstood. Because, Mr. Rogers, while supremely serene in one sense of the word is also so intentionally intense in his commitment to his values- especially kindness. His passion for promoting the highest of hopes for humanity knows no bounds. He cares sooooo much, so doesn’t chill miss the mark? Now, wait. Am I talking about him or me?

I like to think that my supreme chill factor is similarly born out of my internal sense of and commitment to what truly matters. Sure, I don’t sweat the small stuff. When you’ve buried loved ones (and when you’ve buried your own past self), you get a new sense of what truly matters in this life. It’s a painful price to pay, but the treasure unearthed is beyond price. That golden nugget is the reminder of life’s purpose and remembering it is what creates the chill factor.

I may sound like a broken record at this point, if you’ve been following my letters. It’s the same truth I keep preaching over and over.

The purpose of this life is…

LOVE. Plain and simple. This reminder of committedly placing love at the center of all action, this daily practice of striving to be love’s loyal servant, this grounding through prayer and meditation are key ingredients that compose the tranquil tamale that I am. And much like a tamale, I’m full of spice, but I also remind one of home, mama’s meals. I’m simple in my composition, and yet, my disparate parts work together to unlock the best of each other. I’m conviction and calm intertwined in a beautiful dance.

Each one of us is made to be this way- our own signature recipes, slight variations here and there, but ultimately, designed to allow love to flow in and out of us as easily as the air we breathe. So, my dear reader, take a deep breath, take a step back to remember what most matters and allow yourself to become so chill, you might just be labeled a walking popsicle.

“You’re so chill, Mr. Weatherford.”
It’s a phrase I’ve heard countless times.
And it’s meant with love, a term of endearment,
Yet, it covers all manner of crimes.

I am indeed chill,
Cool, collected, and calm,
The term fits the bill,
With the exception of my one petty qualm.

I care to the depths of this heart that I’ve got.
My passion for people for no price can be bought.
With each rhyme that I weave, you’ll see that my heart’s burnin’ hot.
I’m ardent and fervent, always shootin’ my shot.

I’ve been smacked down by life, and these hard knocks they taught
Me to seize every chance to write my own plot.
They showed me my power lies in each little jot,
The words that I script -each tremendous thought-
Deliver so much, I can’t describe what they’ve brought.
They told me what I was seeking before I even knew that I sought.
These words brought me wind when I thought all was fraught.

So yes, I’m calm,
My words can soothe like a balm.
And yes, I drop wisdom without wind,
Like I’m composing a Psalm.
But don’t get it twisted,
That don’t mean I don’t care.
I pull in each breath, like I’m countin’ the air.
Accuse me of complacency? Oh no, don’t you dare!
My whole heart and soul are wrapped up in this affair.

When it comes to life and love, I literally couldn’t care less.
So, now, you know, you don’t have to guess.
Thanks for attending my Ted Talk- I digress,
It’s just that this label’s been causin’ me stress
Had to write up my feelings to get this weight offa my chest.
Now I will return to praying for you, me, and all that we’re blessed.
May we remember to honor love to stay chill amid life’s stress
May affection at the center lead to compassion and calm in every test.